Student Government Association Constitution

This Student Government Association, deriving its full power from the student body of the Stella and Charles Guttman Community College at The City University of New York, shall be held responsible to, and represent that body to the fullest extent of this Constitution. Therefore, the Student Government Association is the officially recognized, democratically elected student representation of all the registered Guttman Community College students.

The name of this organization shall be the Student Government Association of the Stella and Charles Guttman Community College at The City University of New York, hereinafter referred to as SGA.

All registered students at the Stella and Charles Guttman Community College shall be considered constituents of the SGA and shall have the right to participate in all elections and referenda held under the provision of this constitution.

On behalf of all the students at the Stella and Charles Guttman Community College and in accordance with the stipulations of this Constitution and the Bylaws of The City University of New York, the SGA shall perform the following duties:

• Motivate students to create a community through programs and events/activities.
• Represent and advocate for students through GCC committees, Academic Integrity Committee (AIC), Student Technology Fee Committee, Student Services Committee, Strategic Planning & Budget Committee, Sexual Harassment/Title IX Subcommittee, Legislative Committee, Information Commons Task Force, IC Facilities Sub Group, Faculty-Student Disciplinary Committee (FSDC), Curriculum Committee, College Council, Association Board, AEC Budget Committee, AEC– Auxiliary Enterprises Committee, holding town hall meetings and communicating to faculty, staff and administration.
• Charter, develop, fund, and maintain clubs.
• Practice transparent and honest communication.
• SGA members must commit to at least 10 hours a week during Fall 1 and Spring 1; at least 5 hours a week during Fall 2 and Spring 2.
• Maintain SGA by establishing eligibility criteria consistent with Board of Trustees Student Leadership eligibility guidelines, creating an election process, instituting duties of officers, holding meetings, upholding constitution and establishing an impeachment process which includes succession provisions.

The duties of the SGA shall be executed by an elected body, consisting of Senators and four (4) Executive Officers, who are annually elected by the general student population of Guttman Community College each spring semester.

SECTION I: EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Executive Officers shall include the President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary, who together comprise the Executive Committee.

President

In addition to the powers granted elsewhere in the constitution, the President shall:

• Convene and preside at General Meetings of the SGA and its Executive Committee;
• Serve as a delegate to the GCC College Council;
• Serve as the first delegate to the University Student Senate (USS);
• Serve on the Auxiliary Enterprises Committee with the rights and privileges of a voting member;
• Review, approve and sign disbursements and expenditures of the SGA;
• Report to the SGA on matters of campus and university concern and policy changes;
• Assume such other responsibilities as deemed necessary by the SGA;
• Assign members to the various SGA committees and ad hoc committees.

Vice President

In addition to the powers granted elsewhere in the constitution, the Vice President shall:

• Attend and vote at General and Special meetings of the SGA;
• Serve as a delegate to the GCC College Council and Curriculum Committee;
• Serves as the second delegate to the University Student Senate (USS);
• Serve as chair of the Clubs and Programs Committee;
• Assist the President in overseeing SGA responsibilities;
• Assume the duties of the President in the event the President is absent;
• Assume such other responsibilities as deemed necessary by the SGA;
• When there is a vacancy in the office of the SGA President, whether because of impeachment or resignation, the Vice President shall assume all responsibilities, obligations, rights and privileges inherent in the post of the SGA President;
• The Vice President shall renounce their post and assume the functions of the SGA President if this post becomes vacant.

Treasurer

In addition to the powers granted elsewhere in the constitution, the Treasurer shall:

• Attend and vote at General and Special meetings of the SGA;
• Serve as chair of the Finance Committee;
• Review and sign disbursements and expenditures of the SGA;
• Authorize fiscal expenditures approved by the SGA;
• Maintain the financial records of the SGA;
• Present full financial reports at each General Meeting;
• Assume such other responsibilities as deemed necessary by the SGA.

Secretary

In addition to the powers granted elsewhere in the constitution, the Secretary shall:

• Attend and vote at General and Special meetings of the SGA;
• Serve as chair of the Student and Academic Affairs Committee;
• Post the Executive Committee and General Meeting times for each semesters;
• Maintain minutes of General, Executive Committee, and Special Meetings;
• Present minutes for approval within 7 days after each General, Executive Committee, and Special Meeting in electronic format to all members of SGA;
• Post minutes of General and Special Meetings of the SGA upon approval;
• Keep a record of SGA members office hours;
• Assume such other responsibilities as deemed necessary by the SGA.

Senators

The number of elected Senators shall be determined according to the total number of registered students as of the census each spring semester. If the number of registered students is less than 500, there shall be a total of four (4) elected Senators. If the number of registered students is between 500 and 1,000, there shall be a total of six (6) elected Senators. If the number of registered students exceeds 1,000, there shall be an additional elected Senator for every five hundred 500 students.

