DBU Student Government

Student Government Association Constitution

Preamble to the Constitution
We, the students of Dallas Baptist University, do hereby ordain and establish this constitution, humbly invoking the blessing of God, in order to achieve the following purposes:
1. To create an organization through which the collective interest of the student body may be served by efficient self-government.
2. To further coordination of student activities with those of the faculty and administration.
3. To bring about an effective and uniform student government system on the campus of Dallas Baptist University.

Article I
1. The name of the organization under this constitution shall be the Student Government Association of Dallas Baptist University, herein known as the SGA
2. The Student Body shall be divided into Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior classes of Dallas Baptist University according to the specifications of the Dean and Registrar of the University. The membership of the Student Body shall consist of every currently enrolled student in good standing as defined by the University catalog.
3. The SGA shall be divided into two branches: Executive and Legislative.

Article II
Executive Department
The officers of the SGA shall consist of the president of the student body, vice-president of the student body, secretary of the student body, treasurer of the student body and shall have an appointed chaplain and a duly appointed faculty member as the SGA advisor.

A. The student body president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer shall be elected at large by the students of Dallas Baptist University in the spring election. A majority vote by the students voting in the election will place these four officials in office.

B. The student body officers shall hold office for a period of one year or until the date of the following spring election.

C. The vice-president, secretary, and treasurer shall have full voting privileges of a student senator in the senate. The president may vote in the senate only in the case of a tie.

D. The Oath of Office.
The oath of office for the officers in the Student Government Association shall be as follows:
“I solemnly promise to uphold the Constitution of the Student Government Association of Dallas Baptist University and perform the duties of my office above those of any other organization or activity on campus, so help me God.”

Section I
The President
The SGA President shall be sworn in by the President of the University.

A. Qualifications of the SGA President
1. The President shall be taking a minimum load of twelve (12) and not to exceed a maximum of eighteen (18) semester hours at the time of his/her election and for the continuation of the term.
2. The President shall have completed at least sixty (60) semester hours by the fall semester in which the term of service actually begins, twenty-four (24) of which must have been obtained in residence.
3. The President shall have attained a 2.5 grade point average (based upon a 4 point system) at the time of election and for the continuation of the term.
4. If at any time during his/her term of office, his/her grade point average drops below 2.5, he/she will be required to submit a formal letter of resignation.
5. The President must represent good Christian character.

B. Duties and powers of the President
1. The President shall preside over the senate.
2. The President shall be the chief spokesman for the student body and the Student Government Association to the administration and faculty.
3. The President shall be the official representative of the student body and the SGA unless other wise specified.
4. The President shall be the chief coordinator of the functions of all officers, committees, and members of the SGA
5. The President shall be responsible for the initial organization of the Freshman Class and shall see that the other classes are organized.
6. The President shall execute and administer all policies of the senate.
7. The President, with a two-thirds (2/3) confirmation vote of the senate, may remove any appointed SGA official which he/she deems necessary to remove.
8. The President shall call sessions of the senate upon his/her discretion or on the presentation bearing the signature of a majority of the members of the senate.
9. The President shall work with the treasurer in forming a budget for the year after which the budget must be presented to and ratified by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the senate.
10. The President shall veto at his/her discretion any legislation he/she so desires that was passed by the senate. The veto, however, may be overridden by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the senate membership, provided such action is taken before adjournment of the first regular senate session after the veto action.
11. Upon a vacancy, the President shall have the power to appoint all officers and senators within the limits of the constitution and with a two-thirds (2/3) confirmation vote by the senate.
12. The President shall hold between 8-10 office hours per week which shall be posted one (1) week after registration.
13. The President will create all committees he/she deems necessary under this constitution.

Section II
The Vice-President
The SGA Vice-President shall be sworn in by the President of the University.

A. Qualifications of the SGA Vice-President
1. The Vice-President shall be taking a minimum load of twelve (12) and not exceed a maximum of eighteen (18) semester hours at the time of his/her election and for the continuation of the term.
2. The Vice-President shall have completed at least sixty (60) semester hours by the fall semester in which the term of service actually begins, twenty-four (24) of which must have been obtained in residence.
3. The Vice-President shall have attained a 2.5 grade point average (based upon a 4 point system) at the time of election and for the continuation of the term.
4. If at any time during his/her term of office, his/her grade point average drops below 2.5, he/she will be required to submit a formal letter of resignation.
5. The Vice-President must represent good Christian character.

B. Duties and powers of the Vice-President
1. The Vice-President shall assist the president in his/her duties and shall assume those duties upon the absence of the president.
2. If for any reason the president should leave office, the Vice-President will succeed him/her for the remainder of the term.
3. The Vice-President shall see that all election and appointments provided for under this constitution are properly timed and executed.
4. The Vice-President shall hold between 4-5 office hours per week which shall be posted one (1) week after registration.

