The Student Government Association Constitution
The Pennsylvania State University at Erie
The Behrend College


Preamble

We, the governing body of The Behrend College student population, shall strive to give voice to the student body on opinions of academic and co-curricular affairs; to support such academic and co-curricular activities that contribute to the enhancement of the social and intellectual life of students; to represent the interests of the student body to the administration, faculty and staff; and to support the rights of students in all matters. In pursuit of these goals, we shall be dedicated to the principle of academic freedom and to the realization of the fullest possible education for the Behrend student.

Article I – Name

The name of this body shall be the Student Government Association of Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. The legislative body of this organization shall be called the Student Senate. The abbreviation shall be “SGA.”

Article II – Membership

Membership shall be open to all students of the College. Elected members of the Student Senate shall be termed “Senators.” Members shall consist of the Executive Board, elected students, council representatives, and volunteers.

Article III – Function

Section 1

The Student Government Association shall serve as the sole legislative body of the students of the College and the Student Government Association Constitution shall have precedence over any club and/organization constitution.

Section 2

The Student Government Association shall act as a student representative body to the administration, faculty and staff of the College on matters such as the quality and effectiveness of the administration, faculty and staff; co-curricular activities and programs; the promotion of a quality social and intellectual atmosphere at the College; and the general operations, maintenance, and expansion of the College.

Section 3

The Student Government Association shall act as an advisory and consultative body to all registered student organizations and clubs on matters such as fund disbursement, Pennsylvania State University rules and regulations, the management of all financial transactions through the Student Government Association treasury, and as a consultant for club and organization activities, programs, and events.

Section 4

The Student Government Association President shall appoint student representatives to appropriate committees of the Faculty Council.

Section 5

The Student Government Association shall provide and coordinate appropriate services for the students and shall sponsor activities or observances, which encourage and permit the fullest expression of the student opinion on contemporary, social, economic, political, and educational questions and issues.

Section 6

The Student Government Association shall serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas among members of the student body.

Article IV
Officers – Powers and Duties

Section 1

The President of the Student Government Association shall:

a. Serve as the Chairperson of the Student Senate and shall vote only to break a tie.
b. Call and preside over all meetings of the Student Government Association or appoint a Chair Pro-tempore to preside.
c. Have the responsibility for planning, coordinating, and nurturing the organization’s activities.
d. Be empowered to represent the students in discussions or negotiations with the administration, faculty, and staff of the College and the University.
e. Be the representative to the media and the community for the Student Government Association.
f. Have the power to veto any resolution passed by the senate only at the meeting in which the resolution was passed or at the following meeting.

g. Appoint chairpersons of standing committees, commissions, and ad hoc committees as authorized by the Student Senate.
h. Have the authority to appoint members to represent the Student Government Association and the Behrend student body on external committees, organizations or boards.
i. Appoint Parliamentarian; Chair pro-tempore, and CCSG Representative.
j. Be responsible for submitting to the Student Senate a budget for the Student Government Association and for the disbursement of funds to student clubs and organizations.
k. Be a member of the Faculty Council
l. Per University Policy shall co-chair the Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee.
m. Represent the student body on ceremonial occasions.
n. Shall serve as one of the two Penn State Behrend Council Representatives for the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG).
o. Aid in writing the Student Government Association budget.
p. Serve as ex officio of the Council of Fellows and Alumni Society of the College.

Section 2

The Vice-President of the Student Government Association shall:

a. Assist the President in planning, coordinating, and nurturing the organization’s activities.
b. Perform all duties and obligations of the President in the event that the President is unable to perform those duties.
c. Become the President of the Student Government Association and Chairperson of the Student Senate in the event of the resignation, removal from office, or death of the President.
d. Serve as Chairperson of the Traffic Appeals Board.
e. Serve as Chairperson of the Budget Committee.
f. Be the Vice Chairperson of the Student Senate.
g. Be a voting member of the Student Senate.
h. Be a member of the Faculty Council
i. Appoint chairpersons of the standing committees in accordance with the President.
j. Be responsible for communicating and networking with each of the chairpersons and their committees.
k. Perform all duties and obligations of a standing committee chairperson in the event that it cannot be filled.

Section 3

There shall be 11 Senators

The duties and responsibilities of the senators shall be to represent the interests and opinions of the students of the College at meetings of the Student Government Association. The senator shall also communicate Student Government issues and activities to students. SGA members will retain their positions until the end of the academic year.


