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UHV STUDENT SENATE BY-LAWS
Article I - Name
The name of this organization shall be the University of
Houston-Victoria Student
Senate hereafter referred to as the Student Senate.
Article II - Purpose
The Student Senate is a
nonprofit, elected, governing body whose purpose is to
promote communications between constituents of UHV, to
enhance the unique educational environment of UHV, and to
address specific needs of students in order to provide a
voice to and for the student body with respect to academic
and cultural matters.
Article III - Membership
The Student Senate shall be
composed of duly elected officers and senators from the UHV
student body. The members of the Student Senate shall be
subject to the qualifications and requirements stated in
these bylaws, shall be responsible to the student body, and
shall have the authority to act on behalf of the student
body.
Article IV - Officers
Section 1. Personnel
The UHV student body, during its regular spring election,
shall elect the following
officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, and
Treasurer.
Section 2. Qualifications
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Each candidate for officer must
be enrolled as a student at UHV (in good academic standing,
of high moral character, and in compliance with all
university policies and procedures) at the time of his/her
election and must remain enrolled, at least halftime,
throughout his/her term, excluding summer sessions.
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Each candidate for officer must have a cumulative grade
point average of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale at UHV at the
time of his/her election and must maintain such standing
throughout his/her term of office.
Section 3. Term of Office
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Each officer elected in a regular
election shall serve a term of one year, to begin upon
installation held within five weeks following the election
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If a newly elected officer does
not present him/herself for installation within the five
week period, he/she forfeits the position.
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No officer shall hold the same office for more than two
consecutive terms, with the exception of those elected in a
special election (who would service two and a half terms).
Section 4. Responsibilities
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The president shall reside at
regular, special, and called meetings of the Student Senate;
shall serve as official spokesperson and public relations
officer for the Student Senate; shall, subject to approval
of the Student Senate, serve on or appoint representation to
any university or system-wide committees, Office of
Admissions and Records’, or councils as requested by the
administration; shall be responsible for initiating
financial expenditures of the Student Senate as so indicated
by the organization; shall serve ex-officio as a member of
all committees; and shall have such other responsibilities
and duties as may be normally associated with the office of
president. The Student Senate president may not be president
of any other university organization during his/her term of
office.
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The vice president shall
represent the president in his/her absence; shall assist the
president in the performance of his/her duties and with
assigned tasks as delegated; shall coordinate any projects
initiated by the Student Senate not covered by committees
and shall follow the progress of committee activities; shall
serve as parliamentarian during Student Senate meetings; and
shall have such other responsibilities and duties as may
normally be associated with the office of vice president.
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The secretary shall properly
record the minutes of all meetings; shall prepare and
distribute agenda, notices, minutes, and memos as necessary;
shall prepare an updated list, following elections, of all
Senate positions for inclusion in university publications;
shall maintain files of all official membership records,
minutes, committee reports, correspondence, and all action
taken by the Student Senate; shall represent the vice
president in his/her absence; and shall have such other
responsibilities and duties as may normally be associated
with the office of secretary.
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The treasurer shall be responsible for filling out proper
state forms concerning Student Senate finances as directed
by the president and/or Student Senate rulings; shall be
responsible for collecting any Student Senate revenues and
preparing and maintaining the financial books and records of
the Student Senate; shall prepare monthly financial reports
and a summary of Student Senate funds; shall represent the
secretary in his/her absence; and shall have other such
responsibilities as may be associated with the office of
treasurer.
Section 5. Resignation or
Removal
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Any officer who wishes to resign
must signify such in writing to the president of the Student
Senate, specifying the date the resignation will become
effective.
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Any officer may be removed from
office for nonfeasance or malfeasance by a two-thirds vote
of the entire Student Senate, and shall not be qualified for
reelection.
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Any officer who violates
university policy or procedures by committing an act of a
criminal nature (thus negatively impacting the community's
view of the Student Senate leadership) shall immediately
forfeit that office. At the next regular meeting or a called
meeting of the Senate, a simple majority vote will be taken.
The vote will be for acknowledgment purposes only - not to
determine whether the officer should be removed.
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Should the president of the
Student Senate be removed from or resign from office, the
vice president shall automatically assume the presidency.
Should any other officer be removed from or resign from or
resign from office prior to the fulfillment of his/her term,
Student Senate members will be notified that the vacated
position will be filled at the following meeting and the
Student Senate shall elect by a two-thirds vote of those
present and shall vote another senator from within its
membership to fill the vacancy for the duration of the term.
The position then left vacant shall be filled as specified
in Article V, Section 5,c, of these bylaws.
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If any Student Senate officer fails to attend three total
meetings for the elected year, that officer may be removed
by a majority vote at the first meeting after the third
meeting missed. After two absences, a letter from the
Student Senate secretary will be sent reminding the member
about his/her absences. The member will be asked to refer to
the Student Senate bylaws.
