Student Government Constitution

Constitution of the MCC Student Government Association

PREAMBLE

We, the students of Mayland Community College, in order to promote a spirit of cooperation among students, faculty, and staff; to coordinate and regulate student activities; to provide balanced programming in the areas of educational and cultural events, entertainment, recreation, and service to the school and community; to develop good citizens through experience in a representative type government, and to serve as the official voice of the student body, do hereby establish the Student Government Association of Mayland Community College.

 

ARTICLE I

NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION

The name of this organization shall be known as the Student Government Association of Mayland Community College.

 

ARTICLE II

MISSION STATEMENT AND PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION

A.        The mission of the Mayland Community College Student Government Association shall be to provide for the common welfare of MCC Students a sense of unity of purpose, an opportunity for social involvement, representation on college committees, and an opportunity for community service. 

B.        The purpose of this organization shall be as follows:

l.          To represent the needs and concerns of the students of Mayland Community College to those administrative and legislative bodies who are entrusted with the welfare of the students, according to the decrees of this constitution and its Operational Guidelines.

2.         To provide opportunities for the development of the individual student through communication, the exchange of ideas, resource development, leadership training, fellowship, and the establishment of excellence in all aspects of student government life.

ARTICLE III

MEMBERSHIP

A.        Curriculum students who are regularly enrolled at Mayland Community College shall be entitled to membership in the organization.  As active members, students are entitled to vote in all Student Government Association matters that affect them. 

B.        Students establish active membership in this organization by regularly attending meetings
and participating in all activities and committees of the Student Government Association.

C.        Any member who does not adhere to Section B of this Article is subject to either censure,             exclusion, or any other measure that the Executive Council deems necessary.

D.        The MCCSGA accepts members regardless of race, sex, creed, religion, national origin,     age, or physical ability.

E.         Each member shall uphold the Constitution of the MCCSGA and follow the policies and
guidelines set forth in the MCCSGA Operational Guidelines.

F.         It is the responsibility of the members to uphold the MCCSGA Constitution and adhere to             the MCCSGA Operational Guidelines.

 

ARTICLE IV

EMPOWERMENT

This organization is empowered by the authority of the student membership of the MCCSGA.

 

ARTICLE V

ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT

The Student Government Association is accountable to the Vice President of Student Development and to any faculty or staff member who serves as advisors to the organization.  The Vice President of Student Development and the SGA Advisors will be responsible for signing all requisitions and correspondence to the outside communities as well as authorizing planned events or referring officers to appropriate administrators for authorization.

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI

ROLE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT OF STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ADVISORS

A.        The Vice President is responsible for oversight and supervision of the MCCSGA and all   other student organizations according to Mayland Community College Board of
Trustees’ Policy and the Constitution and Operational Guidelines of MCCSGA.  His/her term will be indefinite, as long as the position exists under the Student Development branch of Mayland Community College.

B.        The Advisors will be responsible for assisting the MCCSGA in the day to day operations according to the Constitution and the Operational Guidelines.  Advisors will be appointed by the Vice President of Student Development and the Vice President of Instructional Services.  Membership in the Advisory Council may be an extended number of years for one advisor and a two-year term for the second advisor.

 

ARTICLE VII

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

A.        The MCCSGA Executive Council shall consist of seven officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, Public Information Officer, and Night Coordinator).  These officers shall conduct the day-to-day operations of the SGA.

B.        The six elected officers of the MCCSGA shall be elected by the active local institutional membership during the spring semester.  The Parliamentarian shall be nominated by the President after the spring elections and be subject to two-thirds consent of the first Student Senate meeting after the presidential elections.

C.        At the next business meeting after elections, the newly elected officers of the Executive
Council will take the oath of office and be inducted by the outgoing President.  The Parliamentarian will take the oath of office and be inducted by the new President after his/her appointment by the Executive Council and Student Senate.

D.        The term of office for the new officers shall begin at the time of induction and expire on the date that new officers are inducted after the following spring elections.

            The responsibilities of the Executive Council are:

            1.         To present proposed revisions of the budget to the Finance Committee and Vice
President of Student Development.
2.         To authorize and approve all publications of the organization.
3.         To confirm any appointments of the MCCSGA President for any vacancies of the            
Executive Council by consent of two-thirds of the MCCSGA Executive Council
membership.
4.         To inform the student body of any Executive Council office vacancy within ten
days of receipt of official vacancy notification.
5.         To confirm the appointments of the MCCSGA President for any chair of ad hoc
committees by consent of two-thirds of the MCCSGA Executive Council membership.
6.         To conduct business meetings for the MCCSGA as necessary.
7.         To submit a report of business to Senators within ten days after each Executive Council meeting.
8.         To assist the newly elected council members during orientation and transition.
9.         To initiate projects and programs deemed necessary for the welfare of the organization in keeping with the mission and the purpose of the MCCSGA.
10.       To review and rule on charges of censure, impeachment, and exclusion in the presence of MCCSGA Advisors
11.       To approve proposed changes in the MCCSGA Operational Guidelines in the presence of the MCCSGA Advisors and two-thirds majority of the MCCSGA
Executive Council membership.
12.       To maintain requirements for holding Executive Council office as set forth in the
MCCSGA Operational Guidelines during each semester of enrollment during the term of office.  (During each semester of service as a member of the MCCSGA
Executive Council, it is the responsibility of the council member to provide written verification from the MCC registrar to verify the status of the council members.)  All documentation regarding the status of the members of the Executive Council shall be provided to the MCCSGA Parliamentarian within thirty days of the academic term of the institution.

