Big news:
According to Exec Board Secretary Leah Kahn's email, during the upcoming Senate meeting Lianna Schechter '10, Jerzy Kaufmann '11, and Jasper Kosokoff '10 will be proposing a Constitutional amendment that will, in practice, replace the existing Constitution. The Amendment follows here; I haven't modified it except to bold Section and Article titles:
The Constitution of Pitzer College Student Government
Preamble
While we recognize that in the life of the College, We the students of Pitzer College are but passing through, we assert that from the moment we arrive, this academy and its campus become our home, our community, and the foundation of our relationship with the world. We, the student-people of Pitzer College, establish a new Student Government, founded upon the principles of direct democracy, the collective process of creation, freedom and autonomy, and the continuation of a dynamic student history which creatively joins Pitzer's past and future. Because the decisions of the College will proceed with or without us, we must organize ourselves into a collective body in order to work alongside faculty and staff in actively creating and directing the future of the College and our community.
We are not a collection of atomized individuals. Rather, we are an ecological student community, exemplifying mutualism, deep inter-relationality, multiplicity and complementarity. Recognizing this reality, that the development of one of us depends upon the development of all, we find it necessary to construct a space for the collective process of this communal development.
Statement of Summary and Intention
Article 1. Statement of Relationship of Pitzer Student Government to Pitzer College Governance and to Other Student Governments
The students of Pitzer College recognize the Pitzer College Student Government as the official body responsible for the formation, protection and implementation of the rights, decisions, and interests of the student body. Pitzer College Student Government is the student aspect of Pitzer College Governance. The Pitzer Student Government will collaborate with other student governments to advance the interests of the Pitzer College student body.
Article 2. Bill of Student Rights
The Bill of Student Rights is an articulation of the rights of Pitzer College students as individuals and as a community, and of the rights of student organizations and Student Government. The Student Government will protect and uphold these rights against any encroachments.
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Structures of Government
Article 3. The Office of Student Government
The Office of Student Government serves to coordinate, preserve and support Student Government, to support and unite student organizations, and to ensure and protect student participation in College Governance. The Officers will advocate for the rights, will, and decisions of the student body and Student Government, and will manage the Archives and Website of Student Government. The Officers will also support students and student groups in their interactions with the College Administration, and will facilitate the realization of students' demands. The Officers will be five: the Convener, the Provost, the Archivist, the Web-Mage, and the Treasurer. As a sub-office, the Purse Strings is a primary resource for students seeking funding from institutional sources at Pitzer College
Article 4. The Assembly of Students
One student, one vote. Once a month, students will assemble at large, in order to discuss and address issues of the community and to steer the Student Government. The Assembly of Students will serve as the highest authority within Student Government. The Assembly of Students will serve as the heart of student action in College Governance. Relevant proposals which are approved by the Assembly will be placed on the College Council agenda. The Assembly of Students will choose two facilitators whose sole job is to ensure focus and fairness, and to draw out marginalized student voices. The Assembly of Students will reserve the right to recall and replace any elected student representation in Student Government.
Article 5. Society of Friends and Lovers (Student Life Council)
The Society of Friends and Lovers serves to encourage and fund community initiatives, critical community engagement projects, and to foster art, music and creative free expression. The Society will protect free expression and diverse community control of space on campus. The Society will ensure that the policies and actions of the College support, encourage and allow for the free and full expression of a multiplicity of students.
Article 6. Council for the Co-Construction of Knowledge (Academic Affairs Council)
The Council for the Co-Construction of Knowledge is charged with the development, articulation and coordination of a student agenda for the academy. The Council will be responsible to implement this agenda through concerted cross-Committee action and to advocate for student interests in the academy. This Council will discuss the ongoing considerations and decisions of College Governance and respond accordingly.
Article 7. Summit for an Egalitarian Society
The Summit for an Egalitarian Society is a body which will facilitate collaboration between student groups engaged in a common struggle against interlocking systems of domination. The Summit recognizes that their respective struggles are intimately intertwined and advocates for the active solidarity which emerges from this understanding. The Summit will be a place for these organizations to recognize shared values and goals, take advantage of shared resources, collaborate, and to acknowledge and discuss ideological consistencies and differences. The Summit will engage in the construction of a statement of shared purpose, organize and collaborate in action and empower and impassion each other. The Summit will utilize funds for collaborative efforts between organizations, with a particular emphasis on inviting people to speak. The Summit will not necessarily be representative of the majority.
Article 8. Student Activities Committee
The Student Activities Committee is charged with the health and wealth of campus social life. The Committee will fund both Five College and Pitzer social events.
Article 9. Hall Councils
The Hall Councils are the autonomous student governance bodies which aim to construct an ideal dorm life for the student residents. The Hall Council is a space in which the residents of a dormitory will govern residence life by protecting students' rights, administering dorm art policy, overseeing Residence Life policy and its implementation, and encouraging community through art, music and happenings. The Hall Council will defend the freedom of the students to decide how they will conduct their lives and use the Residence Hall and their individual residences as their own homes.
Article 10. Student Organizations
Student organizations are recognized student groups which have coalesced around a particular statement of intention. These organizations will be responsible to fulfill the missions laid out in their charters and will participate variously in the Society of Friends and Lovers, the Council for the Co-Construction of Knowledge, and the Summit for an Egalitarian Society.
Article 11. College Government
Pitzer College has a unique governance structure which integrates Students, Faculty, and Staff into a collective college governance process. Pitzer Student Government is an autonomous body which fulfills the student aspect of College Governance. The chief deliberative governance body of the college community is College Council. Pitzer students are full and equal participants in College Council and College Committees.
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Operations of Student Government
Article 12. Rules and Responsibilities of Membership
Members of the bodies of Student Government will advocate for the rights, needs and decisions of the student body, within and without the structures of College Governance and with the Administration of the College. While an individual cannot and should not attempt objectively to represent the views of the student body at large, the member should attempt to engage the student community on every issue. Members will fully participate in College Governance toward the same end.
Article 13. Community Representation
Community Representatives will be elected by and for particular constituencies within the student body.
Article 14. Elections, Appointments & Recall
All elected members of student government will be nominated within the Assembly of Students. Positions of special interest will be elected through a ballot. All elected members of Student Government may be recalled by the Assembly of Students. Special elections will be held for Officer and Committee positions if vacated and in the case of recall.
Article 15. Budgeting
The Student Government will budget the Student Activities Fees. At the end of the Spring semester, the Assembly of Students will construct the following year’s annual budget, allocating funds to student organizations, the Society of Friends and Lovers, the Summit for an Egalitarian Society, Student Activities Committee and the Office of Student Government. Funding will be allocated according to the priorities and values of the student body, considering the ways in which funds have been best used to enrich the community in the past.
Article 16. Amending the Constitution
The community’s relationship to Student Government will necessarily change over time. As such, a continual reexamination of the Constitution of Pitzer College Student Government will allow for the continued health and relevance of the Student Government. All amendments to the Constitution will be discussed and voted on by the Assembly of Students; amendments will also be put to a student-wide vote.
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The Student Government of Pitzer College recognizes several manifestations of the essence of the Pitzer College student body. These symbols carry the full weight and respect of our collective adoration.
The Constitution of Pitzer College Student Government
Article 1. Statement of Relationship of Pitzer College Student Government to Pitzer College Governance and to the Community
1.1 The students of Pitzer College recognize the Pitzer College Student Government as the official body responsible to construct full and meaningful student participation in all college governance decisions; to actively ensure that these college governance decisions are open, democratic, and transparent; to advocate for the full implementation and protection of the Bill of Student Rights and the rights and interests of the student as a full and autonomous member of the College community; to facilitate and create discourse on college governance and pressing community issues; to provide services to students; and to fund, support and create student organizations and initiatives.
Article 2. Bill of Student Rights
2.1 The Bill of Student Rights will be written and established at the first meeting of the Assembly of Students.
2.2 Additional amendments to the Bill of Student Rights will be established in the same manner as other constitutional amendments.
2.3 Upon approval of the Bill, this Article will be summarily replaced with the Bill of Student Rights.
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Structures of Student Government
Article 3. The Office of Student Government
3.1 From the Void sprang the Office of Student Government.
3.2 The Office of Student Government shall be the administrative and coordinative body within the Student Government.
3.3 Five Officers of Student Government will serve: Convener, Provost, Archivist, Web-Mage, and Councilor of the Exchequer.
3.4 The duties of the Office of Student Government shall be:
a) To coordinate the structures of Student Government.
b) To ensure the integration of the Student Government into College Governance.
c) To maintain the membership, history, records and website of Student Government.
d) To coordinate and facilitate the elections and appointments of student representation in College Governance.
e) To report to the Assembly regarding the Officers' activities, the specifics and significance of their actions.
f) To hold weekly office hours for the student body.
g) To appoint eligible students to College Ad Hoc Committees.
h) To administer, to to all of these ends, the Administrative Fund moneys (See Article X, Budget).
3.5 The duties of each Officer of Student Government are as follows:
a) Convener (President): To coordinate communication between the various bodies of Student and College Government, to serve as the Student Government liaison to the College Council agenda planning meeting (Bylaws Article 2, Section 2.5) and other bodies of College Governance, to meet weekly with the President of the College (in conjunction with the Provost), to actively pursue the implementation of all Student Government decisions, to attend the Assembly of Students, to be attendant at Student Government meetings.
b) Provost (President): To serve on the Budgetary Implementation Committee and the Trustee Budget Committee, advocating for budgetary decisions which are in accordance with Pitzer's Core Values of Social Responsibility, Community, and Action, and which meet the needs of the student body; to advocate for the interests and decisions of the student body; to meet weekly with the President of the College (in conjunction with the Convener); to defend the rights of the Pitzer student, as defined in the Bill of Student Rights, the Faculty Handbook, and the Student Handbook; to advocate for the continued equal and directive participation of the student body in all decisions of the College, to be attendant at every Student Government meeting.
c) Archivist (Secretary): To actively update and maintain the Archives of Student Government; and to ensure, in conjunction with the Web-Mage, that the Archives will be hosted in full on the Student Government website.
d) Web-Mage (Communications Director): To maintain and update the Student Government website; to announce in a 'College Committee Digest' email each weekend the meeting times and locations of all College Committees for the following week; to announce, via e-mail, at least two days prior to the meeting of the Council for the Co-Construction of Knowledge, the Society of Friends and Lovers, and the Summit for an Egalitarian Society, Town Hall meeting, Assembly of Students, College Council, and special College Governance meeting.
e) Councilor of the Exchequer (Treasurer): To coordinate the Student Government moneys, budgetary processes and budgetary by-laws. To process budgetary documents and compile information on the state of the budget.
3.6 The Office of Student Government shall have a dedicated office space, where the Officers of Student Government will hold their office hours and where the Archives of Student Government will be stored.
3.7 The Officers will meet at least weekly in order to effectively carry out their duties.
3.8 The Archives of Student Government will be managed by the Archivist, and each year will be continuously updated with: College Committee minutes, by-laws, reports etc.; College Council minutes, agenda, supporting documents; Strategic Planning documents; Master Plan and Residential Planning documents; Faculty Handbook; Student Handbook; the annual Budget of the College; the annual Budget of the Student Government; minutes from all Student Government Councils; minutes from every Pitzer student club and organization; documentation of every Student Government Forum; and a running list of every decision made by every College Governance body, with summary.