Article V - Senators
Section 1. Personnel
The UHV student body, during its
regular election in May, shall elect the following
senators:
a. One Undergraduate Senator from the School of Arts and
Sciences to represent that school;
b. One Undergraduate Senator from the School of Business
Administration to represent that school;
c. One Undergraduate Senator from the School of Education and
Human Development to represent that school;
d. One Graduate Senator from the School of Arts and Sciences
to represent that school;
e. One Graduate Senator from the School of Business
Administration to represent that school;
f. One Graduate Senator from the School of Education and Human
Development to represent that school;
g. Three Senators-at-Large, each without specific
representative affiliation, from either undergraduate or
graduate levels, to represent the student body in general.
h. One Senator-at-Large Cinco Ranch, without specific
representative affiliation, from either undergraduate or
graduate levels, to represent the interests of the university
as a whole.
i. One Senator-at-Large Sugar Land, without specific
representative affiliation, from either undergraduate or
graduate levels, to represent the interests of the university
as a whole.
Section 2. Qualifications
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Each candidate for
senator must be enrolled as a student at UHV (in good
academic standing, of high moral character, and in
compliance with all university policies and procedures) at
the time of his/her election and must remain enrolled, at
least halftime, throughout his/her term of office, excluding
summer sessions.
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Each candidate for senator must have cumulative
grade point average of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale at UHV
at the time of his/her election and must maintain such
standing throughout his/her term of office.
Section 3. Term of Office
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Each senator elected
in a regular election shall serve a term of one year, to
begin upon installation held within five weeks following the
election.
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If a newly elected
senator does not present him/herself for installation within
the five week period, he/she forfeits the position.
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No senator shall hold
the same office for more than two consecutive terms, with
the exception of those elected in a special election (who
would serve two and a half terms).
Section 4. Responsibilities
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The Senators of Arts
and Sciences shall represent the interests of Arts and
Sciences students and shall be free to chair or serve on any
committee as directed by the Student Senate.
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The Senators of
Business Administration shall present the interests of the
Business Administration students and shall be free to chair
or serve on any committee as directed by the Student Senate.
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The Senators of
Education shall represent the interests of the Education
students and shall be free to chair or serve on any
committee as directed by the Student Senate.
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Senators-at-Large
shall represent the interests of the student body in general and shall be free to chair or serve on any committee
as directed by the Student Senate.
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The Senator-at-Large from Cinco Ranch shall represent
the interests of the student body, specifically those at the
Cinco Ranch Branch.
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The Senator-at-Large from Sugar Land shall represent
the interests of the student body, specifically those at the
Sugar Land campus.
Section 5. Resignation or
Removal
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Any senator who wishes
to resign must signify such in writing to the President of
the Student Senate, specifying the date the resignation will
become effective.
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Any senator may be
removed from office for nonfeasance or malfeasance by a
two-thirds vote of the entire Student Senate.
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Any senator who is
removed from or resigns from office prior to the fulfillment
of his/her term shall be replaced by means of a special
election held specifically for the purpose of electing a
replacement for the duration of the term. A special election
for the purpose of filling a vacant position shall be held
within thirty days after the position is officially vacant;
however, any special election which would fall during the
summer semester(s) or between semesters shall be postponed
and held within the first month of the following fall or
spring semester.
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If any senator fails
to attend three meetings for the elected year, that senator
may be removed by a majority vote at the first meeting after
the third consecutive or fifth total meeting missed. After
two absences, a letter from the Student Senate secretary
will be sent reminding the member about his/her absences.
The member will be asked to refer to the Student Senate
bylaws.
Article VI - Advisor
The Student Senate Advisor will be the Manager of Student
Activities and Services (MSAS), unless otherwise directed by
the university.
Section 1. Responsibilities
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The Advisor shall
attend all meetings of the Student Senate.
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The Advisor will keep
the Student Senate informed of university policy and
regulations.
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The Advisor shall
provide guidance, balance, and leadership, but shall not
have voting power.
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The Advisor shall
check Student Senate members' qualifications periodically
throughout the school year.
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The Advisor is
responsible for co-signing all forms required by the
university for the Student Senate.
Article VII - Elections
There shall be a regular election
held on the Tuesday and Wednesday, the week of finals in the
Spring semester, for the purpose of electing the officers
and senators of the Student Senate, provided there is at
least one office for which there are two or more candidates
running, or changes on the bylaw are being voted on. If
there is only one candidate per office running, then they
shall be declared winners by default and an election does
not have to be held.
Section 1. Campaign Procedures
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Candidates for Student
Senate shall register with the MSAS no later than ten days
prior to the election. Each candidate, upon registering,
shall be given a copy of these bylaws and any additional
election policies and/or procedures which exist at the time
of said election.