 

ARTICLE VIII

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

A.  The MCCSGA President has the following duties and authorities:

            1.         To serve as chief executive officer of the organization.
2.         To call and preside at all meetings of the Student Senate and the Executive
Council in a non-voting capacity with the sole exception of casting his/her
vote to break a tie.
3.         To call and preside at meetings of the SGA that are deemed necessary by the
Student Senate.
4.         To appoint, with the advice and two-thirds consent of the Student Senate, all
chairs of the standing and ad hoc committees.
5.         To represent the Student Body in institutional decision making as an ex-officio
member of the Board of Trustees.
6.         To represent the SGA at all public functions.
7.         To perform the business functions of the office of the President as indicated in
the Constitution and Operational Guidelines.
8.         To notify the student body within ten days when a vacancy occurs within the
Executive Council; and to appoint with the consent of two-thirds of the MCCSGA           Executive Council, all persons to fill the unexpired terms.
9.         To serve as an ex-officio member of all committees, to receive reports from all meetings, and to have a working knowledge of all committee activities.
10.       To fulfill any duties as delegated by the MCCSGA Executive Council.
11.       To be enrolled at MCC for a period not less than his/her term of office, to be
enrolled for six credit hours or more, and to maintain a 3.0 or better GPA.

B.        The Vice President of the MCCSGA has the following duties and authorities:

            1.         To assume the responsibilities of the President should the President, for any
reason, be unable to meet the duties of office.
2.         To assist the President in the administration of his/her duties, as needed.
3.         To fulfill any duties as delegated by the MCCSGA Executive Council.
4.         To serve as a voting member of the MCCSGA Executive Council.
5.         To Chair the Activity Committee and to develop an Activity Schedule of the
MCCSGA for the approval of the MCCSGA Executive Council.
6.         To perform the business functions of the office of the Vice President as
indicated in the MCCSGA Operational Guidelines.
7.         To serve as an ex-officio member of all standing committees.
8.         To be enrolled at MCC for a period not less than his/her term of office, to
be enrolled for six credit hours or more, and to maintain a 3.0 or better GPA.

C.        The Secretary of the MCCSGA has the following duties and authorities:

1.         To assist the Vice President in maintaining the permanent records of the MCCSGA.
2.         To serve as recorder for the MCCSGA Executive Council, and to distribute
the meeting minutes within ten days after scheduled meetings to the Executive
Council members, the Vice President of Student Development, the Advisors, and the Student Senate.
3.         To serve as an ex-officio member of the Rules / Constitution committee.
4          To serve as a voting member of the MCCSGA Executive Council.
5.         To maintain the correspondence of the MCCSGA.
6.         To perform the business functions of the office of the Secretary as indicated
in the MCCSGA Operational Guidelines.
7.         To be enrolled at MCC for a period not less than his/her term of office, to be enrolled for six credits hours or more, and to maintain a 2.5 or better GPA.

D.        The Treasurer of the MCCSGA has the following duties and authorities:

            1.         To maintain as a public record, an accurate account of all organization funds
and to maintain all financial correspondence of the organization.
2.         To prepare within the Finance Committee a Budget of projected Revenues and
Expenditures for the fiscal year of the MCCSGA.  The Budget shall be forwarded from the Finance Committee to the Executive Council for its approval and then to the Vice President of Student Development and Advisors for final approval.
3.         To prepare a semester report of all financial matters to be forwarded to the
Executive Council, Vice President of Student Development, Advisors, and Senators within ten days of the end of the three academic terms at MCC.
4.         To serve as chairperson of the Finance Committee.
5.         To serve as a voting member of the MCCSGA Executive Council.
6.         To execute all financial transactions of the organization within the budget under
the guidelines of the MCCSGA Financial Procedures as established in the MCCSGA Operational Guidelines, with the signed consent of the Vice President
of Student Development and Advisors.
7.         To present an accurate and complete written report of the organizational budget at
all business meetings of the Executive Council and Student Senate.
8.         To perform the business functions of the office of the Treasurer as indicated in the
MCCSGA Operational Guidelines.
9.         To assist in all other areas related to financial matters as deemed necessary by the
Executive Council to meet the organization's purposes.
10.       To be enrolled at MCC for a period not less than his/her term of office, to be
enrolled for six credits hours or more, and to maintain a 2.5 or better GPA.

E.         The Public Information Officer of the MCCSGA has the following duties and authorities:

• To serve as the chairperson of the Public Relations Committee.  
• To maintain the scrapbook and the records of the history of the MCCSGA with the assistance of the MCCSGA Secretary.
• To post on LEO a monthly, weekly, or daily report of MCCSGA business and activities information for the student body.
• To publicize and advertise events and activities sponsored by the MCCSGA.
• To serve as a voting member of the MCCSGA Executive Council.

