OFFICIAL BYLAWS OF THE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT

GOVERNMENT

University of St. Thomas

Last Edited:Vice President of Administrative Affairs, Jacob Fette | March 8th, 2019

DESCRIPTION AND JUSTIFICATIONThe Bylaws for the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) of the University of St. Thomas is a working and easily amendable document outlining specifics of USG. Certain rules and laws must be flexible and adaptable to allow for governing in a dynamic environment. The Constitution, whose amendment process is necessarily slow and meticulous, is an unsuitable location for such statutes. Therefore, this bylaw document shall enumerate those rules and laws by which the USG shall govern but also allow for more rapid change of said laws if requisite circumstances requiring their change should arise. The bylaws are entirely subject to, and in no way supplant, to all or any part of the Constitution.

ARTICLE I: COMPOSITION OF MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Membership of the Undergraduate Student GovernmentA. Voting membership shall include the following elected members:

1. Executive Vice President2. Vice President of Academic Affairs3. Vice President of Administrative Affairs4. Vice President of Diversity 5. Vice President of Financial Affairs 6. Vice President of Public Relations7. Class Presidents (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior)8. Class Senators (Two per class: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior)9. Commuter Senator10. Freshman Residential Senator11. Legislative Affairs Senator 12. Neighborhood Senators (Two: Macalester-Groveland and Union Park)13. Residential Senator 14. Transfer Senator15. Intercultural Affairs Representative16. Spirituality Committee Chair17. Student Organizations and Clubs Committee Chair18. Sustainability Committee Chair19. Greater Minnesota/Out-of-State Senator

B. Voting membership shall also include the following appointed members:1. Diversity Activities Board (DAB) Representative2. Dougherty Family College (DFC) Representative3. International Students Representative4. Off-Campus Student Life Representative5. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Representative6. Residence Hall Association (RHA) Representative7. Saint John Vianney (SJV) Representative8. St. Thomas Activities and Recreation (STAR) Representative9. Student Athlete Representatives (Two)10. Student Veterans Representative

C. Non-voting membership shall include:1. The President, who is voted on by students, as stated in the Elections and

Credentials Code (Article VIII).

2. The USG Advisors (Director of the Department of Campus Life, the Executive Director for Campus Inclusion and Community and the Director of the Anderson Student Center).

D. Voting privileges can be removed for any amount of time as a sanction if necessary as outlined in Article II, Section 5 of the Constitution.

ARTICLE II: ATTENDANCE AND STANDING OF MEMBERS

Section 1: Council Members in Good StandingA. Any member may accumulate 2.5 absences per term of office. General Council

meetings and Retreats are worth 1 absence each; Senate meetings, Committee meetings, and Member Updates are worth 0.5 absence each.

B. If a member reaches or exceeds their allotted absences, a review will be conducted by the Executive Board and attendance records will be taken into consideration.

a. The Dougherty Family College (DFC) representative will be exempt from the attendance policy assuming that USG obligations listed in Article II Section 1.A conflict with the course schedule of DFC. The representative is responsible to communicating absences with the Vice President of Administrative Affairs.

C. The Vice President of Administrative Affairs shall notify the councilmember of their absence accumulation and any action of the review process taken thereafter three days after they have reached their allotted absences.

D. Any member may designate a proxy by submitting a written request to the Vice President of Administrative Affairs. This may still be considered an absence.

E. Member Updates shall be short paragraphs containing what each member is working on and what their goals are for the position. These updates shall be submitted after all General Council meetings by all members.

F. Criteria for councilmember absence review shall be voted on by the Executive Board and presented by the Executive Board at the Fall Retreat to the General Council.

G. Every Executive Board member should at least have four set office hours per week to be available for students.

H. Any member removed from office shall be ineligible for membership in any USG office during the remainder of the term of the council on which they served if they are forcefully or disciplinarily removed by means of the Ethics Board or impeachment process. They will be subjected to an additional two semesters of ineligibility.

ARTICLE III: DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1: Executive BoardA. The Executive Board shall meet weekly to discuss the general welfare of the USG,

the student body and the progress of USG strategic goal implementation.B. The Executive Board shall prepare meeting agendas.C. Any member of the Executive Board shall be allowed to add items to the agenda

without the consent of the other members.

Section 2: Transition of the Executive BoardA. The Executive Board shall explain the process in depth to the council.B. The Executive Board shall ensure that each council member transitions in the

incoming council.C. The Executive Board shall work with the newly elected Executive Board to make

sure that they understand the strategic goals of the previous year and how to move those forward into the upcoming year.

Section 3: USG RetreatsA. The Fall Retreat shall be held within the first four weeks of the Fall Semester. The

Retreat cannot be held until after the Fall Elections take place.B. The Executive Vice President shall plan a comprehensive goal setting session for

the creation of the council’s working goals for the upcoming year.C. The Spring Retreat will take place within the first four weeks of Spring Semester.D. The Executive Vice President shall plan a goal review to look over what has been

accomplished and decide where the council shall move in the Spring Semester.E. Retreats are mandatory for all members.

ARTICLE IV: DUTIES OF MEMBERS

Section 1: President A. To preside at all meetings of the USG.B. To serve in an ex-officio capacity as chief representative of the USG and the

student body. C. To create any temporary committees deemed necessary and to appoint student

representatives to existing committees if the need arises pending the approval of the council.

D. To file a State of USG Report at the end of the first semester and at the end of the term.

E. To call special meetings of the USG Executive Board and of the USG after two days’ notice has been given to the members, and likewise postpone or cancel meetings with the previous stipulation on notification being served.

