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STUDENT GOVENRMENT ASSOCIATION CODE OF LAWS
TITLE I
FORMAT FOR THE SGA CODE OF LAWS
Disclaimer: The Code of Laws is currently being revised.
Chapter 100 Purpose and Content of the SGA Code of Laws
Chapter 100.1 The SGA Code of Laws shall serve as the official by-laws of the Student Government
Association.
Chapter 100.2 Resolutions or Bills of one time financial appropriations shall not be codified in the SGA
Code of Laws.
Chapter 101 Jurisdiction over the SGA Code of Laws
Chapter 101.1 Amendments to Titles IV and VII approved by the Student Judicial Board will be
recorded in the Code of Laws, but must be read before and approved by the Senate by a two-thirds
majority vote.
Chapter 101.2 Amendments to Titles III and VI will be recorded in the Code of Laws upon passage of
appropriate legislation by the Senate.
Chapter 101.3 The Executive Council and the Senate shall share joint jurisdiction over Titles I, II, V,
VIII, IX, and X.
Chapter 101.3.1 Amendments to these titles may be made by legislation from the Senate. Such
legislation shall be subject to a presidential veto.
Chapter 101.3.2 Amendments to these titles may also be made by the Executive Council but
must be read before and approved by the Senate by a two-thirds majority vote.
Chapter 101.4 If there is a dispute between the Executive Council and the Senate over an amendment to
the Code of Laws, the either party may bring that dispute to the Student Judicial Board. The
Student Judicial Board shall issue a final ruling over the disputed amendment.
Chapter 102 Format for the SGA Code of Laws
Chapter 102.1 The following system shall be numerical format of the SGA Code of Laws.
Chapter 102.2 There shall be ten titles, each dealing with related and similar topics, and each composed
of a number of numerically designated chapters, as follows:
Title I, Chapters 100-199 – Format for The Code of Laws
Title II, Chapters 200-299 – Executive Branch
Title III, Chapters 300-399 – Legislative Branch
Title IV, Chapters 400-499 – Judicial Branch
Title V, Chapters 500-599 – Executive Cabinet
Title VI, Chapters 600-699 – Senate Standing Rules
Title VII, Chapters 700-799 – Judicial Procedure Rules
Title VIII, Chapters 800-899 – Finance Law
Title IX, Chapters 900-999 – Election Law
Title X, Chapters 1000-1099 – SGA Awards and Designations
Chapter 102.3 Each chapter of the SGA Code of Laws shall have a title designating the subject of that
chapter and may also contain a brief description of the contents of that chapter.
Chapter 102.4 Each chapter shall be subdivided by means of a decimal arrangement. For instance,
Chapter 199 may also be divided into sections as 199.1, 199.2, 199.3, etc., and each section may in
turn be subdivided by means of further decimal places so that as many subsections are obtained as
necessary.
Chapter 103 Codification of the SGA Code of Laws
Chapter 103.1 Codification of Enacted Legislation
Chapter 103.1.1 If a Senate bill becomes enacted according to the provisions of the SGA
Constitution, it shall be codified in the SGA Code of Laws with strict compliance to the
intent and wording of the bill.
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Chapter 103.1.2 Enacted legislation which specifically dictates the wording of a numeric entry of
the SGA Code of Laws shall have the exact wording inserted in the specified reference.
Chapter 104 Amendments to the SGA Code of Laws
Chapter 104.1 Unless otherwise noted, no portion of the SGA Code of Laws shall be amended without a
two-thirds vote of the Senate.
Chapter 104.2 Legislation that changes the intent or wording of any portion of the SGA Code of Laws
shall constitute an amendment.
Chapter 104.3 Editing the SGA Code of Laws
Chapter 104.3.1 Numerical reorganization of statutes within the SGA Code of Laws may be
made by the Secretary of the Senate, the Parliamentarian, the Legislative Assistant, or the
Executive Vice President of the Student Government Association.
Chapter 104.3.2 Grammatical corrections that do not change the intent of a statute may be made
at the discretion of the Secretary of the Senate, the Parliamentarian, or the Legislative
Assistant of the SGA.
Chapter 105 Suspension of the Code of Laws
Chapter 105.1 No statute or portion of the SGA Code of Laws may be temporarily suspended unless that
statute or portion makes provision for its own suspension.
Chapter 106 Public Access to the Code of Laws and Constitution
Chapter 106.1 An updated copy of the SGA Code of Laws and Constitution shall be kept in the SGA
office for public access.
Chapter 106.2 An updated copy of the SGA Code of Laws and Constitution shall be kept online at the
official SGA web site, http://www.sga.ua.edu
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CODE OF LAWS
TITLE II
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
General Procedures for Executive Officers
Chapter 200.1 The Executive Council
Chapter 200.1.1 The Executive Council shall consist of all elected officers and the Chief of Staff.
Chapter 200.1.2 The Executive Council shall enforce the SGA Constitution, legislation of the
Senate, and decisions of the Student Judicial Board.
Chapter 200.1.3 The Executive Council shall select the committee chairs for all executive
committees and submit these selections to the Senate.
Chapter 200.1.4 The Executive Council shall nominate any replacements that need to be made of
SGA officers and submit these nominations to the Senate.
Chapter 200.1.5 The Executive Council shall delegate duties to any officer in accordance with
that officer‟s legally defined responsibilities.
Chapter 200.1.6 The Executive Council shall meet regularly with a ¾ quorum.
Chapter 200.1.7 The Executive Council shall propose legislation to the Student Senate.
Chapter 200.2 Vacancies
Chapter 200.2.1 The Executive Council shall nominate a qualified candidate to fill any vacant
office, as per the SGA Constitution, Articles III and IV.
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Chapter 200.3 Office Hours
Chapter 200.3.1 The following shall each serve a minimum of 10 office hours per week:
President, Executive Vice President, Vice Presidents, Chief of Staff, Executive Secretary,
and Loan Officer.
Chapter 200.3.2 The following shall each serve a minimum of 5 office hours per week:
Treasurer, Administrative Assistants, and Legislative Secretary.
Chapter 200.3.3 Office hours must be held in the SGA office or be official SGA business.
Chapter 200.3.4 Office hours will be kept on public record by the Executive Secretary.
Chapter 200.3.5 No salary shall be authorized for an officer who has not met his or her minimum
office hours.
Chapter 210 The President
Chapter 210.1 The President shall lead the SGA in achieving the objectives of the Constitution.
Chapter 210.2 The President shall chair the Executive Council and schedule its meetings.
Chapter 210.3 The President shall appoint the Chief of Staff.
Chapter 210.4 The President shall propose legislation to the Student Senate.
Chapter 210.5 The President shall notify the Senate in writing of vacancies in the executive branch.
Chapter 210.6 The President shall call special sessions of the Senate when necessary.
Chapter 210.7 The President shall appoint officials responsible to the President.
Chapter 210.8 The President shall serve as an ex-officio member of all executive committees.
Chapter 210.9 The President shall deliver the “State of the School” Address each semester.
Chapter 210.10 The President shall exercise veto power in the following manner:
Chapter 210.10.1 A bill or resolution passed by the Student Senate may be vetoed in its entirety
within five academic days of his or her receipt of the bill or resolution. Failure to veto
legislation within five academic days will result in its passage.
Chapter 210.10.2 Any line in a bill may be vetoed within five academic days of receipt by the
President. Resolutions are not subject to line item veto.
Chapter 210.10.3 The President shall present a written explanation to the Secretary of the Student
Senate when a bill or resolution has been vetoed, or when any line in a bill has been
vetoed. This written explanation shall then be presented at the first Senate session held
after the veto has been made.
Chapter 210.11 The President shall serve as chief liaison between the SGA and any other organization.
Chapter 210.12 The President shall serve as student representative to the Board of Trustees or shall
ensure that the Executive Vice President can serve in the President‟s stead.
Chapter 210.13 The President shall instruct the President-elect before leaving office.
Chapter 220 The Executive Vice President
Chapter 220.1 The Executive Vice President shall assume the office of President if the President is
unable to fulfill the duties of that office.
Chapter 220.2 The Executive Vice President shall preside over the Senate.
Chapter 220.3 The Executive Vice President shall serve as liaison between the Student Senate,
Freshman Forum, and the Faculty Senate.
Chapter 220.4 The Executive Vice President shall nominate the Parliamentarian of the Senate.
Chapter 220.5 The Executive Vice President shall perform other duties assigned by the President or the
Executive Council.
Chapter 220.6 The Executive Vice President shall instruct the Executive Vice President-elect before
leaving office.
Chapter 230 The Vice President of Academic Affairs
Chapter 230.1 The Vice President of Academic Affairs shall propose and execute policies of the SGA in
such areas as academic programs, curriculum, student-faculty relations, instructional support,
registration, advising, tutorial programs, exam schedules, new student concerns, and student
problems and opinions, as well as any other appropriate areas.
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Chapter 230.2 The Vice President of Academic Affairs shall establish and oversee appropriate
committees.
Chapter 230.3 The Vice President of Academic Affairs shall perform other duties assigned by the
Executive Council.
Chapter 230.4 The Vice President of Academic Affairs shall instruct the Vice President-elect of
Academic Affairs before leaving office.
Chapter 240 The Vice President of External Affairs
Chapter 240.1 The Vice President of External Affairs shall propose and execute policies of the SGA in
such areas as student concerns and issues in the Alabama Legislature, Tuscaloosa City Council,
alumni organizations, national organizations, and other colleges and universities, as well as any
other appropriate areas.
Chapter 240.2 The Vice President of External Affairs shall establish and oversee appropriate
committees.
Chapter 240.3 The Vice President of External Affairs shall serve as liaison between the SGA and the
National Alumni Association.
Chapter 240.4 The Vice President of External Affairs shall perform other duties assigned by the
Executive Council.
Chapter 240.5 The Vice President of External Affairs shall instruct the Vice President-elect of External
Affairs before leaving office.
Chapter 240.6 The Vice President for External Affairs shall establish the means necessary to regulate
the Student Government Association portion of the University of Alabama preferred renter
program.
Chapter 240.6.1 The role of the Student Government Association shall be to receive maintenance
and complaints against Landlords.
Chapter 250 The Vice President of Financial Affairs
Chapter 250.1 The Vice President of Financial Affairs shall propose and execute policies of the SGA in
such areas as financial aid (student loans, scholarships, employment, work study programs,
insurance), tuition, and SGA expenses, as well as any other appropriate areas.
Chapter 250.2 The Vice President of Financial Affairs shall establish and oversee appropriate
committees.
Chapter 250.3 The Vice President of Financial Affairs shall nominate the Treasurer and submit the
nomination to the Executive Council.
Chapter 250.4 The Vice President of Financial Affairs shall establish and chair the Financial Affairs
Committee (FAC).
Chapter 250.4.1 The FAC shall meet monthly to allocate funds appropriately in accordance with
its rules and regulations.
Chapter 250.4.1.1 Each member of the Financial Affairs Committee must submit to the
Treasurer a list of every student organization registered with the Office of the
Dean of Students that the committee member is affiliated with.
Chapter 250.4.1.2 A Financial Affairs Committee member cannot present a funding
request to the committee.
Chapter 250.4.1.3 A Financial Affairs Committee member must abstain from voting if the
member is involved with the organization that is requesting funding.
Chapter 250.4.1.4 A Financial Affairs Committee member shall not engage in deliberation
concerning organizations with which the member is affiliated.
Chapter 250.4.1.5 During deliberation concerning organizations with which a Financial
Affairs Committee member is associated, the member shall be permitted to
discuss the matter only when requested by the Vice President of Financial
Affairs for strictly informational purposes.
Chapter 250.4.1.6 Shall a Financial Affairs Committee member accumulate two
unexcused absences from monthly meetings, FAC membership will be revoked.
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Chapter 250.4.1.7 The Vice President of Financial Affairs shall reserve full discretion as
to what constitutes an unexcused absence.
Chapter 250.4.2 All FAC allocations must be established by a quorum of two-thirds of the
committee membership.
Chapter 250.4.3 Allocations of the FAC must be approved by the Senate.
Chapter 250.4.4 The advisor to the FAC shall be recognized by the Vice President of Financial
Affairs to clarify any dispute arising from the deliberation of the committee.
Chapter 250.5 The Vice President of Financial Affairs shall oversee all financial transactions of the
SGA.
Chapter 250.6 The Vice President of Financial Affairs shall collect and disburse funds of the SGA and
keep a permanent, public, and quarterly record of all such collections and disbursements.
Chapter 250.7 The Vice President of Financial Affairs shall aid SGA committees in preparing FAC
budgetary requests.
Chapter 250.8 The Vice President of Financial Affairs shall advise the Treasurer.
Chapter 250.9 The Vice President of Financial Affairs shall perform other duties assigned by the
Executive Council.
Chapter 250.10 The Vice President of Financial Affairs shall instruct the Vice President-elect of
Financial Affairs before leaving office, including the presentation of all current records.
Chapter 260 The Vice President of Student Affairs
Chapter 260.1 The Vice President of Student Affairs shall propose and execute policies of the SGA in
such areas as social policies, recreation and entertainment, athletic events, Homecoming, spirit
events, and other special campus events, as well as any other appropriate areas.
Chapter 260.2 The Vice President of Student Affairs shall establish and oversee appropriate committees.
Chapter 260.3 The Vice President of Student Affairs shall perform other duties assigned by the
Executive Council.
Chapter 260.4 The Vice President of Student Affairs shall instruct the Vice President-elect of Student
Affairs before leaving office.
Chapter 270 The Executive Secretary
Chapter 270.1 The Executive Secretary shall maintain a permanent, public record of all executive
business, including Executive Council meetings.
Chapter 270.2 The Executive Secretary shall maintain the SGA Constitution, SGA rules and regulations,
and records of SGA committee structure and activities.
Chapter 270.3 The Executive Secretary shall be the SGA‟s historian.
Chapter 270.4 The Executive Secretary shall record the office hours served by SGA executive officers.
Chapter 270.5 The Executive Secretary shall perform other duties assigned by the President or the
Executive Council.
Chapter 270.6 The Executive Secretary shall instruct the Executive Secretary-elect before leaving
office.
Chapter 280 The Chief of Staff
Chapter 280.1 The Chief of Staff shall be the administrative officer for the other executive offices.
Chapter 280.2 The Chief of Staff shall advise the other executive officers and recommend creation of
executive committees.
Chapter 280.3 The Chief of Staff shall notify the student body of SGA activities and events.
Chapter 280.4 The Chief of Staff shall publish and circulate vital student information.
Chapter 280.5 The Chief of Staff shall advertise and recruit students to the SGA.
Chapter 280.6 The Chief of Staff shall prepare and distribute SGA information packets to new students,
including general SGA information, committee opportunities, and election information.
Chapter 280.7 The Chief of Staff shall perform other duties assigned by the President or Executive
Council.
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Chapter 280.8 The Chief of Staff shall instruct the President-elect‟s newly appointed Chief of Staff
before leaving office.
Chapter 290 Appointed Officers
Chapter 290.1 SGA Legal Intern
Chapter 290.1.1 Qualifications
Chapter 290.1.1.1 The Legal Intern shall be selected from the rising third year class of the
School of Law.
Chapter 290.1.1.2 The Legal Intern must be qualified for Third Year Certification by the
Supreme Court of the State of Alabama.
