TJCSGA Uniformity Book

Introduction

The Student Uniformity Book (SUB) is designed to assist individual student government associations in their interactions with the state association and to foster greater involvement among members of the Texas Junior College Student Government Association with each other and with the Association. The SUB is divided into three sections: Association Documents and Bylaws, Association Information, and Forms.

The Association Documents and Bylaws section consists of a compilation of the documents that govern the TJCSGA, including:

The TJCSGA Constitution

The TJCSGA Bylaws

The TJCSGA Judicial Policy

TJCSGA State Convention Campaign Guidelines

TJCSGA State Convention Competition Guidelines

The Association Information section contains information of use to the members of the Association, such as:

A Roster of all members

A list of Regions and their members

A Roster of Executive Board Members

The Minutes from the 2002 State Convention

The Agendas and Minutes from the 2002-2003 Executive Board meetings

The Forms section includes a number of forms that members should use when exchanging information with the Association:

Amendments

Bulletin Submissions

Dues

Intent to Run for Office

Nominations for Honorary Members

Nominations for Student of the Year (School and Region Nominees)

Nominations for Chapter of the Year

Region Convention Information

Resolutions

Roster Corrections

It is the Executive Board’s hope that this book will facilitate each SGA’s involvement with the Association, and that through such involvement a greater sense of unity will be engendered among junior colleges throughout the state. Good luck during the coming year, and we look forward to seeing you in Arlington, Texas April 4, 5, 6, &7.

Texas Junior College Student Government Association Constitution

We, the student government associations of Texas' junior, community, and technical colleges, in order to facilitate a greater understanding of democracy in our schools, to engender leadership among our members, to promote good will and unity among two-year colleges, and to make our voice heard in our communities, our state, and our nation, do hereby establish this constitution of the Texas Junior College Student Government Association.

The name of this organization shall be the Texas Junior College Student Government Association, and shall hereinafter be referred to as the TJCSGA.

The purposes of this organization shall be:

Sec. 1 To give junior college students an active role in the American democracy.

Sec. 2 To attempt to solve problems and provide means for discussing problems of the membership relating to student government and student activities.

Sec. 3 To promote better relations among the junior colleges of the state of Texas.

Sec. 4 To provide an association of junior/community/technical college student governments in the state of Texas, which shall protect the interests of the colleges and students of this association.

Sec. 5 To actively represent the needs and interests of two-year college students before the Texas legislature.

Sec. 6 To provide ways of uniting the two-year colleges' student leadership in such a way that their influence may be felt in their local communities, in the state of Texas, and in the nation.

Sec. 1 Types of Membership

This association grants five types of membership to eligible college student government associations and individuals. General and executive membership is open to qualified college student government associations. Honorary, alumni, and advisor membership is open to qualified individuals, as set forth in this article.

Sec. 2 General Membership

General membership is open to a student government association of a junior/community/technical college in the state of Texas provided the following qualifications are met:

The student government association is an autonomous association

Under a student government association president and other

executive officers;

The institution the SGA represents meets accreditation by the

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools;

The campus or student body the SGA represents is not already

represented by a member of the TJCSGA.

No one college administration (as defined by the presence of a college

president) may be represented in the TJCSGA by more than three independent student government associations as defined in Article III, Sec. 2, Sub-sec. A of this constitution.

C. Members in good standing shall have four votes on all matters presented before the TJCSGA General Assembly.

D. Members shall be responsible for the payment of all dues by March 1 of each year. Members who are unable to pay their dues by the deadline may request an extension from the TJCSGA Treasurer. Failure to pay dues by the specified time may result in the forfeiture of the right to vote, at the discretion of the assembly. New members have until the first General Assembly of the annual convention to pay dues.

Sec. 3 Executive Membership

A. Executive membership is granted to the duly elected officer schools of the association and the individuals serving as State Advisor and State Advisor-Elect. The member schools elected are responsible for the conduct of the office. The State Advisor and State Advisor-Elect shall serve as participating, non-voting members of the executive membership.

B. Each executive member shall designate one individual who will act on their behalf as a member of the executive board. This individual shall serve at the discretion of the member college and shall hold the title of the office to which the school has been elected. Unless otherwise specified, the duties and injunctions of each office shall apply only to the designated representatives and not the delegations.

C. After the start of the annual convention, officer schools may only change representatives with the consent of the executive board. Before the annual convention, officer schools must notify the President and State Advisor within 48 hours of their decision to change the individual designated as representative.

Sec. 4 Advisor Membership

A. Advisor membership is granted to the designated advisors of all TJCSGA member schools. Membership in the Advisors' Association is automatic with advisor membership.

