BYLAWS OF THE GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY STUDENT BODY GOVERNMENT

RATIFIED 30 OCTOBER 2013

LAST UPDATED 18 APRIL 2018

CURRENT VERSION 16 JULY 2025

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Preface to the Bylaws

Article I: The Executive Branch

Article II: The Legislative Branch

Article III: The Judicial Branch

Article IV: Installation

Article V: Impeachment

Article VI: Amendments to the Bylaws

Article VII: Student Media Organizations

Article VIII: Event Laws

Article IX: Election Laws

Article X: Compensation

Article XI: Non-Discriminatory Clause

PREFACE

This edition of the Student Body Government’s (SBG) bylaws was drafted over the 2024-2025 academic year following a SBG-wide consensus for improved justice and representation in all areas of the student body. Unfortunately, the past few years have seen multiple changes and great challenges. The last time the bylaws were updated was in 2018, before COVID-19 changed many things concerning Gallaudet operations. While this redraft is not as extensive or detailed, as found in the previous edition’s preface, this is a very important edition regardless. It was also a primary goal of the Mora-Guettler Administration to achieve this.

In this edition of the bylaws, efforts to strengthen Student Media Organizations as found in Article VII were made, as well as provisions to streamline Homecoming event planning and distribute responsibilities as equally as possible among all organizations. Other changes are also found in Article I, II, VIII, IX with the aim of modernizing the SBG’s bylaws in accordance with rapidly changing and ever-more versatile times.

These changes include, but are not limited to, the renaming of positions, consolidation of specific roles and their responsibilities, strengthening parliamentary procedure standards, and establishing hard deadlines to ensure there is a nearly fail-safe system that will continue to keep the SBG and its subsidiaries constant operation across administrations. As the incumbent President continues into his second term, it is almost certain we are to see more changes aligning with the renewed goals of the Student Body Government of Gallaudet University.

It is my hope that this edition of the bylaws stands to serve all of its readers well, and to ensure there is always to be order and discourse in our valuable democracy, that will serve as signs of vitality and continued success of our predecessors.

Cordially submitted on July 16th, 2025,

Chief Justice Clark Barrett

Student Body Government of Gallaudet University

ARTICLE I: The Executive Branch

Section 1. Leadership.

Section 1.1.

Executive OfficersThe Executive Branch of the Student Body Government shall be led by the following executive officers to be elected annually as prescribed in the Student Body Government Constitution and Election Laws:

A. Student Body Government President

B. Student Body Government Vice-President

Section 1.2. Duties of the President

The duties of the Student Body Government President are:

A. To serve as the liaison between the Student(s) and the Alumni, Faculty, Staff and the Administration.

B. To oversee the Vice-President's performance.

C. To have authorization to sign all financial documents along with the Director of Finances.

D. To approve all committees, chairpersons, members, and proceedings related to the Executive Branch.

E. To give the State of the SBG address at the first meeting of the second semester or last meeting of the first semester, with the exception of another date of the approval of the Senators.

F. To attend all Student Congress meetings.

Section 1.3. Duties of the Vice President

The duties of the Student Body Government Vice President are:

A. To serve as liaison between the Student Body Government President and the Cabinet members.

B. To advise and support the SBG President.

C. To work on any new project the SBG President asks to be done or to be set up.

D. To become a member, or appoint a representative, to any appropriate advisory board established by the University Administration. The representative shall:

i. Attend all meetings of the advisory board.

ii. Give advice to the board on any issue of which he/she is knowledgeable, based on reports made by the Cabinet.

iii. Report to the Vice President or the Cabinet during the Cabinet meeting of any important issues related to the S.B.G. (i.e. security, academics, etc.)

E. To oversee the Cabinet

i. Makes sure all Cabinet members are performing duties as assigned.

ii. Maintains internal harmony within the Cabinet (responsible for solving

problems between co-workers.)

iii. Delegates projects to Cabinet members.

iv. Advises Directors and other personnel when needed (assists with problem solving.)

v. Meets with Cabinet members by the way of staff meetings:

1. To update them on important information.

2. To hear their weekly reports.

3. To ensure all is well in each office.

vi. Goes to any committee meeting if they are expected to or asked to by the President.

vii. Presents a report on the progress of the Executive Cabinet at each Student Congress meeting.