6.         To perform the business functions of the office of the Public Information Officer as indicated in the MCCSGA Operational Guidelines.
7.         To be enrolled at MCC for a period not less than his/her term of office, to be enrolled for six credits hours or more, and to maintain a 2.5 or better GPA.

 

F.         The Parliamentarian of the MCCSGA has the following duties and authorities:

l.          To know and to maintain parliamentary order at the business meetings of the MCCSGA.
2.         To act as advisor to the Executive Council in the interpretation of the MCCSGA
                        Constitution and Operational Guidelines.
3.         To serve as chairperson of the MCCSGA Executive Council when hearing charges of censure, exclusion, or impeachment.
4.         To serve as a voting member of the MCCSGA Executive Board.
5.         To oversee the elections of MCCSGA, the Executive Council Members, and the
Student Senate as established in the MCCSGA Operational Guidelines.
6.         To chair the senate meetings in the absence of both the President and Vice President.
7.         To chair the Election and Rules/Constitution Committee.
8.         To conduct and report on MCCSGA surveys and research as necessary to
establish the constituency and research the concerns of the membership as
deemed necessary by the MCCSGA Executive Council.
9.         To establish proper parliamentary procedure in all business meetings of the
MCCSGA and to assist in all other areas related to parliamentary procedures
as deemed necessary by the Executive Council to meet the organization's
purposes.
10.       To be enrolled at MCCC for a period not less than his/her term of office, to
be enrolled for six credits hours or more, and to maintain a 2.5 or better GPA.

F.         The Night Curriculum Coordinator of the MCCSGA has the following duties and
authorities.

            1.         To plan and present before the Student Senate ideas for activities that will
benefit the night curriculum.
2.         To call and preside at night meetings of the MCCSGA with the consent of
the MCCSGA President.
3.         To serve as an ex-officio member of the Activity Committee.
4.         To serve as a voting member of the MCCSGA Executive Council.
5.         To present to the Executive Council the minutes of all night meetings.
6.         To perform the business functions of the office of the Night Curriculum
Coordinator as indicated in the MCCSGA Operational Guidelines.
7.         To assist in all areas related to night activities as deemed necessary by the
Executive Council and purposes of this organization.
8.         To be enrolled at MCC for a period not less than his/her term of office, to
be enrolled for six credits hours or more, and to maintain a 2.5 or better GPA.

 

ARTICLE IX

THE STUDENT SENATE

The legislative body of the SGA shall be a Student Senate.  The Student Senate shall consist of
the SGA Executive Council and a Senator chosen by each official student organization sanctioned by Mayland Community College.  Each Senator shall have a designated alternate. The alternate has voting power only in the absence of the Senate representative.   

C.        Senators who withdraw or are withdrawn from MCC shall automatically be removed
from office.

D.        All Senators are to be enrolled at MCC for a period not less than his/her term
of office, be enrolled for six credit hours or more, and to maintain a 2.0 or better GPA.

E.         Senators who fail to fulfill their MCCSGA responsibilities may place their student organization in jeopardy of losing funds for the following semester.

 

ARTICLE X

COMMITTEES

A         Membership

Unless otherwise specified, any member of the Senate may serve as a member of an MCCSGA Standing or Ad Hoc Committee.

B.        Standing Committees

            There shall be standing committees of the Senate, whose chairperson shall be appointed by the President of the MCCSGA and be approved by the Senate, unless otherwise noted in the MCCSGA constitution.  These committees shall be the Elections Committee, Rules/Constitution Committee, Finance Committee, Public Relations Committee, Activity Committee, Fund Raising Committee, and the Scholarship Committee.

           
1.         The Election Committee is chaired by the MCCSGA Parliamentarian.
This committee shall be responsible for conducting all elections for the MCCSGA Executive Council and the Student Senate.  This committee shall propose changes in the election procedures and polices of the organization for the approval of the Executive Council.

2.         The Rules/Constitution Committee is chaired by the MCCSGA Parliamentarian.  This committee shall be responsible for interpreting, amending, and ratifying the constitution.  This committee shall propose changes in the Rules and Constitution, procedures, and polices of the organization for the approval of the Executive Council.

3.         The Finance Committee is chaired by the MCCSGA Treasurer.  The responsibility of this committee is to review all financial records of the organization.  This committee shall propose changes in the financial procedures and policies of the organization for the approval of the Executive Council.  This committee shall also assist the MCCSGA Treasurer in the development of the proposed annual budget. 

4.         The Activity Committee is chaired by the MCCSGA Vice President.  This committee shall be responsible for proposing, planning, and coordinating all social activities sponsored by the MCCSGA.  These activities will be presented to the Executive Council for approval.

5.         The Public Relations Committee is chaired by the MCCSGA Public Information Officer.  This committee is responsible for member recruitment, marketing, media relations, scrapbook productions, organizational publications; and proposing, planning, and coordinating all projects (services to the community and to students) sponsored by the MCCSGA.  These projects will be presented to the Executive Council for approval.