B. The advisors shall be responsible for submitting two nominations for the office of State Advisor-Elect and State Advisor at the annual convention.

C. The advisors shall elect a President and Vice-President of the Advisors' Association to facilitate working with the TJCSGA executive board. This election shall take place at the annual convention.

Sec. 5 Alumni Membership

A. Alumni membership is open to all individuals who are former members of a TJCSGA member school. Membership dues shall be paid to the TJCSGA Treasurer, and shall be the amount and by the deadline established by the executive board and ratified by 2/3 vote of the TJCSGA General Assembly.

B. Alumni membership entitles members to receive The TJCSGA Bulletin, as well as attend the State and Region conventions at their own expense. Alumni members will have privileges of the floor but may not vote, make motions, or hold office.

Sec. 6 Honorary Membership

A. Honorary membership may be granted to individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the TJCSGA. Honorary membership entitles members to receive The TJCSGA Bulletin, as well as attend the State and Region conventions at their own expense. Honorary members will have privileges of the floor but may not vote, make motions, or hold office.

B. The executive board shall submit any recommendations for honorary membership to the TJCSGA General Assembly for approval by majority vote.

Sec. 1 Officers of the Association

The officers of the association shall be:

A. President

B. Vice-President

C. Parliamentarian

D. Secretary

E. Treasurer

F. Editor of the Bulletin

G. Host

H. State Advisor

I. State Advisor-Elect

Sec. 2 Duties of Officers

A. The duties of the President shall be:

1. To preside over all General Assemblies and executive board meetings.

2. To appoint committees, unless otherwise specified by this constitution or the resolution creating the committee.

3. To vote only as specified in the parliamentary authority.

4. To attend all meetings of the executive board.

5. To fill vacancies by appointment, when necessary. In the case of a vacancy in the executive board, a 2/3 vote of the executive board is required to ratify that appointment.

6. To serve as an ex officio member of all committees, except the Nominations Committee.

7. To call special meetings of the association, as necessary.

8. To call special meetings of the executive board, as necessary.

9. To enforce all provisions of this constitution, the parliamentary authority, and any other standing rules this organization may adopt.

10. To serve as chief spokesperson of the TJCSGA.

11. To correspond with the key Texas Legislative officials on issues of importance to

TJCSGA throughout his/her term.

B. The duties of the Vice-President shall be:

1. To execute the duties of the President in his/her absence.

2. To attend all meetings of the executive board.

3. To make arrangements for workshops and forums at the state convention pertinent to issues affecting student governments and appoint individuals to facilitate each group.

4. To organize and schedule speakers, programs, and entertainment for the state convention.

C. The duties of the Parliamentarian shall be:

1. To act as an advisor to the chair on all questions of parliamentary procedure.

2. To attend all meetings of the executive board.

3. To have in his or her possession at all meetings: the constitution, the parliamentary authority, and any standing rules the association may adopt.

4. To serve as chair of the TJCSGA Judicial Committee.

5. Prepare and distribute to all members a copy of the constitution with all amendments and resolutions submitted by the deadline, two weeks prior to the first TJCSGA General Assembly at the annual state convention.

6. Prepare and distribute a revised Student Uniformity Book to all members by December 1st of each year.

D. The duties of the Secretary shall be:

1. To keep an accurate record of the convention proceedings as well as executive board meetings and to send a copy to all executive board members.

2. To call the roll at the state convention and determine the presence of a quorum.

3. To attend all meetings of the executive board.

4. To serve as corresponding agent of the executive board.

5. To maintain a dual set of records for the association. One set shall be turned over to the State Advisor at the conclusion of the annual convention. The second set shall be completed and sent to the newly elected Secretary prior to the end of the fiscal year of the association.

6. To maintain a list of all honorary and alumni members, along with dates of induction and offices held, if any.

7. To work with the Parliamentarian in the compilation of the Student Uniformity Book.

E. The duties of the Treasurer shall be:

1. To be responsible for the collection of all dues and fees throughout the year and at the annual convention.

2. To prepare financial statements prior to the executive board meetings and at the conclusion of the fiscal year.

3. To attend all meetings of the executive board.

4. To pay all debts upon approval of the executive board, and to deposit all funds within two business days of receipt.

5. To prepare a budget for the coming year and submit it at the first executive board meeting.

6. To be responsible for all finances of the association.

7. To maintain a dual set of records for the association. One set shall be turned over to the State Advisor at the conclusion of the annual convention. The second set shall be completed and sent to the newly elected Treasurer prior to the end of the fiscal year of the association.

