The Constitution of the
W H E A T ON C O L L E G E
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Preamble
W e t h e s t u d e n t s o f W h e a t o n C o l l e g e, in order to promote an atmosphere
conducive to the development of whole and effective Christians through excellence in programs of
Christian higher education; to ensure a voice in the college at large; to enhance student spiritual,
educational, social, physical, and cultural welfare; and to foster a spirit of unity among students,
establish this constitution for the student body of Wheaton by the authority vested in us by the Board
of Trustees and the Administration through the Faculty College Life Committee.
Article I
NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Wheaton College Student Government. It shall also be
referred to in this constitution as the Student Government or the Government.
A r t i c l e II
PURPOSE AND POWER
S e c t i o n 1: Purpose
The purpose of Student Government shall be to serve the undergraduate student body, to act as a
liaison between the students and administration, and generally to promote the growth of the college.
Toward these ends Student Government shall represent the student body in the overall affairs of the
College, oversee specific activities designated to it and agreed upon by the Government, and control the
allotment of student club funds.
S e c t i o n 2: Advisory & Legislative Power
Student Government shall have the power of recommendation concerning the overall affairs of the
College and on matters relating to student affairs, and, subject to Faculty and/or Administration
sanction, the power of legislation on matters pertinent to student affairs.
Se c t i o n 3: Authority
Student Government shall be the final student arbiter and authority in overseeing the affairs of its
electorate.
S e c t i o n 4: Constituent Review
The student body may at any time by petition of ten percent of the official student enrollment call a
student referendum to review any Governmental decision. A government decision is defined as either a
proposal by the board signed by the President, or a proposal passed by the board, vetoed by the
President, and then voted upon again by the Board. Even if the override vote by the Board does not
succeed, the issue can still be subject to constituent review. The referendum shall be conducted within
15 consecutive academic days after submission of the petition. A majority vote by the student body
shall be required to reverse a Governmental decision.
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A r t i c l e III
STRUCTURE AND MEMBERSHIP
S e c t i o n 1: Basic Structure
A. Regular Members. The Wheaton College Student Government shall be comprised of three
entities consisting of 21 regular members of the organization.
1) Executive officers
a. The nine executive officers make up the Executive Committee.
b. The executive authority consists of the Student Body President, Vice President, and
the seven Executive Vice Presidents.
c. The executive authority is elected by the student body at large.
2) Class Representatives
a. The respective President and Vice President are elected from each of the four
undergraduate classes.
b. The above-mentioned are the eight members on Student Government elected by
their respective classes.
3) Appointed Administrative Cabinet
a. The cabinet supports the entire organization.
b. The four standing members of this cabinet shall include the Administrator, the
Public Relations Manager, the Services Manager, and the Chaplain.
c. The above-mentioned are the four appointed members of Student Government.
S e c t i o n 2: General Terms of Regular Membership
Any member of the Wheaton College undergraduate student body shall be eligible for regular
membership provided that s/he is not on probationary status of any sort. Terms shall officially begin
in the fall of the next academic year. Upon election, members of the Board of Representatives will be
non-voting members of the Government with the exception of approving appointments. During the
transitional period between the elections and the end of the academic year, both current and new
members shall attend all requisite board meetings.
S e c t i o n 3: Specific Terms of Regular Membership
A. Executive Officers. The Student Body President/Vice President at the time of the election shall
have been or be enrolled for their second semester as full time undergraduate students at Wheaton
College, not including their freshman year. The Executive Vice Presidents at the time of the election
shall have been enrolled for their second semester as full time undergraduate students at Wheaton
College.
B. Appointed Members. All appointed positions shall be made by the President and Vice President
elect in conjunction with the current President and Vice President and the Student Development Staff
Advisor of SG.
Se c t i o n 4: Fall Orientation
All regular members will be required to attend orientation prior to the beginning of the academic year.
Exemptions will be made at the discretion of the President and Vice President in consultation with the
Student Development Staff Advisor of SG.
S e c t i o n 5: Advisors
The President and Vice President of Student Government shall choose one faculty advisor from the
Wheaton College faculty. The Student Development Staff Advisor of SG shall also serve as an advisor.
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S e c t i o n 6: Removal from Office
Any regular member of Student Government may be impeached by a three-fourths vote of the voting
members in Student Government. Grounds for impeachment must be one of the following:
§ Intentional violation of the Government’s Constitution or Bylaws.
§ Violation of the Community Covenant.
If a member is impeached, the Student Development Staff Advisor of SG, in consultation with the Vice
President of Student Development, must agree with the Government’s decision in order for that
person to be removed from office.
S e c t i o n 7: Emplacement Ceremony
Prior to the end of the academic year shall be the emplacement of members for the following year. The
following statement will be affirmed by all those seeking SG membership for the upcoming academic
year:
I understand the responsibilities of the office of (state position) as described in the Constitution and affirm that I will, to
the best of my ability, conduct these responsibilities in a manner consistent with Biblical principles.
The current President will administer the statement to the President elect. The current Vice President
will administer the statement to the Vice President elect, at which time the gavel will officially be passed
to the new administration. (The old administration will continue with all constitutional responsibilities
until the end of their term consistent with Article III, Section 2.). The new Vice President will then
administer the oath to: 1.) all executive vice presidents elect, 2.) all other members of the Board of
Representatives elect, and 3.) all newly appointed cabinet members.
Any members appointed or elected after this emplacement ceremony shall be administered the oath by
the Chair of the Board of Representatives (Vice President of the Student Body) during the first regular
meeting of the board after the new member’s election or appointment.