6.         The Fund-Raising Committee chairperson is appointed by the MCCSGA President and confirmed by consent of two-thirds of the MCCSGA Executive Council.  This committee is responsible for proposing, planning, and coordinating activities which will raise funds for the benefit of the MCCSGA. These activities will be presented to the Executive Council for approval.

 

C.        Ad Hoc Committees

The MCCSGA President has the authority to appoint ad hoc committee chair with two-thirds consent of the Executive Council.  The MCCSGA President shall assign a specific charge and a reporting date for closure of the business to ad hoc committees.

D.        Duties of Chair of each committee shall be as follows:

1.         To conduct meetings of respective committees prior to the Senate meetings.

2.         To submit committees’ reports (orally or written) to the Senate.

3.         To submit a written report to the MCCSGA Executive Council at each Senate meeting.

 

ARTICLE XI

VACANCY OF OFFICE

A.        Any office vacated before the term of office is completed shall be filled by presidential appointment with two-thirds consent of the Executive Council.

B.        No Executive Council member other than the Vice President may succeed to another position on the Executive Council.

C.        In case of presidential vacancy, the new president nominates the new Vice President who in turn is subject to two-thirds consent of the Executive Council.

 

ARTICLE XII

QUORUMS

A.        A quorum for any business meeting of the Executive Council is a three-fourths majority of the Executive Council membership.

B.        A quorum for business meetings of the Student Senate is a three-fourths majority of the active Senate membership.

C.        A quorum for any Standing or Ad Hoc committee is a three-fourths majority of the committee membership.

 

ARTICLE XIII

MEETINGS

A.        The MCCSGA shall conduct a minimum of one Student Senate meeting and one Executive Council meeting per month.

B.        The MCCSGA shall participate in the N4CSGA Western Division meetings
depending on time, money, and interest.

C.        The MCCSGA shall participate in the N4C State conferences once a year, depending on time, money, and interest.

 

ARTICLE XIV

ELECTIONS

A.        Elections of all officers of the Executive Council shall be held during Spring Fling or during the month of April each spring. 

B.        Candidates must submit their intention of office form in by the week before elections.  The Elections Committee of the MCCSGA will conduct a background investigation of all candidates.  Recommendations from this committee will be subject to two-thirds consent of the Executive Council.  All decisions will remain confidential and will be disclosed only to each candidate.

C.        Candidates receiving the most votes will be elected to the office of their intent.

• Senators shall be appointed from each curriculum block by the MCCSGA President with two-thirds consent of the Executive Council.

 

ARTICLE XV
MCCSGA OFFICER STIPENDS

The following active members of the MCCSGA Executive Council shall receive stipends as specified below, contingent upon that member’s satisfactory performance of his or her duties for each Fall and Spring semester of office:

A.  PRESIDENT
After satisfactory performance of duties, the President of the MCCSGA shall receive a stipend of $0.00 at the end of each complete Fall and Spring Semester the President holds office.

B.  VICE PRESIDENT
After satisfactory performance of duties, the Vice President of the MCCSGA shall receive a stipend of $0.00 at the end of each complete Fall and Spring Semester the Vice President holds office.

C.  SECRETARY
After satisfactory performance of duties, the Secretary of the MCCSGA shall receive a stipend of $0.00 at the end of each complete Fall and Spring Semester the Secretary holds office.

D.  TREASURER
After satisfactory performance of duties, the Treasurer of the MCCSGA shall receive a stipend of $0.00 at the end of each complete Fall and Spring Semester the Treasurer holds office.

E.  PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
After satisfactory performance of duties, the Public Information Officer of the MCCSGA shall receive a stipend of $0.00 at the end of each complete Fall and Spring Semester the Public Information Officer holds office.

F.  PARLIAMENTARIAN
After satisfactory performance of duties, the Parliamentarian of the MCCSGA shall receive a stipend of $0.00 at the end of each complete Fall and Spring Semester the Parliamentarian holds office.

G.  NIGHT CURRICULUM COORDINATOR
After satisfactory performance of duties, the Night Curriculum Coordinator of the
MCCSGA shall receive a stipend of $0.00 at the end of each complete Fall and Spring
Semester the Night Curriculum Coordinator holds office.

For the purpose of determining stipend awards, “satisfactory performance of duties” shall be defined as the officer’s:

• Consistent and regular attendance at and participation in MCCSGA business meetings
• Consistent and regular attendance at and participation in MCCSGA functions and events
• Timely completion of the duties listed for that officer under “RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL”
• Timely completion of other duties assigned to individual officers at business meetings of the MCCSGA
• Courteous and professional behavior towards other members of the MCCSGA, Mayland personnel, and the general public at all times when on campus or at other times when the student is acting as a representative of MCCSGA

 

ARTICLE XVI

RATIFICATION

A.        Any ratification of the constitution must come from the Rules/Constitution Committee.  The constitution shall be adopted by a two-thirds consent of all Senators, Executive Council members of the MCCSGA, and three-fourths consent of the MCC student body present and voting.  All prior constitutions are hereby null and void upon ratification.

            This Constitution is declared in force and hereby ratified by the MCCSGA beginning Spring Semester, 2006.  All prior constitutions are hereby null and void.