F. To attend University functions as a representative of the students. G. To serve as an ex-officio member of the Student Organizations Committee.H. To provide monthly updates on USG’s progress to the Director of Campus Life and

the Executive Director for Campus Inclusion and Community.I. To appoint students as at-large student representatives to various University and

USG committees as well as Board of Trustees Liaisons.J. To facilitate the USG Administrator’s Breakfast and provide the General Council

with updates on the information provided at the breakfasts. K. To serve as a member of the Student Life Committee and the Student Activity Fee

Allocation Committee.L. To meet regularly with the members of the USG.

Section 2: Executive Vice PresidentA. To preside at meetings of the USG in the absence or incapacity of the President.B. To succeed to the Presidency when the office becomes vacant by physical

circumstances, resignation or removal.

C. To attend University functions as a representative of the students or in the case of the absence of the President.

D. To serve as the manager of the USG strategic goals. E. To serve as Chair of the Senate.F. To serve as Chair of the Public Safety Committee.G. To sit on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.H. To plan a goal setting session for the Fall and Spring retreats.

Section 3: Vice President of Academic AffairsA. To address and enhance academic issues concerning to the University.B. To serve on the USG Academic Taskforce and to work with the Senators who are

working on academic issues.C. To serve or appoint a student representative to new academic related committees

of the University (either short or long-term committees).D. To work in collaboration with the Dean of Students and any other administrator

involved with academic life at the University.E. To appoint a student representative and/or serve on the Undergraduate Curriculum

Committee with the approval of the Elections and Credentials Committee.F. To prepare and facilitate the William B. Malevich and Distinguished Educator Award

to a worthy staff member or administrator with the Executive Board.G. To serve as Chair of the Elections and Credentials Committee.

1. To convene the Elections and Credentials Committee after petitions or incompetence are received to hear such cases for determination of the validity against members of the general council.

2. To certify eligibility of candidates as per rules in Article II, Section 1 of the USG Bylaws and Article II, Section 2 of the USG Constitution.

3. To certify members after every semester to be in good standing with the GPA requirement and other qualifications.

4. To appoint students as at-large student representatives to various University and USG committees as well as Board of Trustees Liaisons.

Section 4: Vice President of Administrative AffairsA. To take attendance at USG meetings and keep records on members’ attendance.B. To serve as Parliamentarian and advise the President on issues pertaining to

procedure.C. To serve as the interpreter of the Constitution and Bylaws of the USG.D. To record, publish and distribute General Council and Executive Board minutes and

agendas. E. To update the Constitution and Bylaws as needed.F. To manage the USG office. G. To serve as Chair of the Dining Services Committee.

Section 5: Vice President of Diversity A. To serve as a student representative to the Student Affairs Committee of the Board

of Trustees.B. To work in collaboration with the University Associate Vice President for Diversity

and Inclusion, the Office of International Students and Scholars, and Student Diversity and Inclusion Services.

C. To work in collaboration with the USG Spirituality, Sustainability, and Diversity Committee Chairs, and the International Students Representative.

D. To serve as the co-Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Section 6: Vice President of Financial AffairsA. To manage and oversee the planning of the USG budget.

1. To record all income expenditures.2. To present the finalized semester budget to the General Council for a vote.

B. To serve as Chair of the USG Finance Committee.1. To present budget requests to the Finance Committee for discussion and

approval.2. To make recommendations to the General Council on budget requests.

C. To communicate with student clubs and organizations regarding club funding and budget approvals.

D. To review receipts following Campus Wide events and Conference & Competitions to assure they are related and in accordance to the request and the University’s reimbursement policy.

E. To serve on the Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee and the Budget Advisory Committee.

Section 7: Vice President of Public RelationsA. To create and design all public relations media for the USG to promote its

activities, events and programs.B. To serve as Chair of the Public Relations Committee.C. To work with the President to prepare reports to the Student Affairs Committee of

the Board of Trustees.D. To inform students of USG the issues by the Newsroom, Tommie Media and other

media outlets.E. To update the USG web page throughout the year.

Section 8: Class PresidentsA. To serve as Chair, arrange, and promote class council meetings.

1. To maintain and recruit members of the class council. 2. To create programming that includes both educational and recreational or

social events.B. To manage the class budget, allocated for use in class events and other initiatives

of the class council.C. To serve as a representative on the USG Finance Committee and the Student

Organizations Committee.D. To coordinate class information to be included in USG emails.

Section 9: SenatorsA. The USG Senators shall be divided into two groups: Class Senators and Special

Interest Senators. B. The Class Senators

1. To work with Class Presidents to organize and promote class council and address class initiatives.

2. To organize and facilitate the USG strategic goals as defined by the General Council.

3. To decide on the definition and composition of the strategic goal task forces in the fall and serve on the taskforces throughout the year.

4. All Senators shall be responsible for updating the General Council with their progress throughout the year.

5. To serve on the Senate.C. Special Interest Senators

1. Commuter Senator i. To represent those students who do not reside in Union Park or

Macalester-Groveland communities. ii. To work closely with Off Campus Student Life on programs and

addressing issues.iii. To work on USG goals that are geared towards students in the

commuter population.iv. To support commuter students by providing information such as on-

campus parking and academic resources.v. To serve on the University Parking Appeals Committee.vi. To serve on the Senate.

2. Legislative Affairs Senator i. To work and share information and services with other colleges and

universities that would benefit student life and legislative action.ii. To work closely with the Vice President of University and Government

Relations on all USG goals that pertain to legislative areas.iii. To represent the University of St. Thomas and the USG at Minnesota

Association of Private College Students (MAPCS) meetings.iv. To serve on the Legislative Affairs Committee of MAPCS and to report

necessary information regarding MAPCS to the USG. v. To participate in the Minnesota Private College’s Day at the Capitol.vi. To serve on the University of St. Thomas Legislative Action Team.vii. To serve on the Senate.

