ASSOCIATED STUDENT GOVERNMENT
INTRODUCTION
On April 19, 2004, the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees conferred upon the chancellor of each campus the responsibility and authority to approve and establish a structure of student government.
In accordance with those actions, a new Associated Student Government constitution, written to serve the students of the University of Arkansas, is promulgated on this date, April 30, 2004.
This constitution reflects many hours of thoughtful deliberation on the part of a number of students, faculty, and staff. The new constitution is designed to foster responsible, inclusive governance representative of the diverse population that comprises the UA student body.
CONSTITUTION
ASSOCIATED STUDENT GOVERNMENT CONSTITUTION
University of Arkansas-Fayetteville
PREAMBLE
Vision
To represent the common interests and voice of all students, the Associated Student Government provides an educational experience of shared governance in the University’s decision and policy making process.
Purpose
The Associated Student Government shall act as an organized voice for all students of the University of Arkansas, to effectively represent students in the University’s decision and policy making process and to provide a broad educational experience for students, while promoting citizenship on campus and in the greater community. In doing so, ASG knowingly and responsibly recognizes the students’ roles in the shared governance of the University of Arkansas.
ARTICLE I - Executive Branch
Section 1- Offices
The Executive powers of the Associated Student Government shall be vested in the offices of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.
Section 2 - Election and Term of Office
(A) Executive officers shall be elected in the spring General Election by a popular vote of the student body administered no earlier than the first (1st) of March and no later than the fifteenth (15th) of April.
(B) Executive Officers shall be sworn in by the Chancellor or the Chancellor’s designee no earlier than five (5) business days prior to, and no later than the day before, the dead day of the spring semester.
(C) The term of the Executive Officers shall be from their swearing in until the swearing in of their properly elected successor.
Section 3 - Eligibility
(A) Candidates for executive office shall be required to have attended the University of Arkansas for a minimum of one (1) semester.
(B) Candidates for an executive office must meet requirements established by the University, outlined in the Student Handbook, for participation in co-curricular activities.
Section 4 - Vacancies
(A) In the case of a vacancy in the office of President, the Vice President shall assume the office of President for the duration of the term.
(B) In the case of vacancies in the office of Vice President, Treasurer, or Secretary, those positions shall be filled by an emergency general election by a popular vote of the student body. This election shall meet all of the requirements for elections as outlined in this Constitution and ASG Code. This election shall be held no later than twenty-five (25) school days after the seat is vacated when class is in session in the fall or spring semesters, if at least twenty-five (25) days remain in academic year.
(C) In the case of the vacancy of the office of Vice President, Treasurer, or Secretary, the President shall appoint an interim officer until a properly elected officer can take office.
(D) Emergency elections are coordinated by the Elections Committee as outlined in this Constitution in conjunction with the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement. No emergency elections shall be held within two weeks of the spring general election.
Section 5 - Incompatibilities
(A) No person shall serve in more than one (1) Associated Student Government executive office simultaneously.
(B) No person shall simultaneously serve as an Executive Officer of the ASG and hold an officer position in any RSO or other campus governance body.
(C) No person shall simultaneously serve as an Executive Officer and as a Senator.
Section 6 - The Office of President
(A) The President shall be the official representative of the student body.
(B) The President shall be required to be present at a minimum of eight (8) meetings of the Senate per semester.
(C) The President shall have the authority to call the Associated Student Government Senate into a special session, provided that a minimum of twenty four (24) hours notice is given.
(D) The President shall have the power to veto any legislative action of the ASG Senate (except resolutions that call for student referenda or summon the ASG Judiciary) provided that the Chair of the Senate is notified of said veto within six (6) calendar days after the legislative action is taken by the ASG Senate. The President or other Executive Officer shall attend the following ASG Senate meeting to report and answer questions on the veto. The President shall have a Line-Item Veto on any appropriations bill or RSO Funding Legislation passed by the ASG Senate.
(E) The President shall convene all meetings of the Executive Committee.
(F) The President shall give a State of the Students address before the Senate at least once per semester.
(G) The President shall be required to deliver a report at each ASG Senate meeting for which he/she is in attendance. This report must include updates on legislative action taken by the ASG Senate, but may not contain any comments about submitted or pending legislation. The ASG President, in consultation with the Chair of the Senate and Legislative Clerk, shall track the progress of any legislation passed by Senate.
(H) The President shall have the power to issue Presidential Proclamations which shall be the opinion of the ASG President concerning any issue.
(I) The President shall have the power to issue Executive Orders pertaining to the structure and operation of the Executive branch. These Executive Orders shall not contradict this Constitution or the ASG Code.
(J) The President shall appoint the members of the ASG Judiciary, for the two-thirds approval of the Senate, as outlined in this Constitution.
(K) The President shall compile an End of the Year Report made available to campus governance groups and the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement.
(L) The President shall have any other authority or powers specified by Senate Legislation, University policy, or the ASG Code that do not conflict with this Constitution or University Policy.
(M) The President shall be a member of the Campus Council.
Section 7 - The Office of Vice President
(A) The Vice President shall perform the duties of the President should the President be temporarily unable to perform his/her duties.
(B) The Vice President shall be required to submit to the ASG Senate for approval nominations for student representatives to any non-ASG committee as outlined in the ASG Code. Approved nominations will then be submitted to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
(C) The Vice President shall be required to attend the meetings of the Executive Committee, except in circumstances excused by the President.
(D) The Vice President shall be required to be present at a minimum of eight (8) meetings of the Senate per semester.
(E) The Vice President shall have any other authority or powers specified by Senate legislation, the ASG President, University policy, or the ASG Code that do not conflict with this Constitution or University Policy.
Section 8 - The Office of Treasurer
(A) The Treasurer shall ultimately be responsible for the financial affairs of the Associated Student Government.
(B) The Treasurer shall be required to be present at a minimum of eight (8) meetings of the Senate per semester.
