Section 1.

Those duties and powers assigned to the SGA and its officers in the Constitution are considered as implied under these bylaws.

Section 2.

When judging any discrepancies between the Constitution and the Bylaws, the Constitution shall be considered authoritative over these Bylaws.

Section 3.

For the purpose of resolution of any conflicts between the Constitution and Bylaws, the Bylaws shall be utilized to interpret language contained within the Constitution.

Section 4.

In the event that the Constitution is amended, the Parliamentarian shall, at the next scheduled meeting of the Student Government Association, provide an interpretation of the Constitutional Amendment and an opinion to the Student Government Association as to whether the Constitutional Amendment necessitates the amendment of the Bylaws.

Section 5.

In the event that the Parliamentarian determines such an amendment should be made, the Parliamentarian shall propose such an amendment to the Bylaws, in accordance with the procedure established herein for the amendment of same.

Section 1. President

Clause A.

The President shall be the presiding officer at all SGA at-large meetings.

Sub Clause 1

In the absence of the President, the Internal Vice-President shall preside over the SGA at-large meeting. If the Internal Vice-President is absent, the order of precedence shall be the Treasurer, Secretary, and Parliamentarian.

Clause B.

The President will email a complete agenda to the SGA at-large no later than forty-eight (48) hours before a regularly scheduled meeting.

Clause C.

The President can delegate duties to members as he/she sees fit, provided the duty does not conflict with any provision in the Constitution or Bylaws.

Clause D.

The President shall maintain, throughout the course of the academic year, an electronic archive of documents pertaining to the administration of the SGA. At the end of the President’s term, this archive will be given to the new incoming SGA President.

Clause E.

The President shall be responsible for ensuring that all UIS students are able to speak at the SGA meetings.

Clause F.

Whenever a resolution passes, the President will sign the resolution signifying that the resolution has passed with the majority needed.

Sub-Clause 1

The attendance of the President at all SGA at-large meetings shall count towards quorum.

Clause G.

The President will serve as, or nominate, a representative to the Illinois Board of Higher Education Student Advisory Council.

Clause H.

The President, in consultation with the Student Government Association advisor, may hire a Staff Position for a Web and Social Media Manager for the Student Government Association. This position will be hired through the Office of Student Life. At the first meeting of each academic year, the President shall request the funds necessary for the hiring of this position from the Student Government Association.

Sub-Clause 1

If the Web and Social Media Manager is not meeting the necessary requirements the President, with 2/3 majority vote approval from the executive board and in consultation with the Student Government Advisor, shall reserve the right to terminate the current worker and seek a replacement for the position.

Clause I.

The President will serve on campus senate.

Section 2. Internal Vice-President

Clause A.

If the Internal Vice-President, acting on behalf of the President, calls a special meeting of the SGA, he/she will inform the members of SGA within twenty-four (24) hours of a meeting place and time. The items to be discussed at the special meeting will have been determined by the President before the meeting.

Clause B.

The Internal Vice-President will submit a Committee Report given to SGA at-large at least two (2) regularly scheduled meetings before the end of the academic year.

Clause C.

The Internal Vice-President will manage senators to Campus Senate and SGA committees with consideration for senator’s preferences, experience, and scheduling before the third Senate meeting of the academic year.

Clause D.

On behalf of the Student Government Association, the Internal Vice-President shall organize public forums twice per semester. These forums must be open to all students and be held in a public location on campus. The Internal Vice-President shall ensure that all members of the Student Government Association attend at least one forum per semester.

Section 3. External Vice-President

Clause A.

The External Vice-President shall not possess a vote on the SGA at large, and shall serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member on their committee(s).

Clause B.

In the absence of the Internal Vice-President, the External Vice-President, acting on behalf of the President, can call a special meeting of the SGA in accordance with the above stated regulations (Article II, Section 2, Clause A).

Section 4. Treasurer

Clause A.

Upon the request of any member of SGA, the Treasurer will provide a report of the SGA’s current finances to the SGA at-large at its next meeting. This report will be placed in an online report prior to it being presented to the SGA at-large.

Clause B.

The Treasurer will submit to the President a total list of income and payments made by the SGA over the course of the course of the academic year. The President will then place this report in the electronic archive.