F. To make fair decisions on S.B.G.-related matters with discretion along with the President.

G. To attend all Student Congress meetings.

Section 2. The Cabinet.

Section 2.1. Qualifications

A. Only undergraduate students may hold office in the Cabinet.

B. Any undergraduate student wishing to hold office in the Cabinet is required to maintain a

2.0 semester and cumulative grade point average.

Section 2.2. Standing Offices

The President and Vice President are required to make recommendations for the following

Cabinet members after interviewing each candidate in turn:

A. Director of Finances

B. Director of Community Relations

C. Director of Student Media

Section 2.3. Discretionary Offices

The President and Vice President, at their discretion, may recommend the following officers after interviewing each candidate in turn:

A. Director of Academic Affairs

B. Director of Student Affairs

C. Director or Student Rights

D. Director of Communications

E. Director of Projects

F. Administrative Assistant

G. Special Assistant to the President

H. Chief of Staff

I. Director of Inclusion

J. Director of Events

K. Director of Sustainability

L. Director of Accessibility

In the event that any of the listed positions above are, or become vacant, the President shall have the discretionary authority to delegate or reassign the duties and responsibilities of these positions to other duly appointed Members of the Cabinet and/or Executive Branch when those duties need to be carried out.

Section 2.4. Approval

The approval requirements of all Cabinet members are:

A. Per Article II, Section 3, Clause 2, the Cabinet members listed in Article I, Section 2, Clauses 1 and 2 are subject to the “advice and consent” of the Student Body Government Student Congress.

B. Any additional position(s) in the Student Body Government may be appointed by the Student Body Government President; however, the position(s) are still subject to the “advice and consent” of Student Congress with a majority of the votes. If the position(s) are approved, they shall be added to Article 1, Section 2, and Clause 3 immediately.

C. The Executive Branch shall announce the list of positions that they will open on the Cabinet at one time each semester in a Student Congress session, and from that point, no more positions can be opened for the remainder of the semester. In the event of the removal or departure of a Cabinet member from a position, a prompt replacement must be made, up to two weeks after the position has become vacant followed by Student Congress's approval of the replacement.

D. The Executive Branch is responsible for setting guidelines for each position. The Executive Branch will need to submit the guidelines to Student Congress and the Judicial Branch for their approval prior to opening any positions unless the qualifications are on file and no revision is necessary.

Section 2.5. Duties of the Cabinet Members

The duties of all Cabinet Members are:

A. Director of Finances

i. The Director of Finances, Student Body Government President, and the Dean of Student Affairs are the only employees who know the safe combination. The safe combination must be changed if the old Director of Finances and Student Body Government President leaves or has left the old administration.

ii. The Director of Finances must arrange all three Branches' total payroll salaries for the semester. The Director of Finances must give the payroll forms to the employees to fill out. The payroll forms need to be sent to the Payroll Department of Gallaudet University. The Director of Finances, Student Body Government President, Student Engagement & Leadership and the Director of Student Development must sign the Employee Report.

iii. The Director of Finances needs to be notified of the Unit Fee total results from the Accounting Department of Gallaudet University by September and January.

iv. The Director of Finances must arrange access to the Student Body Government account with the cooperation of the appropriate departments on campus, including but not limited to Student Engagement and Leadership.

v. The Director of Finances must arrange a Budget Plan from the beginning of September to the end of December and at the beginning of January to the end of August, with leeway for a summer budget addendum. The Budget Plan proposed by the Director of Finances must already been reviewed by and discussed with the President, the Speaker of the Student Body Government Student Congress, the Chief Justice, and the Finance Committee of the Student Body Government.

vi. The Director of Finances must present the final Budget Plan through the President to the Student Congress for approval. The Budget Plan must show the amount received, the amount allotted for payroll salaries, and the amount allotted to each Branch for Student Body Government.

