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ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
Article I- Name of Organization
The organization shall be known as the Student Government Association of St. Petersburg
College and hereafter, referred to as the SGA.
Article II- Purpose of the Organization
The purpose of the SGA is to serve as the official representative of the student body’s interests,
concerns, and needs at St. Petersburg College. They will also serve as the liaison on behalf of the
student body to college administration. The SGA will make formal recommendations on matters
affecting the educational and leadership services as they affect students at the college. Additionally,
in accordance with Board of Trustee Procedure 6hx23-4.44, the Student Government Association is
required to review request for charters of new student clubs/organizations. Upon review, SGA can
recommend approving the club charter. Final approval of all club and organization charters rest
with college administration. The SGA, as the
official representative of the student body, is responsible for the allocation of the student activity
fees, in accordance with the Department of Education rules and regulations.
Article III- Membership
Students involved in SGA must currently be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours at St.
Petersburg College, and in good academic standing in order to be eligible. SGA will be composed
of at least one representative of each officially recognized club and organization in addition to
senators. The number of senate seats available shall be set within the fall session based on campus
enrollment. For every four hundred students or part thereof, there shall be one Senator.
Membership will also include the executive board.
Article IV – Term Limits
Elected Executive Board members are only allowed to serve two consecutive years (no more than 7
terms) at all campuses at St. Petersburg College. Term limits will be determined by the start of
service in an elected position.
Article V- Student Council of Presidents
A president and vice president of each officially recognized SGA will meet monthly as determined
by the Student Council of President’s Chair. This group will be herein after referred to as SCOP.
The purpose of SCOP will be to address college-wide concerns, opinions, and perceptions in the
general interest of the student body at St. Petersburg College. They will also make college-wide
funding decisions and approve college-wide proposals. These funding decisions must be heard one
meeting prior to a vote taking place. SCOP members must take information back to respective
campuses for a majority-rules vote of the SGA. At the following SCOP meeting, the proposal can
be voted on if a quorum is present – a two-thirds vote before it can be approved.
Article VI- College Wide Committees
Once a college-wide committee is established by SCOP, it becomes SCOP’s responsibility to
determine the structure, function and organization of the committee, as well as how it will be
organized.
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Article VII - Removal from SGA
Automatic removal shall be by two-thirds vote of the Executive Board. Automatic removal
involves the Executive Board (normally the president) to inform the person by telephone call,
official letter and e-mail. The criteria for automatic removal shall be:
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Failure to complete six (6) credit hours with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 for
officers.
Violation of Board of Trustee Rules
Failure to attend two consecutive meetings without prior approval of the SGA advisor.
The following shall be considered justification for removal proceedings:
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Inadequate performance of duties and responsibilities in SGA.
Serving as a representative of SGA without approval of the Executive Board of SGA and
the general student body.
Any SGA member may request that the following be removed from their SGA Position:
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Any elected officer
Any appointed position (i.e.,) Sergeant of Arms, Parliamentarian, Public Relations
Officer, Historian, and Jurisprudence.
Any committee member or chairperson.
Any club/organization representative.
Any senator.
Article VIII - Amendments to the Constitutions
Any amendments to this Constitution will not violate campus, college or Board of Trustees’
Rules.
Amendments to the Constitution must be heard by SCOP one meeting prior to action taking
place to the amendment. With a quorum present, a two-thirds vote is required for the
amendment to take place. Final approval of the constitutional amendments rests with the college
administration.
Article IX – Rights and Responsibilities of Advisors
At any time an advisor, who serves as a representative of college administration, can use his/her
professional judgment to execute functions in the best interest of the students and/or college.
Should a quorum of students not agree to the advisor’s decision, the board can appeal the
advisor’s decision to the campus’ associate provost.
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GENERAL BYLAWS OF THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE, SEMINOLE CAMPUS
ARTICLE I - NAME AND PURPOSE
Section I
This organization is known as the Student Government Association of the St.
Petersburg College, Seminole Campus.
Section II
The Student Government Association will aim to maintain and improve the
effectiveness of educational programs and services as they affect the student body
as a whole.
