V) Senate

A) Definition and Purpose

The Senate exists to create and implement legislation that reflects the collective opinion and interests of the Student Association.

B) Rights, Restrictions, and Duties of the Body

1) The Senate may formally approve, modify, or reject, through a two-thirds vote, administrative decisions made by Executive Officers on behalf of Student Government.

2) The Senate may recommend direction to Student Government, its representatives, and other bodies.

3) The Senate may examine all documents of the Fee Allocation Committee and Senate Finance Committee, and make recommendations on the final budget and any expenditures differing from it.

C) Membership

1) College Senators

a) There are up to twelve College Senator seats, two per each of the six academic schools and colleges: College of Liberal Arts, Herberger Business School, School of Public Affairs, College of Science and Engineering, College of Education and Learning Design, and College of Health and Wellness Professions. Senators must be admitted to a major within the school or college they represent.

2) At-Large Senators

a) There is one At-Large Senator for every one thousand students, based on Fall term enrollment. Fractions greater than one-half count as one seat. Minimum of twelve At-Large seats.

3) Senator Rights, Restrictions, and Duties

a) Each Senator may exercise full voting rights at Student Government meetings.

b) Each Senator must be a member of at least one Standing Committee.

c) Each Senator must be a member of at least one University Committee allowing student membership.

d) Each Senator must hold a minimum of one office hour per week.

e) Each Senator must stay informed about Student Association/Student Government issues and their Committee assignments.

f) College Senators must meet with their Dean at least twice per academic term and report meetings to the Academic Affairs Chair.

g) Each Senator must perform other duties as required by the Constitution, Student Government, or Executive Officers.

h) At-Large Senators maintain contact with assigned student organizations, provide updates from Senate meetings, receive input, and submit monthly reports to the Communications Chair.

4) Election and Vacancies

a) College Senators are elected through general elections during Fall term.

b) At-Large Senators are elected through general elections during Spring term.

c) Vacancies outside General Elections are filled through internal elections.