The primary mission of the Champlain College Student Government Association is to encourage students to get involved in creating a physical and intellectual environment in which they have a freedom to grow and are challenged to realize their full potential. The Student Government Association's responsibility is to inform and advocate for student's concerns, to promote character and personality development and ethical conduct in students, and to provide creative outlets through supervised extra-curricular activities. The Student Government Association is dedicated to listening to the student body, to foster their understanding and appreciation of all people; and to create unity and campus pride. We, the students of Champlain College, do hereby ordain the Constitution for the Champlain College Student Government Association.

Student Government Association and/or its members, when taking stands on issues, recognizes and will fulfill the obligation to make clear that it/they in no way represent(s) the official position of Champlain College.

Section 1.

Name The name of this organization shall be the Student Government Association of Champlain College, hereafter known as the SGA.

Section 2.

Definition of Membership A. The SGA shall not be discriminatory in terms of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or financial/social status. B. All full-time degree students shall be members of the SGA. C. Any full-time student who is a member of the SGA in eligible to hold any SGA Office. D. Part-time and non-degree students of the College shall be allowed to join the SGA upon initial approval of the Executive Committee. E. Any part-time or non-degree student who is a member of the SGA is eligible to hold any SGA Office with the exception of positions on the Executive Committee.

Section 1.

All Executive Committee Officers must adhere to the Champlain College Code of Conduct as outlined in the Champlain College Rudder.

Section 2.

The President A. Shall be a member of the SGA duly elected by membership and a full-time, matriculated student at the time of elections and not taking less than twelve (12) academic credits for each semester while holding office. B. Shall act as the Chief Executive Office and official student representative of the SGA. C. Shall attend and be the presiding officer of all meetings of the Executive Committee and the General Assembly. D. Shall be Chairperson of the Executive Committee. E. Shall chair all public hearings of the SGA, unless the agenda of said hearing is deemed by the Executive Committee to be more relevant to a Committee of the General Assembly, in which case the Chair of the Committee shall preside over the hearing. F. Shall be an ex-officio member of all SGA Standing Committees. G. May delegate specific matters which demand immediate attention to the appropriate SGA Standing Committees. H. May veto any action of the General Assembly and/or its Standing Committees within three business days. I. Shall have the sole authority and power to call for special elections. J. Shall have the power to break a tie vote in the General Assembly. K. Shall have the sole authority to call the General Assembly into "Executive Session". L. Shall have the authority to formulate the agenda for all General Assembly meetings. M. Shall have the authority to suspend Robert's Rules of Order and Parliamentary Procedure during any meeting of the General Assembly. N. Shall represent the SGA at meetings of the Champlain College Board of Trustees. O. Shall have the power to call special meetings of the General Assembly. P. May declare himself/herself absent in writing to the Vice President and General Assembly at any time prior to his/her absence. In the event that he/she is physically incapable of such a declaration, the General Assembly may declare him/her absent by a 2/3 vote of Representatives present and voting. Q. Shall be responsible for presenting a monthly report on his/her activities to the General Assembly.

Section 3.

The Vice President A. Shall be a member of the SGA duly elected by the membership and a full-time, matriculated student at the time of elections and not taking less than twelve (12) academic credits for each semester while holding office. B. Shall act as President of the SGA and assume all duties, powers, privileges, and responsibilities of that office if or when the President is no longer able to maintain that position. C. Shall act as the chairperson of the Appointments/Elections Committee; responsible for nominating, training, and maintaining contact with all student representatives and filling General Assembly vacancies. D. Shall act as an assistant to the President. E. Shall coordinate the General Assembly Orientation Seminar at the beginning of each General Assembly session in September. F. Shall request bi-annual reviews from all SGA funded clubs and organizations. G. May request, receive, and file committee reports from all Standing Committee and Ad Hoc Chairpersons. H. Shall be an ex-officio member of all SGA Committees. I. Shall serve as the SGA representative to the Champlain College Board of Trustees.

Section 4.

The Treasurer A. Shall be a member of the SGA duly elected by the membership and a full-time, matriculated student at the time of elections and not taking less than twelve (12) academic credits for each semester while holding office. B. Shall have acquired six (6) academic credits in Accounting with a grade of "B" or better. C. Shall be responsible for the financial affairs of the SGA. D. Shall prepare in cooperation with the President and Vice President the central budget of the SGA. E. Shall be responsible for maintenance of accurate monthly audits of all SGA funded organizations for review. F. Shall have the authority to request the books and ledgers of any SGA funded organization for review. G. Shall act as an assistant to the President and Vice President.

Section 5.

