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, Treasurer, Speaker of the Senate, Director of Public Relations, and Director of External Affairs.
Section 2. Qualifications
- 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.
- 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.
- Each officer candidate must have held a Senate position for at least one semester prior to election. In the event that a current member of the Student Senate does not run, the current Officers will meet and elect the new executive officer from the current applications.
- Executive members must be a junior, senior or a graduate student and attend UH-Victoria main campus due to mandatory required meetings and events held in Victoria.
Section 3. Term of Office
- Each officer elected in a regular election shall serve a term of one year, to begin upon installation held within two weeks following the election.
- If a newly elected officer does not present him/herself for installation within the two week period, he/she forfeits the position.
- 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
- 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 when the Director of Public Relations is not available; shall, serve on or appoint representation to any University or system-wide committees, boards, 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 an officer of any other university organization during his/her term of office.
- 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 when the Speaker of the Senate is absent; and shall have such other responsibilities and duties as may normally be associated with the office of vice president.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Speaker of the Senate shall serve as Parliamentarian during Student Senate meetings; shall facilitate the flow of legislation; shall establish the meeting agenda along with the Advisor and Officers; shall serve as official liaison for Senators and Representatives; and shall have other such responsibilities as may be associated with the office of Speaker of the Senate.
- The Director of Public Relations works to promote the transparency and accessibility of the Student Senate on and around campus by notifying and informing students and the public of the Student Senate activities; shall act as the official voice of the Student Senate’s information, policy , and proclamation; shall act as historian, which is responsible for updating the Student Senate website and taking pictures at all Student Senate events; shall act as a liaison to student organizations, coordinating support for student and student group initiatives on campus and seek opportunities for co-programming; and shall have other such responsibilities as may be associated with the office of Director of Public Relations.
- The Director of External Affairs works to promote interactions between the Student Senate and various external entities including but not limited to government agencies on the federal, state, and local level; shall promote engagement and involvement of Student Senate in community initiatives by working with community groups; shall be responsible for supporting efforts to build relationships with other student governments across the state; and shall have other such responsibilities as may be associated with the office of Director of External Affairs.
Section 5. Resignation or Removal
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- If any Student Senate officer fails to attend two consecutive meetings or three total meetings for the elected year, that officer may be removed by a majority vote at the first meeting after the second meeting missed or third total meeting missed.
Article V - Senators
Section 1. Personnel
The UHV student body, during its regular election in April, shall elect the following senators:
- Eight Senators from the UH-Victoria main campus, each without specific representative affiliation, from either undergraduate or graduate levels, to represent the student body in general.
- One Senator from Cinco Ranch, without specific representative affiliation, from either undergraduate or graduate levels, to represent the interests of the university as a whole.
- One Senator from 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
- 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.
- 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
- Each senator elected in a regular election shall serve a term of one year, to begin upon installation held within two weeks following the election.
- If a newly elected senator does not present him/herself for installation within the two week period, he/she forfeits the position.
- 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
- Senators from the UH-Victoria main campus 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.
- The Senator from Cinco Ranch shall represent the interests of the student body, specifically those at the Cinco Ranch campus.
- The Senator from Sugar Land shall represent the interests of the student body, specifically those at the Sugar Land campus.
Section 5. Resignation or Removal
- 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.
- Any senator may be removed from office for nonfeasance or malfeasance by a two-thirds vote of the entire Student Senate.
- 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.
- If any Student Senate officer fails to attend two consecutive meetings or three total meetings for the elected year, that officer may be removed by a majority vote at the first meeting after the second meeting missed or third total meeting missed.
Article VI - Representatives
Section 1. Personnel
- Freshman Committee.
- Seven Representatives from the freshman student body will be chosen by application by the current Student Senate Officers.
- Student Organization Representatives.
- There must be at least one representative from each active student organization appointed by the President of that specific organization.
Section 2. Qualifications
- Each representative 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.
Section 3. Term of Office
- Each representative appointed shall serve a term of one year, to begin upon installation held within two weeks following the election.
- If a newly appointed representative does not present him/herself for installation within the two week period, he/she forfeits the position.
Section 4. Responsibilities
- Committee members and representatives shall represent the interests of the freshman student body in general and shall be free to chair or serve on any committee as directed by the Student Senate.
- Committee members and representatives shall provide insight but shall not have voting powers.
- All freshman committee members must be present at each student senate meeting.
Section 5. Resignation or Removal
- Any representative who wishes to resign must signify such in writing to the President of the Student Senate, specifying the date the resignation will become effective.
