Charter and Bylaws

Rutgers University – Newark

STUDENT GOVERNING ASSOCIATION

CHARTER & BY-LAWS

Submitted & Ratified: May 4, 2020

Rutgers University – Newark | Constitution & Bylaws, Pg. 1

The Charter 3-4

Level 100 By-Laws – Definitional & Operational By-Laws 4-8

By-Law 101 – Enactment of By-Laws 4-5

By-Law 102 – Meetings & Legislation 5-8

By-Law 103 – Governance & Impeachment 8-9

By-Law 104 – Advisors 9

Level 200 By-Laws – Organizational Structure By-Laws 9-14

By-Law 201 – The Executive Branch 9-13

By-Law 202 – The Legislative Branch 13-14

Level 300 By-Laws – Senators 14-18

By-Law 301 – Academic Senators 14

By-Law 302 – University Senators

By-Law 303 – Special Area Senators 15

By-Law 304 – At-Large Senators 15

By-Law 305 – Community Outreach Senators 15-16

By-Law 306 – Diversity Affairs Senators 16

By-Law 307 – Media Senators 16

By-Law 308 – New Student Senators 16

By-Law 309 – Student Affairs Senators 17

By-Law 310 – Internal Affairs Committee 17-18

Level 400 By-Laws – University Affairs By-Laws 18-19

By-Law 401 – University Senate 18-19

By-Law 402 – Referenda 19

Level 500 By-Laws – Student Organization By-Laws 19-22

By-Law 501 – Recognition & Constitutional Procedures 19-21

By-Law 502 – Regulations on Student Organizations 21-22

By-Law 503 – Role of the Office of Student Life and Leadership 22

Level 600 By-Laws – Allocations Board 22-27

Level 700 By-Laws – Elections By-Laws 27-31

By-Law 701 – Elections Procedures 27-30

By-Law 702 – Ballot & Voting Procedures 30-31

THE CHARTER OF THE STUDENT GOVERNING ASSOCIATION OF RUTGERS UNIVERSITY-NEWARK

PREAMBLE

We, the students of Rutgers University, Newark, in order to provide ourselves with a representative system of governance, to promote the general welfare of the students, and to establish effective channels of communication between ourselves, the College and University administration, as well as with other collegial bodies, do hereby establish and ordain this charter.

ARTICLE I – THE NAME

The student government of Rutgers – The State University of New Jersey shall be known as “The Student Governing Association.” (Hereinafter referred to as the Association)

ARTICLE II – THE MEMBERSHIP

All full-time and part-time students of Rutgers University- Newark are members of the Association and therefore are eligible to elect its officers.

ARTICLE III – AUTHORITY

The Association derives its legitimacy from the consent of the student body, which it governs, and its authority from the University. The students maintain the right at all times to alter or reform their government.

ARTICLE IV – RESPONSIBILITIES

As the representative of the student body, the Association shall:

Protect the students’ rights in accord with the Joint Statement of Rights and Responsibilities;
Be aware of the college and University actions concerning students;
Consult with and report to any college and university bodies on matters of concern to students;
Make every effort to influence and encourage student involvement in the development of College and University policies;
Inform the college and university community of Association actions; and
Create new programs or revise present programs as may be necessary.

ARTICLE V – COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE

The Association shall be composed of three major divisions. The Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial. Eligibility for each officer of the Association shall be determined by the Dean of Students on the basis of the following criteria; the person must be registered as a Rutgers student throughout the term of office or appointment and the person must not be on either academic or disciplinary probation throughout the term of office or appointment.

Section 1: The Executive

The Executive powers of the student body and this Association shall be vested in an Executive Committee consisting of the President, Vice President, Chief of Staff, Chief of Finance, and the Executive Secretary who shall be selected by the student body in a free election, and such other offices as shall be provided for.

Section 2: The Legislative

The Legislative power of the student body and this Association shall be vested in the Senate.

Section 3: The Judicial

The judicial power of the Student Governing Association shall be vested in the Judicial Council. The Judicial Council shall consist of a Chief of Arbitration, and four Associate Arbitrators.

ARTICLE VI – AMENDMENTS

Section 1: This Charter may be amended through a simple majority of the students voting in any regular election and upon ratification by the Dean of Students.

Section 2: This Charter is dissolvable only by a 2/3rds affirmative vote of those students voting in a special election.

ARTICLE VII – BY-LAWS

Section 1: The Legislative branch may pass such by-laws to this Charter as it shall from time to time deem necessary and proper for the implementation of the Charter.

Section 2: Passage or repeal of a by-law shall require a simple majority vote of the Senate and the approval of the Executive. If the Executive vetoes a by-law, then the Senate may, by a 2/3rds vote, enact or repeal the by-law within 30 school days.

ARTICLE VII – ENACTMENT

This Charter shall take effect upon its acceptance by a majority of those students voting in a special election called for the purpose of enacting the Charter, upon the approval of the Dean of Students.

THE BY-LAWS OF THE STUDENT GOVERNING ASSOCIATION OF RUTGERS UNIVERSITY-NEWARK

LEVEL 100 BY-LAWS – DEFITIONAL & OPERATIONAL BY-LAWS

By-Law 101 – Enactment of By-Laws

ARTICLE I – PURPOSE & OPERATION OF BY-LAWS

Section 1: These by-laws exist to promote open, orderly, and constructive action on vital matters affecting the following student bodies:

Newark School of Arts & Sciences

Rutgers Business School

School of Criminal Justice

School of Public Affairs and Administration

University College-Newark

Section 2: All previous by-laws enacted by the previous Student Governing Association are hereby repealed, and are declared null and void.

Section 3: These by-laws shall take immediate effect upon ratification by a simple majority vote of the Legislative Branch and the approval of the Executive Branch.

Section 4: In the event that any provision within these by-laws conflicts with the Charter set forth by the Student Governing Association, the provisions of the by-laws shall take precedence.

ARTICLE II – DEFINITIONS OF BY-LAW TERMINOLOGY

Section 1: Throughout these by-laws, the terms “SGA,” “Student Governing Association,” and “the Association” refer to all elected, appointed, voting, non-voting, and associate members of the Rutgers Newark – Student Governing Association, or as demarcated by the Charter or By-Laws.

Section 2: Throughout these by-laws, the terms “Rutgers Newark” or “The University” refer to the Newark School of Arts & Sciences, Rutgers Business School, School of Criminal Justice, School of Public Affairs and Administration, and University College.

Section 3: Throughout these by-laws, the terms “Executive Board” or “Executive Branch” refer to the Executive Branch of the Rutgers Newark – Student Governing Association, as outlined in “ByLaw 201: The Executive Branch”.

Section 4: Throughout these by-laws, the terms “Senate” or “Legislative Branch” refer to the Legislative Branch of the Rutgers Newark – Student Governing Association, as outlined in “By-Law 202: The Legislative Branch.”

ARTICLE III – CHANGES TO BY-LAWS

Section 1: Any proposed changes or additions to these By-Laws must be submitted in writing to the Executive Board and the Office of Student Life and Leadership. These parties shall work with the sponsor(s) of the proposal to ensure that its form and structure conform to the Charter and the By-Laws, and do not violate any policies set forth by the Rutgers Newark.

Section 2: Upon approval from the aforementioned parties, the proposed By-Law or By-Law modification shall be put forth to a vote by a simple majority vote of the Legislative Branch that is present at a duly constituted General Body meeting, and the approval of the Executive Branch. If the Executive Branch vetoes a By-Law, then the Legislative Branch may, by a 2/3rds vote, enact or repeal the By-Law within 30 school days.

Section 3: All By-Law modifications must be presented to the Dean of Students for approval.

Section 4: Temporary resolutions are those resolutions, which by its terms are temporary, and shall expire within the term of the enacting Student Governing Association, and shall be adopted by a 2/3rds vote majority of the Legislative Branch at a duly constituted General Body meeting.

By-Law 102 – Meetings & Legislation

ARTICLE I – MEETINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1: Meetings of the Executive Board must occur at least twice a month during session, and shall be held at the request of at least one member of the Executive Board.

Section 2: Meetings of the Cabinet may be called by the President of the Association or upon a written request of two members of the Cabinet at least 24 hours prior to the designated meeting time. Prior announcement will be given to members of the Cabinet.

ARTICLE II – MEETINGS OF THE SENATE (GENERAL BODY MEETINGS)

Section 1: Regular meetings of the Senate shall be held on days designated by a joint effort of the Chief of Staff and Speaker of the Senate, and shall be held no less than four times during each session.

Section 2: Special meetings of the Senate may be called by the President of the Association or upon a written request of three members of the Senate and its acceptance by the Chief of Staff or Speaker of the Senate at least 24 hours prior to the designated meeting time. Prior announcement will be given to the Senate and the Rutgers Newark student body.

Section 3: A meeting of the Senate may convene only in the presence of a quorum, which shall consist of ½ plus one of the total membership of the Senate.

Section 4: A meeting of the Senate may convene only in the presence of the Speaker of the Senate or the Chief of Staff.