Section III
The Student Government Association will represent student concerns and the
student body as a whole.
ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP
Section I
Students involved in SGA must currently be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit
hours at St. Petersburg College and in good academic standing in order to be
eligible. SGA will be composed of at least one representative of each officially
recognized club and organization in addition to senators. The number of senate
seats available shall be set within the fall session based on campus enrollment.
For every four hundred students or part thereof, there shall be one Senator or a
minimum number of six, whichever is greater. All members of SGA are subject
to removal.
Item 1. All SGA meetings shall be open and any student shall be
permitted to participate in discussion.
Item 2. All members of SGA are subject to removal at any time, College
administration can use his/her professional judgment to execute
functions in the best interest of the students and/or college. Should
a quorum of students not agree to the Advisor’s decision, the board
can appeal the Advisor’s decision to the Associate Provost.
Section II
Any student currently enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours, has a minimum
cumulative GPA of 2.0, and who is in good academic standing with the college, is
eligible to be a club representative and a 2.5 for Executive Board Members and
Senators.
Item 1. In the case of a newly enrolled student, the minimum
grade point average requirement will be waived for
his/her first session of enrollment.
Item 2. If a member’s cumulative grade point average falls
below the minimum requirement, he/she will be
ineligible to complete his/her term of office. Item 3. A
student must be enrolled at the Seminole campus with
a minimum of 3 credits (with a minimum 6 credit
load).
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Section III
Any member wishing to resign from membership must submit a written
statement to the President and Advisor of SGA.
Section IV
References to Executive board in the constitution and bylaws refer to all elected
officers and appointed officers.
Section V
The SGA will abide by the anti-hazing rules, and the Student Code of Conduct
as described by the Board of Trustees (BOT) rules.
Section VI
References to Session I, II, III will refer to Fall, Spring and Summer. Fall is
Session I, Spring is Session II and Summer is Session III.
ARTICLE III – APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
APPOINTMENTS, OFFICER ELECTIONS
Section I
Each club/organization officially recognized by the college will be given the
opportunity to select a representative to hold membership in the SGA by the
completion and submission of the SGA Club Representative Form. *A club
representative may only represent one club
Section II
All clubs/representatives and senators cannot miss two consecutive meetings or
four meetings in a semester. If this occurs, a club will not be in good standing
with SGA and the senator may be removed from office without notice. For the
club to be back in good standing, they must attend two consecutive meetings.
If a club misses the two consecutive meetings or four in a semester, they must
notify the President and the Advisor in writing as to why it has occurred. They
may be given an opportunity to state his/her case at the next scheduled executive
board meeting.
FAILURE TO ATTEND – If a club/organization fails to follow the rules of
SGA meeting attendance as defined in the SGA Bylaws and Constitution, they
will be deemed ineligible and therefore will not be eligible to receive funds.
Section III
The current Executive Board members shall conduct a senatorial election
provided that there are more applicants than allotted Senate Seats. Students
desiring to run for a Senate Seat must submit a Senator Application to the SGA
Executive Board or the SGA Advisor by the second meeting of the Session.
1. He/She is a voting member that is enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit
hours, with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above and in good academic
standing.
2. He/She must participate in all SGA events, including both the Bright
Before your Eyes and Pow Wow parade.
3. A senator may only represent one club.
Section III
The Sergeant at Arms is appointed by the President if deemed necessary. He/she
will check conduct of members and guests, along with upholding standards laid
out in Robert’s Rules of Order.
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The Historian is appointed by the President. He/she will keep written and pictorial
records of all Student Government Association functions and will be responsible
for the completion of an annual scrapbook.
The Parliamentarian is appointed by the President. He/she will carry out
parliamentary authority. He/she will also be responsible for knowing and carrying
out Robert’s Rules of Order.
The Jurisprudence will be appointed by the President if deemed necessary. He/she
will interpret the Student Government Association Constitution and will handle
all matters related to the Constitution. He/She will also be responsible for assisting
the SGA Advisor with the collection of all required travel documents.