(C) The Treasurer shall present a Financial Report as well as a complete budget for the remaining fiscal year no later than one month after the first meeting of the fall and spring semesters.
(D) The Treasurer shall be the Chair of the Appropriations Committee.
(E) The Treasurer shall be responsible for the reconciliation of all Associated Student Government financial records and affairs.
(F) The Treasurer shall be required to attend the meetings of the Executive Committee, except in circumstances excused by the President.
(G) The Treasurer shall have any other authority or powers specified by Senate legislation, the ASG President, University policy, or the ASG Code that do not conflict with this Constitution or University Policy
Section 9 - The Office of Secretary
(A) The Secretary shall be responsible for the external correspondence of the Associated Student Government, as well as for any other public relations duties outlined in the ASG Code, as well as coordinating with any public relations activities of the ASG Senate.
(B) The Secretary shall be required to be present at a minimum of eight (8) meetings of the Senate per semester.
(C) The Secretary shall be required to attend the meetings of the Executive Committee, except in circumstances excused by the President.
(D) The Secretary shall keep and publish minutes of the Executive Committee meetings.
(E) The Secretary shall be required to maintain records of the minutes all Senate meetings, all Executive Committee meetings, and all ASG Judiciary meetings, as well as copies of all legislation as passed or presented/amended if failed. The Secretary shall, before the expiration of her or his term, compile all of this information into one volume for the reference of future members of ASG. This volume shall also be submitted to the ASG Webmaster, the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, the ASG Advisor, the Staff Senate, the Faculty Senate, and the Campus Council.
(F) The Secretary shall be required to request minutes from all other campus governance bodies and collect this information into one volume for the reference of members of ASG and submit said volume to the ASG Webmaster.
(G) The Secretary shall be required to coordinate all orientation training for Senators of ASG in consultation with the ASG Advisor, Vice President and Chair of the Senate.
(H) The Secretary shall be required to coordinate all Senate seat Elections and all referendums, in conjunction with the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement.
(I) The Secretary shall have any other authority or powers specified by Senate legislation, the ASG President, University policy, or the ASG Code that do not conflict with this Constitution or University Policy.
Section 10 - Executive Committee
(A) The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, the Vice President, the Treasurer, the Secretary, and the Chair of the Senate.
(B) The Executive Committee shall utilize monies as provided by the Executive Budget outlined in Article IV.
(C) The Executive Committee shall meet a minimum of twelve (12) times a semester.
(D) The Secretary shall keep minutes of the Executive Committee meetings.
(E) The minutes of these meetings shall be submitted to the ASG Webmaster to be published on the ASG website in no less than five (5) business days following the meetings.
Section 11 - Executive Cabinet
(A) The President shall appoint an Executive Cabinet within one (1) month of the first Senate in the fall semester meeting. These cabinet positions shall consist of the following positions:
a. Chief of Staff
b. Director of Academic Affairs
c. Director of Athletic Relations
d. Director of Campus Life, Campus Safety, and Parking
e. Director of Philanthropy
f. Director of Special Events
g. Liaison to the Faculty Senate & Staff Senate
(B) Additional cabinet positions may be created and appointed or abolished by the President as needed for a particular academic year.
(C) No person shall simultaneously hold a Cabinet position and a Senate seat.
(D) The duties of the members of the Cabinet shall be defined by an Executive Order issued by the President of the ASG.
(E) Cabinet members shall be required to attend the meetings of the Executive Committee as requested by the President.
(F) The Treasurer shall appoint an Assistant to the Treasurer within one (1) month of the first Senate in the fall semester meeting.
(G) The Secretary shall appoint an Assistant to the Secretary within one (1) month of the first Senate in the fall semester meeting.
Section 12 - Misconduct
(A) Should any executive officer engage in conduct unbecoming of his/her office, he/she shall be subject to removal from his/her office through the processes outlined in Article III of this Constitution.
(B) Unbecoming conduct shall include conduct which under the policies of the University of Arkansas as outlined in the Student Handbook could result in expulsion as a student or other sanctions under applicable University policies and procedures, as well as failure to comply with this Constitution and the ASG Code.
ARTICLE II – Legislative Branch
Section 1 – Composition of the Legislative Branch
The Legislative powers of the Associated Student Government shall be vested in the ASG Senate.
Section 2 – Composition of the Senate
Seats in the Senate shall be apportioned as follows:
(A) The Senate shall have exactly fifty-one (51) Senate seats including the Chair of the Senate.
(B) Seats in the ASG Senate shall be apportioned according to a college-based model outlined below.
a. Undergraduate student Senate seats are apportioned from the following Colleges: Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, Food & Life Sciences; School of Architecture; Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences; Sam M. Walton College of Business; College of Education & Health Professions; and College of Engineering.
b. Post-baccalaureate student Senate seats are apportioned from the combination of all graduate programs including the School of Law.
c. Each of the seven (7) enrollment groups listed in (a) and (b) above shall be entitled to one (1) Senate seat. The Chair of the Senate, elected in the spring, shall constitute an eighth Senate seat.
d. The remaining forty-three (43) Senate seats shall be allocated proportionally by population between the enrollment groups each year. That is, each enrollment group will receive its whole percentage (excluding fractional remainders) of the total University student population in Senate seats. If the number of Senate seats distributed based on whole percents does not add to forty-three (43) seats, the remaining seats shall be allocated to those enrollment groups with the largest fractional remainders until forty-three (43) seats are allocated. Students enrolled in more than one college shall be required to designate the enrollment group in which they will vote.
e. The University population shall be based on the official University enrollment on record with the Registrar’s office on the eleventh (11th) day of classes in the spring semester.
(C) All Senators shall be elected in publicized, enrollment group-wide or at-large vacancy, secret ballot elections administrated by the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement in conjunction with the ASG Secretary. The initial Senate election of the fall semester must occur by the end of the third (3rd) week of classes.