B. Director of Community Relations

i. Decides the dates of bake sale and weekend events for the S.B.G. and hold a lottery day for all organizations with dates chosen by said organizations.

ii. Sets up Student Body Government booths with the Director of Events when requested

iii. Responsible for overseeing faculty evaluations when issued by the Student Body Government

1. Works closely with the Gallaudet University Dean of the College Liberal Arts, Science, and Technology and other administrative leaders to ensure communication between the faculty and the students.

C. Director of Communications

i. Publicizes any minor event hosted by the Student Body Government

ii. When a major event is hosted or sponsored by Student Body Government, they shall oversee and approve any information distributed to the community.

iii. Is responsible for seeing through any media requests to the Executive Branch, such as newspapers, students, or any other interested parties, including general information about the Student Body Government, and interview requests.

iv. Gives bi-weekly reports to the community on the Executive Branch and/or the Student Body Government’s actions/progress through visual exhibits emails, and at Student Congress meetings.

1. Biweekly reports (ASL videos), did social media and flyers for events. Editing videos. 7 bi-weekly reports.

v. Responsible for media operations within the Student Body Government, including but not limited to the website.

D. Director of Student Affairs

i. Represents the Student Body Government in all student life related areas, and appoints a representative when requested.

ii. Is responsible for looking into complaints filed by the students.

iii. Oversees any committees established to enhance or improve student life.

iv. Act as liaison between SBG/student community and any departments under the Student Affairs department of Gallaudet University

E. Administrative Assistant

i. Takes notes during staff meetings and distributes to directors when completed.

ii. Takes care of all maintenance requests for the office, including for the computers.

iii. Orders supplies for the office on a regular basis

iv. Is responsible for maintaining the Executive Branch’s email account.

v. Makes appointments with the Directors for any student that wishes to do so.

vi. Coordinates the usage of the Boardroom.

F. Director of Student Rights

i. Is responsible for looking into complaints filed by the students regarding procedures of the Department of Public Safety, the Office of Student Conduct, appeals with faculty, and other matters of student access and rights

ii. Oversees any committee established to enhance or improve student rights

iii. Review all procedures on campus related to student appeals, pressing charges against students, to ensure all rights are in place and protected.

G. Special Assistant to the President

i. Represents the Executive Branch at meetings in the place of the President when asked to.

ii. Takes care of any correspondence from the Executives via mail or electronic mail.

iii. Is responsible for maintaining the Executives’ email account.

iv. Coordinates any and all appointments for the Executives, including important workshops, athletic events, and meetings.

v. Is responsible for coordinating all Staff retreats and dinners.

H. Director of Projects

i. Plans any special events for the SBG, including, but not limited to, ASL nights, EyeFest, in the purpose of reaching out to the community and promoting a common link.

ii. Oversees the SBG Fellows Program

iii. Sets up Student Body Government booths when requested.

I. Director of Inclusion

i. Establishes action plans and initiates projects that promote diversity awareness and acceptance within the Gallaudet community.

ii. Works with the Gallaudet University Office for Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) as a student representative.

iii. Serves as a liaison and student mentor between Diversity Organizations and the Student Body Government regarding diversity issues

iv. Ensures accessibility for everyone on campus

J. Director of Student Media

i. Acts as the primary administrator of the student media organizations listed under Article VII, Section 1, Clause 1 of the Student Body Government By-Laws

ii. Oversees the budget of the student media organizations listed under Article VII, Section 1, Clause 1 of the Student Body Government By-Laws

iii. Meets with leaders of all media organizations on a routine basis and reports their progress to the Executive Branch and Student Congress

iv. Works with media organizations to develop quotas in order to maintain their efficiency on campus

v. Ensures the compliance of Article VII of the Student Body Government By-Laws

vi. Serves as the chairperson of the Student Media Leadership Appointment Committee, as defined under Article VII, Section 2, Clause 3 of the Student Body Government By-Laws.

K. Director of Events

i. Serves as the chairperson of the following events planned by the Student Body Government:

1. Homecoming

2. Rockfest (Even-numbered year)

3. Brickfest (Odd-numbered year)

ii. Interviews and appoints chairpersons for events planned by the Executive Branch not listed under Article I, Section 2, Clause 4, Part L, subpart “i”. These events include, but are not limited to, the following.