The Senator shall:

a. Serve on at least two standing committees.
b. Assist in the general operations in the Student Government Association.
c. Be a voting member of the Student Senate.
d. Serve two office hours per week during the academic year.
e. Attend all SGA and appropriate committee meetings.
f. Encourage students to assist with SGA projects and committees.
g. Serve as an ex-officio member on a council if appointed by the President.

Section 4

There shall be 3 Freshman Senators

The elected senators must be of first-semester standing at the time of election. The duties and responsibilities of the freshman senators shall be to represent the interests and opinions of students at meetings of the Student Government Association. The senator shall also communicate Student Government issues and activities to students.

The Freshman Senator shall:
 

a. Serve on at least two standing committees.
b. Assist in the general operations in the Student Government Association.
c. Be a voting member of the Student Senate.
d. Serve two office hours per week during the academic year.
e. Attend all SGA and appropriate committee meetings.
f. Encourage freshman students to assist with SGA projects and committees.
g. Serve as an ex-officio member on a council if appointed by the President.

Section 5

There shall be 8 Council Representatives

One Council Representative for each of the following:

Academic Council (AC)
Arts Council (ARC)
Interfraternity Council (IFC)
Multi-Cultural Council (MCC)
Panhellenic Council (PHC)
Recreation Council (RC)
Service and Honors Council (SHC)
Student Life Council (SLC)

The Council Representative shall:

a. Be elected by his/her respective council.
b. Represent the interests and opinions of his/her respective Council.
c. Communicate Student Government issues and activities to his/her respective Council.
d. Serve on at least one standing SGA committee.
e. Assist in the general operations of the Student Government Association.
f. Be voting members of the Student Senate.
g. Serve two office hours per week during the academic year.
h. Attend all SGA and appropriate committee meetings.

The Senate can confirm what clubs belong to each council set-up under the by-laws.

Section 6

Treasurer of the Student Government Association

The Treasurer is an appointed position. The SGA Financial Supervisor, Manager of the RUB Information Desk, Assistant Director of Student Activities, the current SGA President, Vice President, and Treasurer shall sit on the committee to appoint the position. In the case that the Treasurer is reapplying for the position then s/he will not sit on the committee to appoint the position.

The Treasurer shall:

a. Maintain the financial accounts for all registered student clubs and organizations.
b. Be responsible for the strict operation of the Student Government Association budget in accordance with University policy and as prescribed by the Student Senate.
c. Be prepared to give up-to-date reports on the financial status of the Student Government Association and all student clubs and organizations.
d. Serve as an ex-officio member on the Student Senate.
e. Be responsible for writing the Student Government Association budget along with the President.
f. Keep records and report on council financials at every SGA meeting.


Section 7

Secretary of the Student Government Association

The Secretary shall:

a. Be responsible for the accurate recording of the minutes of the Student Government Association meetings.
b. Assist the President in the general operations of the Student Government Association.
c. Have a vote on the Student Senate.
d. Serve two office hours per week during the academic year.
e. Attend all SGA and appropriate committee meetings.
f. Make the minutes available to the Senate three days prior to each SGA meeting.
g. Publish all resolutions passed by SGA in the minutes and forward them to any
appropriate administrators.

Section 8

Parliamentarian of the Student Government Association

The Parliamentarian shall:
a. Be responsible for ensuring appropriate conduct at Student Senate meetings.
b. Ensure that parliamentary procedure is followed in accordance with
Robert’s Rule of Order.
c. Review all newly proposed student organization constitutions.
d. Attend the Constitutional Review Committee meetings.

Section 9

Chair Pro-Tempore of the Student Government Association

The Chair Pro-Tempore shall temporarily preside at SGA meetings when the President relinquishes the gavel. The President may appoint a Chair Pro-Tempore to run all meetings.

Section 10

Student Activity Fee Representative of the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments

In the event that a student of Penn State Behrend is elected as a Representative for the Student Activity Fee, the Student Activity Fee Representative shall:


a. Be responsible for notifying the senate of any relevant business concerning the
guidelines and use of the Student Activity Fee.
b. Have a vote on the Student Senate.
c. Attend all SGA and appropriate committee meetings.



Section 11

University Faculty Senate Representative of the Student Government Association

The University Faculty Senate Representative is responsible for notifying the Senate of issues and business conducted at the University Faculty Senate meetings concerning the University.