Chapter 290.1.2 Selection
Chapter 290.1.2.1 The Legal Intern shall be selected by a committee composed of a
designated member of the School of Law Faculty, a representative from the
Office of Student Life, and a member of the SGA Executive Council.
Chapter 290.1.2.2 Academic achievement in the School of Law shall be the primary
consideration in hiring the Legal Intern.
Chapter 290.1.2.3 Secondary considerations shall include:
Chapter 290.1.2.3.1 Legal work experience
Chapter 290.1.2.3.2 Experience in the SGA
Chapter 290.1.2.3.3 Other student government experience
Chapter 290.1.2.3.4 General compatibility with the student body
Chapter 290.1.3 Duties and Restrictions.
Chapter 290.1.3.1 The Legal Intern's duties shall include giving general legal advice to
students in need of such services, provided that no conflicts of interest occur
during representation of the student.
Chapter 290.1.3.2 The Legal Intern shall perform basic interviews with students in need
of services.
Chapter 290.1.3.3 The Legal Intern shall perform legal research as possible to answer
questions and solve problems presented to the Legal Intern.
Chapter 290.1.3.4 The Legal Intern shall be responsible for communicating general legal
information of import to the student body at least twice per semester.
Chapter 290.1.3.5 The Legal Intern may not handle disputes between students of the
University of Alabama or disputes where a party of interest is the University of
Alabama.
Chapter 290.1.3.6 The Legal Intern may not represent a student in Court.
Chapter 290.1.3.7 The Legal Intern must inform the student-clients of these limitations.
Chapter 290.1.3.8 The Legal Intern shall be responsible for publicizing the services
offered by the Legal Intern.
Chapter 290.1.4 Oversight
Chapter 290.1.4.1 The Legal Intern shall be overseen by the director of the School of Law
Clinical Program or a designated member of the faculty of the School of Law.
Chapter 290.1.5 Salary
Chapter 290.1.5.1 The Legal Intern's salary will be determined by the SGA Executive
Council and approved by the SGA Senate.
Chapter 290.2 SGA Webmaster
Chapter 290.2.1 Qualifications
Chapter 290.2.1.1 The SGA Webmaster shall be a student at the University of Alabama.
Chapter 290.2.1.2 The SGA Webmaster must have completed at least six (6) hours of
classes carrying the designation “CS,” at least three of which must include CS
202.
Chapter 290.2.1.3 The SGA Webmaster must meet the same academic standards as
members of the Student Senate as defined in the Code of Laws.
Chapter 290.2.2 Selection
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Chapter 290.2.2.1 The SGA Webmaster shall be selected by the Executive Council and
ratified by the Senate.
Chapter 290.2.3 Duties and Restrictions
Chapter 290.2.3.1 The SGA Webmaster shall continuously update the entire SGA
website, to include (but not limited to):
Chapter 290.2.3.1.1 An events calendar
Chapter 290.2.3.1.2 New and current executive committee reports.
Chapter 290.2.3.1.3 New and current legislation.
Chapter 290.2.3.1.4 Any other new or updated information, as deemed
necessary by the SGA Executive Council.
Chapter 290.2.3.1.5 Any other requirements for the SGA website as is
now or shall be future specified in the SGA Code of Laws.
Chapter 290.2.3.2 The SGA Webmaster shall serve five office hours per week
Chapter 290.2.3.3 The SGA Webmaster shall assist in publishing information about the
SGA site.
Chapter 290.2.3.4 The SGA Webmaster shall perform any other Internet-related duties
assigned by the Executive Council.
Chapter 290.2.4 Oversight
Chapter 290.2.4.1 The SGA Webmaster shall report to the Executive Secretary
Chapter 290.2.4.2 The SGA Webmaster may be impeached by a majority vote of the
Executive Council.
Chapter 290.2.5 Salary
Chapter 290.2.5.1 The SGA Webmaster‟s salary shall be determined by the SGA
Executive Council and ratified by the Senate.
Chapter 290.3 Press Secretary
Chapter 290.3.1 The Press Secretary shall consult and advise the executive council and the SGA
as a whole on communication strategies and assist when necessary.
Chapter 290.3.2 The Press Secretary shall be responsible for the submission of a bi-weekly press
release that will include a synopsis of activities in the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
branches of the Student Government Association. This press release must be sent to all
of the student media publications within the University of Alabama. The Press Secretary
shall also be responsible for necessary speeches made on behalf of the Student
Government Association of the University of Alabama.
Chapter 290.3.3 The Press Secretary shall prepare information on key projects or policy for key
public audiences.
Chapter 290.3.4 The Press Secretary shall proactively manage issues
that have the potential to generate negative media coverage
and reactively manage issues that have already generated negative coverage.
Chapter 290.3.5 The Press Secretary shall work closely with local newspapers, radio stations,
television stations, campus and community organizations for SGA publicity and
coverage.
Chapter 290.3.6 The Press Secretary shall oversee the Public Relations Committee as chairperson
and coordinate activities concerning public relations and media issues for the Information
Sciences Committee.
Chapter 290.3.7 The Press Secretary will receive a salary that is determined by the SGA Executive
Council and approved by the SGA Senate.
Chapter 290.3.8 The Press Secretary will be selected by the SGA Executive Council and shall be
confirmed by the SGA Senate.
Chapter 290.4 Requirements to become an appointed officer of the Executive Branch
Chapter 290.4.1 Any appointed officer who receives a salary or any other funding from the
Student Government Association for their service as an officer must have specific duties
defined by either the Student Government Association Constitution or the Student
Government Association Code of Laws before receiving any salary or other funding.
Chapter 290.5 Treasurer
Chapter 290.5.1 The Treasurer shall be selected in accordance with the procedures outlined in the
SGA Constitution.
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Chapter 290.5.2 The Treasurer shall organize and file all paperwork that comes through the
financial affairs office.
Chapter 290.5.3 The Treasurer shall assist in processing all paperwork including, but not
limited to, Departmental Transfer Authorizations, Miscellaneous Disbursement
Vouchers, Personal Action Forms, and Daily Cash Transmittals.
Chapter 290.5.4 The Treasurer shall act as secretary and take notes of, and record all happenings
at FAC meeting including keeping minutes of the meetings.
Chapter 290.5.5 The Treasurer shall appear and speak on behalf of the Vice President of
Financial Affairs in his absence, but shall not become Vice President of Financial Affairs
upon any vacancy of the office without going through the procedure outlined in the SGA
Constitution.
Chapter 290.5.6 The Treasurer shall assist in planning and execution of fund raising events.
Chapter 290.5.7 The Treasurer shall receive a salary determined by the SGA Executive Council
and approved by the SGA Senate.
Chapter 295 The SGA Website
Chapter 295.1 Description and Purpose
Chapter 295.1.1 The purpose of the SGA Web Site is to provide a media through which all
branches of the Student Government Association may efficiently and effectively carry
out their mission.
Chapter 295.1.2 The SGA Web Site shall be the Student Government Association‟s public forum
to disseminate information to, and collect feedback from, the student body of the
University of Alabama.
Chapter 295.1.3 The SGA Web Site shall be of professional quality and maintained on a regular
basis, so as to promote a positive and professional image of the Student Government
Association.
Chapter 295.1.4 The SGA Web Site shall serve to be a means of publication of news and other
important information for the Student body by the Student Government Association.
Chapter 295.1.5 The SGA Web Site shall serve any other additional purpose(s) as determined by
the Executive Council or by legislation passed by the Student Senate, and approved by
the SGA President.
Chapter 295.2 Components
Chapter 295.2.1 The SGA Web Site shall be divided coherently into sections that shall delineate
material relevant to different parties or posted by different parties, including, but not
limited to:
Chapter 295.2.1.1 A section for the use of each member of the Executive Council of the
SGA, for the necessary discharge of his/her duties as he/she sees fit, subject to
approval of the Executive Council.
Chapter 295.2.1.2 A section for the use of members of the Student Senate for the
necessary discharge of his/her duties as he/she sees fit, or for the use of the
Student Senate collectively, subject to approval of the Executive Vice President.
Chapter 295.2.1.3 A section for the use of the Judicial Branch of the SGA, for the
necessary discharge of its duties as it sees fit, subject to approval of the
Executive Council.
Chapter 295.3 Maintenance and Oversight
Chapter 295.3.1 The SGA Web Site shall be maintained by the SGA Webmaster as outlined in
Chapter 290.2, Title Two, Student Government Association Code of Laws.
Chapter 295.3.2 The SGA Web Site shall be overseen by the Executive Council, and specifically
the Executive Secretary.
Chapter 295.4 Online Applications and Forms
Chapter 295.4.1 The SGA Web Site shall provide direct or indirect access to forms related to SGA
applications, including, but not limited to, SGA Committee applications, SGA Committee
Chair applications, FAC funding applications, parking appeal applications, and any other
applications deemed necessary by the SGA Executive Council or by legislation passed by
the Student Senate, and approved by the SGA President.
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Chapter 295.4.2 The SGA Web Site shall provide direct or indirect access to other common
student-used forms, such as permit applications, honor society applications, and any other
applications deemed necessary by the SGA Executive Council or by legislation passed by
the Student Senate, and approved by the SGA President.
Chapter 295.4.3 The SGA Web Site shall provide directly or indirectly all applicable instructions
for each forms‟ usage, including applicable fees, deadlines, and/or other requirements.
Chapter 295.4.4 The SGA Web Site shall provide an online form allowing the submission of
student ideas and concerns to the Student Senate and SGA Executive Council.
Chapter 295.4.4.1 Such forms submitted electronically (or in writing from a printed
online form) to the Student Senate shall be forwarded to the Executive Vice
President for dissemination to the appropriate Senator or Student Senate
Committee, for review.
Chapter 295.4.4.2 Such forms submitted electronically (or in writing from a printed
online form) to the SGA Executive Council shall be forwarded to the Executive
Secretary for dissemination to the appropriate Vice President, for review.
Chapter 295.5 Use and Accessibility
Chapter 295.5.1 The SGA Web Site shall be made public, and shall be available for use and
modification by any member of the SGA Executive Council, Student Senate, Judicial
Board, or SGA Executive Cabinet, (subject to review by the executive officer presiding
over each cabinet).
Chapter 295.5.2 The SGA Web Site shall be accessible to and available for use by all members of
the Student Government Association as defined in Article Two, Section One, of the
Student Government Association Constitution.
Chapter 295.5.3 The SGA Web Site shall be accessible to the general public as evidence of and
attestation to the ongoing work of the Student Government Association.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CODE OF LAWS
TITLE III
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
Powers and Duties of the Student Senate
Chapter 301.1 The Senate shall develop and pass legislation on behalf of the UA student body.
Chapter 301.2 The Senate shall ratify FAC recommendations.
Chapter 301.3 The Senate shall confirm Executive Council appointments
Chapter 301.4 The Senate shall select its officers and committees.
Chapter 301.5 The Senate shall set its rules and by-laws.
Chapter 301.6 The Senate shall approve its allocation.
Chapter 301.7 The Senate shall establish the executive pay scale.
Chapter 301.8 The Senate shall request special sessions when necessary.
Chapter 301.9 The Senate shall create lower courts at the request of the Student Judicial Board.
Chapter 301.10 The Senate shall participate in the impeachment process as per the SGA Constitution,
Article VII.
Chapter 301.11 The Senate shall allocate money from its contingency fund.
Duties of Senators
Senators shall address all concerns of the student body of the University of Alabama.
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Senators shall host general concerns meetings to hear the needs of the students within their
college. These meetings must be attended by every senator within the specific college at
a time and date agreed upon by said senators.
Any legislation resulting from a general concerns meetings must be designated as having been
addressed at the general concerns meeting. The bill must also be co-sponsored by each
senator in attendance if it pertains to the college as a whole.
General concerns meetings must be held on a date within the first thirty days of the beginning of
each fall and spring semester, as well as one on a date within the last thirty days of each
fall and spring semester. Any further general concerns meetings may only be held with
unanimous consent from each college‟s representatives.
General concerns meetings must be thoroughly advertised for a period of at least ten days before
they are to be held.
Senators shall make themselves accessible and accountable to their constituents.
After the Student Government Association election results are announced, each newly elected Student
Government Association Senator shall attend two legislative branch orientation sessions to be
facilitated by the Executive Vice President and the advisor to the senate. The purpose of which is
to inform and instruct the elected individual about the duties and responsibilities of the Office of
Senator, as well as any other information necessary to serve their respective college in the most
efficient manner. This orientation shall take place before the Student Government Association
Installation Ceremony.
Officers of the Senate
The Executive Vice President shall serve as President of the Senate.
The President Pro Tempore shall be a Senator chosen from within the membership of the Senate by a
majority vote of the Senate body and shall preside over the Senate in the event that the Executive
Vice President cannot serve in this capacity.
The Parliamentarian of the Senate shall be a non-Senator appointed by the Executive Vice President and
confirmed by the Senate, and shall advise the Senate on matters of parliamentary procedure.
The Executive Vice President may, at his discretion, replace the Parliamentarian if he incurs more
than three absences in one term.
The Parliamentarian shall immediately resign if he has a conflict which prevents him from
attending regular Senate business meetings.
Prior to every Senate meeting, it is the responsibility of the Parliamentarian to confirm that
quorum has been met for the entire Senate and for each individual standing committee as
they meet every other week.
Chapter 303.4 The Secretary of the Senate shall be a Senator that is chosen from within the membership of
the Senate by a majority vote of the Senate body and shall have the following duties:
Chapter 303.4.1 Be responsible for making available the voting, office hours, and attendance
records of the Senators.
Chapter 303.4.2 Be responsible for preparing passed legislation to the SGA President.
Chapter 303.4.2.1 Shall have the authority to amend passed legislation for the purposes of
correcting grammatical errors. The Secretary‟s grammatical amendment shall
not be subject to a vote by the Senate.
Chapter 303.4.2.2 Shall present the grammatically amended version of legislation to the
President of the Senate for approval before it shall become effective.
Chapter 303.4.2.3 Shall not have the authority to amend legislation having already been
signed by the President of the SGA.
Chapter 303.4.3 Be responsible for publishing the full text of amendments online at the web site of
the Student Government Association at least two weeks prior to the referendum. The full text of
the amendment(s) may also be published in the campus newspapers at least two (2) weeks prior to
the referendum in compliance with Article VIII, Section 4 of the Constitution of the Student
Government Association.
Chapter 303.4.4 The Secretary of the Senate shall receive a salary that is determined by the SGA
Executive Council and approved by the SGA Senate.
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Chapter 303.4.5 The Secretary of the Senate shall not be forced to give up any rights he or she has
gained as a Senator and will retain the right to vote in business that comes before the
floor of the Senate.
The Senate may create any other Senate officer positions as it sees fit.
Committees
Senate will create seven Senate committees. The seven committees shall be Academic Affairs, Finance,
Resolutions, Rules, Student Affairs, External Affairs, and Campus Safety with the number of
Senators equally divided among each committee.
The Academic Affairs Committee‟s duties shall include but are not limited to:
Represent the University of Alabama student body in academic affairs.
Seek opinions from the student body, faculty and administration regarding issues of
academic policy.
Receive and analyze senate legislation regarding academic affairs.
Make recommendations to the Student Senate regarding academic policy legislation.
