CONSTITUTION

[Available here as a PDF]

Texas A&M University – Kingsville
Student Government Association

Preamble

We, the students of Texas A&M University - Kingsville, in order to provide an officially recognized student organization that identifies and represents student interests, promotes student participation in the overall policy and decision-making processes of the University, enhances the quality and scope of education at the University, and promotes the general welfare of the student body, do hereby establish and adopt this constitution.

Article 1
Name and Membership

Section 1.        Name
The name of this organization shall be The Student Government Association of Texas A&M University-Kingsville and shall hereafter be referred to as SGA.

Section 2.        Membership
The membership of SGA shall include all full-time and part-time students who are duly registered at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Article 2
Purpose of SGA

The purposes of the SGA are:
1.      To foster a sense of community for all students.
2.      To promote the interests of student life.
3.      To promote scholarship.
4.      To promote positive citizenship to the University and local community.
5.      To develop leadership among its members and others.
6.      To contribute to the University community in a positive way.
7.      To provide developmental and educational programming.
8.      To promote cooperation and partnership among the students and the University faculty, staff, and administration.
9.      To coordinate and create educational, social, recreational, cultural, and scholastic opportunities for students.
10.  To review and make recommendations on matters proposed by students, administrators, faculty, and staff.
11.  To provide for the exchange of information, ideas, and opinions between students and the University community.

Article 3
Organization

The governing body of the SGA shall be composed of a General Assembly made up of senators from designated classes and colleges, representatives from designated organizations, and the SGA Executive Committee.

The General Assembly will operate primarily through committees.  The standing committees are: Academic Affairs Committee, Student Affairs Committee, Financial Affairs Committee, External Affairs Committee, Internal Affairs Committee, Leadership Development Committee, Programming Committee, Traffic Appeals Committee, Facilities Committee, Operations Committee, and a Student Organization Forum.

The SGA shall also have a Judicial Branch in the form of a Judicial Court.

The Chancellor's Student Advisory Board (CSAB) representatives will also serve the General Assembly as ex-officio members.

Article 4
SGA General Assembly

Section 1.        Duties and Responsibilities of the General Assembly
A. The duties and responsibilities of the SGA General Assembly Shall Be:
1.      To represent and communicate the view and needs of the student body to the administration, faculty, staff, and other appropriate entities of TAMUK.
2.      To ratify justices to the SGA Judicial Court, as appointed by the SGA President.
3.      To recommend to the student body proposals and programs which will strengthen the campus climate.
4.      To refer to SGA Committees issues for research, study, evaluation, and possible solutions.
5.      To review, discuss, consider, and take any necessary action through resolutions and other legislation on all issues which concern the campus or students which are brought to the floor.
6.      To serve as an open forum where views on matters of concern can be exchanged.
7.      To approve the budget of the SGA and any spending that exceeds $250 of the budgeted amount.
8.      To over-ride SGA Presidential vetoes as necessary to represent constituents.
9.      To ratify all decisions and appointments made by Executive Decision.
10.  To provide a forum for the expression of concerns from students.
11.  To provide a link between SGA and students concerning programs and issues on campus.

Section 2.        Voting Eligibility
A. Voting members of the SGA General Assembly Shall Be:
1.      Three (3) senators from the Sophomore Class.
2.      Three (3) senators from the Junior Class.
3.      Three (3) senators from the Senior Class.
4.      Three (3) senators whom are Graduate Students.
5.      Five (5) senators from the Freshman Class.
6.      Three (3) senators from the Texas A&M-Kingsville System Center at Palo Alto.
7.      Seven (7) senators selected at-large.
8.      One (1) Senator Pro-Tem.
9.      One (1) Student Organization Forum Chair

Each of the following categories shall be represented by at least one voting member.  For every 300 students, each category shall receive one vote.  No one category may have more than five votes in the General Assembly.  (For example, 1-300 students equals one vote, 301-600 students equals two votes, 601-900 students equals three votes, 901-1200 students equals four votes, 1201+ students equals five votes.)  By Executive Decision, when the University adds colleges or when enrollment changes, the Executive Committee shall add new colleges to the Constitution or, when appropriate, make adjustments to the representation of the General Assembly in these categories.  The representation shall be established through enrollment numbers as calculated on the twelfth class day of the fall semester.  These numbers will then be used until the following year.

10.  Senators from the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences.
11.  Senators from the College of Arts and Sciences.
12.  Senators from the College of Business Administration.
13.  Senators from the College of Education.
14.  Senators from the College of Engineering.