8. To forward names and address of paid alumni members to the executive board.

F. Duties of the Editor of the Bulletin shall be:

1. To attend all meetings of the executive board.

2. To serve as editor of The TJCSGA Bulletin.

3. To prepare and distribute to each member of the association five bulletins over the course of a year:

A. Spring semester after convention

B. Two during the fall semester

C. Spring semester prior to convention

D. Convention

4. To solicit newspapers from member schools and to publish any articles of interest in the Bulletin.

G. The duties of the Host shall be:

1. To attend all meetings of the executive board.

2. To research and present to the executive board at its first meeting availability and fees for three hotels in the selected host city.

3. To petition the executive board for reimbursement of expenditures.

4. To work with the executive board to set convention fees, theme, and dates.

5. To furnish office materials and reproduction equipment to members at the annual convention.

6. To provide all members with all necessary information concerning the annual convention by December 1st of each year.

H. The duties of the State Advisor shall be:

1. To schedule and conduct new officer orientation on the final day of the convention.

2. To assist the executive board in the completion of their duties.

3. To attend all meetings of the executive board.

4. To aid the President with all General Assemblies.

5. To keep all permanent records of the association.

I. The duties of the State Advisor-Elect shall be:

1. To attend all meetings of the executive board.

2. To serve as State Advisor the following year.

3. To assist the executive board in the completion of their duties.

4. To recruit colleges to become active members of the TJCSGA.

5. To serve as a liaison between the Advisors' Association and the TJCSGA executive board.

Sec. 3 Election of Officers

A. The election of officers shall take place at the final General Assembly of the annual convention.

B. Candidates for office must submit a letter of support from their college president and file an Intent to Run form with the Nominations Committee prior to the close of the first General Assembly of the annual convention.

C. Candidates are responsible for obeying the campaign guidelines as set by the current executive board.

D. No individual appointed as a representative for an officer school may participate in the campaigning or campaign speech or skit for any school, either before or at the annual convention.

E. The Nominations Committee shall be responsible for certifying all nominations prior to the election.

F. No school shall be able to succeed itself in the current office.

G. The method of voting for officers shall be determined at the first General Assembly of the annual convention.

H. Newly elected officers shall assume office at the conclusion of the annual convention.

I. Newly elected and outgoing officers must attend an orientation session immediately following the close of the annual convention. The new State Advisor is responsible for organizing this orientation.

Sec. 4 Removal from Office

A. Officer schools who fail to perform the prescribed duties by the date set by the executive board or this constitution shall be removed from their office and a replacement appointed by the President in consultation with the executive board.

B. Recommendations for removal from office can be submitted by a member of the Executive Board. Also, any members can request that an officer school make the recommendation. Removal from office requires a 2/3 vote of the executive board at a regular meeting or special session.

C. The membership may, by a 2/3 vote, suspend this rule in the case of extenuating circumstances. The costs for conducting such a vote between annual conventions will be borne by the school subject to removal.

D. In the event that the President school is removed from office, the Vice-President school shall assume the office of the President. At this time, the executive board would appoint a new Vice President by 2/3 approval. In the event that the Vice President school declines the office of President, they would maintain the office temporarily until a new President is appointed in accordance with the 2/3 vote approval. The Vice-President school would not relinquish their previous duties in this situation. The Parliamentarian school shall be responsible for conducting an appeal vote, if requested.

Sec. 1 Association Meetings

A. The TJCSGA shall hold an annual convention in March or April of each year.

B. Votes may be conducted by mail between annual conventions.

C. Proxy votes shall be accepted if they are submitted to the President in a sealed letter designating the school the member wishes to serve as their proxy. This letter must be signed by the SGA president and advisor of the absent school.

D. Special meetings may be called by the President, by a majority of the executive board, or by petition of a majority of members.

A quorum for any regular or called meeting shall be a majority of the members, along with a majority of the executive board and the State Advisor or State Advisor-Elect.

Sec. 2 Executive Board Meetings

A. The executive board shall meet twice per year outside of the annual convention, in the spring following the annual convention and in the fall.

B. A quorum for an executive board meeting shall be a majority of elected schools and the State Advisor or State Advisor-Elect.

Sec. 3 Committee Meetings

A. Standing committees shall meet at the annual convention as set forth in the convention program.

B. Committee chairs may call special meetings at the state convention. No committee meetings may be called outside of the dates of the annual convention unless expressly authorized by the executive board.

Only members who have paid their dues for the current year may be appointed or otherwise selected for committees.