The University Faculty Senate Representative shall:

a. Serve on one SGA standing committee.
b. Assist in general operations in the Student Government Association.
c. Be a voting member of the Student Senate.
d. Serve two office hours per week during the academic year.
e. Attend all SGA, UFS, and appropriate committee meetings.

Article V
Student Senate – Powers and Duties

Section 1

The Student Senate shall be the sole legislative body of the Student Government Association in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order. All orders, resolutions, or measures brought before the Student Government Association shall take effect only after the Student Senate has voted in favor of the order, resolutions, or measure.

a. A simple majority (50% + 1) of those present is required except where otherwise indicated.
abstentions are counted as non-votes.
b. A motion will not carry if the majority of voting members that are present abstain.

Section 2

The Student Senate may, with a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote, override a veto of an order, resolution, or measure by the President of the Student Government Association.

Section 3

Under the advice of the Budget Committee, the Student Senate shall approve a budget for the Student Government Association and the disbursement of funds to student clubs and organizations in accordance with University policy.

Section 4

The Student Senate shall have the power to charter student clubs and organizations as prescribed in Article VII and consistent with University policy.

Section 5

The student Senate shall have the power and authority to approve and confirm appointments of the SGA President by majority vote, for Chairpersons and members of the various standing committees, ad hoc committees, representatives to Faculty Council and its committees, external committees, organizations or boards as well as any other commissions, councils, or other such bodies so authorized by the Student Senate. The Student Senate shall also have the right to withdraw the Student Government Association from membership on any external committee, organization, or board.

Section 6

The Student Senate shall have the authority to confirm appointments to the positions of Treasurer, Parliamentarian, Chair Pro-Tempore, CCSG Representative, standing committee chairpersons, Senator council appointments. .

Section 7

The Student Senate may call special meetings of the Student Government Association. All voting members of the Student Senate must be notified at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the special meeting unless otherwise stipulated by a 2/3 majority vote by the Student Senate. If the voting member cannot be contacted by phone, a letter outlining the time and date of this meeting must be placed in their mailbox at least eight (8) hours prior to such a meeting.

Section 8

The Student Senate shall select the faculty advisor for the Student Government Association.


Article VI
Standing Committees

Section 1

The Student Government Association shall have the following standing committees:

a. Traffic Appeals Board: shall hear and make judgment upon any appealed traffic citations. Any student within Behrend College Community shall have the right to bring an appeal before the Board. In consultation with the Police and Safety officer who issued the citation and the person requesting the hearing, the Board shall decide upon the legitimacy of the appeal.

A person receiving a citation that he/she feels is unjustified may contact the Police and Safety Office and file a Traffic Appeals Application Form. The Board shall convene within two weeks of the filing of the form. Within one week prior to the hearing, the Police and Safety Officer shall submit to the Board a written account of the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the citation. The Board will then consider the written arguments and at the discretion of the Board, question the issuing officer or his/her official representative, the person calling for the hearing, and their respective witnesses. By majority opinion of the Board members present, the Board shall decide upon the validity of the appeal and upon a course of action.

All decisions of the Board must fall within guidelines set forth by the University and the College. All decisions shall be binding and final. A quorum for the Board shall be two-thirds (2/3) of the membership of the Board.

The composition of the Traffic Appeals Board shall be the Vice-President of the Student Government Association, who shall act as chairperson of the board: Two members of Joint Residence Council (appointed by the President of JRC), two members of Commuter Council (appointed by the President of CC), and one Student Government Association Senator (appointed by the Vice-President of the Student Government Association). The Director of Student Affairs shall be a non-voting member. The SGA Vice-President shall vote only to break a tie.

If a council is unable to appoint a member to represent themselves on the Traffic Appeals board then the Student Government Association has the responsibility to fill the seat(s). The Vice President of the Student Government Association who also acts as chairperson of the Traffic Appeals Board shall appoint the person to fill the seat(s). If Commuter Council is unable to appoint a member then the Chair must appoint commuters to the seat(s). If Joint Residence Council is unable to appoint a member then the Chair must appoint residents to the seat(s).


b. Budget Committee: shall be responsible for the disbursement of funds to student clubs and organizations. The Committee shall also make decisions on issues pertaining to budget allocations or any spending discrepancies. The Student Senate makes the final approval. The Committee shall consist of the President, Vice-President, and Treasurer of the Student Government Association. There shall be six additional students appointed by the President of SGA with the consultation of the Vice-President. The Director of Student Affairs, Assistant Director of Student Activities, and the SGA Financial Supervisor sit on the committee as non-voting members. The Vice-President shall chair the Budget Committee.

c. Elections Committee: shall be responsible for conducting the elections of the Student Government Association in accordance with the guidelines set forth in this constitution. Membership shall be open to all students of the College. A candidate for office may not be a member of the Committee. The Chairperson(s) shall be appointed by and report to the President.

i. The Student Senate shall schedule elections to be held between the first day of
week 8 and the last day of week 14 of the spring semester. All voting members
of the Student Senate with the exception of the three Freshman Senators shall
be elected at that time.

