LeTourneau University Student Senate

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

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 “Direct Assimilation of Respective Nations (DARN) Act 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 - Governmental Processes Committee

1. Mission Statement: The mission of the Governmental Processes Committee is to inform and facilitate all aspects of the Student Government, including, but not limited to the Executive Election, the reading and understanding of the Constitution and its Bylaws, and the rules of operation for the Student Senate.

2. All members shall be Senators.

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

   1. The Constitution;

   2. The Constitutional Bylaws;

   3. The Senate Bylaws;

   4. Complaints against a club or organization;

   5. Allegations of violations of the Constitution;

   6. The Executive Election;

4. The Governmental Processes Committee shall organize and perform all aspects of the Executive Election and any Special Election.

5. Only matters adhering to its purpose may be sent to the Governmental Processes 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.

Effective Date

Section C.

This act shall become effective upon passage.

Explanations and Reasoning

Section D.

This act removes the existence of the Constitution and Elections Committees and replaces them with the Governmental Processes Committee, as the work of the Elections Committee fell almost entirely under the purview of the Constitution Committee.

Stipulations

Section E.

1. Senators previously in the Constitution and Elections Committees will be appointed to the Governmental Processes Committee. Additionally, all matters previously referred to the Constitution and Elections Committees and their respective chairs will be referred to the Governmental Processes Committee.

2. The Chair of the Constitution Committee will be appointed to the position of Chair of the Governmental Processes Committee.