Sec. 4 Insurance Policy

At all TJCSGA sponsored events that the TJCSGA will posses a special event insurance policy for said events. This policy when in effect shall cover all TJCSGA board approved property usage liability issues involved with said event. The the premium will be paid by participating schools of said event.

Sec. 1 Membership

The members of the executive board shall consist of the duly elected officer schools and the individuals serving as State Advisor and State Advisor-Elect. The State Advisor and State Advisor-Elect may not vote on any business before the board.

Sec. 2 Duties of the Executive Board

The executive board shall be responsible for:

A. Approving and setting the dates, fees, theme, and location of the annual convention.

B. Determining the policy of the association between annual conventions.

C. Auditing the reports of the Secretary and Treasurer.

D. Creating select committees between annual conventions.

E. Approving all expenditures made on behalf of the association.

Sec. 1 Appointment of Committees

Committees shall be appointed by the President, unless otherwise specified by this constitution or the resolution creating the committee. Members appointed to a committee shall be responsible for designating the student to represent them on that committee. No member may serve on more than one committee. Unless otherwise specified, no executive board member may serve on a committee.

Sec. 2 Standing Committees

The following committees shall be the standing committees of the association:

A. Nominations Committee

B. Judicial Committee

C. Resolutions Committee

D. Awards Committee

E. Constitution and Bylaws Committee

F. Legislative Research Committee

Sec. 3 Committee Descriptions

A. Nominations Committee

1. A committee composed of one member from each region and the chair shall meet at the annual convention to certify at least one school for each office and identify these schools at the General Assembly.

2. Nominees shall be certified if they have complied with all campaign guidelines and requirements established by this constitution or the executive board.

3. This committee must nominate all candidates who have met the requirements to run for an office.

4. The chair of this committee shall be the TJCSGA Treasurer.

5. The advisor of the school serving as chair shall serve as an ex officio member of this committee.

B. Judicial Committee

1. A committee composed of one member from each region and the chair shall meet at the annual convention to review allegations of misconduct by any member school or region and to propose any necessary changes to the TJCSGA Disciplinary Policy.

Each region shall be responsible for designating the member who

will represent them on this committee.

3. This committee shall determine if disciplinary action shall be taken against any accused party and shall recommend to the General Assembly the action to be taken. The General Assembly may impose a less severe penalty or none at all, but may not impose a more severe penalty than the one recommended by the Judicial Committee.

4. This committee shall be guided by the TJCSGA Disciplinary Policy and Article XI of this constitution in determining misconduct and penalties.

5. The chair of this committee shall be the TJCSGA Parliamentarian, unless a grievance is heard against the Parliamentarian, in which case the President shall assume the chair.

6. The State Advisor-Elect shall serve as an ex officio member of this committee.

C. Resolutions Committee

1. A committee composed of one member from each region shall meet at the annual convention to review resolutions submitted by the deadline established by the executive board and report on them to the General Assembly.

2. This committee shall have the authority to amend any resolution and then report on it in its amended form.

3. Only resolutions which have been submitted to the President of the association by the deadline established by the executive board and which include the name of the author and of the member school to which he or she belongs will be considered.

4. Unless specified in the body of the resolution, resolutions passed by the TJCSGA General Assembly are binding and will constitute the official position of the association.

5. The advisor of the school appointed as chair shall serve as an ex officio member of this committee.

D. Awards Committee

1. A committee composed of one member from each region shall meet at the annual convention to judge the competition entries and select other awards established by the TJCSGA General Assembly.

2. Each region shall be responsible for designating the member who will represent them on this committee. Regions should attempt to choose a member that has not entered any of the competitions being judged by the committee.

3. This committee shall elect a chair from the members chosen by the regions.

4. The committee shall be responsible for judging each competition. The guidelines will then be presented in the last meeting of the General Assembly for approval. Once approved the guidelines will be published in the registration packet prior to the following state convention. The committee shall use a scorecard system to ensure that each college competing fulfills the criteria requirements of each competition. The committee may also recommend changes in the number of competitions to the General Assembly.

5. The advisor of the school serving as chair shall serve as an ex officio member of this committee.

E. Constitution and Bylaws Committee

1. A committee composed of one member from each region shall meet at the annual convention, prior to the first General Assembly, to review any proposed amendments to the TJCSGA Constitution and bylaws.

2. This committee shall meet with the TJCSGA Parliamentarian to report on their findings prior to the first General Assembly of the annual convention.

The chair of this committee shall be granted the right to speak in debate an unlimited number of times with regard to proposed amendments when the proposed amendments are considered by the TJCSGA General Assembly.

