Article I – Name

The name of the organization shall be the Student Government Association of the Hazleton Campus of the Pennsylvania State University, herein referred to as SGA.

Article II - Purpose

Section 1:        To act as a liaison between the student body and the administration, faculty, and staff so that student opinions and attitudes, with respect to the Hazleton campus and the University can be presented the best way possible.
Section 2:        To provide an avenue for the legislation and regulation of non-academic and academic behavior of the students to better serve their needs while in attendance at the Hazleton campus of the Pennsylvania State University.
Section 3:        To create, maintain, and encourage community at Penn State Hazleton.
Section 4:        To encourage and coordinate all proper group functions and activities of Hazleton Elite Lion Programmers, herein referred to as HELP, and the entire student body.
Section 5:        To support and promote HazleTHON. THON is the philanthropy of the Student Government Association and shall be open to the student body for membership.
Section 6:        To support and promote all campus clubs and activities for the benefit of the student body.Staff

Article III – Senate Membership

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. 
The SGA Senate will be the primary legislative body of the SGA. Its membership shall be defined as follows:
Section 1: There will be no less than fifteen (15) and no more than thirty-three (33) members of Senate within the overall body of the SGA Senate. Ex-officio members do not satisfy the overall count of the Senate body.
Section 2: “Student” shall be defined as any full or part time person currently enrolled and registered at the Hazleton campus. 
Section 3: Students may obtain a Senate seat through any one of the following means:

1. Five (5) seats are given to the President, Vice-President, Head of Senate, Secretary, and the Treasurer of SGA. Herein, collectively, referred to as the Executive Board.

-The Executive Board shall meet at the President’s discretion. Any voting sessions that result in a tie shall be resolved by the Head of Senate.
B. Student elections may fill up thirty-three (33) Senate seats.
C. The President may nominate up to three (3) Ex-Officio Senate seats.
Section 4: Any Senate member must recite the oath below in order to be sworn into the Senate body:
I (State your name) do solemnly swear to uphold the responsibilities of the office of SGA (State your position). By accepting this responsibility, I promise to work actively and unselfishly to serve the students of the Pennsylvania State University at Hazleton. I further promise to conduct myself in accordance with the constitution of the Hazleton SGA, abide by the policies and procedures of the Pennsylvania State University, and the Constitution of the United States. These responsibilities I affirm with my personal integrity and loyalty to the welfare of the students of Hazleton and the Student Government Association. 

Article IV – Senators and Ex-Officio Members
Section 1: Senators
A. Senator will be a student elected position.
B. Senators are eligible to chair or hold membership in any committee, unless otherwise noted. 
C. Senators retain their Senate seat for the duration of their enrollment at the Hazleton campus; exceptions to this instance include registration, academics, impeachment, and removal from office. 
D. Senators must complete one (1) office hour a week.
E. Qualifications
1. Any student who has enrolled at the campus for two academic semesters must certify that he or she will remain enrolled at the Hazleton campus for the semester they plan to stand for election and the semester following election.
2. The minimum GPA requirement for the office of Senator is a cumulative (2.33).
Section 2: Ex-Officio Members
A. Ex-Officio Members can only be appointed by the President (up to three Ex-Officio members can be appointed by the President).
B. Ex-Officio members, who have served two consecutive semesters, will lose their status as an Ex-Officio member and will obtain Senator Membership at the last Senate meeting of the said second semester. 
C. Ex-Officio members must complete one (1) office hour a week.
D. Qualifications
1. Any student who has an interest and understanding of the Student Government Association and feels they can be an asset to the organization.
2. The minimum GPA requirement for the office of Ex-Officio is a cumulative (2.33).

