Campus Life
The Constitution of the Students
Your guide to the policies and procedures of the students of Lake Superior State University
Questions about the content of "The Constitution of the Students" should be directed to Sharmay M. Wood, Associate Director of Campus Life, at smwood@lssu.edu.
Download your copy of "The Constitution of the Students" here (pdf).
The Constitution of the Students
Lake Superior State University
“Some men look at Constitutions with sanctimonious reverence, and
deem them like the ark of the covenant, too sacred to be touched. They ascribe
to the men of the preceding age a wisdom more than human, and suppose what they
did to be beyond amendment…Laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the
progress of the human mind…We might as well require a man to wear the coat that
fitted him as a boy, as civilized society to remain ever under the regime of
their ancestors.”
Thomas Jefferson
Preamble
We, the students of Lake Superior State University , hereby choose to
be part of the Lake Superior State University Student Assembly; we, as members of the student
body, and as full members of the Assembly, determine that the Lake Superior
State University Student Government be our primary governing body; to ensure
the conveyance of the student voice to the administration and the Board of Trustees
in matters of institutional policies; to promote the welfare and progress of
the University community and enforce our rights and uphold our responsibilities;
to establish an effective, efficient, responsible, and responsive form of student
government; to encourage discussion, investigation, and expedient resolution
of student problems, concerns, and ideas; to support and help implement the
desires of the Student Assembly; to provide leadership; to recognize student
accomplishments so the role of the student is rewarding and meaningful; and
to retain the authority to appoint and remove student representation on University
standing committees and advisory boards. We, the students of the Lake
Superior State University Student
Assembly, with full confidence in this constitution, do hereby ratify it.
Mission Statement
This constitution is founded by the students, for the students, with a
developmental consideration of the functional needs of the Lake Superior
State University student population.
We, as the active voice of the Student Assembly, acknowledge our duty to maintain
a key responsibility in the workings of the Institution. This document is intentionally
flexible, simple, and appropriately non-excessive to accurately represent the
unique dynamics of Lake Superior State University
.
ARTICLE I – ORGANIZATION
The following is the organization of student representation at Lake Superior
State University . This structure encourages an ultimate goal of working towards
the unified mission of the constitution.
A. The Constitution of the Students : This constitution
shall be the basis for student representation and shall govern all activities
of the Student Assembly.
B. Student Assembly : The Student Assembly shall be
composed of all students enrolled at Lake Superior State University . All students
shall be equal members, without discrimination of any kind. The Student Assembly
shall coordinate and officiate all elections of the Student Government.
C. Governing Bodies : The following governing bodies
shall be formed from the Student Assembly:
1. Student Government : The Student Government shall
be the body for student representatives to act as the voice of the students
and properly deal with all student concerns.
2. Presidents Council : The Presidents Council shall
be a forum for leadership development for the presidents of all student organizations.
The Presidents Council shall also serve to exchange information and ideas so
student organizations may make better use of their resources, increase scheduling
compatibility, and encourage cooperation.
3. Inter-Greek Council : The Inter-Greek Council shall
be the central point for communication between Greek organizations at Lake Superior
State University and shall represent the collegiate Greek culture. The Inter-Greek
Council shall also work towards a strong Greek system that will benefit the
University and the community.
4. Activities Board : The Activities Board shall be
a forum for understanding campus life, promoting activities and programming
on campus, providing campus entertainment, creating and carrying on the traditions
of the University, and striving towards increasing the involvement of students
in university life.
5. Judiciary Board : The Judiciary Board shall mediate,
adjudicate, and rule on Student Assembly and constitutional issues.
ARTICLE II - STUDENT GOVERNMENT
A. Purpose
Section 1 : To give students a greater sense of empowerment and encourage
involvement in university affairs, which shall assist in the development of University pride.
Section 2 : To enhance the overall image and function of Lake Superior
State University .
Section 3 : To represent student needs and be the liaison to the faculty
and staff.
Section 4 : To facilitate the allocation of the Student Assembly budget.
Section 5 : To be responsible for student representation on University
standing committees.
Section 6 : To outline goals and aims at the beginning of the year and
strive to achieve these aspirations.
Section 7 : To form committees from the Student Government that will
deal with various student and University issues.
Section 8 : The Student Government shall be separate and independent
of the student organizations; support shall be provided in an informal and non-supervisory
capacity.
B. Composition
Section 1 : The composition of the membership of Student Government
shall be the President, the Secretary of Student Services and Concerns, the
Secretary of Activities and Public Relations, the Secretary of University Development
and Community Affairs, the Secretary of Discretionary Funding, and twelve (12)
Student Representatives, one of which will be designated as the Cultural Diversity
Officer. All of these positions shall be elected from the Student Assembly.
The Secretaries and the Student Representatives shall have an equal vote in
the Student Government.
Section 2 : No later than the third general meeting of the newly elected
Student Government, a Cultural Diversity Officer shall be nominated from the
Representatives and voted upon by Student Government. Approval shall consist
a simple majority vote.
Section 3 : The duties of the President shall be:
§ 3.1: To call all meetings to order and preside over them;
§ 3.2: To act as liaison between the Student Government and the faculty
and staff;
§ 3.3: To act as parliamentarian at all Student Government meetings and
rule on points of order;
§ 3.4: To oversee and ensure the proper execution of this constitution;
§ 3.5: To call special meetings of the Student Government;
§ 3.6: To, as necessary, appropriately veto Student Government legislation.
In the event of a Presidential veto, said veto may be overridden by a two-thirds
(2/3) majority vote of the Student Government. Except in cases where an override
would cause a violation of constitutional procedure or law;
§ 3.7: To perform all duties as necessary and proper to direct the Student
Government in accordance with this constitution;
§ 3.8: To appoint an Operational Manager for the Student Government.