 

ARTICLE XVII

AMENDMENTS

Any amendments to the constitution must come from the Rules/Constitution
Committee.  Amendments to the MCCSGA constitution must be adopted by a
two-thirds consent of all Senators and Executive Council members of the MCCSGA,
and three-fourths consent of the MCC student body present and voting.

 

ARTICLE XVIII

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

A.        The Student Senate shall encourage special interest groups among the student body and shall support authorized organizations and/or clubs with monies allocated from Student Government funds in the regular manner, outlined in Article 12 of the MCCSGA Operational Guidelines.  This manner shall be as follows.  The Finance Committee shall receive all requests for Student Government Association funds and shall make procedures prescribed by the Student Senate in statutes and/or regulations adopted by them.

1.         An organization and/or club will be recognized by the Student Senate
only after it has been organized and by-laws have been presented to the Student Government Association Senate for their approval.

2.         The Student Senate has the right to specify the minimum number of active members who will constitute a legitimate club or organization.

3.         The Student Senate is bound to establish fair guidelines for the recognition of clubs or organizations and must apply these guidelines impartially and without discrimination.

4.         The Student Senate has the right to review periodically any club organization by-law, membership roll, and budget and to revoke its recognition of any club or organization it deems not to be serving the interests of the student body.

OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
MAYLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article                                     Area of
Number                                  Operation                                                                                        

Article I                                   MCCSGA Activities

Article II                                 Conduct Code

Article III                                Role of the Advisor

Article IV                                Issue Management

Article V                                 Budget and Finance

Article VI                                Publications and Media

Article VII                              Meetings

Article VIII                             Vacancy of Office

Article IX                                Elections and Surveys

Article X                                 Role of the Membership

Article XI                                Student Clubs/Organizations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE I:   MCCSGA ACTIVITIES

Section A:       Planning

1.        All MCCSGA activities will be planned in accordance with MCCSGA procedures and will be carried out within the set policies of the institution.

2.        An advisor shall be present when any activity is planned and shall be responsible for making certain that all is in order.

3.        The active membership shall participate in these activities as needed and as assigned.

Article II:   Conduct Code

Section B:       Membership Code

             1.        MCCSGA members will conduct themselves as adults while participating in
SGA activities.

             2.        The advisor(s) may ask individuals involved in any form of misconduct to leave
the activity immediately.  The proper administrators will be notified at the
institution if any action is taken against a student.

             3.        Members are responsible for the safe-keeping of all state properties entrusted to
them.

Section C:       Judicial Review

                        The Advisor and the MCCSGA President, acting together, have the authority to
adjudicate any charge of misconduct by participants in any MCCSGA activity
and to ask any student to leave the activity.

Section D:       Emergency Action

An Advisor and the MCCSGA President have the authority to take emergency action on behalf of the organization to provide for the welfare of the student participants and the organization.

 

 

Article III:  Role of the Advisor

A.       Advisor(s) must be an employee of MCC who is paid by the state.

             B:       At least one advisor will be present at each SGA meeting.

            C:        The advisor(s) will be available to students by appointment and on a reasonable
basis.

D:        The advisor(s) will accompany SGA on field trips.

E:         The advisor(s) will be responsible for assuring that MCC policies, MCCSGA
Procedures, and NCCCS regulations are followed at all times.

 

Article IV:  Issue Management

 

                        The N4C Executive Board shall adopt three issues of state-wide significance as
goals for closure during the year.  The MCCSGA will work toward completion
of these three issues.

 

Article V:  Budget and Finance

 

Section A:       Purpose

                        These procedures are established for the welfare of the organization, for the
proper conduct of business, and for the edification of incoming MCCSGA
Treasurers.

Section B:       Budget Development

             1.        The budget for the fiscal year shall be developed in June and July based on
projected enrollment for that year.  It shall be presented to MCC's chief financial  
officer for presentation to the Board of Trustees with MCC's budget.

             2.        The budget proposal must include narrative describing each line item.  The budget
may not exceed projected revenues.

Section C:       Budget Management

             1.        MCCSGA Budget and all records pertaining thereof are considered public
records, and are thereby available to any inquiry for public viewing.

             2.        The records must be complete and up-to-date with no more than two calendar
weeks of actual transactions.

             3.        The MCCSGA Treasurer must make all budget records available at all MCC
SGA meetings.  Failure to have the MCCSGA records available as required
will result in the procedures covered under Article 9: Section D of the Code of
Operations (Procedures for Censure and Impeachment).

             4.        The MCCSGA cannot exceed its budget.

             5.        The MCCSGA Treasurer is responsible for revising the budget, transferring
funds prior to the payment of any excess expenditure.

6.        The Advisor(s), Treasurer, President and Vice President of Student Development Services will sign all requisitions.

             7.        The transfer of funds to decrease one line item and to increase one or more line
items by the same amount must be approved by the MCCSGA Treasurer, the
Vice President of Student Development, and the Executive Council.

             8.        Funds collected by the MCCSGA will be turned into the business office in
accordance with MCC and NCCCS policies.

Section D:       Revenues

              1.       The appropriate sources of revenue for budget development are MCCSGA
student activity funds and funds raised by fund-raising activities. 

