RCSGA Constitution

Table of Contents


Article I. PREAMBLE

We, the Duly Elected Representatives of the Students of Richmond College at the University of Richmond, recognize that students have the fundamental right and responsibility of self-governance and do hereby establish this document to complement the Constitution and govern the operations of the Richmond College Student Government Association. We do so pledging as Richmond College men to uphold the values of Honor, Duty, and Integrity as we strive to create the highest quality of life for Richmond College.

Article II. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Section 1. Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern all proceedings of the Richmond College Student Government Association except when inconsistent with the Constitution or Governing Bylaws. A Quorum at all regular meetings of the Senate shall be two-thirds (2/3) of the Senators eligible to vote. For the purpose of declaring a Quorum Senior Senators shall not be considered after the Spring Senate Elections immediately prior to graduation.

Section 2. In the case of a question regarding the interpretation of Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised, the Richmond College Student Government Association shall appoint a Parliamentarian to resolve any questions or disputes.

Article III. THE PRESIDENT

Section 1. As empowered by the Constitution the President shall oversee and supervise the Richmond College Student Government Association acting as its Official Representative and executing the policy of the organization as expressed by the Senate.

Section 2. The President shall have the authority to appoint a Senator to be the Senate’s liaison to any University committee or organization. The President shall notify the Senate body of any such appointments at the General Senate Meeting immediately following said appointment.

Section 3. As empowered by the Constitution, the President shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees, departments, and agencies of the organization.

Section 4. The President shall hold the responsibility to convene and preside over meetings of the Executive Council, unless otherwise delegated.

Section 5. The position of President shall be salaried with the amount of compensation to be determined in the annual budget.

Section 6. To be eligible to become the President of the Richmond College Student Government Association the candidates shall be members of the rising senior class and must have achieved in Richmond College a cumulative grade point average equal to or greater than 3.00 at the time of election. Section 7. The President shall have the authority to spend up to $100 for purposes he deems fit without Senate approval, but is required to submit a written report about his expenditure to the VP of Finance. 

Section 8. The President has the authority to bring forth articles of impeachment against Senators who are derelict in their duties.  This power includes, but is not limited to, demoting a Vice President who the President and the general Senate body feel is failing to fulfill his duties. 

Article IV. THE VICE-PRESIDENTS

Section 1. The four Vice-Presidents of the Permanent Committees, detailed in Article V Section 1-4, shall be selected from the membership of the Senate, by a majority of said Senate at the first meeting following the election. They shall serve until the election of the next Vice President for their respective Committee; however, their voting status shall be determined by their status as an elected Senator.

Section 2. To be eligible to become a Vice-President the candidates shall have completed forty-five (45) hours of college work and must have achieved in Richmond College a cumulative grade point average equal to or greater than 2.40 at the time of election. They shall be elected members of the Senate to qualify for selection.

Section 3. The four Vice-Presidents along with the President and Executive Secretary shall compose the Executive Committee of the Richmond College Student Government Association.

Section 4. The positions of Vice-Presidents shall be salaried with the amount of compensation to be determined in the annual budget.

Section 5.  The Vice Presidents, along with the Richmond College Election Chair, are required to leave a detailed memo for their successors explaining what they achieved, key responsibilities, and any other advice they deem useful.  The President has the power to widen this obligation to other offices or persons of the RCSGA that he sees fit.

Article V. THE COMMITTEE SYSTEM

Each Senator shall officially serve on one and only one of the four Senate Committees, designated in Article V Section 1-4, but may work on projects within all four Committees. The Executive Committee composed of the President, Vice-Presidents, and Executive Secretary, shall appoint each Senator to a Committee prior to the Second meeting of the Senate based on individual preference information gathered at the First Senate meeting. Senators shall serve on their appointed Committee for the entire Senate term.