Elections for Freshman Senators shall be held before the end of the fifth week of the fall semester.

ii. The University Faculty Senate Student Representative shall be elected in
accordance to the rules set forth by the University Faculty Senate.

iii. All Elections shall be held on two consecutive days.

iv. All currently enrolled students shall be eligible to vote for the Student Senate
and SGA officers.

During the fall semester, all currently enrolled students shall be eligible to vote for the three Freshman Senators.


i. A Presidential candidate must run with a Vice-Presidential candidate on the
same ticket. They are required to obtain 200 full-time student signatures on
their petition. To be a registered candidate in elections of the Student Senate
and Secretarial position, one must meet the requirements of their intended
office. All candidates must file a nomination petition prior to the election
deadline set by the SGA. These petitions shall include at least fifty (50) full
time student signatures.

The SGA President and Vice-President must have completed at least one year of SGA services before beginning their term. SGA services defined as having been an elected senator, council representative, UFS Representative, Executive board member, or a volunteer that is actively involved in a committee and SGA meetings. “Actively” shall be defined by the President and Vice-President.

i. All elections shall be conducted by secret ballot.

ii. The Student Senate shall have the right to make rules concerning election
procedures and regulations that do not unduly interfere with the rights of the
candidates. The Student Senate may delegate this authority to the Elections
Committee.

iii. A person may run for and hold only one elected office in SGA. This includes the Senators and all officers.

iv. A minimum of ten (10) votes is needed to be elected to any SGA office.
v. The term of office shall begin the day following the last day of scheduled final exams during the Spring semester for those officers elected during the Spring Semester Elections and shall begin immediately following the Freshman Elections for those officers elected at that time. All terms of office shall end on the last day of scheduled final exams during the spring semester.


d. Constitutional Review Committee: shall be responsible for reviewing and updating the SGA constitution as deemed appropriate by the President and Student Senate. It will review and submit any constitutional amendments or changes to the Student Senate for approval. It will advise the Student Senate on all matters pertaining to it. It will also be responsible for reviewing each club/organization constitution each year to assure that University Policy is being followed. The Chairperson(s) shall be appointed by and report to the President.

e. Public Relations Committee: shall post any signs submitted to them by Senators or standing committees of SGA, be responsible for promoting a positive public image to the campus and community, and submit notices requested by Senators and committees of SGA to media sources. The Chairperson(s) shall be appointed by and report to the President.


Section 2

All committee appointments shall terminate on the last day of scheduled final exams during the spring semester unless otherwise authorized by the Student Senate.



Section 3

If a committee chairperson is unable to be fulfilled the Vice President shall sit in the position until a student is appointed to fulfill it.


Article VII
Club and Organization Chartering

Section 1

The sole authority to register student organizations at this campus is the Student Government Association.

Section 2

Registration of student organizations shall not be construed necessarily for the organization goals but only as recognition of the rights of the organization to exist at this campus, subject to the conditions enumerated herein.



Section 3

Procedures for Registration are as follows:

a. All rules shall be followed as stated in the Pennsylvania State University Policies and Rules Handbook.
b. An organization must have a minimum of five currently enrolled students as active members at the time registration is sought. In order to retain its registered status, this minimum number of members must be maintained. We do not follow the handbook because of the population of Behrend.
c. Upon review in accordance with Student Government Association By-Laws , the Student Senate shall vote whether to approve the application.
d. Semi-annually, before the fifth week of the fall and spring semester of each academic year, every registered student organization must submit a listing of its: current officers’ names, addresses and phone numbers.
e. Club Presidents and Treasurers are required to attend one Treasury Training Informational meeting per semester.
f. After a period of two inactive semesters a club will no longer be recognized by SGA. Club must go through the new student organization registration process in order to be recognized again.
g. A club that has a negative balance in their non-allocated account must submit an action plan stating their efforts and timeline to settle their account to the SGA Treasurer within two weeks of being notified by SGA. The club account will go on hold until it is paid if this is not done. The SGA Treasurer will monitor the progress of the clubs account and report it at SGA meetings. The Student Senate has the authority to confirm the plan and progress made.