Clause C.

Any resolution regarding budgetary or monetary issues of the SGA will be signed by the Treasurer, upon adoption by the SGA at-large.

Section 5. Secretary

Clause A.

The Secretary must complete the minutes of a given meeting within three (3) weeks after the meeting took place. After the minutes are approved, they will be placed on the SGA website as soon as possible.

Clause B.

The Secretary, throughout the course of the academic year, will compile an electronic archive of the SGA’s minutes, agendas and correspondences. At the end of the Secretary’s term, this archive will be given to the new incoming Secretary.

Clause C.

All correspondence to the Executive Committee or the SGA at-large will be distributed within twenty-four (24) hours of its receipt by the Secretary.

Clause D.

When a resolution passes, the Secretary will sign the resolution signifying that the resolution has been entered into the archives.

Section 6. Parliamentarian

Clause A.

The Parliamentarian shall not possess a vote on the SGA at-large, or on any committee other than the SGA Constitution and Rules Committee.

Clause B.

The Parliamentarian shall serve as the Chair of the Constitution and Rules Committee and shall not have a vote, except to break a tie.

Clause C.

The Parliamentarian shall act as the chief interpreter of the Constitution and Bylaws, subject to a 2/3 veto of the SGA at large.

Clause D.

As the keeper of the SGA Constitution and Bylaws, the Parliamentarian shall be responsible for enforcing the Constitution, Bylaws, Resolutions, and Executive Orders.

Clause E.

The Parliamentarian shall serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member to all committees for the sole purpose to advise the members on Parliamentary Procedure, the SGA Constitution, and SGA Bylaws.

Clause F.

The Parliamentarian may review committee by laws to ensure that they are in compliance with the SGA Constitution.

Sub-Clause 1

If a committee’s bylaws are not in compliance with the SGA Constitution, the Parliamentarian will make recommendations to the committee to correct the discrepancy.

Section 7. Student Trustee to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees

Clause A.

The Student Trustee to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees (hereafter referred to as “Trustee”) shall report to the SGA during its meetings on the work of the Board of Trustees.

Clause B.

Those duties not stated in the SGA Constitution or Bylaws pertaining to the Trustee shall be governed by University policies and the University of Illinois Trustees Act. 110 ILCS 310, et. seq.

Section 8. Senators

Clause A.

While Senators are elected to represent a specific constituency of the UIS community, a Senator may voice a concern from a student outside of his or her respective constituency.

Clause B.

The senator for the College of Public Affairs & Education, the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, the College of Business & Management, the College of Health, Science & Technology, and the President shall serve on the Campus Senate.

Section 9. Web and Social Media Manager

Clause A.

The Web and Social Media Manager shall provide website maintenance and social media services to the Student Government Association.

Clause B.

This Web and Social Media Manager shall attend necessary training in order to become a publisher for the Student Government Association Website.

Sub-Clause 1.

The Web and Social Media Manager shall maintain the SGA website through weekly updates of SGA announcements, minutes, agendas, resolutions, initiatives, and other relevant content.

Clause C.

The Web and Social Media Manager shall maintain social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, among others for the Student Government Association as well as the Student Organization Funding Association.

Clause D.

The Web and Social Media Manager shall meet regularly with the Chairs of the Student Organization Funding Association (SOFA) and the Student Activities Committee (SAC).

Sub-Clause 1

The Web and Social Media Manager shall maintain the SOFA and SAC webpages and their corresponding forms, bylaws, meeting information, and other relevant information.

Clause E.

The Web and Social Media Manager shall report jointly to the Student Government Association President or designee, as well as the Student Government Advisor.

Section 10. Training

Clause 1.

All SGA members are required to attend NCBI and SOFA Training

Sub-Clause 1

The President and Treasurer should work together at the start of their terms to schedule and ensure completion of training.

Clause 2.

All SGA members are required to have read the SGA Constitution and SGA Bylaws prior to the second meeting as a serving member.

Section 1. Executive Committee

Clause A.

The Executive Committee is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the SGA. Should an issue require the immediate attention of the SGA, the Executive Committee shall assemble to act on behalf of the SGA as a whole.

