VIII) Referendum

A) Definition and Purpose

1) A referendum is the submission of proposed or active legislation to a direct vote of approval or disapproval by the Student Association. The purpose of a referendum is to obtain an accurate expression of opinion from the Student Association on a particular question.

2) Soliciting Opinion

a) Any Student Government member may submit a measure to the Student Association for consideration in order to more accurately determine the Association’s opinion on that measure.

3) Constitution and Constitutional Amendments

a) Amendments to this Constitution shall be proposed and developed by the Student Constitution Committee.

b) Proposed amendments shall be submitted to a vote of Student Government. With an approval of two-thirds of Student Government, proposed amendments shall then be submitted to a vote of the Student Association membership. If approved by a majority of those voting, and if at least eight percent (8%) of the Student Association membership participates, the amendments shall be submitted to the University President for approval.

c) If approved by the University President, such amendments shall become effective immediately unless otherwise specified in the amendment.

d) If modified, such recommendations shall be submitted to the Student Association for approval or disapproval. If approved, they shall become effective immediately.

e) If the original proposal is disapproved by either the University President or the Student Association membership, or if the University President’s recommended modifications are not approved by the Student Association, the proposal shall be referred back to the Student Constitution Committee for further action.

f) Upon ratification, the Student Government shall be responsible for implementing all provisions of this Constitution.

4) Removal of a Member of the Body

a) Upon petition by at least five percent of the Student Association, a referendum shall be held to remove a member of Student Government. A member shall be removed from office if at least ten percent of the Student Association votes on the referendum and a majority of those voting support the removal. A separate petition and referendum shall be held for each member addressed in this manner.

B) Quorum

1) Quorum shall be defined as eight percent (8%) of the Student Association membership.

C) Process

1) All referenda submitted to the Student Association shall require two calendar weeks’ prior notice specifying the time, place, date, and nature of the matter to be considered.

a) Any referendum calling for modifications to Fee Allocation Committee policies or procedures, or adjustments to Student Fees, shall be submitted no less than six months prior to the fiscal year in which the change is to take effect.

2) Student Government shall oversee and ensure the accurate dissemination of all information relevant to referenda to the Student Association.

3) The presentation, vote collection, interpretation, and recording of referenda shall be handled by the Elections Committee as defined in Section IV.B.1.a.

4) A bill may be introduced as a referendum item by an initiative of at least eight percent (8%) of the Student Association, including measures concerning the discipline or removal of any Student Government member.