Section 5

The rights of registered student organizations, are as stated in the Pennsylvania State University Policies and Rules Handbook, and the SGA Fiscal Policy Manual.

Any organization may petition the SGA for a reconsideration of its allocation.

Section 6

The Student Senate reserves the right to revoke the charter of any student club or organization in accordance with University policy.

Section 7

A club/organization that makes any changes or amendments (excluding up-keep, grammar, and/or spelling amendments) to their constitution must submit it to SGA for approval by either the Constitutional Review Committee or the Student Senate.

Article VIII
Removal from Office

Section 1

Any elected or appointed officer of the Student Senate may be removed from his/her office on grounds of illegal activity, breach of this constitution, malfeasance of duty or failure to comply with University policy. A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of all voting members at a specifically designated meeting, is needed for removal.


Section 2

Student Senators may be removed from office for

a. Malfeasance of duty.
b. Not attending two or more SGA meetings during a semester unless excused.

An excused absence is an absence incurred as a result of unavoidable circumstances including, but not limited to, personal problems, extracurricular and/or co-curricular activities. The SGA President, or in his/her absence the Vice President, shall determine if an absence is excused or unexcused. Any appeal of this decision shall be arbitrated by a (2/3) majority decision of the Student Senate.

Student Senators will be notified of a hearing of which the removal will take place. They will have the chance to defend themselves and the (2/3) majority vote will then take place whether to remove them or not.

Section 3

Council Representatives may be removed from the Council representative office within SGA for

a. Malfeasance of duty.
b. Not attending two or more SGA meetings during a semester unless excused.

Council Representatives will be notified of a hearing of which the removal will take place. They will have the chance to defend themselves and the (2/3) majority vote will then take place to decide whether to remove them or not.

Article IX
Replacement of Officers, Student Senators, and Council Representatives

Section 1

Within three weeks, during regularly scheduled classes, any vacancy for two or fewer weeks on the Student Senate, the Student Senate shall vote at a designated meeting to fill the vacancy. Elections shall be conducted by secret ballot.

In the event that three or more Student Senate seats are vacant, the Student Senate shall determine the course of action to take for the election of new senators by either holding an open election by the student body or by secret ballot within the Student Senate.

Section 2

A (2/3) majority of the existing members of the Student Senate in attendance is needed for election. If no majority (2/3) is reached on the first ballot, the candidate receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the ballot. This procedure shall continue until a candidate is elected.

Section 3

Their respective Council shall appoint replacements for Council Representatives. Any Council Representative removed by SGA cannot be reappointed.

Section 4

If a Senator is removed he/she cannot be re-elected to fill the vacant seat until one calendar year from the date they were removed.


Section 5

If the President is removed or resigns from office, the Vice President shall assume the role of President, and shall promptly select their interim Vice President. Students must be notified of this change within one (1) week of appointment. The interim Vice President will be voted on and confirmed by the senate within two (2) weeks after appointment.
If the Vice President is removed or resigns from office, the President shall appoint a interim Vice President. Students must be notified of this change within one (1) week of appointment. The interim Vice President will be voted on and confirmed by the senate within two (2) weeks after appointment.
If the President and Vice President are simultaneously removed or resign from office, students must be notified of this change within one week. The Chair Pro-Tempore (if this position is not filled then the Treasurer will preside) will be the chair of the meeting and the Elections chair will organize the election process. Nominations will begin at the SGA meeting following the week after their removal or resignation. The Elections Chair along with the Senate’s confirmation will determine the election dates for the following week after nominations. The President and Vice President will be elected using the Election guidelines in this constitution.


Article X
Meetings

Section 1

Meetings of the Student Government Association shall be held regularly and be open to the entire Behrend College Community. There must be at least 26 SGA meetings convened during the academic year.

Section 2

A quorum is one more than half of the voting Student Senate members. A quorum must be present to conduct a business session.

Section 3

The first meeting of each academic year shall be called within two weeks of the first day of classes. Within the concurrence of the Student Senate, the President shall set a schedule of meetings for the academic year.

Section 4

The President of the Student Government Association may call special or closed meetings for the sole purpose of discussing and acting upon confidential matters.