3.9 The Purse-Strings shall be the guiding and coordinating body for facilitating student access to the Student Government monies.
a) Twelve members will serve on the Purse-Strings: the Councilor of the Exchequer; the Class, New Resources, Transfer, International and Off Campus Representatives; and all Hall Council Delegates.
b) The Purse-Strings shall collaboratively craft and guide all funding proposals submitted to the body. The members of the Purse-Strings shall make constructive recommendations to the funidng seeker for the improvement of the request and direct the seeker to the appropriate bodies from which to seek money.
c) All funding proposals directed towards the Assembly of Students or Society of Friends and Lovers must first be reviewed by the Purse-Strings.
d) The Purse-Strings shall hold accessible office hours in the office of the Student Government during which time the Purse-Strings shall meet with all seekers.
e) The processes and policies of the Purse-Strings shall be set out and determined by the Budgetary Bylaws.
Article 4. The Assembly of Students
4.1 Once a month, students will assemble at large, in order to discuss and address issues of the community and to steer the Student Government. The Assembly of Students will serve as the highest authority within Student Government. The Assembly of Students will reserve the right to recall any person elected by that body throughout the year as detailed in the Process of Assembly.
4.2 Stewards: The Stewards of the Assembly will be charged with the health and continuation of the Assembly of Students, each with the responsibility of encouraging the greatest possible participation of the student body. The Stewards will consist of: two facilitators, two Historians, one Legislator, and one Town-Crier.
4.3 The duties of each Steward are as follows:
a) Facilitators: To run the Assembly according to the Process of Assembly; to facilitate a democratic and consensus-oriented process of community dialogue and decision-making; and to publicize the Assembly widely and thoroughly at least a week in advance of its meeting.
b) Historians: Each to record a complete narrative of the Assembly meeting, summarizing and attributing points articulated, capturing the flow of the meeting, noting decisions made, and controversies and to give these narratives to the Web-Mage.
c) Legislator: To act in the Assembly as the authority on the Process of Assembly, and Student and College Governance; to solicit proposals for the Agenda via email; to assemble the Agenda of the Assembly prior to its meeting; and to record the official decisions of the assembly.
d) Town-Crier: To loudly announce the coming of the Assembly while ringing the Bell of Assembly through all campus residence halls and common space in the hour before the Assembly meeting; to creatively and prominently announce the coming of the Assembly in the days prior to its meeting.
4.4 College Council: Every decision of the Assembly which concerns the community as a whole, or which is dependent on the cooperation of the Administration of the College, will by default be placed on the upcoming College Council agenda by the Student Government Convener. The Convener of the Student Government will relay these agenda items to the College Council Planning Committee.
4.5 Proposals: A proposal will be considered by the Assembly only once the proponent has discussed the issue with enough students to gather six signatures of support. The proponent will then bring the proposal to the relevant Student Government Council for discussion, advice and support. The proponent will submit the proposal to the Legislator of the Assembly at least two days prior to the Assembly. At least two email notifications will be sent, by the proponent, to the student body about the proposal prior to the Assembly.
4.6 Student Assembly Report: The Student Government Archivist will collate a document, the Student Assembly Report, which will contain: a report from the student members of each College Committee (Standing and Ad Hoc), a report from each Officer of Student Government, a report from each Hall Council, a report from each Council of Student Government, the proposed Agenda of the Assembly, the text of the proposals to be considered, and any relevant documents. Before the Assembly the Student Assembly Report will be sent to the student body. At the beginning of the Assembly, the Student Assembly Report will be distributed in paper format. At any time during the Assembly, an oral presentation of any of the reports in the Assembly Report can be requested.
4.7 Club Charters: The Assembly will consider for approval the charters of Pitzer clubs seeking official recognition.
4.8 Voting: Every Pitzer College student has a vote on the Assembly. The voting will take place as outlined in the Process of the Assembly.
Article 5. Society of Friends and Lovers (Student Life Council)
5.1 The Society of Friends and Lovers is charged with protecting, facilitating and invigorating the life of the student community.
5.2 The Society will meet at least weekly.
a) The weekly meeting will provide a space in which students can report on and coordinate the activities, project, and agenda of their respective groups, committees, and organizations.
5.3 The composition of the Society is as follows:
a) The following committees and organizations each have one voting student member; and, listed officers each receive one vote in the Society: members of Campus Life Committee, Aesthetics Committee, Social Chair, each Class Representative, New Resources Representative, Transfer Representative, Off-Campus Representative, International Representative.
b) All students are invited and encouraged to attend as full participants, but non-voting members in the Society. All students are invited and encouraged to attend as non-voting members but as full participants in the Society.
c) Non-student members of the Pitzer community may attend as non-voting members whose participation is contigent upon the will of the student members of the Society.
d) The Society shall have the option, to be decided by majority vote, to hold a 'special meeting' in which only students or only Pitzer students may attend.
5.4 The student members will elect the officers of the Society.
a) One student member will be elected by the other members to act as facilitator and convener of each meeting of the Society. This student will ensure that meetings of the Society are open, accessible, and well-publicized to the student body. As convener and facilitator this student will ensure the meeting of the Society and the faithful attendance of all members to its mission.
b) One student member will be elected by the other members to act as secretary at each meeting of the Society. The secretary will render complete minutes of the Society to the Archivist of the Offices of Student Government.
c) One student member of the Society will be elected by the other members to act as the Five College Social Chair.
5.5 The Society will administer the monies of the discretionary fund of Student Government.
a) Five College funding is to be administered solely through Student Activities Committee (Art. 8).
5.6 The Bylaws of the Society of Friends and Lovers: The Society will establish its own bylaws. The bylaws of the Society of Friends and Lovers will concern but not be limited to: elections, quorum, establishment of regular meeting time and place, special meetings, membership, eligibility of membership, responsibilities, powers and duties of membership, attendance, recall for removal in the Assembly of Students, budgetary bylaws, voting and rules of order.
Article 6. Council for the Co-Construction of Knowledge (Academic Affairs Council)
6.1 The Council for the Co-Construction of Knowledge is charged with coordinating a student agenda on academic issues, and advocating for student interests in the academy.
6.2 The Council will meet at least fortnightly.
6.3 The composition of the Council is as follows:
a) Student members on the following committees are full-time voting members whose attendance is necessary for the proper functioning of the Council: Diversity, Academic Planning Committee, Appointments, Promotions, and Tenure, Faculty Executive Committee, Academic Standards Committee, Trustee Investment Representative, Teaching and Learning Committee, Curriculum Committee, and External Studies Committee.
b) All students are invited and encouraged to attend as full participants, but non-voting members in the Council.
c) Non-student members of the Pitzer community may attend as non-voting members whose participation is contigent upon the will of the student members of the Council.
d) The Council shall have the option, to be decided by majority vote, to hold a 'special meeting' in which only students or only Pitzer students may attend.
6.4 The student members will elect the officers of the Council.
a) One student member will be elected by the other members to act as facilitator and convener of each meeting of the Council. This student will ensure that meetings of the Council are open, accessible, and well-publicized to the student body. As convener and facilitator this student will ensure the meeting of the Council and the faithful attendance of all members to its mission.
b) One student member will be elected by the other members to act as secretary at each meeting of the Council. The secretary will render complete minutes of the Council to the Archivist of the Offices of Student Government.
6.5 The Bylaws of the Council for the Co-Construction of Knowledge: The Council will establish its own bylaws. The bylaws of the Council will concern but not be limited to: elections, quorum, establishment of regular meeting time and place, special meetings, membership, eligibility of membership, responsibilities powers and duties of membership, attendance, recall for removal in the Assembly of Students, budgetary bylaws, and rules of order.
Article 7. Summit for an Egalitarian Society
7.1 The Summit for an Egalitarian Society will be an autonomous body with a large degree of self-determination.
7.2 The Summit for an Egalitarian Society will consist of representation from political and activist oriented organizations on campus.
7.3 The Summit for an Egalitarian Society will meet at least monthly.
7.4 The budget of the Summit will be utilized solely for collaborative efforts between member organizations.
7.5 The Summit will elect a Convener and a Secretary at the beginning of each semester.
7.6 The Summit will work together to organize a conference, at least annually, on a specific topic of social, political, economic, or environmental justice and activism. This conference will aim to address the topic from a multitude of perspectives.
7.7 Eligibility will be determined as follows:
a.) Any Pitzer or Five College organization may bring an application for admission to the Summit.
b.) All applications for admission will be considered and voted on by the Summit.
c.) Active Pitzer clubs will have continuous membership into the next year.
d.) Five College clubs with a plurality of Pitzer student members will have continuous membership into the next year.
e.) Five College clubs without a plurality of Pitzer student members must reapply for membership at the beginning of each school year, with the criterion that these organizations share in the values of the Summit’s mission, that these organizations have an active presence within the Pitzer community and that the Pitzer community has an active presence within the organization.
7.8 Each member organization has one vote.
7.9 All students are welcome to attend Summit meetings as non-voting participants.
7.10 Non-student persons are welcome to attend Summit meetings with the permission of the Summit.
7.11 The Bylaws of the Summit for an Egalitarian Society: The Summit will establish its own bylaws. The bylaws of the Summit will concern but not be limited to: elections, quorum, establishment of regular meeting time and place, special meetings, membership, eligibility of membership, responsibilities powers and duties of membership, attendance, recall for removal in the Assembly of Students, budgetary bylaws, voting and rules of order.
Article 8. Student Activities Committe
8.1 The Student Activities Committee will administer funds to Five College social events and campus social events and will foster and encourage student art, music, performance, expression, and enjoyment.
8.2 The membership of the Student Activities Committee is as follows: Class Representatives, Student Activities Committee Chair, Five College Social Chair, Student Activities Committee Representative, and any student who attends two meetings of Student Activities Committee.
8.3 The Student Activities Committee will establish its own bylaws. The bylaws of the Committee will concern but not be limited to: elections, quorum, establishment of regular meeting time and place, special meetings, membership, eligibility of membership, responsibilities powers and duties of membership, attendance, recall for removal by the Assembly of Students, budgetary bylaws and rules of order.
Article 9. Hall Councils
9.1 Hall Councils serve to maintain, build and enliven the life of the residence halls and to discuss Residence Life policy and to oversee its implementation.
9.2 The Hall Councils administer their budgeted funds to this end.
9.3 The Hall Council is responsible to facilitate and advocate for artistic engagement with the built environment (e.g. painting, sculpture, installations, etc.). To this end, the Hall Council will write and maintain its own policies and procedures for art, interior and exterior, and display these prominently in the community (See the Outdoor Art Policy).
9.4 The Hall Council will oversee and maintain the common areas of the residence hall (e.g. kitchen, living rooms, rooftop patios, courtyards, etc).
9.5 The Hall Council will write and maintain a constitution which will govern its operations, and which will be published each semester.
9.6 Membership: All student residents of a residence hall, excepting Resident Assistants, are voting members of the Hall Council.
Article 10. Student Organizations
10.1 Student organized and managed groups may come to the Assembly of Students to present their charter and intention, and gain the approval of the Student Government as a recognized student organization.