Work with Student Government Association Executive Council, specifically the Vice
President of Academic Affairs and his/her cabinet.
The Senate Finance Committee‟s duties and composition shall include but are not limited to:
The fair and legal distribution of the Legislative Contingency Fund.
The reviewing of any legislation brought to the committee by the Executive Vice
President,
The dealing with any other financial issues so designated by the Student Government
Association.
The chair of the Senate Finance Committee shall have the power to review any single
expenditure by the SGA Executive Council in excess of $1500. The power to
review shall include initiation of a Bill to disallow the expenditure, which must
be upheld by a two-third vote of the entire Senate.
The Resolutions Committee‟s duties shall include but are not limited to:
Handling issues that commend faculty, staff and students for enhancing various aspects
of The University of Alabama.
Deals with issues that express urgency for action to take place at the University of
Alabama dealing with: Student Opinion, Campus Safety, and Student/Faculty
Relations.
The Rules Committee‟s duties shall include but are not limited to:
Enforcing and monitoring the standing rules of the Student Senate.
Enforcing the attendance policy of the Student Senate.
Reviewing and recommending bills to set standards, guidelines and rules for the Student
Senate.
The Student Affairs Committee‟s duties shall include but are not limited to:
Dealing with issues that encourage student development outside of the classroom and
support the Academic mission of the University of Alabama.
Student Policy, Student Opinion, Student Relations, and concerns dealing with life
outside of academics.
The External Affairs Committee‟s duties shall include but are not limited to:
Handling issues that pertain to matters outside of The University of Alabama.
Chapter 304.1.6.2Receive and analyze Senate legislation regarding external affairs.
Represent the University of Alabama student body in external affairs.
Chapter 304.1.7 The Campus Safety Committee‟s duties shall
include but are not limited to:
Chapter 304.1.7.1 Handling issues that pertain to matters of campus safety at The
University of Alabama.
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Chapter 304.1.7.2 Receive and analyze Senate legislation regarding Campus safety
affairs.
Chapter 304.1.7.3 Deals with issues that express urgency for action to take place at The
University of Alabama dealing with safety.
Chapter 304.1.8 The Environmental Policy Committee‟s duties will include but are not limited to:
Chapter 304.1.8.1 Receive and analyze all matters related to the campus environment,
campus ecology, and campus sustainability
Chapter 304.1.9 The Government Operations Committee‟s duties will include but are not limited
to:
Chapter 304.1.9.1 Enforcing and monitoring all operations of this student government
Chapter 304.1.9.2 Reviewing and recommending of legislation to set standards,
guidelines, and rules for the student government.
The business of the Academic Affairs, Resolutions, Rules, Financial Affairs and Student Affairs Senate
Committees must only proceed with a quorum of a majority of the committee membership.
College Outreach Committee
The College Outreach Committee is to serve as a task force to foster communication between
Senators and their constituents, administrators and organizations of their respective
colleges.
The College Outreach Committee will be composed of the Executive Vice President and one
senator from each college elected by the senators of that college.
Duties of the College Outreach Committee include but are not limited to:
Establishing a central location in each senator‟s college of study to meet with
constituents and display announcements
Coordinate Senator involvement and communication with administrators, deans, Faculty
Senate members, governing bodies and student organizations within the college.
Allocation of Senate Seats
One undergraduate Senate seat shall be apportioned to each college based on each full two percent of
undergraduate enrollment in that college.
Each college containing an undergraduate population shall have at least one Senate seat.
Graduate students from each college containing a graduate enrollment shall together be
represented by a number of graduate Senate seats apportioned based on each full two
percent of graduate enrollment in the University, excluding the Law School.
Students of the Law School shall be represented by a number of law student Senate seats
apportioned based on each full two percent of enrollment in the University.
If the number of Senate seats does not total 50, the remaining seats will be distributed by allocating one
additional seat to those colleges coming closest to having an additional two percent until the total
number of Senate seats allocated is 50.
Vacancies
Vacancies occurring prior to Homecoming Queen elections will be filled during Homecoming Queen
elections, as per the SGA Constitution, Article III.
Vacancies occurring after Homecoming Queen elections will be filled by the governing elected body of the
college possessing the vacancy or the Executive Council, as per the SGA Constitution, Article III.
Vacancies occurring within a month of regular SGA elections shall remain empty.
Confirmation of Appointees
All persons nominated for office, except committee chairs and their members, shall
physically appear before the Student Senate prior to their confirmation for the purposes of examination.
The Senate president may allot time for examination, which shall be no less than ten
minutes per nominee.
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The Chief of Staff shall appear before the Student Senate prior to the confirmation of committee chairs and
their members. He or she shall make a written copy of the committee member‟s names and the
committee‟s demographics available to all senators at least two hours prior to the Senate‟s
confirmation proceedings.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CODE OF LAWS
TITLE IV
JUDICIAL BRANCH
Composition of the Student Judicial Board
There shall be 18 Justices.
Candidates must meet the qualifications stipulated in the SGA Constitution, Article V.
The Judicial Selections Panel shall consist of the following:
The SGA President.
The President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
The current Chief Justice of the Student Judicial Board.
Two student designees of the UA Student Life Committee.
One faculty designee of the Faculty Senate.
One faculty designee of the Office of Student Life.
The Justices will elect a Chief Justice.
There may be up to three Student Judicial Board Clerks.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Chief Justice
The Chief Justice shall preside over the Student Judicial Board.
The Chief Justice shall randomly assign cases and appeals to the Student Misconduct and Parking Appeals
Courts (SMPAC).
The Chief Justice shall establish rules of procedure for the SMPAC, including a mandatory attendance
policy.
The Chief Justice shall appoint panels of inquiry for the judicial review of legislative and executive
questions presented to the Student Judicial Board.
The Chief Justice shall certify justices and clerks before assigning them duties.
The Chief Justice shall regularly schedule meetings of the SMPAC.
The Chief Justice shall administer the SGA Oath of Office to newly elected or appointed officers.
The Oath of Office shall read: "I, (state your name), do solemnly swear to obey the Constitution
of the Student Government Association and to faithfully execute the office of (state the
office) to the best of my ability, so help me God."
The last phrase, stating "so help me, God," is optional to accommodate those of varying religious
beliefs.
Duties and Responsibilities of Presiding Justices
The Presiding Justices of the SMPAC shall preside over each court when it is in session.
The Presiding Justices of the SMPAC shall recommend to the Chief Justice methods for the random
assignment of cases and appeals.
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The Presiding Justices of the SMPAC shall recommend to the Chief Justice rules of procedure.
Duties and Responsibilities of Justices
All justices (including the Chief Justice and the Presiding Justices) shall carefully consider and fairly
decide all cases and controversies coming before them as members of the Student Judicial Board.
All justices should disqualify themselves from participating in any proceeding in which their impartiality
may be compromised in any way.
Duties and Responsibilities of Clerks
Clerks shall be assigned to administratively process each case or appeal coming before either court in
accordance with the rules of procedure in effect for the Student Judicial Board.
One clerk shall be Chief Clerk and the other two shall be Deputy Clerks.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CODE OF LAWS
TITLE V
EXECUTIVE CABINET
Establishment of an Executive Cabinet
Chapter 500.1The executive cabinet shal l serve as the adminis tra t ive divis ion of the
execut ive branch of s tudent government and shal l a ide al l execut ive off icers in
the completion of h is or her dut ies as prescr ibed by the Const i tu t ion of the
Student Government Associat ion.
Chapter 500.2 For the purposes of th is act , the fol lowing words shal l have the
fol lowing def ini t ions:
1 . Executive Counci l – the Executive Counci l is the elected off icers
of the s tudent government const i tu t ional ly charged with the
exercis ing of the executive powers an d funct ions of the SGA. The
Executive Counci l is composed of the elected off ices of President,
Executive Vice President, Executive Secretary, Vice President for
Academic Affairs , Vice President for Student Affairs , Vice
President for Financial Affairs , an d Vice President for External
Affairs . The Executive Counci l a lso includes an appointed Chief of
Staff .
2 . Executive Cabinet – the adminis tra t ive division of the execut ive
branch of the SGA. The Executive Cabinet consis ts of al l persons
appointed by members of the Executive Counci l to ass is t them in
the performance of the var ious responsibi l i t ies ass igned to them.
3. Department –al l appointees of a part icular member of the Executive
Counci l .
4 . Department Head – the chief executive off icer of a Depar tment .
5 . Office – one of several subdivis ions of a Depar tment charged with
the duty of working on i tems of specif ic in terest to the Depar tment.
Off ices are c lear inghouses of act ion and information for the s tudent
body on behalf of a member of the Executive Counci l .
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6. Director – the chief execut ive off icer of an off ice that repor ts to a
member of the Executive Counci l .
7 . Deputy Director – the pr imary ass istant to the director of an off ice .
The deputy director shal l ass is t the director in the adminis tra t ion of
the off ice in terms of personnel, f iscal matters , or any other issue
relat ive to the day- to-day functioning of the off ice. Deputy
directors repor t specif ical ly to the director of their respect ive
off ice.
8 . Assis tant Director – potent ia l ly one of several off ic ia ls appointed
to do work on behalf of a specif ic task or function of an off ice .
9 . Office Personnel – a l l o ther workforce members of an off ice
besides the director , the deputy director , and ass is tant d irectors
appointed to serve specif ic funct ions of an off ice .
10. Committee – a special group of individuals appointed by a member
of the Executive Counci l to invest igate a nd repor t on some matter
and take act ion when given the express consent the Executive
Counci l member that created the committee .
b. Chapter 501 Select ion of the Executive Cabinet
i . Upon the appointment of the Chief of Staff , the President shal l issue an
order before the f irs t day of the las t week in Apri l requir ing the Executive
Cabinet to be es tabl ished. Once th is order is s igned, a l l preceding
cabinets are off ic ia l ly abol ished.
i i . Office personnel shal l be determined by the director and deputy director
thereof with the approval of the head of the depar tment . The Director of
Adminis tra t ion wil l facil i ta te th is process .
c. Chapter 501 The Director of Administrat ion
i . The Chief of Staff shal l appoint a Director of Adminis tra t ion and that
appointment must be conf irmed by the Senate.
i i . The Director of Adminis tra t ion shal l serve as coordinator of the execut ive
cabinet and shal l have the fol lowing dut ies :
1 . To keep the president and Chief of Staff informed of the
progress of act iv i t ies by off ices and committees of the
s tudent government with respect to work proposed, work
actual ly in it ia ted , and work completed, together with the
relat ive t iming of work between the several agencies of the
SGA; al l to the end that the work programs of the several
agencies of the execut ive branch of the SGA may be
expended in the most economical manner possible with the
least possible over lapping and duplicat ion of effor t .
2 . To coordinate and oversee al l appointees of the Student
Government Associat ion on behalf of the President and
Chief of Staff to ensure that a l l off icers of the SGA are
maintaining devotion to duty.
3 . To provide meaningful support services to a l l off icers of the
SGA.
4. To establ ish an application process for off ice personnel that
may be submit ted onl ine through the SGA websi te .
5 . To manage the physical off ice space of the SGA and ensure
that a l l supplies are made avai lable to any off icer of the
SGA that may be used in service to the s tudents of th is
univers i ty .
6 . To communicate with and ass is t the Senate in regards to al l
execut ive appointmen ts.
7 . Report the progress (or lack thereof) of a l l e lected and
appointed off ic ia ls to the President‟s Off ice and, i f
appropr iate, the appropriate Vice President‟s Off ice .
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8. To serve as execut ive director of the SGA Personnel Board.
d. Chapter 502 The SGA Personne l Board
i . The SGA Personnel Board is hereby establ ished to assure to a l l s tudents of
demonstrated capaci ty, abi l i ty and tra ining an equal opportuni ty to
compete for service within the Student Government Associat ion, to
es tabl ish condit ions in the s tudent gov ernment which wil l a t t ract off icers
and personnel of character and capaci ty and to increase the eff ic iency of
the governmental depar tments and off ices by the improvement of methods
of personnel adminis trat ion.
1 . Composi t ion of the Personnel Board
a . One (1) person appointed by the President to be conf irmed
by the Senate .
b . One (1) person appointed by the President Pro Tempore of
the Senate to be conf irmed by the Senate .
c . One (1) person appointed by the Chief Just ice of the Student
Judicial Board to be conf irmed by the Senate.
d . One (1) person appointed by the primary SGA Advisor to be
conf irmed by the Senate.
e . The Director of Adminis tra t ion who shal l serve as member
ex of f ic io and shal l have no vote except in the event of a t ie .
The Director of Adminis tra t ion shal l serve as Executive
Secretary of the Board.
f . At i ts in i t ial meet ing, the Board wil l e lect a chairman from
i ts membership who shal l conduct and cal l a l l Board
meetings and lead i ts proceedings.
2 . Duties and powers of the Personnel Board:
a . The board shal l hold regular meet ings at least once each
month and may hold such addit ional meet ings as may be
required for the proper d ischarge of i ts dut ies .
b . To recrui t able members to hold off ice within the s tudent
government.
c . To make invest igat ions concerning the enforcement and
effect of th is t i t le and to require observance of i ts
provis ions and the rules and regulat ions made pursuant
thereto .
d . To make such invest igat ions as may be requested by the
President , the Director of Adminis tra t ion, or the Senate and
to repor t thereon.
e . To advise and ass is t the Director of Adminis tra t ion in
foster ing the in terest of ins t i tu t ions of learning and of c iv ic ,
profess ional and employee organizations in the improvement
of personnel s tandards in the s ta te service.
f . To effect ively and eff ic ient ly t ra in al l members of the
Executive Cabinet to serve at the wil l of the people, to be
super ior managers, to use t ime and resources wisely, and to
foster a sense of leadership within the Executive Cabinet .
g . To establ ish an open applicat ion process for a l l off ice
d irectors and other appointed posi t ions .
Page 17
h . Recommend the creat ion of new posi t ions within the s tudent
government.
i . Select membership of ad hoc committees a t the request of
the President , the Executive Counci l , or Senate .
j . Create job descr ip t ions at the request of the Chief of Staff .
e. Chapter 503 Duties of department heads
i . Serve as chief execut ive off icer of the depar tment he or she represents .
i i . Recommend Personnel Board hear ings to the Director of Adminis trat ion
f . Chapter 504 Duties of di rectors of off ices
i . The Director of an off ice shal l serve at the pleasure of h is of her off ice‟s
depar tment head and as chief execut ive off icer of the off ice he or she is
d irector of .
i i . Report monthly to the Vice President or execut ive off icer to whom they
answer to .
g. Chapter 505 Duties of deputy directors of off ices
i . Deputy Directors shal l serve as the pr imary ass is tant to the director of a
par t icular off ice.
i i . The Deputy Director shal l serve as chief adminis tra t ive off icer of the
off ice in which he or she works.
i i i . The Deputy Director shal l advise the director of the off ice for whom he or
she works on al l f iscal matters and use of a l l resources .
h. Chapter 506 Duties of ass istant directors of off ices
i . Assis tant directors will be appointed on an as needed basis to serve
specif ic funct ions of a par t icular off ice.
i . Chapter 507 Duties of off ice personnel
i . Office personnel shal l serve whatever purpose for the off ice that the
director of that off ice prescr ibes for h im or her .
i i . Office personnel shal l have specif ic and descr ip t ive job t i t les .
j . Chapter 510 Expulsion of cabinet members
i . No unelected off icer of the SGA shal l be expelled without a hear ing of the
Personnel Board and a subsequent recommendation to the respect ive
depar tment head.
k. Chapter 511 Creation, suspension, and dissolu tion of off ices
i . Any member of the Executive Counci l may establ ish a new off ice so long
as i t repor ts to the execut ive off icer who is creat ing i t .
i i . New off ices must be created in wri t ing and f i led with the Executive
Secretary.
i i i . All new off ices are subject to approval or d isapproval by the Senate .
l . Chapter 512 Committees
i . Committees shal l be, f rom t ime to t ime, es tabl ished and duly charged by
the President of the SGA or any member of the Executive Counci l as
prescr ibed by the Const i tu t ion of the Student Government Associat ion to
invest igate and repor t on some matter in which Universi ty of Alabama
s tudents have a vested in terest or a s take of some sor t .
i i . Committees must be es tabl ished in wri t ing to the Senate and f i led with the
Executive Secretary.
i i i . Committees shal l not be required to be temporary funct ions of th is
government.