Section 5

For special meetings please refer to Article V, Section 7


Article XI
Inter-semester Authority

During the periods between the Fall and Spring semesters and the Spring and Fall semesters, the President and Vice-President of the Student Government Association, under the advice of the Director of Student Affairs, may commit up to 15% of unbudgeted Student Government funds to any project with the total for all projects not to exceed 25% of the initial amount of unbudgeted funds



Article XII
Amendments

Section 1

An amendment to this Constitution, proposed by one or more members of the Student Senate, shall be read at three consecutive SGA meetings and be simultaneously posted throughout the campus for a period of two weeks. After the third reading, a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the voting members present is required for passage.

Section 2

An amendment may be proposed if submitted to the Student Senate with the supporting signatures of fifteen percent (15%) of the full-time student population. The Student Senate shall widely post the proposed amendment within one week of the receipt of the petition. After two consecutive weeks during the semester the student body shall vote upon the amendment. A majority of those students casting ballots shall be required for the proposed amendment to be adopted. All referendum procedures are subject to review by the Director of Student Affairs.
 

Article XIII
Statement of Nondiscrimination

The Student Government Association of Penn State Erie, The Behrend College at no time shall discriminate against a person because of that person’s race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, color, national origin, ethnic background, age, differential ability, or veteran’s status, as in agreement with University Policy.



Article XIV
Effective Date of the Constitution

This constitution supersedes any previous Student Government Association Constitution. It was voted and ratified by the Senate on April 23, 2003 . Vote Count: 13-1-0


President: Brandi Hovis
Vice-President: Katie Leary
Chair Pro-Tempore (if applicable): N/A
 

The Student Government Association Constitution
Bylaws
Of
The Pennsylvania State University at Erie
The Behrend College


Scholastic Eligibility

   To be eligible to run for the Student Government Association President or Vice President, both candidates mush hold at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA. It will also determine their eligibility for the stipend. This GPA must be upheld for the duration of the school-year term. The Director of Student Affairs will verify eligibility.
 Presidential candidates may not be the president of any other Penn State Behrend club or organization during their term as SGA President. This does not include brief transition periods at the beginning and end of the term. This requirement applies only to the President.


Allocated Funds

These funds are allocated to SGA from University Park each year. Each club then goes through the budget process to request an amount from this money. Each club is required to prepare an initial budget request stating the funds they need and what they will be using the money for. SGA then holds many budget meetings to divide this money in a fair way that will benefit the most number of students. Once the clubs are approved for a certain amount of this money, it must be transferred into their allocated balance. Throughout the year, the club can use this money only for what it was allocated for. Once this money is gone there is nothing they can do to replace it until the next year’s budget requests. If at the end of the year any of this money is leftover, it is recalled back the undistributed funds of SGA. There are measures to adjust what this money can be spent for. If for example, a student organization spent less money on a certain event then what that event was allocated they may transfer this access over to another event with the approval of SGA. The club must approach the SGA President to ask that their request be put on the minutes for the next SGA meeting. The organization’s representative must then attend that meeting and give reasoning as to why they wish to transfer these funds. SGA will then approve or disapprove this transfer. If it is approved, it will be included in the minutes and you must be aware that this transfer of funds was made.




Non-allocated Funds

 Non-allocated funds are very different from allocated funds. This is money the clubs have raised themselves from dues, donations and fundraisers. A club is allowed to do whatever they wish with these funds as long as they have backup to approve it. At the end of the year if there is a balance left in non-allocated funds it is rolled over to the next year and kept in their non-allocated funds. If a club/organization overspends from allocated funds the money will automatically be taken from non-allocated funds.

New Club Constitution Review Policy and Procedure

The following procedure will be followed for the registration of all new Penn State Erie, The Behrend College clubs or organizations, herein after called “new organization”:

1) Any proposed new organization will submit five (5) copies of its proposed constitution and the “New Club Proposal” form to the SGA Constitutional Review Committee.

2) The SGA Constitutional Review Committee will have one (1) week to review the new organization’s proposed constitution.

a. A representative from the new organization must be present at the SGA Constitutional Review Committee meeting(s) if the Constitutional Review Chair or the Constitutional Review Committee at large deems it necessary.
b. It is recommended that the SGA Parliamentarian be present at the SGA Constitutional Review Committee meetings in accordance with Article IV, Section 8 of the Student Government Association Constitution.

3) After reviewing the new organization’s proposed constitution the SGA Constitutional Review Committee will suggest changes that must be made to the proposed constitution in order to gain SGA Constitutional Review Committee approval.