             2.        The MCCSGA treasurer may initiate fund-raising projects with the approval
of the MCCSGA Executive Council and in the presence of an advisor.

Section E:        Expenditures

1.       The following are considered to be proper uses for MCCSGA funds:

• Conference costs
• Mailings, publications, photocopying, office supplies
• Telephone and fax usage
• Workshops
• Division meetings
• Provisions for approved student activities

             2.        The budget and treasurer's report must be approved at each meeting by a
simple majority.

             3.        Prior approval is required for expenditure of funds.

             4.        No contract or authorization is valid without the signature of the MCCSGA
Treasurer, the MCCSGA President, and the Advisor.

             5.        Advances will be made only for conference expenses.

Section F:        Ownership of Materials

                        All official records, supplies, and/or materials purchased with MCCSGA
Funds, or items donated for the use of the MCCSGA shall become property of the
MCCSGA.

Section G:       Reimbursements

1.        No person receiving benefit from MCCSGA funds may receive the same
benefit for the same purpose from any other source.

             2.        Those individuals expending personal funds for MCCSGA purposes without
prior approval have no guarantee of reimbursement.

             3.        Request for reimbursement of individual funds spent without prior approval
must be make in writing to the MCCSGA Treasurer.  Approval for the
reimbursement shall be decided by the MCCSGA Executive Council in the
presence of an advisor.

             4.        Executive Council members may request reimbursement for emergency
telephone or fax calls with substantiating documentation and a cover memorandum giving date, time, purpose, cost, contact individual, and justification for the    unavailability of institutional resources.

Section H:       Travel

             1.        Travel will be paid only under the following circumstances:

                        a.         Prior approval is received
b.         Conference expenses - registration and rooms; students are responsible
for personal expenses

             2.        State vehicles under proper supervision should be used for SGA travel whenever
possible.  If private vehicles are used, reimbursement will be within MCC
institutional guidelines.

             3.        Lodging must conform to state rate policies.

4.        MCCSGA officers should use the most inexpensive means of communication and travel possible.           

Article VI:  Publication and Media

Section A:       Philosophy

The MCCSGA will cooperate with the College’s public information officer on publicity as needed and will make the advisor and public information officer aware of events which require publicity.

Section B:       All MCCSGA publications shall follow professionally established standards of
good journalism.

Section C:       Public Record

All Documents of the MCCSGA are considered public information and therefore
accessible to any member of the public with the sole exception of confidential
judiciary procedure documents.

Section D:       Media Relations

                        Any MCCSGA member is discouraged from contacting the media resources
without the support of the College’s public information officer.  Anyone not directed by the MCC public information officer to represent the MCCSGA officially in media matters must declare their comments to be a personal nature.

Section E:        Media Events

The MCC public information officer shall co-ordinate any press event or function, any media contact, and/or any press release for the MCCSGA.

Section F:        Minutes

The MCCSGA secretary will provide a copy of minutes to the SGA membership at the meeting following the one which is covered by the minutes. 

Section G:       Annual Calendar

After the budget has been before the Board of Trustees and a tentative calendar for the year's activities has been approved by the Executive Council, a calendar will be developed and provided to each member of the Executive Council, Advisor(s), and the Vice President of Student Development.

 

Article VII:  Meetings

 

Section A:       The MCCSGA will meet twice per month during the two academic semesters.  No meetings will be scheduled during semester breaks.  The Executive Council will meet once per month.

Section B:       A delegation from MCCSGA should attend all Western Division meetings, if possible.

Section C:       Meetings shall be scheduled and handled in the following manner:

1.         Officers need to have schedules to the Vice President within one week of the first day of class each semester. These will be posted in the SGA office.  The Vice- President will determine the best meeting time and inform the President in writing.

2.         The President will pick the dates of the meetings and call to reserve the rooms.

3.         The President will notify all officers of the meeting and have the Vice- President post this information.

4.         The Vice -President will notify the college President and Vice- President along with all SGA Advisors of this information.

5.         All SGA meetings are in accordance with Parliamentary Procedure and Robert's Rules of order.

 

Article IX:  Vacancy of Office

 

Section A:       Attendance

Members of the MCCSGA Executive Council may be absent from no more than two consecutive meetings in a year.  Excessive absences will be considered de facto resignation, and procedures to fill the vacancy will be initiated at the close of the business session in which the absences have been recognized.  The MCCSGA Executive Council may choose to consider extenuating circumstances on a case by case basis.

Section B:       Maintenance

1.        Member of the MCCSGA Executive Council must maintain grade point averages as follows:

           President                                 3.0
Vice President                         3.0      
Secretary                                 2.5
Treasurer                                 2.5
Public Information Officer     2.5
Parliamentarian (appointed)    2.5
Night Coordinator                  2.5 

           Failure to maintain the required GPA shall constitute sufficient grounds for impeachment.  The MCCSGA Executive Council may choose to consider extenuating circumstances on a case by case basis.

2.        Members of the MCCSGA Executive Council must be enrolled in a minimum number of hours as follows:

           President                                 6
Vice President                         6
Secretary                                 6
Treasurer                                 6
Public Relations Officer         6
Parliamentarian (appointed)    6
Night Coordinator                  6

 

           Summer session is excluded from this requirement.