Article V – Officers
Section 1: A member of Senate cannot hold two officer positions.
Section 2: President
A. The office of President will be a student elected position.
B. The President cannot chair or hold membership in any committee.
C. Qualifications
1. Any student who has at least second semester standing and has completed the semester directly preceding the presidential election is eligible to run for the office of President. 
2. The President must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of (2.5) throughout his or her term in office.  
3. Candidates for President must pledge to hold the office for two consecutive semesters.
4. The President may not hold an executive board position in any other club.
D. Powers and Responsibilities
1. The President may nominate up to three (3) Senate seats for confirmation in the event that the Senate is lacking a Senator with a specific skill. These nominees will be Ex-Officio members. 
2. The President will appoint the specified Officers and all committee chairs.  
3. The President has the power to veto any Senatorial vote with the exception of an impeachment vote or a vote to overturn an Executive Board decision. A Presidential veto can be overwritten by two-thirds (2/3) of the Senate.
4. The President will represent the Hazleton campus at all required CCSG meetings and will be a voting member. 
5. Conduct all necessary communications for the campus.
6. Approve the agenda for all General and Senate meetings.
7. Prepare an outline of goals and programs for the upcoming year to be presented during the first executive meeting. 
8. Actively pursue the discussion and involvement of the campus in issues of concern. Fulfillment of this duty should be accomplished through close cooperation and communication between the entire executive board, the Senate and the student body as a whole.
9. Complete two (2) office hours a week.
10. Review biweekly reports submitted by the executive board members and the chairs and respond to each accordingly. 
11. Organize and run biweekly meetings with the executive board members and the chairs. 
Section 3: Vice President
A. The office of Vice President will be a student elected position.
B. The Vice President cannot chair or hold membership in any committee, unless otherwise noted. 
C. Qualifications
1. Any student who has at least second semester standing and has completed the semester directly preceding the presidential election is eligible to run for the office of Vice President. 
2. The Vice President must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of (2.5) throughout his or her term. 
3. Candidates for Vice President must pledge to hold office for two semesters. 
4. The Vice President may not hold an executive board position in any other club.
D. Powers and Responsibilities 
1. In the event that the position of President becomes vacant, the Vice President is required to finish the term of the President and nominate a Vice President. 
2. The Vice President will work with the SGA Co-Advisor to organize all student events scheduled for Spring Week and all activities for Homecoming. If needed, a pro-team committee can be created to assist the Vice President.
3. The Vice President will preside over all HELP meetings. 
4. The Vice President will create an ANGEL group to keep open communication with all club presidents. 
5. Shall assist in the preparation of the agendas for all meetings. 
6. Shall head/serve on committees as the President may direct. 
7. Complete two (2) office hours a week.
8. Submit a biweekly report to the President. 
9. Attend biweekly meetings with the executive board and chairs. 
Section 4: Secretary
A. The SGA President will appoint a Senator to the office of Secretary.
B. The Secretary cannot chair or hold membership in any committee, unless otherwise noted.
C. Qualifications
1. Any Senator who has at least one semester standing is eligible to hold the office of Secretary.
2. The Secretary must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of (2.33) throughout his or her term in office.
D. Powers and Responsibilities
1. The Secretary will record all meeting minutes. All General and Senate meeting minutes must be made available to all Senate members and posted onto ANGEL 24 hours following a meeting.
2. The Secretary will record all absences and excuses and submit a written report to the Disciplinary Committee. 
3. The Secretary will maintain a record of officers of all clubs and organizations. 
4. The Secretary will prepare and distribute the agenda for all General and Senate meetings. 
5. The Secretary must notify all Senate members and candidates of their election or appointment within twenty-four (24) hours of the decision.
6. In the event the time, date, and/or location of any General or Senate meeting is changed, the Secretary must notify all corresponding members twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting. 
7. The Secretary must maintain historical records of all minutes, and make them available to the SGA Advisor.
8. The Secretary has the option of selecting an Assistant Secretary.
9. The Assistant Secretary shall be nominated respectfully by the Secretary to the SGA President and appointed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Executive Board.
10. Will carry out other duties as the President may direct.
11. Complete two (2) office hours a week.
12. Submit a biweekly report to the President. 
13. Attend biweekly meetings with the executive board and chairs. 
E. The Secretary has the option of appointing a Correspondence Secretary to share some of the powers and responsibilities. The Correspondence Secretary cannot record roll or submit the Secretary’s report to the Disciplinary Committee. 
Section 5: Treasurer
A. The SGA President with the consultation of the SGA Advisor will appoint a Senator to the office of Treasurer.
B. The Treasurer cannot chair or hold membership in any committee.
C. Qualifications
1. Any Senator who has at least one semester standing is eligible to hold the office of Treasurer.
2. The Treasurer must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of (2.33) throughout his or her term in office.
D. Powers and Responsibilities 
1. The Treasurer will work in accordance with the Financial Officer and will hold a meeting once a month.