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CODE OF LAWS
TITLE VI
SENATE STANDING RULES
Chapter 600 Attendance Policy
Chapter 600.1 Absences
Chapter 600.1.1 A Senator who must be absent from a meeting for any reason shall prepare a
written letter documenting the reason for the absence, the date of the meeting to be
missed, and the name of his/her proxy that will be attending the meeting. This letter (and
any other pertinent documentation) must be personally delivered to the President of the
Senate or the Secretary of the Senate by 4:45 PM the day of the meeting to be missed.
The letter may also be delivered to the boxes in the SGA office of those listed formerly.
Chapter 600.1.1.1 The proxy must be enrolled in the same college as the absent senator
and must stay for the duration of the meeting.
Chapter 600.1.1.2 Any absence with a proxy will count as one half absence.
Chapter 600.1.1.3 Any absence without a proxy will count as two absences.
Chapter 600.1.1.4 Two office hours per week are required by Student Senators.
However, office hours may roll over into the next week, with a maximum of
four due in any given week at the discretion of the Executive Vice President.
Failure to complete office hours, without a written excuse to the Senate
Secretary, shall be considered one half of an absence per two missed hours.
Chapter 600.1.1.5 A late arrival to a Senate meeting not properly documented under the
terms of Chapter 600.1.1.4 shall be considered an unexcused tardy. An
unexcused tardy shall be counted as 1/4th an absence. Senators who arrive
unexcused fifteen minutes after roll call shall be considered absent.
Chapter 600.1.1.5 Two office hours per week are required by Student Senators.
However, office hours may roll over into the next week, with a maximum of
four due in any given week at the discretion of the Executive Vice President.
Failure to complete office hours, without a written excuse to the Senate
Secretary, shall be considered one half of an absence per two missed hours.
Chapter 600.1.1.6 Failure to meet or communicate with assigned student organizations at
least once a month will result in one absence per organization with which the
Senator does not communicate.
Chapter 600.1.1.7. The Legislative Assistant will be given the authority to set guidelines
and maintain records regarding the amount of involvement with senators and
their assigned organizations. Furthermore, the Legislative Assistant will assess
absences and relay these absences to the Secretary and the Rules Committee of
the Student Government Association Senate.
Chapter 600.1.1.8 Due to severe time restraints required by their programs, Graduate
School and Law School Senators will not be required to meet with any student
organizations unless the Senators themselves request to do so.
Chapter 600.1.1.9 Student Senators may contribute the time spent at the Financial Affairs
Committee towards their office hours so long as documentation as to office
hours performed is provided by the Student Senator and the Financial Affairs
Committee faculty advisor.
Chapter 600.2 Procedure for Violations
Chapter 600.2.1 A Senator incurring three absences shall be issued a warning by the Senate Rules
Committee.
Chapter 600.2.2 A Senator incurring three absences may be called to a hearing if the chairperson
of the Rules Committee deems it necessary.
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Chapter 600.2.2.1 The chairperson of the Rules Committee shall preside over this
hearing. The chairperson will appoint a Rules Committee member to record a
detailed account of the hearing.
Chapter 600.2.2.2 In this hearing absence documentation shall be reviewed and a
warning issued.
Chapter 600.2.3 A Senator incurring four and one half points shall appear before the Senate
Rules
Committee.
Chapter 600.2.3.1 The chairperson of the Rules Committee shall preside over this
hearing. The chairperson will appoint a Rules Committee member to record a detailed
account of the hearing.
Chapter 600.2.3.2 In this hearing absence documentation shall be reviewed and
suspension voted upon.
Chapter 600.3.1 A hearing shall be convened in a timely manner before the Senate Rules
Committee.
Chapter 600.3.1.1 The chairperson of the Rules Committee shall preside over this hearing.
Chapter 600.3.1.2 A quorum of the Rules Committee is required to begin this hearing.
Chapter 600.3.1.3 There are two possible findings for this hearing
Chapter 600.3.1.3.1 The Senator is neglecting his or her duties and is thereby
formally suspended from the Senate under the terms of the SGA
Constitution, Article VII, Section 1-E, “failure, for any other cause to
perform the duties of office” and shall be subject to the impeachment
process outlined therein.
Chapter 600.3.1.3.1.1 At least six members or 75% of the Rules
Committee (whichever is greater), must find for this ruling.
Chapter 600.3.1.3.1.2 One of these six shall bring the
impeachment charge and the other five shall also sign the
charge, as per SGA Constitution Article VII, Section 2-A.
Chapter 600.3.1.3.1.3 Although effort shall be taken by the
Secretary of the Senate and the Office of Student Live to
ensure that a Senator has been properly notified of and
summoned to his or her hearing, failure of the Senator to
appear for this hearing shall not preclude the Rules Committee
from going forward with those proceedings.
Chapter 600.3.1.3.2 The Senator is fulfilling his or her duties despite
excessive absences; expulsion is not warranted.
Chapter 600.3.2 An impeached Senator shall be suspended from the Senate and allowed two
weeks to decide whether he or she shall tender a resignation or initiate the formal hearing
process outlined in the Student Government Association Constitution, Article VII,
Section 2.
Chapter 600.3.3 Absences incurred during a Senator‟s impeachment shall not be counted.
Chapter 600.3.4 Vindication in one hearing shall not exempt a Senator from subsequent
impeachment of any kind, including those caused by further absences.
Chapter 600.4 A Senator shall resign if a conflict causes him or her to be unable to attend regular
business meetings of the Senate.
Chapter 601 Formal Protocol
Chapter 601.1 Since the Executive Vice President, presides over the Senate, he or she shall be addressed
as “Mr. or Madame President” during Senate Meetings.
Chapter 601.2 In the case of the SGA President attending a Senate meeting the SGA President will then
be addressed as “Mr. or Madame President” and the Executive Vice President will be addressed as
“Mr. or Madame Vice President”.
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Chapter 601.3 Senators will be addressed as “Senator followed by their Last Name”.
Chapter 602 Legislative Procedures
Chapter 602.1 Legislation Process
Chapter 602.1.1 Legislative business shall be defined as both resolutions and bills of law. No
legislative business may occur without an established quorum of the Senate, specified as
a majority of membership.
Chapter 602.1.2 New legislation must be handed in to (or put in box of) the Executive Vice
President by 4:45 PM two days prior to Senate meetings. With Senate Meetings on
Thursday, new legislation must be presented by Tuesday at 4:45 PM. All new legislation
must be typed.
Chapter 602.1.3 All legislation must have at least one sponsor or it shall automatically fail, and
the President of the Senate may call for new sponsors at any time.
Chapter 602.1.4 The Legislation receives its first reading on the Senate Floor unless a motion to
forego the first reading carries unanimously in the Senate.
Chapter 602.1.5 Legislation is assigned by the Executive Vice President to the appropriate
committee for its second reading. The Executive Vice President shall have the power of
multiple referral for all resolutions and bills introduced on the Senate floor.
Chapter 602.1.5.1 The first and third reading of legislation will not occur during the same
legislative session.
Chapter 602.1.5.2 For legislation requiring expediency, legislation shall receive its first
and third reading during the same legislative session only by a two-thirds vote of
the Senate floor.
Chapter 602.1.6 Any resolution introduced that contains a sentiment that coincides with a
pending or not-yet-introduced bill will be treated as a pre-requisite to the discussion and
furthermore passing or failing of the bill with which it correlates. (i.e. any resolution
including a sentiment that coincides with a proposed bill must pass in order for said bill
to be introduced on the senate floor).
Chapter 602.1.6.1 In the instance a resolution coinciding with a bill is tabled the bill to
which it coincides will be disregarded until a ruling is made.
Chapter 602.1.6.2 In the instance a resolution which coincides with a bill fails, the bill to
which it pertains shall automatically fail.
Chapter 602.1.6.3 Bills pertaining to passed (approved) legislation must be introduced
within twenty-four (24) months of said resolutions passage in order to be placed
on agenda. (i.e. any resolution passed beyond the allotted time period must be
re-introduced and re-approved in order for bills pertaining to such resolutions to
be introduced.)
Chapter 602.1.6.4 Tabled in committee - does NOT go to Senate Floor.
Chapter 602.1.7 The third reading shall be conducted as follows:
Chapter 602.1.7.1 If legislation is favorably recommended with no amendments, the third
reading shall be omitted unless a motion to have the third reading carries in the
Senate by majority vote.
Chapter 602.1.7.2 If legislation is favorably recommended with minor amendments, the
third reading shall be omitted unless a motion to have the third reading carries in
the Senate by majority vote. The amendments only shall be read on the Senate
floor.
Chapter 602.1.7.3 If legislation is favorably recommended with amendments, the
legislation shall receive its third reading unless a motion to forego the third
reading carries with two-thirds majority in the Senate. The amendments shall be
read on the Senate floor, and written copies of the full text of these amendments
shall be distributed to all Senators prior to the scheduled third reading.
Chapter 602.1.7.4 The status of amendments as “major” or “minor” shall be determined
by the committee.
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Chapter 602.1.8 On the Senate Floor discussed in old business (third reading), Legislation can:
Chapter 602.1.8.1 Pass - receive majority vote.
Chapter 602.1.8.2 Fail - does not receive majority vote.
Chapter 602.1.8.3 Be Tabled – a two-thirds vote is necessary to untable legislation that
has been tabled on the Senate floor, and such a motion to do so may only be
made during formal meetings.
Chapter 602.1.9 If signed by SGA President it becomes law. If it is vetoed, it is returned to the
Senate with a reason of why it was vetoed.
Chapter 602.1.10 On Senate Floor discussed in old business again:
Chapter 602.1.10.1 Pass - must be by 2/3 vote to override veto
Chapter 602.1.10.2 Fail - does not receive 2/3 vote
Chapter 602.1.10.3 Be tabled.
Chapter 602.2 Resolution Process
Chapter 602.2.1 Definition of a Resolution: Resolutions are expressions of sentiment of the
Student Senate which can be subject to veto if so considered by the SGA President.
Chapter 602.2.2 Sponsorship: A resolution can only be authored and sponsored by a senator or
senators.
Chapter 602.2.3 Process of a Resolution:
Chapter 602.2.3.1 A Resolution shall be first introduced by reading at length during the
business of the Senate.
Chapter 602.2.3.2 After receiving its first reading, a resolution shall be assigned to a
legislative committee or committees by the President of the Senate.
Chapter 602.2.3.3 After receiving either a favorable recommendation, unfavorable
recommendation, or no recommendation from the assigned committee, the
resolution shall be placed on the legislative calendar for its third reading.
Chapter 602.2.3.4 Once placed on the legislative calendar, a resolution is eligible to be
passed and approved or failed and disapproved or tabled by the Student Senate.
Chapter 602.2.4 Passed Resolutions:
Chapter 602.2.4.1 A resolution that has been approved by the Senate shall be printed on
the official SGA Student Senate Resolution paper and signed by the Secretary of
the Senate, the President of the Senate, and the President of the SGA.
Chapter 602.2.4.2 The Executive Vice President shall be responsible for forwarding the
legislation to the designated recipient(s). Senators will also be required to send
a copy to the Crimson White and Dateline Alabama.
Chapter 602.2.5 Actions to Follow a Resolution‟s Progress: A resolution of requests or
recommendations may require further contact with recipients of the resolution. This shall
be the responsibility of the author.
Chapter 602.2.6 Further Assistance to Follow a Resolution‟s Progress: If the senator deems it
necessary to request further assistance in following a resolution, it shall be at the
discretion of the Executive Vice President to either forward the resolution to an existing
committee or to create another committee as he or she sees fit.
Chapter 602.3 Resolution Format
I. Heading: The heading of the resolution will be centered at the top of the page, in bold print, and contain:
Resolution #R- (designated legislation number by the Executive Vice President) - (last two numbers of year Senate
term began)
The University of Alabama
Student Senate (full year of the Senate term)
II. Title: The title shall be in all capital letters, in bold print, centered and contain a summary of the
Resolution.
III. Authors and sponsors: The authors and sponsors of the resolution will be presented below the title format
on the left margin and contain:
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Authored by: (full name of the author(s) of the resolution)
Sponsored by: (full name of the sponsor(s) of the resolution)
A. A resolution can only be authored and sponsored by a senator or senators.
B. The name(s) of the author(s) and sponsor(s) must be on the piece of legislation before the resolution
can be introduced on the Senate floor.
IV. Body: The body of the resolution will be split into concise ideas and contain:
WHEREAS: (concise point);
WHEREAS: (concise point);
Etc.
A. The above process will proceed as long as the author(s) and sponsor(s) feel(s) necessary to relay the
proper information for the piece of legislation.
B. The WHEREAS must be bold print and followed by a colon „:‟.
V. Conclusion: The conclusion of the resolution will contain:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The University of Alabama Student Senate (a recommendation or
recognition based on the body topic of the resolution).
A. The above process can be repeated at the author(s) discretion depending on the number of
recommendations and/or recognitions being stated.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: Copies of this resolution be sent to (listing of the individuals or groups
which the resolution needs to be addressed to; always to include the President of the University of Alabama and the
Crimson White).
B. The THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT and the BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT
must be bold and followed by a colon „:‟.
VI. Footer: The footer of the resolution will have three lines for signatures positioned at the bottom right
margin and will contain: (This part is not necessary if it is the only item on the page.)
Adopted by the University of Alabama Student Senate on (date legislation passed)
Secretary of the Senate
President of the Senate
President of the SGA
Chapter 603.3.1 Citations: If persons, statistics, or facts need to be cited, the works cited would
be listed below the footer of the resolution.
Chapter 603.3.2 The President of the Senate and/or the Secretary of the Senate have the
discretion to edit the format of the resolution, without changing the intent of the
legislation, at any time.
Chapter 603.3.3 Resolutions and bills must be turned in as an attachment in an email sent to the
Secretary of the Senate as a Microsoft Word document in Times New Roman size 12 font
with a hard copy.