1. ASL nights

2. EyeFest

a. Per Article II, Section 3, Clause 2, appointed chairpersons of events planned by the Student Body Government are subject to the “advice and consent” of Student Congress

iii. Works with chairpersons of Student Body Government-planned events in order to ensure its success

iv. Sets up Student Body Government booths with the Director of Community Relations when requested

L. Director of Sustainability

i. Responsible for projects regarding the environmental wellness of Gallaudet students

ii. Maintains projects that promote the growth and awareness of our environment. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Organization trees

2. Electricity Patrol Task Force

3. Dorm Challenges

M. Chief of Staff

i. Serves as the highest-ranking appointed cabinet member and primary advisor to the Student Body Government President and Vice President

ii. Absorbs the duties and responsibilities of the Student Body Government Vice President listed under Article I, Section 1, Clause 3, Part E.

iii. Take notes during staff meetings and distributes them to the

cabinet. On occasion, with the Director of Public Relations, the

Chief of Staff may send memorandums to the community.

iv. Orders supplies for the office on a regular basis

v. Responsible for inter-office correspondence and

communication

O. Director of Accessibility

i. Ensures accessibility for everyone on campus; ensures equity and

equal opportunities are given in all aspects of student experience

regardless of status.

ii. The Director of Social Justice is the person of contact for all social

justice issues and handles complaints relating to social justice

issues regarding the Department of Public Safety, Office of Student

Conduct, faculties and staff members.

iii. Is responsible to meet with all organizations at the beginning,

midway, and the end of each semester to collect complaints and

feedback.

iv. Works closely with the Office of Diversity and Equity for Students,

Campus Activity, social-based diversity and special interest

organizations/clubs.

v. Regulates trainings and workshops, including but not limited to

anti-bias training.

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Section 2.6. Compensation

In accordance with Article II Section 3.1 (D) of these Bylaws, all employees of the Executive

Branch can be compensated at the discretion of the Student Body Government President.

All compensation is subject to the approval of the Student Congress.

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ARTICLE II: The Legislative Branch

Section 1. Leadership.

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Section 1.1. Presiding Oﬃcers

The Legislative Branch of the Student Body Government shall be led by the following presiding

oﬃcers to be elected annually as prescribed in the Student Body Government

Constitution and Election Laws:

A. Speaker of the Student Body Government Student Congress

B. Vice-Speaker of the Student Body Government Student Congress

Section 1.2. Duties of the Speaker

The duties of the Speaker of the Student Body Government Student Congress are:

A. To be responsible to call the Senators to and preside over all regular

meetings and special meetings.

B. To be responsible for maintaining the meetings in order.

C. To appoint a Secretary, two Sergeants-at-Arms, and a Parliamentarian with

the majority consent of Student Congress.

D. To establish Ad hoc Committees as they see fit, in accordance to Article II,

Section 3, Clause 4, Part B.

E. To announce the agenda of any meetings 48 hours in advance.

F. To serve as the Student Body Government Election Chairperson.

i. In the event that the Speaker wishes to run for Executive oﬃce, the

Vice-Speaker shall assume the role of Election Chairperson.

G. The Speaker shall not have voting power.

Section 1.3. Duties of the Vice-Speaker

The duties of the Vice-Speaker of the Student Body Government Student Congress are:

A. To serve in the absence of the Speaker.

B. To assume the duties of the Speaker if the Speaker is removed from the

position by impeachment, resignation, or death.

C. To assist the Speaker in performing the duties of the Speaker’s oﬃce.

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D. To accompany the Speaker to Student Congress meetings.

E. To coordinate the actions of the committees.

F. To monitor the parliamentary procedures of the Student Congress

meetings and resolve any conflicts arising in regards to the parliamentary

procedure in question in absence of the Parliamentarian.

G. The Vice-Speaker shall not have voting power, except in cases where there

is a tie. In the event of a tie, the Vice-Speaker shall cast the tie-breaking

vote.

Section 2. Legislative Staﬀ.