The Secretary/Public Relations Chair A. Shall be a member of the SGA duly elected by the membership and a full-time, matriculated student at the time of elections and not taking less than twelve (12) academic credits for each semester while holding office. B. Shall act as the Recording Secretary of the Executive Committee and the General Assembly. C. Shall have the minutes of meetings printed and distributed in a timely fashion. D. Shall be responsible for providing all Officers and Representatives with meeting agendas prior to Executive Committee and General Assembly meetings. E. Shall be responsible for the maintenance of well-ordered files for the Executive Committee. F. Shall notify SGA Officers, Representatives, and student members of all General Assembly meetings. G. Shall work with the College Campus Media to ensure timely and effective communication within the General Assembly and the entire College Community. H. Shall maintain the SGA web page. I. Shall act as an assistant to the President and Vice President.

Section 6.

Commuter Representative Chairperson A. Shall be a member of the SGA duly elected by the membership and a full-time, matriculated student at the time of elections and not taking less than twelve (12) academic credits for each semester while holding office. B. Shall reside off-campus for the duration of his/her term. C. Shall act as Chairperson of the Commuter Committee. D. Shall be a voting member of the Executive Committee. E. In cooperation with the President, shall be responsible for setting a clear agenda of goals for his/her committee. F. Shall be responsible for making a budget for his/her committee within two weeks of the first Fall General Assembly meeting of the year. G. Shall be responsible for giving a weekly report of his/her committee's weekly activities. H. Shall be responsible for following through with resolutions pertinent to that committee.

Section 7.

Residence Hall Representative Chairperson A. Shall be a member of the SGA duly elected by the membership and a full-time, matriculated student at the time of elections and not taking less than twelve (12) academic credits for each semester while holding office. B. Shall reside in an on-campus residence hall for the duration of his/her term. C. Shall act as Chairperson of the Residence Hall Committee. D. Shall be a voting member of the Executive Committee. E. In cooperation with the President, shall be responsible for setting a clear agenda of goals for his/her committee. F. Shall be responsible for making a budget for his/her committee within two weeks of the first Fall General Assembly meeting of the year. G. Shall be responsible for giving a weekly report of his/her committee's weekly activities. H. Shall be responsible for following through with resolutions pertinent to that committee.

Section 8.

Committee Chairpersons A. Shall be appointed by the President and Vice President to preside over their respective committee meetings and delegate responsibilities set forth by the President and Vice President. B. Shall be a voting member of the Executive Committee. C. In cooperation with the President, shall be responsible for setting a clear agenda of goals for his/her committee. D. Shall be responsible for making a budget for his/her committee within two weeks of the first Fall General Assembly meeting of the year. E. Shall be responsible for giving a weekly report of his/her committee's weekly activities. F. Shall be removed if deemed necessary by 3/4 vote of the respective committee, and shall be given a chance to join another committee. A replacement shall be accepted by a majority bote of the respective committee. G. Shall be responsible for following through with resolutions pertinent to that committee.

Section 1.

The legislative power of the SGA shall be vested in the General Assembly and the committees thereof.

Section 2.

General Assembly A. Shall have the authority to accept, reject, or table such bills, rules, or regulations necessary to formulate those policies of the General Assembly as defined by the Mission or elsewhere in this Constitution based on one-vote per member. B. Shall have the sole authority to approve or reject the annual budget of the SGA, requiring a 2/3 vote majority vote of Representatives present and voting to pass. C. The General assembly meeting shall take place no later than two weeks after the first day of classes in the fall of each year.

Section 3.

Composition A. No person shall assume the position a Representative position who is not a member of the SGA, eligible for participation in student activities under College policy. B. The following shall be entitled to a voice and a vote: 1. The Executive Committee. 2. Four (4) Division Representatives (Accounting/Computer Systems, Business Administration, Arts and Sciences, and Community Services) 3. Up to twenty (20) Commuter Representatives 4. Residence Hall Representatives (one from each dorm - 13+/-) 5. Two (2) seats will be filled by special election open only to first-year students. The election shall be held within the first two weeks of the Fall Semester, and shall be carried out under the direction of the President. C. Non-voting members are entitled to a voice, but not a vote: 1. Representatives from each campus organization or program. 2. Any other interested SGA member. 3. Faculty members, Staff members, and the SGA Advisor.

Section 4.