Section 4 : The duties of the Secretaries shall be:
§ 4.1: To be responsible for their designated individual areas of concern
within the Student Government;
§ 4.2: To facilitate their respective Student Government committees;
§ 4.3: To represent the student body on relevant University committees
when deemed necessary.
Section 5 : The duties of the Student Representatives shall be:
§ 5.1: To serve as equal members of the Student Government;
§ 5.2: To participate in the workings of the Student Government and the
University;
§ 5.3: To serve on University committees;
§ 5.4: To develop, outline, and strive to accomplish specific goals and
aims.
Section 6 : The duties of the Cultural Diversity Officer shall be:
§ 6.1: To be the designated individual for communicating and expressing
the needs of the diverse groups of students that make up Lake Superior State
University 's student body;
§ 6.2: Serve as a liaison between student diversity groups and the Student
Government, as well as Administration when appropriate;
§6.3: This position shall be evaluated at the end of each academic term,
based on the needs of Lake Superior State University 's student body.
Section 7 : The duties of the Operational Manager shall be:
§ 7.1: To be responsible for all written communications and financial
matters that relate to the Student Government;
§ 7.2: To serve as a non-voting member, equally eligible for any non-monetary
benefits imparted to the members of the Student Government.
Section 8 : The Student Government shall have as its advisor a faculty
or staff member of Lake Superior State University . The advisor shall be appointed
by the President of the University, with the recommendation of Student Government.
Section 9 : The Student Government may establish such subsidiary committees
as deemed necessary in accordance with this constitution.
Section 10 : The Student Government may recognize the efforts and contributions
of its members by imparting equal non-monetary benefits.
C. Eligibility
Section 1 : To be eligible to serve as President of the Student Government
or Secretary of Discretionary Funding, a student must have completed no less
than one full academic semester while enrolled at Lake Superior State University,
must have served as a member of the Student Government for at least one semester
at the time of installment as President or Secretary, must be enrolled for at
least nine (9) academic semester hours and have a cumulative grade point average
of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 system prior to the election period.
Section 2 : The qualifications for the positions of the remaining Secretaries
shall be the same as those for the position of President, although prior Student
Government service is not a requirement.
Section 3 : To be eligible to serve as a Student Representative or Operational
Manager, a student must currently be enrolled at Lake Superior State University
. The candidate must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.25 or higher
on a 4.0 system
Section 4 : Members of the Student Government, including the Operational
Manager, shall be expected to maintain the standard average for their tenure.
In the event a grade point average falls below the stated standards, the officer
shall be subject to a Judiciary Board hearing.
Section 5 : A semester shall constitute no less than ten (10) weeks
out of a fifteen (15) week semester.
Section 6 : Grade point average inquiries shall be the responsibility
of the Election Committee. Due to grade point confidentiality, the proper University
authority shall verify the grade point average of the candidates to determine
if a candidate has met the required standards.
D. Elections
Section 1 : The Election Committee shall be formed out of the Student
Assembly under the guidance of the Judiciary Board. The Election Committee shall
be responsible for conducting and officiating all elections, and shall establish
guidelines to ensure a reasonably fair and equitable election process.
Section 2 : The election time frame for the President and the Secretaries
of the Student Government shall be the following:
§ 2.1: The Election Committee shall convene during the ninth week of the
Spring Semester. Concurrently, all candidates shall begin campaigning.
§ 2.2: The hearings of candidates shall take place in the beginning of
the tenth week of the Spring Semester.
§ 2.3: Voting shall take place in the middle of the eleventh week of the
Spring Semester.
Section 3 : The election time frame for the Student Representatives
to the Student Government shall be the following:
§ 3.1: The Election Committee shall convene during the second week of
the Fall Semester. Concurrently, all candidates shall begin campaigning.
§ 3.2: The hearings of candidates shall take place in the beginning of
the third week of the Fall Semester.
§ 3.3: Voting shall take place in the middle of the fourth week of the
Fall Semester.
Section 4 : The election process shall consist of the following procedures:
§ 4.1: Petitions for positions of Student Government shall be made available
by the Judiciary Board at the time that the Election Committee is formed.
§ 4.2: All candidates shall be expected to provide a list of goals and
ideas for their term. This list shall be reviewed by the Election Committee
at public forums of the candidates.
§ 4.3: Campaigning for positions shall be allowed, provided that it does
not violate Election Committee or University policies.
§ 4.4: There shall be no write-in candidates for any position of the Student
Government;
§ 4.5: All students shall have the right to vote in all Student Assembly
elections and general referendums.
E. Meetings
Section 1 : The President of the Student Government shall preside over
the Student Government meetings. No later than the third general meeting, a
Chair pro tem shall be chosen from the elected membership of the Student Government
by a nomination/election process and a simple majority vote. The Chair pro tem
shall preside over the meetings in the absence of the President.
Section 2 : The Operational Manager shall be appointed by the President
of the Student Government at the first general Student Government meeting. Approval
shall consist of a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.
Section 3 : The meetings will be conducted no less than once a week.
Section 4 : Members of the Student Government shall not meet in an official
capacity, other than officially recognized committee meetings and the Student Government meetings.
Section 5 : A quorum shall be present in order to vote on any Student
Government matter and shall consist of a four-fifths (4/5) majority of the voting members.
Section 6 : The meetings will be conducted according to established
Student Government by-laws, University policies, this constitution, and Robert's
Rules of Order, revised.
Section 7 : All members are expected to attend all meetings. In the
case of two or more unexcused absences the member in question shall be subject
to suspension by the Student Government, pending review by the Judiciary Board.
