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Constitution of the Student Government Association of Richland College of the Dallas County Community College District.

Preamble: The Student Government Association at Richland College is the official governing body for all students.  We, the Students of Richland College, in order to promote the interests and opinions of the Student Body, undertake and promote programs and projects which are of benefit to the Student Body, to serve as the official voice of the  Student  Body on matters of Student welfare, campus policy,  and the implementation of this policy,  do hereby ordain and establish this Constitution of the  Students, by the  Students, and for the  Students as the binding  Constitution of the Student Body and the Student Government Association.

 Article I: Provisions

Section 1: Name: The organization of the Student Body as a whole at Richland College shall be known as the Student Government Association (SGA).

Section 2: Purpose

A. The Student Government Association shall serve as the central and all-encompassing student organization on campus.

B. The Student Government Association shall create, promote, and support programs of benefit to all students.

C. The Student Government Association shall provide a legislative body that is representative of the Student Body.

D. The Student Government Association shall establish and provide communication within the Student Body and with administrators, faculty, and student bodies of other institutions.

E. Above all, the Student Government Association shall ensure that the voice of the Students Body is always heard at Richland College.

Section 3: Student Body

A. Every duly registered student, as defined by Richland College, shall have equal membership and voting rights in the Student Body.

B. Membership will not be denied or discriminated against on the basis of gender, ethnic origin, physical challenges, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, or any other qualities that have no bearing on a Student’s ability to function as a member of the Student Body.

Section 4: Composition of the Association: The SGA shall consist of the following divisions:

1.         SGA Executive Board herein known as the Eboard consists of the President, Vice President, Parliamentarian, Speaker of the House, Secretary, Historian, Treasurer, TJCSGA Region Two and/or State Representatives (when applicable), and Advisor

  • a.   Elected Officers consists of the President, Vice President, and Speaker of the House
  • b.   Appointed Officers consists of Parliamentarian, Secretary, Historian, Treasurer, and TJCSGA State and/or Region 2 Representative (when applicable)
  • c.   The Executive Board Cabinet consists of the Elected officers plus a Parliamentarian, Secretary, Historian, Treasurer, and Advisor

2.   SGA Delegates as defined in Section 3 of this document

3.   SGA Advisor is defined as a faculty or staff person that serves in an advisory capacity for the students

4.   House of Representatives/Club Council is defined as the Speaker of the House plus one designated representative from each campus club or organization that is properly chartered at Richland College.

  • a. Organizations are defined as campus groups that are formed by the students and for the students but not considered a club.  (The MAP program, PTK, NSCS, etc.)

5.   Senators are defined as appointed members not holding an officer position or representing a specific club or organization

6.   Sub Committees

  • a.  Sub committees are defined as ad hoc committees within the SGA that are formed by the association in order to achieve a specific purpose. (ex: fundraising committee, event committee)
  • b. These committees shall consist of a committee chairperson, a committee secretary, and members.
  • c. Committee duties shall be spelled out in the E-board minutes of which the committee was formed.
  • d. Suggested committees and membership numbers include: Social Media (3), Event Planning (2), Fundraising (2), Awards and Competition (2)

Section 5: Meeting Protocol

A. Parliamentary Procedure

  • 1.   SGA will conduct meetings in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order unless specific deviations are outlined in the SGA Constitution, the SGA bylaws, or designated through proper Robert’s Rules of Order procedure;
  • 2.   Questions of parliamentary procedure shall be resolved by the SGA Parliamentarian.

B. Meeting Schedule

  • 1.   The SGA shall meet on the Mondays and Fridays as scheduled in advance;
  • 2.   Every Monday shall be the E-board meetings at the designated time as scheduled in advance.
  • 3.   The alternating Fridays, with a minimum of twice a month, shall be the general meetings at the designated time.
  • 4.   The SGA shall not be required to meet during the months of January, June, July, or August; but may do so if they desire it.
  • 5.   All regularly scheduled meetings of the SGA General Assembly and the SGA   Executive Board must be conducted in open session;
  • 6.   Public notice of one week is required for all closed session meetings of the SGA Executive Board and the SGA General Assembly
  • 7.   The SGA Advisor, or a designated full-time faculty/staff member must be present at all meetings
  • 8.   Votes that affect any policies of the SGA may only take place during a meeting held in open session.