2. The Treasurer will have an account balance available for every club and organization. Information within a club or organization’s account balance can only be disclosed to the executive board of the corresponding club or organization.
3. The Treasurer is responsible for making deposits into the SGA account and will have the SGA account balance available.
4. The Treasurer, in accordance with a co-advisor, is responsible for the disbursement of funds.
5. The Treasurer has the option of selecting an Assistant Treasurer.
6. The Assistant Treasurer shall be nominated respectfully by the Treasurer to the SGA President and appointed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Executive Board.
7. Complete two (2) office hours a week.
8. Submit a biweekly report to the President. 
9. Attend biweekly meetings with the executive board and chairs. 
E. In the event the Treasurer needs assistance recording and maintaining a club or organization’s deposit, the Treasurer can only appoint a temporary subordinate to assist the Treasurer.
Section 6: Head of Senate
A. The office of Head of Senate will be a Senate elected position.
B. The Head of Senate shall also be referred to as the Senate Chair. 
C. The Head of Senate cannot chair or hold membership in any committee, unless otherwise noted.
D. Qualifications
1. Nominees must be a Senator and must have at least second semester standing within SGA.
2. The Head of Senate must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of (2.33) throughout his or her term in office.
3. Nominees for Head of Senate must pledge to hold office for two consecutive semesters.
E. Powers and Responsibilities 
1. The Head of Senate will chair the Disciplinary Committee.
2. The Head of Senate has the power to vote, by secret ballot, in the event of a tie at a Senate meeting. The Head of Senate may vote to break the tie, but is not required to.
3. The Head of Senate can appoint a sergeant-at-arms at a Senate meeting to assist in preserving order as the Head of Senate may direct.
4. The Head of Senate will record all excuses and submit a report to the Disciplinary Committee.
5. Complete two (2) office hours a week.
6. Submit a biweekly report to the President. 
7. Attend biweekly meetings with the executive board and chairs. 
Section7: Webmaster 
A. The SGA President will appoint a Senator or an Ex-Officio member to the office of Webmaster.
B. Qualifications
1. Nominees must have knowledge of web design and basic computer skills.
2. The Webmaster must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of (2.33) throughout his or her term in office.
C. Powers and Responsibilities 
1. The Webmaster will maintain the SGA website.
2. The Webmaster must be able to work with ITS.
3. Complete one (1) office hour a week.
4. Submit a biweekly report to the President. 
5. Attend biweekly meetings with the executive board and chairs. 
Section 8: Public Relations Director
A. The SGA President will appoint a Senator or an Ex-Officio member to the office of Public Relations Director.
B. Qualifications
1. Nominees must be willing to work with all governing bodies and parties involved for the betterment of the campus and student body.
2. The Public Relations Director must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of (2.33) throughout his or her term in office. 
C. Powers and Responsibilities 
1. The Public Relations Director advertises events and activities run by SGA through all available media outlets.
2. The Public Relations Director will work in accordance with the Highacres Collegian and the Campus Public Relations Officer to publicize events and activities. 
3. The Public Relations Director will update the SGA bulletin boards as needed.
4. Complete one (1) office hour a week. 
Section 9: THON Chair(s)
A. At the end of the spring semester the newly elected SGA President will select the next years THON Chair under the advisement of the past years THON Chair. 
B. THON is the philanthropy of the Student Government Association and shall be open to the student body for membership.
C. The THON Chair(s) shall head THON in order to raise money for and promote the cause of the Inter Fraternity Council/Pan-Hellenic Dance Marathon and the Four Diamonds Fund.
D. Qualifications
1. The THON Chair(s) must be a driven individual whom is interested in the betterment of THON at our campus.  
2. The THON Chair(s) must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of (2.33) throughout his or her term in office.
E. Powers and Responsibilities
1. The THON Chair(s) is responsible for all duties set forth by the CCSG Dance Marathon committee. 
2. The THON Chair(s) or a THON Representative must be present at all CCSG meetings.
3. The THON Chair (s) is required to hold meetings in order to conduct business.
4. The THON Chair (s) or a THON Representative(s) must give a report at every Senate and General meeting during the officer reports. 
5. The THON Chair (s) is not obligated, but reserves the right to serve on a committee.
6. The THON Chair (s) is allotted a Senate seat.
7. Complete one (1) office hour a week.
8. Submit a biweekly report to the President. 
9. Attend biweekly meetings with the executive board and chairs. 
Section 10: Constitution Review Chair
A. The SGA President will appoint the Constitution Review Chair also known as the CRC.
B. Qualifications
1. The Constitutional Review Chair must be familiar with the Student Government Association Constitution.
2. The Constitution Review Chair must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of (2.33) throughout his or her term in office.
C. Powers and Responsibilities
1. The Constitutional Review Chair will be responsible for the maintenance of the SGA Constitution keeping it up to date with all rules and rule changes. 
2. The Constitutional Review Chair will also submit any necessary amendments or additions to the Constitution to be voted upon during Senate meetings.
3. The Constitution Review Chair is responsible for rendering the interpretation of the Constitution.
4. The Constitution Review Chair will also be present during the disciplinary committee hearing to interpret the Constitution; he or she will not be a voting member.
5. Complete one (1) office hour a week.
6. Submit a biweekly report to the President. 
7. Attend biweekly meetings with the executive board and chairs. 