Article IV
REGULAR MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
S e c t i o n 1: Frequency and Purpose
The regular members shall generally meet on a weekly basis but are required to meet at least twice a
month during the academic year to receive reports and consider proposals from its members. A
quorum of a majority of voting members is required to conduct business. Special meetings may be
scheduled at the request of five voting members or at the request of the President or Vice President
provided that due notice (at least 24 hours) is given. The Student Body Vice President shall preside
over these meetings and shall generally employ Robert’s Rules of Order when the Board of
Representatives is in parliamentary session.
S e c t i o n 2: Attendance Policies
A. Regular Members. Attendance shall be required for all regular members. Four unexcused absences
shall result in the revocation of membership. Excused absences may be granted before a meeting by the
Vice President, unless extenuating circumstances warrant an ex post facto excuse.
B. Non-Members. All students and college personnel shall have the privilege of attending any
meeting unless a closed session is ordered by two-thirds of the members present. Such observers may
speak when recognized by the chair but shall not vote or make motions.
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Section 3: Voting Procedure
The voting procedure for all proposals presented before the Student Government Board shall be as
follows:
1) A voice vote, the results of which to be determined by the Chair.
2) If division is called by any board member, upon a second, a roll call vote shall be administered by the
Chair, and recorded into the minutes with the names of each voter and his/her corresponding vote.
3) Voting members shall include: Student Body President, executive officers, and class representatives.
Non-voting members shall include: Student Body Vice President (with the exception of breaking a tied
vote) and the administrative cabinet.
Article V
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
S e c t i o n 1: S T U D E N T B O D Y P R E S I D E N T
A. Purpose.
The executive authority of Student Government shall be vested in the Student Body President. As
such, the President shall serve as the primary representative and liaison between Student Government
and the student body at large. In addition, the President will serve as the primary representative and
liaison for Student Government and the student body at large to the rest of the college
community, including faculty and administration.
B. Executive Authority.
The President shall ultimately be responsible for the execution of all Student Government activity. As
such, the President is primarily responsible for bringing proposals from the Board of
Representatives to the Administration in a timely fashion. Although an ex-officio member, the
President may sponsor proposals and pass motions.
1) Government Appointments. The President shall be responsible for making all Student
Government appointments, including those to external entities (such as faculty committees,
boards, and panels) subject to the approval of the voting membership.
2) Committee Powers. The President shall appoint and coordinate committees to address campus
concerns, subject to the approval of the voting membership and shall also be an ex-officio
member of all Government committees.
3) Retreat Planning. The President shall work with the Vice President in organizing the Fall
Retreat and the Winter Retreat.
4) Special Issues. For advisory purposes on special issues only, the President shall appoint student
representatives to an ad hoc advisory group of no more than 5 members. These students shall
be selected by a majority vote of Student Government after reviewing the recommendation
from the President. The Student Development Staff Advisor of SG shall serve as a consultant
to the committee upon the committee’s call.
5) Limitation of Authority. A veto by the President may be overruled by a vote of two-thirds of
the Government.
6) Responsibilities Before the Board. The President shall be responsible for outlining his/her
policy and administrative agenda at least once a quad before the Board of Representatives and
shall make a report to it at every meeting. The President may bring up proposals before the
Board for its consideration but may not vote. However, the President shall exercise executive
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authority with all proposals and appointments according to the procedures outlined in Article
VIII.
C. Representational Authority.
The President shall establish and maintain relationships with members of the student body, faculty,
administration, alumni, and trustees. Specific relationships are as follows:
1) Communication to the Student Body
a. Student Government section in the Record. In cooperation with the Editor-in-Chief,
the President will be responsible for maintaining a regular section in the campus
newspaper to communicate program initiatives as well as solicit feedback.
2) Representation to the Faculty
a. The Faculty Business Meeting. The President will be responsible for giving a report at
each meeting.
b. Faculty Council. The President shall serve as a member of and give regular reports to
Faculty Council.
c. Faculty Personnel Committee. The President shall sit in on sessions of the Faculty
Personnel Committee when there are faculty candidates being interviewed.
3) Representation to the Administration
a. The College President. The President shall meet with the College President on a
regular basis to represent both student and, more specifically, Student Government
concerns to the College President and to be available to provide advice on college
matters.
b. Student Development. The President shall join the Vice President in regularly
meeting with the Vice President of Student Development and the Student
Development Staff Advisor of SG.
c. Other Members. The President shall establish and maintain contact with other
members of the administrative and staff structure of the College as the need arises.
4) Representation to Alumni
a. The President and the Vice-President shall serve as a liaison between the alumni and
the students through establishing a relationship with the Director of Alumni.
5) Representation to the Board of Trustees
a. The President shall serve as the student representative to the Student Development
Committee (to which s/he shall give a regular report) and the Executive Committee
of the Board of Trustees. The President shall also serve as the student representative
to the full Board of Trustees.
b. In the case of a necessary absence, the president shall appoint another representative
from the Student Government board to attend the meeting in his/her stead.
S e c t i o n 2: S T U D E N T B O D Y V I C E P R E S I D E N T
A. Purpose.
The Student Body Vice President shall be responsible for assisting the President by serving as chief
legislative coordinator as Chair of the Board of Representatives and being responsible for the
internal and staff administration of Student Government. The Vice President shall be directly
responsible to the President.
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B. Executive Authority.