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Section 2.1. Staﬀ Oﬃces

The Speaker and Vice-Speaker are required to make recommendations for the following

legislative staﬀ members after interviewing each candidate in turn:

A. Secretary

B. Sergeant(s)-at-Arms

C. Parliamentarian

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Section 2.2. Approval

The approval requirements of all legislative staﬀ members are:

A. The legislative staﬀ members listed in Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 must be

approved by Student Congress with a simple majority of the votes.

B. The nominations and approval of the Speaker of the Student Body

Government Student Congress and Vice Speaker of the Student Body

Government Student Congress shall take place at the second-to-last Student

Congress meeting of the spring semester with a simple majority of the votes.

C. In the event of an unexpected vacancy of the position of Speaker or

Vice-Speaker of the Student Body Government Student Congress, either oﬃce

may open nominations for the vacant position at the first following Student

Congress meeting, and shall be approved with a simple majority of the votes.

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Section 2.3. Duties of the Legislative Staﬀ

The duties of all legislative staﬀ members are:

A. Secretary

i. Shall record and publish the minutes of each meeting.

ii. Shall notify the Senators of the agenda before each meeting.

iii. Shall take attendance for each meeting.

iv. Shall deliver all the motions to the Student Body Government President

that requires his/her signature after having such motions verified and

signed by the Speaker.

v. Shall do any correspondence necessary on behalf of the Speaker.

vi. Shall have no voting power.

vii. Shall not be a Senator.

B. Sergeant-at-Arms

i. Shall assist the Speaker in maintaining order during Student Congress

meetings, tallying votes, and informing the results to the Speaker.

ii. Shall perform other duties as desired by the Speaker during meetings of

the Student Congress.

iii. Shall have no voting power.

iv. Shall not be a Senator.

C. Parliamentarian

i. Shall oversee the Parliamentary procedure during any Student Congress

meeting.

ii. Shall have no say in the Student Congress meeting, except for issues

dealing with the parliamentary procedure. Only speaks at the request of

Senators on matters relating to parliamentary procedure.

iii. Shall have no voting power.

iv. Shall attend all Student Congress meetings unless a valid reason is given

under the discretion of the Speaker.

v. Shall not be a Senator.

Section 3. Student Congress.

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Section 3.1. Powers

The Student Body Government Student Congress shall serve as the deliberative assembly of the

Gallaudet University student body. Student Congress is vested with the sole power to:

A. Investigate and act upon matters that may aﬀect the Student Body.

B. Act upon any legislature as initiated and passed by the Senators.

C. Oversee the income and expenses of the Student Body Government.

D. Approve, reject or make adjustments on the annual compensation and

appropriation plans, and the budgets of the Student Body Government.

E. Make all laws; this shall be necessary for carrying into execution the foregoing

powers. All other powers are vested by the Constitution of the Student Body

Government.

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Section 3.2. Advice and Consent

“Advice and consent” is the authority of the Student Body Government Student Congress to be

consulted on and approve each of the following positions within the Student Body

Government by a simple majority vote:

A. All appointments made by the President of the Student Body Government

i. Cabinet positions

ii. Judicial Branch nominations

iii. Student Body Government Advisor(s)

iv. Student representatives on Gallaudet University shared governance bodies

and committees

B. All chairpersons of events planned by the Student Body Government

C. All student media leadership positions listed under Article VII, Section 2, Clause

1 of the Student Body Government By-Laws

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Section 3.3. Representation

The representative breakdown of Student Congress is as follows:

A. Representation of the Student Body Government Student Congress shall be made

up of individuals called “Senators.

”

i. Senators shall be accompanied to Student Congress meetings by the

Presidents of their respective organizations. If President(s) are unavailable,

the Vice President or the next administrator in the line of succession of

their respective organization shall accompany the senator instead.

B. In accordance with the Student Body Government Constitution, Student Congress

shall be composed of one (1) Senator for each student organization and two (2)

Senators for each class recognized by the Student Body Government.

i. Any umbrella governing body for student organizations or Greek

organizations is exempted.

C. Each class and organization shall have one (1) alternate Senator, who must be

oﬃcially sworn in upon initial attendance to meetings; if not sworn in, their votes

will not be counted.