Chapter 603.4 Amendment Process
Chapter 603.4.1 Criteria for amendments:
Chapter 603.4.1.1 An amendment must not change the intent of the proposed legislation
Chapter 603.4.1.2 An amendment must be pertinent to the proposed legislation
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Chapter 603.4.2 Amendments after first reading of legislation:
Chapter 603.4.2.1 If a senator would like to propose an amendment to a piece of
legislation that will be reviewed by a committee, he or she must submit a typed
amendment to the Executive Vice President by 4:45 p.m. on the Tuesday before
the committee meeting.
Chapter 603.4.2.1.1 Amendments will be discussed and voted on within
the committee. If the amendment receives a majority vote, it will be
added to the legislation. Otherwise, the amendment fails and receives
no further consideration.
Chapter 603.4.2.1.2 Members within the committee may also add
amendments to the legislation during the committee meeting if the
amendment receives the majority of the committee members‟ votes.
Chapter 603.4.2.1.3 If legislation is amended in a committee meeting, the
amended version will be read in the Student Senate on its third reading.
Chapter 603.4.3 Amendments after third reading of legislation:
Chapter 603.4.3.1 After legislation receives its third reading on the Senate floor, senators
may amend the legislation by making a motion to the Executive Vice President.
The voting process for amendments will follow Robert‟s Rules of Order. If the
Senate votes to amend, the legislation must go back to committee(s) before the
Senate may vote on it. The Senate may forego this requirement by a two-thirds
vote. The committee(s) will then make a recommendation on the resolution or
move to table the resolution that includes the amendment(s). The committee(s)
may not strike the amendment.
Chapter 603.4.3.2 If the Senate votes to amend legislation, the legislation must go back to
committee before the Senate may vote on it. The Senate may forego this
requirement by a two-thirds vote. The committee is only responsible for the
wording of the amendment. The intent of the amendment may not be changed.
The committee will then send the bill back to the Senate floor for a vote.
Chapter 603.4.3.3 If an amendment is proposed concerning the wording of the legislation,
the legislation does not have to go back to committee. The amendment will be
voted on and the legislation will be amended. The Senate will then vote on the
amended legislation.
Chapter 603.4.4 Amendments after legislation has been passed:
Chapter 603.4.4.1 After legislation has been passed by the Senate the chair of the
committee from which the legislation was designated has on week from the
session in which the legislation to the Secretary of the Senate or the Legislative
Assistant.
Chapter 603.4.4.2 Repeated infractions of Chapter 603.4.4.1 will result in the committee
chair being called to standards by the Rules Committee.
Chapter 603.5 Format for a Constitutional Amendment proposed by the Student Senate
Chapter 603.5.1 A Bill initiated by the Student Senate to amend the Student Government
Association Constitution shall follow the following format:
THE TITLE: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE __, SECTION __, PART __, LINE __ OF THE
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION
The Question: “Do you support or oppose an amendment that would...(summary of the
amendment) ”
The Amendment: ARTICLE __, Section __, Part __, Line __ should be amended to read as
follows:
The wording will consist of underlined items that are new, strikethrough items that are
deleted, and other items are left unchanged.
Chapter 604 Office hours for SGA Senators
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Chapter 604.1 Each Senator will serve two office hours per week. All office hours will be held at the
Ferguson Center in the Senate office, unless otherwise given permission by the Executive Vice
President. One hour must be held Monday thru Friday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and must be
schedules consistently week to week. The other hour can be served anytime Monday through
Friday from 8:00 AM through 5:00 PM. Senators have the option to serve their non-scheduled
one hour per week in the Senator‟s College if given permission by the Executive Vice President.
Law Schools Senators can serve all of their office hours at the Law School.
Chapter 604.2 Each undergraduate Senate delegation shall be responsible for meeting, at the least, once
per month in its respective college. The meeting and space used shall be public and easily
accessible to the entire student body within each college.
Chapter 605 Proxy Voting
Chapter 605.1 Proxy votes will be allowed for Senate meetings, but not for committee meetings.
However, the presence of a proxy voter in the place of a Senator at a Senate meeting does not
excuse the Senator from an absence. If a proxy will be attending the meeting, the required letter of
notification must be received by 4:45 p.m. of the same day of the Senate meeting. The letter must
include the name of the person representing him or her. The person voting for the absent Senator
must be enrolled in the same college.
Chapter 606 Senate Meetings
Chapter 606.1 Senate will meet every Thursday night at 6:15 at the designated location, alternating
Senate Meetings and Senate Committee Meetings each week.
Chapter 606.2 An emergency Senate meeting can be called at any time by the Executive Vice President.
Points for absence at an emergency Senate meeting or for a special session will not be enforced.
Chapter 606.3 Senate dress code for formal Senate meetings:
Chapter 606.3.1 It is recommended that all Senators wear business attire for all formal Senate
meetings and all special sessions called by the Executive Vice President.
Chapter 606.3.2 A formal Senate meeting is defined as any non-committee, full session Senate
meeting.
Chapter 606.3.3 Definition of business attire for men: suit or sport coat, slacks, button down
shirt, necktie, and dress shoes.
Chapter 606.3.4 Definition of business attire for women: business suit, pant suit, skirt and
blouse, or dress; and dress shoes.
Chapter 606.4 Committee Meetings
Chapter 606.4.1 Senate Committees shall meet as specified in the SGA Code of Laws.
Chapter 606.4.2 The Chairman of the Committee shall preside over the committee meeting, and
shall have no vote, except to break a tie.
Chapter 606.4.3 Attendance at committee meetings shall be restricted to those Senators serving as
a member of that committee, and the Executive Vice President, excepting individuals
expressly invited by the committee as decided by a vote of the committee.
Chapter 606.4.4 Authors of legislation scheduled to be considered by a committee may attend
committee meetings, provided they give the committee chairman notice of intended
attendance prior to the call to order of the Senate Committee Meeting in question.
Chapter 606.4.5 Members of the Executive Council may attend a committee meeting to propose
legislation regarding matters of concern to that committee as outlined in Chapter 304 of
the Student Government Association Code of Laws, and for the purposes of fulfilling the
requirement outlined in Chapter 603.1.1 of the Student Government Association Code of
Laws.
Chapter 606.4.6 The Chairman of the Committee shall recognize those committee members or
authors of legislation being considered, in order for that individual to speak.
Chapter 606.4.7 Only Senators serving as a member of a Senate Committee shall vote upon any
action taken by the committee.
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Chapter 606.4.8 Any individual deemed to be out of order by the Chairman of the Committee
during a committee meeting shall be subject to a warning by the Chairman, and shall
subsequently be subject to removal from the committee meeting for the duration of the
current meeting.
Chapter 606.4.9 Senate Committees shall only consider legislation presented to it by a vote of the
full Student Senate, followed by any other matters of concern to the committee as
determined by a vote of the committee.
Chapter 606.5 Prior to adjournment of each regular meeting of the Student Senate, the chair shall open the
floor to the general student population for the purpose of voicing the opinions and concerns of
the student body at large.
Chapter 607 Parliamentary Procedure
Chapter 607.1 When the Student Senate is in session, parliamentary procedure and any additional rules
of order that the Senate may adopt shall govern the Student Senate.
Chapter 607.2 The parliamentary authority of the Student Senate shall be the latest edition of Robert’s
Rules of Order Newly Revised .
Chapter 607.3 Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be superseded by any special rule(s) of
order that the Senate may adopt.
Chapter 607.4 Any special rule adopted by the Senate, which conflicts with the established
parliamentary authority, shall only be enacted with the approval of 2/3 of the Senate.
Chapter 608 Financial Affairs Committee Allocations
Chapter 608.1 FAC Approval procedures
Chapter 608.1.1 Included in the FAC report, each Senator shall receive an explanation of the
allocation limited to one sentence.
Chapter 608.1.2 The Senate en blanc will then move to general debate on the allocations upon
voting on the recommendations.
Chapter 608.1.3 The Senate shall have no more than fifteen minutes to discuss and amend the
allocations further.
Chapter 608.1.4 The Senate may extend debate once through a unanimous consent agreement.
Chapter 608.1.5 Amendments during general debate:
Chapter 608.1.5.1 Any Senator may make an amendment to the allocations during general
debate.
Chapter 608.1.5.2 Each amendment shall be voted on seriatim.
Chapter 608.2 Discharge from committee
Chapter 608.2.1 The Committee chair shall have the expressed power to release or continue to
hold a tabled bill or resolution at his or her discretion.
Chapter 608.2.2 All procedures regarding committee discharges in Robert‟s Rules of Order are
hereby suspended.
Chapter 608.3 Speaking Rules and Cloture
Chapter 608.3.1 All members shall have as much time as they may consume to extend their
remarks during general debate proceeding the disposal of the second reading, and during
technical question sessions.
Chapter 608.3.2 Cloture
Chapter 608.3.2.1 Cloture shall be in order with a three-fifths majority of all of the sworn
members of the Senate (proxy votes do not count)
Upon invoking of cloture, the debate time shall be limited to fifteen minutes and shall be divided evenly between
both side
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CODE OF LAWS
TITLE VII
JUDICIAL PROCEDURE RULES
Chapter 700 Impeachment
Chapter 700.1 The following are grounds for impeachment:
Chapter 700.1.1 Incompetence, malfeasance, or misfeasance in office
Chapter 700.1.2 Failure, at the time of election, to possess the academic qualifications for office
Chapter 700.1.3 Willful violation of any express provision of the SGA Constitution
Chapter 700.1.4 Abandonment of office or, in the case of a Senator, change of school or college
Chapter 700.1.5 Failure, for any other cause, to perform the duties of office
Chapter 700.1.5.1 For Senators, this includes violation of the Senate‟s attendance policy
Chapter 700.1.6 Failure to maintain academic standing at a level consistent with the minimum
grade point average required of candidates for the position in question
Chapter 700.2 Procedure for removal
Chapter 700.2.1 Any student may bring a petition of impeachment against any SGA officer, in
writing, with five additional students‟ co-signatures.
Chapter 700.2.2 An investigatory panel shall examine the charge and shall consist of
representatives from the SGA President, the Senate, and the Chief Justice.
Chapter 700.2.3 The panel may find for a hearing before the Senate.
Chapter 700.2.4 This hearing may find that the judgment of the Student Judicial Board is
required.
Chapter 700.2.5 The Student Judicial Board has final jurisdiction over the removal of an officer.
Chapter 700.3 The following are subject to impeachment: elected officers, senators, and justices.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CODE OF LAWS
TITLE VIII
FINANCE LAW
Eligibility for FAC Funding
Student organizations registered with either the Office of Student Life or the Coordinating Council for
Student Organizations are eligible for funding from the Financial Affairs Committee (FAC).
Funding Guidelines
Funds must be spent by student organizations in the fiscal year in which the allocation was made.
Monies for travel purposes may be funded to organizations for national and regional conventions,
tournaments, etc. in an amount based on FAC precedence, per fiscal year.
Organizations attending regional conventions, tournaments, etc. will be allocated $200 per student
in attendance.
Organizations attending national conventions, tournaments, etc. will be allocated $300 per student
in attendance.
Organizations will be allowed to receive no more than $1200 total for all travel allocations per
fiscal year.
Food and beverages may be funded in circumstances in which they are necessary for the project or activity,
but not for regular meetings.
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Office supplies that are necessary for the function of student organizations are generally funded by the
FAC.
Funding for office supplies shall be limited to fifty dollars per organization per year.
Speakers may be funded for honorarium, lodging, travel, and meals.
Postage may be funded for mail outs, for membership solicitations, general information, etc.
Printing may be funded for newsletters, fliers, posters, and directories.
Printing funding shall be limited to a maximum allocation of fifty dollars per FAC applicant;
however, organizations may continually apply for print funding at future FAC
deliberations.
The FAC considers the following factors when allocating funds:
Nature of the project or activity
Number of students affected by the project or activity
Size of the student organization
Adherence to FAC guidelines
Degree of outside funding (strongly encouraged)
Co-sponsorship (two or more student organizations collaborating on a project or activity – also
strongly encouraged)
Precedence based on FAC deliberations.
Alternate sources of funding should be sought for national dues, awards, plaques, gifts, donations, first-
class air travel, alcoholic beverages, personal items, Christmas cards, and live plants.
FAC Composition
The FAC is made up of twelve students.
The FAC shall consist of the SGA Vice President of Financial Affairs, the SGA Treasurer, four Senators,
three members of the Coordinating Council of Student Organizations, and three members of the
Student Leaders Council.
The Senate members shall be appointed by the SGA Vice President of Financial Affairs.
Procedure for Receipt of FAC Funding
Attend an FAC workshop or meet with the Vice President of Financial Affairs.
Acquire FAC packet in SGA office.
Note FAC meeting time(s) and location(s).
Correctly fill out FAC forms.
Return funding request to SGA office before deadline for next FAC meeting.
Sign FAC meeting speakers‟ list.
Procedure for Reimbursement
Advance funds are available only under special circumstances at the discretion of the Vice President of
Financial Affairs.
Original receipts not more than 60 days old must be presented upon completion of the project or activity for
reimbursement of funds.
Each reimbursement request must be accompanied by a reimbursement form (in FAC packet or available at
SGA office).
Recognition of SGA Financial Aid
Any organization or project included in the SGA‟s budget or receiving funding from the FAC shall publicly
recognize the SGA‟s contribution.
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Appropriations of Senate Contingency Fund
Senators may require access to funds allocated to the Senate in order to perform their duties as outlined in
the SGA Constitution, Article III.
Portions of the total sum will be made accessible to Senators upon the ratification of an appropriations bill
by the Senate.
An appropriations bill to be considered on the Senate floor must be specific as to the amount of funds
desired and the exact manner in which they will be used by the senator(s) requesting the funds,
and must be in accordance with current accounting guidelines established by the UA Financial
Accounting Department.
Executive Spending
Any allocation by the Executive Council of more than $1,000 is subject to approval by the Senate.
The Executive Council must conform to the rules and guidelines set by the FAC for all of its allocations.
Clarification of Senate Approval of Financial Affairs Committee Funding
It is the sense of the Senate that the constitutional authority granted to the Senate by the Student
Government Association Constitution regarding approval of FAC funding, requires that Senators
be able to make an educated decision on proposed allocations.
The Vice President for Financial Affairs shall, in accordance with his constitutional duty, present to the
Senate a list of the FAC‟s proposed allocations within the time specified by the Constitution.
Format for FAC Allocations
The FAC shall submit the allocations in the form of a ledger listing the following: Name of
Organization, Amount Requested for Each Individual Item, Amount Granted for each
Individual Item.
Each organization shall submit an explanation as to the need for funding, how the organization
hopes to disburse the funds, and a description of the events or programs related to said
disbursement.
Failure for an organization to submit this report shall be automatically tabled by the Senate.
The Vice President for Financial Affairs or his designee shall be required to present the proposed
allocations to the Senate in person.
The Vice President for Financial Affairs shall provide, on request of any Senator, copies of the original
bills requesting funding.
The Senate shall follow the guidelines set forth by Chapter 608.3 before allowing for general debate on the
allocations.
The Senate shall have the authority to:
Approve all proposed allocations en bloc.
Approve only one or more proposed allocations and deny the remaining allocations.
Deny all proposed allocations.
A motion to approve or deny any number of allocations requires a majority vote for passage.
Failure to meet the guidelines established by Chapters 823.3 or 823.4 shall result in the automatic denial of
all proposed allocations.