Meetings A. Regular meetings of the General Assembly shall be held at least monthly during the academic year on an appropriate evening. B. The General Assembly shall meet on the call of the SGA President, the Executive Committee, or a petition signed by at least 2/3 of the General Assembly's members. C. The General Assembly shall have the sole authority by a 2/3 vote of Representatives present and voting to overrule the presidential veto of an action by the General Assembly or one of its committees; for this action to be considered effective, it must occur at one of the two meeting following the veto. D. The General Assembly shall represent and act on behalf of the members of the SGA. E. The General Assembly shall have the sole authority to interpret the structure, content, and intent of this Constitution. F. The General Assembly shall have eight standing committees. Representatives shall be assigned to these Committees by the President, with due regard to their own preference except for the Appointments/Elections Committee which shall consist of one Representative nominated from each committee. The committees shall be: 1. Executive Committee a. Shall consist of the President, Vice President, Treasure, Secretary/Public Relations Chair, the Chairperson of each committee, and the Chairpersons of ad hoc committees (non-voting). b. Shall prepare the agenda of General Assembly meetings. c. Shall consider and make recommendations on the rules or procedures of the General Assembly. d. Shall direct proposed bills, rules, and resolutions to the appropriate committees for consideration. e. Shall establish, for specific term, ad hoc committees as it deems necessary. f. Shall serve as role models for the rest of General Assembly. g. Shall serve as advisors to the SGA President. 2. Finance Committee a. Shall consist of at least five Representatives. b. Shall review the budget proposal of the SGA Treasurer and submit it to the General Assembly. c. Shall consider and make recommendation to the General Assembly on all proposed expenditures of clubs and organizations on or before April 15 of each year. d. Shall consider other matters concerned with SGA financial affairs. e. Shall review and recommend the financial policies of the SGA, to be approved by a 2/3 vote of Representative present and voting. f. Shall monitor and enforce financial policies approved by the SGA General Assembly. 3. Academic Affairs Committee a. Shall consist of at least five Representatives. b. Shall consider matters of student interest in the areas of academic policy, curriculum, and faculty-student relations (i.e., academic advising, tenure, and academic calendar); and recommend actions and resolutions to the General Assembly. c. Shall delegate a member to attend the Faculty Senate and Curriculum Committee meetings. 4. Student Activities Committee a. Shall consist of at least five Representatives. b. Shall consider all requests for SGA recognition and submit them before the General Assembly for approval. c. Shall review organizational constitutions or statements of purpose on an annual basis and if necessary recommend to the General Assembly that it revoke recognition of any organization that is not in compliance with SGA requirements. d. Shall work toward aiding clubs and organizations in all their programs and needs. e. Shall contact clubs and organizations on a monthly basis. f. Shall plan at least two social events and one community service project for the SGA each semester. 5. Student Action Committee a. Shall consist of at least five Representatives. b. Shall consider matters concerning students, and student interests, on the college, local, state, and, federal levels; and recommend resolutions and actions to the General Assembly. c. Shall consider cultural diversity issues. d. Shall consider student safety issues. e. Shall consider and make recommendations on other matters concerning the collective interests of the membership (i.e., food service, security and maintenance, computer networks, etc.). 6. Appointments/Election Committee a. Shall consist of at least eight Representatives, including the SGA President, and chaired by the SGA Vice President in accordance with ART.III.Sec4F. b. Shall conduct all impeachment proceedings of the General Assembly. c. Shall receive nominations for Executive Committee offices by the second Tuesday of March. d. Shall conclude the election process for Executive Committee by the fourth Wednesday of March.

Section 1.

Quorum A. Legislation can only be voted upon and enacted by the General Assembly or Committees thereof if a quorum is present. B. General Assembly Quorum is reached when 51% of voting members are present. C. The Committee Quorum is reached when 51% of voting members are present. D. Actions taken during "unofficial" meetings shall be reconsidered at the next General Assembly or Committee meeting.

Section 2.

Attendance A. All Executive Committee Officers and General Assembly Representatives must attend all meetings. B. All General Assembly Representatives are required to serve on at least one standing committee. C. The Executive Committee may declare a Representative's seat vacant if a Representative has been absent from two General Assembly or Committee meetings in any one semester without the permission of the President and Committee Chairperson respectively in accordance with ART.VI.Sec.3.A.

Section 3.

Proxy A. The proxy shall be defined as a means to conduct and act on "official" business, as an agent that shall be used for efficient and necessary communication otherwise absent. B. The proxy shall be responsible for attending the SGA meetings in question entrusted with the responsibilities of the absentee, and shall report directly back to the person in absence. C. The proxy shall be any member of the SGA except another voting member of the General Assembly.

Section 1.

The Student Appointments and Election Committee shall be in charge of coordinating the SGA Representatives to operate the elections of Executive Committee for the following year. A. Votes cast in each election shall be canvassed and tabulated with the results certified by the Chairperson of the Appointments and Election Committee with the aid of the SGA Advisor. B. Notification of the results of the elections will be made public within 24 hours of the closing of the polls. C. The President shall be responsible for calling two meetings of the new Executive Committee before the adjournment of the semester.

Section 2.