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Section 3.4. Senators

All Senators of the Student Body Government Student Congress shall:

A. Be elected by their organization according to their respective constitution.

i. The Student Body Government shall recognize the organization before

representation is granted.

ii. Neither the Executive nor Judicial Branches of the Student Body

Government may employ Senators.

B. Have voting power.

i. Each Senator shall maintain minimum standards of attendance. Failure to

comply with minimum standards of attendance shall result in the loss of

the Senator’s voting privileges.

ii. Standards of attendance will be established in the house rules, as decided

by the Student Congress Speaker and approved by a majority vote of

Student Congress.

C. Have the power to introduce a bill or motion.

D. Be able to call for a special meeting of Student Congress with a petition signed by

two-thirds (2/3) of the Senators.

E. Represent and present the views of their respective organization.

F. Be familiar with the Constitution and By-Laws of the Student Body Government.

G. Be required to serve on at least one Student Congress standing committee.

H. Be required to attend all meetings—including general meetings, special meetings,

and committee meetings—and hearings of the Student Body Government Student

Congress.

I. Be required to attend all retreats conducted by the Speaker of the Student Body

Government Student Congress.

i. Failure to attend shall result in loss of voting power for the remainder of

the semester.

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Section 3.5. Committees

Student Congress committees exist to allow Senators to study a particular subject intensely,

which better enables them to write legislation for consideration by the full Congress. The

Vice-Speaker shall oversee all committees, with each committee being led by a chair

appointed by the Speaker. The chair shall present a report on their committee’s progress

at each Student Congress meeting.

A. Student Congress shall have three (3) standing committees as follows:

i. Committee on Finances

1. The responsibility of the Committee on Finances is supervising the

appropriations and budget of the Student Body Government.

2. The Committee on Finances shall refer financial bills to the floor

for further action.

3. Approves all One Time Fund (OTF) requests.

ii. Committee on Rules and Operations

1. The responsibility of the Committee on Rules and Operations is to

revise and review the Student Body Government Constitution and

By-Laws.

2. Consultation and notification of pending amendments to the

Constitution and By-Laws must be made with the Student Body

Government President, Chief Justice, and Speaker prior to action

on the floor.

iii. Committee on Oversight and Intergovernmental Reform

1. The responsibility of the Committee on Oversight and Institutional

Reform is to serve as the main investigative committee of the

Student Body Government Student Congress.

2. The Committee on Oversight and Institutional Reform shall study

the operations of Student Body Government activities at all levels

with a view to determining their eﬃciency.

B. Ad hoc Committees

i. Ad hoc Committees are committees established by a majority vote of

Student Congress, or at the discretion of the Speaker, for a specific

problem or task.

1. The Speaker appoints members of all Ad hoc Committees, unless

stated otherwise by a Student Congress motion.

2. Committee members are charged with devising possible courses of

action addressing the committee’s intent.

3. The committee shall have ten (10) business days to present findings

and recommendations to the floor for consideration by the full

Congress.

4. All Ad hoc Committees are non-generalizable and may not be

adapted to other purposes.

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Section 3.6. Student Congress Hearings.

Any Senator of the Student Body Government Student Congress may call for a congressional

hearing. The procedure to do so is as follows:

A. A Senator must submit to the Student Congress Speaker a petition signed by

two-thirds (2/3) of the congressional representation that identifies the

following:

i. The organization(s) and/or individual(s) subjected to the hearing

ii. The purpose of the hearing

iii. Date of the hearing

1. The hearing shall take place no less than five (5) academic days

following the submission of the petition

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iv. Any individual(s) directly or not directly aﬃliated with the

organization(s) and/or individual(s) subjected to the hearing that shall be

required to attend the hearing

v. Any requested documentation that will contribute to the eﬃciency of the

hearing

B. The Student Congress Speaker will notify the leader(s) of the organization(s)

and the individual(s) mentioned in the petition within twenty-four (24) hours

upon receiving the petition

i. The Student Congress Speaker shall provide all individuals notified with

a copy of the petition

C. Once all leader(s) of the organization(s) and the individual(s) mentioned in the

petition have been notified, the Student Congress Speaker shall notify Senators

of the date of the hearing.

i. The Student Congress Speaker shall provide all Senators with a copy of

the petition

Section 3.7. Standing House Rules.