4) After receiving suggested changes from the SGA Constitutional Review Committee the new organization will have a maximum of two (2) weeks to make the suggested changes.

5) Once the suggested changes have been made the new organization must submit ten (10) copies of its proposed constitution to the SGA Constitutional Review Committee Chair.

6) After the SGA Constitutional Review Committee Chair receives the new organization’s amended constitution they will make a motion to approve and table the new organization’s constitution within one (1) week at the SGA Meeting.

7) The new organization’s proposed constitution will be tabled for one (1) week following the motion being made by the Constitutional Review Committee Chair to allow time for SGA members to read the proposed constitution.

8) After being tabled for one week the proposed constitution will be voted on by the SGA at large. Approval of the new organization’s constitution requires a simple majority (50% + 1).

a. A representative from the new organization must be present at this SGA meeting if the Constitutional Review Chair, the SGA President, or the Student Government Association at large deems it necessary.

9) If the SGA at large approves the proposed constitution the SGA Constitutional Review Chair will notify the new organization within one (1) week and inform it of any other steps necessary to register a new organization at Penn State Behrend. The SGA Constitutional Review Chair will then file the approved constitution in the SGA office.

a. The SGA at large may approve the proposed constitution with amendments.
b. If amendments are made the SGA Constitutional Review Chair will notify the new organization of these amendments.
c. Once notified the new organization will have two (2) weeks to make the necessary changes, gain organization approval, and submit three (3) copies of its approved constitution to the SGA Constitutional Review Chair for filing in the SGA office.

10) If the SGA at large defeats the proposed constitution the SGA Constitutional Review Chair will notify the new organization and will return the “New Club Proposal” form to the organization. Once the new organization has been notified and has received back its “New Club Proposal” form it may re-submit in accordance with Section 1 of New Club Constitution Policy and Procedure.

11) Appeals may be made by the new organization if its proposed constitution is passed with amendments or defeated. All appeals shall follow procedures set forth by the Pennsylvania State University’s current Policies and Rules for Student Organizations Handbook.



Councils


Article I
Council Name


Section 1 The councils that abide by these by-laws are Academic Council, Arts Council, Recreation Council, Service and Honors Council, and Student Life Council.

Section 2 The Interfraternity Council, Multi-Cultural Council, and Panhellenic Council abide by their own constitutions recognized by SGA.

Section 3 They shall be referred to as “the council” or “council”


Article II
Statement of Purpose

Section 1 The council shall serve as a liaison between the Student Government Association of Penn State Behrend and all registered student clubs that fall under that council.

Section 2 Each council shall serve under SGA as an advisory and support body for all registered clubs.

Section 3 The council shall assist in the development and communication among council clubs.


Article III
General Control

Section 1 The general control of this council shall be vested in the Student Government Association of Penn State Behrend.


Article IV
Membership

Section 1 Clubs in the council shall be determined by the Student
Government Association of Penn State Behrend.

Section 2 Clubs said to be in the council shall be known as council clubs.

Section 3 Membership should be limited in each council by the clubs that SGA appoints to it.

Section 4 Membership of the council shall consist of the executive council board: president, vice-president, secretary, and Council representative as well as one (1) representative from each member club and one (1) Student Government Association Senator.

Section 5 No club representative shall be permitted to sit on the council executive board.


Article V
Officers

Section 1 The executive council board shall be President, Vice-president, Secretary, and Council representative.

Section 2 The executive council board shall be elected by secret ballot at an election meeting during the Spring Semester.

Section 3 The election meeting shall take place at the same time as the Student
Government Association of Penn State Behrend’s elections between the 8th and the 14th week of the spring semester.

Section 4 The election meeting will be advertised at least two weeks prior to it taking place.

Section 5 Any registered student that shall be permitted to attend the election meeting. Each student at this election meeting shall have the power to nominate executive council board position(s).

Section 6 Each council club at the election meeting shall receive one (1) vote, regardless of how many members are in the Council club.

Section 7 The President of the Council will chair the election meeting unless s/he is running for re-election then the Student Government Association Senator Representative shall chair the election meeting.

Section 8 Officers shall serve for one academic year beginning on the first day after the end of the Spring Semester


Article VI
Executive Board

Section 1 The executive council board shall be defined as the President, Vice-president, Secretary, and Council representative.

Section 2 The executive council board will meet regularly to prepare for meetings.