3. Neighborhood Senatorsi. To work on USG goals that are specifically geared towards students

that live in the direct neighborhood of St. Thomas.ii. To work with the St. Thomas Neighborhood Liaison to accomplish

different goals.iii. To serve on the West Summit Neighborhood Advisory Committee

(WSNAC).iv. To serve on the Senate.

4. Residential Senators (2)i. To work on USG goals that are specifically geared towards students

that live on campus.ii. To work in collaboration with Residence Hall Association and Residence

Life student staff to identify the key issues that on-campus students face.

iii. To serve on the Senate.5. Transfer Senator

i. To work closely with the Dean of Students in identifying the needs of transfer students at the University.

ii. To consult with the USG Vice President of Academic Affairs on issues of academic concern to transfer students.

iii. To serve on the Senate.6. Greater Minnesota/Out-of-State Senator

i. To work closely with the Dean of Student in identifying the needs of Greater Minnesota/Out-of-State students at the University.

ii. To consult with the Vice President of Student Affairs on issues of concern to Greater Minnesota/Out-of-State students.

iii. To serve on the Senate.

Section 10: RepresentativesA. Diversity Activities Board (DAB) Representative

1. To inform the USG of Diversity Activities Board events. 2. To coordinate event planning with other programming organizations on

campus.3. To report necessary USG information to the Diversity Activities Board.

B. Dougherty Family College Representative1. To represent the students of Dougherty Family College2. To report necessary information back to Dougherty Family College students.3. To report to USG regarding any Dougherty Family College news

C. Intercultural Affairs Representative1. To represent multicultural groups on the USG.2. To serve as co-Chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.3. To report necessary USG information back to the Diversity, Equity and

Inclusion Committee.4. To report to the USG on any Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

affairs.D. International Students Representative

1. To represent International Students on the USG.2. To report necessary USG information back to the International Students.3. To report to the USG on any International Student affairs.

E. Off-Campus Student Life Representative1. To represent the Office of Off-Campus Student Life on the USG.2. To report necessary USG information back to the Office of Off-Campus

Student Life.3. To report to the USG on any affairs relating to the Office of Off-Campus

Student Life.F. Residence Hall Association (RHA) Representative

1. To be a member of the Residence Hall Association Executive Board.2. To represent the Residence Hall Association and resident students to the

USG.3. To report any necessary USG information to the Residence Hall Association.4. To work in collaboration with the Residential Senators.5. To report to the USG on any Residence Hall Association affairs.

G. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Representative1. To represent the interests of ROTC to the USG.2. To report necessary USG information back to ROTC.3. To serve on the Judicial Hearing Board. 4. To report to the USG on all ROTC affairs pertinent to the student body. 5. To be selected by the ROTC Detachment Commander.

H. Spirituality Committee Chair1. To represent interfaith groups on the USG.2. To serve as chair of the Spirituality Committee.3. To report necessary USG information back to the Spirituality Committee.

4. To report to the USG on any Spirituality Committee affairs.I. St. John Vianney (SJV) Representative

1. To be a member of the St. John Vianney Seminary. 2. To represent St. John Vianney Seminary to the USG.3. To report all necessary USG information to the St. John Vianney Seminary. 4. To report all necessary St. John Vianney Seminary information to the USG. 5. To work with the Spirituality Committee Chair in enhancing spirituality

throughout campus.J. St. Thomas Activities and Recreation (STAR) Representative

1. To inform the USG of STAR events. 2. To coordinate event planning with other programming organizations on

campus.3. To report necessary USG information to the STAR board.

K. Student Athlete Representative (2)1. To represent the interests of student athletes to the USG.2. To report necessary USG information back the Student Athletic Advisory

Council.3. To work with Senators and Class Councils on the issues of school spirit and

others concerning student athletes.4. To report to the USG on all Student Athletic Advisory Council affairs.

L. Student Organizations and Clubs Committee Chair1. To represent clubs and organizations on the USG. 2. To serve as chair of the Student Organizations and Clubs Committee.3. To coordinate with the Assistant Director of Campus Life to notify clubs and

organizations of changes in their status at the beginning of each semester.4. To serve on the USG Finance Committee.

M. Sustainability Committee Chair1. To represent sustainability initiatives on the USG.2. To serve as chair of the Sustainability Committee.3. To report necessary USG information back to the Sustainability Committee.4. To report to the USG on any Sustainability Committee affairs.

N. Student Veterans Representative1. To be a student who is a United States Military Veteran or enlisted in the

United States Military.2. To represent the interests of student veterans to the USG.3. To report necessary USG information back to student veterans. 4. To be appointed/selected by the Director of Veterans Services and/or STVA.

ARTICLE V: BOARD OF TRUSTEES LIAISONS

Section 1: Duties of the LiaisonsA. Board of Trustee Student Liaisons shall serve as a connection between the student

body and the USG by serving on their respective Board of Trustee Committees.B. Board of Trustees Liaisons shall be required to meet at all official Board of Trustees

committee functions to which they are appointed. C. The Liaisons shall meet with the following USG representatives prior to all Board

meetings.1. Academic Affairs Committee shall meet with the Vice President of Academic

Affairs.2. Student Affairs Committee shall meet with the President.

3. Financial Affairs Committee shall meet with the Vice President of Financial Affairs.

D. The Liaisons shall make a report to the USG at the meeting directly following the Board meeting.

1. Board of Trustees Liaisons shall report on actions, decisions and discussion on the committee they represent.

Section 2: QualificationsA. Each Board of Trustees Liaison shall maintain a cumulative grade point average of

at least 2.5.B. Each Board of Trustees Liaison must be registered with the University and be a

candidate for the baccalaureate or Associate of Art degree during the entire course of the term.

C. Each Board of Trustees Liaison shall be in good disciplinary standing with the University.

D. Board of Trustees Liaisons must be committed to be adequately prepared to report on committee functions and issues.

E. Each Board of Trustees Liaison must be able to commit to the full year of Board meetings before they accept the position.