F. Impeachment and Vacancies
Section 1 : Students may request the impeachment of any member of Student
Government for non-performance of duties, misconduct, or violations of University
policy. A petition to this effect stating the specific instances of alleged
non-performance or misconduct must be signed by fifteen percent (15%) of the
students of Lake Superior State University . For this purpose, 15% shall be
based on the previous semester's enrollment.
Section 2 : Petitions for the impeachment of a member of the Student
Government may be obtained from any member of the Judiciary Board. All petitions
must be signed and returned within five (5) class days of issuance or they shall
be deemed null and void.
Section 3 : The Judiciary Board shall notify the member whose impeachment
is sought at the time the petition is issued. The Student Government shall be
notified of allegations of non-performance or misconduct upon return of the
signed petition to the Judiciary Board.
Section 4 : The Judiciary Board shall conduct a hearing and vote on
impeachment within ten (10) class days following the return of a signed petition. If the Judiciary
Board upholds impeachment, the member may appeal to the Student Government who
may repeal the impeachment with a four-fifths (4/5) majority vote.
Section 5 : In the event of a vacancy of the Student Government President,
or Secretaries, the respective Chair pro tem shall assume the duties of the
vacated position until such time as an election may be held. This election shall
occur within fifteen (15) class days of the vacation.
Section 6 : In the event of a vacancy of a Student Representative, the
Student Resources Committee shall fill any vacancies within seven (7) class days of the vacation.
The Student Resources Committee shall publicize positions, solicit applications,
and select qualified applicants through an application/interview process. Selected
Student Representatives shall be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote
of the Student Government.
Section 7 : In the event of non-performance of duties or misconduct
the Operational Manager may be removed via a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote
of the Student Government.
G. Budget
Section 1 : The Student Government shall facilitate the allocation of
the Student Activity and Media budget.
§ 1.1: The operational budget of the Student Government shall not exceed
ten percent (10%) of the Student Government budget.
§ 1.2: Funding for the benefits of the elected positions of responsibility
within the Student Government shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the Student Government budget.
§ 1.3: The miscellaneous budget will provide funding for special projects
initiated by the Student Government or the Student Assembly. This budget shall
not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the Student Government budget.
H. Committees
Section 1 : Student Resources Committee
§ 1.1: The Student Resources Committee shall appoint students to University
standing committees, Student Government committees, Judiciary Board, and any
other committees that are responsible to the students of Lake Superior State
University .
§ 1.2: This committee shall consist of six (6) members, appointed from
within the Student Government. This committee shall be chaired by the President
of the Student Government, who shall vote only in the event of a tie.
§ 1.3: This committee shall be responsible for publicizing the University
committee positions, soliciting applications, and selecting qualified applicants
through an application/interview process. Publicizing shall take place three
(3) days prior to the meeting.
§ 1.4: The Student Resources Committee shall convene as often as deemed
necessary.
Section 2 : Student Services and Concerns Committee
§ 2.1: The Student Services and Concerns Committee shall be dedicated
to addressing the needs of the Student Assembly.
§ 2.2: This committee shall be chaired by the Secretary of Student Services
and Concerns.
§ 2.3: The Secretary of Student Services and Concerns shall be the official
Student Government representative on the University Student Life Committee.
Section 3 : Activities and Public Relations Committee
§ 3.1: The Activities and Public Relations Committee shall serve as a
support structure for the Activities Board and act as a communication link among
the student body, Student Government, the University, and the community.
§ 3.2: This committee shall be chaired by the Secretary of Activities
and Public Relations.
§ 3.3: The Secretary of Activities and Public Relations shall be the official
Student Government representative on the University Cultural Affairs Committee.
Section 4 : University Development and Community Affairs Committee
§ 4.1: The University Development and Community Affairs Committee shall
encourage adaptation to the changing needs of the students through development
of the campus, both physical and academic.
§ 4.2: This committee shall raise awareness of public issues as well as
research and propose Student Government action to improve the quality of life both in and around
the Lake Superior State University campus.
§ 4.3: This committee shall provide the student body with an awareness
of local, state, national, and world issues and affairs, specifically those
issues and affairs that affect or concern students;
§ 4.4: This committee shall be chaired by the Secretary of University
Development and Community Affairs.
§ 4.5: The Secretary of University Development and Community Affairs shall
be the official Student Government representative on the University Strategic Planning Committee.
Section 5 : Discretionary Funding Committee ( will be completed
in 2004-2005)
Section 6 : The members of the Student Services and Concerns Committee,
the Activities and Public Relations Committee, the University Development and Community Affairs
Committee, and the Discretionary Funding Committee shall consist of members
of the Student Assembly selected by the Student Resources Committee and approved
by the Student Government.
Section 7 : Special Project Committees shall be formed whenever it is
deemed necessary by the Student Government.
Section 8 : Each committee shall elect a Chair pro tem from its membership
during the first general committee meeting. The Chair pro tem shall serve as
the facilitator in event of the Chair's absence or vacancy.
Section 9 : Each committee shall be given complete authority to deal
with its internal organization, establish guidelines, procedural patterns, and
operational policies as long as they do not contradict or undermine the goals
or guidelines of the Student Government or this Constitution.
ARTICLE III - PRESIDENTS COUNCIL
A. Purpose
Section 1 : The Presidents' Council shall serve as a leadership development
forum for its membership.
Section 2 : The Presidents' Council shall be responsible for the recognition
and de-recognition of all student organizations.
Section 3 : The Presidents' Council shall be responsible for allocating
requested funding to all recognized members of Presidents' Council.
Section 4 : The Presidents' Council shall encourage cooperation and
mutual respect amongst the diverse student cultures, academic alliances, and
group interests.
B. Composition
Section 1 : The Presidents' Council shall consist of the presidents
of all recognized student organizations as determined by the Presidents' Council.