In the event that neither of them can attend, a meeting of the Senate may convene under the chair of an Association member, appointed by the President of the Association to serve for that meeting.
The Chair, unless a sitting Senator, shall have no vote except in the case of a tie, in which case the Chair may cast the deciding vote on any legislation.

Section 5: The first meeting of the Senate will be presided by the President. If the President is unable to preside, then they may designate an alternative in the following order: Vice President, Chief of Staff, Secretary. The debate, questioning period, and voting will proceed according to the Robert’s Rules of Parliamentary Procedure. The Speaker will be elected by a simple majority vote.

ARTICLE III – ABSENCES

Section 1: All members of the Association must attend all respective meetings. Any member who fails to attend three meetings within the semester of their respective branch without an approved excuse will be subjected to impeachment hearings chaired by a member of the Office of Student Life and Leadership.

Section 2: In the case of an absence from an Executive Board meeting, a written excuse must be submitted to the President of the Association at least 24 hours in advance of the designated meeting time.

Section 3: In the case of an absence from a meeting of the Senate, a written excuse must be submitted to either the Chief of Staff or the Speaker of the Senate at least 24 hours in advance of the designated meeting time. Such excuses must be approved by a simple majority vote of the Senate at a duly constituted General Body meeting.

ARTICLE IV – AGENDA

Section 1: The Chief of Staff in coordination with the Speaker of the Senate shall prepare an agenda for each General Body meeting of the Student Governing Association that consist of at least, and not exclusive, to the following items:

Roll Call

Approval of Minutes

Executive Board Reports

Committee Reports

Old Business

New Business

Hearing of the SGA: a time for open comments from all members of the Student Governing Association

Hearing of the Public: a time for open comment from the public and invited guests

Adjournment

Section 2: At the request of any member of the Student Governing Association, an item may be placed on the agenda for discussion under “New Business” if submitted to both the Chief of Staff and the Speaker of the Senate at least 24 hours prior to the duly constituted General Body meeting.

Section 3: Agendas for each General Body meeting of the Student Governing Association shall be maintained on file in the Student Governing Association’s office for at least two years.

ARTICLE V – LEGISLATION

Section 1: All legislation submitted for Student Governing Association consideration shall be typewritten, and consist of the following items:

A title;

The name of all sponsors and the position they hold within the Student Governing Association;

A legislation number assigned by the Chief of Staff and/or Speaker of the Senate;

The body of legislation;

The date the legislation is to become effective if enacted by the Student Governing Association.

Section 2: All proposed legislation should either be a bill or resolution.

Section 3: The following legislative matters should be submitted as a bill:

Proposed amendments to the Charter of the Student Governing Association
Proposed amendments to the By-Laws of the Student Governing Association
Proposed referendum questions
Proposed impeachments

Section 4: All other matters not listed in By-Law 102 Article VI, Section 3, shall be submitted as a resolution, and shall consist of a statement of the desired action, while the body portion of all resolutions consists of reasons for such action preceded by the statement, “Whereas . . .”, and a statement of desired action preceded by the statement, “Resolved . . .”

Section 5: Bill titles shall begin with “A Bill . . .” while resolution titles shall begin with “A Resolution . . .”

ARTICLE VI – VOTING

Section 1: All motions proposed at a duly constituted General Body meeting shall pass by a simple majority affirmative vote of those Senate members present, unless specified by the Charter, the By-Laws, and/or Robert’s Rules of Parliamentary Procedure.

Section 2: Whenever votes are taken in a General Body meeting of the Student Governing Association, each vote shall carry equal weight, with each member of the Senate holding one vote.

Section 3: The Chief of Staff shall vote only to break a tie. A tie is defined when legislation, after all votes have been counted, is deadlocked with the amount of votes on the affirmative and negative, in the case of a simple majority vote of the Senate.

Section 4: Whenever votes are taken at a Committee meeting, each vote shall carry equal weight, regardless of status as a member of the Senate or associate member.

Section 5: Bills and resolutions shall be voted on by a 2/3 majority vote in order to go into effect.

By-Law 103 – Governance & Impeachment

ARTICLE I – TERMS OF OFFICE

Section 1: All members of the Association shall serve for the duration of two sessions, or two semesters, of the academic year after being elected by their position’s respective voting body and installed by the Association.

Section 2: In the case of an appointed position, that member shall serve until the end of the academic year in which he or she was appointed.

ARTICLE II – IMPEACHMENT OFFENSES & REMOVAL PROCEDURES

Section 1: An impeachable offense shall be, but is not limited to the following, for all members of the Association:

Failure to perform the duties of office.

Failure to uphold the Charter, By-Laws, or legislation of the Association.

Violation of the College or University Code of Conduct.

Academic or Disciplinary probation by the College or University.

Conviction in a state or federal court of a high crime or misdemeanor.

Section 2: No person charged with an impeachable offense shall lose office until the bill of impeachment is sustained by the Office of Student Life and Leadership and voted on by the Senate.

Section 3: The Senate shall have the sole power to vote a bill of impeachment against any member of the Association.

Section 4: Removal proceedings shall begin after a motion to impeach (stating charges) is passed by a majority of those voting members of the Senate present at a duly constituted General Body meeting.

All charges shall be made in the form of a written accusation, which shall be presented to the Senate when the motion to impeach is made at a duly constituted General Body meeting.

Section 5: Any member of the Association up for impeachment offenses will have the right to answer all allegations concerning their impeachment at the Senate meeting in which the impeachment motion is presented or at a special meeting of the Senate at which the President of the Association shall preside.

Section 6: Only upon 2/3rds vote of those voting members of the Senate present at the meeting in which an impeachment motion is put on the floor can a member of the Association be removed from office.

Section 7: Any member of the Association who is impeached may appeal the entire proceeding to the Judicial Council within 5 days of the impeachment for adjudication, and full reinstatement, and the Office of Student Life and Leadership shall be bound to hear the case.

ARTICLE III – VACANCIES

Section 1: When elected officers of the Association are unable to complete their terms of office (except for the Executive Board), the President of the Association shall nominate and subsequently appoint a replacement by a 2/3rds vote of those voting members of the Senate present at the meeting in which the nomination was put on the floor.

Section 2: In the case of a vacancy in the office of the President of the Association, the Vice President shall preside over that office. In the event that neither the President nor the Vice President may complete their respective terms of office, the order of succession shall be:

Chief of Staff

Speaker of the Senate

Chief of Finance

Executive Secretary

Any member of the Cabinet voted in by 2/3rds of the Senate voting at a duly constituted General Body meeting.

By-Law 104 – Advisors

ARTICLE I – RIGHT TO SEEK AN ADVISOR

Section 1: All branches of the Association have the sole right to seek a member of the faculty or administration to serve as advisor to their respective branch.

ARTICLE II – THE ROLES OF THE ADVISOR

Section 1: The Advisor of each branch may attend all meetings of their respective branch, and may apprise, assist, and make recommendations for improvement.

Section 2: The Advisor of each branch shall have a voice but no vote on all procedural and substantive questions facing their respective branch

LEVEL 200 BY-LAWS – ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE BY-LAWS

By-Law 201 – The Executive Branch

ARTICLE I – THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1: The executive power of the Student Governing Association shall be vested in the Executive Board, which shall be a steering committee for the entire Association, setting board directions, policies, and goals for the Association.

Section 2: The Executive Board shall carry out all legislation adopted by the Association, and guide the Association to best represent the interests of the Rutgers Newark student body.

Section 3: All Executive Board members shall attend all meetings of the Executive Board, unless excused by the President of the Association.

Section 4: The Executive Board shall be chaired by the President of the Association and shall consist of the Vice President, the Chief of Staff, the Chief of Finance, and the Executive Secretary. Each member shall have a vote on Executive Board matters.

ARTICLE II – THE PRESIDENT

Section 1: The Chief Executive Officer of the Association is the President. S/he shall be elected each year at a general election by the Rutgers Newark undergraduate student body.

Section 2: As chair of the Executive Board, the President shall coordinate all branches of the Association and have power to take such action as the Executive Board deems necessary to ensure a smooth operation within and among the branches of the Association.

Section 3: The President shall be responsible for the prompt and orderly execution of all legislation and resolutions adopted by the Association.

Section 4: The President, with the assistance of the Vice President, shall represent the Association in all dealings with the University administration.

Section 5: The President shall from time to time, but no less than once a semester, make a report to the student body during the State of the Campus addresses, which shall be called by the President, and convened by the Vice President.

Section 6: The President shall make such appointments as are provided for to the committees of the faculty and administration, and/or advisory councils with the advice of the Executive Board and the Senate.

Section 7: The President, in addition to the Chief of Finance, shall have signatory power over the accounts of the Association.

Section 8: The President shall nominate persons to fill vacancies in the Executive Board as deemed necessary, unless otherwise provided for by the Charter or By-Laws of the Association.

Section 9: The President shall call each session of the Senate to order and charge the Senate for its term. Each session shall be for the period of one semester.