10.2 Recognized student organizations may seek one-time funding through all available Student Government funding sources and annual funding within the budget of Student Government.
10.3 Recognized organizations will hold open, democratic meetings, and will send meeting minutes to the Archivist.
10.4 Student Cooperatives: Student Cooperatives are vital to the life of the community and the health of the College. A Student Cooperative is a democratic, student-run enterprise, providing a function or service which addresses a need of the community. The Student Government shall be committed to advocating for and supporting the creation of student-run cooperatives. The Assembly of Students will hear proposals for new student cooperatives, offering comment, support, advocacy, and initial funding.
10.4 Student organizations have certain entitlements.
a) Student organizations have access to assistance from the Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Public Relations.
b) Student organizations have official and public association with Pitzer College.
Article 11. College Governance
11.1 College Council Meeting: College Council is the deliberative governance body of the college community.
a) Students will constitute no less than one third of the votes in a College Council meeting.
b) The Convener of the Student Government will relay to the College Council Agenda Planning Meeting every decision of Student Government which concerns the community as a whole, or which is dependent on the cooperation of the Administration of the College.
c) The Society of Friends and Lovers, the Council for the Co-Construction of Knowledge, and the Council for Social Justice may also independently resolve to place an item on the College Council agenda.
11.2 Standing Committees of College Council and Other College Standing Committees:
a) The student members of standing College Council committees are elected by the Assembly.
11.3 Ad Hoc Committees: The student members of Ad Hoc Committees of College Council will be nominated by the Officers of Student Government and approved by a majority vote of either the Society of Friends and Lovers or The Council for the Co-Construction of Knowledge according to relevance.
11.4 Trustee Committees:
a) The Convener will sit on the Trustee Student Life Committee and the Trustee Education Committee.
b) The Provost will sit on the Trustee Budget Committee and the Trustee Audit Committee.
c) A student will serve as representative to the Trustee Investment Committee.
11.5 Judicial Council representatives will be nominated in the Assembly of Students and elected by the entire student body as defined by the Election Bylaws.
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Operations of Student Government
Article 12. Membership and Its Responsibilities
12.1 No student may serve on more than one College Standing Committee at a time.
12.2 Students may serve on College Ad Hoc and College Standing Committees simultaneously.
12.3 Students may serve in multiple Student and College Government positions, unless specifically prohibited.
12.4 The Officers of Student Government may not simultaneously serve as Stewards of the Assembly of Students.
12.5 The Convener, Provost, and Councilor of the Exchequer may not be elected or appointed to any other position in Student Government.
Article 13. Community Representation
13.1 Community Representatives will be nominated in the Assembly of Students and elected as defined by the Election Bylaws.
13.2 The Community Representatives shall be: Transfer Representative, International Representative, Environmental Representative, New Resources Representative, First Year Representative, Sophomore Representative, Junior Representative and Senior Representative.
13.3 The Community Representatives will be voting members of the Society of Friends and Lovers.
Article 14. Elections, Appointments & Recall
14.1 Student members of standing Committees of College Council will be nominated and elected in the Elections Assembly. One third of the body may vote to send the election of a particular committee representative position to a campus-wide election.
14.2 Student Government Officers will be nominated in the Assembly and elected in campus-wide election.
14.3 Student members of ad hoc Committees of College Council will be nominated by the Officers of Student Government, and these nominations will be sent for a vote of confirmation in the relevant Council.
14.4 Facilitators and secretaries of the Council, Society, and Summit will be chosen internally.
14.5 Recall: Any person elected by the Assembly may be recalled and replaced by the Assembly. The replacement will be made in an election in the Assembly, except in the case of the Officers, who must be replaced by Assembly nomination and campus-wide election.
14.6 Recall due to lack of attendance: The Chairs of College Council Standing Committees shall notify the Legislator and the Office of Student Government of significant lack of attendance by a student representative. The Legislator will place an item of recall and replacement on the agenda of the Assembly of Students, and will publicize the need for replacement. The recalled representative may address the Assembly in his or her own defense, and may run in the election to fill the position thus vacated.
14.7 Election Assembly: The March and December Assemblies of Students will be split between regular business and a special Election Assembly. The March Election Assembly will nominate and elect students to fill all positions in Student Government for the coming year. The December Assembly will nominate and elect students to fill positions to be vacated by students not returning for Spring semester. Students will nominate candidates for representation to Standing Committees of College Council and the Officers of Student Government. Elections for the representation to Standing Committees of College Council will be held in the Election Assembly. Elections for the Officers will be held in campus-wide ballot. Both elections and nominations are governed by the Election Guidelines and the Process of Assembly.
Article 15. Budgeting
15.1 The Annual Budget of Student Government will be decided in a special budget assembly which will occur as one section of the April Assembly of Students. Budgeting will be conducted as described in the Process of Assembly.
15.2 Funding will be distributed according to the Budgetary Bylaws.
a) Funding will be allocated according to the priorities and values of the student body, considering past ways in which funds have best been used to enrich the community.
Article 16. Amending the Constitution
16.1 An amendment will be brought to two meetings of the Assembly of Students, first for a discussion and alteration, and again for discussion, alteration, and submission for a two thirds vote. A student-wide ballot must approve the amendment by simple majority.
Article 17. Symbols Embraced by the Student Government of Pitzer College
Zapata's Moustache as the Revolutionary Facial Hair of Pitzer College
The Mounds as the Erogenous Zone of Pitzer College
The Prickly Pear as the Fruit of the Student Body
The Chickens as the Alarmists of Pitzer College
The Bicycle as our Object of Desire
Big news:
According to Exec Board Secretary Leah Kahn's email, during the upcoming Senate meeting Lianna Schechter '10, Jerzy Kaufmann '11, and Jasper Kosokoff '10 will be proposing a Constitutional amendment that will, in practice, replace the existing Constitution. The Amendment follows here; I haven't modified it except to bold Section and Article titles:
The Constitution of Pitzer College Student Government
Preamble
While we recognize that in the life of the College, We the students of Pitzer College are but passing through, we assert that from the moment we arrive, this academy and its campus become our home, our community, and the foundation of our relationship with the world. We, the student-people of Pitzer College, establish a new Student Government, founded upon the principles of direct democracy, the collective process of creation, freedom and autonomy, and the continuation of a dynamic student history which creatively joins Pitzer's past and future. Because the decisions of the College will proceed with or without us, we must organize ourselves into a collective body in order to work alongside faculty and staff in actively creating and directing the future of the College and our community.
We are not a collection of atomized individuals. Rather, we are an ecological student community, exemplifying mutualism, deep inter-relationality, multiplicity and complementarity. Recognizing this reality, that the development of one of us depends upon the development of all, we find it necessary to construct a space for the collective process of this communal development.
Statement of Summary and Intention
Article 1. Statement of Relationship of Pitzer Student Government to Pitzer College Governance and to Other Student Governments
The students of Pitzer College recognize the Pitzer College Student Government as the official body responsible for the formation, protection and implementation of the rights, decisions, and interests of the student body. Pitzer College Student Government is the student aspect of Pitzer College Governance. The Pitzer Student Government will collaborate with other student governments to advance the interests of the Pitzer College student body.
Article 2. Bill of Student Rights
The Bill of Student Rights is an articulation of the rights of Pitzer College students as individuals and as a community, and of the rights of student organizations and Student Government. The Student Government will protect and uphold these rights against any encroachments.
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Structures of Government
Article 3. The Office of Student Government
The Office of Student Government serves to coordinate, preserve and support Student Government, to support and unite student organizations, and to ensure and protect student participation in College Governance. The Officers will advocate for the rights, will, and decisions of the student body and Student Government, and will manage the Archives and Website of Student Government. The Officers will also support students and student groups in their interactions with the College Administration, and will facilitate the realization of students' demands. The Officers will be five: the Convener, the Provost, the Archivist, the Web-Mage, and the Treasurer. As a sub-office, the Purse Strings is a primary resource for students seeking funding from institutional sources at Pitzer College
Article 4. The Assembly of Students
One student, one vote. Once a month, students will assemble at large, in order to discuss and address issues of the community and to steer the Student Government. The Assembly of Students will serve as the highest authority within Student Government. The Assembly of Students will serve as the heart of student action in College Governance. Relevant proposals which are approved by the Assembly will be placed on the College Council agenda. The Assembly of Students will choose two facilitators whose sole job is to ensure focus and fairness, and to draw out marginalized student voices. The Assembly of Students will reserve the right to recall and replace any elected student representation in Student Government.
Article 5. Society of Friends and Lovers (Student Life Council)
The Society of Friends and Lovers serves to encourage and fund community initiatives, critical community engagement projects, and to foster art, music and creative free expression. The Society will protect free expression and diverse community control of space on campus. The Society will ensure that the policies and actions of the College support, encourage and allow for the free and full expression of a multiplicity of students.
Article 6. Council for the Co-Construction of Knowledge (Academic Affairs Council)
The Council for the Co-Construction of Knowledge is charged with the development, articulation and coordination of a student agenda for the academy. The Council will be responsible to implement this agenda through concerted cross-Committee action and to advocate for student interests in the academy. This Council will discuss the ongoing considerations and decisions of College Governance and respond accordingly.
Article 7. Summit for an Egalitarian Society
The Summit for an Egalitarian Society is a body which will facilitate collaboration between student groups engaged in a common struggle against interlocking systems of domination. The Summit recognizes that their respective struggles are intimately intertwined and advocates for the active solidarity which emerges from this understanding. The Summit will be a place for these organizations to recognize shared values and goals, take advantage of shared resources, collaborate, and to acknowledge and discuss ideological consistencies and differences. The Summit will engage in the construction of a statement of shared purpose, organize and collaborate in action and empower and impassion each other. The Summit will utilize funds for collaborative efforts between organizations, with a particular emphasis on inviting people to speak. The Summit will not necessarily be representative of the majority.
Article 8. Student Activities Committee
The Student Activities Committee is charged with the health and wealth of campus social life. The Committee will fund both Five College and Pitzer social events.
Article 9. Hall Councils
The Hall Councils are the autonomous student governance bodies which aim to construct an ideal dorm life for the student residents. The Hall Council is a space in which the residents of a dormitory will govern residence life by protecting students' rights, administering dorm art policy, overseeing Residence Life policy and its implementation, and encouraging community through art, music and happenings. The Hall Council will defend the freedom of the students to decide how they will conduct their lives and use the Residence Hall and their individual residences as their own homes.
Article 10. Student Organizations
Student organizations are recognized student groups which have coalesced around a particular statement of intention. These organizations will be responsible to fulfill the missions laid out in their charters and will participate variously in the Society of Friends and Lovers, the Council for the Co-Construction of Knowledge, and the Summit for an Egalitarian Society.
Article 11. College Government
Pitzer College has a unique governance structure which integrates Students, Faculty, and Staff into a collective college governance process. Pitzer Student Government is an autonomous body which fulfills the student aspect of College Governance. The chief deliberative governance body of the college community is College Council. Pitzer students are full and equal participants in College Council and College Committees.