The Vice-President shall ultimately be responsible for the execution of internal Student Government
activity. As such, the Vice-President is primarily responsible for overseeing elections, managing the
cabinet, and running meetings.
1) Government Appointments. The Vice President shall assist the President in Student
Government appointments.
2) Committee Powers. The Vice President shall chair all meetings of the Government and serve as
chair of the Board of Representatives. As such s/he shall chair all meetings of the Board and
shall serve as an ex-officio member of all Board Committees. S/He shall serve as a resource to
all Board members and committees in the drafting of any proposals and recommendations and
be ultimately responsible for the development of Board and Committee policy.
3) Retreat Planning. The Vice President shall work with the President in organizing the Fall
Retreat and the Winter Retreat.
4) Constitutional Updating. The Vice President shall make any approved Constitutional
Amendments or Bylaw changes.
5) Limitation of Authority. The Chair shall not vote unless that vote makes a difference in the
vote’s final results. In addition, the Chair may not sponsor proposals or make motions.
Furthermore, the chair shall not speak on proposals regarding matters other than points of
order or information.
6) Power of Succession. The Vice President shall assume the position of the President when a
vacancy occurs in that office and shall perform the duties of the President during a temporary
absence.
C. Representational Authority.
The Vice President shall establish and maintain relationships with members of the student body,
faculty, administration, alumni, and trustees. Specific relationships are as follows:
1) Representation to the Faculty.
a. The Faculty Business Meeting. The Vice President shall be responsible for attending all
faculty business meetings and shall give the Student Government report in the
President’s absence.
b. Faculty Development Committee. The Vice President shall sit on the Faculty
Development Committee.
c. Faculty Personnel Committee. The Vice President may sit in on sessions of the Faculty
Personnel Committee (when the President is not available) when there are faculty
candidates being interviewed (usually during the Spring Semester).
2) Representation to the Administration
a. The College President. The Vice President shall join the President in meeting with the
College President on a regular basis to represent both student and, more specifically,
Student Government concerns to the College President and to be available to provide
advice on college matters from the student perspective.
b. Student Development. The Vice President shall join the President in regularly meeting
with the Vice President of Student Development and the Director of Student Activities.
c. Other Members. The Vice President shall establish and maintain contact with other
members of the administrative and staff structure of the College as the need arises.
3) Representation to Alumni
a. The President and the Vice-President shall serve as a liaison between the alumni and the
students through establishing a relationship with the Director of Alumni.
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4) Representation to the Board of Trustees
a. The Vice President shall serve as the student representative to the Advancement
Committee of the Board of Trustees.
S e c t i o n 3: E X E C U T I V E V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F C O L L E G E L I F E
A. Purpose.
The Executive Vice President of College Life (EVPCL) shall assist the Government in representing
student
concerns on matters related to college life by overseeing policies and issues related to college life
within the Government and by communicating with areas of the college that deal with college life issues.
B. Executive Authority
The EVPCL shall be the primary facilitator on Student Government with regards to college life issues.
As such, s/he shall chair the College Life Committee. The College Life Committee shall be comprised
of any student that the Executive Vice President may appoint. The College Life Committee shall have
jurisdiction over issues such as residence life, student services, community development, campus
maintenance and stewardship, and any other college life issue that the committee and the Government
may wish the committee to pursue. Should any of these issues warrant the creation of an ad hoc
committee to deal specifically with a given issue, the Committee may request the creation of one with
Government approval.
C. Communication Responsibilities
The EVPCL shall establish and maintain relationships with members of the student body, faculty, and
administration. Specific relationships are as follows:
1) Representation to the Faculty
a. The Faculty Business Meeting. The EVPCL shall be responsible for attending all
faculty business meetings.
2) Representation to the Administration
a. The EVPCL shall establish and maintain relationships with those on the College Staff
and administration who deal specifically with areas that affect campus life.
3) Communication Responsibilities
a. The EVPCL shall establish and maintain relationships with the College Union
President, leaders in the Office of Christian Outreach, members of the residence life
staff, and leaders of student publications. The EVPCL shall use these relationships to
bring any issues to the attention of the Government that may be of particular concern
to these leaders.
b. The EVPCL shall make biweekly reports to Student Government regarding the
activities accomplished since the last report, and activities to be accomplished before
the next report is given. In addition, the EVPCL will meet with the President and
Vice
President regularly.
4) Representation to the Board of Trustees
a. The EVPCL shall serve as the student representative to the Building and Facilities
Committee of the Board of Trustees.
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S e c t i o n 4: E X E C U T I V E V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F C O M M U N I T Y D I V E R S I T Y
A. Purpose
The Executive Vice President of Community Diversity (EVPCD) shall assist the President and the
Government in
representing student concerns on matters related to diversity by overseeing policies
and issues related to
diversity within the Government and by communicating with areas of the college that
deal with
diversity issues. These diversity issues include, but are not limited to: race, ethnicity, culture,
gender,
geography, Christian tradition and practice, politics, socioeconomic status, and disabilities.
B. Executive Authority
The EVPCD shall be the primary facilitator on Student Government with regards to college policy
related to diversity. As such, s/he shall chair the Diversity Committee. The Diversity Committee shall
be comprised of shall be comprised of any student that the Executive Vice President may appoint. The
Committee shall have jurisdiction over issues pertaining to areas of diversity, specifically in representing
these policy issues to the faculty and administration. Should any issue warrant the creation of an ad hoc
committee to deal specifically with a given issue, the Committee may request the creation of one with
Government approval. The Community Diversity Committee shall be responsible for the distribution
of “Racial Diversity Grant” funds to student clubs. The Community Diversity Committee shall
consider requests and make its recommendations to the Government for final allocations in accordance
with the procedures contained within the Bylaws. The Director and/or Assistant Director of the Office
of Multicultural Development and the Assistant Director of Student Involvement shall serve as
consultants to the committee upon the committee’s call.