Section 10: The President shall have the power to make recommendations or to propose legislation to the Senate as is deemed necessary; however, cannot have a vote in any legislative matters. The President shall also have the power to veto the legislation of the Senate within 5 days of its passage. If the President vetoes such legislation, the Senate shall have no more than 5 days, by a 2/3rds vote of the Senate present at a duly constituted General Body meeting, to override the veto and enact the legislation.

Section 11: The President of the Association shall meet with the Dean of Students once a month to discuss the Association’s goals, visions, and policies.

Section 12: All powers not expressly delegated to the President, or implied flowing as necessary and proper to perform these enumerated powers, are hereby reserved to the Association, and the entities created by it in these by-laws or otherwise.

ARTICLE III – THE VICE PRESIDENT

Section 1: The Vice President shall be elected each year at a general election by the Rutgers Newark undergraduate student body.

Section 2: If the President is unable to fulfill his/her term of the office, the Vice President shall assume the office of the President.

Section 3: The Vice President shall have all the duties and powers of the President in his/her absence, and shall be expected to run for President during the next election.

Section 4: The Vice President shall assist the President in the execution of his/her duties and powers, and shall, along with the President, represent the Association in all dealings with the College and University administration.

Section 5: All powers not expressly delegated to the Vice President, or implied flowing as necessary and proper to perform these enumerated powers, are hereby reserved to the Association, and the entities created by it in these by-laws or otherwise.

ARTICLE IV – THE CHIEF OF STAFF

Section 1: The Chief of Staff shall be elected each year at a general election by the Rutgers Newark undergraduate student body.

Section 2: The Chief of Staff shall work directly with the Speaker of the Senate, to bestow the goals and visions set forth by the Executive Board, particularly those of the President, to the Senate, and shall act as liaison between the Executive Board and the Senate.

Section 3: The Chief of Staff shall, with the advice of the Speaker of the Senate, draw up the Agenda for each General Body meeting and announce it before the assembly, and shall transmit all legislation adopted by the Senate to the President within 2 days.

Section 4: The Chief of Staff shall preside at all meetings of the Senate and shall at all times enact within Robert’s Rules of Parliamentary Procedure. If the Chief of Staff cannot attend a session of the Senate, the Speaker of the Senate shall preside.

Section 5: The Chief of Staff shall serve as director of internal affairs, and shall overlook all committees of the Senate.

Section 6: All powers not expressly delegated to the Chief of Staff, or implied flowing as necessary and proper to perform these enumerated powers, are hereby reserved to the Association, and the entities created by it in these by-laws or otherwise.

ARTICLE V – THE CHIEF OF FINANCE

Section 1: The Chief of Finance shall be elected each year at a general election as the Chair of the Allocations Board. To be eligible for the office of the Chief of Finance, a student must have demonstrated accounting skills as a result of passing “Introduction to Accounting” or the equivalent experience as verified by the Dean of Students.

Section 2: The Chief of Finance shall serve as chair of Allocations Board and keep a record of expenditures of the Association and shall disperse the funds allocated by the Association and its agencies according to the Level 600 By-Laws: “Allocations Board By-Laws.”

Section 3: The Chief of Finance may veto an unauthorized allocation, such as, but not limited to, an allocation made without a majority vote by the Senate, by any agency of the Association, or student organization. The veto may be appealed to the Judicial Council for a stay pending review in a formal hearing to be held within 5 days.

Section 4: The Chief of Finance and the President shall have signatory power over the accounts of the Association.

Section 5: The Chief of Finance shall submit a budget for the Association to the Senate for its approval. Upon ratification by a 2/3rds vote of the Senate present at a duly constituted General Body meeting, the budget will be returned to the Chief of Finance who shall present the budget to the Dean of Students for review and ratification.

Section 6: The Chief of Finance may submit those portions of the budget designated for the branches or agencies of the Association for acceptance or rejection, but not for amendment.

Section 7: All powers not expressly delegated to the Chief of Finance, or implied flowing as necessary and proper to perform these enumerated powers, are hereby reserved to the Association, and the entities created by it in these by-laws or otherwise.

ARTICLE VI – THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

Section 1: The Executive Secretary shall be elected each year at a general election by the Rutgers Newark undergraduate student body.

Section 2: The Executive Secretary shall take and keep the minutes of all meetings of the Executive Board. Minutes of each Executive Board meeting shall be sent to all members of the Executive Board within 3 days, and shall be furnished upon request of any member of the Rutgers Newark undergraduate student body.

Section 3: The Executive Secretary shall take and keep the minutes of all General Body meetings. Minutes of each General Body meeting shall be sent to all members of the Association within 3 days, and shall be furnished upon request of any member of the Rutgers Newark undergraduate student body.

Section 4: The Executive Secretary shall keep the attendance at all meetings of the Executive Board, General Body meetings, and selected meetings.

Section 5: The Executive Secretary shall be the keeper of all official records and documents of the Association, prepared with assistance from both the Legislative Secretary and Judicial Secretary.

Section 6: Upon approval by the Senate, the Executive Secretary must submit a list of all currently recognized student organizations of the Rutgers Newark undergraduate student body, along with a copy of all recognition materials outlined in By-Law 501, Article I, Section 2 to the Office of Student Life and Leadership within three days. In addition, the Executive Secretary must notify each student organization on its status following this duly constituted General Body meeting.

Section 7: All powers not expressly delegated to the Executive Secretary, or implied flowing as necessary and proper to perform these enumerated powers, are hereby reserved to the Association, and the entities created by it in these by-laws or otherwise.

ARTICLE VII – THE CABINET

Section 1: The Cabinet shall consist of representatives from the student leadership community including but not limited to: The President of Inter -Fraternity/Sorority Council or their designee, the President of the Residence Hall Association or their designee, and the President of Program Board or their designee, the President of the College of Nursing Student Government or their designee, President of Student Athlete Advisory Council or their designee and any other organization that represents Rutgers Newark undergraduate students in various capacities.

Section 2: The Cabinet shall serve as advisors to the Executive Board, but shall have no vote on their actions.

Section 3: The Cabinet shall be responsible for conducting research and gathering information from the Rutgers Newark student body, and bringing that information back for assessment to the Executive Board and their respective committees.

Section 4: All powers not expressly delegated to the Cabinet, or implied flowing as necessary and proper to perform these enumerated powers, are hereby reserved to the Association, and the entities created by it in these by-laws or otherwise.

By-Law 202 – The Legislative Branch

ARTICLE I – THE SENATE

Section 1: The legislative power of the Student Governing Association shall be vested in the Senate. The Senate shall consist of twenty-seven representatives of three different types:

The Academic School Senator positions shall consist of 10 (10) students elected by the student bodies of the respective schools for which they will be representatives. There shall be two (2) senators elected from Newark School of Arts & Sciences, two (2) senators elected from the Rutgers Business School, two (2) senators elected from The School of Criminal Justice, two (2) students from the School of Public Affairs and Administration, and two (2) senators elected from the University College. Each of these SGA members shall be elected according to the election requirements of this constitution and shall have one vote at all meetings of the SGA.
The Special Area Senators shall consist of twelve (12) students elected at large from and by the Student Body. There shall be two (2) elected At-Large Senators. There shall be two (2) elected Community Outreach Senators. There shall be two (2) elected Diversity Affairs Senators. There shall be two (2) elected Media Senators. There shall be two (2) elected New Student Senators. There shall be two (2) elected Student Affairs Senators. Each of the Special Area Senators shall be elected according to the election requirements of this constitution and shall have one vote at all meetings of the SGA.
The University Senator positions shall consist of seven (7) students elected by the student bodies of the respective academic schools for which they represent. The number of representatives each academic school is based on the number allocated by The Handbook of the Rutgers University Senate. Each of the University Senator positions shall be elected according to the election requirements of the constitution and shall have one vote at all meetings of the SGA.

Section 2: Each Senator shall have one vote per person.

Section 3: The Senate shall act in a legislative capacity for the Association, and shall have the power to establish internal jurisdiction in all matters relating to student concerns and activities; except areas specifically designated to other agencies.

Section 4: No Senator shall hold more than one office in the Association.

Section 5: All powers not expressly delegated to the Senate, or implied flowing as necessary and proper to perform these enumerated powers, are hereby reserved to the Association, and the entities created by it in these by-laws or otherwise.

ARTICLE II – SPEAKER OF THE SENATE

Section 1: The Speaker of the Senate shall be nominated by the Senate, appointed by the President, and elected by a majority vote of the Senate present at the first General Body meeting of each session.

Section 2: The Speaker of the Senate shall serve as the legislative liaison to the Executive Board.

Section 3: The Speaker of the Senate shall offer advice to the Chief of Staff in preparation of the Agenda for each General Body meeting.

Section 4: The Speaker of the Senate shall fill and monitor all office hours for the Association.

Section 5: The Speaker of the Senate shall assume the duties of the Chief of Staff of the Association in his/her absence, and shall assist the Chief of Staff in the performance of his/her duties, specifically in monitoring the membership and activities of all Senators.

Section 6: All powers not expressly delegated to the Speaker of the Senate, or implied flowing as necessary and proper to perform these enumerated powers, are hereby reserved to the Association, and the entities created by it in these by-laws or otherwise.