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Operations of Student Government
Article 12. Rules and Responsibilities of Membership
Members of the bodies of Student Government will advocate for the rights, needs and decisions of the student body, within and without the structures of College Governance and with the Administration of the College. While an individual cannot and should not attempt objectively to represent the views of the student body at large, the member should attempt to engage the student community on every issue. Members will fully participate in College Governance toward the same end.
Article 13. Community Representation
Community Representatives will be elected by and for particular constituencies within the student body.
Article 14. Elections, Appointments & Recall
All elected members of student government will be nominated within the Assembly of Students. Positions of special interest will be elected through a ballot. All elected members of Student Government may be recalled by the Assembly of Students. Special elections will be held for Officer and Committee positions if vacated and in the case of recall.
Article 15. Budgeting
The Student Government will budget the Student Activities Fees. At the end of the Spring semester, the Assembly of Students will construct the following year’s annual budget, allocating funds to student organizations, the Society of Friends and Lovers, the Summit for an Egalitarian Society, Student Activities Committee and the Office of Student Government. Funding will be allocated according to the priorities and values of the student body, considering the ways in which funds have been best used to enrich the community in the past.
Article 16. Amending the Constitution
The community’s relationship to Student Government will necessarily change over time. As such, a continual reexamination of the Constitution of Pitzer College Student Government will allow for the continued health and relevance of the Student Government. All amendments to the Constitution will be discussed and voted on by the Assembly of Students; amendments will also be put to a student-wide vote.
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The Student Government of Pitzer College recognizes several manifestations of the essence of the Pitzer College student body. These symbols carry the full weight and respect of our collective adoration.
The Constitution of Pitzer College Student Government
Article 1. Statement of Relationship of Pitzer College Student Government to Pitzer College Governance and to the Community
1.1 The students of Pitzer College recognize the Pitzer College Student Government as the official body responsible to construct full and meaningful student participation in all college governance decisions; to actively ensure that these college governance decisions are open, democratic, and transparent; to advocate for the full implementation and protection of the Bill of Student Rights and the rights and interests of the student as a full and autonomous member of the College community; to facilitate and create discourse on college governance and pressing community issues; to provide services to students; and to fund, support and create student organizations and initiatives.
Article 2. Bill of Student Rights
2.1 The Bill of Student Rights will be written and established at the first meeting of the Assembly of Students.
2.2 Additional amendments to the Bill of Student Rights will be established in the same manner as other constitutional amendments.
2.3 Upon approval of the Bill, this Article will be summarily replaced with the Bill of Student Rights.
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Structures of Student Government
Article 3. The Office of Student Government
3.1 From the Void sprang the Office of Student Government.
3.2 The Office of Student Government shall be the administrative and coordinative body within the Student Government.
3.3 Five Officers of Student Government will serve: Convener, Provost, Archivist, Web-Mage, and Councilor of the Exchequer.
3.4 The duties of the Office of Student Government shall be:
a) To coordinate the structures of Student Government.
b) To ensure the integration of the Student Government into College Governance.
c) To maintain the membership, history, records and website of Student Government.
d) To coordinate and facilitate the elections and appointments of student representation in College Governance.
e) To report to the Assembly regarding the Officers' activities, the specifics and significance of their actions.
f) To hold weekly office hours for the student body.
g) To appoint eligible students to College Ad Hoc Committees.
h) To administer, to to all of these ends, the Administrative Fund moneys (See Article X, Budget).
3.5 The duties of each Officer of Student Government are as follows:
a) Convener (President): To coordinate communication between the various bodies of Student and College Government, to serve as the Student Government liaison to the College Council agenda planning meeting (Bylaws Article 2, Section 2.5) and other bodies of College Governance, to meet weekly with the President of the College (in conjunction with the Provost), to actively pursue the implementation of all Student Government decisions, to attend the Assembly of Students, to be attendant at Student Government meetings.
b) Provost (President): To serve on the Budgetary Implementation Committee and the Trustee Budget Committee, advocating for budgetary decisions which are in accordance with Pitzer's Core Values of Social Responsibility, Community, and Action, and which meet the needs of the student body; to advocate for the interests and decisions of the student body; to meet weekly with the President of the College (in conjunction with the Convener); to defend the rights of the Pitzer student, as defined in the Bill of Student Rights, the Faculty Handbook, and the Student Handbook; to advocate for the continued equal and directive participation of the student body in all decisions of the College, to be attendant at every Student Government meeting.
c) Archivist (Secretary): To actively update and maintain the Archives of Student Government; and to ensure, in conjunction with the Web-Mage, that the Archives will be hosted in full on the Student Government website.
d) Web-Mage (Communications Director): To maintain and update the Student Government website; to announce in a 'College Committee Digest' email each weekend the meeting times and locations of all College Committees for the following week; to announce, via e-mail, at least two days prior to the meeting of the Council for the Co-Construction of Knowledge, the Society of Friends and Lovers, and the Summit for an Egalitarian Society, Town Hall meeting, Assembly of Students, College Council, and special College Governance meeting.
e) Councilor of the Exchequer (Treasurer): To coordinate the Student Government moneys, budgetary processes and budgetary by-laws. To process budgetary documents and compile information on the state of the budget.
3.6 The Office of Student Government shall have a dedicated office space, where the Officers of Student Government will hold their office hours and where the Archives of Student Government will be stored.
3.7 The Officers will meet at least weekly in order to effectively carry out their duties.
3.8 The Archives of Student Government will be managed by the Archivist, and each year will be continuously updated with: College Committee minutes, by-laws, reports etc.; College Council minutes, agenda, supporting documents; Strategic Planning documents; Master Plan and Residential Planning documents; Faculty Handbook; Student Handbook; the annual Budget of the College; the annual Budget of the Student Government; minutes from all Student Government Councils; minutes from every Pitzer student club and organization; documentation of every Student Government Forum; and a running list of every decision made by every College Governance body, with summary.
3.9 The Purse-Strings shall be the guiding and coordinating body for facilitating student access to the Student Government monies.
a) Twelve members will serve on the Purse-Strings: the Councilor of the Exchequer; the Class, New Resources, Transfer, International and Off Campus Representatives; and all Hall Council Delegates.
b) The Purse-Strings shall collaboratively craft and guide all funding proposals submitted to the body. The members of the Purse-Strings shall make constructive recommendations to the funidng seeker for the improvement of the request and direct the seeker to the appropriate bodies from which to seek money.
c) All funding proposals directed towards the Assembly of Students or Society of Friends and Lovers must first be reviewed by the Purse-Strings.
d) The Purse-Strings shall hold accessible office hours in the office of the Student Government during which time the Purse-Strings shall meet with all seekers.
e) The processes and policies of the Purse-Strings shall be set out and determined by the Budgetary Bylaws.
Article 4. The Assembly of Students
4.1 Once a month, students will assemble at large, in order to discuss and address issues of the community and to steer the Student Government. The Assembly of Students will serve as the highest authority within Student Government. The Assembly of Students will reserve the right to recall any person elected by that body throughout the year as detailed in the Process of Assembly.
4.2 Stewards: The Stewards of the Assembly will be charged with the health and continuation of the Assembly of Students, each with the responsibility of encouraging the greatest possible participation of the student body. The Stewards will consist of: two facilitators, two Historians, one Legislator, and one Town-Crier.
4.3 The duties of each Steward are as follows:
a) Facilitators: To run the Assembly according to the Process of Assembly; to facilitate a democratic and consensus-oriented process of community dialogue and decision-making; and to publicize the Assembly widely and thoroughly at least a week in advance of its meeting.
b) Historians: Each to record a complete narrative of the Assembly meeting, summarizing and attributing points articulated, capturing the flow of the meeting, noting decisions made, and controversies and to give these narratives to the Web-Mage.
c) Legislator: To act in the Assembly as the authority on the Process of Assembly, and Student and College Governance; to solicit proposals for the Agenda via email; to assemble the Agenda of the Assembly prior to its meeting; and to record the official decisions of the assembly.
d) Town-Crier: To loudly announce the coming of the Assembly while ringing the Bell of Assembly through all campus residence halls and common space in the hour before the Assembly meeting; to creatively and prominently announce the coming of the Assembly in the days prior to its meeting.
4.4 College Council: Every decision of the Assembly which concerns the community as a whole, or which is dependent on the cooperation of the Administration of the College, will by default be placed on the upcoming College Council agenda by the Student Government Convener. The Convener of the Student Government will relay these agenda items to the College Council Planning Committee.
4.5 Proposals: A proposal will be considered by the Assembly only once the proponent has discussed the issue with enough students to gather six signatures of support. The proponent will then bring the proposal to the relevant Student Government Council for discussion, advice and support. The proponent will submit the proposal to the Legislator of the Assembly at least two days prior to the Assembly. At least two email notifications will be sent, by the proponent, to the student body about the proposal prior to the Assembly.
4.6 Student Assembly Report: The Student Government Archivist will collate a document, the Student Assembly Report, which will contain: a report from the student members of each College Committee (Standing and Ad Hoc), a report from each Officer of Student Government, a report from each Hall Council, a report from each Council of Student Government, the proposed Agenda of the Assembly, the text of the proposals to be considered, and any relevant documents. Before the Assembly the Student Assembly Report will be sent to the student body. At the beginning of the Assembly, the Student Assembly Report will be distributed in paper format. At any time during the Assembly, an oral presentation of any of the reports in the Assembly Report can be requested.
4.7 Club Charters: The Assembly will consider for approval the charters of Pitzer clubs seeking official recognition.
4.8 Voting: Every Pitzer College student has a vote on the Assembly. The voting will take place as outlined in the Process of the Assembly.
Article 5. Society of Friends and Lovers (Student Life Council)
5.1 The Society of Friends and Lovers is charged with protecting, facilitating and invigorating the life of the student community.
5.2 The Society will meet at least weekly.
a) The weekly meeting will provide a space in which students can report on and coordinate the activities, project, and agenda of their respective groups, committees, and organizations.
5.3 The composition of the Society is as follows:
a) The following committees and organizations each have one voting student member; and, listed officers each receive one vote in the Society: members of Campus Life Committee, Aesthetics Committee, Social Chair, each Class Representative, New Resources Representative, Transfer Representative, Off-Campus Representative, International Representative.
b) All students are invited and encouraged to attend as full participants, but non-voting members in the Society. All students are invited and encouraged to attend as non-voting members but as full participants in the Society.
c) Non-student members of the Pitzer community may attend as non-voting members whose participation is contigent upon the will of the student members of the Society.
d) The Society shall have the option, to be decided by majority vote, to hold a 'special meeting' in which only students or only Pitzer students may attend.
5.4 The student members will elect the officers of the Society.
a) One student member will be elected by the other members to act as facilitator and convener of each meeting of the Society. This student will ensure that meetings of the Society are open, accessible, and well-publicized to the student body. As convener and facilitator this student will ensure the meeting of the Society and the faithful attendance of all members to its mission.
b) One student member will be elected by the other members to act as secretary at each meeting of the Society. The secretary will render complete minutes of the Society to the Archivist of the Offices of Student Government.
c) One student member of the Society will be elected by the other members to act as the Five College Social Chair.
5.5 The Society will administer the monies of the discretionary fund of Student Government.
a) Five College funding is to be administered solely through Student Activities Committee (Art. 8).
