LeTourneau University Student Senate

Sponsored by Senators Gowing, Moyes, Lochridge,Willis, Dittman, Bright, and PPT LaQuey.

An Act

Relating to the amendment of the Bylaws of the Student Senate of LeTourneau University.

Short Title

Section A.

This act shall be referred to as the “Act for the Preservation of the Capability of Committees of the Student Senate of LeTourneau University (The Christian Polytechnic University) to Retain Existence of Fall 2020.”

Amendment

Section B.

The following shall amend to the Bylaws of the Student Senate of LeTourneau University as an amendment:

Amendment I

The Bylaws of the Student Senate shall be amended as follows:

Article III - Committees

Section A - Constitution Committee

1. Mission Statement: The mission of the Constitution Committee is to represent the student body by ensuring a faithful interpretation of the Student Body Constitution and by promoting responsibility, communication, and diligence in Senate, according to the intent of the Constitution and Bylaws, especially among Senate Committees.

2. All members shall be Senators.

3. The purpose of the Constitution Committee shall be to consider matters involving:

   1. The Constitution;

   2. The Constitutional Bylaws;

   3. The Senate Bylaws;

   4. The standing rules;

   5. Complaints against a club or organization;

   6. Allegations of violations of the Constitution.

4. Only matters adhering to its purpose may be sent to the Constitution Committee.

Section B - Financial Appropriations Committee

1. Mission Statement: The mission of the Financial Appropriations Committee (FAC) of LeTourneau University is to allocate Senate funds in such a way that provides the greatest possible benefit to student organizations across LeTourneau University campus and to demonstrate the thoughtful and responsible stewardship of the funds with which it has been entrusted.

2. The Financial Appropriations Committee shall fill the following

   1. Chair,

   2. Spending Oversight Officer,

   3. Specialists,

   4. All members not holding one of these positions shall be general members.

3. The Spending Oversight Officer shall

   1. Maintain an accurate and current record of Senate finances;

   2. Provide a report of the financial status of Senate before Senate at least once per semester.

4. All members shall be Senators.

5. The purpose of the Financial Appropriations Committee shall be to consider matters involving:

   1. General Senate finances;

   2. Appropriations to clubs and organizations;

   3. Sponsorship for organized team activities;

   4. Proposed spending and reimbursement.

6. Only matters adhering to its purpose may be sent to the Financial Appropriations Committee.

Section C - Student Life Committee

1. Mission Statement: The mission of the Student Life Committee is to facilitate communication and cooperation between Senate and the student body, the Student Life Office, Facilities Services, the University Police Department, Academic Affairs, and other departments with which communication is needed. Additionally, the Student Life Committee plans and runs Senate activities for the student body.

2. The Student Life Committee shall fill the following:

   1. Chair

   2. Co-Chair;

   3. Specialists;

   4. All members not holding one of these positions shall be general members.

3. The purpose of the Student Life Committee shall be to consider matters involving:

   1. Residence Halls;

   2. Food Services;

   3. Room and Board Fees;

   4. Laundry Facilities;

   5. Campus Improvements;

   6. Courses;

   7. Majors;

   8. Tuition;

   9. Learning Resources;

   10. Student Senate Events;

   11. Student Life Project;

   12. Campus Security Assessment;

   13. Security Improvement Ideas;

   14. Anything else pertaining to Student Life.

4. Only matters adhering to its purpose may be sent to the Student Life Committee.

Section D - Public Records and Relations Committee

1. Mission Statement: The mission of the Public Records Committee is to ensure that the student body of LeTourneau University has timely access to information regarding the business of Senate. The Public Records Committee is responsible for maintaining student access to the minutes and passed legislation of Senate from years past and present. This includes maintaining the paper record, Senate website, and other mediums of communication.

2. All members shall be Senators.

3. The purpose of the Public Records Committee shall be to:

   1. Maintain the Public Record;

   2. Assist the secretary as necessary;

   3. Determine the content of the Senate Web Pages;

   4. Maintain the Senate Web Pages;

   5. Consider matters involving:

      1. The Public Record;

      2. The Senate web pages;

      3. Senate social media pages;

      4. Any official Senate Record;

      5. Public face and appearance of Senate.

4. Only matters adhering to its purpose may be sent to the Public Records and Relations Committee.

Section E - Elections Committee

1. Mission Statement: The mission of the Elections Committee is to organize, advertise, and facilitate the election process of the Student Government Executive Cabinet positions, and to recruit members of the LeTourneau student body to represent their respective floors as floor senators.

2. The Elections Committee shall be responsible for the following aspects of the Executive Election, including, but not limited to:

   1. Verifying Candidacy;

   2. Counting Ballots;

   3. Making election announcements;

   4. Conducting Interviews.

3. The Elections Committee shall organize and perform all aspects of any Special Election.

4. The Elections Committee shall schedule all Student Government Elections in accordance with the Constitution.

5. The Elections Committee shall promote and perform recruitment of new senators.

6. The Elections Committee shall consist of members of Student Government who are not candidates in the upcoming election.

7. The Executive Cabinet shall nominate only one representative to the committee by majority vote. The Executive Cabinet may, upon majority vote, replace this representative at any time.

Effective Date

Section C.

This act shall become effective upon passage.

Explanations and Reasoning

Section D.

The preexisting rules regarding committees required a minimum number of members for each committee. This led to the problem of committees technically being unable to officially exist. This bill lets committees exist.