By-Law 203 – The Judicial Branch

ARTICLE I – JUDICIAL COUNCIL

Section 1: The judicial power of the Student Governing Association shall be vested in the Judicial Council. The Judicial Council shall consist of a Chief of Arbitration, and four Associate Arbitrators.

Section 2: The Chief of Arbitration and one Associate Arbitrator will be nominated by the President and voted on by the Senate and three Associate Arbitrators will be nominated and voted on by the Senate by a 2/3 majority vote of a duly constituted Senate meeting.

Section 3: The Chief of Arbitration position is open to any junior or senior and the four Associate Arbitrator positions are open undergraduate enrolled at Rutgers University – Newark with a minimum of 3.0 GPA.

Section 4: Any vacancies will be filled by one of the Speakers of the Senate until the Senate nominates and confirms a new Associate Arbitrator. This must be done within one month of a vacancy.

Section 5: To be eligible for a position on the Judicial Council, an individual must illustrate sufficient knowledge of parliamentary procedure as provided in the most updated version of Robert’s Rules of Order, and General Robert’s commentaries on parliamentary law.

Section 6: All members of the Judicial Council, including the Judicial Secretary, must read and familiarize themselves with the Charter and By-Laws before taking office, and finish training before judging on their first case.

Section 7: The Judicial power of the Association shall extend to all cases existing under the Charter, By-Laws, and all subsequent legislation of the Association.

Section 8: The Judicial Council shall have the power to arbitrate the following cases upon presentation of a claim by a student branch or agency of the Association:

Between two branches of the Association;

Between two agencies of the Association;

Where a student charges of a branch or agency of the Association; and may arbitrate cases among members of the Association upon the presentation of a claim and an agreement binding the disputants to the jurisdiction of the Judicial Council. This shall in no way preclude an appeal by the disputants of the College and University judicial system of the State or Federal Government.

Section 9: The Judicial Council shall be the final interpreter of the Charter, By-Laws, and legislation of the Association unless section 10 is invoked by a member of the Senate. Subject to approval by the Dean of Student Life & Leadership.

Section 10: The Judicial Council shall have the power to declare acts of the Senate null and void if they violate the Charter and the By-Laws of the Association. This declaration may be appealed by members of the Senate by a simple majority and therefore, the Judicial Council’s judicial power is deferred to an external judicial party decided on by a simple majority vote of a duly constituted meeting of the Senate.

Section 11: All cases brought to the judicial council must be brought on a condition of disclosure. The defendant reserves the right to know their plaintiff and any supporting evidence presented by any party. The complainant will submit their evidence first to the Judicial Council. The Judicial Council must then share the complainant’s evidence to the respondent, who will then respond with their collected evidence.

Section 12: All powers not expressly delegated to the Judicial Council, or implied flowing as necessary and proper to perform these enumerated powers, are null and void and hereby reserved to the Association, and the entities created by it in these by-laws or otherwise.

ARTICLE II – CHIEF OF ARBITRATION

Section 1: To be eligible for the position of Chief of Arbitration, that individual must serve on the Judicial Council for the duration of two sessions, or a full academic year.

Section 2: The Chief of Arbitration shall serve as the judicial liaison to the Executive Board and the Association.

Section 3: The Chief of Arbitration shall present all decisions made by the Judicial Council to the Association within 3 days of a duly constituted meeting of the Judicial Council.

Section 4: A duly constituted meeting will be attended by no less than 4 out of the 5 arbitrators, and chaired by the Chief of Arbitration.

Section 5: The Chief of Arbitration shall declare which member of the Judicial Council shall write the opinion of the minority and the majority.

Section 6: All powers not expressly delegated to the Chief of Arbitration, or implied flowing as necessary and proper to perform these enumerated powers, are null and void and hereby reserved to the Association, and the entities created by it in these by-laws or otherwise.

LEVEL 300 BY-LAWS –SENATORS

By-Law 301 Academic Senators

Section 1: Academic Senators represent the following Academic Schools: Newark School of Arts & Sciences, Rutgers Business School, School of Criminal Justice, School of Public Affairs and Administration and University College. Eligible students must be students of their school as verified by the Office of the Registrar.

Section 2: Academic Senators are responsible for representing needs of the respective Academic Schools to SGA and relay them to their constituents, faculty, and academic staff.

Section 3: Any member of the previously mentioned Academic Schools, can seek election as an academic senator. Each senator shall then serve one Academic School, with two senators being elected per Academic School. These senators shall thereby be responsible for working together to address the progression and service of that college as per the best interest of the Rutgers Newark Student body.

Section 4: The academic senators shall lay forth a foundation for the mission and goals of the Association in addition to participating in both strategic planning and operational planning for the Rutgers Newark student body.

Section 5: Each senator is responsible for their respective duties stated below, and shall act as the liaison between the Rutgers Newark student body and the Association.

Section 6: Each senator shall be advised by their respective Executive Board or Cabinet member within the Association; however, these respective advisors cannot vote, but can offer recommendations as they see fit.

Section 7: Any decision made by the senators must be presented at the following General Body meeting for recommendation and approval by a majority vote of the Senate present at that meeting.

Section 8: All powers not expressly delegated to the following senators, or implied flowing as necessary and proper to perform these enumerated powers, are hereby reserved to the Association, and the entities created by it in these by-laws or otherwise.

By-Law 302 – Special Area Senators

ARTICLE I – SENATORS

Section 1: Any member of the Rutgers Newark student body can seek election as a special area senator. Each senator shall then serve one special area of need, with two senators being elected per area. These senators shall thereby be responsible for working together to address the progression and service of that area as per the best interest of the Rutgers Newark Student body.

Section 2: The senators shall provide support for a variety of areas within the Association and the Rutgers Newark student body including At-Large, Community Outreach, Diversity Affairs, Media, New Student, and Student Affairs. All special area senators shall be named according to the respective areas which they serve.

Section 3: The special area senators shall lay forth a foundation for the mission and goals of the Association in addition to participating in both strategic planning and operational planning for the Rutgers Newark student body.

Section 4: Each senator is responsible for their respective duties stated below, and shall act as the liaison between the Rutgers Newark student body and the Association.

Section 5: Each senator shall be advised by their respective Executive Board or Cabinet member within the Association; however, these respective advisors cannot vote, but can offer recommendations as they see fit.

Section 6: Any decision made by the senators must be presented at the following General Body meeting for recommendation and approval by a majority vote of the Senate present at that meeting.

Section 7: All powers not expressly delegated to the following senators, or implied flowing as necessary and proper to perform these enumerated powers, are hereby reserved to the Association, and the entities created by it in these by-laws or otherwise.

By-Law 303 – University Senators

ARTICLE I – SENATORS

Section 1: University Senators represent the following undergraduate schools: School of Arts & Sciences – Newark, Rutgers Business School, School of Criminal Justice, and School of Public Affairs and Administration. Eligible students must be students of their school as verified by the Office of the Registrar.

Section 2: University Senators are responsible for representing the needs of their respective academic schools to the University Senate and relay them to their constituents, faculty, and academic staff.

Section 3: Any member of the previously mentioned Academic Schools can seek election as a University Senator. Each Senator shall then serve one Academic School. These Senators shall thereby be responsible for working together to address the progression and service of that Academic School to the University Senate as per the best interest of the Rutgers University – Newark Student body.

Section 4: The University Senators shall lay forth a foundation for the mission and goals of the Association in addition to participating in both strategic planning and operational planning for the Rutgers Newark student body.

Section 5: Each University Senator is responsible for their respective duties stated in By-Law 401- The University Senate, and shall act as the liaison between the Rutgers Newark student body, the Association, and the University Senate.

Section 6: Any decision made by the Senators must be presented at the following General Body meeting for recommendation and approval by a majority vote of the Senate present at that meeting.

By-Law 304 – At Large Senators

ARTICLE I – DUTIES

Section 1: The At Large Senators shall be elected by the Rutgers Newark student body.

Section 2: The At Large Senators shall take over initiatives that will benefit and affect the entire undergraduate student population. These issues may cover but are not limited to: technology, transportation, housing, food, public safety, etc.

By-Law 305 – The Community Outreach Senators

ARTICLE I – DUTIES

Section 1: The Community Outreach Senators shall be elected by the Rutgers Newark student body.

Section 2: The Community Outreach Senators shall be responsible for fostering direct contact, good relationships, and effective working communication between the Association, Rutgers Newark, the surrounding community of Newark, and prospective students and alumni.

Section 3: The Community Outreach Senators shall act as liaison between the Association and the Student Outreach Council and all student organizations to promote service initiatives/opportunities serving the Rutgers Newark and/or the Greater Newark community.

Section 4: The Community Outreach Senators shall be responsible for coordinating all volunteer and community service initiatives undertaken by the Association; and is responsible for promoting these activities to the faculty, administration, and student body of Rutgers University.

By-Law 306 – The Diversity Affairs Senators

ARTICLE I – DUTIES

Section 1: The Diversity Affairs Senators shall be elected by the Rutgers Newark Student Body.