B. Non-Voting members of the SGA General Assembly Shall Be:
1.      The SGA President.
2.      The SGA Vice President.
3.      The SGA Secretary.
4.      The SGA Treasurer.
5.      The SGA Parliamentarian.
6.      The SGA Advisor(s).
7.      CSAB Representatives, if a senator, he/she receives a vote.
8.      One (1) representative from the Campus Activities Board.
9.      One (1) representative from the All Greek Council.
10.  One (1) representative from the Residence Hall Association.
11.  One (1) representative from the International Student Organization.
12.  One (1) representative from the South Texan.
13.  Other organizations may petition the SGA for a listed representative by providing a petition with 100 signatures.

C. All students of Texas A&M-Kingsville, representatives or employees from the Division of Student Affairs, and members of the public are welcome to attend the General Assembly, as observers. A member of the General Assembly may yield the floor to a non-member to address the General Assembly.

Section 3.        Senators
A. Senators shall:
1.      Represent the views of his/her constituents.
2.      Make opportunities available for his/her constituents to share ideas and viewpoints.
3.      Host at least one forum for his/her constituents each year.
4.      Serve on at least one SGA Standing Committee. This shall be for at least a one semester commitment.
5.      Represent SGA on University Committees as appointed.
6.      Protect, defend, and uphold the SGA Constitution.
7.      Sponsor legislation as needed.
8.      Attend SGA General Assembly meetings.
9.      Check mail weekly in the SGA Office.
10.  Vote on legislation presented to the General Assembly.
11.  Call a general referendum of the Student Body in order to render a decision regarding student fees or any legislation.
12.  Approve the budget of the SGA and any spending that exceed the budgeted amount.
13.  Over-ride SGA Presidential vetoes as necessary to represent constituents.

Section 4.        Representatives
A. Representatives shall:
1.      Represent the views of his/her constituents.
2.      Should serve on at least one SGA Standing Committee. This shall be at least a one semester commitment.
3.      Represent SGA on University Committees as appointed.
4.      Protect, defend, and uphold the SGA Constitution.
5.      Sponsor legislation as needed.
6.      Attend SGA General Assembly meetings.
7.      Check mail weekly in the SGA Office.

Section 5.        Standing Committee Chairs.
A. Standing Committee Chairs shall:
1.       Set date, time, and place of all committee meetings, with the consent of their respective committee, providing they meet at least fortnightly.
2.      Preside over meetings of his/her respective committee.
3.      Bring before the General Assembly recommendations from his/her committee for approval of the General Assembly.
4.      Report to General Assembly the work of his/her committee.
5.      Represent the SGA on University Committees as appointed.
6.      Protect, defend, and uphold the SGA Constitution.
7.      Recruit additional committee members from the student body.

Section 6.        Meetings
A. Regular Meetings. The SGA General Assembly shall meet weekly during the academic year through the dead day of each semester, with the exception of official University breaks. The Vice President, with the consent of the General Assembly shall determine time, date, and place.
B. Called Meetings. The Executive Officers may call special meetings by Executive Decision, as it deems necessary. Ten (10) senators may petition the Vice President to call a special meeting, providing the meeting is being requested at a reasonable time.
C. Quorum. A simple majority of the General Assembly shall constitute quorum. Vacancies will not count when calculating quorum.
D. The Parliamentarian shall have the right to remove a member from a meeting of the General Assembly. This can be overturned by a two-thirds majority vote of the General Assembly.
E. Attendance. If a member of the General Assembly fails to attend three (3) General Assembly meetings (unexcused absences) in any semester, that member shall lose his/her position. If serving as an organizational representative, the organization must provide another representative.

Section 7.        Committees
A. The standing committees of the SGA General Assembly are as follows:
1.      Academic Affairs Committee
2.      External Affairs Committee
3.      Facilities Committee
4.      Financial Affairs Committee
5.      Internal Affairs Committee
6.      Leadership Development Committee
7.      Operations Committee
8.      Programming Committee
9.      Student Affairs Committee
10.  Student Organization Forum
11.  Traffic Appeals Committee

B. Meetings.
1.      Regular Meetings. The SGA committees shall meet fortnightly during the academic year through the dead day of each semester, with the exception of official University breaks. The Committee Chair shall determine time, date, and place.
2.      Called Meetings. The Committee Chair may call special meetings as necessary.
3.      Attendance. If a member of the committee fails to attend three (3) committee meetings (unexcused absences) in any semester, that member shall lose his/her position in the General Assembly. If serving as an organizational representative, the organization must provide another representative.