Section III
The Secretary

A. Qualifications of the SGA Secretary
1. The Secretary shall possess satisfactory typing skills or be responsible for the minutes being typed and distributed to the members of the senate.
2. The Secretary shall have completed at least thirty (30) semester hours by the fall semester in which the term of service actually begins, twelve (12) of which must have been obtained in residence.
3. The Secretary shall have attained a 2.5 grade point average (based upon a 4 point system) at the time of election and for the continuation of the term.
4. If at any time during his/her term of office, his/her grade point average drops below 2.5, he/she will be required to submit a formal letter of resignation.
5. The Secretary must represent good Christian character.

B. Duties and powers of the Secretary
1. The Secretary shall keep an accurate account of all proceedings at the meetings of the executive and legislative branches. He/she is responsible for typing and distributing them to the members of the SGA within seven (7) days of said meeting.
2. The Secretary shall collect and file all permanent minutes, legislation’s, reports, and other records of the senate, except those specifically assigned to other officers and committees.
3. The Secretary shall keep an up-to-date file of the names, addresses and phone numbers of all campus-wide officers and senators.
4. The Secretary shall be responsible for preserving all data reflecting SGA activities of that year.
5. The Secretary shall keep attendance records of all senate sessions and call role when required.
6. The Secretary shall notify officers, committees and senators of their appointments and/or other changes of their status.
7. The Secretary shall hold a minimum of two (2) office hours per week which shall be posted one (1) week after registration.

Section IV
The Treasurer

A. Qualifications of the SGA Treasurer
1. The Treasurer shall possess satisfactory bookkeeping skills.
2. The Treasurer shall have at least thirty (30) semester hours by the fall semester in which the term of service actually begins, twelve (12) of which must have been obtained in residence.
3. The Treasurer shall have attained a 2.5 grade point average (based upon a 4 point system) at the time of election and for the continuation of the term.
4. If at any time during his/her term of office, his/her grade point average drops below 2.5, he/she will be required to submit a formal letter of resignation.
5. The Treasurer must represent good Christian character.

B. Duties and powers of the Treasurer
1. The Treasurer shall be in charge of all funds of the association and will keep an accurate record of all income and expenditures.
2. The Treasurer shall work with the President in forming the budget for the year.
3. The Treasurer shall make a monthly report of all income and expenditures to the regular session of the SGA
4. All major expenditures shall first be subject to a two-thirds (2/3) majority affirmation vote of the senate.
5. The Treasurer shall be responsible for publishing a financial report in a campus-wide publication at the end of the fall and spring semesters.

Section V
The Chaplain

A. Qualifications of the SGA Chaplain
1. The Chaplain shall have at least thirty (30) semester hours by the fall semester in which the term of service actually begins, twelve (12) of which must have been obtained in residence.
2. The Chaplain shall have attained a 2.5 grade point average (based upon a 4 point system) at the time of election and for the continuation of the term.
3. If at any time during his/her term of office, his/her grade point average drops below 2.5, he/she will be required to submit a formal letter of resignation.
4. The Chaplain must represent good Christian character.

B. Selection of the Chaplain
1. Shall be appointed by the President and confirmed by senate by a majority vote.
2. Shall first be approved by the President of University or Dean of Spiritual Life.
3. The Chaplain may not serve in any position, elected or appointed, in any other branch of the Student Government Association as outlined in the Constitution.

C. Duties and powers of the Chaplain
1. The Chaplain shall give spiritual leadership to the Student Government
Association.
2. The Chaplain shall work with the President of SGA
3. The Chaplain shall serve the senate in his/her appointed role as
a non-voting member and shall assume his/her position after the Presidential
Inauguration.
4. The Chaplain of the Student Government Association of DBU shall:
a. Abide by and follow all rules and regulations as set forth in the SGA Constitution.
b. Be held accountable by the student body and serve as a respectful and vocal representative of said body.
c. Observe all university policies and procedures and exemplify strong moral standards as encouraged by Dallas Baptist University.
d. Serve on university committees as needed.
e. Maintain regular communication with administrative leadership and the
student body.
f. Assist in recruiting people to serve in various capacities including but
not limited to senate, and executive leadership.
g. Meet with incoming replacements to explain jobs and duties.
h. Attend all SGA sponsored events and programs.
i. Provide or facilitate devotionals for each meeting.
j. Meet regularly with leaders of campus spiritual organizations.
k. Plan spiritually enriching events for the campus.
l. Assist with “See You At the Pole” program.
m. Coordinate campus-wide community service project.
n. Set up monthly meeting with student organization leaders.