C.        Quorum and Voting

  • 1.   Quorum shall be defined as having at least fifty percent (50%) plus one of members in good standing present at the call to order of a meeting;
  • 2.   Value of the quorum will be rounded down;
  • 3.   Quorum must be met for all regularly scheduled meetings and any special meetings held in open session;
  • 4.   Proxies shall not be counted towards the attendance requirements to constitute a quorum;
  • 5.   Unless otherwise specified, motions shall be passed via a simple majority vote where majority vote is defined as fifty percent (50%) plus one of the members present and voting;
  • 6.   The presiding officer may only vote in the event of a tie.
  • 7.   If a quorum does not exist; no official action may take place. Committees and Representatives are still encouraged to meet without quorum to discuss and delegate tasks even though no substantial decisions may be made.

D.        Meeting Agenda

  • 1.   The SGA President shall prepare an agenda, with approval from the SGA Advisor, before each General Assembly and Executive Board meeting
  • 2.   and will make it available to the student body at least 48 hours in advance;
  • 3.   Agendas must contain the following items: Call to order, roll call (attendance), review and approval of minutes, old business, and new business

Section 6: Affiliations:

A.        The SGA chooses to associate with the Texas Junior College Student Government Association on a state and regional (2) level.

Section 7: Powers

A.        Student Government is the governing organization and representative of the Student Body; its actions supersede those of all other student organizations, but must comply with federal and state law, local and college regulations, and policies.

B.        Compliance with college regulations and policies shall be executed as such:

  • 1.   A review by the Administrator of Student Life, followed by;
  • 2.   A review by the Assistant Director of Student Services, followed by;
  • 3.   A review by the Dean of Student Services, followed by;
  • 4.   A review by the Vice President of Student Services, followed by;
  • 5.   A review by the College budget office and/or the Office of General Counsel, if necessary
  • 6.   Final transmission to the Office of the President but the Vice President of Student Services for approval/acceptance.

C.        Student Government is subject to the Texas Public Records and Meetings laws, at all times.  SGA shall comply with these statues by requiring:

  • 1.   All meetings be open to the public unless designated as a closed meeting
  • 2.   Reasonable notice of all meetings be posted,
  • 3.   Minutes be taken at all meetings,
  • 4.   All records of SGA be available for inspection.

Article II: Executive Board

Section 1: Composition

A.  The executive board of the SGA shall be defined as stated in Article 1, Section 4, Part A of this constitution.

Section 2: Duties and Powers

A.  Responsibilities of the Executive Board as a whole

  • 1.   The Executive Board shall serve as the central executive agency of the SGA and shall have the following specific duties:
  • a. Make the decisions in the best interest of the association that do not conflict with the SGA Constitution and/or By ­Laws.
  • b. Function as a liaison between the student population and the administration and act in the best interest of the student body and Richland College.
  • c. The term of office of the Executive Board shall be one term lasting one (1) year.
  • d. The Executive Board must attend meetings of the SGA with no more than two (3) unexcused absences.
  • e. Any member of the E-Board can suggest a change to the constitution if and when necessary. They will need a simple majority from the E-Board for approval to present to the General Assembly for a vote. 
  • f.          Executive board members are expected to delegate and ask for help prior to events when needed.

B.  Succession Order for the executive board shall be as follows:

  • 1.   The executive officers of the SGA shall be, in ranking order: President, Vice-President, Speaker of the House, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, Parliamentarian
  • 2.   In the absence of the President the meeting will be presided over by the next executive officer in the order of succession.