Section 2 : The Presidents' Council shall appoint a Chair by a nomination/election
process and a simple majority approval during the first general meeting of the
regular academic year.
Section 3 : The advisor of the Presidents' Council shall be appointed
by the President of the University considering the recommendation of the Presidents'
Council.
C. Meetings
Section 1 : The Presidents' Council shall meet at least once a month
during the regular academic year.
Section 2 : The advisor of the Presidents' Council shall have the duty
to call and organize the first general meeting of the regular academic year.
Section 3 : Once appointed, the Chair shall preside over all meetings
of the Presidents' Council.
D. Recognition of Student Organizations
Section 1 : New organizations applying to be recognized by the Presidents'
Council shall be granted associate membership, provided that the organization
meets the standards of the Presidents' Council and the University. Associate
membership shall be for a period not to exceed one regular academic semester.
Section 2 : Associate organizations shall be granted full membership
by a majority vote of the Presidents' Council only if the organization meets the standards of the Presidents'
Council and the University. Appeals resulting from non-recognition or de-recognition of
student organizations shall be directed to the Judiciary Board.
Section 3 : The Presidents' Council shall determine the guidelines for
the recognition of student organizations, as long as those guidelines do not
contradict Student Government policies or this constitution.
ARTICLE IV - INTER-GREEK COUNCIL
A. Purpose
Section 1 : The Inter-Greek Council shall be the central point of communication
for all Greek student organizations at Lake Superior State University and shall
encourage communication between the collegiate Greek community and the student
body.
Section 2 : The Inter-Greek Council shall work towards a healthy collegiate
Greek culture at Lake Superior State University .
Section 3 : The Inter-Greek Council shall promote understanding and
acceptance of collegiate Greek culture at Lake Superior State University .
Section 4 : The Inter-Greek Council shall consist of all recognized
social, service, and professional Greek organizations at Lake Superior State
University .
Section 5 : The Inter-Greek Council shall deal with problems, conflicts,
and misunderstandings amongst the Greek student organizations.
Section 6 : The Inter-Greek Council shall work in cooperation with the
Presidents' Council in the recognition, de-recognition and funding of Greek
student organizations.
B. Composition
Section 1 : The Inter-Greek Council shall consist of delegates from
all social, professional, and service Greek student organizations at Lake Superior
State University .
Section 2 : The Inter-Greek Council shall be chaired by a President,
nominated from the membership of the Greek student organizations and elected
by the Inter-Greek Council.
Section 3 : The Inter-Greek Council shall nominate and appoint an advisor
from the faculty/staff of Lake Superior State University .
C. Meetings
Section 1 : The Inter-Greek Council shall meet a minimum of twice a
month during the regular academic year.
Section 2 : The President of the Inter-Greek Council shall preside over
the meetings of the Inter-Greek Council.
D. Recognition of Greek Student Organizations
Section 1 : Organizations petitioning for Greek status shall approach
the Inter-Greek Council for recommendation for associate membership in the Presidents'
Council. Associate membership in the Presidents' Council shall serve as grounds
for associate membership within the Inter-Greek Council. The associate membership
shall last for an interim period not to exceed one regular academic semester.
Section 2 : Associate organizations shall be granted full membership
as a Greek student organization upon recommendation of the Inter-Greek Council
and a majority vote of the Presidents' Council. Appeals resulting from non-recognition
or de-recognition of Greek organizations shall be directed to the Judiciary
Board.
Section 3 : In the event that an organization petitioning for Greek
status is already a full member of the Presidents' Council, the Inter-Greek
Council shall have the right to confer to the organization associate membership
in the Inter-Greek Council with the approval of the Presidents' Council.
Section 4 : The Inter-Greek Council shall determine the guidelines for
the recognition of Greek student organizations, provided that those guidelines
do not conflict with the guidelines set by the Presidents' Council or this constitution.
E. Funding for Greek Student Organizations
Section 1 : The Inter-Greek Council shall be the primary authority for
facilitating funding requests of Greek student organizations. Approval of the
Inter-Greek Council shall serve as full recommendation to the Finance Committee
of the Presidents' Council.
Section 2 : The Inter-Greek Council shall determine the guidelines for
the funding of Greek student organizations, provided that those guidelines do
not conflict with the guidelines set by the Presidents' Council or this constitution.
ARTICLE V - ACTIVITIES BOARD
A. Purpose
Section 1 : To provide and facilitate activities and entertainment that
will appeal to a wide variety of student interests by acknowledging the unique
diversity of the student culture at Lake Superior State University .
Section 2 : To encourage student involvement in campus events.
Section 3 : To establish and support the evolution of traditions of
excellence at Lake Superior State University .
Section 4 : To make wise and calculated use of the Activities Board
budget and all funds provided to it.
B. Composition
Section 1 : The Activities Board shall consist of representatives from
the Student Government, the Presidents' Council, the Inter-Greek Council, and
the Student Assembly.
Section 2 : The members of the Activities Board shall be selected by
the Director of Activities Board.
Section 3 : The Activities Board shall be chaired by the Director of
Activities Board.
Section 4 : The Director of Activities Board shall be a paid position,
selected through an interview/ application process in the Spring Semester, facilitated
by Student Government and the Student Life Office. The compensation of the Director
of Activities Board shall be approved first by the Director of Student Life
and then by Student Government.
C. Procedures
Section 1 : The Activities Board shall meet at least twice a month.
The Activities Board may create non-paid administrative positions and may form
committees as deemed necessary, under the direction of the Director of Programming.
Section 2 : The Director of Activities Board shall offer an in-person
report to Student Government monthly.
ARTICLE VI - JUDICIARY BOARD
A. Purpose
Section 1 : To mediate, adjudicate, and resolve conflicts within the
Student Assembly.