 Section 1. The Student Advocacy Committee

Pursuant to Article II, Section 6B-2 of the Constitution an RCSGA Committee shall exist; this shall be called the Student Advocacy Committee. This Committee’s purpose shall be to solicit and address student concerns, namely those pertaining to academics and student life at the University of Richmond. Specific Duties are as follows:

i. The Vice-President for Student Advocacy shall be responsible for serving as an intermediary between the Students and University Administration.
ii. Responsible for appropriately routing all Student Concerns brought up in General Senate Meetings, utilizing the Administrator Liaison Program and other avenues to ensure proper action is taken.
iii. Responsible for coordinating the Student Representatives on the University Board of Trustees and ensuring that they fulfill their duties to the Student Body.
iv. Responsible for soliciting and resolving academic related student concerns. Including those pertaining to the Jepson of Leadership Studies, Robins School of Business, and the School of Arts and Sciences.
v. Responsible for acting as a liaison between the Jepson Student Government Association, Robins School of Business Student Government Association, Westhampton College Government Association, and their respective Deans for all academic issues affecting the men of Richmond College.
vi. Responsible for organizing efforts to reach out to the Student Body and solicit Student Concerns.
vii. Responsible for keeping regular contact, initiating constructive dialogue, soliciting and/or bringing forth related concerns to the Vice President of Student Development, Director of Food and Auxiliary Services, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, University Registrar, Director of Financial Aid, Office of Multicultural Affairs and other relevant departments, offices, and divisions per the Administrator Liaison Program

Section 2. The Administration Committee

Pursuant to Article II, Section 3B-2 of the Constitution an RCSGA Committee shall exist; this shall be called the Administration Committee. This Committee’s purpose shall be to serve as the primary internal regulatory body for the Richmond College Student Government Association. Specific Duties are as follows:

i. Responsible for ensuring the publication and promotion of the activities of the Senate including but not limited to the Collegian Senate Corner and printed fliers.
ii. Responsible for monitoring the compliance of all Senators and Committees with the Constitution and Governing Bylaws, including the issue of attendance and participation.
iii. Responsible for participating in the selection process of both the Judicial Council and Honor Council
iv. Responsible for conducting, promoting, monitoring, and keeping record of all Award Selection Processes within the Senate, including but not limited to the following:
a. The Kessler Scholarship: A scholarship in the honor of the memory of Stephen Kessler to be given to a Junior involved in student activities with a 3.0 GPA or higher. The recipient shall be selected by a majority vote of the Senate and then be ratified by the Kessler family.
b. The Morrill Award: A monetary award to be given each semester in recognition of a transforming Study Abroad experience. The recipient shall be selected by a majority vote of the Senate.
c. The Richard A. Mateer Quality of Life Award: To be awarded at least once a Semester for outstanding service and contributions that have significantly improved the quality of life of Richmond College Men. The recipient shall be selected by a majority vote of the Senate.
d. The Nick Carter Award: Selected by the Richmond College Dean to be presented to the senior with the most outstanding contribution to the Richmond College Student Government Association.
e. The Richard A. Mateer Leadership Award: Established in 1986 as the most prestigious award ever given by the Richmond College Student Government Association. It is given in the spring to a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding character and leadership in service to the University of Richmond community; working tirelessly on behalf of the student body. The recipient shall be selected by a majority vote of the Senate.
f. The Administrator of the Year Award: To be awarded in the spring in recognition of the University of Richmond Administrator who has made the most outstanding contribution to Richmond College. The recipient shall be selected by a majority vote of the Senate.
g. The Faculty Member of the Year Award: To be awarded in the spring in recognition of the University of Richmond Faculty Member who has made the most outstanding contribution to Richmond College. The recipient shall be selected by a majority vote of the Senate.
v. Responsible for planning and implementing the Senate Orientation Program before the start of the Fall Semester.
vi. The Executive Secretary shall automatically serve as members of this
Committee.
vii. Responsible for keeping regular contact, initiating constructive dialogue ,soliciting and/or bringing forth related concerns to the Vice President of Business and Finance, Vice President for Information Services, Office of the President, University Police and other relevant departments, offices, and divisions per the Administrator Liaison Program.
viii. Responsible for maintaining regular contact to the student body by, but not limited to Senate Office Hours.
ix. Responsible for organizing and coordinating inter Senate events and Senate appreciation events.
x. Responsible for naming attaches to relevant student organizations, specifically, but not limited to the Collegian and Westhampton College Government Association.