Clause B.

The members of the Executive Committee will be the SGA President, Internal Vice-President, External Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Parliamentarian, and Trustee.

Section 2. Student Activities Committee

Clause A.

The Student Activities Committee (SAC) shall work to provide various programs and events to the student body as well as encourage student involvement at UIS.

Clause B.

SAC shall have 1 standing sub-committee:

Sub-Clause 1

Springfest Committee

Clause C.

The Chair of SAC will choose the membership of the Committee.

Clause D.

The Student Activities Committee may create bylaws that are consistent with the SGA Constitution and Bylaws.

Sub-Clause 1.

SAC Executive Board members will be ineligible to run for a SGA Executive Board position.

Clause E.

The Chair of SAC is required to report in person or in writing to SGA bi-monthly regarding the allocations, operations, and upcoming programming of the Student Activities Committee.

Section 3. Student Organization Funding Association

Clause A.

The Student Organization Funding Association (SOFA) is responsible for granting funds to all UIS student organizations and clubs, provided the request entered by the organization is valid and is consistent with SOFA rules. The money allocated to each club will be used to improve student life at UIS.

Clause B.

The Chair of SOFA will choose the membership of the Committee.

Clause C.

SOFA may create bylaws that are consistent with the SGA Constitution and Bylaws.

Clause D.

The Chair of SOFA is required to report in person or in writing to SGA bi-monthly regarding the allocations and operations of the Student Organization Funding Association.

Section 4. Student Government Association Rules and Constitution Committee

Clause A.

The SGA Rules and Constitution will assign SGA members to its various committees and coordinate efforts between the committees.

Clause B.

The SGA Rules and Constitution Committee will, if needed, review and revise proposed changes to the Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules and bring those recommendations to the SGA at large.

Clause C.

The SGA Rules and Constitution Committee will hear any and all disciplinary allegations from any member of the SGA or student body. See Article IX of these Bylaws for disciplinary procedures pertaining to the Constitution and Rules Committee.

Clause D.

The Parliamentarian will serve as the Chair of the SGA Rules and Constitution Committee.

Clause E.

This committee shall meet at least once throughout the semester.

Clause F.

The Rules and Constitution shall consist of a minimum of 5 members and a chairperson.

Section 5. Elections Committee

Clause A.

The Elections Committee shall be charged with the administration and fair execution of the SGA elections.

Clause B.

No member of SGA shall serve on the committee.

Clause C.

See Article VII of these Bylaws for further rules.

Section 6. External Relations and Marketing Committee

Clause A.

The Committee on External Relations and Marketing shall be responsible for obtaining information about outside relations and activities as it pertains to UIS and the campus community; this may include, but is not limited to, faculty, staff, the UI Alumni Association, businesses, non-profit organizations and agencies, and Sangamon County area. The committee will also be responsible for maintaining contact with local, county, state, and federal officials on issues pertaining to higher education.

Clause B.

The External Vice-President shall chair the Committee on External Affairs.

Clause C.

The Committee on External Affairs shall lobby a branch/agency of the government or other officials/entities at least once in the fall semester and once in the spring semester. The issues to be lobbied will be determined by the External Vice-President, with consultation of the membership of the committee.

Clause D.

Membership to the committee will be open to the student body and all students are welcome to join when the committee lobbies.

Clause E.

The External Relations and Marketing Committee shall be responsible for serving as an outreach committee for the Student Government Association. This committee shall work to maintain the visibility of the Student Government Association through the entire academic year. This committee will also incorporate the overall vision and message of the current Student Government Association in its practices to serve as an outreach committee of the Student Government Association. This committee will create and maintain current Student Government Association initiatives aimed at upholding a strong sense of connection with the UIS campus.

Clause F.

This committee shall be responsible for distributing information and updates regarding the Student Government Association, its events, and its initiatives by using any means of communication that committee members see fit.

Clause G.

The Associate Chancellor for Constituent Relations (non-voting) and Student Trustee shall serve as ex-officio members/UIS administrative liaisons to the committee.

Section 7. Campus Safety Committee

Clause A.

The Campus Safety Committee shall be responsible for serving as a conduit for proposals and ideas relating to the safety of the students, faculty, and staff on campus.