(D) Quorum for ASG Senate meetings shall be one-half (1/2) of Senators on roll (excluding fractional remainders).
Section 3 – Definition of a Member
A member of ASG shall be any student enrolled in at least one (1) credit hour at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, excluding students enrolled in correspondence courses, online courses and continuing education courses.
Section 4 – Retention of Senate Seats
In order to maintain his/her seat, Senators must:
(A) Be a member of ASG.
(B) Meet the University’s requirements for participating in co-curricular activities as outlined in the Student Handbook.
(C) Adhere to the attendance policy as set forth:
a. Senators are encouraged to attend all Senate meetings; however Senators will be removed from the Senate roll after accumulating more than two (2) absences in a single semester.
b. Absences from regularly scheduled committee meetings shall count as an absence from a Senate meeting excepting circumstances approved by the chair of the committee.
c. Proxies must be members of ASG. Attendance of a proxy shall count as one-half (1/2) of an absence. Proxies must submit a signed letter of written consent from the Senator for which he/she is a proxy to the Legislative Clerk or Chair of the committee prior to roll call at the beginning of the respective Senate or committee meeting.
d. No member may proxy for more than one (1) Senator simultaneously.
e. No Senator may proxy for another Senator.
f. Proxies shall have the full duties and powers of a Senator for the duration of the meeting.
Section 5 – Term of Office
(A) The term of office of a Senator (excluding the Chair of the Senate) shall be for the academic year in which he/she was elected. The term of office of the Chair of the Senate shall be from his/her swearing in until the swearing in of his/her properly elected successor.
(B) Members of ASG filling vacancies in the Senate shall serve until the end of that academic year.
Section 6 – Vacancies within the Senate
Vacant Senate seats are to be filled via an enrollment-group election by the members of ASG coordinated by the Secretary in conjunction with office for Student Involvement & Leadership as follows:
(A) Two (2) elections to fill vacancies shall be held if vacancies exist
a. The first election shall be the third week in November
b. The second election shall be the last week of February
(B) Senate may hold additional Senate seat vacancy elections provided that at least five (5) vacancies exist. A majority vote of the Senate shall be required to call these additional vacancy elections.
(C) Elections shall adhere to the ASG Election Code.
Section 7 – Duties and Powers of the Senate
The duties and powers of the Senate shall be:
(A) To address the academic and non-academic concerns of members by acting as representatives of the entire student body.
(B) To establish and modify as necessary a set of bylaws that dictate ASG operation known as the ASG Code (ASGC). If changes are made to the ASGC, corrections must be made and the current document must be made public within five (5) calendar days.
(C) To establish honoraria for officers provided that such honoraria are not changed for the current term of office and are in accordance with University policy.
(D) To elect sixteen (16) delegates by plurality vote from the ASG Senate to the Campus Council by the third meeting of the fall semester.
(E) To allocate monies as provided by the Allocations Budget outlined in Article IV, Section 4.
(F) To pass bills by a majority vote. A Senate Bill is a form of action that carries with it power to sanction, to establish permanent structures, to dictate the appropriation of funds, or modify the ASG Code.
a. A Bill stands in effect until it is repealed or replaced.
b. A Bill may not supercede nor contradict the ASG Constitution.
(G) To pass resolutions by majority vote. A Senate Resolution is a formal request of action. A Resolution may set aside funds for a specific project or budget area, make a specific policy request to the University Administration, establish temporary government structures, or request specific action by ASG officers or committees.
a. A Resolution shall terminate at the end of each academic year unless it specifies another term of effectiveness.
b. A Resolution may establish Standing or Ad-hoc committees. The Resolution must state the manner in which the committee members will be selected, as well as the specific charge and duties of the committee. The established committee must adhere to all stipulations stated in Article II, Section 15 of this Constitution.
c. A Resolution may not supercede, nor contradict the ASG Constitution.
(H) To amend any clause of a piece of legislation being considered on the Senate floor.
(I) To send constitutional amendments to a referendum of the general ASG membership by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of Senators on roll.
(J) To refer to the students any question it deems necessary by majority vote via referendum with the exception of Constitutional Amendments.
(K) To override a Presidential veto by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of Senators on roll.
(L) To pass resolutions charging the ASG Judiciary with reviewing the misconduct of a Senator or Executive Officer. The resolution must state specific instances in which the accused person has violated the ASG Code, Constitution, or university policy.
(M) To meet regularly throughout the semester at least twelve (12) times each semester.
(N) To approve Standing Rules by majority vote submitted by the Chair of the Senate in the form of a Senate Resolution no later than the second meeting of the Senate each fall semester governing:
a. Author’s report, questioning, and debate time limits for legislation
b. Legislation submission timelines
c. Placement and time limits for Special Order agenda items (including guest speakers)
d. Friendly amendment processes
(O) The Standing Rules shall be published on the ASG website within five (5) calendar days of their passage.
(P) To suspend or modify Standing Rules by a two-thirds (2/3) vote.
(Q) To abide by Parliamentary Procedures in the order outlined below:
a. The Senate shall abide by Parliamentary law outlined in this Constitution and the ASG Code.
b. The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern all parliamentary procedure not delineated in this Constitution or the ASG Code.
(R) To approve all appointments of the ASG President, other than Judicial appointments, by a majority of Senators present.
Section 8 – Duties and Powers of Senators
(A) To work on behalf of the entire student body by addressing the academic and non-academic concerns of the University of Arkansas campus.
(B) To act in accordance with this Constitution and the ASG Code. Senators shall have any other authority or powers specified by Senate legislation, University policy, or the ASG Code that do not conflict with this Constitution or University Policy.
(C) To submit to the Chair of the Senate any legislation for consideration by the Senate.
(D) To adhere to attendance policies as set forth in this Constitution.