This committee is authorized to alter amendments submitted by the deadline or to propose new amendments, provided notice is given of the new amendments prior to the first General Assembly of the annual convention.

5. The advisor of the school appointed as chair shall serve as an ex officio member of this committee.

Sec. F. Legislative Research Committee

1. A committee composed of two members of two different schools per region shall communicate between annual conventions about proposed legislation and issues relating to the TJCSGA.

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern the association in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order the association may adopt.

Sec. 1 The membership fees of this association may be changed at the state convention as decided by 2/3 of the members present.

Sec. 2 Registration fees for each individual delegate shall be paid to the Treasurer before or at registration for the convention.

Sec. 3 All funds received in the name of the association shall be sent to the Treasurer within two business days of receipt.

Sec. 4 There shall be a central bank for all moneys of TJCSGA.

Sec. 5 No member may claim to represent the association as a whole when dealing with outside entities or incur expenses on behalf of the association without express authorization of the executive board. For this purpose, express authorization shall consist of duly approved minutes from the executive board meeting authorizing the action or a letter from the President and State Advisor attesting to the authorization. TJCSGA shall not be held liable for expenses incurred by a member school without this authorization. Membership in the association constitutes acceptance of these terms.

Sec. 1 The constituent association shall consist of six Regional Associations.

Sec. 2 The organization of the Regional Associations shall be specified geographically by the executive board.

Sec. 3 The purposes of the Regional Associations shall be to more effectively carry out the purposes of the association.

Sec. 4 The Regional Associations may conduct business within the guidelines of an independent constitution such that:

A. The Regional Association's constitution is endorsed by the executive board if the document is consistent with the policy of the TJCSGA.

B. The Regional Association's constitution is adopted by 2/3 of the Regional Association to which it applies upon the endorsement of the executive board.

C. The Regional Association's constitution includes reference to the constitution of the TJCSGA as a superior document.

D. The executive board must be notified of any amendments to the Regional Association's constitution, at which time the executive board re-establishes the amended documents consistency with the policy of the TJCSGA.

E. Any amendment of the Regional Association's constitution which is found to be inconsistent with the policy of the TJCSGA is reason for withdrawal of the executive board's endorsement of the amended document.

F. Regional Associations deemed to have unacceptable constitutions have until the close of the final General Assembly of the state convention to present a revised document to the executive board.

Sec. 4 New members shall be placed in regions by the executive board at the beginning of the state convention. Preference for placement is granted to the region, which recruited the new member.

Sec. 1 Disciplinary procedure shall be carried out according to the parliamentary authority.

Sec. 2 Any member serving on the Judicial Committee may not initiate allegations.

Sec. 3 Individuals shall be required to follow the standards of conduct of their home colleges.

Sec. 4 House standards of conduct may be enforced to benefit the association. These standards shall be enforced while individuals are participating in convention activities, and shall originate from the facility, independent of the executive board.

Sec. 5 Any member school against whom discipline proceedings are brought is presumed innocent until the allegations are substantiated.

Sec. 6 All allegations shall be filed with the Judicial Committee, which in turn shall investigate and determine the disposition of the charges.

Sec. 7 Members may not face the exact allegation once cleared of that allegation.

Sec. 8 The Judicial Committee shall be under a strict code of silence in regard to any matters under investigation until such events are disclosed to the membership. Any member violating this code of silence shall face disciplinary action.

Sec. 9 This organization shall only discipline members and does not have the right to intervene on any other kind of disciplinary matters outside itself.

Sec.10 The Judicial Committee shall be empowered with all authority to obtain any information necessary about any allegations, so long as it does not violate any member's rights. This committee shall be empowered to call witnesses to appear, provided that it does not violate this organization's constitution or the rights of the member.

Sec.11 All allegations must be filed with the Secretary school, Parliamentarian school, and State Advisor.

Sec.12 All findings of the Judicial Committee must be filed with the Secretary school and State Advisor.

Sec.13 The TJCSGA General Assembly may impose the punishment recommended by the Judicial Committee, a less severe punishment, or no punishment at all by a 2/3 vote of the assembly.

Sec.14 The TJCSGA General Assembly may, subsequent to the imposition of punishment, vote to commute the sentence of a member to a lesser sentence by a 2/3 vote of the assembly.

Sec.15 The executive board reserves the act of clemency for any member. Clemency must be decided by unanimous consent.

Sec.16 All requests for acts of clemency and commuting must be by written petition by the member in question and two other members of this organization. This request must be submitted to the State Advisor, Secretary school, and the President school.