Sections 3: AppointmentA. New representatives shall be appointed before the May meeting of the Board of

Trustees.B. The President and the Director of Campus Life shall oversee the application

process of the Board of Trustees Liaisons.C. Members shall be chosen by an application and interview process.D. Students may not be appointed to more than one committee.E. The President shall make the final appointment recommendation.

Section 4: RemovalA. If a Liaison becomes unable to fulfill their duties, or no longer meets the

qualifications, they shall be removed from their position by a vote of the council at a general meeting.

ARTICLE VI: CLASS COUNCILS

Section 1: Class Council StructureA. Each class at the University of St. Thomas shall have a council to promote class

unity and program events for the class.B. Each Class President, with the respective Class Senators, shall plan at least one

class council meeting per month during the academic year, excluding J-term.C. All Class Presidents shall make a monthly update to the President of the USG.

Section 1: Class Council ResourcesA. Each class council shall have an appointed member from the Department of

Campus Life staff to use as a resource.

Section 2: Membership of Class CouncilsA. The Class President shall serve as chair of the class council.B. The Class Senators shall work with the Class President.

C. The Class President shall appoint any other members of their class to the council.

ARTICLE VII: PROCEDURESSection 1: Parliamentary Procedure and Legislation

A. The USG shall follow an appropriate, flexible variation of Robert’s Rules of Order that shall be determined by the Parliamentarian.

B. Additions to the agenda must be made in the following way:1. Any member of the Executive Board shall be allowed to add items to the

agenda without the consent of the other members.2. Any General Council member may bring forth agenda items or legislation for

approval to the Vice President of Administrative Affairs.3. Any organization funding must pass through the Finance Committee of the

USG or come from the Executive Board.4. Resolutions shall act as the primary form of legislation for the USG.

i. Resolutions must be passed with a simple majority vote.ii. Resolutions are binding once passed.iii. Resolutions may be written by any USG member and are to be

submitted to the Vice President of Administrative Affairs to be placed on the agenda.

Section 2: Voting ProcedureA. Each voting member may cast only one vote. B. The chair of all meetings of the USG shall vote only in the case of a tie and their

vote counts only to break the tie. C. No proxy may vote without consent from the council member they are

representing and written approval from the Vice President of Administrative Affairs. Proxies count towards quorum.

D. In normal voting situations, no written votes by an absent council member will be accepted, but may:

1. In situations where all members must vote on an item, such as constitutional amendments, a written vote may be cast.

2. All written votes in these circumstances must be notarized by the Vice President of Administrative Affairs at the time the ballot is submitted.

3. All written votes must be received by the standing Chair or Vice President of Administrative Affairs no later than two hours prior to the meeting concerning the affiliated vote.

E. Except where otherwise specified, a simple majority shall be greater than one half of the total voting membership present.

1. When necessary, a 2/3 majority of the total voting membership present shall be used.

2. If the majority is not a whole number, that number shall be rounded down.

ARTICLE VIII: ELECTIONS AND CREDENTIALS CODE

Section 1: GovernanceA. The Elections and Credentials Committee is responsible for the supervision and

facilitation of, and all rules regarding elections.

Section 2: Elected Members Timeline

A. All Executive Board members must be elected one week before the end of the semester. 1. If an Executive Board member position becomes vacant before the end of the

academic year, that position must be filled within one month after the position is vacant (excluding J-Term and summer session).

B. The following General Council members must be elected one week before the end of the semester. 1. Class Presidents (Sophomore, Junior and Senior) 2. Class Senators (Two per class: Sophomore, Junior and Senior) 3. Commuter Senator4. Intercultural Affairs Representative (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Co-Chair)5. Legislative Affairs Senator6. Neighborhood Senator (One each: Macalester-Groveland and Union Park)7. Residential Senator8. Spirituality Committee Chair9. Sustainability Committee Chair10. Transfer Senator11. Greater Minnesota/Out-of-State Senator

C. The following General Council members must be elected within one month of the beginning of each new academic semester: 1. Freshman Class President and two Freshman Class Senators2. Freshman Residential Senator3. Any other open positions

Section 3: Election Process and Candidate QualificationsA. An official petition shall be filed with the USG Elections and Credentials Chair

before the filing deadline.1. For Executive Board, fifty undergraduate student signatures are needed.2. For General Council, twenty-five undergraduate student signatures are needed.3. Students must identify which position they are running for and may not hold or

run for more than one position.4. Current General Council members may not run for an open position without first

resigning their current position. This does not apply to members who are in the final month of their term.

B. Candidates must meet all standards and qualifications outlined in Article 2, Section 2 of the Constitution.

C. The winner in any election will receive a majority of the votes.D. If there is a tie in the election, a run-off election will be held between the

candidates that tied. The run-off election will be held shortly following the original election.1. If there is still a tie after the run-off election, the position will be determined by

a vote of the USG through written ballot at their next meeting.2. In any run-off election, write-in votes shall not be counted.

Section 4: Election of Class Presidents and SenatorsA. Ballots shall be designed so that each class member votes for one President and

two Senators.

Section 5: Election of the Commuter SenatorA. Candidates must not reside in University-owned housing.

Section 6: Election of the Neighborhood SenatorsA. Candidates must be a resident of Union Park or Macalester-Groveland

neighborhoods and not reside in University-owned housing.

Section 7: Election of the Transfer SenatorA. Candidates must be transfer students at the University. Candidates must be a

high-school graduate and must be recognized as transfer students by either the University Registrar or the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the time of their applications to this position.

Section 8: Election of the Residential SenatorsA. One Residential Senator position shall be reserved for any student of sophomore,

junior or senior status who resides in University-owned housing. One Residential Senator position shall be reserved for any student of Freshman class status who resides in University owned housing.