(E) To serve on at least one (1) standing committee.
(F) To maintain office hours as specified in ASG Code.
(G) To vote or abstain on all pieces of legislation officially submitted to the Chair of the Senate.
(H) To yield the floor during debate time on any piece of legislation to any member of the University of Arkansas community subject to time constraints established by the standing rules of the Senate, excluding ASG Executive Officers who may only be yielded the floor to answer Points of Information or to give an authorship report on a piece of legislation of which the Executive is the author.
Section 9 – Special Senate Offices
(A) The Senate shall elect, from amongst the Senators, via a simple majority, a presiding officer for its meetings who shall be known as the Chair of the Senate. This election shall occur in the spring semester as outlined in Article II, Section 11.
(B) The Senate shall elect, from amongst the Senators, via a simple majority, a Parliamentarian.
(C) The Senate shall elect, from amongst the Senators, via a simple majority, a Legislative Clerk.
(D) The Senate shall elect, from amongst the Senators, via a simple majority, a Sergeant at Arms.
(E) The Senate shall elect, from amongst the general ASG membership, via simple majority, a Webmaster.
(F) The Senate shall elect, from amongst the general ASG membership, via simple majority, chairs for the following committees: Parking and Transit Committee, Press Relations Committee, Campus Safety Committee, and Constitution and Code Review Committee.
(G) The Senate shall elect, from amongst the Senators, via a simple majority, a chair of the Elections Committee.
(H) The Senate shall elect, from amongst the general ASG membership, via simple majority, chairs for any additional committees created via Senate Resolution.
(I) Elections for the Special Senate Offices shall occur no later than the end of the third (3rd) meeting of fall semester with the exception of the Chair of the Senate.
(J) Any non-Senator holding the position of chair for any ASG committee shall not have the powers of a Senator.
Section 10 – Terms of Office
(A) All holders of Special Senate Offices shall serve for the academic year in which they are elected with the exception of the Chair of the Senate.
(B) Should any vacancy occur for any Special Senate Office that vacancy shall be filled in the same manner in which in the position was to be originally filled, as stipulated in the ASG Constitution, Article II, Section 9.
Section 11 – The Office of Chair of the Senate
(A) The Chair of the Senate shall be responsible for arranging, publicizing, and convening all meetings of the Senate in a room on campus.
(B) The Chair of the Senate shall interpret and enforce the rules of the Senate during Senate meetings.
(C) The Chair of the Senate shall hold a seat in the Senate and shall vote only to break or cause a tie after the official Senate vote has been taken except when voting by secret ballot.
(D) The Senate may overturn the Chair of the Senate’s interpretation on any rule by a majority vote.
(E) The Chair of the Senate shall be responsible for updating the ASG Constitution and Code to reflect the legislative actions of the Senate, the general ASG membership, or the Chancellor.
(F) The Chair of the Senate shall set the agenda for the meetings of the Senate and shall publish each meeting’s agenda no later than twelve (12) hours before the start of said meeting. After the agenda is published, the order outlined in the agenda may only be changed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Senate.
(G) The Chair of the Senate shall present a signed copy of all legislation passed to the ASG President within forty-eight (48) hours of its passage. The Chair of the Senate, in consultation with the ASG President and Legislative Clerk, shall track the progress of any legislation passed by Senate.
(H) The Chair of the Senate may remove any Senator who is being disruptive from a meeting of Senate subject to majority consent of the Senate.
(I) The Chair of the Senate shall be required to attend all meetings of the Executive Committee, except circumstances excused by the ASG President.
(J) The Chair of the Senate shall assist the ASG Secretary in coordinating the new senator orientation.
(K) The Chair of the Senate shall not simultaneously hold an officer position in any Registered Student Organization or other campus governance body.
(L) The Chair of the Senate shall be elected in the spring according to the following procedure:
a. The Chair of the Senate shall be elected from amongst the Senators, via a simple majority in the first meeting of April each year.
b. The Chair of the Senate shall be sworn in by the Chancellor or the Chancellor’s designee no earlier than five (5) business days prior to, and no later than the day before, dead day of the spring semester, in conjunction with the swearing in of the Executive Officers.
c. The term of the Chair of the Senate shall be from his/her swearing in until the swearing in of his/her properly elected successor.
(M) The Chair of the Student Senate shall be a member of the Campus Council.
Section 12 – The Office of Parliamentarian
(A) The Parliamentarian shall make recommendations on questions of parliamentary procedure when referred to by the Chair of the Senate during Senate meetings.
(B) The Parliamentarian shall serve as a general resource to Senators and general ASG members on issues of parliamentary procedure and drafting and submitting legislation.
(C) The Parliamentarian shall preside over Senate meetings should the Chair of the Senate be absent or need to temporarily step down due to instances of conflict of interest and/or motions to appeal the decision of the chair. In the case of the absence of the Parliamentarian, another Senator shall preside.
(D) The Parliamentarian shall have any other authority or duty specified by Senate legislation, the Chair of the Senate, University policy, or the ASG Code that do not conflict with this Constitution or University Policy.
Section 13 – The Office of the Legislative Clerk
(A) The Legislative Clerk shall take minutes of all meetings of Senate.
(B) The Legislative Clerk shall be responsible for maintaining an accurate roll and attendance record of Senators.
(C) The Legislative Clerk shall be responsible for notifying the ASG Secretary of any vacancies within Senate.
(D) The Legislative Clerk shall assist the Chair of the Senate in the maintenance of all Senate documentation, as directed by the Chair of the Senate. The Legislative Clerk, in consultation with the ASG President and Chair of the Senate, shall track the progress of any legislation passed by Senate.
(E) The Legislative Clerk shall submit the minutes of all meetings of Senate to the ASG Webmaster and ASG Secretary within forty-eight (48) hours.