Clause B.

Membership to this Committee shall be open to members of the undergraduate and graduate student body, as well as faculty and staff of the University.

Section 1.

Clause A.

The SGA President will notify the student body that the SGA is seeking applications for a position.

Clause B.

All applications must include a current resume and a cover letter. Applications that do not include a resume and cover letter will not be considered.

Section 2.

Clause A.

Two (2) weeks after the notification to the student body, the President will consider the applications and nominate a candidate to SGA at large.

Sub-Clause 1

The nomination must include the candidate’s resume and cover letter and a justification for their appointment.

Sub-Clause 2

The nominated candidate must attend the SGA large meeting for their confirmation.

Section 3.

Clause A.

Should the SGA at large find it necessary, applicants may be called in to take questions from the members of the SGA at large.

Sub-Clause 1

Deliberations will take place in closed session, but candidates and audience members must be afforded an opportunity to speak with all due process.

Section 4.

Clause A.

The SGA at large will not consider the candidate race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or political ideology during deliberations.

Section 5.

Clause A.

Once the nomination has been considered, the SGA at large will vote for the confirmation of the candidate requiring a simple majority.

Section 6.

Clause A.

If a simple majority cannot be reached, then a new nomination may be submitted.

Section 1.

After exhausting all appeals with SOFA, a student organization may submit an appeal to the Office of Student Life within ten (10) business days.

Section 2.

The Director of Student Life shall then forward the written appeal to all members of the Executive Committee, who will meet to discuss the merits of the appeal.

Section 3.

If a majority of the Executive Committee finds that the request by the student organization warrants further discussion, the Executive Committee shall put the appeal to the SGA at large at the next scheduled meeting. If the Executive Committee does not reach a majority, then the appeal fails, and the last ruling of SOFA stands.

Section 4.

When the SGA at-large considers the appeal at its next meeting, a representative from the appealing organization shall be present to explain why the organization should be granted the funding request. 

Clause A. 

If the representative is not able to be present at the meeting, the organization may submit a written explanation to the SGA Secretary, who will distribute the explanation to the SGA at large.

Section 5.

A representative from SOFA shall also be present at the scheduled meeting to explain why the funding request was denied. 

Clause A. 

If the representative from SOFA is not able to be present at the meeting, SOFA may submit a written explanation to the SGA Secretary, who will distribute the explanation to the SGA at-large.

Section 6.

The SGA may then adjourn into closed session for the purpose of discussing the appeal. The decision will be made in open session by a roll call vote.

Section 7.

If a majority of the SGA finds that SOFA erred in not granting the funding request, the SGA may order that SOFA fully or partially grant the funding request.

Section 8.

If a majority is not reached, then the last ruling of SOFA stands, and the disputed funds are not disbursed.

Section 1.

All resolutions shall be sent to the SGA President no later than 3pm (CST) on Friday before the meeting in which the resolution will be presented in order for it to be placed on the agenda.

Section 2.

All budgetary and other monetary proposals require a roll call vote.

Section 3.

Each member is responsible for attending the SGA televised meetings and committee meetings as assigned.

Section 4.

SGA members shall be dressed in business casual or professional attire during televised meetings.

Section 5.

Abstention votes do not count towards the yeas or nays in voting in any situation. Should a majority of the voting quorum abstain from voting, the resolution shall be tabled until the next meeting when it will be placed on the agenda.

Section 6.

During Student Government meetings, all other roll call votes are to be conducted at the discretion of the President or Parliamentarian.

Sub-Clause 1

In accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, any voting Student Government Executive Board member or Senator shall have the power to present a motion to reconsider.

Sub-Clause 2

In accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, any voting Student Government Executive Board member or Senator shall have the power to present a motion to reconsider.

Section 1.

Funds for stipends to SGA members will be paid from the amount allocated to the SGA from the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs budget.

Section 2.

The President, Internal Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary & BOT positions will be eligible for stipends.

Section 3.

The President's stipend will be in the amount of $500 while the Internal Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary stipends will be in the amount of $250.

Section 4.

The External Vice-President is not eligible to receive a stipend.

Section 5.

Senators are not eligible to receive stipends.

Section 6.