B. If the Residential Senator position is not filled during the spring elections, it shall be open to any interested undergraduate student who resides in University-owned housing during the fall elections.

Section 9: Election of the Greater Minnesota/Out-of-State SenatorA. Candidates must not have a home addresses in the Minnesota counties of Anoka,

Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, Wright and the Wisconsin counties of Pierce and St. Croix, as well hold full time student status at the University.

Section 10: Appointment of the RepresentativesA. Representatives of the Diversity Activities Board (DAB), Dougherty Family College

(DFC), St. Thomas Veterans Association (STVA), International Students, Off Campus Student Life, Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), Residence Hall Association (RHA), Saint John Vianney (SJV), St. Thomas Activities and Recreation (STAR), and the Athletic Department shall be appointed to the USG by that organization or office.

B. The Student Organizations and Clubs Committee Chair shall be included in the spring elections and elected by the at large student body.

Section 11: Candidate WithdrawalA. In order to be removed from the ballot, the candidate must submit a letter of

withdrawal to the Elections and Credentials Chair by the date set in the election packet.

Section 12: Official Candidate ListA. Two days prior to the election, the Elections and Credentials Chair shall submit to

the USG and the USG Advisor a list of qualified candidates, stating the office for which they are running and the order of names on the ballot.

Section 13: Use of Undergraduate Student Government ResourcesA. No USG resources shall be used by individuals or class councils in announcing,

endorsing or supporting a candidacy. The Elections and Credentials Committee is exempt from this provision so as to publish, in an unbiased fashion, candidate information.

B. Candidates are prohibited from campaigning in the USG office or during office hours.

C. All candidates must adhere to the campaign guidelines.

Section 14: Voting and BallotsA. All current undergraduate students may vote in the USG elections for which they

are eligible. Students may cast one ballot per election.1. Eligibility for elections involving class positions is based on credits earned.

Students may only vote for class officers representing the academic class to which they belong.

2. Elections for the Executive Board and other non-class dependent positions are open to all undergraduate students.

B. Names on the ballot shall be listed alphabetically.

Section 15: Write-In Candidate PolicyA. After the election, before swearing in, the write-in candidate must show that they

meet all standards of academics and be in good disciplinary standing with the University.

B. In order to obtain a position on USG, a candidate must receive a minimum of twenty-five votes.

Section 16: Filling of VacanciesA. If a position is vacant on or before the closing date of an academic semester, the

filling of vacancies shall be initiated by the Elections and Credentials Chair, who shall present the timeline for this process to the USG within one week of the vacancy taking effect. The President will announce the date and time that the vacancy will take effect.

B. If a position is vacant after the closing date of an academic semester, the appointment process shall be initiated by the Elections and Credentials Chair, who shall present the timeline for this process to the USG within one week of the vacancy taking effect. The President will announce the date and time that the vacancy will take effect. The timeline shall have been approved by the Elections and Credential Committee and brought to the USG in written format. The timeline, which can be amended, shall be voted on by the full USG General Council and must be passed by a simple majority.1. The President and the Elections and Credentials Committee shall initiate

standard elections process.2. The candidates may read their personal statements at the next appropriate

meeting of the USG. No questions will be allowed during this time. A vote of USG members will be taken immediately after the personal statements are read.

3. In the case of a tie, the President will cast the deciding vote.

Section 17: ResignationsA. If a USG member decides to resign their position, they must submit a letter of

resignation to the President specifying the date and time that resignation will take effect. The President will announce to the General Council when the resignation will take effect.

B. A resignation can be withdrawn up until the date and time specified in the resignation letter.

Section 18: Candidate Grievances and ViolationsA. A violation is any breach of campaign guidelines as set by the Elections and

Credentials Committee and published in the elections packet. It is any behavior that is not in accordance with the Student Policy Book of the University.

B. A grievance is any perceived violation of campaign rules.C. Any student, faculty or staff may file a grievance and the Elections and Credentials

Committee will be the arbiter of all grievances and the issuer of all violations.D. The Elections and Credentials Committee will be the primary body responsible for

deciding whether or not a candidate has committed a violation. They shall decide what a violation is and what the punishment shall be.

Section 19: Elections and Credentials CommitteeA. The Elections and Credentials Committee shall act as an independent body from

USG in conducting all elections. In instances of clarification, the Elections and Credentials Committee shall consult with the Executive Board.

B. Any grievances with the decisions and/or actions of the Elections and Credentials Committee may be brought to the entire USG for approval by a 2/3 majority vote.

Section 20: Campaign GuidelinesA. Campaign expense reports must be filed with the Elections and Credentials Chair

at the end of the voting period. In the event of a run-off, revised expense reports are due at the end of the run-off election voting period if asked for by the Elections and Credentials Committee.

B. All campaign posters must adhere to campus posting policies.1. In Residence Halls, posters must abide by the Residence Life posting rules.2. No flyers may be put on cars or taped to walls.3. Posters must be removed by 6:00 P.M. on the final Election Day.

C. No candidate, group, organization or individual working on behalf of a candidate may spend more than a total of $100.00. Donations will be computed at the prices at the St. Thomas bookstore. If an item is not found in the bookstore, a retail price will be assessed. Candidates are responsible for maintaining the budget requirements. Failure to comply with the requirements will constitute a violation.

D. Candidates may campaign on the days of the election.E. The USG resources that a candidate may not use include, but are not limited to:

1. Email Distribution Lists. 2. Printers. 3. Computers. 4. Office Supplies.

F. Candidates may not carry around any electronic devices and ask students to vote on them.

Section 21: General ElectionsA. All voting will be done electronically over a secure connection on the World Wide

Web.