(F) The Legislative Clerk shall have any other authority or duty specified by Senate legislation, the Chair of the Senate, University policy, or the ASG Code that do not conflict with this Constitution or University Policy.
Section 14 – The Office of Webmaster
(A) The Webmaster shall be responsible for maintaining and updating the ASG website in accordance with website specifications and timelines contained in this Constitution and ASG Code.
(B) The Webmaster shall have any other authority or duty specified by Senate legislation, the Chair of the Senate, University policy, or the ASG Code that do not conflict with this Constitution or University Policy.
Section 15 – Committees
(A) Each committee shall consist of three (3) or more members from Senators and/or general ASG membership.
(B) Senators shall sign up for membership in at least one (1) standing committee by the fourth (4th) Senate meeting, except for the Appropriations Committee and Election Committee, which shall be elected as outlined in Article II, Section 16-17.
(C) Absences from regularly scheduled committee meetings shall count as an absence from a Senate meeting excepting circumstances approved by the chair of the committee. Proxies can attend committee meetings in place of a Senator; these absences shall only count as one-half (1/2) of an absence.
(D) Each committee shall be guaranteed placement on the Senate’s agenda to speak on matters concerning the committee upon simple notification of the Chair of the Senate twenty-four (24) hours before any given Senate meeting.
(E) Each committee shall be required to report to Senate on matters relevant to the committee at every general legislative session of the Senate.
(F) If a committee receives referred legislation, the committee must make a recommendation to the Senate (or request more time for consideration) within two (2) Senate meetings of receiving the legislation.
(G) After hearing a committee’s recommendation, the Senate shall debate and vote on the legislation. No committee’s recommendation shall serve as the final consideration on any legislation. Each committee must give a written majority report on the committee’s recommendation. If the committee’s recommendation is not unanimous, a written minority report must also be presented to the Senate.
Section 16 – The Elections Committee
(A) The Elections Committee shall be responsible for conducting the Executive Elections. These elections shall be administrated by the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement.
(B) The Elections Committee shall conduct internal Senate elections by rules provided in ASG Constitution and Code.
(C) The Elections Committee Chair shall be the presiding officer of the committee and shall coordinate the committee’s meetings.
(D) Senators shall elect, from amongst the Senators, by a plurality, members of the Elections Committee.
(E) Members of the Elections Committee shall be elected by the fourth (4th) meeting of the Senate in the fall semester.
(F) Members of the Elections Committee shall not serve with conflicts of interest.
Section 17 – The Appropriations Committee
(A) The purpose of the Appropriations Committee shall be to deliberate on all financial matters within the authority of the ASG, and to make recommendations to the Senate concerning the same.
(B) The ASG Treasurer shall serve as the Appropriations Committee Chair and shall be presiding officer of the committee and shall coordinate the committee’s meetings. The Appropriations Committee Chair shall vote only in the case of breaking a tie.
(C) Senators shall elect, from amongst the Senators, by a plurality, members of the Appropriations committee.
(D) Members of the Appropriations Committee shall be elected by the fourth (4th) meeting of the Senate in the fall semester.
(E) The Appropriations Committee Chair shall ensure that all Registered Student Organizations are notified of the timeline of the appropriations process as well as all other rules and procedures as required by the committee within its authority as delineated by the ASG Constitution and Code.
(F) The Appropriations Committee shall make recommendations to the Senate for the distribution of monies from the ASG fee to Registered Student Organizations. These recommendations shall be based on the criteria, policies, and procedures outlined in the ASG Constitution and Code.
(G) Any person who is a member or an officer of a Registered Student Organization who also serves on the Appropriations Committee shall recuse himself or herself from deliberations on matters concerning the Registered Student Organization of which he or she is a member or officer.
Section 18 – The Parking and Transit Committee
(A) The Parking and Transit Committee shall be responsible for addressing, to the fullest extent of its authority, issues of parking and transit as they relate to the Student Body.
(B) The Parking and Transit Committee Chair shall be the presiding officer of the committee and shall coordinate the committee’s meetings.
Section 19 – The Press Relations Committee
(A) The Press Relations Committee, in consultation with the ASG Secretary, shall be responsible for the external correspondence of Senate with the student press, and other appropriate forms of campus media, to better facilitate the Senate’s communication with the Student Body at-large.
(B) The Press Relations Committee Chair shall be the presiding officer of the committee and shall coordinate the committee’s meetings.
Section 20 – The Campus Safety Committee
(A) The Campus Safety Committee shall be responsible for working, to the fullest extent of its authority, to help promote a safe environment on campus.
(B) The Campus Safety Committee Chair shall be the presiding officer of the committee and shall coordinate the committee’s meetings.
Section 21 – The Constitution and Code Review Committee
(A) The Constitution and Code Review Committee shall examine legislation that proposes changes to the ASG Constitution and/or Code and make recommendations to Senate concerning such legislation.
(B) The Constitution and Code Review Committee chair shall be the presiding officer of the committee and shall coordinate the committee’s meetings.
Section 22 – The Sustainability and Campus Environment Committee
(A) The Sustainability and Campus Environment Committee shall be responsible for addressing, to the fullest extent of its authority, issues of recycling and sustainability efforts, and the general campus environment at University of Arkansas.
(B) The Sustainability and Campus Environment Committee in consultation with the ASG Secretary shall to the fullest extent of its authority, help promote issues concerning the purpose of its establishment via the campus press and the UA Administration and UA Facilities Management.
(C) The Sustainability and Campus Environment Committee Chair shall be the presiding officer of the committee and shall coordinate the committee’s meetings.
Article III – Judicial Branch
Section 1 – Name
The Judicial Branch of the Associated Student Government shall be named the Associated Student Government Judiciary, or ASGJ.
Section 2 – Composition and Terms of Office
(A) Agents of the ASGJ shall be nine (9) Justices.
(B) The ASG Advisor shall serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the ASGJ.