Section 3. The Programming Committee

Pursuant to Article II, Section 5B-2 of the Constitution an RCSGA Committee shall exist; this shall be called the Programming Committee. This Committee’s purpose shall be to serve as the primary programming entity for the Richmond College Student Government Association. Specific Duties are as follows:

i. Responsible for implementing yearly programs that address the needs of and enhance the experience of all Richmond College Men. These programs should include but are not limited to the following areas: promotion of sporting events, diversity events, community service events, events that strengthen the feeling of community at the University, and events that enhance the social life of the University.

ii. Responsible for keeping regular contact, initiating constructive dialogue,
soliciting and/or bringing forth related concerns to the appropriate administrative offices.

iii.  Serve as the Chair of the Programming Committee

iv.  Have the right to purpose or vote on any legislation that comes before the Senate

Section 4. The Executive Secretary

The Executive Secretary shall automatically serve as a member of the Administration
Committee.

i. To be eligible to become Executive Secretary the candidates shall have completed fifteen (15) hours of college work and must have achieved in Richmond College a cumulative grade point average equal to or greater than 2.40 at the time of election. The Executive Secretary shall be selected from the membership of the Senate, by a majority of said Senate at the first meeting following the election. They shall serve until the election of the next Executive Secretary.
ii. The position of Executive Secretary shall be salaried with the amount of compensation to be determined in the annual budget.
iii. The Executive Secretary’s specific duties are as follows:
a. Responsible for providing each Senator in the fall with a Senate Notebook that      shall contain the contact information and Committee assignment of every Senator and the most recent RCSGA documents: including the Constitution, Governing Bylaws, and all Standing Rules.
b. Responsible for taking respectful, thorough, and accurate minutes of all General    Senate Meetings and Executive Committee meetings. Minutes of the General Senate Meeting must be sent out via-email to the entire RCSGA within forty-eight (48) hours.
c. Responsible for ensuring that the Senate website and Tyler Haynes Commons       Senate board are maintained and up to date.

Section 5. VP of Finance

i.. The VP shall discuss, vote, and recommend to the General Senate all
funding requests that come before the RCSGA.
a. Responsible for overseeing and participating in the Student Organization Budget    Allocation Committee along with the Westhampton College Government Association and University Administration.
b. The VP shall also be responsible for generating the internal annual budget for the Richmond College Student Government Association.
c. Responsible for compensating all salaried positions in four (4) payments, occurring           in April, October, December, and February.
d. Responsible for overseeing the financial wellbeing of the RCSGA.
e. Responsible for conducting an annual review of all Senate appropriations    guidelines.
f. Responsible for publicizing the Senate as a funding resource for recognized student organizations and providing a recommendation on all funding requests that            come before the Senate.
g. Responsible for directing the operations of the Student Credit Service and Bail        Loan Fund.
h. Responsible for taking all steps to promote this Fund to the men of Richmond       College.
i. Responsible for monitoring the Fund to evaluate its effectiveness and recommend   to the Senate improvements in policy.
j. Responsible for submitting monthly reports to the Richmond College Dean and on           the financial status of the Fund.
ii. The VP of Finance will be responsible for all fundraising efforts of the Senate.

Section 6. The Class Committees

Section I. Committee Structure
a. Each class committee will have a Richmond College Dean’s staff
member serving as advisor.

Section II Class Committee Selection
i. The applications and application process for these committees shall be
advertised and made available to all the members of the Richmond College
student body
ii. Each Class Committee must have no less than 7 and no more than 9
members. These members are to be selected by the Class Committee Chair and
the Senators of his respective class.
iii. For the rising sophomore, junior and senior classes, Class Committee
members should be selected as soon as possible following the Senatorial
elections in the spring.
iv. In the case of the freshmen class, the Class Committee Members must be
selected as soon as possible after the appointment of their Class Committee
Chair but prior to Thanksgiving Break.
v. Class Committee members can be removed from office bearing a two-thirds
(2/3) vote of the entire Senate body. A replacement shall be selected pursuant
to Section 8: A-3 of this document.
vi. The outgoing Class Chair shall brief the incoming Class Chair of all
responsibilities, decorum, and procedures. The Class Chairs will be responsible
for reviewing and disseminating all orientation material provided by the
RCSGA concerning their positions.