5.6 The Bylaws of the Society of Friends and Lovers: The Society will establish its own bylaws. The bylaws of the Society of Friends and Lovers will concern but not be limited to: elections, quorum, establishment of regular meeting time and place, special meetings, membership, eligibility of membership, responsibilities, powers and duties of membership, attendance, recall for removal in the Assembly of Students, budgetary bylaws, voting and rules of order.
Article 6. Council for the Co-Construction of Knowledge (Academic Affairs Council)
6.1 The Council for the Co-Construction of Knowledge is charged with coordinating a student agenda on academic issues, and advocating for student interests in the academy.
6.2 The Council will meet at least fortnightly.
6.3 The composition of the Council is as follows:
a) Student members on the following committees are full-time voting members whose attendance is necessary for the proper functioning of the Council: Diversity, Academic Planning Committee, Appointments, Promotions, and Tenure, Faculty Executive Committee, Academic Standards Committee, Trustee Investment Representative, Teaching and Learning Committee, Curriculum Committee, and External Studies Committee.
b) All students are invited and encouraged to attend as full participants, but non-voting members in the Council.
c) Non-student members of the Pitzer community may attend as non-voting members whose participation is contigent upon the will of the student members of the Council.
d) The Council shall have the option, to be decided by majority vote, to hold a 'special meeting' in which only students or only Pitzer students may attend.
6.4 The student members will elect the officers of the Council.
a) One student member will be elected by the other members to act as facilitator and convener of each meeting of the Council. This student will ensure that meetings of the Council are open, accessible, and well-publicized to the student body. As convener and facilitator this student will ensure the meeting of the Council and the faithful attendance of all members to its mission.
b) One student member will be elected by the other members to act as secretary at each meeting of the Council. The secretary will render complete minutes of the Council to the Archivist of the Offices of Student Government.
6.5 The Bylaws of the Council for the Co-Construction of Knowledge: The Council will establish its own bylaws. The bylaws of the Council will concern but not be limited to: elections, quorum, establishment of regular meeting time and place, special meetings, membership, eligibility of membership, responsibilities powers and duties of membership, attendance, recall for removal in the Assembly of Students, budgetary bylaws, and rules of order.
Article 7. Summit for an Egalitarian Society
7.1 The Summit for an Egalitarian Society will be an autonomous body with a large degree of self-determination.
7.2 The Summit for an Egalitarian Society will consist of representation from political and activist oriented organizations on campus.
7.3 The Summit for an Egalitarian Society will meet at least monthly.
7.4 The budget of the Summit will be utilized solely for collaborative efforts between member organizations.
7.5 The Summit will elect a Convener and a Secretary at the beginning of each semester.
7.6 The Summit will work together to organize a conference, at least annually, on a specific topic of social, political, economic, or environmental justice and activism. This conference will aim to address the topic from a multitude of perspectives.
7.7 Eligibility will be determined as follows:
a.) Any Pitzer or Five College organization may bring an application for admission to the Summit.
b.) All applications for admission will be considered and voted on by the Summit.
c.) Active Pitzer clubs will have continuous membership into the next year.
d.) Five College clubs with a plurality of Pitzer student members will have continuous membership into the next year.
e.) Five College clubs without a plurality of Pitzer student members must reapply for membership at the beginning of each school year, with the criterion that these organizations share in the values of the Summit’s mission, that these organizations have an active presence within the Pitzer community and that the Pitzer community has an active presence within the organization.
7.8 Each member organization has one vote.
7.9 All students are welcome to attend Summit meetings as non-voting participants.
7.10 Non-student persons are welcome to attend Summit meetings with the permission of the Summit.
7.11 The Bylaws of the Summit for an Egalitarian Society: The Summit will establish its own bylaws. The bylaws of the Summit will concern but not be limited to: elections, quorum, establishment of regular meeting time and place, special meetings, membership, eligibility of membership, responsibilities powers and duties of membership, attendance, recall for removal in the Assembly of Students, budgetary bylaws, voting and rules of order.
Article 8. Student Activities Committe
8.1 The Student Activities Committee will administer funds to Five College social events and campus social events and will foster and encourage student art, music, performance, expression, and enjoyment.
8.2 The membership of the Student Activities Committee is as follows: Class Representatives, Student Activities Committee Chair, Five College Social Chair, Student Activities Committee Representative, and any student who attends two meetings of Student Activities Committee.
8.3 The Student Activities Committee will establish its own bylaws. The bylaws of the Committee will concern but not be limited to: elections, quorum, establishment of regular meeting time and place, special meetings, membership, eligibility of membership, responsibilities powers and duties of membership, attendance, recall for removal by the Assembly of Students, budgetary bylaws and rules of order.
Article 9. Hall Councils
9.1 Hall Councils serve to maintain, build and enliven the life of the residence halls and to discuss Residence Life policy and to oversee its implementation.
9.2 The Hall Councils administer their budgeted funds to this end.
9.3 The Hall Council is responsible to facilitate and advocate for artistic engagement with the built environment (e.g. painting, sculpture, installations, etc.). To this end, the Hall Council will write and maintain its own policies and procedures for art, interior and exterior, and display these prominently in the community (See the Outdoor Art Policy).
9.4 The Hall Council will oversee and maintain the common areas of the residence hall (e.g. kitchen, living rooms, rooftop patios, courtyards, etc).
9.5 The Hall Council will write and maintain a constitution which will govern its operations, and which will be published each semester.
9.6 Membership: All student residents of a residence hall, excepting Resident Assistants, are voting members of the Hall Council.
Article 10. Student Organizations
10.1 Student organized and managed groups may come to the Assembly of Students to present their charter and intention, and gain the approval of the Student Government as a recognized student organization.
10.2 Recognized student organizations may seek one-time funding through all available Student Government funding sources and annual funding within the budget of Student Government.
10.3 Recognized organizations will hold open, democratic meetings, and will send meeting minutes to the Archivist.
10.4 Student Cooperatives: Student Cooperatives are vital to the life of the community and the health of the College. A Student Cooperative is a democratic, student-run enterprise, providing a function or service which addresses a need of the community. The Student Government shall be committed to advocating for and supporting the creation of student-run cooperatives. The Assembly of Students will hear proposals for new student cooperatives, offering comment, support, advocacy, and initial funding.
10.4 Student organizations have certain entitlements.
a) Student organizations have access to assistance from the Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Public Relations.
b) Student organizations have official and public association with Pitzer College.
Article 11. College Governance
11.1 College Council Meeting: College Council is the deliberative governance body of the college community.
a) Students will constitute no less than one third of the votes in a College Council meeting.
b) The Convener of the Student Government will relay to the College Council Agenda Planning Meeting every decision of Student Government which concerns the community as a whole, or which is dependent on the cooperation of the Administration of the College.
c) The Society of Friends and Lovers, the Council for the Co-Construction of Knowledge, and the Council for Social Justice may also independently resolve to place an item on the College Council agenda.
11.2 Standing Committees of College Council and Other College Standing Committees:
a) The student members of standing College Council committees are elected by the Assembly.
11.3 Ad Hoc Committees: The student members of Ad Hoc Committees of College Council will be nominated by the Officers of Student Government and approved by a majority vote of either the Society of Friends and Lovers or The Council for the Co-Construction of Knowledge according to relevance.
11.4 Trustee Committees:
a) The Convener will sit on the Trustee Student Life Committee and the Trustee Education Committee.
b) The Provost will sit on the Trustee Budget Committee and the Trustee Audit Committee.
c) A student will serve as representative to the Trustee Investment Committee.
11.5 Judicial Council representatives will be nominated in the Assembly of Students and elected by the entire student body as defined by the Election Bylaws.
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Operations of Student Government
Article 12. Membership and Its Responsibilities
12.1 No student may serve on more than one College Standing Committee at a time.
12.2 Students may serve on College Ad Hoc and College Standing Committees simultaneously.
12.3 Students may serve in multiple Student and College Government positions, unless specifically prohibited.
12.4 The Officers of Student Government may not simultaneously serve as Stewards of the Assembly of Students.
12.5 The Convener, Provost, and Councilor of the Exchequer may not be elected or appointed to any other position in Student Government.
Article 13. Community Representation
13.1 Community Representatives will be nominated in the Assembly of Students and elected as defined by the Election Bylaws.
13.2 The Community Representatives shall be: Transfer Representative, International Representative, Environmental Representative, New Resources Representative, First Year Representative, Sophomore Representative, Junior Representative and Senior Representative.
13.3 The Community Representatives will be voting members of the Society of Friends and Lovers.
Article 14. Elections, Appointments & Recall
14.1 Student members of standing Committees of College Council will be nominated and elected in the Elections Assembly. One third of the body may vote to send the election of a particular committee representative position to a campus-wide election.
14.2 Student Government Officers will be nominated in the Assembly and elected in campus-wide election.
14.3 Student members of ad hoc Committees of College Council will be nominated by the Officers of Student Government, and these nominations will be sent for a vote of confirmation in the relevant Council.
14.4 Facilitators and secretaries of the Council, Society, and Summit will be chosen internally.
14.5 Recall: Any person elected by the Assembly may be recalled and replaced by the Assembly. The replacement will be made in an election in the Assembly, except in the case of the Officers, who must be replaced by Assembly nomination and campus-wide election.
14.6 Recall due to lack of attendance: The Chairs of College Council Standing Committees shall notify the Legislator and the Office of Student Government of significant lack of attendance by a student representative. The Legislator will place an item of recall and replacement on the agenda of the Assembly of Students, and will publicize the need for replacement. The recalled representative may address the Assembly in his or her own defense, and may run in the election to fill the position thus vacated.
14.7 Election Assembly: The March and December Assemblies of Students will be split between regular business and a special Election Assembly. The March Election Assembly will nominate and elect students to fill all positions in Student Government for the coming year. The December Assembly will nominate and elect students to fill positions to be vacated by students not returning for Spring semester. Students will nominate candidates for representation to Standing Committees of College Council and the Officers of Student Government. Elections for the representation to Standing Committees of College Council will be held in the Election Assembly. Elections for the Officers will be held in campus-wide ballot. Both elections and nominations are governed by the Election Guidelines and the Process of Assembly.
Article 15. Budgeting
15.1 The Annual Budget of Student Government will be decided in a special budget assembly which will occur as one section of the April Assembly of Students. Budgeting will be conducted as described in the Process of Assembly.
15.2 Funding will be distributed according to the Budgetary Bylaws.
a) Funding will be allocated according to the priorities and values of the student body, considering past ways in which funds have best been used to enrich the community.
Article 16. Amending the Constitution
16.1 An amendment will be brought to two meetings of the Assembly of Students, first for a discussion and alteration, and again for discussion, alteration, and submission for a two thirds vote. A student-wide ballot must approve the amendment by simple majority.
Article 17. Symbols Embraced by the Student Government of Pitzer College
Zapata's Moustache as the Revolutionary Facial Hair of Pitzer College
The Mounds as the Erogenous Zone of Pitzer College
The Prickly Pear as the Fruit of the Student Body
The Chickens as the Alarmists of Pitzer College
The Bicycle as our Object of Desire
Preamble.