(C) Two (2) Judicial Proxies shall serve as ex-officio, non-voting members of the ASGJ.
(D) The ASGJ shall have the power to appoint any additional ex-officio, non-voting members deemed necessary to maintain adequate facilitation of the judicial process.
(E) Each Justice will serve a term for the duration of three (3) academic years from the beginning of the academic year in which he/she was sworn in or until his/her eligibility expires.
(F) Judicial Proxies will serve a term for the duration of one (1) academic year from the beginning of the academic year in which they were sworn in or until their eligibility expires.
(G) No Justice or Judicial Proxy may serve simultaneously on any aspect of the Executive or Legislative Branches during his/her term.
(H) After a Justice or Judicial Proxy is confirmed, he/she must undergo a mandatory training process before serving as a Justice.
Section 3 – Vacancies and Appointment Process
(A) A vacant seat shall be defined for a Justice as removal from office, resignation, or graduation.
(B) A Leave of Absence shall be granted to a Justice if he/she submits a Leave of Absence request and is approved by the President.
(C) Any vacancies of the ASGJ shall be filled as soon as practicable through appointment by the ASG President with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(D) If a Judicial Proxy’s seat is vacated, the President shall appoint a new Judicial Proxy with the advice and consent of the Senate as soon as practicable.
Section 4 – Judicial Proxies
(A) A Judicial Proxy, even if serving as a Justice, shall serve until his/her replacement is confirmed at the beginning of the academic year, unless a case is currently being heard.
(B) In case of a vacancy or Leave of Absence, the President shall select one Judicial Proxy to serve as a Justice until that vacancy is filled or the Leave of Absence expires.
(C) While serving as a Justice, a Judicial Proxy will have full power as an ASGJ Justice.
Section 5 – Leadership of the Body
(A) A Chief Justice shall be selected from the body of Justices by a majority vote of all Justices on the ASGJ.
(B) The Chief Justice shall have full voting rights as an ASG Justice.
(C) If the Chief Justice cannot be present at a meeting of the ASGJ, the Chief Justice shall designate another Justice to chair the meeting.
(D) In the case that the Chief Justice must abstain from a particular issue, an interim Chief Justice shall be selected via a majority vote of the remaining Justices for the duration of that particular issue.
Section 6 – Meetings of the ASGJ
(A) A quorum of the ASGJ shall consist of five (5) Justices.
(B) The ASGJ shall only convene
a. In the case of ASGJ membership issues.
b. After being summoned for interpretation of the Constitution or Code.
c. To hear appeals of the Election Committee.
d. To hear an allegation filed with the Chief Justice as specified in Article III, Section 10 of this constitution.
(C) No member of the Judiciary shall allow personal interest to influence a vote. Any member who has a conflict of interest or personal affiliation to a matter to be considered shall recuse himself/herself from that particular case.
Section 7 – ASGJ Membership Issues
(A) After a Justice acquires three (3) absences, he/she may be removed from the ASGJ by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the remaining Justices.
(B) The ASGJ shall meet for membership issues only if one or more Justices have acquired at least three (3) absences.
Section 8 – Interpretation
(A) The ASGJ has the power to interpret the ASG Constitution and Code by a majority vote of the Justices when summoned by any ASG member.
(B) The Justices must submit a written majority report on the interpretation to the ASG Secretary and Chair of the Senate. If the Justices’ decision is not unanimous, a written minority report must also be submitted.
Section 9 – Election Appeals
(A) The ASGJ has the power to hear and resolve appeals of decisions made by the ASG Election Committee by a majority vote of the Justices.
Section 10 – Investigation of an Elected or Appointed ASG Agent
(A) When a breach of the Standards of Ethics occurs, any ASG member may file allegations specifying a charge against another elected or appointed agent of the body. These allegations should be filed with the Chief Justice of the ASGJ. In the case of absence or vacancy of the Chief Justice, allegations may be submitted to any other Justice. Suspicion of intentionally filing false charges may result in referral to AUJ.
(B) If an allegation is brought against a member of the ASGJ, it shall immediately be sent to the All-University Judicial Board.
(C) After an appropriate allegation has been filed, an Investigative Committee shall be formed to research and investigate the allegation.
(D) The ASGJ shall determine if a hearing is necessary based upon the findings of the Investigative Committee.
(E) The hearing shall be conducted in an impartial manner. The defendant shall have the following rights: the right to a written notice of the charges against him/her; the right to a pre-hearing interview; the right to written notice of the date, time and location of any ASGJ hearing in regards to the case; the right to speak in his/her defense; the right to submit evidence in his/her defense; the right to call and question witnesses; the right to attend or not attend his/her pre-hearing interview and/or hearing.
(F) The complainant shall have the right to speak at the ASGJ hearing, to submit evidence to support the complaint, to call and question witnesses, and to not attend the hearing.
(G) An appointed or elected ASG member may be reprimanded or dismissed by a supermajority of the ASGJ.
Section 11 – Appeals of the Judiciary
(A) All ASGJ decisions are final and may not be appealed.
ARTICLE IV - Finances
Section 1 – ASG Budget
The Associated Student Government shall receive revenue as apportioned by the ASG Fee assessed to students which shall be allocated, collected, accounted for and expended in accordance with University Policy.
Section 2 – ASG Executive Operating Budget
(A) Sixteen percent (16%) of the ASG Budget shall be apportioned to serve as the Executive Operating Budget.
(B) The Executive Operating Budget of the ASG shall be administered by the ASG Treasurer. All expenditures from the ASG Executive Operating Budget must be approved by the ASG Executive Committee and the ASG Advisor.
(C) The ASG Executive Operating Budget shall be used to fund the following:
a. Annual honoraria of the ASG Executive Officers.
b. Programming administered by the Executive Officers.
c. Copying expenses for the ASG Executive Officers.
d. Administrative expenses of the ASG Executive Officers.