Section III Class Chair Selection
i. The Class Committee Chair will be elected by a vote of the men of Richmond College in his class, to be held on the same day as RCSGA elections. No Richmond College man can stand for both positions.
ii.. Each Class Committee Chair’s term of service shall be
identical to that of the Senators for his respective class.
BYLAWS OF THE RICHMOND COLLEGE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
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Section 7. Senior Class Committee

i. Senior Class Chair
1. The Senior Class Chair shall have completed at least 75 hours of
college work, must have achieved a cumulative grade point average
equal to or greater than 2.0 in Richmond College, and must be a
member of the rising senior class.
2. The Senior Class Chair shall create the application for his Class
Committee executive positions and members-at-large. This application
must be made available within two weeks of his appointment to the
Class Chair position.
3. The Senior Class Chair, along with the Senators for his respective class
will make the selections for their class committee with approval from
the Richmond College Student Government Association President and
the Richmond College Dean.
4. The Senior Class Chair will attend every general Senate Meeting.
Section 9: A-B shall apply to the Senior Class Chair.
ii. Duties and Powers
1. Be the organization’s liaison to the Westhampton College Government
Association senior class cabinet for the purpose of representing
Richmond College men in the planning and execution of all senior class
socials and other senior class specific traditions.
2. Plan and implement the Richmond College Senior Banquet Committee
and work with the Richmond College Dean to do the following:
a. Select the menu
b. Set the program
c. Arrange for invitation to and recruitment of all members of the
Richmond College senior class to this event
3. Organize social, educational and traditional events to the benefit of
Richmond College men and to promote unity within the senior class.

Section 8. Junior Class Committee

i. Junior Class Chair
ii. The Junior Class Chair shall have completed at least 45 hours of college
work, must have achieved a cumulative grade point average equal to or
greater than 2.75 in Richmond College, and must be a member of the rising
junior class.
1. The Junior Class Chair shall create the application for his Class Committee executive positions and members-at-large. This application must be made available within two weeks of his appointment to the Class Chair position.
2. The Junior Class Chair, along with the Senators for his respective class will make   the selections for their class committee with approval from the Richmond College Student Government Association President and the Richmond College Dean.
iii. Duties and Powers
1. Be the organization’s liaison to the Westhampton College Government
Association junior class cabinet for the purpose of representing
Richmond College men in the planning and execution of all junior class
specific traditions.
2. The Junior Class Committee shall, in conjunction with the Richmond College Dean’s Office, put on an event exclusively for the junior men of Richmond College to signify their maturation as Richmond College men. 
3. Organize social, educational and traditional events to the benefit of
Richmond College men and to promote unity within the junior class.

Section 9. Sophomore Class Committee

i. Sophomore Class Chair
1. The Sophomore Class Chair shall have completed at least 15 hours of college work, must have achieved a cumulative grade point average equal to or greater than 2.75 in Richmond College, and must be a member of the rising sophomore class
2. The Sophomore Class Chair shall create the application for his Class
Committee executive positions and members-at-large. This application
must be made available within two weeks of his appointment to the
Class Chair position.
3. The Sophomore Class Chair, along with the Senators for his respective class will make the selections for their class committee with approval from the Richmond College Student Government Association President and the Richmond College Dean.
ii. Duties and Powers
1. Be the organization’s liaison to the Westhampton College Government Association sophomore class cabinet for the purpose of representing Richmond College men in the planning and execution of all sophomore class specific traditions.
2. Organize social, educational and traditional events to the benefit of
Richmond College men and to promote unity within the sophomore
class.

Section 10. Freshman Class Committee
i. Freshman Class Chair
1. The Freshman Class Chair shall be a member of the current freshman
class and in good academic standing.
2. The Freshman Class Chair shall create the application for his Class
Committee executive positions and members-at-large. This application
must be made available within two weeks of his appointment to the
Class Chair position.
3. The Freshman Class Chair, along with the Senators for his respective
class will make the selections for their class committee with approval
from the Richmond College Student Government Association
President and the Richmond College Dean.
ii. Duties and Powers
1. Be the organization’s liaison to the Westhampton College Government
Association freshman class cabinet for the purpose of representing
Richmond College men in the planning and execution of all freshman
class specific traditions.
2. Be in charge of planning and implementing the Freshman Class Luau
during the Spring Semester.
3. Organize social, educational and traditional events to the benefit of
Richmond College men and to promote unity within the freshman class.