Article VII
Officer Duties

Section 1 The President shall:
- Preside at all council meetings.
- Be responsible directly to the Student Government Association of Penn State Behrend
- Set dates and times for all council meetings, with the consent of members.
- Preside at all executive Council board meetings.
- Run all meetings by parliamentary procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order.
- Set the agenda for all meetings
- Attend Treasury Training.

Section 2 The Vice-president shall:
- Perform the duties of the president in their absence.
- Attend all council and executive Council board meetings.

Section 3 The Secretary shall:
- Attend and record the minutes at all council and executive Council board meetings.
- Type, duplicate, file, and distribute minutes to council members.
- Be in charge of all council documents.
- Keep attendance records for all council meetings.


Section 4 The Council Representative shall:
- Act as a liaison between the council and the Student Government Association of Penn State Behrend.
- Vote at the Student Government Association meetings.
- Support the council at all Student Government Association meetings.
- Attend all council, executive Council board, and Behrend Student Government Association meetings.
- Follow all guidelines set forth in the Student Government Association constitution regarding representatives.

Article VIII
Council Club Representatives

Section 1 All Council club representatives shall be elected by the club they are representing.

Section 2 Council club representatives shall act as a liaison between council and the club they represent.

Section 3 Council club representatives shall attend all council and club meetings.

Article IX
Student Government Association Senator Representative

Section 1 The Student Government Association Senator Representative shall be appointed by the Student Government Association of Penn State Behrend.

Section 2 The Student Government Association Senator Representative shall act as a member ex-officio to the council.

Section 3 The Student Government Association Senator Representative shall provide the council with policy and procedure guidance from the Student Government Association of Penn State Behrend.

Article X
Removal from Council

Section 1 Any member of the council may be removed from their office on the grounds of illegal activity, breach of the Council by-
laws, malfeasance of duty, or failure to comply with University Policy. A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of all voting
members at a specifically designated meeting is needed for removal.

Section 2 Any member of the Council may be removed for not attending three (3) or more Council meetings without an
approved excuse. The council executive board shall determine excused absences. Any appeal of this
decision shall be arbitrated by two-thirds (2/3) majority decision of the council. The member in question will be notified at
least one (1) week prior to the hearing and have the opportunity to defend themselves before the decision on removal.

Section 3 Council club representatives may be recalled and replaced by their respective clubs.

Section 4 The Student Government Association of Penn State Behrend may replace the SGA Senator representative in accordance with SGA’s constitution.

Section 5 Any member may resign from the council at any time and for any reason, provided that a written resignation is submitted to
the executive Council board.

Article XI
Vacancies in Council

Section 1 If the office of the President is vacated before elections, the Vice-President shall assume the role of President of the council and a new Vice-president shall be elected within two (2) weeks. An elections meeting shall be held in accordance with Article V Sections 4, 5, 6, and 7 to elect the new Vice-president.

Section 2 If the office of Vice-president, Secretary, or Council representative becomes vacant before elections, a new officer shall be elected within two (2) weeks. An elections meeting shall be held in accordance with Article V Sections 4, 5, 6, and 7 to elect the new Vice-president.

Section 3 If the office of Council club representative becomes vacant, a new Council club representative shall be elected within two (2) weeks by the club with the vacancy.

Section 4 If the office of the Student Government Association Senator Representative becomes vacant, a new SGA Senator representative shall be selected by appointed by the Student Government Association of Penn State Behrend.

Section 5 Persons elected to fill a vacancy shall take office one (1) week upon the announcement of election results.


Article XII
Voting Procedures

Section 1 For the conduction of business, quorum must be present (50% + 1).

Section 2 The President shall serve as a member ex-officio, except in the case of a tie. In this case, he/she is able to vote.

Section 3 The SGA Senator Representative shall serve as a member ex-officio.

Section 4 The Vice-President, Secretary, and Council club representative shall receive one (1) vote.


Article XIII
Meetings

Section 1 Council meetings will be held at least 26 times during an academic year.

Section 2 Executive Council board meetings will be held at least two (2) times per month during the Fall and Spring semesters.


Article XIV
Parliamentary Authority

Section 1 The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall be the parliamentary
authority for all matters of procedure not specifically defined or modified by these Council by-laws.

Article XV
Treasury

Section 1 The SGA Treasurer will act as the money holder and reporter to each of the Councils.

Section 2 At each SGA meeting, the Treasurer will report the financials of each Council.

Section 3 Each Council that follows the SGA by-laws will receive administrative and copy money as set by standards, without applying, through the SGA Budget process.