Section VI
The Faculty Advisor

The Faculty Advisor shall be selected from the full-time faculty members of Dallas Baptist University. He/she shall be chosen immediately following the spring election of the Student Government Association officers. He/she shall be chosen based on the advice and consent of the newly elected officers and shall subsequently be invited by these officers to serve for one year in the capacity of Faculty Advisor. With just cause the SGA reserves the right to request that a Faculty Advisor step down so that another advisor be appointed. Such a request shall bear automatic appeal before the Dean of Students who will make the final ruling in the case.

A. Duties and powers of the Faculty Advisor
1. The Faculty Advisor shall serve in an advisory capacity in all matters relating to SGA decision making.
2. The Faculty Advisor has no voting power in the student senate.
3. The Faculty Advisor shall represent the S.G.A in the Faculty Council.
4. A Faculty Advisor who wishes to resign must give written notice to the S.G.S. two (2) weeks prior to actual date of resignation in order that a replacement be found.
5. In the event that the SGA wishes to replace a Faculty Advisor, there must be a unanimous vote by the student senate for removal. Under this circumstance, the Faculty Advisor may either step down or exercise their automatic appeal to the Dean of Students who will make a final decision in the case.

Article III
Legislative Department

A. The Legislative power of this association shall be vested in the Student Senate of Dallas Baptist University. The number of senators shall be five (5) from each class. In addition to five (5) from each class there shall be three (3) student senators elected “at large” from those students who are not a part of the dormitory population of Dallas Baptist University. Unless otherwise noted, these commuter senators must meet all the other qualifications for student senators.
(Note: This provision is not to be construed to mean that commuter students are not allowed to fill “class” senator seats. All full-time students of Dallas Baptist University who meet the qualifications of a student senator are allowed to fill the “class” senator seats.)

B. The Oath of Office
The oath of office for the members of the student senate of the SGA shall be as follows:
“I solemnly promise to uphold the constitution of the Student Government Association of Dallas Baptist University and to perform the duties of my office to the best of my abilities, so help me God.”

The oath of office shall be administered by the president of the Student Government Association at the first meeting following the election of the senators.

SECTION I
The Student Senate

A. Qualifications of a student senator
1. All senators must be members of the class from which they are elected: Freshmen must be enrolled in at least twelve (12) semester hours. Sophomores must have completed thirty (30) semester hours. Juniors must have completed sixty (60) semester hours. Seniors must have completed ninety (90) semester hours. All hours must be completed by the fall semester in which the term of office begins.
2. All senators shall have and maintain a grade point average of 2.0 (based upon a 4 point system) at the time of election and for the continuation of the term.
3. All senators shall be taking a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours each semester in which they serve as senators. The three commuter senators must take at least six (6) semester hours each semester in which they serve as senators.
4. All senators must represent good Christian character.

B. Responsibilities of the Senate
1. It shall be the responsibility of the senate to encourage communication 1) between the administration and student body and 2) between the faculty and student body.
2. It shall be the responsibility of the senate to investigate matters pertinent to the interest of the Student Body of Dallas Baptist University.
3. The Senate shall take appropriate legislative action in all matters relating to student administration of internal student affairs under the guidance of the SGA president and the faculty advisor.

C. The following provisions will govern the student senate:
1. The senate shall meet in weekly sessions or as deemed necessary by the president.
2. All meetings of the senate shall be open to any person unless a quorum. All legislation must be passed by a majority of those present with the exception of the president who will vote only in the case of a tie.
3. In the event of any vacancy resulting from resignation, incapacity, excessive absences, impeachment or otherwise inability to perform, the SGA president shall appoint one (1) in the constituent group affected as a replacement. This appointment shall be made no earlier than the next meeting and not later than thirty (30) days after the vacancies have occurred. This appointment must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the senate.
4. If, in any term of office, a senator shall have more than six (6) unexcused absences from meetings of the senate, the absences shall be submitted to the senate. Upon confirmation of these unexcused absences by the senate, the senator shall automatically be expelled from office. Three (3) unexcused tardies shall constitute one unexcused absence.
5. The term of office for members of the student senate shall be one (1) year until the date of the following spring election.
6. The resignation of a senator shall be presented in the form of a letter. The resignation should be approved by a majority vote of the senate. The resigning member shall be held accountable for his/her action in his/her official capacity prior to his/her resignation.
7. The senate by-laws shall prescribe the mode of proceedings and organization of the senate necessary in performing the duties set forth in this constitution.

D. Duties and powers of the Student Senate
1. The senate shall consider all proposals of the student body brought by means of a petition signed by one-tenth of the student body population.
2. The senate will create all appointed offices necessary under this constitution.
3. The senate shall formulate other rules and by-laws for its organization in the pursuance of the provisions of this constitution.
4. The senate will approve by a two-thirds (2/3) vote all officers and senators appointed by the president.
5. The senate will hear reports from and give advice to members of the committees organized under this constitution.
6. The senate may institute impeachment proceedings by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote against any official of this association believed guilty of inefficiency, conduct unbecoming a student officer, or a violation of the rules of constitution of this association. Impeachment proceedings may also be considered by a petition bearing the signatures of a majority of the members of the student body of Dallas Baptist University.