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CODE OF LAWS
TITLE IX
ELECTION LAW
Candidate Eligibility – Executive Offices
Undergraduate Candidates shall have the following:
2.30 GPA on 4.00 scale (UA points only)
36 UA credit hours
Graduate Student Candidates shall have the following:
3.00 GPA on 4.00 scale (UA points only)
9 UA credit hours
Law School Candidates shall have the following:
2.50 GPA on 4.00 scale (UA points only)
12 UA credit hours
A Graduate or Law School candidate may forego the credit hour requirement if his or her undergraduate
degree was earned at the University of Alabama, provided his or her undergraduate GPA was a
2.30 on a 4.00 scale (UA points only)
All candidates shall only be permitted to run for one elected position in the Student Government
Association per election period.
Candidate Eligibility – Legislative Offices
Undergraduate Candidates shall have the following:
2.30 GPA on 4.00 scale (UA points only)
12 UA credit hours
Graduate Student Candidates shall have the following:
3.00 GPA on 4.00 scale (UA points only)
9 UA credit hours
Law School Candidates shall have the following:
2.50 GPA on 4.00 scale (UA points only)
12 UA credit hours
A Graduate or Law School candidate may forego the credit hour requirement if his or her undergraduate
degree was earned at the University of Alabama, provided his or her undergraduate GPA was a
2.30 on a 4.00 scale (UA points only)
To be listed on the ballot, candidates shall file a notice of candidacy no later than 21 days prior to the
election.
All candidates shall only be permitted to run for one elected position in the Student Government
Association per election period.
Chapter 910 Campaign Procedures
Chapter 910.1 Candidates shall maintain records describing the amount and source of campaign funds
and other contributions.
Chapter 910.2 Such records shall be filed with the Elections Board each week.
Chapter 910.3 Campaign spending shall not exceed limits set by the Elections Board.
Chapter 910.4 The SGA Office and all SGA functions not expressly intended as election campaigning
activities shall be considered neutral ground, and campaigning is strictly forbidden.
Chapter 920 Voting
Chapter 920.1 Any student currently enrolled at UA may vote in SGA elections.
Chapter 920.2 A student may cast one vote for a Senator in his or her college of enrollment, and one
vote for each executive office.
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Chapter 920.3 All Student Government Association elections shall be conducted using an electronic
ballot via the Internet under the procedure outlined by Article VI and the policy of the Elections
Board.
Chapter 920.4 Write-in votes shall be permitted in any Student Government Association election; hence,
a designated area on the electronic ballot must allow voters to be able to insert the name of their
preferred candidate. Absentee votes shall not be allowed.
Chapter 920.5 A plurality of votes shall be required to win any race.
Chapter 920.6 A tie will be broken by run-off election.
Chapter 920.7 A student wishing to contest election results shall file a petition in writing with the
Executive Secretary within three academic days of the posting of election results.
Chapter 920.7.1 The Elections Board will conduct a hearing.
Chapter 920.7.2 The Student Judicial Board will hear any appeals.
Chapter 920.7.3 The following shall be grounds for contesting election results:
Chapter 920.7.3.1 Misconduct, fraud, or irregularity by an election official
Chapter 920.7.3.2 Ineligibility of elected candidate(s)
Chapter 920.7.3.3 Receipt of illegal votes or rejection of legal votes
Chapter 920.7.3.4 Error in vote tabulation
Chapter 920.7.3.5 Any other cause sufficient to change or cast doubt upon the result of an
SGA election
Chapter 930 Separation of Powers
Chapter 930.1 A student may hold no more than one of the following at any given time:
Chapter 930.1.1 Executive Officer (any one elected executive position)
Chapter 930.1.2 Senator
Chapter 930.1.3 Student Justice
Chapter 930.1.3.1 Excludes the requirement that the SGA President serve on the Student
Judicial Board according to Title IV, Chapter 400.1.2.1.
Chapter 930.1.3.2 Excludes the requirement that the President Pro Tempore of the
Senate serve on the Student Judicial Board according to Title IV, Chapter
400.1.2.2.
Chapter 930.1.4 SGA Committee Chair
Chapter 930.1.4.1 Excludes a Senator who can also chair a Senate Committee according
to Title III, Chapter 304.1.
Chapter 930.1.4.2 Excludes the requirement that the SGA President chair the Executive
Council according to Title II, Chapter 210.2.
Chapter 930.1.4.3 Excludes the requirement that the Vice President of Financial Affairs
chair the Financial Affairs Committee according to Title II, Chapter 250.4.
Chapter 930.1.4.4 Excludes the requirement that the SGA Press Secretary chair the
Public Relations committee according to Title II, Chapter 290.3.6.
Chapter 930.2 Members of the SGA Student Senate and Student Judicial Board may not hold positions
within the Executive Branch of the SGA, including but not limited to committee chairs and
Attorney General.
Chapter 931 Procedures for Referenda on Constitutional Amendments
Chapter 931.1 The full text of the amendment(s) shall be published by the Secretary of the Senate online
at the web site of the Student Government Association at least two weeks prior to the referendum.
The full text of the amendment(s) may also be published in the campus newspaper(s) at the
discretion of the President sign his or her name to the bill proposing any amendment(s).
Chapter 931.2 “Full text of an amendment” shall be defined as the number of the amendment, the
number of the bill, the question, and the amendment as outlined in the relevant bill.
Chapter 931.3 The number of the amendment and the question shall be displayed on the ballot.
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Chapter 931.4 The Elections Board shall make available hard copies of the full text of the amendments
in the SGA Office and at all voting sites.
Chapter 931.5 Each amendment must be ratified by two-thirds of the students voting on the
amendments.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CODE OF LAWS
TITLE IX
ELECTION LAW
Candidate Eligibility – Executive Offices
Undergraduate Candidates shall have the following:
2.30 GPA on 4.00 scale (UA points only)
36 UA credit hours
Graduate Student Candidates shall have the following:
3.00 GPA on 4.00 scale (UA points only)
9 UA credit hours
Law School Candidates shall have the following:
2.50 GPA on 4.00 scale (UA points only)
12 UA credit hours
A Graduate or Law School candidate may forego the credit hour requirement if his or her undergraduate
degree was earned at the University of Alabama, provided his or her undergraduate GPA was a
2.30 on a 4.00 scale (UA points only)
All candidates shall only be permitted to run for one elected position in the Student Government
Association per election period.
Candidate Eligibility – Legislative Offices
Undergraduate Candidates shall have the following:
2.30 GPA on 4.00 scale (UA points only)
12 UA credit hours
Graduate Student Candidates shall have the following:
3.00 GPA on 4.00 scale (UA points only)
9 UA credit hours
Law School Candidates shall have the following:
2.50 GPA on 4.00 scale (UA points only)
12 UA credit hours
A Graduate or Law School candidate may forego the credit hour requirement if his or her undergraduate
degree was earned at the University of Alabama, provided his or her undergraduate GPA was a
2.30 on a 4.00 scale (UA points only)
To be listed on the ballot, candidates shall file a notice of candidacy no later than 21 days prior to the
election.
All candidates shall only be permitted to run for one elected position in the Student Government
Association per election period.
Chapter 911 Campaign Procedures
Chapter 911.1 Candidates shall maintain records describing the amount and source of campaign funds
and other contributions.
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Chapter 911.2 Such records shall be filed with the Elections Board each week.
Chapter 911.3 Campaign spending shall not exceed limits set by the Elections Board.
Chapter 911.4 The SGA Office and all SGA functions not expressly intended as election campaigning
activities shall be considered neutral ground, and campaigning is strictly forbidden.
Chapter 921 Voting
Chapter 921.1 Any student currently enrolled at UA may vote in SGA elections.
Chapter 921.2 A student may cast one vote for a Senator in his or her college of enrollment, and one
vote for each executive office.
Chapter 921.3 All Student Government Association elections shall be conducted using an electronic
ballot via the Internet under the procedure outlined by Article VI and the policy of the Elections
Board.
Chapter 921.4 Write-in votes shall be permitted in any Student Government Association election; hence,
a designated area on the electronic ballot must allow voters to be able to insert the name of their
preferred candidate. Absentee votes shall not be allowed.
Chapter 921.5 A plurality of votes shall be required to win any race.
Chapter 921.6 A tie will be broken by run-off election.
Chapter 921.7 A student wishing to contest election results shall file a petition in writing with the
Executive Secretary within three academic days of the posting of election results.
Chapter 921.7.1 The Elections Board will conduct a hearing.
Chapter 921.7.2 The Student Judicial Board will hear any appeals.
Chapter 921.7.3 The following shall be grounds for contesting election results:
Chapter 921.7.3.1 Misconduct, fraud, or irregularity by an election official
Chapter 921.7.3.2 Ineligibility of elected candidate(s)
Chapter 921.7.3.3 Receipt of illegal votes or rejection of legal votes
Chapter 921.7.3.4 Error in vote tabulation
Chapter 921.7.3.5 Any other cause sufficient to change or cast doubt upon the result of an
SGA election
Chapter 932 Separation of Powers
Chapter 932.1 A student may hold no more than one of the following at any given time:
Chapter 932.1.1 Executive Officer (any one elected executive position)
Chapter 932.1.2 Senator
Chapter 932.1.3 Student Justice
Chapter 932.1.3.1 Excludes the requirement that the SGA President serve on the Student
Judicial Board according to Title IV, Chapter 400.1.2.1.
Chapter 932.1.3.2 Excludes the requirement that the President Pro Tempore of the
Senate serve on the Student Judicial Board according to Title IV, Chapter
400.1.2.2.
Chapter 932.1.4 SGA Committee Chair
Chapter 932.1.4.1 Excludes a Senator who can also chair a Senate Committee according
to Title III, Chapter 304.1.
Chapter 932.1.4.2 Excludes the requirement that the SGA President chair the Executive
Council according to Title II, Chapter 210.2.
Chapter 932.1.4.3 Excludes the requirement that the Vice President of Financial Affairs
chair the Financial Affairs Committee according to Title II, Chapter 250.4.
Chapter 932.1.4.4 Excludes the requirement that the SGA Press Secretary chair the
Public Relations committee according to Title II, Chapter 290.3.6.
Chapter 930.2 Members of the SGA Student Senate and Student Judicial Board may not hold positions
within the Executive Branch of the SGA, including but not limited to committee chairs and
Attorney General.
Chapter 933 Procedures for Referenda on Constitutional Amendments
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Chapter 933.1 The full text of the amendment(s) shall be published by the Secretary of the Senate online
at the web site of the Student Government Association at least two weeks prior to the referendum.
The full text of the amendment(s) may also be published in the campus newspaper(s) at the
discretion of the President sign his or her name to the bill proposing any amendment(s).
Chapter 933.2 “Full text of an amendment” shall be defined as the number of the amendment, the
number of the bill, the question, and the amendment as outlined in the relevant bill.
Chapter 933.3 The number of the amendment and the question shall be displayed on the ballot.
Chapter 933.4 The Elections Board shall make available hard copies of the full text of the amendments
in the SGA Office and at all voting sites.
Chapter 933.5 Each amendment must be ratified by two-thirds of the students voting on the
amendments.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CODE OF LAWS
TITLE X
SGA AWARDS
Chapter 1000 SGA Awards Committee
Chapter 1000.1 The SGA Awards Committee shall have the power to create and establish awards for the
SGA with the consent of the Executive Council.
Chapter 1000.2 The SGA Awards Committee shall establish the nominations, qualifications, selections,
and presentations of the awards.
Chapter 1000.3 The awards shall be given to the executive officers, executive assistants, student senators,
student justices, committees, committee chairpersons, committee persons, faculty and involved
university students.
Chapter 1001 SGA Seal
Chapter 1001.1 The Official Seal of the Student Government Association of The University of Alabama
shall be as follows: a portrayal of Denny Chimes superimposed over a crossed gavel and torch, all
of which shall be within a circle; in a larger circle enclosing the aforementioned shall be within a
circle; in a larger circle enclosing the aforementioned shall be inscribed with the words “Student
government Association 1914,” inscribed on a scroll beneath the above-mentioned circumference
shall be the words “The University of Alabama.”
Chapter 1001.2 The portrayal of Denny Chimes shall symbolize the University; the torch shall symbolize
education and the overcoming of adversity; and the gavel shall symbolize leadership and justice.
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CODE OF LAWS
TITLE XII
FIRST YEAR COUNCIL
Chapter 1200. The Powers and Duties of the First Year Council
Chapter 1200.1 The First Year Council shall develop and pass resolutions expressing the sentiment of
the first year class.
Chapter 1200.2 The First Year Council shall select its committees.
Chapter 1200.3 The First Year Council shall set its rules and by-laws at the beginning of each term.
Chapter 1200.4 Chapter 1200.4 The First Year Council shall meet twice a month, unless special
session is requested by either the Executive Vice President or a majority of First Year Council
members.
Chapter 1201. The Duties of First Year Council Members
Chapter 1201.1 Council members shall represent the opinions of first year students.
Chapter 1201.2 Council members shall host meetings within the dormitories that house first year
students for the purpose of allowing first year students to voice their concerns to council members.
Chapter 1201.3 Council members shall be knowledgeable of campus organizations and events for the
purpose of informing first year students of said organizations and events.
Chapter 1201.4 Council members shall be responsible for advertising the First Year Council and its
role of representative of first year students to the SGA.
Chapter 1202. Officers of the First Year Council
Chapter 1202.1 The Vice President of Student Affairs shall serve as ex officio President of the First
Year Council and shall have the following duties:
Chapter 1202.1.1 Chair all meetings of the First Year Council.
Chapter 1202.1.2 Cast a vote to break ties within the First Year Council.
Chapter 1202.1.3 Handle all day to day operations within the First Year
Council.
Chapter 1202.2 The Chief of Staff shall serve as Secretary of the First Year Council and shall have the
following duties:
Chapter 1202.2.1 Be responsible for making available the voting record
and attendance records of council members.
Chapter 1202.2.2 Be responsible for preparing passed resolutions.
Chapter 1202.2.2.1 Shall have the authority to amend passed resolutions for the purpose of
correcting grammatical errors. The Secretary‟s grammatical amendment shall not be subject
to a vote be the First Year Council.
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Chapter 1202.2.2.2 Shall present the grammatically amended version of resolutions to the
President of the First Year Council for approval.
Chapter 1202.2.3 Be responsible for providing minutes of First Year
Council meetings to the public.
Chapter 1202.3 The powers of the President and Secretary of the First Year Council shall be limited to
those enumerated in the SGA Code of Laws.
Chapter 1202.4 If at a given time, a majority of the First Year Council wishes to create officers from within
its membership to preside over its proceedings, such officers may be created with the approval of the
President ex officio of the First Year Council.
Chapter 1202.4.1 Officers, upon their creation, must be voted on and approved by a majority of
the First Year Council membership.
Chapter 1202.4.2 Voting to create officers within the First Year Council in a given year shall have
no bearing on future First Year Councils. Each First Year Council will be required to begin its
tenure with the Vice President of Student Affairs as President ex officio and the Student
Government Association Chief of Staff as Secretary.
Chapter 1203. First Year Council Committees
Chapter 1203.1 The First Year Council shall be divided into six committees. These committees shall
be Academic Affairs, Resolutions, Rules, Student Affairs, External Affairs, and Campus Health and
Safety with the number of council members divided equally among each committee.