C. Ad Hoc Committees. Ad Hoc committees of the SGA General Assembly may be added for a period of one year by Executive Decision.

Article 5
Executive Branch

Section 1.        Membership.
A. The members of the SGA Executive Committee shall be:

1.  President
2.  Vice President
3.  Secretary
4.  Treasurer
5.  Senator Pro-Tem
6.  Student Organization Forum Chair
7. Advisor(s), ex-officio

Section 2.        Responsibilities of the Executive Committee
A. The SGA President shall:

1.      Preside over meetings of the Executive Committee, voting only in the event of a tie.

2.      Represent the student body and SGA to the University and the public.

3.      Oversee the SGA, its activities and employees.

4.      Be present and act for SGA during all summer sessions. An exception can be made ifanother member of the Executive Committee, designated by the President, is willing to assume the President's role.

5.      Meet regularly with the SGA Advisor.

6.      Sign and execute legal contracts on behalf of SGA.

7.      Serve as the Chief Executive Officer of SGA.

8.      Maintain a positive working relationship with other organizations.

9.      Appoint Judicial Court Justices with a 2/3 majority vote of the General Assembly.

10.  Appoint students to University committees as necessary. The President will also follow-up and remain in contact with these students.

11.  Sign or veto any bill or resolution passed by the General Assembly of SGA within five (5) class days. Any bill not signed or vetoed within this time shall be considered signed and approved.

12.  Present a State of the SGA report in November and April to the General Assembly.

13.  Provide a written report of the State of the SGA to the Dean of Students and Assistant Director of Student Activities in November and April.

14.  Brief the incoming president of the SGA.

15.  Serve as an ex-officio member of all committees.

16.  Protect, defend, and uphold the SGA Constitution.

17.  Direct and guide the work of SGA in studying formulating, and recommending to the University general policies and procedures concerning students.

18.  Represent SGA before student, faculty, staff, and administrative groups, committees, and commissions as requested.

19.  Assist Committee Chairs with the duties and responsibilities of the respective committees.

20.  Act as a liaison between the students and the administration.

21.  Serve office hours as determined by budget and/or advisor.

22.  Attend meetings of the SGA General Assembly.

B. The SGA Vice President shall:

1.      Chair the SGA General Assembly.

2.      Assume the duties and responsibilities of the SGA President in the absence or incapacity ofthe president; or, if the office of President is vacant, until a special election can be held to fill the position.

3.      Represent SGA on University committees as appointed by SGA.

4.      Oversee the internal and external affairs of the SGA, subject to the supervision of the President.

5.      Install all members of the SGA.

6.      Vote in the event of a tie among the General Assembly.

7.      Serve as an ex-officio member of all committees.

8.      Protect, defend, and uphold the SGA Constitution.

9.      Direct and guide the work of SGA in studying formulating, and recommending to the University general policies and procedures concerning students.

10.  Represent SGA before student, faculty, staff, and administrative groups, committees, and commissions as requested.

11.  Assist Committee Chairs with the duties and responsibilities of their respective committees.

12.  Serve office hours as determined by budget and/or advisor.

13.  Attend meetings of the SGA General Assembly.

14.  Serve on the Executive Committee.

15.  Meet regularly with Standing Committee Chairs.

16.  Meet regularly with the SGA Advisor.

17.  Appoint a Parliamentarian.

C. The SGA Secretary shall:

1.      Be responsible for office management and correspondence concerning SGA activities and functions.

2.      Represent the SGA on University Committees as appointed by the SGA President.

3.      Serve as historian for the SGA.

4.      Maintain a record of the SGA activity throughout the year.

5.      Record minutes of the Executive Committee and General Assembly meetings and distribute them in time for the next meeting of that body. These should also be posted to the SGA website.

6.      Call roll of the General Assembly.

7.      Inform Vice President if quorum is met.

8.      Inform General Assembly members of their absences and status.

9.      Create, maintain, and distribute to SGA members a directory of all General Assembly members.

10.  Assume the duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer in the absence or incapacity of the treasurer, or if the office of Treasurer is vacant, until a special election can be called to fill the position.

11.  Protect, defend, and uphold the SGA Constitution.

12.  Direct and guide the work of SGA in studying formulating, and recommending to the University general policies and procedures concerning students.