Article VI – Election Procedures
Section 1: Student Elected Positions
A. General Procedures
1. Informative packets, including a questionnaire and petition, will be given to all potential candidates. Each candidate must return the completed packet to the Election Committee to begin campaigning. Candidates must be present when students sign their petition.
2. All candidates campaigning must abide by University Policy. Any candidate proven to have committed a slanderous act will be removed from the ballot immediately. 
3. All elections are to be conducted by an electronic ballot. 
4. Elections will occur on two (2) consecutive class days. Neither of these days shall be a Friday. 
5. The Director of Student Services and Engagement shall be the only individual with access to the electronic ballot information and results. Upon the close of the polls and a majority being reached it is at the discretion of the Director of Student Services and Engagement to announce the results to the campus.
6. A complaint on the conduct of an election must be made to the Election Committee within twenty-four (24) hours after the closing of the polls. After receiving the complaint, the Election Committee will meet and render a decision within forty-eight (48) hours of the complaint. 
7. All election results will be made public within 48 hours of the close of the polls.
B. President and Vice President 
1. The Presidential/Vice Presidential election will take place in the spring semester according to the following time line: 
a. During the fifth week, President and Vice President Elections will be announced at the General Meeting. The candidates for President and Vice President must run as a ticket.
b. Nominations will occur during the sixth and seventh week. Candidates for President and Vice President must be nominated. 
c. Nominations will close at the end of the General Meeting during the seventh week. All candidates will receive informative packets after this meeting. Each candidate is required to obtain 150 signatures from the student body and return the petition along with the questionnaire to the election committee. Once the packets are returned to the election committee candidates may start campaigning. Completed packets must be turned in before the debate. 
d. A debate will take place on the tenth week of the spring semester between all candidates. 
i. The Head of Senate will be the moderator. In the event the Head of Senate is a candidate, a non-candidate member of the Executive Board will become moderator. 
e. Elections will occur for two (2) consecutive class days during the eleventh week at times specified by the Elections Committee. 
f. After serving two semesters, the President and Vice President will be given Senator status, unless they have been re-elected individually. 
C. Senators 
1. The Election Committee must hold fall elections. The timeline for elections will be as follows:
a. During the first week of classes Senatorial will be announced.
b. Informative packets will be given to any interested students at the first general meeting during the second week of the fall semester. Packets will contain a petition to be signed by seventy-five (75) members of the student body. Once packets are returned to the Election Committee, students may campaign.
c. Elections will occur on two (2) consecutive class days during the fourth week of the fall semester. 
i. The Election Committee has the discretion to hold a Spring election if so deemed. This election will follow the same procedure as stated for the Fall semester. 
d. In the event that open positions for Senate do not acquire full interest-the Senate can choose to hold a within Senate election.
Section 2: Senate Elected Positions
A. General Procedures
1. During the election process, all nominees will temporarily lose voting power. After the election is complete, Senators will regain this power.
2. The sergeant-at-arms will escort nominees into and out of the room.
3. The presiding officer will be the moderator. The moderator cannot vote. 
4. All nominees will wait outside the Senate Meeting room.
5. Each nominee must give a brief speech to the Senate body. The Senate body will have the chance to question nominees after their speech. The moderator has the right to deem a question out of order. Questioning will be limited to ten (10) minutes. The nominee will then be dismissed, and the sergeant-at-arms will escort the next nominee in.
6. After all nominees have given their speeches and have gone through questioning, the nominees will return to the room and re-state their names in the order they gave their speeches. The nominees will then leave the room again. 
7. Through private ballots, each eligible Senate member must vote for one and only one nominee. Members of the Senate body impartial to the voting process will count the ballots. 
8. The nominee that receives a majority vote will win the election. If a majority vote is not received, the two nominees with the most votes and ties with them will carry on to a second ballot. This second ballot will follow the same rules as listed in number seven (7). In the event of a tie, the presiding officer must vote to break the tie. 
B. Head of Senate 
1. The Senate will accept nominations for Head of Senate at the second to last Senate Meeting of the spring semester.
2. Elections will occur at the last Senate Meeting of the spring semester.
3. In the event the Head of Senate is running for another term, the presiding officer next in line will become the moderator.
4. The new Head of Senate will take office at the first Senate Meeting of the new Executive Board.
Section 3: Appointed Officers
A. The appointed officers of the SGA will be the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, Secretary and the Assistant Secretary, Webmaster, Public Relations Chair, Constitution Review Chair, and THON Chair.
B. Qualifications
1. Any student who has been enrolled for more than one (1) semester at the Hazleton Campus shall be eligible for appointment by the President of SGA to any of these offices.
2. The Treasurer and Secretary shall be appointed by the SGA President and approved by the SGA Co-Advisors.
3. All SGA appointed officers are subject to the same rules and regulations as SGA elected officers, which also entails officers, as well as members, attend a MANDATORY minimum of two (2) CCSG conventions.
C. For specific description, qualifications, power and responsibilities, and information about each position, see Article V titled Officers. 