Chapter 1203.1.1 The Academic Affairs Committee‟s duties shall include but are not limited to:
Chapter 1203.1.1.1 Represent the first year student body in academic affairs.
Chapter 1203.1.1.2 Seek the opinions of first year student in regard to academic policy.
Chapter 1203.1.1.3 Receive and analyze resolutions dealing with academic affairs.
Chapter 1203.1.1.4 Make recommendations to the First Year Council in regard to academic
policy resolutions.
Chapter 1203.1.2 The Resolutions Committee‟s duties shall include but are not limited to:
Chapter 1203.1.2.1 Handling issues that commend faculty, staff, or students of the University
of Alabama for enhancing the lives and experience of first year students.
Chapter 1203.1.3 The Rules Committee‟s duties shall include but are not limited to:
Chapter 1203.1.3.1 Enforcing and monitoring the standing rules of the First Year Council.
Chapter 1203.1.3.2 Enforcing the attendance policy of the First Year Council.
Chapter 1203.1.3.3 Reviewing and recommending bills to set standards, guidelines, and rules
for the First Year Council.
Chapter 1203.1.4 The Student Affairs Committee‟s duties shall include but are not limited to:
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Chapter 1203.1.4.1 Dealing with issues that encourage first year student development outside
of the classroom and support the academic mission of the University of Alabama.
Chapter 1203.1.4.2 First Year Student Policy, First Year Student Opinion, First Year Student
Relations, Campus Safety, and concerns dealing with life outside of academic affairs.
Chapter 1203.1.5 The External Affairs Committee‟s duties shall include but are not limited to:
Chapter 1203.1.5.1 Handling issues that pertain to matters outside of the University of
Alabama.
Chapter 1203.1.5.2 Receive and analyze resolutions regarding external affairs.
Chapter 1203.1.5.3 Represent the first year student body in matters of external affairs.
Chapter 1203.1.6 The Campus Health and Safety Committee‟s duties shall include but are not
limited to:
Chapter 1203.1.6.1 Handling issues that pertain to the safety of first year students at the
University of Alabama.
Chapter 1203.1.6.2 Receive and analyze resolutions dealing with campus health and safety
affairs.
Chapter 1203.1.6.3 Deals with issues that express urgency for action to take place at the
University of Alabama dealing with the health and safety of first year students.
Chapter 1203.2 The business of the Academic Affairs, Resolutions, Rules, Student Affairs, External
Affairs, and Campus Health and Safety Committees must only proceed with a quorum of the majority of
committee membership.
Chapter 1203.3 The President of the First Year Council shall be charged with appointing council members
to their respective committees.
Chapter 1203.4 The President of the First Year Council shall assign resolutions to committees with the
approval of a majority of the First Year Council.
Chapter 1204. Allocation of First Year Council Seats
Chapter 1204.1 The First Year Council shall consist of fifty (50) first year students.
Chapter 1204.2 Allocation of council seats shall be based upon the first year student population within
campus dormitories.
Chapter 1204.2.1 Each dormitory containing any first year student population shall have at least
one First Year Council seat.
Chapter 1204.2.2 The first year student dormitory population shall be provided by the Office of
UA Housing and Residential Communities upon the request of the Vice President of Student
Affairs.
Chapter 1204.2.3 The allocation of First Year Council seats shall be confirmed by a majority vote
of the Student Senate and approved by the SGA President.
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Chapter 1204.3 Three seats in the First Year Council shall be designated as “At- Large Seats.” These
seats will serve the purpose of representing first year students who either do not live in dormitories or live
in dormitories with a first year population of less than fifteen (15) first year students.
Chapter 1204.3.1 Students filling an At-Large Seat will hold scheduled
dorm caucuses at a determined location to be announced in a timely fashion to the first
year students to be represented by the At-Large Representatives.
Chapter 1204.3.2 First year students not living in dormitories or living in
dormitories with a first year population of less than fifteen (15) first year students shall
have priority in selection for At-Large Seats.
Chapter 1205. Dorm Caucuses
Chapter 1205.1 Council members representing a specific dormitory shall create “dorm caucuses” that
shall have the following duties:
Chapter 1205.1.1 Hosting meetings of first year students from within their dormitory to gauge first
year student opinion.
Chapter 1205.1.2 Voluntarily electing a Chairman and other officers within the Dorm Caucus,
though such elections are not required.
Chapter 1205.1.3 Dorm caucuses are required to meet twice a month.
Chapter 1206. First Year Council Appointments
Chapter 1206.1 First Year Council members shall be appointed by the Executive Council and shall
occur no earlier than the fourth week of class during the Fall semester and no later than the sixth week
of class during the Fall semester.
Chapter 1206.1.1 The appointment of members of the First Year Council shall follow an
application and interview process.
Chapter 1206.2 Choices for members to appoint to the First Year Council shall only include those
within the respective dormitories of first year students.
Chapter 1206.4 The appointments to the First Year Council shall be certified by a majority vote of the
SGA Senate.
Chapter 1206.5 In the case of vacated seats in the First Year Council, the office of the Executive
Council shall appoint a first year student from the dormitory having said vacant seat to be certified by a
majority vote of the SGA Senate.
Chapter 1207. Standing Rules of the First Year Council
Chapter 1207.1 Absences
Chapter 1207.1.1 A council member who must be absent from a meeting of the First Year Council
shall prepare a written letter documenting the reason for the absence, the date of the meeting to be
missed, and the name of his/her proxy that will be attending the meeting. This letter (and any other
pertinent documentation) must be personally delivered to the President of the First Year Council
or the Secretary of the First Year Council by 4:45 PM the day of the meeting to be missed.
Chapter 1207.1.1.1 The proxy must live in the same dormitory as the absent council member
and must stay for the duration of the meeting.
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Chapter 1207.1.1.2 Any absence with a proxy shall count as one full absence.
Chapter 1207.1.1.3 Any absence without a proxy shall count as one and a half absences.
Chapter 1207.1.1.4 Failure to hold two caucus meeting a month shall result in an absence of
each member of the dorm caucus who misses per meeting not held.
Chapter 1207.1.1.5 Any absence from a dorm caucus meeting shall count as a half an absence.
Chapter 1207.2 Procedures for Violations
Chapter 1207.2.1 Council members incurring two absences shall appear before the First Year
Council Rules Committee.
Chapter 1207.2.1.1 The President of the First Year Council shall preside over this hearing.
The President of the First Year Council shall appoint a member of the Rules Committee to
keep a detailed account of this hearing.
Chapter 1207.2.1.2 During this hearing absence documentation shall be reviewed and a
warning issued to the offending council member.
Chapter 1207.2.1.3 A council member incurring three absences shall appear before the First
Year Council Rules Committee.
Chapter 1207.2.1.4 The President of the First Year Council shall preside over this hearing.
The President of the First Year Council shall appoint a member of the Rules Committee to
keep a detailed account of this hearing.
Chapter 1207.2.1.5 In this hearing absence documentation shall be reviewed and dismissal
voted upon.
Chapter 1207.2.2 A hearing shall be convened in a timely manner before the First Year Council
Rules Committee.
Chapter 1207.2.2.1 The President of the First Year Council shall preside over this hearing.
Chapter 1207.2.2.2 A quorum of the First Year Council Rules Committee is required to begin
this hearing.
Chapter 1207.2.2.3 There are two possible findings for this hearing:
Chapter 1207.2.2.3.1 The First Year Council is neglecting his or her duties and is thereby
formally impeached under the terms of the SGA Constitution, Article VII, Section 1-E,
“failure, for any other cause to perform the duties of the office” and shall be subject to the
impeachment process outlined therein.
Chapter 1207.2.2.3.1.1 At least 75% of the First Year Council Rules Committee
must find for this ruling.
Chapter 1207.2.2.3.1.2 The President of the First Year Council shall bring the
impeachment charge and the other members voting for impeachment shall sign
the charge, as per the SGA Constitution Article VII, Section 2-A.
Chapter 1207.2.2.3.1.3 Although efforts shall be made by the Secretary of the
First Year Council and the Office of Student Life to ensure that a council
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member has been properly notified of and summoned to his or her hearing,
failure for the council member to appear before this hearing shall not preclude
the First Year Council Rules Committee from going forward with those
proceedings.
Chapter 1207.2.2.3.2 The council member is fulfilling his or her duties despite excessive
absences; expulsion is not warranted.
Chapter 1207.2.2.4 An impeached council member shall be suspended from the First Year Council
until such time as his or her resignation is tendered or he or she is vindicated by the hearing
process.
Chapter 1207.2.2.5 Absences incurred during the council member‟s impeachment shall not be counted.
Chapter 1207.2.2.6 Vindication in one hearing shall not exempt a council member from subsequent
impeachment of any kind, including those caused by further absences.
Chapter 1207.2.3 A council member shall resign if a conflict causes him or her to be unable to attend
regular business meetings of the Senate.
Chapter 1208. Formal Protocol of the First Year Council
Chapter 1208.1 Since the Vice President of Student Affairs, presides over the First Year Council, he or
she shall be addressed as “Mr. or Madame President” during First Year Council Meetings.
Chapter 1208.2 In the case of the SGA President attending a First Year Council meeting the SGA
President will then be addressed as “Mr. or Madame President” and the Vice President of Student
Affairs will be addressed as “Mr. or Madame Vice President.”
Chapter 1208.3 Council members will be addressed as “Delegate followed by their Last Name.”
Chapter 1209. Legislative Process of the First Year Council
Chapter 1209.1 No legislative business may occur without an established quorum of the First Year
Council, specified as a majority of membership.
Chapter 1209.2 New resolutions must be handed in to (or put in box of) the Vice President of Student
Affairs by 4:45 PM two days prior to First Year Council meetings. All new resolution must be typed.
Chapter 1209.3 All resolutions must have at least one sponsor or it shall automatically fail, and the
President of the First Year Council may call for new sponsors at any time.
Chapter 1209.4. The resolution receives its first reading on the First Year Council Floor unless a
motion to forego the first reading carries unanimously in the First Year Council.
Chapter 1209.5 Resolutions are assigned by the President of the First Year Council to the appropriate
committee for its second reading.
Chapter 1209.5.1 The first and third reading of resolutions will not occur during the same
legislative session.
Chapter 1209.5.2 For resolutions requiring expediency, resolutions shall receive its first and third
reading during the same legislative session only by a two-thirds vote of the First Year Council
floor.
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Chapter 1209.6 Discussed in Committee, Resolutions can be amended if necessary. The Resolution can
be:
Chapter 1209.6.1 Favorably Recommended with no amendments or with amendments – passed by
majority of Committee vote, goes to First Year Council Floor.
Chapter 1209.6.2 Unfavorably Recommended - vote in Committee fails, goes to First Year
Council Floor.
Chapter 1209.6.3 No Recommendation - tie in Committee vote, goes to First Year Council Floor.
Chapter 1209.6.4 Tabled in committee - does NOT go to First Year Council Floor.
Chapter 1209.7 The third reading shall be conducted as follows:
Chapter 1209.7.1 If the resolution is favorably recommended with no
amendments, the third reading shall be omitted unless a motion to have the third reading carries in
the First Year Council by majority vote.
Chapter 1209.7.2 If the resolution is favorably recommended with minor amendments, the third
reading shall be omitted unless a motion to have the third reading carries in the First Year Council
by majority vote. The amendments only shall be read on the First Year Council floor.
Chapter 1209.7.3 If the resolution is favorably recommended with amendments, the resolution
shall receive its third reading unless a motion to forego the third reading carries with two-thirds
majority in the First Year Council. The amendments shall be read on the First Year Council floor,
and written copies of the full text of these amendments shall be distributed to all council members
prior to the scheduled third reading.
Chapter 1209.7.4 The status of amendments as “major” or “minor” shall be determined by the
committee.
Chapter 1209.8 On the First Year Council Floor discussed in old business (third reading), Resolutions
can:
Chapter 1209.8.1 Pass - receive majority vote.
Chapter 1209.8.2 Fail - does not receive majority vote.
Chapter 1209.8.3 Be Tabled.
Chapter 1209.9 Definition of a Resolution: Resolutions are expressions of sentiment of the First
Year Council.
Chapter 1209.10 Passed Resolutions:
Chapter 1209.10.1 A resolution that has been approved by the First Year Council shall be
signed by the Secretary of the First Year Council and the President of the First Year Council.
Chapter 1209.10.2 The council member(s) authoring the resolution, shall be responsible for
forwarding the resolution to the designated recipient(s). Council members will also be
required to send a copy to the Crimson White and Dateline Alabama. They shall also report to
the Secretary of the First Year Council on the forwarding of the legislation.
Chapter 1209.11 Resolution Format
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I. Heading: The heading of the resolution will be centered at the top of the page, in bold print, and
contain:
Resolution #R- (designated legislation number by the Vice President of Student Affairs) - (last two
numbers of year First Year Council term began)
The University of Alabama
First Year Council (full year of the First Year Council term)
II. Title: The title shall be in all capital letters, in bold print, centered and contain a summary of the
Resolution.
III. Authors and sponsors: The authors and sponsors of the resolution will be presented below the
title format on the left margin and contain:
Authored by: (full name of the author(s) of the resolution)
Sponsored by: (full name of the sponsor(s) of the resolution)
A. A resolution can only be authored and sponsored by a council member or council members.
B. The name(s) of the author(s) and sponsor(s) must be on the piece of legislation before the
resolution can be introduced on the First Year Council floor.
IV. Body: The body of the resolution will be split into concise ideas and contain:
WHEREAS: (concise point);
WHEREAS: (concise point);
Etc.
A. The above process will proceed as long as the author(s) and sponsor(s) feel(s) necessary to
relay the proper information for the piece of legislation.
B. The WHEREAS must be bold print and followed by a colon „:‟.
V. Conclusion: The conclusion of the resolution will contain:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The University of Alabama First Year Council (a
recommendation or recognition based on the body topic of the resolution).
A. The above process can be repeated at the author(s) discretion depending on the
number of recommendations and/or recognitions being stated.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: Copies of this resolution be sent to (listing of the
individuals or groups which the resolution needs to be addressed to; always to include the SGA
Executive Council, SGA Student Senate and the Crimson White).
B. The THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT and the BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED THAT must be bold and followed by a colon „:‟.
VI. Footer: The footer of the resolution will have three lines for signatures positioned at the bottom
right margin and will contain: (This part is not necessary if it is the only item on the page.)Adopted
by the University of Alabama Student Senate on (date legislation passed)
Chapter 1209.11.1 Citations: If persons, statistics, or facts need to be cited, the works
cited would be listed below the footer of the resolution.
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Chapter 1209.11.2 The President of the First Year Council and/or the Secretary of the
First Year Council shall have the discretion to edit the format of the resolution, without
changing the intent of the resolution, at any time.
Chapter 1209.11.3 Resolutions and bills must be turned in on a 3.5 inch computer disk as
a Microsoft Word document in Times New Roman size 12 font with a hard copy.
Chapter 1209.12 Amendment Process
Chapter 1209.12.1 Criteria for amendments:
Chapter 1209.12.1.1 An amendment must not change the intent of the proposed
resolution
Chapter 1209.12.1.2 An amendment must be pertinent to the proposed
resolution
Chapter 1209.12.2 Amendments after first reading of resolutions:
Chapter 120912.2.1 If a council member would like to propose an amendment to
a resolution that will be reviewed by a committee, he or she must submit a typed
amendment to the Vice President of Student Affairs by 4:45 p.m. on the
Tuesday before the committee meeting.