Section 2 : To hear and rule on requests for appeal.
Section 3 : To interpret this constitution.
B. Composition
Section 1 : The Judiciary Board shall consist of five (5) student Justices
chosen from the Student Assembly by the Student Government. All Justices shall
hold their offices during good behavior.
Section 2 : The Judiciary Board shall choose from amongst their members
a Chair, hereinafter known as the Chief Justice of the Student Assembly. The
Chief Justice shall perform all duties necessary to direct the Judiciary Board.
Section 3 : The Judiciary Board shall have the authority to establish
subsidiary bodies to aid in the performance of its duties.
C. Procedures
Section 1 : The Judiciary Board shall be seated as required to perform
its duties.
Section 2 : The Judiciary Board shall have primary jurisdiction in determining
the constitutionality of all matters regarding the interpretation of this constitution.
The Judiciary Board shall have primary jurisdiction in determining the constitutionality
of the by-laws and operational procedures of the governing bodies of
the Student Assembly; in matters of controversy between the governing bodies;
in matters of grievance against the governing bodies and their members; and
in matters of impeachment of the elected members of the Student Government.
Section 3 : The Judiciary Board shall have appellate jurisdiction in
matters involving infractions of established election policies; in matters of removal of all other members
of the governing bodies of the Student Assembly; in matters of recognition or
de-recognition of student organizations; and in matters pertaining to the suspension
of all actions pertaining to grievances against the governing bodies of the
Student Assembly, pending formal inquiry. Formal inquiry will begin no more
than seven (7) days after suspension, and will last no more than fourteen (14)
days.
Section 4 : The Judiciary Board shall convene the Election Committee
at the designated times or as required.
Section 5 : The Judiciary Board shall have the right to counsel by the
University's Legal Advisor.
Section 6 : The Judiciary Board shall retain the right to recommend
changes in matters of disciplinary and judicial reform at Lake Superior State
University
ARTICLE VII - BRANCH AUTONOMY / COMMUNICATION
Section 1 : All governing bodies of the Student Assembly shall be given
complete authority to establish organization, guidelines, procedural patterns,
and operational policies as long as they do not contradict or undermine the
guidelines of this constitution. This constitution shall maintain supreme authority
over all governing bodies.
Section 2 : Constant and continuing communication and cooperation amongst
the governing bodies of the Student Assembly shall be a requirement. All branches
shall have formal channels of regular communication.
Section 3 : All documented functions and communications of student representation
shall be considered public information and shall be made readily available to
all students, unless otherwise determined by legitimate authority.
ARTICLE VIII – CONSOLIDATION OF SIMILAR STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Section 1 : An assembly of student organizations working towards a similar
mission or goal may have the option to consolidate themselves into a unified
council of interest. The Greek student organizations and the Inter-Greek Council
of Lake Superior State University shall serve as precedent for this provision.
Section 2 : A combined membership of at least seven percent (7%) of
the Student Assembly shall be required to request consolidation.
Section 3 : Requests for consolidation shall be directed to the Student
Government and shall serve as a proposed amendment to this constitution.
ARTICLE IX – RATIFICATION AND AMENDMENT
Section 1 : Student ratification of this constitution
§ 1.1: This constitution shall become the official documented authority
of the Lake Superior State University Student Assembly by a majority vote of the participating students
on March 11 th and 12 th , 1997.
§ 1.2: Upon ratification of this constitution, all other constitutions
or official documents shall become null and void.
§ 1.3: The revocation of this constitution shall be valid only by a referendum
representing a quorum of twenty percent (20%) of the Student Assembly.
Section 2 : Amendment of this constitution
§ 2.1: Proposed amendments to this constitution shall be introduced in
writing to the Student Government no less than two (2) regular meeting periods
prior to voting. A regular meeting period is defined as a seven-day week excluding
breaks or vacations. A required discussion involving the proposed amendment
shall follow, not exceed to two meetings of the Student Government.
§ 2.2: The amendment shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Student
Government and the approval of both the President of the Student Government
and the President of the University.
§ 2.3: Any proposed constitutional amendments or acts of the constitution
shall not violate the rules of ex post fact o.
Amendments to the Constitution
Introduced to the Assembly March 17, 2003
Introduced by Student Government President Timothy J. Scoon
Cosponsored by: James C. Nietz, Kelly K. Payne, Patrick T. Morgan, Nicholas D. Garlinghouse, Benjamin C. Read, Kelly Bishop, Cassandra M. Thomas, Caleb MacDonald, Matthew Rose, Edward J. Cheladyn, Stephanie M. Rea
An Amendment to the Constitution of the Students
• The governing bodies of the Student Assembly that include Student Government, Presidents' Council, Inter-Greek Council (IGC), Activities Board, and the Judiciary Board, as well as The Compass, and WLSO shall each receive annually, a minimum funding level to provide operational expenses.
• Should any of the foregoing entities desire additional funding, requests may be made to the Discretionary Funding Committee of Student Government.
• Student Government must bear in mind that the art of its duty, as it pertains to funding, is to allocate finite resources toward infinite request. As such, it must demand excellence in planning in direct proportion to funding granted.
• In the event of a veto by the Student Government President for additional funding, an appeal may be made to the Judiciary Board. The Judiciary Board's ruling regarding such appeals shall be enforced by the President of Student Government after a period of one week, unless the Judiciary Board's ruling is overturned by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Student Government.
• Failure of the President of Student Government to enforce a ruling by the Judiciary Board regarding such appeals, not otherwise overturned by Student Government, shall be grounds for dereliction of duty. Should the Judiciary Board receive such notice, it may impose disciplinary action upon the President, up to and including removal of the President from Student Government. In the event of removal, all duties of the Discretionary Funding Committee shall be transferred to the Finance Committee of President's Council until such time as a new election for President of Student Government has occurred.