Article VII – Meetings and Office Hours 
Section 1: General Meetings
A. Shall be run by SGA President, in absence of President, run by the SGA Vice President.
B. Shall consist of the SGA Executive Board, all members of the SGA Senate and at least one representative from each SGA funded club or organization. 
C. The President and Vice President may not represent any club or organization (excluding HELP). Individuals may only represent one club or organization.
D. General Meetings shall consist of SGA committee reports, club and organization reports, Executive Board reports, as well as an open forum for input from members of the general assembly.
E. SGA General Meetings shall be open to the entire student body as well as the campus community.
F. General Meeting Agenda
1. The General Meeting Agenda shall reflect the following format:
a. Call to Order
b. Roll Call
c. Officer Reports
d. Committee Reports
e. Club Reports
f. Open Forum
g. Adjournment 
Section 2: Senate Meetings
A. Shall be run by the Head of Senate, in absence of the Head of Senate, run by the SGA President.
B. Senate Meetings will consist of the Executive Board, Senators, and Ex-Officio members.
C. Senate Meetings are not open to the general student body. It is at the discretion of Senate to open meetings to students.
D. Senate Agenda
1. The Senate Agenda shall reflect the following format:
a. Call to Order
b. Roll Call
c. Approval of Minutes
d. Officer Reports
e. Committee Breakouts
f. Committee Reports
g. Old Business
h. New Business
i. Open Forum
j. Adjournment
2. Items under New Business must be submitted to the Executive Board two (2) hours prior to any meeting.
Section 3: Office Hours
A. All persons holding a Senate seat must turn in their course schedule and office hour preferences to the Executive Board during the Senate Meeting after the Regular Drop/Add period ends.
B. Office Hours will be established by the second Senate Meeting after the Regular Drop/Add period ends. There will be no office hours the week before and during final exams.
C. All persons holding a senate seat must serve one hour per week in the SGA office.
D. All committee chairs and officers must serve an additional hour per week.
E. A maximum of two senate members may serve office hours at the same time.
F. In the event that a Senate member cannot attend his or her office hours, it is the responsibility of the individual to serve during another free time slot.
Section 4: Absences
Absence must be sent via e-mail to the Head of Senate by the start (12:00pm) of every meeting that will be missed, but can also be sent within 24 hours to be dismissed of absences of extenuating circumstances