Duties of Senators

In addition to the powers granted elsewhere in the constitution, the Senators shall:

• Serve as a permanent member of one Standing Committee of the SGA;
• Attend and vote at General and Special meetings of the SGA;
• Reporting on their initiatives and tasks at the General Meeting;
• Use office hours to work on other tasks or assignments, however, priority must be given to students seeking assistance;
• Schedule office hours to be present in the SGA office, at events or committee meetings;
• Assume such other responsibilities as deemed necessary by the SGA.

SECTION II: COMMITTEES

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall be composed of the President as Chair, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary and shall be responsible for:

• Creating and circulating the agenda for all general and special Meetings;
• Calling special meetings;
• Mediating conflicts internal to the SGA, its members and student organizations.

Standing Committees

Each Standing Committee shall include as members a Chair, a permanent Senator, and other elected members of the SGA, as set forth below. Rotating members in attendance at Standing Committee meetings shall have the same rights as permanent committee members, including but not limited to voting. In the event that a permanent Senator steps down or is removed from office, a new permanent senator shall be assigned by the Executive Committee. Standing Committees shall be expected to meet, at minimum, bi-monthly.

Student and Academic Affairs Committee

The Student and Academic Affairs Committee is composed of the Secretary as Chair, a permanent Senator, and at least one other elected official and shall be responsible for:

• Holding Town Hall Meetings to address student concerns and discuss SGA initiatives;
• Meeting regularly with College faculty, staff and administrators to discuss student concerns and other matters;
• Performing other such duties as deemed necessary by the SGA.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is composed of the Treasurer as Chair, a permanent Senator and at least one other elected official and shall be responsible for:

• Proposing an annual budget for approval by the SGA at the last General Meeting of the Spring 1 semester;
• Proposing allocations of funds for clubs and SGA programs for approval by the SGA;
• Deliberating on appeals of funding allocations and making recommendations on such appeals for approval by the SGA;
• Collaborating with the Clubs and Programs Committee on budgetary decisions regarding clubs and SGA programs;
• Working with the Clubs and Programs Committee to draft and submit proposals to USS /College/University for supplemental funding for large events or programs.
• Performing other such duties as deemed necessary by the SGA.

Clubs and Programs Committee

The Club and Programs committee is composed of Vice President as Chair, permanent Senator, and at least one other elected official and shall be responsible for:

• Planning and executing SGA events and programs to benefit the students of the Stella and Charles Guttman Community College;
• Reviewing applications for clubs to be chartered and proposing such club charters for approval by the SGA;
• Supporting and developing clubs through regular communication with club leaders;
• Performing other such duties as deemed necessary by the SGA;
• Working with the Finance Committee to draft and submit proposals to USS/College/University for supplementary funding for large events or programs.

SECTION I: GENERAL MEETINGS

• The SGA shall hold General Meetings on a monthly basis. All meeting shall be open to the public. (The recommendation is that SGA hold weekly meetings)
• All meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.
• All elected members of the SGA have the power to vote, with the exception of the President or acting President. The President or acting President shall have the power to vote only as a tiebreaker.
• A quorum defined as a majority of the members shall be required in order for the SGA to conduct business at General Meetings.
• Except as otherwise provided herein, a majority vote of members is required to take action on a matter under consideration.
• By majority vote of the members, a portion of a General Meeting can be conducted as a closed session, which remains open only to elected members and invited guests.
• SGA meetings are mandatory for all members of the Executive Committee and Senators.

SECTION II: SPECIAL MEETINGS (Meetings called to handle emergency concerns/situations where action by the SGA is deemed necessary)

2.1 The Executive Committee shall have the authority to convene Special Meetings of the SGA.

2.2 Special Meetings shall be conducted according to the same procedures and rules as General Meetings.

SECTION III: STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS

3.1. Standing Committee meetings shall be open to the public. Non-elected students are encouraged to attend and contribute to discussions.

3.2. At least three (3) SGA members must be present, including the Chair of the Committee and the permanent Senator, in order for a Standing Committee to conduct business.

3.3. Only elected members of the SGA shall have the right to vote at Standing Committee meetings.

3.4. Standing Committees shall report all decisions to the SGA for approval and further action.

SECTION IV: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS

4.1. Executive Committee meetings shall be closed to the public.

4.2. The Executive Committee shall meet at least once per month. (The recommendation is that Executive Committee hold weekly meetings)

4.3. A quorum defined as the President and two (2) other elected officers must be present and a majority vote of the executive committee is needed in order for the Executive Committee to conduct business.

SECTION I: QUALIFICATIONS

1.1 To serve on the SGA, candidates must be enrolled for at least nine (9) credits at GCC and available to attend all General and Special Meetings.

1.2 Candidates for Senator positions must have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.7

1.3 Candidates for Executive Officer positions need a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

1.4 Elected members must maintain their requisite minimum GPA to remain in their position. Members who fail to hold the required GPA will be asked to step down/removed from position.

1.5 No elected SGA members shall hold an executive officer position in any other GCC club or organization.

SECTION II: TERM OF OFFICE

2.1 Term of office begins July 1^st and ends June 31^st of the following year.

2.2 Elected SGA member may serve more than one term of office, consistent with BOT Guidelines on Student Leadership eligibility.