Section IV
Three weeks prior to end of session 2, any member of the current SGA is
eligible to run for an officer position on the Executive Board for the subsequent
year.
1. Senators running for Executive Board offices will have the opportunity
to address SGA in accordance with the established format given by the
SGA Executive Board and Advisor.
2. Each student will have the opportunity to cast one vote for each officer
position, provided there is a candidate for every office. The winner of
the position will be announced upon completion of voting.
3. The officer’s term of service shall be from the beginning of session 3
to the Passing of the Gavel Ceremony.
ARTICLE IV - EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section I
The purpose of the Executive Board is to direct the functions of the Student
Government Association and to represent the Student Government Association.
Section II
The Executive Board shall serve as a representative of the student body before
administration, faculty, and the community.
Section III
Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours, as well as have 6 credit hours
already completed, and must keep a GPA of 2.5 or higher. He/She must attend
all SGA meetings, unless a situation that is not under their control occurs (in
which case they must give adequate notice). All officers are required to attend
all events per semester as well as complete an additional one (1) hour per
week in the Student Life and Leadership office.
Section IV
All Student Government Association members will be expected to fulfill other
responsibilities as assigned by the President, Advisor and/or the E-Board.
Session V
An Executive Board member of SGA shall not serve as a club representative due
to possible bias voting and/or conflict of interest
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ARTICLE V – PRESIDENT
Section I
The President of the Student Government Association is its constitutional leader.
He/she keeps informed of the Student Government Association rules and
regulations and of the activities of all officers and committees by the VicePresident.
Section II
It is the President’s responsibility to see what all committees are appointed
and that all officers and committees work in close cooperation to fulfill their
duties and responsibilities with the Vice President.
Section III
The President will only vote in Student Government Association and Executive
Board meetings in the case of a tie.
Section IV
The President will inform the SGA advisor of all things associated with the
Student Government Association.
Section V
The President may call Special Sessions with a twenty-four hour notice.
Section VI
The President will not vote in Executive Board meetings and in officer elections;
however, the President will only vote in SGA and Executive Board meetings in
case of a tie.
Section VII Serve a minimum of one office hour per week during Fall and Spring semester.
Section VIII He/She must participate in all SGA events, including both the Bright Before your
Eyes and Pow Wow parade.
ARTICLE V - VICE PRESIDENT
Section I
The Vice President will serve in the absence or in behalf of the President.
Section II
The Vice President shall fulfill such duties as assigned to him or her by the
President.
Section III
The Vice President shall be the successor in Office of the President should
the President be removed from office.
Section IV
The Vice President shall serve as the Chairperson of the Student Government
Association in the absence of the President.
Section V
Serve a minimum of one office hour per week for Fall and Spring session.
Section VI
He/She must participate in all SGA events, including both the bright before your
eyes and Pow Wow parade.
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ARTICLE VI – SECRETARY
Section I
The Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining comprehensive minutes of all
official business transpiring in regular or special meetings of the Student
Government Association.
Section II
The Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining comprehensive minutes of
the meetings of the Executive Committee.
Section III
The minutes of the meetings shall be typed with an approved copy posted in
“MyCourses” SGA portal, and upon request, be made available to all persons
within 2 days (work days).
Section IV
The Secretary will document and maintain all Student Government Association
records.
Section V
The Secretary is responsible for keeping track of volunteer participation.
Section VI
At the end of his or her term, the Secretary will turn over all documents to the
Student Government Association Advisor for perpetual storage.
Section VII Serve a minimum of one office hour per week.
Section VIII He/She must participate in all SGA events, including both the Bright Before your
Eyes and Pow Wow parade.
ARTICLE VII – TREASURER
Section I
The Treasurer will be responsible for all sales and collections.
Section II
He/she will also be in charge of keeping all records regarding any fundraising
monies collected on behalf of SGA.
Section IV
He/she will also be responsible for the distribution and collection of all
required travel documents.
Section VI
He/She must participate in all SGA events, including both the bright before your
eyes and Pow Wow parade.
ARTICLE VIII – LEGISLATIVE LIAISON
Section I
The Legislative Liaison of the SGA will share with the President the
responsibilities of representing the Student Government Association in state and
district matters.