Article VIII – Executive Board
Section 1: The Executive Board will consist of the following members:
A. President
B. Vice President
C. Secretary 
D. Treasurer
E. Head of Senate
Section 2: The Executive Board must meet on a biweekly basis with the chairs.
Section 3: The Executive Board is responsible for the organization of office hours and reserves the right to suspend office hours.
Section 4: The Executive Board is responsible for setting the date, time, and location of all Senate and General Meetings.
Section 5: Powers not delegated to any other body, nor prohibited by the Constitution, are reserved to the Executive Board.
Section 6: All five members of the Executive Board must be present to make decisions and the decision must be unanimous.
Section 7: The Executive Board must announce all decisions at the next Senate meeting and the Senate then has the power to overturn the decision by two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.

Article IX – Powers and Duties of SGA
Section 1: Senate shall have the power to do the following:
A. Institute all legislation regarding the welfare and action of all SGA members.
B. Control the SGA checking and savings account.
C. Define the course of action of the entire SGA in regards to University issues.
D. Senate shall regulate, in accordance with HELP, all club and organizations. Senate shall regulate club and organization expenditure and attendance at General Meetings.
1. Senate shall have the power to discipline registered clubs and organizations for not meeting respective duties.
2. A club president or designated club representative must be present at all weekly General Meetings. A report of club activity must be given at all General Meetings.
a. Offenses for missing meetings:
i. First offense – Warning will be given to the club. A first offense would be missing a General Meeting; to be excused of the absence the club must attend the next two General Meetings.
ii. Second offense – Funds for the club will become frozen in the result that they miss two consecutive meetings. A valid excuse can be given to the Head of Senate within 24 hours of a missed meeting. To obtain funding from the SGA after accounts have been frozen the club must attend the next four consecutive meetings.
iii. Third offense – The club will no longer be active for the rest of the current semester. For a club to become active again they must wait until the next semester and resubmit their Constitution.
E. Senate shall pass no legislation in the absence of quorum, unless authorized by an SGA Advisor.
F. Senate shall pass no precept contrary to University policy. This does not prohibit the passage of matter arguing a change in those policies.
G. Senate shall pass no precept contrary to federal, state, or local law. This does not prohibit the passage of matter arguing a change in those laws.
Section 2: Senate has duty to solicit and unconditionally represent the views of the student body at large.
Section 3: The Senate shall be responsible for implementation of any actions approved by the majority of the Senate.
Section 4: All members of Senate must follow the rules and guidelines set forth by the Disciplinary Committee.

Article X – Resignation, Impeachment, and Removal 
Section 1: Resignation
A. Should the SGA President resign during his or her term of office, the Vice President shall succeed the President for the remaining term of the Presidency. If the President and Vice President should both resign at once, the student body shall elect a new President and Vice President. 
B. Should any SGA Senator or Officer wish to resign, they must submit their resignation to the Secretary and a copy to one of the SGA Co-Advisors.
Section 2: Impeachment (Removal from SGA)
A. Procedures:
1. A Senate member may motion for impeachment. At the time, reason for motion must be stated.
2. The Head of Senate will determine a specified time of discussion. At this time, the impeached Senate member will have the opportunity to speak on his/her behalf.
3. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Senate is then required for removal from the Student Government Association.
4. Voting will be conducted by secret ballot.
Section 3: Removal from a Position
A. Two-thirds (2/3) vote of Senate may remove appointed officers and committee chairs and he/she shall revert to Senator status.
B. The SGA Co-Advisor may remove any Senate member for failing to meet their respective GPA requirements.

Article XI – Amendments and Ratifications
Section 1: Any member of Senate can propose an amendment to this Constitution.
A. Amendments to this Constitution must be proposed at one Senate Meeting, and cannot be voted on until the next Senate Meeting. 
B. The CRC chair must review all proposed amendments before Senate can approve them.
C. Amendments require two-thirds (2/3) vote of Senate.
Section 2: Only the CRC chair can propose a ratification of a new constitution.
A. Ratification of a new constitution must be proposed at one Senate meeting and cannot be voted on until the next Senate meeting.
B. The CRC chair must make the proposed constitution available to all Senate members at least five (5) days before it can be voted on.
C. During the five (5) day proposal period, an SGA Co-Advisor will analyze the proposed constitution to make sure it adherer to University policy as well as state and federal law.
D. Ratification of a new constitution requires two-third (2/3) vote of Senate. All Senate members must sign the new constitution.