Section 2: The Diversity Affairs Senators shall be responsible for promoting issues and concerns revolved around diversity and multiculturalism within the Rutgers-Newark community; and shall hold a forum revolving around issues of diversity between the faculty, administration, and student body of the Rutgers Newark at least once a semester.

Section 3: The Diversity Affairs Senators shall be responsible for assisting the campus community and the Office of Student Life and Leadership in the planning, programming, advertising, and implementation of World Week held in the month of April of each academic year.

Section 4: The Diversity Affairs Senator is highly encouraged to work with the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and departments, including but not limited to the IRC, USS, ODS, Veterans Affairs, etc.) and ensure that a direct line of communication exists between the Governing Association and the Committee.

By-Law 307– Media Senators

Section 1: The Media Senators shall be elected by the Rutgers Newark student body and shall attempt to represent all interests of the SGA.

Section 2: The Media Senators shall be responsible for fostering direct contact, good relationship, and effective working communication between the Association, the Rutgers Newark undergraduate community, the surrounding community of Newark, and perspective students and alumni.

Section 3: The Media Senators shall manage the public image of the SGA with the Executive Secretary, this includes online presence, social media, marketing and advertising presence.

By-Law 308 – The New Student Senators

ARTICLE I – DUTIES

Section 1: The New Student Senators shall be elected by the Rutgers Newark student body.

Section 2: The New Student Senators must be either first year or transfer students.

Section 3: The New Students Senators shall be responsible for fostering direct contact, good relationship, and effective working communication between the Association, Rutgers Newark, and new students on campus, whether first year students or transfer students.

Section 4: The New Student Senators shall hear student concerns relating to campus wide issues and challenges.

By-Law 309 – The Student Affairs Senators

ARTICLE I – DUTIES

Section 1: The Student Affairs Senators shall be elected by the Rutgers Newark student body.

Section 2: The Student Affairs Senators shall act as a liaison between the Senate and all recognized student organizations of the Rutgers Newark community to ensure the continued viability of student life on campus.

Section 3: The Student Affairs Senators are responsible for approving all student organization Constitutions and recognition forms presented at the beginning of each semester, as outlined in the Level 500 By-Laws: “Student Organization By-Laws”, before being brought to the Senate for approval.

Section 4: The Student Affairs Senators shall be responsible for providing a current and updated handbook regarding student organization recognition processes and procedures outlined in the Level 500 By-Laws: “Student Organization By-Laws”. This handbook shall be distributed to all current recognized Rutgers Newark student organizations, the Dean of Students, and all members of the Association.

Section 5: The Student Affairs Senators shall be responsible for providing assistance and guidance to all Rutgers Newark undergraduate students interested in starting a new student organization, as long as it pertains to all policies set forth by the Charter and By-Laws of the Association, and those policies of the Office of Student Life and Leadership and Rutgers University.

By-Law 310 – The Internal Affairs Committee

ARTICLE I – DUTIES

Section 1: The Internal Affairs Committee shall be chaired by the Speaker of the Senate, and shall be advised by the Chief of Staff.

Section 2: The Internal Affairs Committee shall seek to maintain appropriate order and organization for all internal matters of the Association. In addition, the Internal Affairs Committee is also responsible for monitoring the activities and gathering information for the Association, concerning any administrative matters pertaining to both the Rutgers Newark and Rutgers University.

Section 3: The Internal Affairs Committee shall maintain a rapport with appropriate government agencies in addressing those issues brought forth by the Rutgers Newark student body.

Section 4: The Internal Affairs Committee shall oversee the process of changing both the Charter and By-Laws.

Any proposed changes or additions to either the Charter or the By-Laws must be submitted in writing to the Internal Affairs Committee.

The Internal Affairs Committee shall work with the sponsor(s) of the proposal to ensure that its form and structure conform to the Charter and the By-Laws, and do not violate any policies set forth by Rutgers University.

Before being put forth to a vote by the Senate, the Internal Affairs Committee must approve all modifications.

Any changes to the Charter and/or the By-Laws must be submitted to all members of the Association immediately upon enactment by the Internal Affairs Committee, and shall be furnished at the request of any Rutgers Newark student.

Section 5: The Internal Affairs Committee shall advise the Senate on all proposed ad-hoc committees and membership. The Speaker of the Senate shall appoint both the Chair and Co-Chair of all such committees.

Section 6: The Internal Affairs Committee shall be responsible for the establishment of a subcommittee that will overlook the General Elections held at the end of the academic year as outlined in the Level 700 By-Laws: “Elections By-Laws”.

Section 7: The Internal Affairs Committee shall be responsible for providing a liaison to gather information at each of the public Board of Governors and Board of Trustees meetings held by Rutgers University. All information gathered must be presented at the following General Body meeting of the Association.

LEVEL 400 BY-LAWS – UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS BY-LAWS

By-Law 401 – The University Senate

ARTICLE I – ROLE OF THE UNIVERSITY SENATE

Section 1: The University Senate, with its standing and ad-hoc committees, and its Executive Committee shall exercise the following powers and functions at the University level as enumerated in The Handbook of the Rutgers University Senate (2000):

Legislative Functions
Advisory Function
Appeal Function
Initiative Function
Policy Concerning the Collective Bargain Process

Section 2: The University Senate is in no way controlled by the Association, nor any of the members of the Rutgers Newark student body.

ARTICLE II – UNIVERSITY SENATORS

Section 1: University Senators from the appropriate academic school shall be elected in the General Elections held at the end of each academic year by their respective school’s student body, as outlined in the Level 700 By-Laws: “Elections By-Laws”. To be eligible for a position on the University Senate, an individual must illustrate sufficient knowledge of both parliamentary procedure as provided in the most updated version of Robert’s Rules of Order, and the policies and procedures set forth by The Handbook of the Rutgers University Senate.

Section 2: University Senators shall have full rights to participate in the affairs of the University Senate, including voting and holding office. The term of University Senators shall begin on July 1 of each academic year.

Section 3: The University Senators are responsible for attending all University Senate meetings held between the New Brunswick, Camden, and Newark campuses throughout the academic year.

Section 4: Those University Senators elected by the Rutgers Newark student body must best represent the issues, concerns, and interests brought forth by their respective school’s student body and the Association at all meetings of the University Senate.

Section 5: All University Senators are required to report all information gathered from University Senate meetings to the Association at the following General Body meeting.

Section 6: The University Senators are responsible for attending all SGA meetings unless they have an excused absence.

By-Law 402 – Referenda

ARTICLE I – REFERENDA PROCEDURE

Section 1: Upon a majority vote of the Senate at a duly constituted General Body meeting, or upon the receipt of a petition signed by 10% of the student body, the Senate will put any legislation in question up to the student body for a referendum.

Section 2: The referendum must be placed on the ballot of the first election following the vote or presentation of the petition to the Senate. In the case that the election for that semester (General Election or Freshmen Senator Election) has been held, a special election shall convene according to both the Internal Affairs Committee of the Association and the rules and procedures outlined in the Level 700 By-Laws: “Elections By-Laws”.

Section 3: The Senate, with assistance from the Public Relations Committee, shall use all means at its disposal to communicate the referendum to the student body at least one week before the referendum vote is held.

Section 4: If the referendum receives a majority vote of the whole student body, the Senate must submit the referendum to the Board of Governors through the Chancellor of RutgersNewark.

LEVEL 500 BY-LAWS – STUDENT ORGANIZATION BY-LAWS

By-Law 501 – Recognition & Constitutional Procedures

ARTICLE I – RECOGNITION POLICIES

Section 1: In order to gain recognition by the Association, each Rutgers Newark student organization must have at least two Executive Board members attend the Leadership Symposium to be hosted by the Office of Student Life and Leadership one to two weeks prior to the start of each semester.

Section 2: Through the student organization’s attendance at the Leadership Symposium, they will receive information on the student organization registration process. This registration process must be completed as per the directions and deadlines provided by the Office of Student Life and Leadership.

Section 3: Upon submission of the aforementioned materials outlined in By-Law 501, Article I, Section 2, the pending recognition status of each Rutgers Newark student organization shall be reviewed by the Association’s Executive Board before being introduced to the Senate.

Section 4: Upon review of the Association’s Executive Board, the pending recognition status of each Rutgers Newark student organization shall be approved by a 2/3 majority vote of the Senate at a duly constituted General Body meeting.

Section 5: Upon approval by the Senate, the Executive Secretary must submit a list of all currently recognized Rutgers Newark student organizations, along with a copy of all recognition materials aforementioned in By-Law 501, Article I, Section 2 to the Office of Student Life and Leadership within three days. In addition, the Executive Secretary must notify each student organization on its recognition status following this duly constituted General Body meeting.

ARTICLE II – REQUIREMENTS OF ORGANIZATION CONSTITUTIONS

Section 1: All Rutgers Newark student organizations must submit the most updated version of their Constitution and By-Laws to the Office of Student Life and Leadership at the beginning of each semester as outlined in By-Law 501, Article I, Section 2; and/or with each revision.