           Failure to enroll in the required number of hours shall constitute sufficient grounds for impeachment.  The MCCSGA Executive Council may choose to consider extenuating circumstances on a case by case basis.

Section C:       Constitutional Fealty

                        Failure to support and enforce the Constitution and the Operational Guidelines of
the MCCSGA is sufficient grounds for impeachment.

Section D.       Duties of Office

Failure to perform the duties of office and/or dereliction of duties shall constitute sufficient grounds for impeachment.

Section E:        Procedures for Censure and Impeachment

1.         Charges of censure may be brought against any member of the MCCSGA Executive Council.

2.         Charges are heard in a closed session of the MCCSGA Executive Council with representatives of the party(ies) registering the censure and the individual(s) named by the act of censure.

3.         The Executive Council votes to uphold the censure by a two-thirds majority.  Charges recommended for impeachment by the Executive Council are heard by the Executive Council and censure or impeachment may be recommended as a final action.

4.         Any member of the MCCSGA Executive Council cited in an act of censure or impeachment will remove him/herself from the MCCSGA Executive Council proceedings adjudicating the act of censure or impeachment and forgoes the right to vote as a member of the MCCSGA Executive Council regarding the censure or impeachment action.

5.         Possible outcomes of a censure proceeding are recommendation for (a) no-action, (b) censure, (c) censure and impeachment, and (d) expulsion.

6.         The MCCSGA Parliamentarian calls special meetings for a hearing of censure.  All participants must be advised two weeks in advance.  Failure of the censure party to appear does not constitute grounds to impede the procedures and the hearing will be held in absentia.

 

Article X:  Elections and Surveys

 

Section A:       Surveys

Surveys will be conducted at various times during the year whenever the opinions of the MCC student body are needed by the MCCSGA.  The advisor may request an alphabetical listing of students from the registrar.  Each student polled will be marked off the list.

Section B:       Elections

1.         Officers are elected by the active institutional membership during the month of April and during Spring Fling, if possible. 

2.         The term of office shall be from new officer orientation through the end of spring semester the following year.

3.         Outgoing officers shall serve as an advisory board from the time of new officer orientation until the end of spring quarter.

4.         All records, correspondence, etc. shall be left in good order for the incoming officers.

5.         The MCCSGA Executive Council shall conduct the SGA election.  The MCCSGA parliamentarian will accept all required paperwork from those students declaring for office.  The Executive Council shall prepare ballots, make arrangements for students to sit with the ballot box, and shall count all ballots as soon as possible after the final poll closes.  In the event that the current SGA officers are running for re-election, alternative student or advisor volunteers must be requested to conduct the election.

6.         Any student winning on a write-in ballot must submit the proper paperwork within two school days of the election and must meet all requirements.

7.         In case of a tie, the MCCSGA Parliamentarian is required to vote to break the tie.

 

Article XI:  The Role of the Membership

 

Section A:       Conferences

1.         The role of membership of the MCCSGA is to assist the Executive Council in completion of the duties of office.

2.         There will be two state-wide meetings per year - fall and spring:

3.         The three divisions will host conferences on a rotating basis and will share in the responsibilities of planning and hosting the conference:

Section B:       Registration

            1.         Registration per delegate or advisor for each conference shall be determined by
the N4C Executive Board.  Conference registration fees are payable to the N4CSGA.  One-day registration fee shall be set by the N4C Executive Council.  Student delegates must be currently enrolled students.

2.         Officers and an advisor will be sent to conference at the expense of the MCCSGA.  Others may attend as funds allow and as voted on by the active membership.

3.         Institutions registering advisor(s) and/or student delegates for conference participation shall complete the N4C SGA Conference Registration Sheet (Form A: 3).  This form must identify all student delegates, advisors, and guests.

4.         An institutional membership in the N4C SGA will be assessed each institution for a term of July first through July first the following year.

 

Article XII:  Student Clubs/Organizations

 

Section A:       Sponsorship

            1.         Membership will be open to all students.

2.         An organization affiliated with extramural organizations may qualify for MCCSGA sponsorship provided that the aim of the extramural group and its campus chapter or branch are compatible with the MCCSGA Constitution and with other guidelines governing eligibility for MCCSGA sponsorship.

3.         A petition for MCCSGA sponsorship will be submitted in writing, the original addressed to the MCCSGA Secretary, and a copy addressed to the Vice President of Student Development.  Petitions will include the following information:

a..         A statement of purpose, together with a Constitution and working bylaws and/or operation guidelines.

b.         A list of current officers.

c.         A list of at least 15 current members.

d.         The name of an organization sponsor, chosen from the MCC staff or faculty.  (College policy requires a sponsor to advise student groups on the exercise of responsibility, and a sponsor or advisor is essential to official recognition.  The sponsor has no authority, however, to control the policy of a student organization.)

4.         The Senate will consider all petitions of sponsorship and will make all reasonable effort either to approve or deny the petition at the first regular monthly meeting following the date the petitions are submitted.