Article XII – Co-Advisors
The Co-Advisors of the SGA shall be the current Director of Student and Services Engagement and the current Assistant to the Director of Student Affairs. The Co-Advisors shall be responsible for the adherence to this Constitution by all SGA members.

Article XIII – By-Laws
By-Law I – Rules of Order
Section 1         All Senate meetings will be run according to Robert’s Rules of Order, unless otherwise specified by the Constitution.
By-Law II – Quorum
Section 1         Two-thirds (2/3) of Senate must be present in order to obtain quorum. Quorum must be present in order for legislation to be passed. Unless authorized by an SGA advisor. 
By-Law III – Voting
Section 1         All members of Senate shall have a vote in Senate meetings except the Head of Senate, the President of SGA and those who fail to follow the guidelines of the Discipline Committee.
A. President of SGA has the power to veto a vote. Two-thirds (2/3) of Senate can overturn this veto.
B. The Head of Senate has the power to vote by secret ballot or in the event of a tie. The Head of Senate may vote to break or make the tie, but is not required to do so.
Section 2         All members of Senate shall have a vote in Senate meetings except the Head of Senate, the President of SGA and those who fail to follow the guidelines of the Discipline Committee.
By-Law IV – Interpretation
Section 1         If any questions arise due to interpretation of this Constitution, Senate may vote to clarify information or meaning presented in this Constitution. A two-thirds (2/3) majority is needed for any interpretation of this Constitution to be passed.
By-Law V – Committees
Section 1         The SGA will consist of five (5) standing committees, the chairs of these committees will be appointed by the SGA President. Sneators can only be placed into one committee, and committees must report at every General and Senate meeting. The committees are as follows: Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Disciplinary Committee, Governmental Affairs, and Diversity Affairs. 
A. Academic Affairs
1. The Academic Affairs Committee is responsible for all student concerns dealing with the professors and advisors.
2. The chair will be appointed by the SGA President.
3. The chair will work in accordance with the Director of Academic Affairs (DAA).
4. A representative of the Academic Affairs Committee must be present at all CCSG meetings.
5. The chair will submit a biweekly report to the President. 
6. The Chair will attend biweekly meetings with the executive board and chairs. 
B. Student Affairs
1. The Student Affairs Committee is responsible for improving the general extracurricular welfare of students, as well as improving relations between the students and Housing and Food Services.
2. The chair will be appointed by the SGA President.
3. A representative of the Student Affairs Committee must be present at all CCSG meetings.
4. The chair will submit a biweekly report to the President. 
5. The Chair will attend biweekly meetings with the executive board and chairs.
C. Disciplinary Committee
1. The Disciplinary Committee is the judicial system of the SGA.
2. The members will consist of the Head of Senate, Vice President, and three (3) chosen Senators as well as the non-voting CRC to interpret the SGA Constitution.
3. All persons who hold a seat in Senate; Executive Board members, Senators, and Ex-Officio members, are subject to the rules and guidelines of the disciplinary committee.
4. All persons who hold a seat in Senate are required to attend all Senate meetings, General meetings, and office hours. Failure to do so will result in accumulated absences.
A. Both Senate and General meetings will count as one (1) absence while office hours will count as half (1/2) of an absence. 
B. Tardiness to a Senate meeting will result in the loss of voting privileges; one must be present by first (1st) role call.
5. After two absences, a warning from the Disciplinary Committee will be sent to confirm two (2) unexcused absences. After four (4) absences are accumulated, the offender will meet with the Disciplinary Committee in a formal setting to elaborate on their absences and to discuss the possible termination from their position. 
6. Absences can be excused if the Disciplinary Committee is notified of the extenuating circumstances twenty-four hours within the absence. 
Extenuating circumstances will be defined as follows:
a. Any absence approved by a majority of the Disciplinary Committee.
D. Governmental Affairs 
1. The Governmental Affairs Committee is responsible for maintaining communication with the legislature, Grassroots Network, as well as local legislatures.
2. The chair will be appointed by the SGA President.
3. The chair will submit a biweekly report to the President. 
4. The Chair will attend biweekly meetings with the executive board and chairs.