Section 3: Officer/Senator Duties:

A.  Duties and responsibilities of the Executive Board Members are as follows:

  • 1.         Duties and Responsibilities of the President:
  • a.   Be the primary spokesperson for the SGA when representing the SGA to the college administration, faculty and/or Board of Trustees.
  • b.   Meet with the RLC Administration team on a regular basis to communicate the ideas and challenges of the students to the administration
  • c.   Oversee the implementation of relevant programs and projects approved by the SGA.
  • d.   Call and preside at all SGA meetings including special meetings when required
  • e.   Cast a vote in the event of a tie in all meetings
  • f.    Appoint all committee chairpersons
  • g.   Be an ex-officio member of all committees
  • h.   Appoint any vacancies within any vacant elected offices.
  • i.    Attend all SGA sponsored events
  • j.    Take and uphold the oath of office.
  • k.   Has the power to set additional meetings when necessary
  • l.    Lead meeting that reinforce the constitution and Robert’s Rules

2.         Duties and Responsibilities of the Vice – President:

  • a.   Assume the responsibilities of the President in the event of her/his absence, resignation, or removal from office.
  • b.   Coordinate all committees.
  • c.   Assist the President
  • d.   Promote and attend all SGA Sponsored events
  • e.   Take and uphold the oath of office.
  • f.    Be the primary spokesperson for the senators           
  • g.   Lead and run Senate meetings when necessary
  • h.   Vice President shall step down the other club position if President get impeached or step down the position, then step up the President position.

3.         The duties of the Treasurer shall be

  • a.   To be responsible for the tracking of all finances pertaining to the SGA
  • b.   To outline a budget and prepare any other financial statements for consideration and review by the Executive Board
  • c.   To arrange for the payment of funds awarded and approved
  • d.   To attend all meetings of the Executive Board.
  • e.   Promote and attend all SGA Sponsored events
  • f.    Take and uphold the oath of office.

4.         Duties and Responsibilities of the Speaker of the House

  • a.  To represent the SGA Objective and serve as a liaison of communication between any active RLC Clubs and Organizations.
  • b.   To fulfill the duties required by the internal/external organization.
  • c.  To report goals of said organization (or any group) to the SGA.
  • d.   To present all meeting minutes of said organization to the SGA.
  • e.  To attend and participate in meetings of the House when available.
  • f.    To prepare a contact list of RLC Clubs, Chapters, Associations and Organizations for the SGA Secretary.
  • g.   Promote and attend all SGA Sponsored events
  • h.   Take and uphold the oath of office.

5.         Duties and Responsibilities of the Secretary

  • a.   To call roll at SGA meetings and determine the presence of a quorum.
  • b.   To keep a physical copy of all attendance records for both general assembly and eboard meetings.  Bring the physical copy of the attendance records to all meetings.  Physical Attendance records shall be kept in the Advisors Office. 
  • c.   Secretary shall sign off on the attendance after each meeting.  Advisor will co-sign.
  • d.   To record and post the minutes of the most recent meeting within forty-eight (48) hours after the meeting. SGA meeting minutes will be distributed to SGA members and OSL.
  • e.   To assist with SGA correspondence as necessary.
  • f.    To maintain a complete contact list and catalog of all current SGA members (Elected, Auxiliary, Committee members, Representatives and Honorary), along with dates of induction and position held.
  • g. To keep an accurate record of elected member required office hours (2 hours per week).
    • To keep concrete records of all SGA minutes.
    • To ensure that SGA members and OSL has actually received copies of the most updated version of the minutes from the most recent SGA meeting with the assistance of the SGA President.
    • To contact members when informing them of termination warning and termination results.
    • Promote and attend all SGA Sponsored events
    • Take and uphold the oath of office.
    • Shall work with Advisor to notify faculty and staff that work directly with students about the upcoming elections at least 3 weeks before intent to run form is due.  Email should encourage dissemination of election information.

6.         Duties and Responsibilities of the Historian

  • a.  To record and take photos of the SGA events
  • b.   To gather and archive any press clippings or social media posts throughout the school year that feature SGA
  • c.  To become knowledgeable of RLC and SGA history
  • d.   To cooperate with the SGA Secretary to maintain and update all SGA records (G.A. minutes and agenda, committee minutes, membership roster, SGA photos, SGA Facebook, etc.)
  • e.  To oversee the creation of a scrapbook for the current SGA year
  • f.    Promote and attend all SGA Sponsored events
  • g.   Take and uphold the oath of office.