ARTICLE IX: STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND CLUBS

Section 1: Student Organizations and Clubs Committee

A. USG hopes to promote the formation and communication of student clubs or organizations through:

1. Helping coordinate and facilitate communication between student groups, faculty, staff and administration.

2. Promoting student involvement in organizations which provides students with the opportunity to gain experience in activities which enhance their education.

3. Assisting students and organizations in taking full advantage of University resources and facilities.

B. The Student Organization Committee is comprised of the SOC Committee Chair, each class president and two at-large club members recruited at the beginning of each semester.

1. The SOC is responsible for providing student voice in recommendations made to Campus Life regarding club decisions.

2. The SOC works with the Department of Campus Life to review potential new clubs. After initial vetting by the Assistant Director of Campus Life, new clubs will present to the SOC to determine if they can proceed to the full USG for final review and recommendation for approval.

3. Clubs and organizations that violate the Undergraduate Student Club and Organization handbook will have the opportunity to present to the SOC for a conduct review. Given the sensitive nature of these proceedings, members of SOC at the start of their term must undergo a training with the Dean of Students Office. The SOC will hear from the club(s) in question and based on those proceedings will make recommendations to the Department of Campus Life for a final decision.

Section 2: Organization and Club FundingA. Club funding operates on a rolling system by semester.B. Campus Wide and Conference and Competition requests must be submitted three

weeks prior to an event.1. USG will vote on an allocation based on a request and subsequent

recommendation by the Finance Committee.2. Funds will be transferred into the correct student club or organization

account after the event and when all receipts have been submitted.C. Any club or organization on probation cannot receive funding from USG, except

under certain special circumstances. Clubs on probation may appeal to the Finance Committee to receive up to $250 for one semester per academic year to support basic club functions. The Finance Committee reserves the right to accept or deny the appeal. If the appeal is approved by the Finance Committee, it will be brought before the General Council to be voted upon.

D. If an outstanding debt becomes greater than $1000, the Finance Committee may withhold funding for a time period no greater than one year.

E. All clubs or organizations must be in good standing with the USG and the Department of Campus Life in order to be eligible for funding.

1. Active clubs or organizations, defined as having fulfilled their service and member requirements each semester, are eligible for funding for two semesters.

2. Seasonal clubs or organizations, defined as being active for one semester each academic year, are eligible for funding during the semester they are active.

3. Exclusive clubs or organizations, defined as limiting membership by certain criteria, are not eligible for funding except for limited projects or events that are open to all students and advertised throughout campus. For full definition of Exclusive Clubs, please see the Undergraduate Student Club and Organization Handbook.

F. Responsibilities of Clubs or Organizations1. All organizations or clubs that receives funding from the USG must keep their

allocation in a University account.G. Newly recognized organizations and clubs will be granted a certain maximum

allocation from the USG for their first semester based in the guidelines voted upon by the Finance Committee at the beginning of each academic year. The guidelines furbished by the Finance Committee must be approved by the USG General Council.

H. The USG will not fund any exams.1. Clubs or organizations may request funding for resource books that must

remain with the club or organization.I. Conference and Competition Requests

1. Funding will be available only for active clubs or organizations and will occur through a reimbursement process.

2. Organizations and clubs must submit the completed registration forms to request funding.

3. The USG Finance Committee will review the request and make a recommendation to the USG.

4. Reimbursementi. Non-exclusive clubs or organizations will be reimbursed 75% of total

expenses or up to an amount determined by the Finance Committee and further approval by the General Council.

ii. Exclusive clubs or organizations will be reimbursed 50% of total expenses or up to an amount determined by the Finance Committee and further approval by the General Council

5. Organizations and clubs will be notified of the amount for which they are eligible.

6. After attending the conference or competition, an organization or club must submit copies of all the receipts from the conference or competition to the Vice President of Financial Affairs for reimbursement. The organization or club must also make a presentation about their conference or competition to the General Council.

7. The Vice President of Financial Affairs will review receipts and transfer the amount to the club or organization accounts. The club or organization will determine how members are reimbursed.

J. The USG will not fund any club or organization activity, conference or competition that is locally, regionally or nationally illegal.

K. The USG in association with the Finance Committee, reserves the right to immediately freeze any club or organization account for the following reasons:

1. Any organization or club operating with an account balance in debt of $1,000 or more.

2. Any organization or club that continued spending on an account in debt.3. Other reasons deemed necessary to maintain the purpose of the student

activity fee.L. The following procedures will be used when a group incurs an outstanding debt:

1. All debt issues will be subject to Finance Committee reviews. However, if a debt of certain size or gross misuse of funds occurs, the Finance Committee may withhold funding for a time period no greater than one year.

2. The accounts in question will be frozen until the problem is solved.3. The club or organization’s officers or representatives will be called upon to

explain the debt and create a plan of debt forgiveness (which may include plans for fundraising).

4. If the problem is still unresolved, the groups could have all funding suspending for an amount of time deemed appropriate by the Committee.

5. The group may be referred to the Department of Campus Life or Dean of Students Office.

6. Any other extenuating circumstances will be referred to the proper institution for conduct analysis and possible legal action against responsible parties

M. Any allocation decision reached by the Finance Committee may be appealed only if any number of the following conditions is met pertaining to the allocation in question:

1. A representative of the requesting club or organization believes that a member of the Finance Committee supplied the requesting club or organization with inaccurate or inadequate information on procedure.

2. A representative of the requesting club or organization believes that the Finance Committee did not follow constitutional guidelines.

3. A representative of the requesting club or organization believes the Finance Committee did not follow guidelines established by the Finance Committee and ratified by the General Council.

4. A petition bearing the names of any 10 USG members is present to the Vice President of Financial Affairs to request an appeal.