5. A representative of the Governmental Affairs Committee must be present at all CCSG meetings.
A. The chair will be responsible for all duties stated by the overall chair at CCSG.
E. Student Life
1. The Student Life Committee is responsible for all student concerns dealing with campus diversity, judicial affairs, drug and alcohol affairs, and student involvement.
2. The chair and committee members will work in accordance with the Multicultural Council, Allies, and Highacres Christian Fellowship.
3. The chair will submit a biweekly report to the President. 
4. The Chair will attend biweekly meetings with the executive board and chairs.
Section 2         Senate has the discretion to gather committees. There will be consistently non-standing committees that meet at their appropriate times; they are as follows:
A. Election Committee
1. The Election Committee will be responsible for holding Senate elections for President, Vice President, and Senators in accordance with the SGA Constitution.
2. The chair will be appointed by the SGA President.
3. All tallying of votes after each election will be kept confidential.
B. Spring Week
1. The Spring Week Committee is responsible for the overseeing of all events scheduled during the week.
2. The overall chair will be the Vice President of SGA. He or she will be responsible for appointing each day chair and assigning all Senate members to a specific day chair. 
3. The day chair will be responsible for planning SGA events as well as coordinating all club events on their specific day.
4. All clubs will be responsible for planning an event during Spring Week.
C. Constitution Review Committee
1. The Constitution Review Chair (CRC) reviews the current Constitution and proposes changes to Senate.
2. CRC will be headed by a chair appointed by the President of the SGA.
3. Amendments to the Constitution must be approved by a two thirds (2/3) majority vote by Senate.
By-Law VI – H.E.L.P.
Section 1         The Hazleton Elite Lion Programmers (HELP) is comprised of a representative from each club. This council coordinates campus events between all organizations.
Section 2         Meetings shall be held every month at or the discretion of the Vice President.
Section 3         Each attending member may only represent one club. In the event that a club is absent from two meetings within a semester, the club’s funding will be frozen for the remainder of the semester.
By-Law VII – Council of Commonwealth Student Governments
The Council of Commonwealth Student Governments, herein referred to as CCSG, is the
collective legislative body of the Commonwealth education system.
Section 1         CCSG meetings will occur during the Fall and Spring semesters. It is mandatory that there is representation from Hazleton Senate at these meetings.
A. All members of SGA are required to attend a MANDATORY minimum of one (1) CCSG meeting.
Section 2         The President and Vice President will sit on Council at each CCSG meeting. Both of these individuals will have a vote on Council.
A. In the event that the President is absent from the meeting an upperclassman member of Hazleton Senate may be a proxy to fill that seat.
B. In the event that the Vice President is absent from the meeting an upperclassman member of Hazleton Senate may be a proxy to fill that seat.
Section 3         Representation is mandatory for CCSG committees. The committees that request representations are: Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Governmental Affairs, Student Life and THON.
By-Law VIII – Duties of Clubs
Section 1         For a club to receive University funding they must abide by all duties and responsibilities set forth in this Constitution.
Section 2         All clubs must have a representation at all General meeting. The representative will provide a club report including all club activities. 
Section 3         All club must abide by their respective constitutions, the constitution of SGA, state and federal law, and university policy. Failure to do so will result in actions taken by the Senate.
Section 4         All club presidents must attend all H.E.L.P. and all SGA General meetings. If the president is not available, a representative must be a proxy. Failure to do so will result in actions taken by the Vice President of SGA.
Section 5         All club presidents must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.33. 
Section 6         Certain clubs are required to have office space; they are: Allies, H.E.L.P., Lion Ambassadors, MCC, PSEA, Rotaract, THON, Blue & White. Any other club requesting office space must petition Senate and the Vice President of SGA.
Section 7         Each club is required to assist/organize three (3) events, and one (1) community service event/project.
A. Spring Week assistance may be considered and counted as one (1) of the three (3) events to be had/done by clubs.

 

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