The Pitzer College Student Senate is hereby recognized by Pitzer College students as the official body for protecting student rights and interests, facilitating student participation in College policy-making, increasing the quality of students’ educational and academic experience, upholding the core values of the College in all areas of student life, facilitating communication between students and faculty, staff, and bureaucratic organizations, recognizing and funding student organizations, representing the student body in College Council meetings and all official college business, and striving to improve the welfare of students.
ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP.
Section 1. Eligibility.
All members of Student Senate must be enrolled as students at Pitzer College concurrent with their terms of office. No student may apply for a position if they hold another Student Senate position at the time of their application unless they obtain prior approval from the Executive Board or Student Senate.
Section 2. Elected Members.
The elected voting members shall be: the five members of the Executive Board; the four class representatives; one New Resources representative, one Off-Campus representative, one Transfer representative, one International representative, one Environmental Senator, and all elected student committee positions.
Section 3. Appointed Members.
Appointed members of Student Senate shall have the same powers and duties as elected members. The Executive Board shall appoint students to all appointed positions for the standing committees listed in Article IV.
Section 4. Class Representatives.
Each of the four student classes shall elect one representative to be a member of the Student Senate. The four Class representatives, the Transfer representative, and the New Resources representative, and the International representative are charged with representing the views of their constituents and informing them about the ongoing work of the Student Senate. These representatives must hold at least three publicized meetings with their respective constituencies each academic semester. Only student members of each respective constituency may cast a vote for each representative position.
Section 5. Residential Representatives.
One Hall Council Representative shall be selected by each Hall Council to be a voting member of Student Senate. There shall be an Off-Campus representative that represents all Pitzer students who do not reside on the Pitzer campus, including students who are studying abroad.
Section 6. Standing Committees.
Both elected and appointed committee representatives shall serve as Student Senate’s representatives to each of the college’s standing committees.
Section 7. Environmental Senator.
The Environmental Senator shall be elected at the beginning of each academic year. The Environmental Senator is charged with representing the interests of environmental health and sustainability of the College, reporting on the environmental impact of the College, acting as a liaison between the EcoCenter and Student Senate, and participating in any College governance committees relating to sustainability.
Section 8. College Council Composition.
Student Senate shall make up no less than one third of the voting membership of College Council.
ARTICLE II. POWERS AND DUTIES.
Section 1. Student Senate Powers.
Pitzer College Student Senate has the power to:
a. Recognize and fund student organizations.
b. Create policies and advocate for their implementation.
c. Represent student interests in official College functions.
Section 2. Senator Powers.
Student Senators have the power to:
a. Participate as a full member of Student Senate meetings.
b. Participate in their respective governance committees as full voting members.
c. Participate as full voting members during College Council meetings.
Section 3. Student Senate Duties.
Pitzer College Student Senate has the duty to:
a. Comply with and preserve this Constitution.
b. Meet regularly and publicly.
c. Address problems that face Pitzer students, facilitate discussion and implementation
of solutions to those problems.
d. Report its activities to students and the college regularly and publicly.
e. Allocate money to student organizations and events pursuant to Article V.
Section 4. Senator Duties.
Student Senators have the following duties:
a. To comply with and preserve this Constitution.
b. To act as a liaison between Student Senate and their respective positions, committees, constituencies, or organizations.
c. To truthfully and positively represent the College within the Pitzer community and beyond.
d. To fulfill the duties of their specific posts.
ARTICLE III. MEETINGS.
Section 1. Full Senate Meetings.
Full Student Senate meetings shall be held each Sunday during the academic year in the Founder’s Room at 6:30 p.m. Regular Senate meetings must not be held during official recesses in the academic calendar unless approved by Student Senate at least one week prior to such a meeting.
Section 2. Special Meetings.
Executive Board may call special or emergency meetings at its discretion.
Section 3. Quorum.
A simple majority of Members must be present in order for official Student Senate business to occur. Simple discussion may take place without quorum.
Section 4. Funding Notice.
When a motion deals with changing policy or with the expenditure of funds over $400, that motion may only be voted on at a meeting after the one in which the motion was initially discussed. In cases of extreme necessity, a two thirds majority of Student Senate can approve funding over $400 in one week.
Section 5. Attendance.
a. The Executive Board shall define and publicize the requirements for an excused absence at the first Student Senate meeting of every academic semester.
b. Any Student Senate member who accrues more than two unexcused absences per semester must immediately be replaced by a student appointed by the Executive Board unless a motion to preserve their membership is approved by a two thirds majority of Student Senate. The senator in question may not vote on this motion.
c. A student appointed to such a vacated position shall serve until the next official election.
Section 6. Conduct.
The Student Senate meetings shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order Revised.
ARTICLE IV. COMMITTEES.
The members of the Pitzer College Student Senate shall be comprised of the students who fulfill the following positions.
Part A. Executive Board
The members of the Student Senate Executive Board shall be Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Communications Secretary and Secretary.
Section 1. Responsibilities.
The Executive Board shall have the following collective responsibilities:
a. To actively organize, coordinate, and oversee the actions of Pitzer College Student Senate.
b. To appoint applicants to appointed committee positions.
c. To act as positive and truthful representatives of Pitzer College in every endeavor.
d. To uphold and preserve the Constitution of the Student Senate.
e. To make decisions on behalf of the Student Senate in cases of emergency.
Section 2. Powers and Duties.
The members of Executive Board shall have the following duties:
a. Chair
i. To act as the official representative of the Pitzer Student Body.
ii. To convene and to preside over meetings of the Student Senate.
iii. To serve as chair of the Executive Board.
iv. To serve as the Pitzer College representative at the Claremont Colleges Executive Council.
v. To serve on the Board of Trustees Student Life Committee.
vi. To consult at least once a month with the Dean of Students.
vii.To create ad hoc committees.
b. Vice Chair
i. To aid the Chair with their duties.
ii. To assume the duties of the Chair if the Chair is absent or unavailable.
iii. To assume the office of the Chair if is made vacant.
iv. To serve as a student representative on the Budgetary Implementation Committee, and the Trustee Budget and Audit Committee.
c. Treasurer
i. To serve as chair of the Budgetary Subcommittee of the Student Senate.
i. Budgetary Committee shall be a standing committee of Student Senate.
a. Composition
i. Treasurer (serves as chair)
ii. Each Class Representative
iii. New Resource Representative
b. Functions
i. Reviews funding requests from student organizations
ii. Prepares and submits proposal for the allocation of the Student Activities Fees to student organizations.
iii. Collects and reviews midyear progress reports from all official student organizations funded by Student Senate. Reviews and presents budget requests from new student organizations to the Student Senate as they are submitted.
ii. To manage the Senate budget.
iii.To create and distribute a template for student budget requests each
year.
iv.To electronically provide weekly Student Senate financial status reports to Student Senate and the Student Body.
d. Communications Secretary
i. To communicate information about Student Senate activities to the Pitzer community.
ii. To keep an attendance record of all Student Senate meetings and meetings of the standing committees of Pitzer College.
iii. To maintain records of official Student Senate communications.
iv. To interact with the media regarding issues pertinent to Student Senate.
e. Secretary
i. To record and promptly distribute minutes at Student Senate meetings.
ii. To distribute other needed materials for Student Senate meetings.
iii. To aid in the execution of Student Senate elections.
iv.To foster communication by organizing at least one meeting per semester with leaders of all student organizations.
Section 3. Limitations.
The Executive Board shall have the following conditions, limitations, and restrictions:
a. At least three members of Executive Board must be present in order for Executive Board to perform any formal actions.
b. Approval from at least three Executive Board members is required in order to perform formal actions.
c. Executive Board members may not fill other College Governance Committee positions concurrent with their Executive Board tenure.
d. The Executive Board shall not approve expenditures exceeding $400.
Section 4. Succession.
a. If the Chair becomes professionally incapacitated, the next available Executive Board member shall assume the position and duties of the Chair in the following order: Vice Chair, Communications Secretary, Treasurer, Secretary.
b. The position vacated by the Acting Chair shall be temporarily filled by a student elected by Student Senate using secret ballots according to the principles of instant runoff voting.
c. If any Executive Board member becomes professionally incapacitated, elections must be held to fill their position in no more than five weeks. The Acting Chair shall then yield all interim responsibilities to the newly elected Chair and return to their former post.
Part B. College Governance Committees
College Governance Committees are established policy-making bodies that may include faculty and staff members.
Section 1. Academic Planning Committee.
a. Composition
i. Student representation on this committee shall consist of one elected position
and two appointed positions.
b. Functions
i. To consider or recommend changes in policies concerning academics, admissions and financial aid for the long-term life of the College.
ii. To recommend the reallocation of faculty positions to field groups when vacancies arise.
iii. To annually identify and announce the areas of curricular concern it sees as most important to address during the coming year, keeping in mind the educational objectives of the College as they affect students inside and outside of the classroom.
iv. To investigate the impact of admissions and financial aid policies on the composition of the student body.
v. To consider and recommend to FEC new field group proposals.
vi. To consider and recommend to Curriculum Committee new proposed concentrations, clusters and special programs.
vii. To consider and recommend to College Council the allocation and description of multi-year positions within the context of long-term planning.
viii. To promote a closer relationship between Special Programs, the PACE Program and the mainstream academic life of the College.
ix. To consult with FEC with regard to all proposals relating to the allocation of existing or new space that may affect the academic life of the College. Such proposals will require the approval of both APC and FEC for recommendation to College Council.
Section 2. Academic Standards.
a. Composition
i. Student representation on this committee shall consist of three appointed
positions.
b. Functions
i. To review and act on all student petitions for exceptions to College academic regulations.
ii. To review current policies and make recommendations to the College Council for any changes.
iii. To place students on academic contract or expel students for academic deficiencies.
iv. To consider the applications of students who have withdrawn or who have been dismissed from the College for academic reasons and seek to be readmitted.
v. To consider cases of special students who seek change of status to regular students in consultation with the Office of Admissions.
vi. To audit admission cases which fall outside the guidelines regularly used by the office of Admissions, and act on recommendations of that Office.
vii.To consider exceptions to the regular policies regarding financial aid, and act on recommendations from the Office of Financial Aid.
viii.To review all senior students for having met the requirements for graduation and honors and recommend appropriate students to the Faculty for graduation and honors.
Section 3. Aesthetics Committee.
a. Composition
i. Student representation on this committee shall consist of four elected positions.
b. Functions
i. To receive for review and possible approval unsolicited proposals for the installation of paintings, murals, sculptures, or hung pieces of art from students, faculty, staff, alumni and other persons or groups that are in any way affiliated with the campus.
ii. To entertain proposals for one or more pieces of outside campus art each academic year and plan a campus-wide event in connection with the creation and installation of the artwork. These pieces may be displayed for a short time and removed, or may become more durable features of the Pitzer landscape. The committee, in consultation with the artists, would indicate the expected duration of the installation based upon established guidelines.
iii. To establish and publish procedures in the Outdoor Art Policy for receiving and reviewing unsolicited proposals for campus art and procedures for soliciting campus art, and will inform the applicant of campus resources such as the Campus Life Committee, Art Collective, Research and Awards Committee, Student Senate, etcetera, as appropriate. iv. To establish procedures for determining the duration of the installation of campus art
v. To resolve issues of on-campus art ownership, maintenance, and storage. vi. To encourage art and creativity on campus.