C. Communication Responsibilities
The EVPCD shall establish and maintain relationships with members of the student body, faculty, and
administration. Specific relationships are as follows:
1) Representation to the Faculty
a. The Faculty Business Meeting. The EVPCD shall be responsible for attending all
faculty business meetings.
2) Representation to the Administration
a. The EVPCD shall establish and maintain relationships with those on the College Staff
and Administration who deal specifically with areas that affect campus diversity,
especially with the Office of Multicultural Development. The EVPCD shall also serve
as a student member of the Coordination Council.
3) Representation to Students
a. The EVPCD shall work to maintain a relationship with the various organizations on
campus that concern cultural and racial affairs. Additionally, the EVPCD shall
continually be in communication with minority student leaders and other student
leaders throughout campus who have concerns that relate to diversity related issues.
The EVPCD shall meet every two weeks with the chair of Solidarity Cabinet to
maintain a relationship.
b. The EVPCD shall be in touch with students and staff of other colleges who are
responsible for diversity issues in order to broaden his/her perspective of dealing with
diversity issues at the College.
c. The EVPCD shall make biweekly reports to Student Government regarding the
activities accomplished since the last report, and activities to be accomplished before
the next report is given. In addition, the EVPCD will meet with the President and
Vice President regularly.
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S e c t i o n 5: E X E C U T I V E V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F E D U C A T I O N A L P O L I C I E S
A. Purpose.
The Executive Vice President of Educational Policies (EVPED) shall assist the President and the
Government in
representing student concerns on matters related to the educational policies and the
academic life of the
College.
B. Executive Authority.
The EVPED shall be the primary facilitator on Student Government with regard to educational policy
issues. As such, s/he shall chair the Educational Policies Committee. The Educational Policies
Committee shall be comprised of any student that the Executive Vice President may appoint. The
Educational Policies Committee shall have jurisdiction over issues such as curriculum, departmental
affairs, faculty issues, learning resources (library), and any other educational policies issue that the
committee and the Government may wish the committee to pursue. Should any of these issues warrant
the creation of an ad hoc committee to deal specifically with a given issue, the Committee may request
the creation of one with Government approval. The Educational Policies Committee is also
responsible for recommending candidates to receive academic grants according to the procedures
outlined in the constitutional bylaws.
C. Communication Responsibilities.
The EVPED shall establish and maintain relationships with members of the student body, faculty, and
administration. Specific relationships are as follows:
1) Representation to the Faculty
a. The Faculty Business Meeting. The EVPED shall be responsible for attending all
faculty business meetings.
b. Faculty Educational Policies Committee. The EVPED shall sit on the Faculty
Educational Policies Committee and advise the President on the appointment of
Student Government representatives to any subcommittees of the Educational
Policies committee.
2) Representation to the Administration
a. The EVPED shall establish and maintain relationships with those on the College Staff
and Administration who deal specifically with areas that affect educational policies.
3) Communication Responsibilities
a. The EVPED shall work to make an effort in maintaining contact with students and
chairs from various academic departments and keeping in touch with student
organizations and clubs of an academic nature.
b. The EVPED shall make biweekly reports to Student Government regarding the
activities accomplished since the last report, and activities to be accomplished before
the next report is given. In addition, the EVPED will meet with the President and
Vice
President regularly.
4) Representation to the Board of Trustees
a. The EVPED shall serve as the student representative to the Academic Affairs
Committee of the Board of Trustees.
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Section 6: E X E C U T I V E V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F F I N A N C E A N D T E C H N O L O G Y
A. Purpose.
The Executive Vice President of Finance and Technology (EVPFT) shall assist the President and the
Government in representing student concerns on matters related to the financial life of the College, the
continued viability of clubs that receive funding from Student Government, and technology. The
EVPFT shall serve by managing the finances of Student Government and establishing a vision for the
financial stewardship of Student Government.
B. Executive Authority.
The EVPFT shall be the primary facilitator of Student Government with regards to issues of finance
and technology. As such, s/he shall chair the Finance and Technology Committee. The Finance and
Technology Committee shall be comprised of any students the Executive Vice President may appoint.
The EVPFT shall have jurisdiction over issues such as financial aid, college budgeting and spending,
endowment, buildings and facilities, the use of technology and college policy regarding technology,
Student Government spending, and any other such issues that the committee and the Government may
wish the committee to pursue. Should any of these issues warrant the creation of an ad hoc Committee
to deal specifically with a given issue, the Committee may request the creation of one with Government
approval.
C. Government Responsibilities.
1) The Government Budget. The EVPFT shall work with the President and Vice President in
preparing the annual budget for Student Government. The budget shall be approved by the
Government.
2) Controller Responsibilities. The EVPFT shall manage the revenue and expenses of the
Government and shall keep an account of all financial activities that are conducted on behalf of
the Government. All Government expenditures shall go through the EVPFT after a purchase is
made.
3) Audit. The Board of Representatives may call an ad hoc committee into session if they should
deem it necessary to work with the EVPFT in auditing the Government’s finances.