Executive Committee Elections A. Executive Committee offices are open to all students with a submitted letter of intent and a semesters worth of experience in the SGA. The Committee shall receive nominations for Executive Committee offices through the second Tuesday of March. B. The Election begin on the fourth Tuesday of March and shall not last for more than two consecutive days. C. Those candidates who receive the most votes, win. D. In the event of a tie, a run off election shall take place within one week. E. If an Executive Committee Candidate with the highest number of votes formally declines the position, within a seventy-two hour time period, a re-election shall take place. Any subsequent decision not to assume the office shall be considered a resignation. F. The President shall relinquish all powers, duties, and responsibilities of the SGA to the President Elect of the SGA no later than two weeks before the adjournment of the spring semester. This transfer of power shall occur at the final meeting of the preceding year's General Assembly whereupon the President Elect shall assume the role of President. G. The President Elect shall seal his/her commitment to Champlain College at the behest of the outgoing President, in the form of an oath of service. The seal of such an oath shall indicate the commencement of the new SGA.

Section 3.

General Assembly Elections A. The Election begin on the fourth Tuesday of March and shall not last for more than two consecutive days. B. Those candidates who receive the most votes, win. C. In the event of a tie, a run off election shall take place within one week. D. Any Representative who begins an academic year following his/her election and no longer meets the eligibility requirements for his/her position, loses their seat and the President will fill that vacancy in accordance with ART.VI.Sec.4D of this document. E. Representatives Elect will assume the duties of the General Assembly upon the call of the President within one week of the adjournment of the previous year's General Assembly.

Section 4.

First Year Elections A. There shall be two seats on General Assembly reserved for first-year students, who would not be present for elections in the Spring Semester. B. The Elections of the two first year students shall take place no later than two weeks after the first General Assembly meeting in the fall of each year, as per ART.III, Sec.3.B.4. C. These Elections shall not last for more than two consecutive days. D. Those candidates who receive the most votes, win. E. In the event of a tie, a run off election shall take place within one week.

Section 1.

Petition A formal petition, clearly stating its intended action, and endorsed by at least 5% of the membership shall, when submitted to the President, have the authority to cause any of the following: A. Order reconsideration of an action taken at the most recent meeting of the General Assembly or one of the Committees thereof at the next meeting of that body. B. Order the President to call a public hearing of the SGA on an issue or set of issues.

Section 2.

Impeachment Motions to impeach the President, any other Officer, or Representative, may be brought by petition on grounds of incompetence, ineligibility, dishonesty, or action in violation of this Constitution. Such a motion shall be automatically referred to the Appointments/Nominations Committee. This Committee will investigate such charges and a recommendation by this Committee that the officer be removed shall constitute impeachment. The petitions for impeachment must include the following: A. If for President or any other Executive Committee Officer, signatures of at least 5 % of the members of the SGA. B. If for a Representative, signatures of at least 5 % of the members of the SGA. C. A statement of the reason(s) for impeachment. D. A majority vote of the General Assembly is needed for conviction and shall cause immediate removal from office.

Section 3.

Resignation A. Executive Committee Officers may resign by submitting a written statement of that intent to the President, except that: the Executive Committee may declare a Representative's seat vacant if a Representative has been absent from two General Assembly or Committee meetings in any one semester without the permission of the President and Committee Chairperson respectively, and/or when that Representative is found by a 2/3 majority vote of the Executive Committee to be shirking his/her duties as set fourth in this Constitution, by the Committee Chairperson, and/or the President. Whenever such action is contemplated the Representative involved must be given an opportunity to explain his/her action. A declaration of vacancy by the Executive Committee may be appealed to the General Assembly.

Section 4.

Filling Vacancies A. In the event that the President resigns or is removed the Vice President shall assume the position of President and make nominations to the General Assembly for a new Vice President within two weeks from the voted removal or resignation of the President. The Vice Presidential nominee shall be approved by a 2/3 vote of the entire General Assembly. B. In the event that the Vice President resigns or is removed, his/her position shall be filled by the Chairperson of the Academic Affairs Committee until a Vice Presidential nominee has been approved by a 2/3 vote of the entire General Assembly. C. In the event that the Treasurer resigns or is removed, his/her position shall be filled by the Chairperson of the Finance Committee, designated by the President until a new Treasurer is nominated and approved by a 2/3 vote of the entire General Assembly. D. In the event that a Representative resigns or is removed, the vacant seat will be replaced by an interview process conducted by the Student Appointments and Election Committee. The criteria for nominating an individual will be based primarily on the merits of that individual. The nomination must be approved by a 2/3 majority vote of Representatives present and voting. Notification of the filling of the vacancy shall be given to all Representatives within two weeks of that vacancy.

Amendments to or dissolution of the Constitution must be approved by a 3/4 vote of the General Assembly, but first be presented to the membership in a public hearing that is advertised at least 14 days in advance.

This Constitution shall be adopted and effective when approved by a 2/3 vote of the General Assembly.