All officers receiving stipends will be paid at the end of the year, which are subject to removal from office as outlined in Article IX.

Section 7.

A request for a stipend must be submitted to the President or Treasurer by the first week of the spring semester. Applications will not be accepted after the end of this week.

Section 8.

Any change in stipends will not take effect until the beginning of the next academic year after approval from the SGA.

Section 11.

Any unused stipends shall be absorbed back into the SGA's budget.

Section 1. Introduction

Clause A.

Student Elections are an integral part of the Student Governance process. Candidates are reminded that the manner in which they conduct and represent themselves and others reflects upon both themselves as individuals, as well as the organization as a whole. As such, candidates must ensure that their conduct, materials and statements are truthful and of the highest ethical standards as befits students at an institution of higher education.

Clause B.

Candidates are further reminded that the ultimate goal of the election and campaign process is to be seated on the Student Government Association as a representative of students at the University. All aspects of your conduct throughout the campaign and election process should seek to enhance the reputation of students and the Association.

Section 2. Campaign Regulations

Clause A.

Candidates are responsible for knowing and complying with all campaign regulations.

Sub-Clause 1.

Including both personal and in-kind expenditures, no more than $200.00 (Two hundred dollars) shall be directed towards a campaign. Candidates must maintain complete records of materials used, all expenditures, and in-kind contributions in a manner which the election committee can readily understand. Candidates must produce such records upon request of the election committee. (If materials are used which represent more than one candidate, each candidate represented will be considered responsible for an equal share of the cost to produce the material.)

Sub-Clause 2.

Campaign materials may not be posted until the campaign period officially begins. If any campaign materials appear prior to that time, the Elections Committee reserves the right to penalize the candidate, which may include the disqualification of the candidate.

Sub-Clause 3.

Campaigning may continue throughout the election period. However, campaigning is not allowed in the Student Center or in the computer labs.

Sub-Clause 4.

There can be no campaigning in the vicinity of any official election station. This includes campaigning by yourself or others, posters, flyers or any sort of materials. Materials posted in these areas during the campaign week will be removed by Student Life Staff prior to the start of balloting. Candidates are advised not to linger in the vicinity of the polling area due to the vulnerability of being perceived as campaigning. Please don’t put yourself at risk by testing such requirements.

Sub-Clause 5.

Candidates may not move, remove, cover, or in any way alter materials displayed by other candidates. If improper or unapproved material is observed, the item(s) and their location should be reported to the Director of Student Life.

Sub-Clause 6.

All campaign materials must be removed by the designated date following the election. Failure to do so may result in sanctions against the candidate.

Sub-Clause 7.

All candidates must abide by the regulations set forth by the University policies, regulations, and procedures at all times.

Sub-Clause 8.

All students campaigning on behalf of a candidate must follow the campaign rules set forth here. Any violation by any volunteer will be viewed as a violation by the candidate, which may call for disqualification of their candidacy.

Section 3. Approval of Campaign Materials

Clause A.

Materials may be reviewed by the Director of Student Life for compliance with the campaign regulations. Materials which appear questionable or unacceptable will be referred to the Election Committee for review.

Section 4. Elections Committee

Clause A. Committee Description and Responsibility

Sub-Clause 1.

The Elections Committee shall consist of 5 members and a chairperson. The chairperson shall be the Director of Student Life, or his/her designee. The additional members shall consist of 3 students and 2 staff members of limited bias. The chair shall only vote in case of a tie.

Sub-Clause 2.

The Elections Committee will have the authority to review and hear complaints and to make decisions based on these complaints.

Sub-Clause 3.

A quorum of the election committee is required when meeting to resolve formal complaints. A quorum is defined as a minimum of three members of the election committee, at least one of whom must be a student.

Sub-Clause 4.

Elections Committee will not seek out infractions – they will only respond to complaints submitted.

Sub-Clause 5.

The Elections Committee will convene only if a written complaint is submitted, or if required to provide clarifications of election policies - otherwise no meetings will be scheduled.

Clause B. Complaint Guidelines

Sub-Clause 1.

Any student wishing to file a complaint regarding the election or the campaign process shall have the opportunity to do so through an established process.

Sub-Clause 2.