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No candidate shall run
for more than one position in the same election.
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No candidate for
election shall spend more than $50.00 per campaign.
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All campaign posters or materials
must be approved by the Office of Student Activities and
Services prior to their posting or use.
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No candidate for
election shall obscure, damage, or remove campaign posters
or materials of another candidate, or in any way hinder
his/her campaign.
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No candidate for
election shall campaign on election days within twenty feet
of a polling location and shall not encroach within this
specified distance except to vote and/or to attend class.
Section 2. Voting Procedures
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The MSAS and the
Student Senate shall be responsible for the integrity of the
election. The Student Senate shall require its membership
(who are not candidates for reelection) to conduct the
election and to keep the polls open
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All votes shall be
cast by secret ballot and shall be accumulated in ballot
boxes placed at the main campus of UHV and at any of its
branch locations. Polling locations shall be open during
regular class hours on both election days.
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Separate ballots shall be prepared for each division to
ensure that students vote for all officers, all
senators-at-large, and the senator from their particular
division, but not for senators from other divisions.
Victoria students do not vote for Sugar Land or Cinco Ranch
senators. Sugar Land and Cinco Ranch students do not vote
for Senators-at-Large from Victoria.
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No proxy voting or
write-in votes shall be allowed unless specified in the
election notice and on the ballots.
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Ballot position shall be
determined by a random drawing held immediately prior to the
printing of the ballots. The MSAS and one member of the
Student Senate (provided he/she is not a candidate for
reelection) shall conduct the drawing. If all members are
candidates for reelection, the Office of Student Activities
and Services (SAS) will draft a student, faculty member, or
member of the staff to assist in the drawing.
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Ballots shall be tabulated by the SAS and at least two
members of the Student Senate (provided they are not
candidates for reelection), with the results certified in
writing by those persons. If all members are candidates for
reelection, the Office of SAS will draft students, faculty,
or staff to assist in the counting. The votes shall be
posted no later than noon the following day.
Section 3. Appeals
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An appeal of the election for
recount or for violation of the election rules and
procedures shall be made in writing to the MSAS no later
than one week following the event in question.
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Appeals shall be heard and
decided upon within thirty days of receipt of the written
appeal by a panel consisting of the MSAS no officer is
involved in the appeal), and the chair of the school
affected or another member of the UHV administration as
requested by the MSAS.
Section 4. Runoff Elections
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Runoff elections shall
occur when a candidate fails to garner fifty percent plus
one vote on the regular ballot. The runoff shall be between
the two candidates receiving the most votes and shall occur
no later than one week after the regular election.
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Runoff elections shall
be held during class hours on a Tuesday and Wednesday
designated by the Student Senate.
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Ballot position for
runoff elections shall be determined as in Article VI,
Section 2, e, of these bylaws.
Section 5. Postponements
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Elections may be
postponed by a two-thirds vote of the entire Student Senate,
with the resulting election to be scheduled two weeks
following the regularly scheduled election.
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A second postponement
shall require a unanimous vote of the Student Senate, with
the resulting election to be scheduled two weeks following
the first postponement.
Section 6. Special Elections
Special elections
may be called by the Student Senate with a two-thirds vote of
a
quorum during any spring or fall semester to deal with matters
demanding a vote of the student body. No special election
shall be held during the summer semester(s) or when classes
are not in session.
Additional
UHV Student Senate Election Rules
Campaigning shall be defined as speaking in front of an
organized group if the speech concerns the announcement of
candidacy or the election in any way; distributing any
printed materials; organizing any campaign committees;
holding any rallies or debates; or soliciting votes.
Campaigning is permitted during the time beginning one week
prior to the election and continuing until the close of the
polls on the day of the election. Runoff candidates in all
elections may campaign during the period between the first
election and the runoff, as well as on the day of the
runoff. Candidates organizing election rallies and/or
debates shall notify the MSAS of the activity at least
twenty-four hours prior to the event. Rallies and debates
are to be confined to the UHV campus. The use of
loudspeakers or public address systems is prohibited. All
campaign material is restricted to the UHV campus. All
flyers and posters must be in good taste and must be stamped
by the Office of SAS. Campaign materials may not exceed the
size of 28” x 22” and may be posted only in designated
areas. (No materials may be attached to glass or painted
surfaces, be fastened on outdoor walls or inside classrooms,
or be suspended from ceilings, clocks, or other fixtures).
Candidates are responsible for removing their campaign
materials within 36 hours of the close of the election.
Article VIII – Meetings
Section 1. Agendas
Agendas of the Student Senate shall be prepared by the
president and secretary
and shall be posted in all UHV buildings and distributed to
all Student Senate members and advisor no later than five
days before a regularly scheduled meeting.
