Palm Beach State College Lake Worth Campus
Student Government Association Constitution
Preamble
We the students of the Palm Beach State College Lake Worth Campus, in order to
establish governing bodies that will assist the administration and the students in
facilitating student like affairs do hereby establish this constitution. All rights and
privileges extended to the students shall be recognized by the administration of the
college.
Article I
Name, Purpose, & Membership
Section 1: The organization vested by the students of Palm Beach State Lake Worth shall
be known as the Student Government Association (SGA) and shall be the official voice
of the student body.
Section 2: The purpose of the SGA shall be to unify clubs on campus and in the context
of a nurturing environment, promote cultural and social events beneficial to the student
populous. Its duties shall also include: coordinating student activities, promoting an
intellectual interest in all phases of the college life, increasing the sense of individual
responsibility among the student body and encouraging cooperation between the students
and the administration. The SGA shall act as a liaison through which student issues,
thoughts, and concerns are conveyed to the administration, faculty and staff. Believing
that a strong sense of awareness is pertinent to student life, the SGA also advocates
keeping students abreast of pressing issues that affect the institution and the community;
fostering leadership and citizenship in their fellow students. Moreover, the SGA is a
viable entity of the college and its existence is very essential to the welfare of the
students. The SGA is also expected to uphold the ideals of the college, which includes,
stimulating free expressions of liberty, equality, and justice.
Section 3: All currently enrolled Palm Beach State students with a GPA of 2.0 or higher
are eligible to become a member or senator of the SGA. Senators with these
requirements along with being enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours during that
semester, and having top points coinciding with the point sheet system further discussed
in Article III; Section 15, will be given preference to travel with the executive board to
conferences, retreats, meetings and other opportunities of the like. At the end of the
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semester active senators will be eligible to receive a percentage of the scholarship money
available.
Section 4: All students participating in SGA at Palm Beach State – Lake Worth shall be
subject and must adhere to this constitution and the student body statutes.
Article II
Executive Branch
Section 1: All executive powers of the student body will be vested in the eight executive
officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, Sergeant at
Arms, Legislative Liaison, and Historian. Said officers shall hold office through the
duration of one academic year, July 1 to June 30. Furthermore, officers may not serve on
another executive board for any club, organization or association simultaneously.
Section 2: The duties and powers of the executive officers shall be:
A. PRESIDENT
Serve as the chief representative of the student body.
Administer and enforce this constitution and all ruling made by the Judicial Branch.
Appoint, with the approval of the SGA Advisor, any and all student representatives to the
various college committees and SGA committee.
Appoint individuals to serve on ad hoc committees or commissions not specifically
provided for in this constitution but which the SGA Executive Board authorizes.
Appoint an Executive Board to be in charge of the respective executive position.
Delegate, guide and supervise each member of the SGA Executive Board in the discharge
of the duties and powers.
Request written/oral reports from any member of the Executive Branch.
Call and preside over Executive Beard meetings.
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Call emergency meetings of any SGA Branch (Senate/Judicial/Executive). For instance,
if a situation arises which needs the approval prior to regularly scheduled senate
meetings.
Remove any persons in the Executive Branch that he/she appoints with the approval of a
majority of the E-board and 2/3 vote of the Senate.
Make appointments when vacancies occur on the Executive Board with the approval of
all the remaining E-board and the SGA Advisor.
Make recommendations for legislation to the Senate.
Veto any legislation passed by the Senate, provided that 2/3 of the Executive Board is in
the agreement and such power is exercised within one week of submission.
Prepare proposed budget in accordance with college fiscal policies and with the Treasurer
and Advisor's guidance.
Appoint members of the Judicial Branch by the 1st meeting in October. This is subject to
2/3 voted by the Senate.
Report orally, or in writing to the Advisor, the preceding monthly SGA activities,
problems and pending issues.
Report, orally and in writing, a State of the Government Address, to the Senators and
members of the SGA, once per semester (summer semesters nor included--only fall and
spring).
Participate on College committees.
Resolve student problems through the Student Government Senate.
Construct flyers and inventory of SGA equipment and supplies.
Recruit volunteers and assist with the planning activities for the student events.
Adhere to other duties assigned by SGA Advisor.
B. VICE PRESIDENT
Serve as President of the Senate, which means that he/she prepares and facilitates
meetings. This included planning the agenda for the upcoming Senate meetings.
