| For specific
questions or if you are interested in joining the
Constitution Committee,
contact
Ryan Carman
Voting
The usual method of taking a vote is viva voce
(by the voice). A simple "yay" or "nay."
The other methods of voting are by rising, by ballot, by
roll call, and by general consent.
If the chair is unsure of the count by one method, she
may choose another.
Abstentions: It is the duty of every member who
has an opinion on the question to express it by voting.
If a senator chooses to abstain from voting, it must be
with the knowledge that the effect is the same
as if they voted on the prevailing side.
Quorum
The SGA constitution defines a quorum as two-thirds
of the elected Senators or their substitutes.
In order for any question to be considered, 2/3 of the
elected Senators and Senator substitutes must be
present.
The only business that can be transacted
without a quorum is to take measures to obtain a quorum.
Senator Attendance
Absences are excused only in two cases: if the senator
must attend a class, or if the senator sends a
substitute in their place.
After two unexcused absences, senators will be replaced.
Communication with the executive officers can only help.
Recognized Organizations
"Each student of the Institute shall be
eligible for membership in any recognized organization
receiving Student Government Association funds."
Other requirements for funds: Constitution, faculty
advisor, approved by the SAC
The procedure for SGA recognition is as follows:
After being approved by the SAC the organization
must wait one full academic quarter before it can
come before Student Senate to gain probationary
status.
Probationary status will then be
granted with a majority vote by the senate.
Probationary organizations may ask
for full recognition after a two quarter
probationary status period.
While on probationary status the
organization must find a senator willing to be their
club “sponsor”.
For a student organization on
probationary status to gain full recognition of the
Student Government Association, it must receive a
two-thirds vote of the Student Senate.
A student organization shall be
required to submit a budget for the two quarter
probationary period.
A probationary club must request
full recognition no more than two quarters after its two
quarter probationary period has passed.
Any student organization seeking
probationary club status may only be voted on for
probationary club status by the senate two times within
one academic year.
Ineligible Organizations
"Church affiliated religious organizations, social and
service fraternities, professional organizations,
residence hall organizations, and honor societies are
ineligible for Student Senate approval." - Article 4,
Section 3.D of the SGA constitution
Limiting Debate
Take note of the limiting debate motion, it can
be useful in forcing the body to stay focused and
productive by imposing a maximum time that should be
spent on a given topic.
Finance Committee Recommendations
When the finance committee makes a recommendation it
should be taken as a well informed, well researched
suggestion. The senate is still obliged to consider
arguments made by club representatives.
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