N. In addition to any number of preceding conditions being met, a written request for an appeal must be submitted to the Vice President of Financial Affairs by any member of USG within 5 General Council meetings of the allocation decision in question.

1. An additional extension of 2 General Council meetings may be granted by a majority vote of the Executive Board excluding the Vice President of Financial Affairs.

i. An extension may only be granted under circumstances deemed extraordinary by the relevant voting members.

ii. Any request for an appeal occurring after 7 General Council meetings will be null and void.

O. Upon valid receipt of an appeal request, the Vice President of Financial Affairs reserves the right to convene the Finance Committee to reconsider the allocation but must do so within 10 business days.

1. If the Finance Committee reconsiders and votes upon the appealed allocation, the requesting USG member may choose to terminate the appeal. Otherwise, the requesting USG member may continue the appeal. The most recent allocation of the Finance Committee will be the allocation in question for the remainder of the appeal process.

P. If the requesting USG member wishes to continue the appeal, the member has the right to make a motion to appeal within two General Council meetings.

1. The motion must be approved by a 2/3 vote by the General Council. Members of the Finance Committee must abstain from voting but may

participate in discussion. Following this motion, the request will not be open to further appeals.

2. Following a 2/3 vote of approval, a new allocation must be motioned in the same meeting. This motion to allocate must then be approved by majority vote, with voting rights being restored to members of the Finance Committee. The new allocation must be consistent with constitutional guidelines and Finance Committee guidelines ratified by the General Council. This new allocation will not be open to appeal.

ARTICLE X: COMMITTEES

Section 1: USG CommitteesA. Dining Services CommitteeB. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion CommitteeC. Elections and Credentials CommitteeD. Finance CommitteeE. Public Relations CommitteeF. Public Safety CommitteeG. SenateH. Spirituality CommitteeI. Student Activity Fee Allocation CommitteeJ. Student Organizations and Clubs CommitteeK. Sustainability Committee

Section 2: Committee Meeting AttendanceA. Attendance at all USG committee meetings by the assigned members of the USG is

mandatory.

Section 3: Rules for USG CommitteesA. The President may appoint temporary committees on a semester basis to deal with

topics to the concern of the standing committees. B. The committee Chair shall determine how transitioning shall occur between the

start of the new council and Fall Semester.C. Committees may have at-large student representatives. At-large student

representatives shall abide by the qualifications set forth in Article 2, Section 2 of the USG Constitution.

D. The USG advisors will serve as non-voting members of all USG committees.

Section 4: USG Committee StructuresA. Dining Services Committee

1. The Dining Services Committee shall work to improve the food and dining environment on campus.

2. The Dining Services Committee shall consist of:i. Vice President of Administrative Affairsii. Three off-campus studentsiii. Four on-campus studentsiv. One international student

B. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee1. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee shall focus on forms of

diversity that have been historically underrepresented in higher education,

including, but not limited to: LGBTQIA+, mental illness, physical health, and multicultural identities, and to create and sustain a safe space where individuals can bring concerns that hinder student acceptance and flourishing. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee shall propose strategic concepts, ideas and/or goals to the General Council on building, maintaining or acting on diversity relations.

2. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee shall consist of:i. Vice President of Diversity (co-chair)ii. Intercultural Affairs Representative (co-chair)

iii. The Executive Vice President will sit on this committeeiv. University Associate Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion shall be

invited to sit on this committee.v. A member of the Department of Campus Life shall be invited to sit on

this committee.vi. Additional clubs may apply for membership at the committee’s

discretion.C. Elections and Credentials Committee

1. The Vice President of Academic Affairs shall serve as Chair of the committee.2. The President shall act as committee Chair in the absence of the Vice

President of Academic Affairs3. The rest of the membership shall be composed of five at-large student

representatives.4. If there are not five members to choose from, then USG members shall be

appointed in the following order:i. Legislative Affairs Senator ii. Senior Class Presidentiii. Junior Class Presidentiv. Sophomore Class Presidentv. Freshman Class President

5. The Elections and Credentials Committee shall examine charges brought against members or candidates for issues relating to grievances filed.

i. For removal, a formal grievance must be filed with the Elections and Credentials Committee.

ii. The Elections and Credentials Committee shall review the grievance and make a recommendation to the General Council.

iii. The General Council shall decide with a 2/3 majority vote.6. The Elections and Credentials Committee shall oversee the election process.7. The Elections and Credentials Committee is responsible for the appointment

of the University and USG committees. 8. The committee is responsible for coordinating the appointment of all Board

of Trustees Liaison and alternates. D. Finance Committee

1. The Finance Committee shall process a budget for each semester using funds from the Student Activity Fee. Final approval is made by the General Council by a majority approval.

2. The Committee reserves the right to deny funding to any club or organization in any form of violation of the USG or University of St. Thomas policies.

3. The Committee shall assist the Vice President of Financial Affairs in administering the budget, auditing the books and reporting the state of the council’s finances.

4. Any financial legislation to be considered by the council must pass through a standing or temporary Finance Committee of USG. It then must be put on the agenda for the following USG meeting.