• Sixty-five percent (65%) of the money taken in from the Student Activity and Media Fee each semester shall support the minimum funding levels for the aforementioned entities and provide operational expenses. While the remaining thirty-five percent (35%) will be allotted as necessary by Student Government as provided by the provisions of 2.5 of this section.
• The minimum sums which these specified entities shall receive are: Activities Board 35%; Inter-Greek Council 4%; Judiciary Board 1%; President's Council 12%; Student Government 23%; The Compass 14%; WLSO 11%. The sum of these percentages is to equal 65% of the total semester Student Activity and Media Fee intake.
2.21: The aforementioned funds are expected to cover all operational costs for the fiscal year.
• The Discretionary Funding Committee shall be composed of three Student Government Representatives and two members of the Student Assembly, and shall be chaired by the Secretary of Finance.
2.31: These Student Government Representatives shall be appointed by the Resource Committee. No member of the Resource Committee shall vote to appoint himself to the Discretionary Funding Committee. This does not prohibit a member of the Resource Committee from being on the Discretionary Funding Committee.
2.311: Members of the Discretionary Funding Committee are not to serve under another secretary.
• The two members of the Student Assembly are to be recruited for the interview/application process by advertisements, posters, personal contact, or any other means necessary for finding the most qualified individuals willing to be involved in this process. Appointments are to be recommended by the Resource Committee to Student Government, taking impartiality into consideration.
• Upon the recommendation of one member of the Discretionary Funding Committee or three Student Government members, either the President of Student Government or the Secretary of Discretionary Funding may remove any member from the Discretionary Funding Committee in order to protect the integrity of the Committee or the Student Government as a whole. This can be overturned by a two-thirds (2/3) vote by the Student Government and is not subject to appeal to the Judiciary Board.
• Affirmation of the Discretionary Funding Committee requires a majority vote after rigorous examination of the proposal. A proposal must receive majority vote to advance to Student Government, with proponents and opponents listed in writing on the proposal.
• Confirmation by Student Government requires a majority vote for approval of funding measures, and must receive the signature of the President of Student Government.
• The following entities shall have the following restrictions on funding requests in addition to their minimum sums: Inter-Greek Council, 6%; Presidents' Council, 17%; The Compass, 17%; WLSO, 18%; Activities Board, 85%.
2.61: After each approval of funding, an advertisement is to be placed in The Compass with the following information: who received the funding; what was the funding approved for; what were the issues, pro and con; list of each member of Student Government and their vote.
2.62: The maximum additional funding for Activities Board may be increased by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of Student Government, with permission from the President of the University. Said vote is subject to a veto by the President of Student Government, which may be overridden by Student Government or the Judiciary Board. Decisions by the Judiciary Board may not be overruled by Student Government in such matters. Failure of the President of Student Government to abide by this ruling shall be handled in the same manner as under 1.221 of this section.
2.63: The permission of the President of the University is to be sought by the President of Student Government in a meeting including the Secretary of Student Services and Concerns, and the Director of the Activities Board.
2.64: Recommendations given to the President of the University by any of the foregoing shall not be subject to review by Student Government, the Judiciary Board, or any other party unless it is thought that there was an intentional lie on behalf of one of the students. Anyone the Judiciary Board reasonably believes lied to the President of the University as it pertains to a meeting regarding the increase in funding for the Activities Board may be handled by the Judiciary Board.
2.64: Should the Judiciary Board deem it appropriate to force a resignation, the duties of the person/ position involved will be assumed as follows. Activities Board responsibilities will be handled by Student Government's Activities and Public Relations Committee until such time as a new Director is hired; the responsibilities of the Secretary of Student Services and Concerns would be assumed by Chair Pro-Tempore of that committee. The President of Student Government shall be handled in the same manner as under 1.221 of this section of the Constitution of the Students.
• If at the end of any academic year, excluding funds encumbered based on plans for the ensuing year that have received prior approval by Student Government, the amount exceeding $30,000 remaining in the fund shall be utilized to reduce the amount of the Student Activity and Media fee for the subsequent year.
• Funding may be approved for the upcoming academic year; funds will be allotted from the current year's budget.
• No entity shall be permitted to go into debt.
• Any money received from an event shall be deposited into the Student Activity and Media fee account, except for The Compass and WLSO for advertising revenue and core function revenue.
Introduced to the Assembly February 21, 2007
Introduced by Secretary Amanda Burmeister
Hilary Kozma, Student Government President
Approved 11-0-1
A RESOLUTION TO: amend the Lake Superior State University Student Constitution
BEARING IN MIND, currently all Student Government Representatives are elected during the fall election period.
REALIZING, the turn over and late start each year hinders the advancement of Student Government and the entire Lake Superior State student body.
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED: that the Lake Superior State University Student Government, in accordance with the LSSU Student Constitution, amend Article II Part D, Section 2, and Section 3 to read as follows:
Section 2: The election time frame for the President, Secretaries, and nine (9) Representatives of the Student Government shall be the following:
Sub-section 2.4: These positions will take seat at the end of the last meeting of the spring semester
Sub-section 2.5: Tenure for the President, Secretaries, and nine (9) Representatives will last from spring semester to the following spring semester.
Sub-section 2.6: There shall be no restriction as to the class standing for candidates for Student Representative running in the spring semester.
Section 3: The election time frame for the three (3) Student Representatives to Student Government not elected in the spring semester shall be the following:
Sub-section 3.4: Candidates for Student Representative to be elected in the fall semester must be in their first semester at LSSU, either as freshman or as transfer students.