Assume the duties and powers of the President in his/her absence.
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Assume Presidency upon the resignation or the removal of the President from office.
Participate on college committees.
Resolve student problems through the Student Government Senate.
Construct flyers and inventory of SGA equipment and supplies.
Recruit volunteers and assist with the planning activities for student events.
Adhere to other duties assigned by the SGA Advisor.
C. SECRETARY
Record and post the minutes of all Executive Board meetings within three (3) weekdays
of each meeting.
Post the minutes of all meetings of the Legislative Branch via the Senate Secretary,
within three (3) weekdays of each meeting.
Record and post all activities sponsored by the SGA.
Maintain the official records of all departments and committees.
Prepare all official correspondence for the executive officers.
Maintain the official record from the Senate Secretary of the legislation/meetings.
Participate on college committees.
Resolve student problems through the Student Government Senate.
Construct flyers and inventory of SGA equipment and supplies.
Recruit volunteers and assist with the planning activities for student events.
Adhere to other duties assigned by SGA Advisor
D. TREASURER
Serve as the financial officer for SGA with the assistance of the SGA Advisor.
Prepare all written monthly financial reports for distribution to the advisor, Executive
Board and the Senate.
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Maintain an accurate, up-to-date accounting of all internal and external SGA funds.
Aid in the development of the SGA budget.
Participate on college committees.
Resolve student problems through the Student Government Senate.
Construct flyers and inventory of SGA equipment and supplies.
Recruit volunteers and assist with the planning activities for student events.
Adhere to other duties assigned by SGA Advisor.
E. PARLIAMENTARIAN
Serve as Parliamentary authority at meetings.
Assist the President in altering the constitution whenever necessary.
Must be on familiar terms with the newest revised edition of Robert’s Rules of Order
Participate on college committees.
Resolve student problems through the Student Government Senate.
Construct flyers and inventory of SGA equipment and supplies.
Recruit volunteers and assist with the planning activities for student events.
Adhere to other duties assigned by SGA Advisor.
F. HISTORIAN
Keep a history of the year's events and add them to the Association's Historical Book
(Scrapbook). Present the book to the President-elect.
Participate on college committees.
Resolve student problems through the Student Government Senate.
Construct flyers and inventory of SGA equipment and supplies.
Recruit volunteers and assist with the planning activities for student events.
Adhere to other duties assigned by SGA Advisor.
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G. SERGEANT AT ARMS
Will hold order at all SGA Senate and E-board meetings.
Must also be on familiar terms with the newest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.
Participate on college committees.
Resolve student problems through the Student Government Senate.
Construct flyers and inventory of SGA equipment and supplies.
Recruit volunteers and assist with the planning activities for student events.
Adhere to other duties assigned by SGA Advisor.
H. LEGISLATIVE LIASION
Work with the Executive Board on organizing and coordinating local support effort on
the issues approved at a meeting. Each support effort shall tailor to the individual type of
issue.
Work with the President to secure a prioritized list of current and relevant issues affecting
the college to be presented to the Senate body, with due notice.
Research the approved issues and compile an issues packet when needed, and a ballot
giving information pertaining to their background and specific questions involved with
each. A written statement shall be included in the packet with each issue that is rejected
stating why it was rejected. Legislative Liaison shall present a sample ballot(s) out to the
Senate and Executive board with the Issues Packet. The sample ballot(s) shall contain a
brief outline of the specific questions that the Senate will vote on.
The Legislative Liaison, with the approval of the President, shall contact and confirm
knowledgeable speakers pertaining to legislation who are able to address the pros/cons
related to the selected issues before the Senate. The confirmed list of speakers shall be
forwarded to the Executive Board that will coordinate the detail of the speakers'
invitations, transportation, arrival time, and stay.
Prepare an "Official Ballot" to be used before the Senate for voting on issues.
Serve as an alternate voice of SGA when authorized by the SGA President.
Assist the president pertaining to legislation.
Take and up-hold the oath of office.
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Section 3: The Executive Board shall serve as the central executive agency of the student
body. It shall be composed of the eight executive officers. The Board shall have the
following duties and powers:
Help the advisor prepare the SGA budget that includes Senate recommendations. The
appropriate college officer should make this presentation to the Advisor on the first day
of the month due.
Approve all policies of each of the respective positions prior to their enactment.