7.         Duties and Responsibilities of the Parliamentarian

  • a.  To ensure proper execution of the Parliamentary Procedure is followed as outlined in Robert’s Rules of Order during SGA meetings.
  • b.   To train members of the SGA in use of Parliamentary Procedure, per request.
  • c.  To ensure that the rules outlined in this constitution and bylaws are followed.
  • d.   To have in his or her possession at all meetings: the current constitution and bylaws, the parliamentary authority, and any standing rules the association may adopt.
  • e.  To ensure that SGA Members and Office of Student Life actually possesses a copy of the current TJCSGA and SGA Constitution and Bylaws with the assistance of the Legislative Committee when required.
  • f.    Promote and attend all SGA Sponsored events
  • g.   Take and uphold the oath of office.
  • h.   Ensure that the proper and most up to date version of the constitution is posted to econnect no later than 72 hours after ratification.

8.         Duties and Responsibilities of the Senators

  • a.  To ensure proper execution of the Parliamentary Procedure is followed as outlined in Robert’s Rules of Order during SGA meetings.
  • b.   To learn and follow Parliamentary Procedure.
  • c.  Fill Chairperson and Committee Roles when needed
  • d.  Vote on all matters pertaining to SGA with the exemption of financial matters pertaining to club fund distribution and disciplinary actions
  • f.    Promote and attend all SGA Sponsored events
  • g.   Take and uphold the oath of office.
  • h.   Meet as a Senate at the discretion of the Vice President.
  • i.    Attend the first eboard meeting of each month and every eboard meeting when they are acting in an active chairperson role.

Article III: Membership

Section 1- Duties of all Members

SGA Members are expected:

  • 1.   To represent the SGA on and off RLC campus.
  • 2.   To make their position known throughout their constituency by way of student interaction and participation in RLC and SGA events without using their position for personal gain.
  • 3.   To conform and study the current TJCSGA & SGA Constitution, Bylaws, Robert’s Rules of Order and the Richland College Student Code of Conduct.
  • 4.   To assist RLC students and other SGA members when help is requested regarding SGA.
  • 5.  To have completed and filled out the SGA membership application, defined by the Administrator of the Office of Student Life, hereinafter to be referred to as OSL Director.

Section 2 – Elected Membership/Senators

  • A. Definition- Members shall be the key driving force of SGA. Elected Members not holding officer positions shall be known as delegates
  • B.  Eligibility-Elected/Appointed Members shall:
  • 1.  Maintain enrollment in a minimum of two (2) classes at RLC during each of the fall and spring semesters in the term which they serve office.
    • 2.   Maintain a current overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, and if no college GPA can be provided, then the high school GPA will be taken.
    • 3.   Be voted in at large by the student body at the time of the Officer Election or have been voted in by a majority of current elected members after attending 3 general meetings and having filled out and submitted an SGA application to the SGA advisor.
    • 4.   President may not concurrently serve as President or Vice-President of any other club or organization at RLC.
    • 5.   A total of up to but not exceeding 15 Senators may be selected.
    • 6.   Senators may be appointed at any time during the school year when
  • a.         a member is in good standing and has shown exemplary practices pertaining to SGA activities
  • b.         There is an open senate position
  • c.         If the candidate does not have an established GPA, they need a recommendation from a faculty or staff member.

7.  Candidates for President, Vice President, and Speaker of the House must have been a member in good standing with SGA at Richland College for at least one semester or have a letter of Reference from another college stating your status within SGA at that school and must attend 3 consecutive General meetings prior to the due date for the intent to run the application.

a. Good Standing is defined as

  1. attending 70% or more of general and eboard meetings combined.

2. Consistent participation in Any/All SGA planned activities and meetings

            Section 3 – House of Representatives

  • A.   Definition- Members of the house of Rep will be a key driving force of SGA. House of Representative shall be known as delegates
  • B.   House delegates are designated by their individual clubs to represent those clubs at General Assembly meetings and to vote on their behalf. 
  • C.  Clubs can send different members as their Representatives to each general assembly meeting with an effect on attendance.