Sec. 1 This constitution may be amended at any regular or called meeting of the association by 2/3 of the General Assembly, provided that the amendment has been submitted in writing to the Parliamentarian and Secretary at least thirty days prior to the meeting.

Sec. 2 All amendments submitted for consideration must be titled with the full name of the principal author and of the member school to which he or she belongs.

 

Sec. 1 Upon ratification by 2/3 of the TJCSGA General Assembly, this constitution shall become the superior document of the association.

Sec. 2 The TJCSGA shall not infringe upon the rights, which are reserved to those individual member schools.

Sec. 3 The members shall not infringe upon those rights reserved to this organization.

Sec. 4 The organization shall defend and maintain the rights for its members to have their own separate identity and autonomy.

Sec. 5 All rights not expressly given to this organization by the collective representation of the members shall be reserved to those members.

Texas Junior College Student Government Association

Bylaws 2002-2003

Sec. 1 The officers of the Association shall consist of the member colleges elected to the seven offices listed in Article IV of the TJCSGA constitution and the individuals chosen as State Advisor and State Advisor-Elect.

 

Sec. 2 The election of officers shall be conducted at the final general assembly of the state convention. Votes will be counted by the Judicial Committee and verified by the State Advisor before being announced.

 

A. A majority vote is required for election. No announcement of results may be made until all voting has been conducted. Upon certification by the Judicial Committee and State Advisor and announcement by the President, all results are final, even if the absence of a majority vote should later be discovered.

 

B. The office of State Advisor-Elect shall be appointed by the Advisors' Association and ratified by the Assembly prior to the election of officers. Should the individual serving as State Advisor no longer be affiliated with a member school, the State Advisor-Elect shall assume the office of State Advisor and a State Advisor-Elect pro-tem shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the president of the Advisors' Association. Should the State Advisor-Elect no longer be affiliated with a member school, a State Advisor-Elect shall be appointed. The State Advisor-Elect pro-tem shall be granted preference in appointment to the office of State Advisor-Elect at the subsequent state convention.

 

C. Newly elected officers shall take the following oath immediately after their election. The oath shall be administered by the State Advisor to the designated representatives of elected schools and the new State Advisor-Elect.

 

Sec. 3 Officers of the Association shall be responsible for the duties listed in Article IV, Sect. 3 of the TJCSGA Constitution.

 

A. The Executive Board may, by majority vote, compel the completion of certain duties by a set date.

 

B. Publication dates for the TJCSGA bulletin shall be set at the First Executive Board meeting.

 

C. In the failure of an officer school to meet obligations, allegations may be filed with the Judicial Committee on behalf of the Executive Board. If these allegations are substantiated by the Judicial Committee, the offending school is disqualified from holding office for the following year.

 

Sec. 1 The fiscal/record year of the association shall run from May 1st until April 30th of the following year.

 

Sec. 2 The following records will be maintained and updated at least yearly:

 

A. Convention Records

1. Minutes and Agenda from the State Convention

2. Campaign Guidelines

3. Competition Guidelines

4. Committee Reports

5. Voting and Roll Call Records

6. Competition Entries (Essays, Student of the Year, Chapter of the Year)

7. Region Convention Information

8. Intent to Run for Office

B. Other Records

1. TJCSGA Constitution and Bylaws

2. Ethics Policy

3. Minutes and Agenda from the Executive Board meetings

4. Roster of Active Members

5. Treasurer's Reports

6. Region Constitutions

7. Honorary Members and Nominations for Honorary Membership

8. TJCSGA Bulletins

9. Constitutional Amendments

10. Resolutions

11. Correspondence

Sec. 3 Outgoing officers have until April 30th to present a completed set of records and reports to the State Advisor and to the new officers. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from office for the next election and/or immediate removal from current office, at the discretion of the Executive Board.

 

Sec. 4 There shall be a central depository for all records of the TJCSGA, to be located in Austin, Texas.

 

Sec. 5 Any member may petition the Secretary to review Association records at any time during the year.

 

Sec. 6 The Secretary and State Advisor shall work in conjunction with the Parliamentarian to update and revise the TJCSGA Student Uniformity Book, to be distributed by the Parliamentarian school by December 1st of each year.

 

Sec. 1 There shall be an annual convention of the Association to be held in March or April of each year.

 

Sec. 2 In odd-numbered years, the convention shall be held in Austin, Texas.

 

Sec. 3 In even-numbered years, the location of the convention shall be determined by the Host school.