Authorize disbursements of SGA funds not originally provided for in the budget, with the
approval of the Advisor.
Remove an Advisor with just cause; two-thirds vote of the E-board is required. However,
the Judicial Branch must review all recommendations and validity of accusations;
information must be forwarded to the Dean of Student Services.
Serve on a disciplinary board at disciplinary meetings that involves the SGA Senate, Eboard or Judicial Branch - if the involved student is in agreement.
Article III
Legislative Branch
Section 1: All legislative powers of the student body shall be vested in the SGA Senate.
Section 2: Students who belong to the SGA legislative branch shall be divided into two
chambers (Members and Senators).
Section 3: Members of the Palm Beach State – Lake Worth Student Government
Association are all currently enrolled students of the Lake Worth Location campus who
attend SGA meetings but are not permitted to vote.
Section 4: Senators of the Palm Beach State – Lake Worth Student Government
Association are all currently enrolled students of the Lake Worth location who have been
inducted and actively function in SGA.
Section 5: In order to become a Senator, one must attend at least three consecutive
meetings, become a member of a committee, be active in that said committee, and
participate in at least two SGA functions per month--Senate meetings are not included.
Section 6: After a member has been inducted as a Senator he/she is required to attend
50% of the scheduled meetings.
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Section 7: Only Senators will be permitted to vote, except if he/she is on probation, then
it is not permitted.
Section 8: The Vice President of the SGA shall serve as the President of the Senate and
in that capacity shall have the following duties: preside over all meetings of the Senate,
appoint a Secretary to record minutes. The president of the Senate shall serve as the
tiebreaker among equally divided votes made by the Senate.
Section 9: In the absence of the President of the Senate, the SGA President may preside
over the Senate meetings; if not available, chain of command set forth in this constitution
shall be followed (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian,
Historian, Sergeant-At-Arms, Legislative Liaison).
Section 10: The duties and powers of the Senate shall be to:
Enact all necessary legislation and prepare for executing the power vested in the student
body constitution.
Override, by two-thirds vote, any ruling made by the Judicial Branch. (The Senate has
seven days to appeal any decision made by the Judicial Branch).
Override, by two-thirds vote, any existing legislation made by the Senate.
Establish ad hoc committees that are deemed necessary and proper for the expedient
handling of Senate business.
Enact impeachment proceedings against any officer of the executive board; a two-thirds
vote is required by the senate and Executive Board for impeachment process to be just.
Uphold and update bylaws.
Section 11: The Senate is encouraged to assist in planning and organizing Palm Beach
State's Academic Award Ceremony with the assistance of the Student Activities
Coordinator.
Section 12: The Senate shall pass no laws that are deemed as violation against school's
policies, but shall pass legislation in accordance to the policies rules and ethics of the
college.
Section 13: The Senate (by majority vote) shall approve all functions and events
sponsored by the Student Government Association through the duration of Spring
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Semester.
Section 14: The Senate has the right to appeal any decisions made by SGA Advisor and
any member of the Administration staff. Refer to the by-laws for appeal process.
Section 15: The SGA has a point sheet system whereby senators can be awarded points
for both on campus events and off campus educational events that benefit the college or
Student Government Association. The points attained will determine the amount of
scholarship money that senators will receive. GPA, Point sheets, committee meetings,
and involvement in SGA will be deciding factors in permission to travel.
Article IV
Judicial Branch
Section 1: All powers of the judicial review of the SGA shall be vested in the Judicial
Branch.
Section 2: The Judicial Branch shall be composed of five justices: a Chief Justice and
four Associate Justices. None of the Justices shall be a member of either the Executive
Branch or Legislative Branch.
Section 3: The Justices shall elect from within their membership a Chief Justice.
Section 4: The duties and powers of the Judicial Branch shall be:
A. To review and interpret this Constitution.
B. To try all cases of impeachment against an elected or appointed officer of the SGA.
Section 5: It shall be the duty of the Chief Justice to preside over all meetings of the
Judicial Branch and to appoint a clerk from within the Judicial Branch to record the
minutes of each meeting.
Section 6: The Judicial Branch shall review only written requests: said requests must
bear the signatures of at least ten (10) representatives of SGA composed of the Executive
Branch and the Legislative Branch.
Section 7: The Judicial Branch by a majority vote has the power to declare any
legislation unconstitutional.