 Section 4 –Term of Office

  • A.  Term of office for elected members shall begin the 1st General Assembly after:
    • 1.   April election results are announced, for all Officer Positions. The last General Meeting of the year will fall between the officer elections and finals, allowing for orientation and induction of new officers for the following year. This meeting will be referred to as the Induction Meeting, and Officers will hold their positions until the following year’s induction meeting.
  • B.  Elected/appointed Members may serve no more than four (4) consecutive terms as elected members.

Article IV: Elections/Appointments

Section 1 –Officer Elections

  • A. Campaigning for elected executive board positions shall begin during a pre-designated week of April and conclude with elections the following week.
  • B.  Candidates must follow college policies for posting notices on campus.
  • C.  Each SGA officer position will be pursued individually by prospective candidates.
  • D.  There will be a separate section within the ballot for each SGA Officer position.

Section 2 –Procedures for Elections

  • A.  Election procedures are determined and carried out by the SGA Advisor and Office of Student Life.
  • B.  Elections shall be conducted by secret ballot
  • C.  Each member of the student body will receive one ballot
  • D.  Members of the student body must show a valid school ID in order to receive the ballot
  • E.   Elections will take place over 2 consecutive days in order to give all students the option to vote
  • F.   Ballots will be double counted by the Office of Student Life to confirm the results.
  • G.  Winners will be validated by the Vice President of Student Services.

Section 3 – Appointed positions

  • A. Applications for executive board cabinet positions shall begin during a pre-designated week of April and concluded with elections the following week.
  • B.  Candidates must complete the application and submit a waiver to allow Advisor to check their academic records for GPA, Academic Standing, and current enrollment status.
  • C.  Each cabinet position will be pursued individually by prospective candidates.
  • D.  Candidates of Cabinet positions that are not selected may be offered a Senate position.

Section 4 –Procedures for Appointments

  • A.  Appointment procedures are determined and carried out by the SGA Advisor and Office of Student Life.
  • B.  Scheduling of Interviews will be beginning the day after the elections
  • C.  Interviews will be conducted by the Elected Officers and the Advisor.
  • D. Interviews will consist of the same questions for each applicant.
  • E.   If any single member of the Elected Officials cannot be present for an interview that interview can be recorded and shared with the missing officer.
  • F.   After all interviews are completed Appointment selection shall be conducted by secret ballot between the Elected Officers
  • G. Interviews and selections must be completed before the next scheduled General Assembly Meeting unless voted on by the General Assembly prior to application due date.
  • H.  New Cabinet members will be presented to the General Assembly for approval as a complete group.
  • I.   New Cabinet members will be sworn in at a general assembly meeting before the conclusion of the Spring semester.

Section 5 – Senators

A. Applications for Senator positions shall begin during a pre-designated week of April and concluded with elections the following week.

B.  Candidates must complete the application and submit a waiver to allow Advisor to check their academic records for GPA, Academic Standing, and current enrollment status.

C.  Each Senator position will be pursued individually by prospective candidates.

Section 6 –Procedures for Appointment of Senators

A.  Appointment procedures are determined and carried out by the SGA Advisor and Office of Student Life.

B.  Scheduling of Interviews will be beginning the day after the elections.

C.  Interviews will be conducted by the Elected Officers and the Advisor.

D. Interviews will consist of the same questions for each applicant.

E.   If any single member of the Elected Officials cannot be present for an interview that interview can be recorded and shared with the missing officer.

F.   After all interviews are completed Appointment selection shall be conducted by secret ballot between the Elected Officers

H.  New Senators will be presented to the Cabinet for approval prior to swearing in.

I.   New Senate members will be sworn in at the next eboard meeting available after approval by the Cabinet.

Section 7: Oath of Office

A.  The office SGA Oath of Office shall be:

“I, (State your Name), do hereby solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of Student Government (State the position), and will always act in the best interest of Richland College as a whole and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and abide by the Constitution of the Student Government Association of Richland College.”

Article V: Removal from Office

Section 1: Grounds for removal

A.  Membership may be terminated when:

1.  Three (3) absences from General Assembly meetings are accrued in any fall or spring semester.  For eboard members – Eboard meeting unexcused absences are also limited to three.