4) The Student Allocations Committee. Student Government shall be the sole authority for
distribution of Student Allocation funds to student clubs. Acting on behalf of the Government,
the Student Allocations Committee shall consider requests and make its recommendations to
the Government for final allocations in accordance with the procedures contained within the
Bylaws.
i. Membership. The Student Allocations Committee for the fall and mid-year allocations
shall be chaired by the EVPFT and shall also include four students, one from each
class, who are not officers of any student organization or club receiving funding from
Student Government. These four students shall be selected by a majority vote of
Student Government after reviewing their applications for the positions. The Director
and/Assistant Director of Student Activities shall serve as a consultant to the
committee upon the committee’s call.
5) IT Student Advisory Committee. The EVPFT shall be responsible for establishing and chairing
the IT Student Advisory Committee (ITSAC). ITSAC shall exist to maintain a dialogue and
working relationship between college administration and students regarding issues of
technology on campus and shall meet once per quad. Members shall include any FT Committee
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members selected by the EVPFT along with any other students the EVPFT deems helpful.
Additionally, the college Chief Information Officer, the Director of Academic Media
Technology, the Director of Information Technology, and the Director of Institutional
Research will be invited to participate in the committee meetings.
D. Communication Responsibilities.
The EVPFT shall establish and maintain relationships with members of the student body, faculty, and
administration. Specific relationships are as follows:
1) Representation to the Faculty.
a. The Faculty Business Meeting. The EVPFT shall be responsible for attending all faculty
business meetings.
b. Technology and Information Resources Committee. The EVPFT shall sit on the TIR
Committee.
2) Representation to the Administration and Board of Trustees.
a. The EVPFT shall establish and maintain relationships with those on the College Staff
and Administration who work in the finance division of the college. S/He shall also
serve as the student representative to the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees.
b. IT Steering and Leadership Committee. The EVPFT shall act as a student
representative to the IT Steering and Leadership Committee.
3) Communication Responsibilities.
a. Student Activities Office. The EVPFT shall establish and maintain a relationship with
the Student Development Staff Advisor of SG especially as it pertains to clubs and
organizations and their finances.
b. Clubs and organizations. The EVPFT shall represent the President before the clubs and
organizations that are funded by Student Government by establishing and maintaining a
relationship with them. S/He shall do this by being an ex-officio member of all those
clubs and organizations.
c. The EVPFT shall make biweekly reports to Student Government regarding the
activities accomplished since the last report, and activities to be accomplished before the
next report is given. In addition, the EVPFT shall meet with the President and Vice
President regularly.
S e c t i o n 7: E X E C U T I V E V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F G L O B A L E N G A G E M E N T
A. Purpose.
The primary role of the Executive Vice President of Global Engagement (EVPGE) shall be to facilitate
exchanges between students, faculty, and the administration regarding the college’s engagement with
global issues. The EVPGE will also aid the Dean of Global and Experiential Learning in developing the
program of Global and Experimental Learning.
B. Executive Authority.
The goal of the EVPGE shall be to allow Wheaton students to pursue international connections that
are in the interest of the college’s Christ-centered mission. As such, s/he shall chair the Global
Engagement Committee. The Global Engagement Committee shall be comprised of any student that
the Executive Vice President may appoint. S/he will execute this goal through relationships and
projects undertaken A) with other colleges and organizations, and B) within the Wheaton College
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community itself. This will be accomplished through proposals, events, and partnerships. Additionally,
s/he will be responsible for representing students who have had extensive experience in a global
setting, both to represent their needs to the administration and to formulate responses to those needs.
C. Communication Responsibilities.
1) Representation to the Administration
a. Actively participate in administration affairs by attending meetings with the Dean of
Global and Experiential Learning (including their council).
b. Facilitate the discussion concerning unification of globally oriented programs (such as
Study Abroad and HNGR) under the Dean.
2) Representation to Students
a. Attentively support and listen to interested student communities and bring their
concerns to the Dean.
b. Gather a committee of students to support his/her efforts.
c. The EVPGE shall make biweekly reports to Student Government regarding the
activities accomplished since the last report is given. In addition, the EVPGE will
meet with the President and Vice President regularly.
3) Representation to the Faculty
a. Attend all faculty business meetings.
b. Attend faculty meetings that pertain to global and experiential learning.
S e c t i o n 8: E X E C U T I V E V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F S T U D E N T C A R E
A. Purpose.
The Executive Vice President of Student Care (EVPSC) shall assist the President and the Government
in representing student concerns on matters related to physical, mental, and spiritual care and by
communicating with areas of the college that deal with student care issues.
B. Executive Authority.
The EVPSC shall be the primary facilitator on Student Government with regards to student care
issues. As such s/he shall chair the Student Care Committee which shall be comprised of any student
that the Executive Vice President may appoint. The Student Care Committee shall have jurisdiction
over issues pertaining to physical and mental health, spiritual wellbeing, academic support services,
disabilities services, and any other such issues that the committee and the Government may wish the
committee to pursue. Should any of these issues warrant the creation of an ad hoc committee to deal
specifically with a given issue, the Committee may request the creation of one with Government
approval.
C. Communication Responsibilities.
The EVPSC shall establish and maintain relationships with members of the student body, staff,
faculty, and administration. Specific relationships are as follows:
1) Representation to the Faculty
a. Faculty Business Meeting. The EVPSC shall be responsible for attending all faculty
business meetings.
2) Representation to Administration
a. The EVPSC shall meet bimonthly with the Dean of Student Care and Services.
b. The EVPSC shall establish and maintain relationships with College Staff and
Administration who deal specifically with areas that affect student care.