SECTION II
By-Laws of the Legislation

Recognizing that all students are free and equal citizens of a democratic society attending an institution of higher learning conducted for the common good of said students, the student shall be guided by the following:

A. The senate shall make no law, regarding its members, in violation of the principles and purposes of Dallas Baptist University as established by its faculty, administration, and board of trustees, or in violation of faculty regulation or administration policies of this University.

B. Recognizing the principle of church and state it shall make no law restricting the practice of freedom of religion nor any law or regulation regarding religious activities of any organization of the student body.

C. This association being an organization for civil purposes only, shall make no law and perform no function of a disciplinary nature other than removal from office of its own members. In all other matters the person and property of its members shall be held inviolable under this constitution.

D. The senate shall make no law restricting any member in good standing with the University from voting in any election held under the auspices of this association. The term “good standing” shall apply to all students who are not on any kind of disciplinary probation as defined under the rules and regulations of the administration and faculty of this University.

E. The senate shall make no law prohibiting the members of this association the right to petition the government of this association for a redress of grievances.

F. The SGA, by approval of the administration, of all campus organizations.

ARTICLE IV
Election Procedures

A. All elections in which the student body at large participates as a whole shall be under the jurisdiction of the SGA.

B. Candidates for president and vice-president shall run together on the same ticket.

C. The election of class officers and senators shall be under the jurisdiction of the SGA.

D. The SGA shall designate registration procedure, voting requirements, procedures for conducting all elections, procedures for counting ballots and recording of election results and procedures for contesting elections. This shall be the responsibility of the vice-president.

E. Election rules will be distributed to all candidates in all elections by means of an election code approved by a majority vote of the senate. The vice-president shall be responsible for the drafting and distribution of these rules.

F. Freshman senators and Freshman class president shall be elected in the fall general elections not earlier than fourteen (14) and not later than thirty (30) days after the first day of classes of the fall semester.

G. Sophomore, Junior, and Senior senators and class presidents as well as student body officers shall be elected in the spring general elections as determined by the SGA.

H. No person shall vote in an election held under the authority of this constitution who is not a member of the Student Body of Dallas Baptist University.

ARTICLE V
Special Committee

The Public Relations Committee is hereby created to deal with those matters of mutual concern to both the students and faculty. Members of those committees shall be appointed by the SGA President. All appointees to this (and any) committee must be chosen from the Student Senate. Committee members shall meet and take action on the work designated to them and report all matters pertaining to their work to the Chairman of the Public Relations Committee who, in turn, will report to the President of SGA. The Vice-President shall determine the validity of said petition.

SECTION I
Public Relations Committee

A. The Public Relations committee shall be composed of a chairman (who will also serve as the official press secretary of the association and other students of this association totaling at least three (3) members.

B. The Public Relations Committee shall work as a public relations and press medium for the SGA.

ARTICLE VI
Amendments

Any proposed amendment to this constitution passed by two-thirds (2/3) of the total membership of the senate shall become binding and a part of this constitution upon receiving a two-thirds vote (2/3) of the ballots cast on such amendment during the spring general election. The proposed amendment must be published in a campus-wide publication thirty (30) days before the election begins.

ARTICLE VII
Right of Petition

The right of constitutional initiative may be exercised by the Student Body upon petition of a number of students equal to fifteen (15) percent of the student body. Upon presentation of such a petition to the secretary of the Student Government Association, the SGA Vice-President shall determine the validity of said petition.

If the petition shall be held valid, the senate shall order an election to be held within thirty (30) days or announced validity and the proposed amendment shall become binding and a part of the constitution upon receiving a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the ballots cast.

ARTICLE VIII

SECTION I
Constitutional Revision

The SGA shall have the power to revise the constitution. Revisions must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the student population during the next general election or during a specially called election for the purpose of voting on said constitutional revisions.

SECTION II
Ratification

Upon approval by the Dean of Students of Dallas Baptist University and by two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast by the student body, this constitution and all legislation properly enacted thereunder shall become effective and shall supercede all previous provisions of the Student Government Association.

ARTICLE IX
History of Constitutional Revisions

This constitution represents the fourth revision of the original student government constitution of Dallas Baptist University.

Revision Dates:

First Revision – Spring Semester, 1978
Mr. Jack Daniell
-SGA President, 1977-78

Second Revision – Spring Semester, 1985
Begun by 1984-85 SGA
- President Kris Courson
Completed by 1985-86 SGA
- President Larry Carpenter

Third Revision – Spring Semester, 1991
Kenneth A. Jordan
-SGA President, 1990-91

Fourth Revision – Spring Semester, 2002
Adam C. Wright
-SGA President, 2001-02