(D) The ASG Treasurer shall submit the Executive Operating Budget to the Senate as a part of his/her duties outlined in Article I, Section 8, Clause C in this constitution.
Section 3 – ASG Senate Operating Budget
(A) Three percent (3%) of the ASG Budget shall be apportioned to serve as the ASG Senate Operating Budget.
(B) The Senate Operating Budget of the ASG shall be administered by the Chair of Senate and the Legislative Clerk in conjunction with the ASG Executive Committee and approved by the ASG Advisor.
(C) The ASG Senate Operating Budget shall be used to fund the following:
a. All annual honoraria of the Special Senate Offices
b. Copying expenses for the Senate including agendas, minutes, legislation
c. All new senator orientation materials
d. Administrative expenses of the ASG Senate
(D) The ASG Treasurer shall submit the Senate Operating Budget to the Senate as a part of his/her duties outlined in Article I, Section 8, Clause C in this constitution.
Section 4 – ASGJ Budget
(A) “One-half of one percent (0.5%) of the ASG Budget shall be apportioned to serve as the Judicial Operating Budget.
(B) This percentage shall be apportioned from the ASG Budget prior to the allocation of the ASG Executive Operating Budget, ASG Senate Operating Budget, and the ASG Allocations Budget.
(C) The Judicial Operating Budget of the ASG shall be administered by the ASG Judicial Chief Justice. All expenditures from the ASG Judicial Operating Budget must be approved by the ASG Executive Committee and the ASG Advisor.
(D) The ASG Judicial Operating Budget shall be used to fund the following:
a. Annual training of the ASG Justices.
b. Copying expenses for the ASG Justices.
c. Administrative expenses of the ASG Justices.
(E) The ASG Chief Justice shall submit the Judicial Operating Budget to the Senate as a part of his/her duties outlined in Article I, Section 8, Clause C in this constitution.
Section 5 – ASG Allocations Budget
(A) Eighty-one percent (81%) of the ASG Budget shall be apportioned to serve as the Allocations Budget. In addition, any funds allocated by the ASG Fee rolling-over from previous academic years shall be added to the ASG Allocations Budget.
(B) The ASG Allocations Budget shall be used to fund the following:
a. Registered Student Organizations Funding as outlined in the ASG Code.
b. Any other purpose as specified and appropriately approved by an Appropriations Bill or Resolution.
(C) Expenditures from the ASG Allocations Budget shall be in accordance with University Policy.
ARTICLE V - Elections
Section 1 – Executive Officer Elections
(A) Executive officers shall be elected in the spring General Election by a popular vote of the student body administered no earlier then the first (1st) of March and no later that the fifteenth (15th) of April.
(B) Registration for Executive Officer candidacy shall be a week-long process starting no more than five (5) weeks before and concluding no less than three (3) weeks prior to the spring General Election.
(C) The Elections Committee shall be responsible for conducting the Executive Officer Elections in conjunction with the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement.
(D) Executive Officers shall be sworn in by the Chancellor or the Chancellor’s designee no earlier than five (5) business days prior to, and no later than the day before the dead day of the spring semester.
(E) In the case of vacancies in the office of Vice President, Treasurer, or Secretary, those positions shall be filled by an emergency general election by a popular vote of the student body. This election shall be held no later than twenty-five (25) business days after the seat is vacated and coordinated by the Elections Committee in conjunction with the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement. Registration for candidacy in an emergency general election shall be a week-long process concluding no more than two (2) weeks before the emergency general election. No emergency election shall be held within two weeks of the spring general election.
Section 2 – Senate Seat Elections
(A) All Senators shall be elected in publicized, enrollment group-wide or at-large vacancy, secret ballot elections administered by the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement in conjunction with the ASG Secretary. Registration for Senate seat candidacy shall begin the first day of class in the fall semester and end three (3) days before the election.
(B) The initial Senate election of the fall semester must occur by the end of the third (3rd) week of classes.
(C) Vacant Senate seats are to be filled via an enrollment-group election by the members of ASG coordinated by the Secretary in conjunction with the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement as follows:
a. Two (2) elections to fill vacancies shall be held if vacancies exist
b. The first election shall be the third week in November
c. The second election shall be the last week of February
(D) Senate may hold additional Senate seat vacancy elections provided that at least five (5) vacancies exist. A majority vote of the Senate shall be required to call these additional vacancy elections.
(E) Elections shall adhere to the ASG Election Code.
(F) Registration for Senate seat candidacy to fill vacant Senate seats shall be a week- long process starting no more than three (3) weeks before and concluding no less than two (2) weeks prior to the enrollment group-wide election.
Section 3 – Chair of the Senate Elections
(A) The Senate shall elect, from amongst the Senators, via a majority of senators present, a presiding officer for its meetings who shall be known the Chair of the Senate. This election shall occur in the spring semester as outlined in Article II, Section 11 and be coordinated by the Elections Committee.
(B) The Chair of the Senate shall be elected in the spring according to the following procedure:
a. The Chair of the Senate shall be elected from amongst the Senators, via a simple majority in the first meeting of April each year. Nominations for the Chair of the Senate shall be taken at the two (2) Senate meetings prior to the first meeting in April.
b. The Elections Committee in conjunction with the Secretary and the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement shall coordinate the elections.
c. The Chair of the Senate shall be sworn in by the Chancellor or the Chancellor’s designee no earlier than five (5) business days prior to, and no later than the day before, dead day of the spring semester, in conjunction with the swearing in of the Executive Officers.
Section 4 – Appropriations Committee Member Elections
The ASG Treasurer shall serve as the Appropriations Committee Chair, with the members of the Appropriations Committee elected as follows:
(A) Senators shall elect, from amongst the Senators, by a plurality vote, members of the Appropriations committee by the fourth (4th) meeting of the Senate in the fall semester. The Chair of the Senate will administer the nominations and election process in conjunction with the Elections Committee.