 

Sec. 1 When necessary, votes may be conducted between general assemblies at the State convention. Votes may be conducted by mail or by fax, provided the following information is included:

 

A. The complete text of the motion or resolution;

B. The names of the maker of the motion and the member seconding it (or author and supporter);

 

C. The school sponsoring the motion or resolution;

D. The date by which the vote must be returned;

E. A place for the signature of the Student Government President and number of votes yea and nay.

 

Sec. 2 Propositions to be voted on must be submitted to, distributed by, and reported by the TJCSGA President.

 

Sec. 3 Votes must be completed and reported within three (3) weeks of the proposition's receipt by the President School.

 

Sec. 4 Mail votes will only be considered valid if more than ½ of current members return completed votes.

 

These bylaws may be amended at any regular or called meeting of the association by a simple majority vote with at least 30 days previous notice or a 2/3 vote without previous notice. They may also be amended by a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board, and such amendments will be in effect until they are ratified or rejected by the general assembly at the next State Convention.

These bylaws shall become the governing document of the TJCSGA, in conjunction with the TJCSGA Constitution, when ratified by a majority vote of the General Assembly at the TJCSGA State Convention.

TEXAS JUNIOR COLLEGE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

JUDICIAL POLICY

2002-2003

Misuse which will result in disciplinary action includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Plagiarism

2. Furnishing false information to the TJCSGA with intent to deceive.

3. Forgery, alteration, unauthorized possession, or misuse of TJCSGA documents or records.

4. Malicious destruction, damages, unauthorized possession, or misuse of TJCSGA property, or of private property of the hotel during the convention.

5. Participation in hazing, acts which are degrading or injurious to another, or acts in which another is held against his/her will.

6. Physical abuse of another.

7. Selling or being intoxicated from alcoholic beverages in public places while associated with TJCSGA.

8. Disorderly conduct which inhibits or interferes with the responsibility of the TJCSGA or a member, or which disrupts the administrative or service functions of the TJCSGA.

9. Misuse of elective or appointive offices in the TJCSGA or regions, which could be injurious to the association, its members, or the TJCSGA community.

10. Incorrigible or persistent irresponsible behavior.

11. Possession, use or transmittal, or attempted possession, of an illegal drug during the TJCSGA convention or regional meetings.

12. Possession or use during the convention of any weapon, specifically including firearms, explosive weapons, clubs, or illegal knives and other weapons as defined in Chapter 46 of the Texas Penal Code.

13. The violation of the terms of discipline or the infraction of any TJCSGA, college, or hotel rules during the convention.

14. Participation in illegal gambling activities.

15. Violation of any criminal statute or code.

TJCSGA State Convention Campaign Guidelines, 2002-2003

1. Provide a letter of support from your school administration. All letters must be submitted to the Registration table by 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2003.

2. All candidates must attend the Nominations Committee meeting.

3. All candidates for the Executive Board will draw for a campaign table during the Nominations Committee meeting.

4. No campaigning materials may be included in the convention packets.

5. No alcohol may be used for campaigning.

6. Campaign posters may be no larger than standard poster size.

7. No campaign materials maybe hung or placed on doors, walls, or any where in the hotel.

8. No confetti may be used.

9. No campaign material will be allowed to be posted outside the convention area.

10. Mandatory Campaign speeches or skits will be limited to five (5) minutes.

11. If campaign materials are being placed on the tables, this must be done ten (10) minutes prior to all General Sessions and picked up immediately after the same general session. A limit of 4 delegates per school will be allowed to set up.

12. No campaign materials will be allowed on tables until Friday, April 11, 2003.

13. All schools campaigning for office are responsible for clean up after campaigning.

14. No campaign items shall be thrown or tossed through the air during campaign time or general session.

15. Any violations of these guidelines will be submitted to the Judicial Committee for adjudication.

16. Campaign materials may only be set out in designated areas at

designated times.

17. A school running for office may not run a breakout session on

campaigning.

18. No electrical or mechanical noise amplifying devices (airhorns, whisltes

etc.) will be permitted.

Competition Requirements and Judging Criteria

The purpose of these competitions is to cause students to reflect on the role of their SGA in their school and community, with an eye toward preparing future SGA members to continue their work. Successful entries will demonstrate the importance of the interaction of various student groups of their college toward common goals.

2^nd place - Certificate

3^rd place - Certificate

Honorable Mention - Certificate

Can be generated by computer (i.e., multi-media), slide show (i.e., series of pictures), or video equipment, but it must be submitted on a standard VHS tape.