Section 8: Recommendations by the Judicial Branch are subject to veto by two-thirds
vote of the Senate and the Executive Board.
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Section 9: The members of the Judicial Branch shall preside over Disciplinary Meetings.
Members of this Branch should take an oath that whatever transpires within those
meetings do not become public information.
Article V
Roles and Duties of Advisor
Section 1: Roles of Advisor
Shall encourage student involvement in campus life.
Shall promote academic achievement among students.
Shall encourage student involvement in institutional committees, and campus clubs.
Shall encourage student involvement in the creation of programs designed to support the
student body's needs.
Shall encourage students to establish political action programs.
Section 2: Duties of Advisor
Shall attend all on/off campus events represented by Student Government Association.
Shall accompany students or arrange for an alternative Advisor to all Conferences,
Conventions and Retreats.
Shall maintain an active role in the state and national Student Government Association.
Shall aid in the preparation of SGA budget.
Provide guidance to all Branches of SGA.
Article VI
Meetings
Section 1: The Executive Board and Legislative Branch shall hold weekly meetings. The
Judicial Branch shall meet on demand in accordance with Article IV, Section 7 of this
document.
Section 2: Meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order
Newly Revised edition.
Section 3: Meetings shall be held in a location and time with the approval of facilities.
Section 4: During the summer semester and vacation period when SGA is out-of-session,
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SGA Senators are not expected to attend meetings. When regular meetings resume, SGA
Senators are expected to follow through with the attendance policy.
Section 5: Attendance
All requests for excused absences shall be submitted to the president of the Senate and
approved prior to the Senate meeting.
Any Senator turning in an excused absence before the regular Senate meeting shall be
deducted from the pool of potential Senators for the quorum.
Probationary status is regulated and established by the Executive Board.
Section 6: All meetings must begin with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Article VII
Election and Appointments
Section 1: The President is the only officer within the Student Government Association
who is elected. The Dean of Student Services or his/her designee shall appoint an
Election Committee. The responsibilities of such committee will include the
establishment of election rules and procedures of advertising and conducting the election
process.
Section 2: The newly elected President will be inducted in the last week of June.
Section 3: Students who wish to run for the position of the Student Government
President must be currently enrolled and maintain a minimum of six (6) semester hours.
They must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher. The GPA will be
checked at the midterm and at the end of the term. All candidates for SGA President must
be a current active senator of SGA for a minimum of one semester prior to running for
office.
Section 4: No applications for SGA President will be collected two weeks prior to
campaign week.
Article VIII
Amending Procedures
Section 1: This Constitution can be only amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the
Senate and Executive Board.
Section 2: Any senator of SGA may propose an amendment by submitting a written
resolution to SGA Senate.
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Section 3: The SGA advisor and Dean of Student Services shall give advice on
amendments.
Article IX
Ratification
Section 1: This Constitution shall be ratified by 2/3 vote of the Senate, at three year
intervals or when significant modification is warranted.
Article X
Installation of Officers
Section 1: All individuals, upon assuming an elected or appointed position shall be sworn
into office by the SGA Advisor with the following oath.
"I (state your name) do hereby solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of(
name of office), act in the best interest of the Student Body of Palm Beach State College
to the best of my abilities."
Section 2: The members and senators of the Senate shall be installed in accordance to
Article X, Section 1, by the President of the Senate.
Section 3: All individuals assuming an elected or appointed position at a later time shall
be installed by the SGA Advisor at the next general assembly meeting following their
appointment.
Article XI
Removal of Officers
Section 1: All elected and appointed officers, can be removed from office by a 2/3 vote
of the Senate and E-board, with the approval of the Judicial Branch.
Section 2: All impeachment hearings are open to the Senate.
Section 3: The Chief Justice shall preside over all impeachment proceedings.
Section 5: All elected officers and executive board members of Palm Beach State
College Lake Worth Campus Student Government Association are expected to act in a
lawful manner and with high moral standards of behavior at all times. Student leaders are
expected to hold themselves to a higher standard of behavior.
Section 6: In the event an elected officer or executive board member of the Student
Government Association is convicted of a violation of criminal law or is found civilly
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liable for an act of immoral standards, that person must: Report said situation to the
advisor of the Student Government Association. Be removed from office immediately
pending completion of an appeal through the court system.
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