All Constitution must contain the following MANDATORY Clauses:

Non-Discrimination Clause

“The membership of this organization shall consist of the following: (Generally membership should be regular membership, open to all required students attending full or part-time. They may be required to those who do not qualify for regular membership, e.g. alumni, nonstudents, faculty, etc.). Membership may not be denied to the basis of sex, race, religion, handicap, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran state (see Title IX, The Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA compliance or The Act)”

Membership Clause

Please be advised that because of the Student Fee structure, undergraduate organizations should have only undergraduate students as full members, graduate organizations should only have graduate students as full members. Also please be advised due to the Student Fee structure, an organization cannot charge a member any dues or fees. Unless an organizational fee is mandated by a state or national chapter, in which case the fee must go through the Associated Student Accounts office.”

Section 2: All Constitutions and By-Laws of each student organization shall not discriminate membership based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, religion, sexual preference, or creed.

Section 3: Only recognized Rutgers Newark students may hold a position on the Executive Board of Rutgers Newark student organizations.

Section 4: Constitutions of each student Rutgers Newark student organization must be set up in the following format:

Preamble/Mission

Article I – Composition of Organization

Section 1: Officers

Section 2: Elections

Section 3: Terms of Offices

Section 4: Committees (if any)

Section 5: Definition of Membership

Article II – Duties of Office

List officers from highest office on the Executive Board to lowest describing their duties (including qualifications for election, if applicable).

Article III – Removal from Office

Section 1: Processes for Removal of Officers

Section 2: Terms for Filling Vacancies of Offices

Article IV – Meetings

Describe the basic rules for calling and running meetings of the organization.

Article V – Terms for Amendments

Outline the terms that are needed to effectuate any changes in the Constitution and By-Laws.

All changes to the Constitution and/or By-Laws must be in accordance with the Charter and By-Laws of the Association, any policies set forth by the Office of Student Life and Leadership and Rutgers University, and must be submitted to the Office of Student Life and Leadership.

Article VI & Higher

After the completion of Article V, Rutgers Newark student organization constitutions may then include any further articles or By-Laws it deems necessary and proper for governing and maintaining the organization, provided that such terms do not conflict with the Charter and By-Laws of the Association, and/or any policies set forth by the Office of Student Life and Leadership and Rutgers University.

By-Law 502 – Regulations on Student Organizations

ARTICLE I – POLICIES

Section 1: All recognized Rutgers Newark student organizations must adhere to all policies and procedures set forth by the Charter and By-Laws of the Association, and any policies set forth by the Office of Student Life and Leadership and Rutgers University.

Section 2: All recognized Rutgers Newark student organizations shall be continuously available for additional membership, activities, and participation by all Rutgers Newark students.

Section 3: All recognized Rutgers Newark student organizations shall openly and widely advertise organizational meetings and all other activities that they sponsor to the campus community.

Section 4: All recognized Rutgers Newark student organizations shall keep on file a copy of all recognition materials.

Section 5: All recognized Rutgers Newark student organizations must send their outgoing Executive Board members and their newly elected Executive Board members to the annual Transition Meeting that is hosted in April of each academic year by the Office of Student Life and Leadership.

Section 6: Failure to comply with any portion of the Level 500 By-Laws: “Student Organization By-Laws”, will be cause for the Association to impose whatever sanctions it deems appropriate, including, but not limited to, censure, impoundment of an organization’s funds, loss of eligibility for further allocation funding, suspension of privileges, and/or official withdrawal of recognition.

By-Law 503 – Role of the Office of Student Life and Leadership

ARTICLE I – INTERNAL RELATIONS

Section 1: The Office of Student Life and Leadership shall serve as an advisory capacity to the Association and its undertakings. The President of the Association shall meet with the Dean of Students once a month to discuss the Association’s goals, visions, and policies.

Section 2: The Dean of Students shall review all By-Law modifications upon presentation and approval by the Association. In the case that the By-Law modification is approved, s/he shall submit a report to the Association.

Section 3: The Dean of Students shall review and ratify the budget set forth by the Allocations Board each semester.

Section 4: The Dean of Students shall review and approve all Elections results.

Section 5: The Dean of Students shall review and interpret the Charter, By-Laws, and legislation of the Association from time to time as is deemed necessary for proper functioning of the Association.

Section 6: The Dean of Students shall regularly meet with the Student Affairs Senators at least once a month to discuss concerns brought forth by Rutgers Newark student organizations pertaining to student life issues.

ARTICLE II – RELATIONS WITH RUTGERS NEWARK STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Section 1: The Office of Student Life and Leadership shall post all policies and revisions to those policies set forth by their office through distribution to each recognized Rutgers Newark student organization, as well as to the Association.

Section 2: The Office of Student Life and Leadership shall host the Leadership Symposium one to two weeks prior to each semester. The Association shall co-facilitate this program.

Section 3: The Office of Student Life and Leadership shall host the annual Transition Meeting during the month of April of each academic year. The Association shall co-facilitate this program.

Section 4: The Office of Student Life and Leadership shall have the final judgment on the status of recognition for each Rutgers Newark student organizations; and shall in all capacities, offer support to each Rutgers Newark student organization as it sees fit according to its policies.

LEVEL 600 BY-LAWS – ALLOCATIONS BOARD BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I – NAME AND DESCRIPTION

Section 1: The Full name shall be the Rutgers Newark Student Government Allocations Board and may also be referred to as the RN-SGA Allocations Board.

Section 2: The Chief of Finance (CoF) will determine the RN-SGA Allocations Board meeting schedule. The Chief of Finance, with input from the rest of the Board, will also set all application and submission deadlines.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE STATEMENT

The RN-SGA Allocations Board provides support to recognized student organizations (RSOs) at Rutgers University-Newark by helping them obtain necessary funding in order to enhance campus life and their respective organizations. The RN Allocations Board is responsible for the disbursement of funds from the SGA Budget Account and the ADHOC Budget Account. The RUN-SGA Allocations board oversees the budget process each semester via the SGA budget and the ADHOC request process via the ADHOC budget.

RN-SGA Allocations Board offers monetary assistance through ADHOC to fund events, diversity initiatives, student awareness programs, and speakers, travel, and equipment outside of the budget process

Requests for funding for events and initiatives are reviewed and evaluated by the RUN-SGA Allocations Board members in accordance with the RN-SGA Allocations Board procedures and Rutgers University Financial Guidelines.

ARTICLE III – ALLOCATIONS BOARD STRUCTURE AND MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: The RN-SGA Allocations Board will consist of seven (7) student board members, including two (2) permanent seats filled by the Inter Fraternity-Sorority Council (IFSC) and Program Board. All RN-SGA Allocations Board members must be in good academic standing with the University and be enrolled as full time students at the Rutgers University-Newark campus for the duration of their term. All RN-SGA Allocations Board members shall be full time undergraduate students and must maintain a GPA of 2.5. All RN-SGA Allocations Board members must meet all academic guidelines of the Rutgers University- Newark Student Government (RN-SGA) and the Office of Student Life and Leadership.

Section 2: RN-SGA Allocations Board Membership

RN-SGA Allocations Board is composed of the following representatives: i. RN-SGA Chief of Finance (COF), Chair of Allocations Board ii. Inter Fraternity-Sorority Council President, or their designee iii. Program Board President, or their designee

Five (5) Student Group Representatives under the following categories advised by the PRCC Office of Student Life and Leadership

Academic/ PreProfessional

Cultural

Groups

Media

Religious

Special Interest

Section 3: Chief of Finance (COF), Allocations Board Chair; Serve as an overseer of all members of the Allocations Board. Must adhere to the guidelines of RN-SGA and Allocations Boards Internal By Laws. Will approve and manage all budget and allocation requests under the rules and policies of RN-SGA and Office of Student Life and Leadership will manage and oversee all actions taken to insure that decisions are made constitutionally by the Allocations Board. Chief of Finance will manage elections for the Allocations Board. Will be responsible for insuring all members are academically qualified to serve on the Allocations Board. Chief of Finance must approve membership from IFSC and Program Board to serve on Allocations Board. Chief of Finance is a non-voting member of the Board.

Section 4: Permanent Representatives: Permanent representatives on the RNSGA Allocations Board will consist of the following:

A letter from the Chief of Finance and respected advisor will be sent inviting the President or their designees to sit on the board.

IFSC, Program Board and must choose one representative to serve on the Allocations Board. Each member must meet the academic guidelines of the RN-SGA and Office of Student Life and Leadership offices. Each member must adhere to RN-SGA guidelines as well as Allocations Board Bylaws. Each member must maintain 2.5 GPA to remain an active member on the Allocations Board. Each member must serve one semester terms and must be cleared by Chief of Finance to become an active member. Each member will have one collective vote for each budget and ADHOC proposal. Each member must attend all mandatory meetings.