Section 11. RC Webmaster

i. The Position of Richmond College Webmaster shall be filled by the appropriate choice of a majority of the men of the RCSGA.
ii. The RC Webmaster shall be charged with the task of maintaining and updating the RCSGA website and ensuring that the relevant Senate information is adequately publicized therein. The Vice President of Administration shall be responsible for communicating any updates to the RC Webmaster.
iii. The RCSGA shall cover any pertinent expenses and also shall have the ability to provide the RC Webmaster with an appropriate stipend to be agreed upon by a majority of the RCSGA and meeting approval of the Dean of Richmond College.

Article VI. ETHICAL CODES OF CONDUCT

Section 1. Attendance Regulationsi. Any Senator or Class Committee Chair who misses three meetings, of either the general Senate, respective Committee, or any event deemed mandatory by the President shall be given a formal warning from the RCSGA Secretary.
ii. If a Senator or Class Committee Chair misses a fourth meeting unexcused after being duly warned by the RCSGA Secretary, then the RCSGA Secretary must bring forward articles of impeachment against the said Senator or Class Committee Chair at the Senate meeting following the absence.
iii. For the enforcement of the Attendance Policy, tardiness past ten (10) minutes of calling the Meeting to Order shall be counted as one-half (1/2) of an absence.
iv. An absence shall be deemed “excused” by the acting head of the said meeting; this shall be the President for general Senate meetings and the Vice-President for committee meetings.
v. All class committee chairmen shall be required to attend at least two senate meetings per month and any meeting deemed mandatory by the president of the RCSGA.
vi. Attendance shall be kept by the Executive Secretary and all Vice Presidents are required to submit their committee attendance record to the Secretary before the subsequent General Senate Meeting.

Section 2. Dress Code Regulationsi.It is the duty of each Senator and Class Committee Chair to wear dress shirt, pants, and a RCSGA approved tie on the day of and during the meeting.   
ii.The President can declare a specific dress code for special guests,
meetings, or events.

Article VII. ELECTORAL PROCEEDURES

Section 1. The Richmond College Election Committee
i. There shall be a Richmond College Election Committee (RCEC), which shall consist of three members of the Judicial Council who shall assume their roles after a majority vote of the Judicial Council, with a subsequent confirmation by a majority vote of the RCSGA. One of these members shall be selected by the Judicial Council to serve as the chairman of the RCEC. The RCEC term shall coincide those of the RCSGA President. The chairman shall be responsible for ensuring that the RCEC fulfills its obligations to RCSGA and the men of Richmond College.
ii. The RCEC shall be charged with the paramount duty of publicizing the election statutes so as to inform the men of Richmond College. The RCEC shall be charged with the task of enforcing the rules and regulations for the elections statutes as proscribed by the men of Richmond College Student Government Association, including the authority to levy fines, administer punishments and impose sanctions in accordance with the election statutes. A unanimous vote of the RCEC will be required to finalize any pending sanctions. Thereafter, the RCEC will be responsible for alerting a student of any violations committed, along with an exhaustive, written document informing the candidate of any punishments within one day of the RCEC decision. A student found guilty of an election statute violation shall possess the ability to submit a written appeal to the Dean of Richmond College for further review.