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c. The EVPSC shall sit on the Disability Services Committee and advise the President on
the appointment of any student representatives to any subcommittees of the Disabilities
Services Committee.
3) Communication Responsibilities
a. The EVPSC shall establish and maintain relationships with the Director of the Student
Health Center, the Director of the Counseling Center, and other members of the
College community who deal specifically with areas that affect student care.
b. The EVPSC shall make biweekly reports to Student Government regarding the activities
accomplished since the last report, and activities to be accomplished before the next
report is given. In addition, the EVPSC will meet with the President and Vice President
regularly.
S e c t i o n 9: E X E C U T I V E V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F V O C A T I O N & A L U M N I
ENGAGEMENT
A. Purpose
The Executive Vice President of Vocation and Alumni Engagement (EVPVAE) shall assist the President
and the Government in representing student concerns on matters relating to vocational discernment, career
preparation, the communication of Wheaton’s vocational offerings to prospective students, and
engagement with alumni.
B. Executive Authority
The EVPVAE shall be the primary facilitator on Student Government with regards to vocational issues. As
such, s/he shall chair the Student Vocation and Alumni Engagement Committee. The Committee shall be
comprised of any student that the Executive Vice President may appoint. The Committee shall have
jurisdiction over issues such as the student vocational discernment and job preparation process, Wheaton’s
competitiveness in offering vocational preparation, and alumni relations. Should any of these issues warrant
the creation of an ad hoc committee to deal specifically with a given issue, the Committee may request the
creation of one with Government approval.
C. Communication Responsibilities
The EVPVAE shall establish and maintain relationships with members of the student body, faculty, and
administration. Specific relationships are as follows:
1) Representation to the Faculty
a. The Faculty Business Meeting. The EVPVAE shall be responsible for attending all
faculty business meetings.
2) Representation to the Administration and Board of Trustees
a. The EVPVAE shall establish and maintain relationships with those on the College Staff
and Administration who work in areas related to vocation and alumni engagement.
b. Specifically, the EVPVAE shall establish and maintain a regular relationship with the
Vocation and Alumni Engagement department, including regular meetings with the
Vocation and Alumni Engagement Senior Director, the Center for Vocation and Career
Director, and the Opus Director.
3) Communication Responsibilities
a. The EVPVAE shall establish and maintain a relationship with the Student Alumni
Board and other student organizations related to vocation on campus.
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b. The EVPVAE shall make biweekly reports to Student Government regarding the
activities accomplished since the last report, and activities to be accomplished before the
next report is given. In addition, the EVPVAE will meet with the President and Vice
President regularly.
c. The EVPVAE shall also work with class officers when establishing class-specific events
and projects.
Article VI
CLASS OFFICERS
The Class Presidents and Class Vice-Presidents serve as the elected leadership of their respective
classes.
S e c t i o n 1: C L A S S P R E S I D E N T AND V I C E – P R E S I D E N T
A. Purpose.
The Class President and Vice-President shall, in collaboration with their class council, promote the
social and spiritual wellbeing of their constituents. The Class President shall serve as the primary
voice for his/her class on the Student Government board. The Vice-President shall be responsible
for leading the class council and shall utilize the information gained during board meetings to more
effectively execute that duty.
B. Responsibilities.
1) Representation. Each President and Vice President is responsible to sit on at least one of the
standing committees on Student Government (College Life, Educational Policies, Community
Diversity, Finance and Technology, Student Care, and Global Engagement). The role of the
class officer on these committees will be to serve as a member at large, bringing a representative
voice from each respective class rather than fulfilling an operational or administrative role on
the committees.
2) Class Council. The Class President and Vice-President are responsible for establishing a class
council and appointing class officers as necessary. The council is recommended to meet at least
every two weeks to discuss class business. It is also recommended that the Class Vice-President
shall chair all of the meetings of the class council but shall collaborate with the Class President
when discussing class business.
3) Programming. Class Presidents are to oversee the following programs each year in conjunction
with the class Vice-President and their council: Fall social after All School Communion, Class
Chapels once a semester, Class Worships, Class Films in conjunction with College Union, Class
socials, and any other innovative ideas as derived by the council.
4) Administrative Assistance. Each President and Class Council will be entitled to a budget
allocation from the Student Government each year for maintaining individual class expenses.
This budget should cover such costs as programming expenses, photocopies and office supplies
necessary for communicating with their constituencies.
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5) Freshman Class responsibilities. The Freshman Class Officers are responsible for the painting
of the Game Room Mural.
6) Sophomore Class Responsibilities. The sophomore class president and vice-president are
responsible for initiating conversations with the Career Services Office in regards to career
development. It is recommended that the sophomore class host and/or sponsor events related
to career development in conjunction with Career Service and/or develop other related
programs.
7) Junior Class Responsibilities. The Junior Class Officers are responsible for assisting the
President of Wheaton College in compiling a list of potential commencement speakers and
surveying the Junior Class on their preferences for the commencement speaker.
8) Senior Class Responsibilities. The Senior Class President is responsible for overseeing the
research, the choice, and the presentation of the annual Staff Appreciation Award. Moreover,
the Senior Class President is responsible for establishing a Class Gift Committee in
collaboration with the Advancement Division of Wheaton College in addition to coordinating
the last chapel of the academic year/ They are also responsible for working with the Registrar’s
Office to coordinate the Senior Faculty Receptions during commencement weekend and with
the SAO administrative assistant to plan the Senior Banquet.