Section 5: Student Organization Representatives: Each member must meet the academic guidelines of the RN-SGA and Office of Student Life and Leadership offices. Each member must adhere to RN-SGA guidelines as well as Allocations Board Bylaws. Each member must maintain 2.5 GPA to remain an active member on the Allocations Board. Each member must be elected to serve one year terms on Allocations Board. Each member will have one collective vote for each budget and ADHOC proposal. Each member must attend all mandatory meetings. The five student representative seats will consist of members or leaders of student groups in the following five areas

i. Academic/Pre-Professional

ii. Cultural

iii. Media (i.e WRNU, Encore, The Observer, Scarlet Magazine)

iv. Religious

v. Special Interest

Section 6: Faculty /Staff Adviser(s): The Office of Student Life and Leadership designee will occupy this position, representing the University in policy implementation, providing ethical guidance to the RNSGA Allocations Board, and ensuring that RNSGA Allocations Board procedures do not conflict with University policy. Further, the adviser is a non-voting member of the board.

ARTICLE IV – ELECTIONS

Sections 1: Elections to the RNSGA Allocations Board will be an independent process as outlined below:

Chair: This position will be occupied by the RU-N SGA Chief of Finance (CoF)

Permanent Representatives: Process outlined in Article 3 Section 4

Category Representatives: Designated club members elect Category Representatives during a transition meeting that occurs in the Spring semester of each academic year. This meeting shall occur no later than the end of April. The current Board will oversee the club meeting. During the meeting, the clubs are to be divided into their respective classifications in order to nominate and vote for a representative. Each category should elect, through a simple majority vote, one (1) representative to sit on the Board as its official Category Representative. Each representative will assume his/her position at the first meeting of the new academic year. Members of clubs with probationary status are not allowed to serve on the Board. Furthermore, only one vote per club is permitted during this meeting, despite its status. Should a Category Representative seat become vacant, the Chair, in consultation with the clubs in the category, shall appoint a new representative. The remaining Board members must approve the appointment with a simple majority vote.

Section 2: Minutes: A representative of the RNSGA Allocations Board must be selected by the board to serve as secretary for the RNSGA Allocations Board as minutes of any allocations board meetings must be taken.

ARTICLE V – ELIGIBILITY FOR FUNDS

Section 1: New Organizations may request funds after completing the recognition process through the Office of Student Life and Leadership. Organizations with provisional status can request funds via the adhoc process to facilitate an event. Organizations are not eligible for semester budgets until they have successfully completed all steps of the recognition process

Section 2: Organizations that are exclusive or restrict their membership are not eligible to receive semester budgets. This may include fraternities, sororities, honor societies or any audition based organization. These organizations are eligible to apply for adhoc for events that are open to the campus community.

Section 3: Organizations that have completed the required steps by RN-SGA for full recognition are eligible to receive semester budgets and request ad hoc. Registered student organizations must follow the “Student Organization Incentive System” as outlined. This process determines tier status of an organization and is overseen by the Student Affairs Senators each semester.

Section 4: The appeals process for the “Student Organization Incentive System” begins 1-2 weeks after the student organization has received their tier as determined by the Student Affairs Senators and approved by the Senate. The appeals process will mimic the appeals process of Adhoc in the Level 600 By-Laws (Article 8). However, these appeals will not be submitted to the COF. The “Student Organization Incentive System” appeals will be submitted to the President and Vice President of the Association. The Executive Board will then review the case built by the student organization with the help of the Student Affairs Senators. After reviewing the appeal the Executive Board will determine the validity of the case and put it up for a vote with the Senate at the next General Body Meeting. The Executive Board has no more than two weeks to review and propose the appeal to the Senate after receiving the appeal.

Section 4: All organizations that receive student fees either through budgets or adhoc must adhere to all policies related to the use of funds.

ARTICLE VI – FUNDING PROCEDURES

Section 1: SGA Budget Account-

After initial deductions from the collected student fees of the student body of the Rutgers Newark to the Association, the following percentages of that financial figure will be allocated accordingly:

15% will go to the RN- SGA’s account for events / programs, awards, operating expenses, community service commitments, special projects, and any other expenses deemed necessary by a 2/3rds vote of the Senate present at a duly constituted General Body meeting.

7.5% will go to the Senate of RN-SGA to be divided equally Senators.

77.5% will be allocated according to those tier classifications aforementioned into each RN SGA recognized student organization that submits an “Student Organization Incentive System Packet”.

Section 2: Of the 77.5% allocated according to those tier classifications aforementioned in section 1: “Tier System” to each R-N SGA recognized student organization that submits an “Student Organization Incentive System Packet” the following allocation percentages are to be made to the respective RN-SGA student organization accounts:

3-4% for each Tier I student organization

2-3% for each Tier II student organization

1-2% for each Tier III student organization

.5-1% for each Tier IV student organization

Section 3: Ad Hoc Account: The RN SGA Allocation Board will reserve a maximum of one percent (1%) of the total ad hoc budget per academic year for any operational costs and/or training expenses. Any monies remaining in this fund at the end of the academic year shall be rolled back into the RN-SGA ad hoc account for the following academic year.

Section 4: The RN SGA Allocations Board may utilize twenty-five percent (25%) of the total funds available in the ad hoc account for allocation in a semester. If the ad hoc account exceeds 90,000 dollars then the SGA Executive Board may propose to adjust the amount of funds utilized from twenty-five percent (25%) to the maximum amount of fifty percent (50%). This proposal must be voted on by the Senate and be approved by the COF.

Section 5: The RUN-SGA Allocations Board may not grant more than ten (10) percent of the entire semester ad hoc budget to any single request or event. At the discretion of the Board, and with the unanimity of all elected members, including the COF, more than the limited amount may be granted. Under no circumstances may this allocation exceed twenty (20) percent of the available ad hoc budget.

ARTICLE VII – FINANCIAL POLICIES

Section 1: Any organization receiving RN-SGA funds, in budgetary or ad hoc form, are responsible for complying with all policies of this RNSGA Constitution, the RN-SGA Allocations Board by-laws, the Office of Student Life and Leadership, and Rutgers University.

Section 2: Fundraising by RN-SGA recognized organizations is permitted and encouraged. Organizations must adhere to the fundraising policies as outlined in the Student Organization Handbook and Paul Robeson Campus Center Accounting Office.

Section 3: Funds will carry over from the Fall Semester to the Spring semester. All unused allocated programming funds will be taken back at the end of the academic year and reallocated the following year via the adhoc account, Generated revenue will not be altered. Consistently large roll backs will be viewed negatively for future allocations. Organizations that have been inactive for a 2 year (24 month) period are subject to the close of their respective accounts regardless of allocated funds or generated revenue.

ARTICLE VIII – APPEALS OF RN-SGA ALLOCATIONS BOARD DECISIONS

Section 1: Decisions regarding fund requests and club proposals may be appealed by the RNSGA making the request or proposal. Appeals, as stated by University policy, may only be made based upon the following reason:

Procedural error

Section 2: Initiating an Appeal: A letter of appeal must be submitted to the Chief of Finance RN-SGA Allocations Board and its Adviser within five (5) days of the Board’s official notification Chief of Finance of its decision. Within three (3) business days of receiving official notification of the pending appeal, the Chief of Finance must make available to the appealing organization the minutes of the regular and executive sessions pertaining only to the decision of the appeal. It shall be the responsibility of the Chief of Finance to officially notify the Rutgers University-Newark Student Government Association Executive Board within three (3) business days that an appeal is pending.

Section 3: The Appeals Meeting: The RN-SGA Executive Board must meet within two (2) weeks of the official notification of the pending appeal, unless the appealing organization decides to officially abandon the appeal. In such a case, an official letter of an organization’s intent to forfeit the appeal must be submitted to both the RN-SGA Executive Board and the Adviser of RN-SGA at least three (3) business days prior to the official meeting date and time of the Appeals Commission. The RN-SGA Executive Board must make an official announcement of the appeal hearing date and time and must notify the Adviser of RN-SGA, the RN-SGA General Body, and the appealing organization at least one (1) week prior to the official appeals hearing. The decision of the RN-SGA appeal will be final except in the case of a tie.

The Appeals hearing shall consist of the entire RNSGA Senate. The decision will be a simple majority vote conducted by the senate.

Section 4: Regulations with respect to an Appeal

The following must be adhered to during both the RN-SGA Allocations Board and the Senate:

A member of the RN-SGA Allocations Board may only abstain from voting in the case of a conflict of interest as defined by the RN-SGA Constitution as being an active member of the appealing organization.

One (1) member of the RN-SGA Allocations Board as well as one (1) member of the organization that has requested the appeal may testify to the Senate.

The Adviser to the RN-SGASGA may be present at the appeals session at the request of the Chief of Finance. The adviser(s) may not be (a) voting member(s) of the appeal hearing.

Official minutes of the must be documented by the RN-SGA Executive Secretary.

ARTICLE IX – DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Section 1: The RN-SGA Allocations Board reserves the right to take disciplinary action against any organization that does not comply with the policies outlined in this Constitution as well as the policies and procedures of the Office of Student Life and Leadership, and Rutgers University.

ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS

Section 1: Amendments to these by-laws must be approved by unanimous vote of the Allocation Board members before being sent to the RN-SGA.

Section 2: Any ratified amendments shall be attached to the end of this document as an Article of Amendment.

Section 3: Any amendment shall be considered an integral part of this document, as valid as any other part.