  1. Two tardies of more than ten (10) minutes will count as an absence (After missing 2 meetings, a warning regarding termination will be sent via SGA Secretary to the member in question).
    1. Absences may only be excused due to recognized religious holidays, medical or other extreme emergencies at the SGA President’s or Advisor’s discretion.
    1. Not responding within 24 hours to announcements whether through email, text, or group chat, from the President, VP, or Advisor will result in a tardy. “Liking” a message is an acceptable response unless specific information is requested.

2.   A member is not in compliance with any portion of this constitution.

3.  A member is not in compliance with the Student Code of Conduct as printed in the RLC Catalog, current SGA & TJCSGA Constitution, Bylaws and Robert’s Rules of Order.

4.   Voted by a two-thirds (2/3) majority in General Assembly, with approval of the SGA advisor, after giving at least seven (7) days’ notice of intent to terminate to the Elected Membership and to the individual in question.

5.  During road trips, violators of the travel agreement may be sent home at their expense, at the SGA advisor’s discretion.

6. Officer automatically shall lose the position when they report false explanation (Decision will be made by President and Advisor)

7.  After 3 unexcused absences from required meetings, a verbal termination warning shall be given to the officer/senator.

8.  Upon the 4th unexcused absence, the officer/senator is removed from office.

B.  Procedure for termination shall be:

1.   Upon official decision by the SGA Advisor, membership of the individual in question is considered suspended. This decision should be reported by the SGA Secretary in the following General Assembly’s officer report and included in those minutes.

2.   The elected/appointed membership may call a vote of no confidence for any member not believed to be performing their duties in a satisfactory manner.

a.  Seven (7) days’ notice must be given and

b.  a majority-vote of two-thirds (2/3) of elected/appointed body at General Assembly may pass,

c.  and the individuals’ membership will be considered suspended.

3.  The SGA Secretary shall contact the person when available to notify the member of suspension, explaining the reasoning and the opportunity to appeal.

4.   The member must schedule a time to meet with advisors and the SGA executive board, prior to an appeal. Closed Meeting may then be called, by the President, to decide the appeal.

5.   Once ten (10) business days pass without response in the form of an appeal from a suspended member, the member is considered to be terminated.

C.  Terminated SGA individuals must re-qualify and be re-elected by constituency in the next election following the violation (If termination due to conduct violation, individual not eligible for re-instatement.). RLC students are ineligible for membership in SGA if they have been awarded a punishment greater than or equal to “Probation 2” in the last six (6) months.

D.  Replacement of resigned, excused or dismissed officers shall be:

  1. By succession of office where President is considered the first position, the Vice-President is considered the second, Speaker of the House is Secretary considered the third, then is considered fourth, Historian is considered fifth, Parliamentarian and is considered the last. If succession is refused, then the position shall be filled by a majority vote of elected members. When succession happens, only the office below the vacant office moves up and the newly vacant office will be filled by majority vote of elected members.
  2. In the event should an officer other than the president and vice-president resign, the president can call for an election or appoint if the election process fails.

Article VI: Code of Conduct/Qualifications

A.  Members of SGA shall, at all times, respect all students, college employees, members of the community, and the college district’s grounds and property;

B.   Bring honor to their office, the college, and the community;

C.   Foster a spirit of openness, understanding, and cooperation among SGA and the college at large;

D.  Abide by all provisions of the DCCCD Student Code of Conduct as described in the Student Handbook

Article VII –Amendments/Changes to Constitution

A.  Amendments to this constitution or its bylaws will be made by a two-third (2/3) majority vote of total membership of the SGA in regular session after the proposed amendments have been given and reviewed by the Legislative Committee.

B.  Constitutional amendments will go into effect immediately at the beginning of the following semester.

C.  Grammatical Error within this constitution may be corrected

1.  without general assembly approval but

2.  will be approved by the eboard.

3. Grammatical Errors include:

      a. punctuation

      b. spelling

      c. institutional name changes

Article VIII: Ratification

A.  This constitution and its bylaws will be considered valid when approved by two-third (2/3) majority vote of the SGA elected body.

B.  Should an interpretation of this constitution be in dispute, a two-third (2/3) majority opinion of the quorum will hold. Rewording; as a result, must be documented and dated as such in official reprints of the constitution.