SECTION III: ELECTION PROCESS

3.1 Elections occur in April each year and must conclude as close to April 30 as possible.

3.2 Candidates for office must file their candidacy on official forms provided by Office of Student Leadership and Campus Life.

3.3 Election rules and procedures shall be governed by the Student Elections Review Committee (SERC).

SECTION IV: VACANCIES

4.1 In the event a Senator position becomes vacant during the year, the SGA shall elect a replacement from the student population at General or Special Meeting.

4.2 Vacancies shall be publicly announced two weeks prior to the date of the next General or Special Meeting.

4.3 Candidates shall self-nominate using an official form provided by the Office of Student Leadership and Campus Life and shall be invited to present their candidacy at a General or Special Meeting. SERC shall set rules on debate/presentation and shall oversee the election process.

4.4 A majority of the elected members of the SGA shall be required to elect a replacement Senator or Executive Officer.

SECTION I: GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION OR IMPEACHMENT

Grounds for raising a motion for disciplinary action or impeachment shall include:

1.1 Serious misconduct, negligence or repeated and ongoing failure to perform official duties.

1.2 Misappropriation of funds, vandalism, or intentional misuse of SGA, college property or property belonging to another.

1.3 Violation of Student Code of Conduct, Community Standards and GCC policies including but not limited to plagiarism, gambling, drinking, and consumption of illegal drugs while on college premises.

1.4 Willful or reckless violation of any provision of this Constitution.

1.5 More than three excused/unexcused absences from regularly scheduled General/Executive Committee meetings. (if applicable)

SECTION II: DISCIPLINARY AND IMPEACHMENT PROCESS

2.1 Any elected member can raise a motion for disciplinary action or impeachment at a General or Special SGA Meeting. Motions for disciplinary action or impeachment shall be made in writing to the Director of Student Leadership & Campus Life.

2.1a The elected SGA member whom disciplinary action or impeachment was raised against must receive written notice one week prior to the commencement of the disciplinary and impeachment process.

2.2 After the notice is delivered and motion is raised, a Special Meeting shall be called within one week. This meeting shall consist of an investigation of the allegations and shall be closed to the public. The Dean of Student Engagement shall oversee the investigation.

2.3 Decisions and further actions on motions for disciplinary action or impeachment must be agreed upon by a majority vote of the members of the SGA. The decision rendered shall take effect upon conclusion of the vote.

2.4 The decision shall be announced at the following General SGA Meeting.

2.5 In the event of a removal of office an appeal may be submitted in writing, to the Director of Student Leadership & Campus Life within two weeks of the decision. The Director, in conjunction with the Dean of Student Engagement shall have the responsibility to recommend review or dismissal of the appeal. Appeals shall be considered at closed Special Meetings of the SGA.

SECTION III: ABSENCES

3.1 Unexcused Absences

3.1a SGA members shall be allowed two unexcused absences from General Body meetings each semester. A third unexcused absence shall be considered valid grounds for removal from office.

3.1b SGA Executive Officers shall be allowed two unexcused absences from Executive Committee meetings. A third unexcused absence shall be considered valid grounds for removal from office.

3.2 Excused Absences

3.2a SGA members shall be allowed two excused absence from General Body meetings each semester. A third excused absence shall be considered valid grounds for removal from office.

3.2b SGA Executive Officers shall be allowed two excused absences from Executive Committee meetings. A third excused absence shall be considered valid grounds for removal from office.

3.3 The Executive Committee may retroactively excuse an absence, provided the absent member makes contact as soon as reasonably possible.

3.4 In an emergency, SGA members shall be allowed to attend the meeting through electronic means. (Zoom, Skype, Google chat, Cell Phone, etc)

3.4a This will not be counted as an absence. This is a one-time allowance.

Amendments to this constitution must be proposed and adopted in accordance with referendum procedures prescribed by the By-Law of the Board of Trustees of the City University of New York and the Governance Charter of Stella and Charles Guttman Community College.

Any Guttman student organization chartered by the SGA must have Bylaws consistent with this constitution, the student code of conduct, or any other existing policies of the office of Student Leadership and Campus Life or Guttman Community College.

SECTION I:
1. The Director of Student Leadership is the staff advisor, as assigned by the President of the College, to the Student Government Association.
2. A faculty advisor shall be selected by the membership of the SGA
3. The faculty advisor shall serve a one (1) year term and must be reappointed on an annual basis
4. The faculty advisor shall be familiar with Guttman Community College’s Student Code of Conduct, this Constitution, and the Bylaws (if any) of the advised organization.

The Student Government Association of the Stella and Charles Guttman Community College at the City University of New York agrees to abide by the policies of the City University of New York (CUNY), the Charles and Stella Guttman Community College (GCC), as well as all federal, state and local laws. Any changes to this constitution and/or bylaws will follow, in word and spirit, all CUNY and GCC policies and all federal, state and local laws.