13.  Represent SGA before student, faculty, staff and administrative groups, committees, and commissions as requested.

14.  Assist Committee Chairs with the duties and responsibilities of the respective committees.

15.  Serve office hours as determined by budget and/or advisor.

16.  Attend meetings of the SGA General Assembly.

17.  Serve on the Executive Committee.

18.  Create a newsletter that is distributed fortnightly at the Student Organization Forum.

19.  Meet regularly with the SGA Advisor.

D. The SGA Treasurer shall:

1.      Serve as the Chief Financial Officer of the organization.

2.      Ensure all funds are being spent in the most effective manner and according to proper procedures.

3.      Represent the SGA on University Committees as appointed by the SGA President.

4.      Assume the duties and responsibilities of the Secretary in the absence or incapacity of the secretary, or if the office of Secretary is vacant, until a special election can be called to fill the position.

5.      Protect, defend, and uphold the SGA Constitution.

6.      Direct and guide the work of SGA in studying formulating, and recommending to the University general policies and procedures concerning students.

7.      Represent SGA before student, faculty, staff, and administrative groups, committees, and commissions as requested.

8.      Assist Committee Chairs with the duties and responsibilities of the respective committees.

9.      Serve office hours as determined by budget and/or advisor.

10.  Attend meetings of the SGA General Assembly.

11.  Serve on the Executive Committee.

12.  Serve as chair of the Financial Affairs Committee.

13.  Meet regularly with the SGA Advisor.

E. The SGA Senator Pro-Tem shall:

1.      Act as a liaison between the General Assembly and the Executive Officers.

2.      Assume the duties and responsibilities of the Vice President in the absence or incapacity of the Vice President, or if the office of Vice President is vacant, until a special election can be called to fill the position.

3.      Serve on the Executive Committee.

4.      Serve as an ex-officio member of all committees.

5.      Protect, defend, and uphold the SGA Constitution.

6.      Direct and guide the work of SGA in studying formulating, and recommending to the University general policies and procedures concerning students.

7.      Represent SGA before student, faculty, staff, and administrative groups, committees, and commissions as requested.

8.      Assist Committee Chairs with the duties and responsibilities of the respective committees.

9.      Serve office hours as determined by budget and/or advisor.

10.  Attend meetings of the SGA General Assembly.

11.  Serve as chair of the Internal Affairs Committee.

12.  Meet regularly with the SGA Advisor.

F. The Student Organization Forum Chair shall:

1.      Act as a liaison between the Student Organization Forum and the Executive Officers.

2.      Serve on the Executive Committee.

3.      Protect, defend, and uphold the SGA Constitution.

4.      Direct and guide the work of SGA in studying formulating, and recommending to the University general policies and procedures concerning students.

5.      Represent SGA before student, faculty, staff and administrative groups, committees, and commissions as requested.

6.      Assist Student Organizations in working through administrative processes, including becoming registered as an organization.

7.      Serve office hours as determined by budget and/or advisor.

8.      Attend meetings of the SGA General Assembly.

9.      Build and maintain positive working relationships with the organization presidents.

10.  Motivate and encourage all organizations to be involved with the Forum.

11.  Meet regularly with the SGA Advisor.

G. The Advisor shall:

1.      Be the Dean of Students and/or be appointed by the Dean of Students.

2.      Give advice and suggestions on matters of interest to the SGA.

3.      Inform the SGA President and/or the General Assembly when the SGA may be taking an action that could violate applicable laws and/or policies.

4.      Convey the views of the SGA to other University officials, in cooperation with any applicable SGA Executive officer(s).

5.      Refrain from overriding the SGA, its actions, and/or its members, with the exceptions of possible violations of University Policy, as well as violations of local, state, and/or federal laws, or in instances of severe liability exposure to the organization and University.

6.      Verify expenditures of the SGA and manage its account.

7.      Serve on the Executive Committee, without a vote.

8.      Assist SGA in meeting its goals.

9.      Aid in the continuity of the organization by attending SGA meetings and by being available for advice and consultation.

10.  Meet regularly with the SGA Officers.

11.  Check grades of recognized SGA positions a minimum of one time in January and one time in June.

Section 3.        Executive Decisions
A.  When appropriate and when allowed by this Constitution, and/or in order to run an effective and responsive organization, the Executive Committee shall make Executive Decisions.  Executive decisions are reserved for instances when it is not practical to call the General Assembly and when the Constitution is vague and/or does not clearly instruct the Executive Committee as to an appropriate action.

B. Executive Decisions shall require a majority vote by the Executive Committee and may be vetoed or amended by the General Assembly.  All Executive Decisions shall be presented to General Assembly within two meetings of the of the General Assembly following the Executive Decision.  Executive Decisions shall only be presented.  The Executive Committee shall not seek approval of an Executive Decision.  It is the sole responsibility of the General Assembly to veto or amend an Executive Decision.  All votes of Executive Decisions are public information.