(B) Nominations for Appropriations Committee membership shall be taken at two (2) Senate meetings prior to the fourth (4th) meeting of the Senate.
Section 5 – Other Internal Senate Elections
(A) The Senate shall follow the following procedure for all elections within the Senate for Special Senate Offices, committee chairs, and committee members required to be elected as prescribed in Article II, Sections 9, 15-21 (excluding those regarding the Appropriations Committee) of this constitution or by Senate Legislation creating additional committees.
(B) Nominations for Special Senate Offices, committee chairs, and/or committee members (excluding those regarding the Appropriations Committee) shall occur over at least a one (1) week nomination process including at least two (2) meetings of the Senate.
Section 6 – Calendar Restriction
Referenda and general elections may only take place on a school day in the fall or spring semester as further outlined in this constitution and the ASGC.
ARTICLE VI – Approval & Amendment
Section 1 – Approval
This Constitution is established by approval of the Chancellor as authorized by the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas.
Section 2 – Amendments
(A) This Constitution shall be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Senate (unless initiated as outlined in Article VI, Section 3), by a majority of votes cast in a referendum of the general ASG membership, and by approval of the Chancellor.
(B) The Senate may establish transitional regulations for amendments made to this constitution via a resolution if necessary, subject to approval of the Chancellor.
Section 3 – Initiative
(A) The general ASG membership shall have the authority to initiate the amendment process. In order to initiate the amendment process, the general ASG membership must gather a number of valid signatures of general ASG members, with the required threshold set at 35% of the number of students which voted in the last regular ASG executive election as determined by the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement. All initiated amendments shall be required to have he amendment title and a short statement of purpose attached to any circulated petition. Initiated amendments must pass by a 3/5 majority of students voting on the amendment to be considered valid.
(B) The general ASG membership shall have the authority to initiate a referendum regarding any issue upon attaining a number of valid signatures of general ASG members, with the threshold set at 35% of the number of students which voted in the last regular ASG executive election as determined by the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement. All circulated petitions proposing referenda shall include a title and short statement of purpose.
(C) The Center for Leadership and Community Engagement shall review each signature for authenticity on all petitions. The Secretary, in conjunction with the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement, shall administer the referendum.
(D) The short title and purpose of every initiated amendment or referendum shall be reviewed by the ASG Secretary and ASG-J Chief Justice in order to determine the constitutionality of the initiative and to ensure the short title and purpose serve the same ends.
(E) The specific process for valid initiatives shall follow the process as outlined in Title VII in the ASG code.
Section 4 – Publicity Requirements
(A) All referendum issues shall be publicized at least twice in the official student newspaper within two (2) weeks of the referendum.
(B) If the referendum is a proposed Constitutional amendment, the publication must include the article, section, and clause of the constitution being amended.
ARTICLE VII – Standards of Ethics
Section 1 – Statement of Intent
It is the intent of this article to uphold the integrity and honor of the Associated Student Government, and to inspire the confidence, respect, and trust of the student body by prescribing restrictions against conflict of interest and unethical practices that could undermine the organization. It is meant to set a standard of conduct to be followed by all ASG agents. Removal proceedings for not following this statement of ethical conduct should be made only in extreme cases of unethical behavior that could greatly hamper the effectiveness and integrity of the organization.
Section 2 – Definitions
(A) Conflict or Conflict of Interest – a situation in which regard for a private interest tends to lead to a disregard of a public duty or interest.
(B) Violation in Office– Violation of any Associated Student Government Constitution, Code or validly enacted legislation.
(C) Associated Student Government Agent – Anyone holding a position in any branch of the Associated Student Government.
Section 3 – General Statement of Ethical Conduct
(A) Associated Student Government agents shall think in terms of “students first”, always determining actions and situations in the light of how they affect University students in their education and training.
(B) The Associated Student Government shall uphold and enforce the consistent application of all parliamentary rules and procedures during all Senate meetings.
(C) Associated Student Government agents shall adhere to basic notions of civility and respect at all Associated Student Government meeting, events, or other interactions.
(D) Associated Student Government agents shall not seek to further their own political or personal goals at the expense of the organization and/or its members.
(E) Associated Student Government agents shall not intentionally deceive members in the Associated Student Government in such a way that could influence how decisions are made or to the degradation of any of its members.
(F) Associated Student Government agents shall not participate in any Associated Student Government activity, which would place them in a position where there is or may be the likelihood of a conflict between a private interest and an interest of the Associated Student Government.
(G) Associated Student Government agents shall not use, authorize use, or condone in any way the wrongful use of Associated Student Government property or funds.
(H) Associated Student Government agents shall not solicit or accept direct or indirect payment for the performance or nonperformance of any act not specifically allowed for in the Associated Student Government Constitution and Code.
(I) Any Associated Student Government agent who aids, advises, condones, or in any way induces another to act in violation of any Associated Student Government Constitution or laws is thereby directly violating the respective rule.
(J) Associated Student Government agents shall not cover up evidence or misrepresent a fact pertaining to a violation in office. Agents of the Associated Student Government must disclose all knowledge of Associated Student Government violation in office.
(K) Consistent with University Policies on nondiscrimination, Associated Student Government agents are to choose the most qualified and capable applicants to the Associated Student Government regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political views, or sexual orientation.
Section 4 – Conduct Reviews
(A) Associated Student Government agents will continuously review their own conduct to ensure that they act in an ethical manner, as defined by the Constitution and ASG Code.
(B) When there is reasonable cause to believe that a breach of the Standards of Ethics has occurred, any agent of the ASG may file allegations against an elected officer of the body. These allegations shall be filed with the ASG Judiciary.
(C) Any ASG agent who violates the Standards of Ethics, and in turn, violates the Code of Student Conduct, may also be referred to the All-University Judicial Board.