Article VII
ADMINISTRATIVE CABINET
The Administrative Cabinet exists to provide administrative and spiritual support to Student
Government. The Cabinet shall include four members: the Administrator, the Public Relations
Manager, the Services Manager, and the Chaplain. The President and Vice President shall appoint them
in conjunction with the Director of Student Activities.
S e c t i o n 1: A D M I N I S T R A T O R
A. Purpose.
The Administrator exists to assist the President and the Government as a whole in administrative
matters.
B. Responsibilities.
1) Meeting Administration. This shall include the preparation of minutes, agendas (including the
coordination of the time and place of all Government meetings), setup, collation of reports,
timely notification of all meeting participants, the execution of Government attendance policy
and any other such matters that may arise.
2) Office Administration. The Administrator shall maintain the keeping of Governmental records,
the logistics of the Prayer Calendar, the availability of office supplies for the Government and
its members, and the upkeep of the office space provided for the Government.
3) Executive Administration. The Administrator shall assist the President and Vice President in all
necessary areas including communication with non-Governmental entities (students, faculty,
staff, administration, non-College personnel), general organization, personnel issues, and
scheduling. As such, the Administrator may accompany the President and/or Vice President to
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meetings with students, student leaders, faculty, and administration at the President and/or Vice
President’s request to provide administrative support.
4) Paper Records. The Administrator will compile and bind a single volume containing all
Proposals as amended and approved in their final form by the Board of Representatives. The
bound volume shall also contain the vote outcome for each Proposal. The Administrator will
also compile and bind a single volume of all approved minutes. In addition, at the end of every
SG year the Administrator will give a copy of these volumes to the Billy Graham Center
Archives.
5) The Administrator shall also be given the responsibility of maintaining both the Student
Government e-mail address [including the e-mail password] and CPO box, and passing on all
required information to his or her successor. The latter shall be checked for mail no less
frequently than every two weeks during the academic year. The Administrator shall periodically
make a report to the Student Government board concerning the communications received
through these media.
6) The Administrator shall also be given the responsibility of maintaining the Student Government
suggestion box, in both print and digital forms, and passing on all required information to his or
her successor. Both formats shall be checked no less than frequently than every week during the
academic year. The Administrator shall make a report to Student Government concerning the
communications received through these media in each quad.
S e c t i o n 2: P U B L I C R E L A T I O N S M A N A G E R
A. Purpose. The Public Relations Manager shall coordinate all communication of the affairs of the
Government to the campus at large. S/He will be the chief point person for media communication.
In addition, s/he will be responsible for developing the general image identity of Student Government
each year.
B. Responsibilities.
1) CPO mailings. The Public Relations Manager is responsible for all Student Government mass
CPO mailings.
2) Record Liaison. The Public Relations Manager is the contact person for all Student
Government sponsored articles published in the Record. S/he will assure that the Record staff
receives any articles on time for publishing.
3) Publicity. The Public Relations Manager is responsible for Student Government Publicity in
general. This includes any posters, mailings or letters. S/he will be responsible for maintaining
the designated Student Government bulletin board area.
4) Internet Publicity. The Public Relations Manager is responsible for overseeing internet publicity
in the following capacities:
A) Regularly checking the Student Government Facebook Group, and updating it with
information similar to that contained by the Student Government blog.
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S e c t i o n 3: S E R V I C E S M A N A G E R
A. Purpose.
The Services Manager exists to organize various opportunities for the Student Government body to
serve the Wheaton College community, to organize projects that will act as fund-raisers for Student
Government, and to organize various opportunities that facilitate interaction between students and
members of the faculty and administration.
B. Responsibilities.
1) Services. The Services Manager is responsible for planning the following projects: (1) Wheatie
Cards, (2) Zipcars, (3) Wheaton in Chicago Hostel, and (4) any other campus projects that fulfill
its purpose in Section A. The Services Manager shall also oversee the administration of the
Dine With a Mind and Perk with a Prof programs.
2) Student Activities Office. The Services Manager shall meet with the Director of Student
Activities on at least a monthly basis and shall work closely with the Administrative Services
Coordinator and the front desk staff.
3) Committee. The Services Manager shall chair a committee of students that will help accomplish
the aforementioned projects. The Service Committee shall be comprised of any
Representatives who are interested and at-large members who can be chosen by the
Services Manager. The Service Committee shall be charged with helping the Services Manager
with the volume of tasks and logistics needed to properly execute SG services.
4) Research Think-tank. This think-tank shall exist to advise the Student Government as a whole,
based on quantitative feedback, as well as to serve the investigative needs of Student
Government. The Services Manager shall ensure the implementation of a structured avenue for
feedback from students, through the use of, at minimum, the Annual Student Experience
Assessment (SEA) Survey (Bylaws, Article X). The Services Manager shall take responsibility
for the studies and results that emerge from the Research Think-tank.
In formulating the think-tank, the Services Manager shall chair a committee of students that
shall help in the analysis of the data collected. The Research Committee shall be comprised of
individuals who apply and are selected, or simply recruited, by the Services Manager. An
alternative avenue of data analysis would be to seek the collaboration of an academic research
class in the Communication or Social Science Departments.
S e c t i o n 4: C H A P L A I N
A. Purpose.
The Chaplain exists to assist the President and the Vice-President in providing spiritual support to the
Government as a whole.
B. Responsibilities.
1) Prayer. In assuming this role, the Chaplain commits to praying for each individual within
Student Government as well as the Student Government body as a whole and the projects they
undertake.