Sub-section 3.5: In the event that not enough first-semester students have returned petitions by the deadline for Representative positions elected in the fall, the Election Committee shall make petitions available for one (1) extra week to all students, regardless of class standing.
Sub-section 3.6: Tenure for those Student Representatives elected in the fall semester shall continue from the first meeting after their election through the last meeting of the following spring semester.
From its original form of:
Section 2: The election time frame for the President and the Secretaries of the Student Government shall be the following:
Section 3: The election time frame for the Student Representatives to the Student Government shall be the following:
Introduced to the Assembly December 10, 2009
Introduced by Student Government Secretary Thomas Hadfield
Tory Rowley, Student Government President
Approved 8-0-0
A RESOLUTION TO: Repeal the Discretionary Funding Committee (DFC) amendment and replace it with The Funding Committee Amendment; Change the SAM Amendment to reflect the new mandate of the Funding Committee.
WHEREAS, the DFBC has been ruled not to exist by the judiciary board and we are now left working under a system that proved to have flaws; and
WHEREAS, we have found it is hard to fill the current open positions with motivated students, and we now have approximately 1000 less students than when this
constitution
was created; and
WHEREAS, the original intent of the
constitution
of the students was to have the resource committee handle funding allocations however the DFC was created to help alleviate some of the responsibility of the resource committee; and
WHEREAS, this amendment opens up money collected from the students to be accessible through student government and the funding committee by the entire student body and assembly; and
WHEREAS, this amendment will help promote fundraising by groups and students on campus by taking away the initial liability at the same time encouraging them to work hard to make a successful fundraiser; be it therefore
RESOLVED, that the Lake Superior State University Student Government will repeal the DFC amendment Article II Part H Section 5, and replace it with the following language:
Section 5: Funding Committee
§ 5.1: The Funding Committee shall follow the guidelines set by the Student Activity and Media Amendment to the Constitution of the Students with regard to the Student Activity and Media Fee, and demand excellence in approving requests from branches of the Student Assembly.
§ 5.2: This committee shall decide which funding request from all other branches of the Student Assembly, Student Groups, and Students shall be heard by Student Government.
§ 5.3: This committee will ensure that any funding request that will be passed must be thoroughly and meticulously thought out and planned, or else the committee should fail or table said request until such a time as it is deemed suitable.
§5.4: this committee shall be chaired by the Student Government President.
§5.5: All meeting politics for this committee will be decided on by the Student Government President, with the majority approval of the sitting members of the Funding Committee.
§5.6: The Student Government President will only have a vote in the event of a tie.
RESOLVED, that the Lake Superior State University Student Government will replace all references to the Discretionary Funding Committee with the Funding Committee; and
RESOLVED, that the Lake Superior State University Student Government will replace Article IV Part F Section 3 with:
Section 3: Recognized members of the Inter-Greek Council cannot appeal directly to the inter-Greek Council for funding.
RESOLVED, that the Lake Superior State University Student Government will replace the SAM amendment with:
Section 1: Student Activity and Media Fee Composition
§ 1.1: The governing bodies of the Student Assembly that include Presidents’ Council, Inter-Greek Council (IGC), Activities Board, and the Judiciary Board, as well as The Compass, and WLSO shall each receive annually, a minimum funding level to provide operational expenses.
§1.2: Should any of the foregoing entities desire additional funding, request may be made to the Funding Committee of Student Government.
§1.21: Student Government must bear in mind that the art of its duty, as it pertains to funding, is to allocate finite resources toward infinite request. As such, it must demand excellence in planning in direct proportion to funding granted.
§1.22: In the event of a veto by the Student Government President for additional funding, an appeal may be made to the Judiciary Board. The Judiciary Board’s ruling regarding such appeals shall be enforced by the President of Student Government after a period of one week, unless the Judiciary Board’s ruling is overturned by a 2/3 majority of the Student Government.
§1.221: Failure of the President of Student Government to enforce a ruling by the Judiciary Board regarding such appeals, not otherwise overturned by the Student Government, shall be grounds for dereliction of duty. Should the Judiciary Board receive such notice, it may impose disciplinary action upon the President, up to and including removal of the President of Student Government.
Section 2: Funding Allocation
§2.1: The money taken in from the Student Activity and Media Fee each semester shall support funding of the following entities and provide operational expenses. Activities Board 36.5%; Inter-Greek Council 1.5%; Judiciary Board 0.5%; Presidents’ Council 12%; The Compass 15.5%, WLSO 11%. While the remaining 23% will be allotted as necessary by Student Government. None of the aforementioned entities are to use more than 10% of the allocation for its operational budget.
§2.2: The Funding Committee shall be composed of three student Government Representatives and two members of the Student Assembly, and shall be chaired by the President of Student Government.
§2.3: These Student Government Representative shall be appointed by the Resource Committee. No member of the Resource Committee shall vote to appoint himself to the Funding Committee. This does not prohibit a member of the Resource Committee from being on the Funding Committee.
§2.3.1: Members of the Funding Committee are not to serve under another secretary.
§2.3.2: The two members of the Student Assembly are to be recruited for the interview/application process by advertisements, posters, personal contact, or any other means necessary for finding the most qualified individuals willing to be involved in this process. Appointments are to be recommended by the Resources Committee to Student Government, taking impartiality into consideration.
§2.3.2.1: Upon the recommendation of one member of the Funding Committee or three Student Government members, may remove any member from the Funding Committee in order to protect the integrity of the Committee or the Student Government as a whole. This requires a 2/3 vote by the Student Government and it’s not subject to appeal to the Judiciary Board.
§2.4: Affirmation of the Funding Committee requires a majority vote after rigorous examination of the proposal. A proposal must receive majority vote to advance to Student government, with proponents and opponents listed in writing on the proposal.