- Any representative may be removed from office for nonfeasance or malfeasance by a two-thirds vote of the entire Student Senate.
- If any Student Senate officer, committee member or representative fails to attend two consecutive meetings or three total meetings for the elected year, that officer may be removed by a majority vote at the first meeting after the second meeting missed or third total meeting missed.
Article VII - Advisor
The Student Senate Advisor will be the Coordinator of Student Relations (CSR), unless otherwise directed by the University.
Section 1. Responsibilities
- The Advisor shall attend all meetings of the Student Senate.
- The Advisor will keep the Student Senate informed of University policy and regulations.
- The Advisor shall provide guidance, balance, and leadership, but shall not have voting power.
- The Advisor shall check Student Senate members' qualifications periodically throughout the school year.
- The Advisor is responsible for co-signing all forms required by the University for the Student Senate.
Article VIII - Elections
There shall be a regular election held on the Tuesday and Wednesday three weeks prior to finals week 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
- Candidates for Student Senate shall register with the Coordinator of Student Relations 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.
- No candidate shall run for more than one position in the same election.
- No candidate for election shall spend more than $50.00 per campaign.
- All campaign posters or materials must be approved by the Office of Student Activities and Services prior to their posting or use.
- No candidate for election shall obscure, damage, or remove campaign posters or materials of another candidate, or in any way hinder his/her campaign.
- 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
- The Coordinator of Student Relations and the Student Senate shall be responsible for the integrity of the election.
- All votes shall be cast online and the results shall be calculated by the CSR.
- Ballot position shall be determined by a random drawing held immediately prior to the creation of the ballots. The Coordinator of Student Relations 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 CSR will draft a student, faculty member, or member of the staff to assist in the drawing.
- Ballots shall be tabulated by the Coordinator of Student Relations 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 Coordinator of Student Relations 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
- An appeal of the election for recount or for violation of the election rules and procedures shall be made in writing to the CSR no later than one week following the event in question.
- Appeals shall be heard and decided upon within two weeks of receipt of the written appeal by a panel consisting of the CSR, the Officers, and another member of the UHV administration as requested by the CSR.
Section 4. Runoff Elections
- 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.
- Runoff elections shall be held during class hours on a Tuesday and Wednesday designated by the Student Senate.
- Ballot position for runoff elections shall be determined as in Article VI, Section 2, e, of these bylaws.
Section 5. Postponements
- 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.
- 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 CSR of the activity at least 24 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 Coordinator of Student Relations. 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 IX - Meetings
Section 1. Agendas
Agendas of the Student Senate shall be created by the President and then prepared by the Secretary and shall be sent through list serve to all students and distributed to all Student Senate members and CSR no later than three days before a regularly scheduled meeting.
Section 2. Minutes
Minutes of the Student Senate shall be posted on the UH-V Student Senate website and distributed to all Student Senate members and the CSR within one week 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 two 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 upon the request of the administration or 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
- 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.
- Only elected members of the Student Senate shall have the privilege of voting on matters brought before the Student Senate. The Advisor and all Representatives shall be allowed a voice in Student Senate matters but not allowed to vote.
Section 8. Attendance
- All Sugarland and Cinco Ranch senate members must attend all scheduled meetings via ITV.
Article X - 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
- 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.
- Membership on any committee shall be open to any Student Senate member.
- The Student Senate Officers shall be ex-officio members of all committees.
Article XI - Fiduciary Responsibilities
Section 1. Student Services Fee
- 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.
- 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 Board
This article may be superseded by the establishment of, and Student Senate participation in, a Student Services Fee Advisory Board.
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 XII - 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 CSR 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 XIII - 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 XIV - Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship
Section 1. Details
- One scholarship in the amount of $250.00 will be awarded at the beginning of the spring semester to a qualified student.
- This scholarship will be available to all students enrolled at UHV.
- The scholarship will be disbursed by the UHV office of Financial Aid.
- This is a non-need based scholarship.
- Student Senate members are not eligible for this scholarship for integrity purposes.
Section 2. Eligibility and Qualifications
- Must be a current UHV undergraduate/graduate student at any UHV campus.
- Must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA based on 4.0 scale.
- Must be enrolled at in at least six hours during the spring semester.
- Must be of good moral character and have demonstrated leadership skills.
- Applicants will be required to submit a two page essay detailing their plans on becoming a leader of tomorrow.
Article XV - Amendment
These bylaws may be amended at any regular or special election by two-thirds of the Student Senate 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 board 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 board of the institution of higher education." The code also provides that "prior to recommending the student fee budget to the governing board, 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.