Section 4. Appointments, Promotion, and Tenure Committee.
a. Composition
i. Student representation on this committee shall consist of one appointed junior position and one appointed senior position.
ii. Each appointed student shall serve a two-year term. iii. Each year, the Executive Board shall appoint one rising junior to replace the committee’s outgoing senior.
b. Functions
i. To make recommendations and advise the President in matters of faculty appointment, contract renewal, promotion, granting of tenure, and periodic reviews of tenured faculty.
Section 5. Budgetary Implementation Committee.
a. Composition
i. Student representation on this committee shall consist of the Student Senate
Vice Chair.
b. Functions
i. To form the yearly College budget within the context of multi-year budgets.
ii. To make recommendations to the President of the College concerning the budgeting implementation of institutional plans and programs.
iii. To review the budgetary guidelines including enrollment targets, faculty and
staff compensation and fringe benefit packages, inflation and the allocation of financial aid, investment and gift income expectations, for the current academic year and recommend guidelines for the coming academic year to the Faculty Executive Committee for approval.
iv. To deal with specific problems concerning any major changes in budgetary guidelines.
v. To solicit and review requests for program improvements. vi. To consult with the Executive Committee regarding the financial feasibility of
proposed major capital projects and plans for implementation of such projects.
Section 6. Campus Life Committee.
a. Composition
i. Student representation on this committee shall consist of three appointed positions and two elected positions.
b. Functions
i. To promote and support close faculty-student relationships and the involvement of alumni in the life of the College.
ii. To oversee issues of space development, allocation and utilization in residential areas, as well as in the Gold Student Center.
iii. To provide oversight of policies that lie at the intersection of space utilization and programming.
iv. To solicit proposals from all segments of the Pitzer Community and to promote space enhancement projects that foster development of the campus intellectual community.
v. To allocate the Salathe, Forum, and Printed Word Funds and make annual recommendations of appropriate speakers for the Atherton and Durfee funds.
vi. To allocate available funds for special events such as lectures, films, conferences and concerts.
vii.To exercise oversight of the utilization of other planning funds. The latter will be used explicitly to promote and sustain programs and projects that foster the development of a social and intellectual community at the College.
viii.To review, approve and support the orientation program for new students.
Section 7. Curriculum Committee
a. Composition
i. Student representation on this committee shall consist of two appointed positions.
b. Functions
i. To recommend to College Council the following items: the annual curriculum, new courses, new titles/numbers/descriptions for previously given courses, proposed changes in major, minor, and special program requirements, proposals from the Academic Planning Committee for new majors and special programs, proposals from field groups for new minors, proposals from External Studies Committee regarding policies relating to external studies programs and new external studies programs, policies regarding independent studies, intercollegiate proposals for new curricular development, and special majors.
ii. To recommend to the Faculty Executive Committee the allocation of sabbatical and leave replacement positions as well as the allocation of temporary positions which arise periodically because of the availability of funds.
iii. To review the proposed annual curriculum and, when necessary, recommend to Field Groups changes with respect to: the availability of courses for First- Year Students, the availability of courses for New Resources students, the availability of courses required for majors and special programs, the distribution of courses by class hours and between semesters.
iv. To serve as an appeals body to review contested decisions made by the External Studies Committee relating to the acceptance of students for the External Studies program.
Section 8. Diversity Committee.
a. Composition
i. Student representation on this committee shall consist of one elected and two appointed positions.
b. Functions
i. To assist the College in meeting its affirmative action goals in faculty recruitment and hiring.
ii. To assist in the process of attracting minority students to the College. iii. To assist in promoting increased curricular attention to minority issues and in
ensuring a community environment which welcomes and values diverse
perspectives and individuals of diverse backgrounds. iv. To submit policy recommendations regarding minority concerns to College
Council or other appropriate channels. v. To serve as the search committee for the College's Junior Scholar program.
Section 9. External Studies Committee.
a. Composition
i. Student representation on this committee shall consist of two appointed positions and one elected position.
b. Functions
i. To recommend guidelines regarding student participation in external studies programs to the Curriculum Committee.
ii. To select and recommend the approval of external studies programs to the Curriculum Committee.
iii. To solicit applications, interview students and select students for the participation in approved programs, with the Curriculum Committee acting as an appeal body.
iv. To recommend to the Academic Planning Committee long-term policy changes affecting the External Studies department.
Section 10. Faculty Executive Committee.
a. Composition
i. Student representation on this committee shall consist of one senior appointed position and one junior appointed position.
b. Functions
i. To make recommendations and advise the President on the following items: faculty committee appointments, matters of faculty leaves of absence, areas of College policy of unclear jurisdiction
ii. To make recommendations to the College Council meeting concerning the establishment of standing committees, the constitution of their membership and their powers.
iii. To act on behalf of College Council if circumstances require an immediate action.
Section 11. Social Activities Committee.
a. Composition
i. Leadership of the Social Activities Committee (“SAC”) shall consist of one student Representative and one student Chair. The same student may fill both positions. The SAC Representative shall be elected by SAC members each fall for the same academic year. The SAC Chair shall be elected by SAC members each spring for the following academic year.
ii. Regular membership consists of current Pitzer students who attend at least two SAC meetings.
b. Functions i. The SAC Representative shall serve as the official delegate to the 5 College
Social Activities Committee, shall serve as the official representative of student social life on Student Senate, and shall inform the student body about Pitzer and 5 College social events at least once per week.
ii. The SAC Chair shall chair and coordinate all regular SAC meetings, and coordinate SAC social events.
iii. The members of the Student Activities Committee must sponsor at least two major social events per academic semester.
Part C. Non-Representative Committees
Non-representative committees are governance organizations that do not employ a Student Senate representative.
Section 1. Teaching and Learning Committee.
a. Composition
i. Student participation on this committee shall consist of up to three students
recommended by the Student Senate Executive Board and approved by the
pre-existing members of the Committee. b. Functions
i. To develop opportunities for conversation and reflection among faculty, students, and staff around topics of teaching and learning.
ii. To facilitate the creation of a culture of critical reflection on teaching and learning by responding to the needs expressed by all constituencies of the college.
iii. To support ongoing communication throughout the campus community about issues related to teaching and learning.
iv. To bring a higher level of understanding, deeper reflection, and renewed purpose in becoming responsible global citizens.
Section 2. Judicial Council.
a. Composition i. Student representation on this committee shall consist of five elected student
positions. ii. The election process of judicial council members shall remain under the care
of Student Senate. iii. Judicial council shall not be required to attend Senate meetings nor should
they report to Student Senate on Judicial Council cases. iv. Judicial council members may run for and apply for any other positions on
Student Senate except for Executive Board positions. b. Functions
i. Judicial Council members shall participate in official hearings when called upon by the Dean of Students pursuant to the Pitzer College student handbook and Bylaws of Faculty, Staff, and Student Governance.
Section 3. Student Alumni Relations Committee.
a. Composition i. Student participation on this committee shall consist of up to two students
recommended by the Student Senate Executive Board and approved by the pre-existing members of the Committee. Committee members may run for and apply for any other positions on Student Senate.
b. Functions i. To maintain a positive relationship between students and alumni. ii. This section shall be effective for the Fall 2009 semester onward.
Section 4. Office of Student Affairs Advisory Committee.
a. Composition i. Student participation on this committee shall consist of up to two students
recommended by the Student Senate Executive Board and approved by the
pre-existing members of the Committee. ii. Committee members may run for and apply for any other positions on Student Senate.
b. Functions
i. To assist the Office of Student Affairs (“OSA”) in addressing student needs and concerns.
ii. To discuss, implement, and improve policies and services provided by or related to the Office of Student Affairs.
ARTICLE V. FINANCE.
Section 1. Student Activities Fees.
The budget of Pitzer College Student Senate shall include the Student Activities Fees paid by enrolled students of Pitzer College.
Section 2. Funding.
a. Student Senate is responsible for funding all recognized student organizations. b. Student Senate may fund appropriate College-based activities and events that
enrich student life. c. Student Senate is responsible for establishing and enforcing stipulations regarding
the use of its funds. d. Upon the Budgetary Committee’s recommendation, Student Senate may rescind
funding from any student organization or event that has failed to demonstrate compliance with Student Senate’s funding directives.
Section 3. Budgetary Bylaws.
The Treasurer must maintain and publicize Budgetary Bylaws that specify the guidelines, requirements, and limitations for recognition, funding, allocation by Student Senate and student organizations. The Budgetary Bylaws may be amended by two thirds approval from Student Senate.
Section 4. Yearly Budget.
Student Senate must approve a pro forma budget for the following academic year no earlier than 6 weeks before the last day of the spring academic semester and no later than 3 weeks before the last day of the spring academic semester. The yearly budget must include substantive discussion during at least two Student Senate regular meetings.
ARTICLE VI. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS.
Section 1. Recognition.
Student Senate has the sole power to officially recognize student organizations and the sole power to revoke official recognition. The Treasurer must maintain and publicize Budgetary Bylaws that specify the guidelines, requirements, and limitations for recognition, funding, allocation by Student Senate and student organizations. The Treasurer shall maintain a public list of all officially recognized student organizations.
Section 2. Organization Funding.
Student Senate has the power to fund recognized Pitzer student organizations.
Section 3. Student Organization Powers.
Recognized Student Organizations enjoy the following privileges: a. Use of available Pitzer College facilities, including the Pitzer College Room
Reservation system. b. Eligibility for official assistance from the Office of Student Affairs and the Office of
Public Relations. c. The ability to officially and publicly associate itself with Pitzer College.
Section 4. Student Organization Duties.
In order to maintain official recognition or funding, all Student Organizations must:
a. Hold and publicize meetings at least once per month.
b. Supply the Student Senate Executive Board with the organization’s meeting time and place, mission statement, club charter or constitution, officer list, and website.
c. Maintain an organization website containing the organization’s meeting time and place, mission statement, club charter or constitution, and officer list.
d. Record meeting minutes in accordance with guidelines set by Student Senate. e. Distribute aforementioned meeting minutes on the appropriate Pitzer College student list-serv.
ARTICLE VII. ELECTIONS.
Section 1. Jurisdiction.
The Student Senate bears sole responsibility for coordinating and conducting its elections. The Communications Secretary shall coordinate and oversee all Student Senate elections. Specific guidelines for Student Senate elections shall be made publicly available at least one week before candidate applications are made available.
Section 2. Eligibility.
a. Any currently enrolled Pitzer College student is eligible to run for a position in a Student Senate election given that they are able to complete the term of the position as an enrolled student at Pitzer College, while attending classes on the Claremont campuses.
b. A sitting Senator may not vacate their position to run for another position unless they obtain prior approval by the Executive Board or Student Senate.
Section 3. Applications.
a. Applications are required of every Student Senate candidate. b. The Student Senate Communications Secretary shall create the applications. c. There shall be a five day minimum for candidates of the elected positions to submit
their application to run for an elected position. d. Elections must be held within five days after the close of the applications period.
Section 4. General Elections.
a. General Elections for the upcoming school year shall be held no earlier than 6 weeks before the last day of the spring academic semester and no later than 3 weeks before the last day of the spring academic semester.
b. Elections to fill vacant positions for the current school year must be held no later than three weeks after the first day of the fall academic semester.