1. All entries must be submitted on a standard VHS videotape.

2. Entries must be no longer than 10 minutes in length.

3. Judging criteria will be as follows:

Content

Creativity

Use of Theme

Appearance

To show how this year’s SGA has affected its college campus and community through pictures, newspaper clippings, and various scrap materials to use as an idea-giver and, in turn, a memory-enhancer.

1. The size of the scrapbook must be no larger than 24"x 30".

2. The Book CANNOT weigh more than 50lbs.

2. Judging criteria will be as follows:

Content

Creativity

Use of Theme

Neatness and Appearance

Entries should incorporate a variety of activities provided by the student government association of your school and should incorporate policy making of your student government (i.e., how your school has benefited from your student government’s actions.)

1. Entries must have continuity and be 500-750 words in length.

2. Entries must be typed, double-spaced on 8.5"x 11" paper.

3. Five Copies of the essay must be submitted with the original copy.

4. Judging criteria will be as follows:

Content

Creativity

Use of Theme

Structure

1. Entries must be no longer than 3 minutes in length.

2. Lyrics and music MUST be original work.

3. A typed lyric sheet must be turned in with the entry.

4. The music must be original and presented on a high-quality cassette tape. (You may wish to bring an extra copy as a backup.)

5. Judging criteria will be as follows:

Content

Creativity

Use of Theme

Clarity

1. Largest college delegation attending

2. The most spirited school

3. The farthest traveled

Entry not on standard VHS tape

School Name___________________

Disqualifications include:

1. Late entry

2. Weight over 50 lbs.

3. Size larger than 24 inches by 30 inches.

School Name _________________

Disqualifications include:

1. Late entry

2. Entries not between 500 – 750 words

3. Entries not typed, double spaced, on 8.5" X 11’ paper

4. Entries not submitted with 5 copies

School Name_________________

Length of tape ________________

Disqualifications include:

1. Late entry

4. Length longer than 3 minutes

5. Not submitted on cassette tape

School Name __________________

Disqualifications:

1. Late entry

3. Entries not typed, double spaced on 8 ½ X 11" paper.

Texas Junior College Student Government Association

College Roster

Amarillo College

Clarendon College

El Paso Community College

Frank Phillips College

Howard College- Big Spring

Howard College- San Angelo

Midland College

Odessa College

South Plains College

Vernon College

Western Texas College

Brookhaven College

Cisco Junior College

Eastfield Community College

Grayson County College

Navarro College

North Lake College

Richland College

Tarrant County Junior College

Kilgore College

Northeast Texas Community College

Panola College

Paris Junior College

Texarkana College

Trinity Valley Community College

Tyler Junior College

Austin Community College

Blinn College- Brenham

Blinn College- Brazos Valley

Central Texas College

Hill College

McLennan Community College

TSTC- Waco

Wharton County - Sugarland

Wharton County Junior College-Main

Alvin Community College

Brazosport College

College of the Mainland

Galveston College

HCCS- Central College

HCCS- Northeast College

HCCS- Northwest College

HCCS- Southeast College

HCCS- Southwest

Kingwood College

Lee College

Coastal Bend College

Del Mar College

Laredo Community College

Palo Alto College

San Antonio College

South Texas Community College

Southwest Texas Junior College

St. Phillip’s College

TSTC- Harlingen

Victoria College

Amendment to the TJCSGA Constitution

Name: ______________________________

School: ______________________________

I suggest the following amendment to Article _____, Section _____, Subsection _____, of the Texas Junior College Student Government Association Constitution.

Current text:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Amend to Read: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Purpose of the Amendment:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Is this a housekeeping or overhaul amendment? _________________________________

__________________________________ _________________________________

Primary Author’s Signature Second’s Signature

Submit to:

Representative: Jason William

Williambond_@yahoo.com

P.O. Box 447

Amarillo TX 79178

Phone: (806) 371-5321

Fax: (806) 345-5517

The TJCSGA Bulletin Item Submission

Please include a brief description of the activity or item you are submitting for publication in the TJCSGA Bulletin, as well as the contact person for the editor to contact for further information. Attach the article and/or any other documentation you feel might be helpful and forward this to the TJCSGA Bulletin School. Submission deadlines are the 15^th of every month for articles on the previous month.

Name: _________________________________

School: _________________________________

Address: _________________________________

Phone: _________________________________

Description of item submitted:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Fax: (915) 264-5024

Annual membership dues for the Texas Junior College Student Government Association are $150, as set by the delegates at the state convention. Dues for current members must be paid prior to seven days before the state convention, which is April 10^th-13^th, 2003, for this academic year. New members may pay up until the state convention.

Treasurer