Any complaint must be identified as a formal complaint, signed by the complainant, and submitted in writing to the Director of Student Life.

Sub-Clause 3.

Verbal and informal electronic communications are considered informational and advisory and will not be considered a complaint. The Director of Student Life and/or the election committee will respond to such correspondence as a basis for issuing clarifications or other directives to any or all candidates.

Sub-Clause 4.

All complaints must be submitted within the time allowed for the receipt of complaints. Complaints received after that time will not be accepted unless the Election Committee determines there is a strong case to do so.

Sub-Clause 5.

Unless otherwise stated by the Elections Committee, the following deadlines for the receipt of complaints shall apply:

1. Complaints challenging the eligibility of a candidate to seek election shall be filed no less than 2 business days prior to the beginning of formal balloting.
2. All other complaints shall be submitted within one business day of the time at which the incident prompting the complaint became known to the complainant.
3. The final deadline for the filing of complaints will be Noon of the next business day following the completion of the voting process.

Clause C. Complaint Process

Sub-Clause 1

Upon receipt of the complaint, the elections committee shall convene within 2 business days.

Sub-Clause 2

The chairperson’s responsibility shall be to conduct an effective hearing within 2 business days of convening the committee and facilitate the process as well as be afforded the opportunity to ask questions.

Sub-Clause 3 Notice to the Parties

The chairperson shall notify the charging party and the accused student of the hearing in writing via campus mail, U.S. mail or e-mail at least 1 business days prior to a scheduled hearing. The notice shall include:

1. Name of charging party
2. Nature and date of the alleged election rules infraction
3. Time and place of hearing
4. Names of the hearing panel members to confirm there is not a conflict of interest.

Sub-Clause 4 Pre-Hearing Meeting & Exchange of Information

At least 4 hours prior to the scheduled hearing the chair shall exchange the names of tentatively scheduled witnesses and copies of relevant documents.

Sub-Clause 5 Hearing

1. The election committee will schedule a hearing for the parties to present relevant information, documents, and witnesses. The committee members may pose questions and seek such information as is necessary for the fair and just resolution of the matter. Formal rules of legal evidence and procedure do not apply. The parties may bring to the hearing an advisor of their choice. The advisor cannot be a witness in the case. A party is responsible for any costs associated with their advisor. Advisors may participate at the discretion of the committee. The student may testify at their discretion; a decision not to testify will not be held against the student.
2. Hearings will be closed to the public.
3. The committee shall record the proceedings for use in any appeal.
4. The Panel will make a determination based upon the evidence presented. The student is presumed not responsible for the said charges unless proceedings of the hearing prove otherwise. The standard of proof the panel will use is preponderance of the evidence (50.1%; more likely than not). Within 1 business days of the completion of the hearing, the Chair shall submit a written report on behalf of the committee to the SGA and to the parties simultaneously. The report will include findings of fact, conclusions, and any sanctions.

Clause D. Appeals

The determination of the committee is final and binding upon the parties unless the parties file an appeal with the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. An appeal must be filed within 1 business days and may be based only upon the following grounds:

1. New evidence which was not reasonably available or subject to discovery at the time of the hearing; or
2. Due process violations.
3. Unjust sanctions.

The VCSA shall review the appeal within 3 business days.

1. If they finds the existence of new evidence, they shall remand the charge to the original committee members , which shall reconvene within 3 business days. If an original member of the committee cannot attend, a new member may fill in.
2. If they finds that there were due process violations, they shall refer the matter to a newly constituted committee , which shall convene within 3 business days.
3. If they find that the determination was outside the scope of the authority of the committee or would result in fundamental unfairness to the parties. Sanctions may be set aside.

Section 1.

Any member of the SGA may be disciplined for the following reasons:

Clause A.

Gross negligence of duty;

Clause B.

Substantial violation of the SGA Constitution or legal responsibilities;

Clause C.

Violation of academic integrity or the Student Disciplinary Code; or,

Clause D.

Missing three (3) regularly scheduled televised SGA meetings.

Sub-Clause 1.

If a member misses two (2) meetings, the SGA President will inform the member and place the member on probation.

Section 2.