Section 5. Election Guidelines.
a. Votes must be cast by secret ballot conducted according to the following directives: i. Voters rank candidates in order of preference. Ballots shall instruct voters to rank
their preferences, with "1" indicating their first choice. Voters may rank as many or as few candidates as they wish, with lower rankings never counting against higher rankings.
ii. Once the voting period has expired, first choices shall be tabulated. If a candidate receives a majority (defined as more than half of the total votes cast) of first choices, they are elected.
iii. If no candidate receives a majority of first choices, the candidate receiving the fewest first choice rankings is eliminated. Ballots cast for the eliminated candidate shall then be counted toward those voters' second choices.
d. This process shall continue until one candidate receives a majority and is elected. b. No candidate in a contested Student Senate election may participate in the
organization or voting process of the elections. c. Elections must adhere to the principles of instant runoff voting. d. The Communications Secretary must submit election guidelines to Student Senate
for approval before the beginning of the elections period.
Section 6. Time Requirements.
a. Voting must be held open to all currently enrolled Pitzer College students for two days with a minimum total of six hours.
Section 7. Results.
a. At least three members of the Executive Board must be present while the ballots are counted.
b. Unofficial results should be publicly announced via email within three weekdays after an election.
c. Vote totals must be privately released to the candidates participating in each respective race at least three days before official results are released.
d. Races won by a margin of less than ten percent shall be noted in the unofficial results.
e. Official results shall be made public no more than three business days after the unofficial results have been released unless delayed or contested.
f. The Communications Secretary must release the vote total of any election upon the request of any current Pitzer College student, faculty member, or staff member.
Section 8. Recount.
Any candidate in an opposed contest may request a recount of the ballots. Only one recount per position can occur can be declared in each election. The recount can be watched over by any of the candidates for the race in question.
Section 9. Tie Breaking.
In the event of a tie between the top two candidates in an election, a special election voted on by Student Senate shall occur with the following conditions: a. If any candidate in the special election is a member of Student Senate at the time of
the election they may not vote in the special election. b. If both candidates are physically able to address the Student Senate body before
the vote, they must both do so. c. If both candidates are not physically able to address the Student Senate body
before the vote, they may both submit statements to be read aloud during the Senate meeting and have at most two people make verbal statements to the Student Senate body before the vote.
d. Specific guidelines regarding the aforementioned conditions must be submitted by the Communications Secretary for approval by Student Senate
ARTICLE VIII. SENATOR WITHDRAWAL.
PART A. RECALL.
Section 1. Eligibility.
Any Student Senate member may be recalled from office on grounds of professional misconduct or negligence, seriously unethical or immoral behavior unbecoming of a representative of Pitzer College, or failure to actively and accurately represent their constituency.
Section 2. Recall Petition.
a. Any enrolled Pitzer student can activate a recall process by compiling a petition signed by ten percent of the Pitzer College Student Body and presenting the petition to the full Student Senate.
b. Any Student Senator can activate a recall process by submitting to Student Senate a written motion specifying the senator in question and the basic grounds for their recall.
Section 3. Procedure.
The Chair must recognize any properly activated recall request. If the Chair is the subject of the recall request, they must surrender the gavel to the Vice Chair during the discussion of recall. The Presiding Officer must allow an organized discussion about the validity of the recall for at least ten minutes. Student Senate must vote on the recall during a Student Senate meeting using secret ballots.
Section 4. Voting Requirement.
A recall requires two thirds approval from Student Senate.
PART B. RESIGNATION.
Section 1. Resignation.
Any member of Student Senate wishing to resign his or her position must submit a written Petition for Resignation to the Senate Secretary. In said Petition the Senator must include his or her name, Student Senate position, a description of his or her reason for resigning, and must state the date at which the resignation will take effect. The date any resignation may take effect may be no earlier than one week and no later than three weeks after the written resignation is submitted.
Section 2. Committee Notice.
If the Executive Board accepts a Senator’s resignation, that Senator must submit a letter of resignation to his or her committee stating a reason for resignation and the date after which the resignation shall apply.
Section 3. Public Notice.
The Communications Secretary must inform Student Senate and the Pitzer College student body of the resignation at the next full Student Senate meeting, or within three days of the resignation, whichever occurs first.
ARTICLE IX. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Section 1. Notice.
Amendments must be discussed during at least two separate full Student Senate Meetings. Proposed amendments must be distributed to each member of Student Senate at least 36 hours before official discussion and proposal.
Section 2. Voting Requirement.
Any constitutional amendment must be approved at a regular Student Senate meeting by an affirmative vote of two thirds of all Senators.
Section 3. Student Body Ratification.
Once approved by Student Senate, the amendment must be brought to the student body within two weeks through an election pursuant to Article VIII, Sections 1, 5, 6, and 7. If the amendment is approved by Student Senate less than two weeks before the end of the academic semester, the amendment must be brought to the student body before the end of the semester unless otherwise specified by a two thirds majority of Student Senate.
ARTICLE X. CONSTITUTIONAL SUSPENSION.
Section 1. Purpose.
The tool of specified constitutional suspension should be used only in situations where unusual circumstances or procedural or structural failures unduly restrict the will of the Student Senate. Motions for constitutional suspension must be consistent with the values and functions detailed in the Preamble of this Constitution.
Section 2. Call for Quorum.
In order for a motion of suspension to be recognized, quorum must be called.
Section 3. Quorum.
Quorum for this motion is established at two thirds of the full student senate body.
Section 4. Voting Standard.
Two thirds of present Student Senate members must approve the suspension.
Section 5. Specification.
Any motion to suspend the Constitution must include: a. The exact Articles or Sections of the document to be affected. b. The specific period of time or duration for which the motion shall take effect, up to 48 hours.
Section 6. Limitations.
a. Article VIII may not be suspended during an election period. b. A motion to suspend Article X requires explicit approval from The President of Pitzer College or at least one Dean of Students.
At this Sunday's Senate meeting, Senate Chair Brian Orser opened the discussion on the constitutional proposal that we're all talking about. I was the only one to raise my hand.
So here we are, on the internet. Here are my concerns.
Transition
The current Constitution is the result of 16 years of trial, error, and improvement. It was just approved in April 2009 by a ballot vote of the entire student body.
The new system would require us to start from scratch: There is no transition plan. There is no "change.gov".
There has NEVER been public discussion on what would actually happen if this proposal is approved by the student body.
There is no set meeting time for the first meeting. There are no student leaders to facilitate the first meeting.
If it were approved, there would be a bitter struggle for legitimacy: different groups of students could say "The first meeting will be on Tuesday morning at 10 am at the Grove House!" "The first meeting will be on the Mounds on Friday afternoon!"
It will require people to create something out of nothingness, and the loudest voices will rule the day.
I think it is entirely possible that if this proposal were to be enacted, a first meeting might never even happen. The document is just that messy and incomplete.
Governance
The current Constitution is written in good plain English. If the entire Pitzer College student body were abducted by aliens and suffered from mass amnesia, our Student Senate would still survive: the Constitution lays out in simple terms how everything works. It is a simple and stable framework that specifies where to go, what to do, and how to function, while leaving very broad leeway for what we can actually accomplish.
This proposal is a mess. Its table of contents is fully half the length of the content itself. It is incredibly difficult to understand, and gives no guidance on how any body will actually function. It uses language like this:
We are not a collection of atomized individuals. Rather, we are an ecological student community, exemplifying mutualism, deep inter-relationality, multiplicity and complementarity. Recognizing this reality, that the development of one of us depends upon the development of all, we find it necessary to construct a space for the collective process of this communal development.
The question is HOW DO WE CONDUCT OURSELVES? How can I get involved? Where do I sign up? Who can I talk to if I want to get something done? Whose job is it to help me with this issue? This document completely ignores these central questions.
Exclusion
There is a reality that proponents of the proposal (whoever they may be) are unwilling to face: There are students who can never, will never, and don't want to, come to Student Senate meetings.
This includes student athletes, pre-med students, students with full-time jobs, students taking 5 or 6 classes, New Resource students, off-campus students, Residence Assistants on duty, students with children, whose schedules simply don't allow it.
It may include you, a first-time reader of this blog, who doesn't give a shit about Student Government. Maybe you never have and you never will, and you're annoyed that this keeps taking up your time and attention. (It may be hard to believe, but I personally didn't attend a Senate meeting until my second year at Pitzer, and I lived a very full life before I did.)
Under the current system, there are representatives who are accountable to EVERYONE-- who work hard on behalf of the students who aren't there.
Under the new system, the people who show up and shout will get to cast their vote. For the people who don't, can't, or won't show up, it's like they don't even exist.
Mob Rule
Contrary to its stated objective, this proposal would allow single students to become disproportionately influential. Students that are very popular, very well-connected, very wealthy, very involved, very opinionated, very outspoken, will effectively rule the Assembly.
Take me, for example. I'm a senior. This is my 7th semester living at Pitzer College. I've introduced speakers for Dining with Democracy in front of audiences of 200 people. 150 people read this blog yesterday. I have a voice that is FAR louder than the average student.
I am not against this proposal because I'm afraid that my own voice will be drowned out.
I am concerned for the first-year students who will be thrown into a hot mess of a governance system. I fear for the person who has a good idea but can't articulate it by yelling it out on the spot in front of a 150 people.
But when everybody shouts at once, nobody's voice is heard. And the quiet opinions will be silenced.
The current system of student governance protects minority opinions. It takes 2/3 of students to end a discussion about something, which protects that one third from being silenced. Under the new system, 51 people could vote to quiet the voices of 49 students who disagree with them, and win every time.
Vote NO.
The Constitution of Pitzer College Student Government
Preamble
Statement of Summary and Intention
Article 1. Statement of Relationship of Pitzer Student Government to Pitzer College Governance and to Other Student Governments
Article 2. Bill of Student Rights
Article 3. The Office of Student Government
Article 4. The Assembly of Students
Article 5. Pitzer Endowment for the Arts and Community Engagement
Article 6. Academic Affairs Council
Article 7. Summit for Social Justice
Article 8. Student Activities Committee
Article 9. Hall Councils
Article 10. Student Organizations
Article 11. College Government
Article 12. Rules and Responsibilities of Membership
Article 13. Community Representation
Article 14. Elections, Appointments & Recall
Article 15. Budgeting
Article 16. Amending the Constitution
The Constitution of Pitzer College Student Government
Article 1. Statement of Relationship of Pitzer College Student Government to Pitzer College Governance and to the Community
Article 2. Bill of Student Rights
Article 3. The Office of Student Government
Article 4. The Assembly of Students
Article 5. Pitzer Endowment for the Arts and Community Engagement
Article 6. Academic Affairs Council
Article 7. Summit for Social Justice
Article 8. Student Activities Committe
Article 9. Hall Councils
Article 10. Student Organizations
Article 11. College Governance
Article 12. Membership and Its Responsibilities
Article 13. Community Representation
Article 14. Elections, Appointments & Recall
Article 15. Budgeting
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Is this a joke?
It is no joke.
This is embarrassing.
what the fuck was that
How come you guys get to have all the fun?