Section 2. General Election Statutes
i. Election Dates: Before the end of the spring semester, the RCSGA President and the Richmond College Election Committee shall determine the election dates of the following academic year. The schedule must abide by the following guidelines:
a. The election of the RCSGA President must be held no later than the third (3rd) Tuesday in March and no sooner than the first (1st) Tuesday in March.
b. Regular Senate elections must be held at least two (2) weeks after the RCSGA Presidential election, but before the second week of April.
c. Freshmen Senate elections must be held no later than the second (2nd) Tuesday in October and no sooner than the second week of September.
d. All regular elections must take place on Tuesdays and all run off elections must take place on Thursdays.
ii. Election Publicity: The Richmond College Election Committee shall make known to the student body of Richmond College all elections for RCSGA offices and all polling of referenda.
a. The Richmond College Election Committee shall publicize all RCSGA elections at least four (4) full class weeks before said elections. Publicity for the elections for RCSGA offices shall include the eligibility requirements for candidacy.
b. Signs publicizing the election shall be placed on every residence hall bathroom door, the bulletin board or door of every Resident Assistant, in each laundry room, on all appropriate campus bulletin boards.
iii. Determining Class Standing for Elections: The class designation of candidates and voters shall be determined by their year of matriculation at the University unless said individuals have transferred from another institution.
iv. Requirements for Candidacy
a. To be eligible for candidacy, each prospective candidate shall be required to file a Petition for Candidacy with the Richmond College Election Committee.
b. Said petition shall include the candidate's name, the RCSGA office sought, the date the petition was received by the candidate, his signature, and the signatures of no fewer than twenty (20) other members of the Richmond College student body of the same class as the candidate or the entire male student body in the case of the RCSGA Presidential elections. c. Petitions for Candidacy must be provided to prospective candidates in the RCSGA mailbox in the Tyler Haynes Commons at least four (4) weeks before each election.
d. Petitions for Candidacy shall be accepted by the Director until 12 noon on the Saturday ten (10) days prior to the election.
v. Mandatory Meetings for Candidates
a. Between Thanksgiving and the time of the election, all candidates for the RCSGA Presidential election shall be required to attend four (4) RCSGA General Senate Meetings and one RCSGA Executive Committee Meeting.
b. Candidates for RCSGA Senate elections shall be required to attend one (1) General Senate Meeting between the time signs publicizing the election are posted and the time the election is held.
c. The Richmond College Election Committee shall hold a mandatory informational meeting for RCSGA Senate and Presidential candidates on the Tuesday evening two (2) weeks prior to the elections for each respective office.
d. The RCSGA Governing Bylaws as well as the Richmond College posting policy shall be made available to all candidates by the Director in the form of a Candidate’s Information Packet.
vi. Campaigning
a. Campaigning shall begin no sooner than the Wednesday morning before the date of the election at 12:01 AM.
b. Campaigning shall be defined as and limited to the following: campaign posters/flyers, letters, emails, web sites, buttons, cards (business and quarter), stickers, and personal solicitation of voters.
c. Candidates shall be held responsible for any campaigning reasonably done on their behalf. The Richmond College Election Committee is responsible for ensuring that all Richmond College men are made aware of these statutes.
d. No endorsement from any individual or group affiliated with the University of Richmond shall be allowed
e. The Richmond College Election Committee, Chair of the Honor Council, Chair of the Judicial Council, the RCSGA President and any other individual who will be responsible for certifying election results, cannot support or endorse any candidate for RCSGA Office.
f. Within five (5) days prior to the RCSGA Presidential election, the Richmond College Election Committee shall schedule a debate whereupon the candidates agree upon the format and location.
g. Each Presidential candidate shall not exceed $300.00 worth of expenditures. This limit does not include run-off elections, for which each candidate shall be allowed to spend an additional $50.00. Candidates are responsible for providing a report of all campaign-related financial expenditures to the Richmond College Election Committee upon request at the end of polling on Election Day. Candidates are prohibited from accepting any monetary donations, which would be used toward their campaign.
h. Each Senate candidate shall not exceed $100.00 worth of expenditures. This limit does not include run-off elections, for which each candidate shall be allowed to spend an additional $25.00. Candidates are responsible for providing a report of all campaign-related financial expenditures to the Richmond College Election Committee upon request at the end of polling on Election Day.
i. RCSGA candidates are prohibited from doing any form of unsanctioned campaigning in the Tyler Haynes Commons. The Tyler Haynes Commons shall be defined as the physical building enclosure, both RC and WC patios, the RC underpass, and the walkways/bridge along the lake (just outside the building)
j. In Richmond College residence halls, campaign posters, which cannot exceed 11"x17" in size, may only be posted in accordance with the Richmond College Posting Policy, which currently includes.
1. Bathrooms
2. Laundry Rooms (walls and doors only; machines are prohibited)
3. On the walls inside Study Rooms and Lounges
4. Bathroom Doors (inside and out)
5. Students' Doors (with the student's permission; Resident Assistants are considered students for this purpose)
k. Outside of Richmond College residence halls, campaigning posters, which cannot exceed 11"x17" in size, may only be posted in the following places:
1. Kiosk outside Wood Hall (only one sign on each side of the kiosk)
2. E. Bruce Heilman Dining Center: only inside bathroom (entrance doors excluded)
3. Personal property of students, with the student's consent.
l. Candidates are prohibited from pleading ignorance to these election statutes while campaigning if they are found in violation.
vii. Procedure for Campaign Violations
a. Any determination of campaign violations shall be made by the Richmond College Election Committee.
b. The first campaign violation shall result in a warning of the violating candidate.
c. The second campaign violation of these statutes shall result in a $40 fine to the violating candidate.
d. All fines will be collected by the RCSGA Vice President for Administration and Finance. Candidates are required to make arrangements for payment before the day of the election; otherwise their name will be removed from the ballot.
e. After notification of his second violation by the Richmond College Election Committee, if the same candidate should commit another violation, same or different, regardless of severity, that individual shall no longer be an eligible candidate for that RCSGA office election.
f. Upon an appeal, if the Judicial Council should find that the Director was in error, the violation shall be nullified and any penalties paid shall be returned.
viii. Determining Candidate Order on the Ballot: After petitions for candidacy are no longer accepted, the Richmond College Election Committee shall determine the order that the candidates shall be presented on the ballot. This determination shall be witnessed by the RCSGA President and Judicial Council Chair, and shall be conducted using a drawing that provides all candidates an equal opportunity to be selected.
ix. Designation of RCSGA Senate Offices
a. There shall be seven (7) members from each class of the Richmond College student body elected to the RCSGA Senate.
b. The President is a representative of all of Richmond College and is not counted among the representatives for his class.
x. Balloting
a. The electronic ballots used for elections for RCSGA offices shall consist of the names of each of the candidates.
b. All eligible voters shall be required to present a valid form of University-recognized identification through the form of University of Richmond user name and password.
c. In elections for RCSGA Senate offices, it shall be made clear on the electronic ballot the maximum number of votes that may be cast, which is equal to the number of RCSGA Senate positions for each class. It shall also be made clear that exceeding said number of votes shall invalidate all votes on
that ballot. No more than one (1) vote shall be permitted for each candidate.
d. If a candidate should be unopposed in his candidacy for RCSGA office, the electronic ballot shall provide a choice of "yes" and "no."
xi. Polling
a. Election polling shall begin at 8:00 AM and end at 8:00 PM on the day of the election.
b. The Richmond College Election Committee shall be responsible for all polling activities.
c. All RCSGA elections shall use the online voting system, unless another form of voting is deemed necessary by the Richmond College Dean.
d. The Richmond College Election Committee, the RCSGA President, the Richmond College Honor Council Chair, and the Richmond College Judicial Council Chair shall validate the election results prior to their publicity.
e. All elections for RCSGA office, except that of the President, shall be determined by a plurality of votes cast. It shall be required that a majority of votes must be cast for a single candidate to the office of RCSGA President.
f. Failure of any single RCSGA Presidential candidate to receive a majority of votes, or of an unopposed candidate to receive a majority of "yes" votes, shall result in a run-off election
g. It shall be the responsibility of the Richmond College Election Committee to post polling results no later than twelve (12) hours after end of polling on the RCSGA bulletin board in the Tyler Haynes Commons and on the personal door of each Richmond College Head Resident and Resident Assistant (RA).
xii. Runoffs, Challenges, and Vacancies
a. For the office of RCSGA President, if a runoff election shall be deemed necessary to elect a candidate, the two candidates receiving the most votes in the unresolved election shall be the candidates in the runoff election.
b. The runoff election shall be held the first Thursday after the Tuesday RCSGA Presidential election.
c. In the event of a tie, a fair hearing before the RCSGA President and the Richmond College Election Committee shall be held to determine whether two or more candidates will run in the Thursday election.
d. For the offices of RCSGA Senate, if the results of the election fail to determine seven (7) winners per class, such as in the instance of a tie for the seventh Senate position, the winner shall be determined by a run-off election on the Thursday immediately following the Election Day.
e. If an RCSGA Senator vacates his office before more than two months of his term has elapsed the candidate of the respective class with the most number of votes from the previous election shall be offered the vacant office.
f. If there is not a candidate available, or the office is vacated after two months of his term has elapsed, then the Executive Committee shall determine a method to fill the vacated office.
g. An election may be challenged by presentation of a written petition submitted to the Chairman of the Judicial Council, and signed by no fewer than fifty (50) members of the Richmond College Student Body.
h. Presentation of said challenge must take place within forty-eight (48) hours after the end of polling of the challenged election.
i. The petition shall contain the specific reason(s) for the challenge, and it shall be resolved by the Judicial Council with a decision to either nullify or legitimize election results within four (4) days of receiving the written petition.
j. If the Judicial Council determines that the results of an election were not fairly and equitably achieved, the results of said election shall be nullified, and another election shall be held shortly thereafter, and with appropriate publicity.