The student or SGA member will state one or more of the above reasons in a signed and written complaint to the Director of Student Life.

Clause A.

If the complaint is submitted against any officer other than the Parliamentarian, then the Director of Student Life will forward the complaint to the Parliamentarian.

Clause B.

If the complaint is submitted against the Parliamentarian, then the complaint will be forwarded to the President, who will become acting Chair of the Constitution and Rules Committee for the purpose of ruling on the complaint.

Section 3.

The Constitution and Rules Committee will meet within five (5) business days to hear the complaint. Both the complainant and the accused member may be present at this meeting to present evidence and make statements.

Section 4.

Should the Committee find with a 2/3 majority that the complaint warrants further action, the complaint will be forwarded to the SGA with a recommended disciplinary action.

Section 5.

The complaint will be brought to the SGA at-large at its next scheduled meeting. Both the complainant and respondent will be present at the meeting. Both sides are allowed to make a five (5) minute statement. The complaint brought forward must be held in closed session.

Section 6.

After both sides have presented their case, the SGA will discuss and vote on if the respondent is guilty of the complaint and what disciplinary action to take. The following actions may be taken:

Clause A.

Censure

Sub-Clause 1.

If a member is censured, a resolution will be passed to record the censure and be placed in the SGA’s archives.

Clause B.

If the complaint relates to attendance of meetings, the member’s probation may be extended.

Clause C.

Removal from SGA

Section 7.

The SGA may convene into executive session for the purpose of making a decision on the charges and on any actions to be taken against the member. A 2/3 majority is needed in order to find guilty. If the SGA votes to find the member guilty, a simple majority is needed to approve actions of censure and extension of probation. A 2/3 majority is needed in order to remove the member.

Section 8.

If the SGA does not reach the 2/3 majority needed to find the member guilty, no action will be taken against the member.

Section 9.

During all proceedings, the member will be allowed due process.

Section 1.

In the event that the University Administration announces the formation of a Search Committee that requires student representation, the SGA President will notify the student body that the SGA is seeking applications for the position.

Clause A.

All applications must include a current resume and a cover letter. Applications that do not include a resume or cover letter will not be considered.

Section 2.

Two (2) weeks after the notification to the student body, the Executive Committee will convene into a closed session to consider the applications.

Section 3.

Should the Executive Committee find it necessary, applicants may be called in to take questions from the members of the committee.

Section 4.

The Executive Committee will not consider the applicant’s race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or political ideology during deliberations. 

Section 5. 

Once all applications have been considered, the Executive Committee will submit recommendations to the University Administration for final approval.

Section 1.

Any member of the SGA may submit a proposal to amend or change these Bylaws.

Section 2.

Clause A.

Any member of SGA may submit a proposal to amend or change these Bylaws.

Clause B.

Any proposal to change these Bylaws will be submitted to the SGA President, Secretary, and Parliamentarian at 3pm (CST) on the Friday before the next scheduled SGA meeting.

Section 3.

The Parliamentarian, prior to passage of any amendment to the Bylaws, may provide a written opinion to the Student Government Association detailing the effect that any proposed amendment would have on the Bylaws.

Section 4.

In the opinion letter, the Parliamentarian shall provide a recommendation to the Student Government Association as to whether the proposed amendment should be approved by the Student Government Association as a whole.

Section 5.

The Student Government shall reserve the authority to approve the amendment to the Bylaws without an opinion letter from the Parliamentarian.

Section 6.

A simple majority is required to amend or change the Bylaws. This vote shall be taken during the SGA regularly scheduled televised meetings.

Section 7.

Upon approval of any amendments to the Bylaws, the Parliamentarian shall be responsible for updating the Bylaws to reflect the amendments made by the Student Government Association.

Section 1. Mission Statement

We, the members of the student government association , in recognition of our responsibility to serve and represent the students of the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), establish this Bylaw to ensure the fair and equitable allocation of funds. Committed to transparency, we strive to foster an inclusive process that enhances the experience of all UIS students by engaging diverse student demographics. We seek to provide regular updates on financial decisions and maintain a collaborative working relationship between the Student Government Association (SGA) and SOFA/SAC. Through these principles, we aim to uphold the best interests of the student body and strengthen our community.