2) Fostering Family Dynamics. One of the many ways Wheaton College Student Government is
unique from most Student Governments is that all of its members consider one another to be
brothers and sisters in Christ. The Chaplain should seek to encourage members to grow in
friendships and spend time in fellowship. This could include planning prayer and worship
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nights, prayer walks, fun events, and any other practical ways that the Chaplain envisions
building community on Student Government.
3) Maintain Eternal Perspective. The Chaplain should serve as a check and a reminder that
everything Student Government does should be done for Christ and his kingdom. As part of
this, the Chaplain shall be responsible for casting a vision for the devotionals that take place
during the Student Government meetings.
Article VIII
PROPOSAL PROCEDURES
S e c t i o n 1: Origin
All proposals shall originate in the Board of Representatives and may be made by any member of the
Board as well as any officer of Student Government except for the Student Body Vice-President.
S e c t i o n 2: Format
A. Content. Proposals must consist of two sections, the “Text” and the “Rationale” respectively, and
include the following:
§ The “Text” includes the language of the proposal to be voted on.
§ The “Rationale” includes the reasoning behind the proposal and often provides pros, cons,
those the proposal affects in a non-substantive manner, and any other supplementary data or
evidence. The rationale can never contain any substantive content.
B. Time. Copies of the proposal should be submitted to the Administrator at least three days
before the meeting in which the proposal is to be considered.
S e c t i o n 3: Passage
All proposals passed by the voting members of the Board of Representatives shall be forwarded to the
Student Body President that shall include proposals of appointment and recommendation. The
President shall then have two options that s/he must pursue within one week of the proposal’s passage
by the voting members of Student Government:
1) The President can sign the proposal. If the President does this, then the proposal is
immediately ready to be forwarded to the administration if it is a proposal of recommendation.
If it is a proposal dealing with internal Government operations, such as appointments or
Constitutional changes, the proposal takes effect.
2) The President can veto/refuse to sign the proposal. If the President refuses to sign, s/he
must give an explanation to the Board defending his/her action. If the President so chooses,
s/he can suggest modifications to the proposal. Then the Board may choose to override the
veto with a simple two-thirds majority vote, create a new proposal language, or let the veto
stand. If the Board chooses to let the veto stand, it still to vote on overriding the veto at any
time until the SG year ends in April.
S e c t i o n 4: Advancement
If the proposal takes the form of a recommendation to the administration, the President shall be
responsible for advancing this proposal to the administration. The President must use his/her own
discretion in choosing which administrator(s) to advance the proposal to and how to negotiate with
them.
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Article IX
E L ECTIONS
Elections shall be held in the spring semester for all elected Government positions. There shall be a
supplemental election in the fall semester for incoming freshmen.
S e c t i o n 1: Election Commissioner
The Vice President of the Student Body shall assume the role of Election Commissioner. If the Vice
President is running for an elected position, the President of the Student Body shall assume the
position of the Election Commissioner. If the President is running for re-election the position shall go
to the Director of Student Activities. The Commissioner must abide by the Student Government
Bylaws.
S e c t i o n 2: Election Committee
A. The election committee shall be composed of the Election Commissioner, the Student Government
President (if s/he is not the commissioner), all senior Student Government members, and the College
Union President. If the current College Union President is running for an elected position, a College
Union Board member who is not running shall be chosen by the Election Commissioner as a
substitute. The Director of Student Activities will serve on the Committee in an advisory role and will
vote only in the case of a tie. In addition, the Faculty Advisor will serve in an advisory role. This
Committee shall meet only in the event of election fraud or if the Student Government Bylaws are not
followed.
B. The election may only be declared void by the Election Committee if proper procedure, stated in
the bylaws, is not followed. In these circumstances, the election will be held again.
Article X
PROCEDURE FOR REPLACEMENT
S e c t i o n 1: Replacement of President and/or Vice President
The Vice President shall assume the position of the Student Body President if the position should
become vacant and also shall perform the duties of the President during a temporary absence. The
Vice Chair shall serve as Chair Pro Tempore in the Chair’s Absence. The President, or the new
President, will appoint a new Vice-President who will take office upon confirmation of a majority vote
of the voting members of the Board. If the President or Vice President resigns, the resigned must make
an announcement to the Board and to the Student Body explaining the reasons for withdrawal.
S e c t i o n 2: Replacement of Executive Vice Presidents
The resigning executive vice president must make a general announcement to the Board and to the Student
Body explaining the reasons for withdrawal. The Student Government President and Vice President will be
charged to nominate a new appointment to the board. It is recommended this nomination be a member of
the resigned EVP’s committee. This nomination must be approved by an absolute majority of the
Government.
S e c t i o n 3: Replacement of Class President
The resigning class President must make a general announcement to the Board and his/her respective class
explaining the reasons for withdrawal. The class Vice President becomes the class President. When the
position of Class Vice-President becomes vacant, the President, or the new President, in conjunction with
the Student Government President, will be charged to nominate a new appointment to the vacant position.
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It is recommended this nomination be a member of the class council. This nomination must be approved
by an absolute majority of the Government.
Article XI
RATIFICATION AND AMENDMENT
S e c t i o n 1: Process
Ratification or amendment of the Constitution requires an absolute two-thirds vote of the voting
members of Student Government and must be signed into action by the President in accordance with
the procedure in Article VIII.
Ratified February 18th in the Year of our Lord 2016
Updated: Joshua D. Fort, Student Body President
Signed: Joshua D. Fort, Student Body President
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