Section B:       Funding

1.         Funding:  a line item for funding of clubs/organizations will be included in the annual budget of the MCCSGA.  Each club/organization will be allotted funds divided into equal proportions for the Fall and Spring semesters of their sponsorship period.  The MCCSGA budget shall specify a maximum amount available to each club/organization.  Fund requests will be considered after the Student Senate has approved the petition for sponsorship.  Clubs/organizations should make a request for sponsorship and for their funds every semester. 

2.         The first semester requested funds for each club/organization will be                       transferred after their petition of sponsorship has been approved by                the Student Senate.

3.         Subsequent funding will be subject to review by the Finance Committee for overall acceptance by the Student Senate.  The following are the guidelines concerning this review:

a.         A general description of club activity should be submitted to the MCCSGA Secretary with a complimentary copy attached for the Vice President of Student Development.
b.         The club/organization must have sponsored an activity in the preceding semester in order to be eligible for further funding.
c.         Club/organization sponsored events may be restricted to active club members only, provided that all MCC students have a reasonable opportunity to obtain club membership prior to the event.

4.         Responsibilities under MCCSGA sponsorship:

a.         Clubs/organizations sponsored by the MCCSGA and receiving student activity fee funds are prohibited from having off-campus bank accounts and will channel all disbursements and receipts of funds through the MCC Business Office.

b.         While MCCSGA sponsored clubs/organizations are encouraged to interact with the off-campus community and sponsor legitimate causes at their discretion, funds received out of student activity fee funds cannot be spent except for the benefit of the MCC Student Body.  Support of outside causes cannot be provided out of student activity funds.  College regulations governing fundraising activities will be found in the Board of Trustees Policy Manual. 

 

 

 

 

  

 

AMENDMENT I

THE STUDENT SENATE

 

All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in the Student Senate of Mayland Community College, which shall consist of the president or other designated representative chosen by each official student organization sanctioned by Mayland Community College.

A.        The legislative body of MCCSGA shall be a Student Senate.  The student senate shall consist of one representative from each official student organization sanctioned by Mayland Community College. The President of MCCSGA shall serve as the non-voting chair of the Student Senate. 

B.        Senators who withdraw or are not enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours at Mayland Community College will be automatically withdrawn from office.  All Senators shall be enrolled at Mayland Community College for a period of no less than their terms of office, be enrolled for six quarter hours or more, and maintain a 2.0 or better GPA.

C.        Election of all Senators of the Student Senate by student organizations shall be held by the third week of the fall semester.  The term of office shall run for one year (365 days) from the installation of Senators.

1.         Each student club is responsible for conducting a background investigation of their representative in order to determine that student’s eligibility to serve on the Student Senate.  All decisions of the organization will remain confidential and will be disclosed only to the Senatorial candidate in question, in writing.

2.         Senators' terms will last no longer than two consecutive years.  After each two years' service, the senator must retire for one entire year before becoming eligible to run for re-election.

3.         Should a Senator lose eligibility or withdraw from school, the affected club is responsible for immediate investigation and appointment of a new Senator.

4.         In the event that a Senator is unable to attend a business meeting of the MCCSGA, the affected club is responsible for selecting a temporary alternate to represent that club and act as the club’s representative on the Student Senate during the absence.  Alternate representatives must meet the same qualifications as the official Senator.

D.        The MCCSGA Senate has the following duties and authorities:

            1.         To establish policy as the chief legislative body of the organization.

2.         To communicate matters discussed in business meetings of the MCCSGA to student organizations.

3.         To represent the views and opinions of the majority of the students in the clubs they represent, and secondarily to represent the entire Student Body of Mayland Community College.

4.         To ensure performance of the business functions of the office of Student Senator as indicated in the Constitution and Operational Guidelines of the MCCSGA.

• To foster and maintain effective communications and a positive relationship between student organizations and the MCCSGA

 

• To coordinate cooperative activities involving student organizations and the MCCSGA.

CONSTITUTION: MAYLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

CONTENTS
Preamble
Article I                       Name of Organization
Article II                     Mission Statement and Purpose of Organization
Article III                    Membership
Article IV                    Empowerment
Article V                     Accountability Statement
Article VI                    Role of Vice President of Student Services and Advisors
Article VII                  The Executive Council
Article VIII                 Responsibilities of the Members of the Executive Council
Article IX                    The Student Senate
Article X                     Committees
Article XI                    Vacancy of Office
Article XII                  Quorums
Article XIII                 Meetings
Article XIV                 Elections
Article XV                  MCCSGA Officer Stipends
Article XVI                 RATIFICATION
Article XVII               AMENDMENTS
Article XVIII              Student Organizations

OPERATION GUIDELINES
MAYLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Article I                       MCCSGA Activities
Article II                     Conduct Code                                                          
Article III                    Role of the Advisor
Article IV                    Issue Management
Article V                     Budget and Finance
Article VI                    Publications and Media
Article VII                  Meetings
Article VIII                 Vacancy of Office
Article IX                    Elections and Surveys
Article X                     Role of the Membership
Article XI                    Student Clubs/Organizations

AMENDMENTS
MAYLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Amendment I              The Student Senate