Section 2: Timeline for Allocation Process

Clause A.

It shall be the duty of every SGA to prepare a document no later than the second meetings of the spring semester each year. Detailing out funding priority goals for the next upcoming academic year. The document shall contain no less than 2 goals that the SGA wishes to see programing incorporate. The document shall be used to help SGA determine which programs or entities receive funding priority, but not aligning with any or all goals does not mean a program or entity will not receive funding.

Clause B.

The process will begin with Phase 1 by sending out the Phase 1 Allocation Request Form by the first SGA meeting in the month of February to both SAC and SOFA. The form should be returned to the SGA for discussion and review by the first meeting in the month of March.

Sub-Clause 1

Representatives of requesting organizations should be present at the first meeting in the month of March in order to provide a presentation of broader goals as well as to answer any simple questions regarding the information provided in their submitted Phase 1 document.

Clause C.

It shall be the duty of every SGA to prepare a document no later than two meetings after Phase 1 presentations. Detailing out specific information needed to reach a funding allocation decision . The document shall contain requests for information SGA deems necessary to make an informed decision including things such as financial statements, attendee information, previous programming etc. A separate document shall be created for each organization requesting and approval by SGA at large before being sent.

Clause D.

After review of the Phase 1 document, SGA should continue on to Phase 2 by sending each respective organization the appropriate Phase 2 document. These documents should be sent by the SGA to the both organizations by the conclusion of the first SGA meeting in the month of March. The documents should be submitted to SGA for review by the first SGA meeting in the month of April.

Sub-Clause 1

The Phase 2 documents should be reviewed and revised to reflect any questions or goals specific to the interests of the current SGA.

Sub Clause 2

Representatives of requesting organizations should be present at the first meeting in the month of April in order to answer specific questions pertaining to the information provided in the submitted Phase 2 documents.

Clause D.

Upon reviewing all of the documents from Phases 1 and 2 as well as taking into account the presentations and answers provided by both SAC and SOFA, the SGA should deliberate amongst themselves in a closed session before voting upon the allocations in an open session.

Section 3: SGA Policies for Allocation

Clause A.

No more than 10% of requested or spent budget shall be used on overhead expenses. For the purpose of this clause overhead shall be defined as cost for things that do not directly go to populations being served. This includes things like conferences, Shirts and other merchandise for personal use, printers and administrative tasks, or any expenses not being directly used on the student body at large.

Clause B.

The organization receiving funds shall be required to submit a written report for every regularly scheduled SGA meeting as to how funds are being spent, the process of programming with said funds bi-monthly.

For the purposes of this clause an email sent to SGA inbox shall satisfy the requirements of reporting.

Sub-Clause 1

If requested by the SGA at large or executive committee, an organization that receives funds may be called to deliver an in person report or answer question so long as 2 week notice is given.

Clause C.

All SGA members should complete the national coalition building institute training prior to taking part in the allocation process. If a member has not completed said training, they can either not partake in the allocation process or should complete the training.

Clause D.

Failing to comply with clauses within this section will be taken into account during future determinations for allocating funds.

Section 4: Deliberations of Allocations

Clause A.

The first factor to consider for allocation is programming that works to engage all demographics and communities on campus including but not limited to campus resident students, online students, commuter students, international students, etc.

Clause B.

The second factor to consider for allocation is the potential high impact nature of some events and how they can have a pronounced impact on a student’s experience.

Clause C.

All deliberations shall take place within closed sessions with minutes being taken and published of the general discussion of deliberations. All voting and decisions made after deliberation shall be in open sessions and a reasoning provided in open session for the decision made.

Clause D.

it shall be the duty of every SGA member to review documents and information before deliberation sessions to ensure timely and active deliberations.

Clause E.

In the course of deliberations SGA will not consider the race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or political ideology of members of organizations during deliberations.

Section 5: Funding in Support of the Allocation Process

Clause A.

The SGA will allocate $100 to SAC and SOFA to support the process of preparing the allocation forms and gathering the necessary items and data. These funds can be used at the discretion of both organizations.

Section 1.

Except as otherwise provided for herein, all meetings and procedures undertaken by the Student Government Association shall be conducted in accordance with the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.