Chapter 1209.12.2.1.1 Amendments will be discussed and voted on
within the committee. If the amendment receives a majority vote, it will
be added to the resolution. Otherwise, the amendment fails and receives
no further consideration.
Chapter 1209.12.2.1.2 Members within the committee may also add
amendments to the resolution during the committee meeting if the
amendment receives the majority of the committee members‟ votes.
Chapter 1209.12.2.1.3 If the resolution is amended in a committee
meeting, the amended version will be read in the First Year Council on
its third reading.
Chapter 1209.12.3 Amendments after third reading of resolutions:
Chapter 1209.12.3.1 After the resolution receives its third reading on
the First Year Council floor, council members may amend the
resolution by making a motion to the President of the First Year
Council. The voting process for amendments will follow Robert‟s
Rules of Order.
Chapter 1209.12.3.2 If the First Year Council votes to amend
resolutions, the resolution must go back to committee before the First
Year Council may vote on it. The First Year Council may forego this
requirement by a two-thirds vote. The committee is only responsible for
the wording of the amendment. The intent of the amendment may not
be changed. The committee will then send the bill back to the First
Year Council floor for a vote.
Chapter 1209.12.3.3 If an amendment is proposed concerning the
wording of the resolution, the resolution does not have to go back to
committee. The amendment will be voted on and the resolution will be
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amended. The First Year Council will then vote on the amended
resolution.
Chapter 1210. Proxy Voting
Chapter 1210.1 Proxy votes will be allowed for First Year Council meetings, but not for committee
meetings. However, the presence of a proxy voter in the place of a council member at a First Year Council
meeting does not excuse the council member from an absence. If a proxy will be attending the meeting, the
required letter of notification must be received by 4:45 p.m. of the same day of the First Year Council
meeting. The letter must include the name of the person representing him or her. The person voting for the
absent council member must live in the same dormitory as the absent council member.
Chapter 1211. First Year Council Meetings
Chapter 1211.1 First Year Council will meet every other Tuesday night at the designated location,
alternating First Year Council Meetings and First Year Council Committee Meetings each meeting.
Chapter 1211.2 An emergency First Year Council Meeting can be called at any time by the Vice President
of Student Affairs.
Chapter 1211.3 First Year Council dress code for formal First Year Council meetings:
Chapter 1211.3.1 It is recommended that all council members wear business attire for all formal
First Year Council meetings and all special sessions called by the Vice President of Student
Affairs.
Chapter 1211.3.2 A formal First Year Council meeting is defined as any non-committee, full
session First Year Council meeting.
Chapter 1211.3.3 Definition of business attire for men: suit or sport coat, slacks, button down
shirt, necktie, and dress shoes.
Chapter 1211.3.4 Definition of business attire for women: business suit, pant suit, skirt and blouse,
or dress; and dress shoes.
Chapter 1212. Parliamentary Procedure
Chapter 1212.1 When the First Year Council is in session, parliamentary procedure and any additional rules
of order that the Senate may adopt shall govern the First Year Council.
Chapter 1212.2 The parliamentary authority of the First Year Council shall be the latest edition of Robert’s
Rules of Order Newly Revised .
Chapter 1212.3 Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be superseded by any special rule(s) of order
that the First Year Council may adopt.
Chapter 1212.4 Any special rule adopted by the First Year Council, which conflicts with the established
parliamentary authority, shall only be enacted with the approval of 2/3 of the First Year Council.
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CODE OF LAWS
TITLE XIII
SUMMER STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Chapter 1300 Summer SGA
Chapter 1300.1 Summer Senate Sessions
Chapter 1300.1.1 The Senate will hold two formal meetings during the summer sessions:
Summer I and Summer II.
Chapter 1300.1.2 The purpose of these meetings will be to continue giving the students a voice
through their student government during the summer terms.
Chapter 1300.2 Rules of Summer Sessions
Chapter 1300.2.1 All of the rules and regulations of Senate meetings set forth in the Code of
Laws will apply to all summer meetings
Chapter 1300.2.2 The only exception will be in regards to office hours, which will be suspended
during the summer terms and will resume as scheduled in the fall semester.
Chapter 1300.2.3 Each committee will be required to meet two times during the summer.
Chapter 1300.2.4 All committee rules will apply to all summer committee meetings.
Chapter 1300.2.5 The only legislation that may be introduced and/or voted on during the
summer sessions is resolutions.
Chapter 1300.2.6 New resolutions must be electronically mailed to the Executive Vice President
seventy-two (72) hours prior to the set time for the Senate meeting.
Chapter 1300.2.7 The Executive Vice President or person leading the senate meeting must
electronically mail out the legislation to all Senators twenty-four (24) hours prior to set
time for the Senate meeting.
Chapter 1300.3 Scheduling of Meetings
Chapter 1300.3.1 The dates of the meetings during each of the two summer sessions will be
determined and scheduled by the Executive Vice President of the Student Government
Association prior to the date of the last senate meeting in the spring semester.
Chapter 1300.3.2 The scheduling of committee meetings will be left up to each committee chair.
Chapter 1300.3.3 A committee may schedule their meetings at anytime during the summer
term, as long as there have been two meetings by the end of the Summer Sessions II.
Chapter 1300.4 Attendance
Chapter 1300.4.1 Attendance to a summer session of the Senate is mandatory but will follow a
different attendance policy. During the summer sessions of the Senate:
1. If a senator is unable to attend and sends a proxy, then the senator shall incur
no absence.
2. If a senator is unable to attend and fails to send a proxy, then the senator shall
incur one-half (1/2) absence.
Chapter 1300.4.2 Due to the unusual circumstances of summer meetings, members of the
Senate will be allowed to attend the meeting via conference calls should they be unable
to attend in person.
Chapter 1301 Absence of the President
Chapter 1301.1 Under the circumstance that the President will be unable to fulfill his or her
duties during the summer terms, he or she will designate ahead of time the dates of the
absence and file them will the Executive Secretary.
Chapter 1301.2 The dates of the Presidents absence may not be changed unless approval is
received from the Executive Secretary, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and
the Chief Justice.
Chapter 1301.3 In event of the absence of the President, the Executive Vice President will
become the chief officer of the SGA if the Executive Vice President will be present for
the duration of the President‟s absence.
Chapter 1301.4 In the event that the Executive Vice President will not be able to fulfill these
duties, the President will be allowed to appoint a member of the Executive Council to be
the chief officer of the SGA.
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Chapter 1301.5 The temporary chief officer may be temporary or may serve for as long as the
President deems necessary, up to the end of the summer semester.
Chapter 1301.6 The temporary chief officer will retain all of the rights and responsibilities of the
President as set out by the Code of Laws.
Chapter 1301.7 The temporary chief officer will retain the right to call the Senate into an
emergency session.
Chapter 1301.8 During the period of service from the temporary chief officer, he or she will be
required to remain in contact with the President and relay all information concerning
the proceedings of the Student Government.
Chapter 1301.9 Upon return of the President from leave of absence, the rights and
responsibilities of the appointed officer will be removed and once again bestowed upon
the President.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CODE OF LAWS
TITLE XIV
OPEN MEETINGS
Chapter 1400. Open Meetings
Chapter 1400.1 All Student Government Association meetings in which government bodies meet to
deliberate must be open to the public
Chapter 1401. Definition of Open Meetings Chapter 1401.1 A meeting is defined as any of the following:
Chapter 1401.1.1 A prearranged gathering of a quorum of the body, committee, or subcommittee
which occurs at a time or place that is regularly scheduled
Chapter 1401.1.2 A prearranged gathering of a quorum of the body, committee, or subcommittee
to exercise the powers it possesses or approve the expenditure of funds.
Chapter 1401.1.3 Gatherings of a quorum of the body, committee, or subcommittee whether
prearranged or not, to deliberate specific matters that, at the time of the exchange, the participating
members expect to come before the body, committee, or subcommittee at a later date.
Chapter 1402. Exceptions to Open Meetings
Chapter 1402.1 The only exception to an Open Meeting is an “Executive Session”
Chapter 1402.2 An “Executive Session” is defined as a meeting in which the body considers nominations
or other items, termed executive business, introduced by the President of the Student Government
Association.
Chapter 1403. Notice of Open Meetings
Chapter 1403.1 The committee chair or presiding member of the body must give notice of the time, date,
and location of the meeting to the Office of the Executive Secretary.
Chapter 1403.2 The Executive Secretary shall be responsible for posting all information given by the
committee chair or presiding officer of all meetings on the SGA‟s official Internet website within twelve
hours of receiving notice of the meeting.
Chapter 1403.3 Notice of regularly scheduled meetings to be held at a certain time or place must be given
at least three days in advance to the Office of the Executive Secretary.
Chapter 1403.4 Notice of the pre-arranged body meetings to exercise the body‟s powers to possess or to
approve the expenditure of funds or to deliberate matters the body members expect to come before the body
at a later time or date must be given at least one day in advance.
Chapter 1403.5 Notice of emergency meetings and resignations must be given at least one hour in advance
Chapter 1403.6 The committee chair or presiding officer shall be responsible for notifying members of all
meetings
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Chapter 1403.7 If notice fails to be given, the committee chair or presiding member of the body will be
referred to the Office of the Chief of Staff.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CODE OF LAWS
TITLE XV
OFFICE OF HOMECOMING
Chapter 1500 Office of Homecoming Powers and Responsibilities
Chapter 1500.1 The Homecoming Office shall have oversight of all student-related Homecoming activities
for coordination of scheduling and use of university facilities.
Chapter 1500.2 The Homecoming Office shall represent the interests of the student body in the decision-
making and planning processes of Homecoming activities.
Chapter 1500.3 The Homecoming Office personnel shall meet regularly subject to the call of the Executive
Director of Homecoming or the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Chapter 1500.4 The Homecoming Office shall be a division of the Cabinet of the Vice President for
Student Affairs and shall operate under the direct authority and subject to the advice and approval of the
President and the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Chapter 1500.4.1 The Vice President for Student Affairs shall coordinate with the Office of
Alumni Affairs and any other coordinating body for all Homecoming planning events.
Chapter 1500.5 The Homecoming Office shall work in cooperation with the University standing committee
having jurisdiction over Homecoming.
Chapter 1500.6 The Homecoming Office shall work in cooperation with University Programs, the
Intrafraternity Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Alabama Panhellenic Association, and all
other student organizations to provide a voice that represents all students.
Chapter 1501. Selection of Homecoming Office Personnel and Appointment of Executive Directorship
Chapter 1501.1 The Executive Director of Homecoming shall be chosen through an application process by
the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Chapter 1501.2 The Vice President for Student Affairs and the Executive Director of Homecoming appoint
all office personnel that shall include (but may not be limited to) Associate Directors and Assistant
Directors of Homecoming.
Chapter 1501.3 The Executive Director of Homecoming shall have the following duties and
responsibilities:
Chapter 1501.3.1 Have the authority to establish and dissolve committees to expedite and
encourage deeper understanding of matters before the Office of Homecoming.
Chapter 1501.3.2 Be responsible for regular briefings of the Vice President for Student Affairs as
to the decisions and deliberations of the Office.
Chapter 1501.3.3 Set standards for attendance and participation by office personnel.
Chapter 1501.4 The President and the Vice President for Student Affairs shall each have the authority to
review the performance of the Executive Director, and, if necessary, remove him or her as Executive
Director of the office.
Chapter 1501.5 The Executive Director shall have the power and authority to assign specific tasks or
projects to office personnel, track their progress, and commission them with official titles within the
Homecoming Office.
Chapter 1502 Homecoming Office Advisors
Chapter 1502.1 The Vice President for Student Affairs shall meet with the Vice President for Student
Affairs of the University of Alabama (whose role in the appointment of advisors shall be based on
university personnel circumstances) prior to the office‟s first meeting for the recommendation and approval
of the appointment of a Chief SGA Homecoming Advisor who shall have the following responsibilities:
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Chapter 1502.1.1 Be responsible for meeting regularly with the Homecoming Executive Director
and, if necessary, the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Chapter 1502.1.2 Be the primary coordinator of all other Homecoming Advisors that may be
deemed necessary
Chapter 1502.2 The Vice President for Student Affairs shall meet with the Vice President for Student
Affairs of the University of Alabama for the recommendation and approval of the appointment of all other
advisors as deemed necessary by the Homecoming Executive Director.
Chapter 1502.3 The Chief Homecoming Advisor shall assist in the execution of and be an advocate for the
decisions of the Homecoming Office.
Chapter 1503 Homecoming Risk Management Board
Chapter 1503.1 The Homecoming Risk Management Board will be composed of the SGA President, the
University Programs President, the Homecoming Executive Director, University Risk Management Officer,
and the Vice President for Student Affairs of the University of Alabama.
Chapter 1503.2 The Chief Homecoming Advisor will be a member ex officio of the Homecoming Risk
Management Board
Chapter 1503.3 The Homecoming Executive Director will serve as chairman of the Homecoming Risk
Management Board
Chapter 1503.4 The Homecoming Risk Management Board will have the following duties:
Chapter 1503.4.1 Hold a minimum of one meeting prior to Homecoming to discuss and approve
all risk management issues and measures of Homecoming week.
Chapter 1503.4.2 Hold a debriefing meeting no longer than two weeks after Homecoming week.
Chapter 1503.4.3 The chairman of the Homecoming Risk Management Board will report to the
Vice President for Student Affairs as to the office‟s deliberations and decisions.
Chapter 1503.4.4 Hold at least one meeting to discuss risk management issues for the upcoming
year each spring.
Chapter 1504. Jurisdiction of the Homecoming Office
Chapter 1504.1 The Homecoming Office will have jurisdiction and direct authority to plan, execute, and
regulate all Homecoming related activities that are designed for the enjoyment and unity of current
University of Alabama students.
Chapter 1504.1.1 The aforementioned activities will include, but not be limited to, the Pep Rally,
the Parade, Paint the Town Red, Homecoming elections, Roll Tide Run, the Basketball
Tournament, Battle of the Bands, the Choreography Contest, the Bonfire, Lawn Decorations, and
the Banner Competition.
Chapter 1504.1.2 The Homecoming Office will also have jurisdiction and direct authority to
determine the designation of a theme for the week.
Chapter 1505. Homecoming Evaluation
Chapter 1505.1 The Executive Director of Homecoming will prepare a report evaluating all aspects of
Homecoming to be submitted to the Vice President for Student Affairs no more than three weeks following
Homecoming week.
Chapter 1505.2 The President, Vice President for Student Affairs, and their designated officials shall
evaluate all aspects of Homecoming and make yearly recommendations to the succeeding Homecoming
Office.
Chapter 1506 Homecoming Rules and Procedures
Chapter 1506.1 The Senate shall have the sole authority to approve the rules and procedures recommended
by the Homecoming Office.
Chapter 1506.2 These rules and procedures are commonly known as the “Red Book”
Chapter 1506.3 The Vice President for Student Affairs shall be responsible for transmitting the “Red
Book,” as approved by the Executive Director of Homecoming, to the Senate for its approval at least one
month prior to the beginning of Homecoming at The University of Alabama.