ARTICLE XI – SUPREMACY

Section 1: These by-laws shall guide every aspect of RN-SGA. Any issue or action that is contradictory to these by-laws shall be considered null and void.

LEVEL 700 BY-LAWS – ELECTIONS BY-LAWS

By-Law 701 – Elections Procedures

ARTICLE I – ELECTIONS COMMITTEE

Section 1: The Internal Affairs Committee shall be responsible for establishing a sub-committee that will supervise and organize all elections of the Association, particularly the General Elections held at the end of the academic year as well as the Fall Elections held in September of the academic year.

Section 2: That sub-committee established by the Internal Affairs Committee shall be known as the “Elections Committee,” and shall consist of all graduating senior members of the Association, and all other students of the not running for a position in that election.

Section 3: The Elections Committee is hereby vested with the authority to interpret, amend, or waive any provisions of the Level 700 By-Laws: “Elections By-Laws” where substantial reason so requires, contingent upon a two-thirds majority vote within the Elections Committee and with approval from the Dean of Students.

Section 4: The Elections Committee is responsible for setting up both the General Elections and New Students Elections, which can also be called Spring Elections and Fall Elections, respectively. The elections are to be held in whichever manner the Elections Committee and the SGA feel is most likely to get the highest voter turnout.

Section 5: The following positions are to be elected during the General Elections held in April of each academic year:

President

Vice President

Chief of Staff

Chief of Finance

Executive Secretary

All Senator positions save the New Students Senator positions

Section 6: The New Students Senators and all vacancies in the General Election are to be up for election during Fall Elections held no later than the second week of October of each academic year.

Section 7: The Elections Committee shall set up a Candidate Forum for which candidates must participate in. This event is to be held for both the General Election held in April for all positions within the Association, and the New Students Senators Elections held in September. This event is to be hosted by the Association during the first free period of Elections week.

Section 8: The Elections Committee is responsible along with the Media Senators and Executive Secretary for notifying the Rutgers Newark student body of elections via emails, flyers, Facebook and Twitter posts, and via other means of communication at least one week prior to the start of elections.

Section 9: The Elections Committee will set dates and times at which campaigning shall begin.

Section 10: Once elections are completed, the Elections Committee is responsible for tabulating the results, and submitting them to the Dean of Students for approval. In the event of online elections results will be tabulated by Rutgers Newark Departmental Services as the election sponsor.

Section 11: The Elections Committee will work with the Executive Board to ensure that adequate numbers of positions are filled by the beginning of the school semester. The Elections Committee shall interview every candidate that may be appointed to an empty position by the Executive Board.

Section 12: All powers not expressly delegated to the Elections Committee, or implied flowing as necessary and proper to perform these enumerated powers, are hereby reserved to the Association, and the entities created by it in these by-laws or otherwise.

ARTICLE II – ELECTION PETITIONS

Section 1: All candidates must submit an “Election Petition” form at least one week prior to the beginning of the election to the Office of Student Life and Leadership.

Election Petitions must be finalized and made available to the student body by the first day of classes, or at least four weeks before the start of elections.

All potential candidates must go to a “Candidates Information Session” hosted by the head of the Elections Committee, where they learn about the responsibilities of being a member of the Association as well as guidelines for campaigning. The time will be set by the Elections Committee at least two weeks before the start of elections.

For clarification, a late (but not disqualified) petition shall be defined as submitting a petition after the first Candidates Information Session. Late candidates will inevitably have shorter time frames for campaigning.

Candidates who submit petitions after the “Candidates Information Session” must meet with the head of the Elections Committee for a separate Candidates Information Session pending qualification by the Office of Student Life and Leadership. Only then will they be allowed to campaign.

Section 2: All candidates must meet the criteria set forth by those By-Laws regarding their respective positions, and must have good academic and disciplinary standing in Rutgers University.

Section 3: An “Election Petition” form must include, but is not limited, to the following items:

Name of Candidate

Class of Candidate

Ticket name if running on a ticket

Contact Information of Candidate

Candidate Profile

Contract of Commitment

Signatures of endorsement:

50 for executive board candidates

25 signatures for senatorial candidates

For Section C, the name of the ticket must be approved by the Elections committee, Tickets shall be defined as multiple candidates under a single name for the purpose of the collective promotion to further a shared vision.

Section 4: Each candidate may only run for one elected position within the Association per election.

Section 5: Senate positions that represent a college may only be held by a student within that college. The Office of the Registrar shall confirm the status of each Senatorial candidate.

Section 6: Upon receiving the “Election Petition” forms, the Elections Committee will review all materials to determine the eligibility of each candidate according to those policies set forth in By-Law 701, Article II, Sections 1 – 2.

ARTICLE III – CAMPAIGNING RULES & REGULATIONS

Section 1: Any and all recognized candidates are subject to all the rules and regulations pertinent to candidacy retroactive to the start of campaigning, pursuant to the Level 700 By-Laws: “Elections By- Laws”, the “Elections Petition” form, and any policies implemented by the Association, particularly the Elections Committee, and the Office of Student Life and Leadership.

Section 2: Candidates must fund their own campaigns. No candidate may request for financial allocations from the Association or any other Rutgers University source for funding.

Section 3: All campaign materials must be approved by the Office of Student Life and Leadership before they can be utilized.

Section 4: No candidate may utilize The Observer, The Scarlet Magazine, WRNU, or any other student newspapers/media outlet of Rutgers Newark for campaigning purposes.

Section 5: It is prohibited to do the following:

Utilize an individual’s personal space for campaigning purposes without their permission.

Knowingly make, whether orally or in writing, any false statement concerning himself/herself, or any other candidate

Destroy or remove any written materials distributed by any candidate

Violate any of those policies mentioned in the Level 700 By-Laws: “Elections By-Laws”.

ARTICLE IV – WITHDRAWAL

Section 1: Any candidate wishing to withdraw from the election must do so one week prior to the start of elections, or following the conclusion of the elections, in which all the votes have been tabulated and the results posted by the Elections Committee.

Section 2: A candidate may not withdraw from elections during the period of voting.

Section 3: If a candidate withdraws prior to the start of elections, his or her name will be removed from the ballot, if possible.

Section 4: If a candidate withdraws after the conclusion of Spring Elections but before May 1 or before October 15 for Fall Elections and has won for their desired position within the Association, the candidate with the next highest amount of votes will win that position.

ARTICLE V – VIOLATIONS OF ELECTIONS BY-LAWS

Section 1: Each candidate will be held responsible for ensuring that all campaigning rules and regulations are followed according to the Level 700 By-Laws: “Elections By-Laws”.

Section 2: Any members of the Association who are also candidates for re-election are prohibited from participating in the administration of the election process, or from holding a position on the Elections Committee.

Section 3: Elections Committee individuals are prohibited from endorsing candidates, and shall not participate in any campaigning ventures taken on by any of the candidates.

Section 4: The Elections Committee shall determine the penalty for any violation(s) by election candidates via a two-thirds vote. The Internal Affairs Committee shall determine the penalty for any violation(s) by Election Committee individuals via a two-thirds vote. An appeal to the decision of the Elections Committee must be submitted to the Judicial Council, at which point it will be treated as a regular appeal of the Association.

Section 5: The penalty for any violation may be, but is not limited to, disqualification of the candidate(s) or impeachment of a member of the Association.

By-Law 702 – Ballot & Voting Procedures

ARTICLE I – ELECTIONS FORMAT

Section 1: The elections ballot shall be formatted by the Elections Committee and shall include, but is not limited to, the following information:

Candidates’ Names

Candidate’s Ticket Name if any

Candidates’ Desired Positions

Candidates’ Statement

Any violations the Candidates’ ticket has been found guilty of

Any violations the Candidate has been found guilty of

Section 2: A write-in spot may be included for each position only if there are not enough candidates running for a particular position within the Association. All write-in candidates (if included) will be screened like normal candidates following election results to ensure their qualification for the position they are running for.

Section 3: The elections ballot and candidate biographies shall be finalized and posted at least one week prior to the start of elections.

Section 4: Only registered Rutgers Newark undergraduate students can vote for any election within the Association.

ARTICLE II – TABULATION

Section 1: The Elections Committee shall not tabulate votes until the completion of elections. In the event of online elections results will be tabulated by Rutgers Newark Departmental Services as the election sponsor.

Section 2: Elections results shall be posted in both the Association’s Office and the Office of Student Life and Leadership & Leadership and via email, Facebook, Twitter, and other media outlets as soon as possible upon the conclusion of tabulation, and contingent upon approval of the tabulation by the Office of Student Life and Leadership.

By-Laws Go underneath

Normal Text has been set to the following format:

Garamond, 12 pt. Font, Single Spacing, No spacing before/after paragraphs. Maybe we can increase this for the rest of the bylaws for readability purposes?

The formatting for the table of contents has tab-stops in place to maintain the page numbers.

The Charter has spacing after paragraphs (though this changes a bit with the lists)

The original document used a mix of Garamond, Georgia, and Times new Roman. Based on the first page, it seems that Garamond was used as a complementary font. Why two Serif fonts were used is a bit beyond me, but yeah.

Right now, we’re using the Garamond font for everything.