Section II
He/she will keep up to date with and communicate any legislative matters
affecting students and will represent the concerns of the student body to the
College Administrations, Board of Trustees (BOT), student body, and/ or local
legislators.
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Section III
He/She will communicate with the State and District Legislative liaisons, staying
abreast of legislative issues.
Section IV
He/She is responsible for scheduling appointments with senators and or legislators
as needed.
Section V
He/She will communicate the Florida College System SGA issues to the students,
gain feedback from them, and have them vote accordingly at the state conference.
Section VI
He/she will also coordinate any letter writing campaigns dealing with student
and/or college concerns.
Section VII Serve a minimum of one office hour per week during Fall and Spring semester.
Section VIII He/She must participate in all SGA events, including both the Bright before your
Eyes and Pow Wow parade.
ARTICLE VIII-VACANCIES
Section I
In the case of a Vacancy in any officer position, there will be succession of
officers as follows: President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, Historian,
Legislative Liaison, Jurisprudence, Sergeant at Arms, and Parliamentarian. If an
officer chooses to stay in his/her position, then it shall be offered to the next
officer in the line of succession. Should no one assume the office, the vacant
position will be opened to all and nominations will be taken at the next General
Assembly meeting. Elections will be held two (2) weeks later by SGA.
Section II
In the case of a club representative vacancy, the club will be responsible for
providing a replacement by submission of a new SGA Club Representative Form.
A club representative may not represent two clubs at a given time for an event or
SGA meeting.
Section III
In the case of a Senate seat vacancy, the SGA will post a public notice until the
vacancy is filled.
Item 1. Those who are eligible (according to Article III, Section I) in
filling the vacancy are required to submit their Senate application
to the President and the Executive Board.
Item 2. After this has occurred they must then attend at least two (2)
consecutive general meetings. The Executive Board will then
schedule an interview. After the interview, there will be a simple
majority rules vote.
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ARTICLE IX. –MEETINGS
Section I
Meetings will be held regularly throughout Session I and II as scheduled.
Section II
The President may choose not to hold Session III meetings.
Section III
The order of business at all regular Student Government Association meetings
will be:
1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. Approval of Minutes
5. Officer/ /Advisor Reports
6. Old Business
7. New Business
8. Open Floor
9. Roll Call
10. Adjournment
Section IV
Robert’s Rules of Order, will be the authority on all questions of Parliamentary law
not addressed by the Constitution and Bylaws.
Section V
Executive Board and general meeting of the SGA will be held at a time, day and
location to be established annually by the SGA Advisor.
ARTICLE X – ABSENCE AND NONFEASANCE OF OFFICE
Section I
If a member accumulates four unexcused absences, he/she shall be
immediately and automatically removed from his or her office. Excused absences
must be approved by both the President and SGA Advisor.
Section II
The secretary must notify the member of his or her removal within three business
days of accumulation of the maximum number of absences. The notice shall
contain the date and function of all accumulated absences.
ARTICLE XI –EA/EO POLICY
Section I
St. Petersburg College is dedicated to the concept of equal opportunity. The
college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national
origin or marital status or against any qualified individual with disability, in its
employment practices or in the admission and treatment of students. Recognizing
that sexual harassment constitutes discrimination on the basis of sex and violates
this rule; the college will not tolerate such conduct.
Section II
In addition the Student Government Association of Seminole Campus wishes to
acknowledge the college’s Federal EA/EO Policy and include this section to
Article VIII that acknowledges that the SGA/Seminole will not discriminate nor
tolerate discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation for membership and/or
participation in SGA or any activities sponsored or supported by the SGA.
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ARTICLE XII - AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS
Section I
Any amendments to these Bylaws will not violate campus, college, or Board of
Trustees rules
Section II
The Bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of two thirds (2/3) of the
Student Government Association members, provided that no vote will be taken on
the proposal to amend the bylaws unless advanced written, posted, and verbal
notice has been communicated at three prior Student Government Association
meetings. Final approval of any and all amendments to the Bylaws rests with the
college administration.