5. The Finance Committee shall consist of: i. Vice President of Financial Affairsii. Class Presidentsiii. Spirituality Committee Chair iv. Intercultural Affairs Representativev. International Students Representativevi. Student Organizations and Clubs Committee Chair

E. Public Relations Committee1. The Public Relations Committee shall consist of:

i. Vice President of Public Relationsii. One USG member from each classiii. The Public Relations Committee shall work on matter pertaining to

internal and external marketing of the USG.F. Public Safety Committee

1. The Public Safety Committee shall consist of:i. Executive Vice Presidentii. Three USG membersiii. Two at-large student representativesiv. Director of Public Safetyv. Additional members of Public Safety shall be invited to sit on this

committee2. The Public Safety Committee shall work on matters pertaining to student

safety and relations between students and Public Safety.G. Senate

1. The Senate shall consist of:i. Executive Vice Presidentii. Class Senatorsiii. Special Interest Senators

2. The Senate shall work on internal and external goals as decided upon at the Fall and Spring retreats.

H. Spirituality Committee1. The Spirituality Committee shall be elected by the student body and consist

of representatives from the following student clubs, organizations, and offices:

i. Center for Ministry (one student each from: Office for Spirituality, Office for Campus Ministry, Office for Service and Social Justice)

ii. Cruiii. Campus Outreach Weeklyiv. Catholic Discovery Groupsv. Catholic Students Incorporatedvi. Chi Alphavii. Communion Liberation U (CLU)viii. CRS Student Ambassadorsix. Knights of Columbusx. Muslim Student Associationxi. SHINExii. St. Paul Outreach (SPO)

xiii. Theology Clubxiv. Two at-large student representatives

2. The Spirituality Committee shall focus on safeguarding religious freedom and creating a campus environment free of hatred based on religious/spiritual identity, work to maintain a campus that thrives at interreligious understanding and tolerance.

I. Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee1. For each semester, the allocation of the student activity fee shall be 40% to

STAR, 40% to USG, and 20% to DAB.2. The committee must meet by the second week of Fall Semester and second

week in Spring Semester to discuss the ensuing semester’s budget for each organization.

3. When an agreement is reached, the Director of Campus Life shall send the allocation requests to the Controller’s Office.

4. The Executive Director for Campus Inclusion and Community shall chair the committee.

5. The SAFAC shall consist of:i. USG Advisorii. USG Presidentiii. USG Vice President of Financial Affairsiv. STAR Advisorv. STAR Presidentvi. STAR Finance Internvii. DAB Presidentviii. DAB Finance Intern

J. Student Organizations and Clubs Committee1. The Student Organizations and Clubs Committee shall consist of:

i. Student Organization’s Representativeii. Class Presidentsiii. Two at-large student representatives

2. The Student Organizations and Clubs Committee, in conjunction with the Department of Campus Life, shall handle all administrative details pertaining to campus clubs or organizations.

3. The Student Organizations and Clubs Committee shall work with and report back to the council on all matters regarding clubs or organizations. All committee decisions regarding the status of clubs or organizations and granting of special privileges shall be subject to a simple majority of the council.

K. Sustainability Committee1. The committee shall meet to discuss topics of sustainability on campus.2. Sustainability Committee shall consist of representation from the following

clubs/organizations:i. Sustainability Committee Chairii. Bike Enthusiasts at St. Thomas (BEAST)iii. Biology Clubiv. Chemistry Clubv. Engineers for a Sustainable Worldvi. Residence Hall Association (RHA)vii. St. Thomas Activities and Recreation (STAR)viii. Diversity Activities Board (DAB)ix. USG (separate from the chair)

x. Other clubs who petition to join

Section 5: University CommitteesA. Budget Advisory CommitteeB. Commencement CommitteeC. Library Advisory CommitteeD. Parking Advisory CommitteeE. Parking Appeals CommitteeF. Registrar’s CommitteeG. Student Life CommitteeH. Technology Advisory CommitteeI. Judicial Hearing BoardJ. Colleges of Arts & Sciences Curriculum Committee (CAS)K. Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (UCC)

Section 6: Attendance at Committee MeetingsA. Attendance at all University committee meetings by the assigned members of the

USG is mandatory.

Section 7: University Committee StructuresA. Budget Advisory Committee 

1. The Budget Advisory Committee shall consist of:i. The Vice President of Financial Affairs

2. The Budget Advisory Committee discusses increases in tuition, faculty and staff salaries and the overall finances of the University.

B. Commencement Committee1. The Commencement Committee shall consist of:

i. Senior Class President2. The Commencement Committee discusses the commencement ceremony

that takes place in the spring of each academic year.C. Library Advisory Committee

1. The Library Advisory Committee shall consist of:i. Two USG members

2. The Library Advisory Committee shall evaluate the overall function of the library and research services available.

D. Parking Advisory Committee 1. The Parking Advisory Committee shall consist of:

i. One residential student representativeii. One commuter student representative

2. The Parking Advisory Committee shall handle the logistics of the parking process.

E. Parking Appeals Committee 1. The Parking Appeals Committee shall consist of:

i. One commuter student representativeii. Commuter Senatoriii. Two residential student representatives

2. The committee shall handle appeals made by those who receive parking violations at the University.

F. Registrar’s Committee1. The Registrar’s Committee shall consist of:

i. Four to six student representatives

2. The committee serves as the student voice to the registrar dealing with issues surroundingregistration.

G. Student Life Committee1. The Student Life Committee shall consist of:

i. USG Presidentii. Four student representatives

2. To seek actively to improve the quality of student life at the university in nonacademic area

H. Technology Advisory Committee 1. The Technology Advisory Committee shall consist of:

i. One student representative2. The board answers technology questions and concerns that face the

University.I. Judicial Hearing Board

1. The Judicial Hearing Board shall consist of:i. Three to four student representativesii. ROTC Representative

2. The group serves as the appeals board for students going through the judicial process forboth academic and nonacademic violations.

J. Colleges of Arts & Sciences Curriculum Committee (CAS)1. The College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum Committee (CAS) shall consist of:

i. Two USG members2. This committee reports to the UPPC with recommendations specifically for

the College of Arts and Sciences.K. Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (UCC)

1. The Undergraduate Curriculum Committee shall consist of:i. One USG member

2. This committee meets every other week over Convo-Hour to discuss course additions, deletions, and core curriculum changes.

L. Technology Fee committee1. The Tech Fee Committee shall consist of:

i. Two USG Members2. This committee will have 4 meetings throughout the year to discuss the

allocation of the student technology fee.