§2.5: Confirmation of funding by Student Government requires a majority vote for approval of funding measures, and must receive the signature of the President of Student Government.
§2.6: Funding may be approved for the upcoming academic year; finds will be allotted from the current year’s budget.
§2.7: No entity shall be permitted to go into debt.
Introduced to the Assembly February 4, 2010
Introduced by Student Government Representative Jay Gage
Tory Rowley, Student Government President
Approved 6-0-2
An Amendment to the Constitution of the Students
Amend the Constitution of the Student Article V - Activities Board
Section 5: The duties of the Director of Activities Board:
§ 5.1: Schedule and conduct any and all Activities Board meetings;
§ 5.2: Coordinate with the Student Life Office and Student Government;
§ 5.3: Administer the Activities Board Business Manager's tasks and agenda;
§ 5.4: Administer the Activities Board Technical Director's tasks and agenda;
Section 6: Activities Board Business Manager and Activities Board Technical Director:
§ 6.1: The necessity of an Activities Board Business Manager, and Activities Board Technical Director, will be at the discretion of the Director of Activities Board;
§ 6.2: The addition of either position is not dependent on the addition of the other;
Section 7: Interview and Application Process:
§ 7.1: The Activities Board Business Manager shall be selected through an interview/application process, facilited by the Director of Activities Board and the Student Life Office at such a time as there is a vacancy and it is deemed by the Director of Activities Board;
§ 7.2: The Activities Board Technical Director shall be selected through an interview/application process, facilitated by the Director of Activities Board and the Student Life Office at such a time as there is a vacancy and it is deemed necessary by the Director of Activities Board.
Section 8: The duties of the Activities Board Business Manager shall be:
§ 8.1: Work under the Director of Activities Board;
§ 8.2: Maintain the Activities Board budget and financial records;
§ 8.3: Report any and all Activities Board financial transactions to the Student Life Office;
§ 8.4: Prepare a report to be presented to the Activities Board on the first meeting of the month;
§ 8.5: Audit when called to do so;
Section 9: The duties of the Activities Board Technical Director shall be:
§ 9.1: Work under the Director of Activities Board:
§ 9.2: Decide on and present proposals of new technical equipment to the Director of Activities Board;
§ 9.3: Provide sound equipment training for other board members through out the semester;
§ 9.4: Coordinate with other committees and assist in their technical needs;
§ 9.5: Maintain the organization of all technical equipment;
§ 9.6: Create and maintain a sound equipment sign in/out register and checklist
Section 10: Compensation:
§ 10.1: The compensation of the Activities Board Business Manager, and Activities Board Technical Director, shall be approved first by the Director of Activities Board, and then by the Student Life Office and will be dispersed in the form of billable hours;
§ 10.2: The compensation for the Director of Activities Board, the Activities Board Business Manager, and Activities Board Technical Director shall come from the Activities budget;
§ 10.3: The combined amount of the compensation for both the Activities Board Business Manager, and the Activities Board Technical Director cannot exceed the amount paid to the Director of Activities Board.
§ 10.4: The Activities Board Business Manager, and Activities Board Technical Director, may be fired by the Director of Activities Board at any time.
Introduced to the Assembly February 2, 2012
Introduced by Student Government Secretary Robert A. Swain, Co-sponsored by Secretary Tyler M. Helsel, Secretary Ramsey A've, Representative Jay Gage
Robert T. Steinhoff, Student Government President
Approved 10-1-2
An Amendment to the Constitution of the Students with regard to the allocation process of the Student Activity and Media (SAM) fee
WHEREAS, The current percentages are in question as to how effective they are in meeting the needs of the Student Assembly; and
WHEREAS, a greater concentration has been placed on requiring the Student Assembly to budget the needs of their organizations to effectively allocate funds; and
WHEREAS, by concentrating on a budget method while still having a set allocation, the Student Assembly can effectively plan and be held accountable for their expenditures; be it therefore
RESOLVED, that we amend the Constitution of the Students, SAM Amendment, Section 2, §2.1 to be replaced with:
The money taken in from the Student Activity and Media Fee each semester shall support funding of the following
entities
and provide operational expenses.
The Student Activity and Media (SAM) fee shall be divided by a 70/30
structure, whereas 70% of the collected SAM fee shall be distributed to the Student Assembly based on proposed budgets submitted to Student Government and the remaining 30% will be distributed to the Student Assembly based on the following percentage distribution table - Activities Board 36.5%; Inter-Greek Council 1.5%; Judiciary Board 0.5%; Presidents' Council 12%; The Compass 15.5%; WLSO Radio Station 11%; Student Government 23%.
None of the governing bodies are to use more than 10% of the allocation for its operational budget.
Furthermore, Student Government shall set the date(s) for budgets to be submitted with notification to the Student Assembly at least two (2) weeks before the declared deadline.
Introduced to the Assembly March 28, 2013
Introduced by Student Government Representative Rose Scheid
Ramsey A've, Student Government President
Approved
A RESOLUTION TO: Amend the Student Constitution to change the definition of Activities Board within the Constitution
WHEREAS: The Student Constitution should reflect the best interests of the students and of the Student Assembly; and
WHEREAS: Members of Activities Board should consist of current students interested in planning events and activities and not students required to fill a quote or requirements; and
WHEREAS: Members of Activities Board should be allowed to join based on their interests in serving the students, not based on their roles in other student organizations; be it therefore
RESOLVED: The following changes should be made:
Article V - Activities Board
B. Composition - Section 1: The Activities Board shall consist of any student that is currently enrolled at Lake Superior State University who desires to plan activities and events for the students at LSSU shall be considered, upon approval per section 2, a current member of Activities Board.
|