Section 2. Minutes
Minutes of the Student Senate shall be posted in all UHV
buildings and distributed to all Student Senate members and
the advisor within two weeks following a meeting.
Section 3. Open Meetings
Meetings of the Student Senate
shall be open to the UHV community. No official business may
be conducted in a closed-door session.
Section 4. Installation
Meeting
An installation meeting shall be held for the purpose of
installing the newly elected Student Senate within five
weeks following the regular election. At this meeting, the
outgoing President of the Student Senate shall administer
the following oath to the newly elected Student Senate
members:
I, (name), do solemnly affirm
that I will faithfully execute the duties and
responsibilities entrusted to me by virtue of my position as
a member of the UHV Student Senate and will to the best of my
ability abide by and enforce the bylaws of this
organization.
Section 5. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Student Senate may be called by the
president of the Student Senate and must be called upon the
request of the administration or upon the request of at
least two members of the Student Senate. Notice of special
meetings shall be given to each member of the Student Senate
at least twenty-four hours in advance of the meeting.
Section 6. Quorum
A quorum is required for the
Student Senate to conduct business. A quorum shall consist
of a simple majority of the voting members of the Student
Senate.
Section 7. Voting
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All voting on main
motions during Student Senate meetings must be recorded in
the minutes as roll call votes. No secret ballots on
official business shall be allowed.
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Only elected members
of the Student Senate shall have the privilege of voting on
matters brought before the Student Senate. The Advisor shall
be allowed a voice in Student Senate matters but not allowed
to vote.
Article IX - Committees
The Student Senate shall have the
power to appoint any standing or special committees as may
be necessary for conducting Student Senate business or
activities.
Section 1. Committee Chairs
Only members of the Student
Senate shall be eligible to chair committees.
Section 2. Membership
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Committee chairs may
select members to serve on their committees from within the
Student Senate or from the UHV student body. Service on one
committee shall not preclude service on another committee.
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Membership on any
committee shall be open to any Student Senate member.
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The Student Senate
President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.
Article X - Fiduciary
Responsibilities
Section 1. Student Services
Fee
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The Student Senate
shall, in its fiduciary and representative capacities, have
a primary role in determining the amount and allocation of
the student services fee.
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The Student Senate
shall make recommendations on behalf of the students of UHV
concerning the collection, allocation, and expenditure of
student service fees.
Section 2. Student Services
Fee Advisory Office of Admissions and Records
This article may be superseded by the establishment of, and
Student Senate participation in, a Student Services Fee
Advisory Office of Admissions and Records.
Section 3. Texas Education
Code
The Student Senate shall abide by Section 54.503 (Addendum 1
to these bylaws) and any other relevant sections of the
Texas Education Code.
Article XI - Referendum
Referendums shall be initiated by a petition containing the
signatures of no less than five percent of the total student
body. The said petition shall be submitted to the Office of
SAS and verified at least two weeks before the regular
election. The called referendum shall be placed on the next
regular election ballot. Passage of the called referendum
shall be by simple majority. Implementation of the approved
referendum shall occur as specified in the referendum.
Article XII - Parliamentary
Authority
The rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order, Newly
Revised shall govern the Student Senate in all cases in
which they are applicable and in which they are not
inconsistent with these bylaws, with university policy, or
with any special rules of order the Student Senate may
adopt.
Article XIII - Amendment
These bylaws may be amended at any regular or special
election by two-thirds of
the students voting, provided that the amendment has been
submitted to the Student Senate no less than twenty-one days
prior to the election.
Addendum 1.
The Education Code of the State of Texas (Section 54.503)
provides that “the governing Office of Admissions and
Records of an institution of higher education may charge and
collect from students registered at the institution fees to
cover the cost of student activities.” The code defines the
term “student services” as used in Section 54.503 to mean
activities which are separate and apart from the regular
scheduled academic functions of the institution and directly
involve or benefit students, including textbook rentals,
recreational activities, health and hospital services,
medical services, intramural and intercollegiate athletics,
artists and lecture series, cultural entertainment series,
debating and oratorical activities, student publications,
student government, and any other student activities and
services specifically authorized and approved by the
governing Office of Admissions and Records of the
institution of higher education.” The code also provides
that “prior to recommending the student fee budget to the
governing Office of Admissions and Records, the president of
each institution shall duly consider the recommendations of
a student fee advisory committee. A majority of the
committee's members shall be students enrolled in the
institution and appointed by the student governing body of
the institution or elected by a majority of students
enrolled in the institution voting in an election held for
that purpose.” The purpose of this code is to provide the
means for the participation of students in setting policies
for the collection and process of the allocation and
expenditure of student services fees as defined by Section
54.503 and any other relevant sections of the Texas
Education Code.
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