C. A simple majority of the General Assembly is needed to veto or amend an Executive Decision.

D. Executive Officers shall make Executive Decision when it is impractical or impossible for the Executive Committee to meet or come to a decision on a particular issue.  All Executive Officers who make Executive Decisions shall present their decisions at the next scheduled Executive Committee meeting.  It is the sole responsibility of the Executive Committee to amend or veto an Executive Decision.  The President shall vote only in the event of a tie.

Article 6
Judicial Branch

Section 1.        All judicial powers shall be vested in the Judicial Court of the SGA.

Section 2.        Organization
A. The Judicial Court shall be appointed by the SGA President and ratified by a 2/3 vote of the General Assembly.
B. The Judicial Court shall consist of a Chief Justice and six (6) Associate Justices.
C. Each fall, there will be a mandatory training for all members of the Judicial Court. The SGA Advisor shall ensure this training occurs.
D. The Judicial Court will meet on an as needed basis.
E. The Chief Justice will be selected by the Judicial Court at the annual training and must have served the Judicial Court at least one semester prior to becoming Chief Justice.
F. Justices shall serve on the Judicial Court until they are no longer duly registered as students at Texas A&M-Kingsville or until they resign from their positions.
G. The Chief Justice shall serve for a one-year term, but may be re-elected.

Section 3.        Duties and Responsibilities
A. To interpret the SGA Constitution and By-Laws.
B. To make decisions when there is a dispute between one or more student organizations. In the event there is already a body that hears disputes between two organizations, the Judicial Court will be the appellate body.
C. To make decisions when there is a dispute between a student member of an organization and the organization.
D. To establish procedures to be used for the Court.
E. To review impeached officials of the Student Government Association.
F. To certify election and referendum results within two (2) class days.

Article 7
Legislation

Legislation shall consist of Bills, Resolutions, and Constitutional and By-Law Amendments.

Section 1.        Bills
A bill is a call for action by the SGA on a matter that is within the SGA authority to implement.

Section 2.        Resolutions
A resolution is an official statement of support of the Student Government Association for an action, policy, or idea that does not call for a specific action or is not within the jurisdiction of SGA.

Section 3.        Constitutional and By-Law Amendments
Legislation dealing with the operations of SGA will be considered a constitutional or by-law amendment, depending on the scope of the legislation. Constitutional and By-Law Amendments may NOT be considered as emergency legislation.

Section 4.        Any member of the General Assembly may present legislation during the General Assembly providing their legislation has been placed on the agenda of that meeting.

Section 5.        Legislation should be considered for at least two meetings.

Section 6.        Emergency Legislation
Legislation requested as emergency legislation may be considered at the meeting where it is presented, but must pass the approval of a 2/3 majority of the General Assembly to be considered.

Article 8
Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the SGA in all cases to which they are applicable unless they are inconsistent with the Constitution and By-laws of the SGA.  This shall be executed by the Parliamentarian and may be appealed only to the Vice President during a General Assembly meeting.

Article 9
By-Laws

The SGA will establish by-laws as necessary.  Upon their ratification, they become a part of this Constitution and assist in governing the SGA.

Article 10
Amendments

Section 1.        Constitution
A notice of proposed amendments to the Constitution of the SGA shall be given in the General Assembly agenda and will be considered at no fewer than two meetings of the SGA General Assembly prior to voting.  A copy of the proposed amendments shall be distributed with the agenda.  A two-thirds majority vote is required.  Amendments must then go to a referendum to be approved by the general student body.  This referendum shall take place not more than three weeks after the amendment is passed in the General Assembly.

Section 2.        By-Laws
A notice of proposed amendments or additions to the By-Laws of the SGA shall be given in the General Assembly agenda and will be considered at no fewer than two meetings of the SGA General Assembly prior to voting.  A copy of the proposed amendments or additions shall be distributed with the agenda.  A two-thirds majority vote is required.

Article 11
Ratification

This Constitution shall be considered ratified upon approval of the SGA Senate and the General Student Body of Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The associated by-laws shall be considered ratified upon approval of the SGA Senate. Following the ratification, the 2002-2003 SGA President and Vice President shall work diligently and with haste to fill vacancies, hold additional elections, and bring all parts of SGA into working order as prescribed in this constitution.

The Senate Election Process outlined in this constitution will begin in the 2002 Fall Elections.

This Constitution and Associated By-Laws render all other SGA Constitutions and By-Laws null and void