Article VIII. JUDICIAL COUNCIL SELECTION ACT

Section 1. Judicial Council member selections shall be made in the Spring Semester prior to spring vacation. The process shall coincide with that of the Richmond College Honor Council. The term of office shall coincide with the school year beginning the
following semester.

Section 2. The Judicial Council Chair and Secretary for the following academic year shall be selected by a majority vote of the Judicial Council prior to member selection. Those names shall then be submitted to the Richmond College Senate for confirmation. The newly elected Chair shall serve on the Selection Committee.

Section 3. The Richmond College Judicial Council Selection Committee, under the direction of the Richmond College Student Government Association Vice-President of Administration, shall publicize in a manner it deems appropriate that selections will be made. The Vice-President of Administration may delegate these responsibilities.

Section 4. The Council shall consist of between fifteen (15) and eighteen (18) members. It is preferred that the council be kept to fifteen (15) members. The selection committee shall choose five (5) to six (6) members each from the sophomore, junior and senior classes.

Section 5. The current non-graduating members of the Council shall be considered for reselection by the Selection Committee or by a process and body of it’s choosing. Appropriate paperwork and procedures are to be completed at the instruction of the Selection Committee.

Section 6. The Selection Committee shall consist of the following members: i. The newly elected Judicial Council Chair who shall serve as chair of the Selection Committee and hold privileges in the event of a tie. ii. One additional member of the Judicial Council to be selected by the Chair. iii. The RCSGA Vice-President of Administration. iv. One RCSGA Senator to be selected by the RCSGA Vice-President of Administration.

Section 7. The Selection Committee should develop guidelines to assure itself that the men selected for the Judicial Council will be able to put organization affiliation and other potential personal biases aside in making decisions as Appeal Board Members. The Selection Committee shall also take actions to ensure that no one organization or group would dominate a council in terms of the number of its members on the council.

Section 8. The Senate shall review, at its discretion and upon consultation with and advice from the RCSGA President, the selection at its next regularly scheduled meeting following the completion of all procedural matters by the Selection Committee. Once the Senate confirms the composition of the Council, the names of the new members shall be publicized.

Section 9. All Selection Committee proceedings shall remain confidential.

Section 10. No member of the Judicial Council may simultaneously serve as a member of the RCSGA Senate or the Richmond College Honor Council.

Section 11. Any necessary interpretations or clarifications of this statute shall be made by the Dean of Richmond College in consultation with the Judicial Council Chair. Changes in this act may be made by the Richmond College Senate with the concurrence of the Richmond College Judicial Council.

Article IX. HONOR COUNCIL SELECTION

The selection procedures for the Richmond College Honor Council shall comprise those rules as stipulated in the University of Richmond Honor Statute, Appendix B, Chapter 2, Articles 2, 3, and 4; and Appendix B, Chapter 4, Article 13.

Article X. AMENDMENTS This Document can be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the entire Richmond College Student Government Association Senate.

Article XI. Sunset Provision Within one year of By-Law changes the constitutional amendment process must be commenced in order to resolve any disagreement between the two documents or the By-Laws will be rendered null.

Article XII. Bylaw Revision

Every two years a senate efficiency task force shall be convened for the purpose of reviewing the bylaws of the Richmond College Student Government Association and be charged with making recommendations to the senate.  It is within the purvey of the President, if he deem necessary, to call for a Senate Efficiency Task Force in the intervening time. 




(c) Vladimir Hruda