Standing house rules of Student Congress are as follows:

A. Senators shall be notified of any special meeting, which can be requested for

by a petition of Senator’s signature, at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance.

B. When a vacancy occurs in the Student Congress due to dismissal or

resignation, the organization with the vacant Senator seat must elect a new

Senator before the next regular Student Congress meeting. The newly elected

Senator must inform the Student Congress beforehand and be sworn into

oﬃce by the Chief Justice at the next Student Congress meeting.

C. Legislative leadership shall keep journals of its proceedings and periodically

publish the same, except, certain parts that, in their judgment, requires

censorship. The necessity for censorship shall be decided by a two-thirds (2/3)

vote of the Student Congress.

D. In the event of the Speaker of the Student Body Government Student Congress

being declared in absentia, the Vice Speaker shall take the place of the

Speaker. If the Vice Speaker is also declared in absentia, the Vice President of

the Student Body Government shall preside over Student Congress.

Section 3.8. Visitors.

The rules for visitors to Student Congress meetings are:

A. All Student Congress meetings are open to the public. Visitors, however, may

not voice their opinion at their own discretion.

i. The representative Senator of the visitor’s organization or class may

yield his/her time for the visitor to participate in a regular Student

Congress meeting. The representing Senator shall announce the visitor

as such on the floor per guidelines pursuant to guidelines articulated in

Robert’s Rules of Order: Newly Revised, latest edition.

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Section 3.9. Compensation.

Any position in the Legislative Branch of the Student Body Government may be compensated at

the discretion of the Student Body Government President. All compensation is subject to

approval of the Student Congress.

ARTICLE III: The Judicial Branch

Section 1. Leadership.

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Section 1.1. Judicial Oﬃcers.

The Judicial Branch of the Student Body Government shall be led by the following judicial

oﬃcers to be appointed annually as prescribed in the Student Body Government

Constitution:

A. Chief Justice

B. Two (2) Associate Justices

Section 1.2. Duties of the Justices.

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There shall be a Chief Justice and two (2) Associate Justices. The duties of the Justices of the

Student Body Government are:

A. To determine the constitutionality of any law; therefore, the Justices shall

have authority to invalidate actions that, in their considered judgment,

conflict with the Constitution or Bylaws.

B. To nullify and void any law that the Justices find unconstitutional or

defective on other grounds, and order such other remedies and relief.

C. To interpret and enforce all rules and orders on cases before the court, in

compliance with the provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws.

D. To be responsible for assuring the legality of all Student Body Government

activities with respect to the University and Student Body Government

policies.

E. To conduct and certify the results of all elections of the Student Body

Government. A copy of the election rules and regulations shall be prepared

and submitted to the Student Congress for approval at least two (2) weeks

prior to the general election.

F. The Judicial Branch shall be present at all Student Congress meetings,

though not all Justices need to be in attendance. At least one (1) Justice shall

be present at all Student Congress meetings.

G. The Judicial Branch shall not initiate investigative procedures for the

removal from oﬃces or vacancies of any member of the Student Congress or

Executive Cabinet, but shall hear allegations of wrongdoings for deference

to the Judicial Branch.

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H. Justices shall excuse themselves should there be any conflict of interest, or

any appearance of impropriety, in a pending case. The determination of

whether a conflict of interest is present shall be based on an objective, not

subjective standard.

I. Upon request, the Judicial Branch shall assist in the development and/or

review of student organizations’ governing documents.

Section 1.3. Duties of the Chief Justice.

The duties of the Chief Justice of the Student Body Government, in addition to the duties

outlined in Article III, Section 1, Clause 2, are:

A. To serve as the head of the Student Body Government Judicial Branch

B. To be the final appellate level for any grievances arising within the Student

Body Government's authority.

C. To oversee the approval of the constitutions of organizations and monitor

revisions of the constitutions of existing organizations.

D. To oversee the administration of the Oath of Aﬃrmation to the incoming

SBG President and incoming SBG Vice-President by the President of

Gallaudet University, or a designated representation by the President of

Gallaudet University.

E. To present a report on the progress of the Judicial Branch at each Student

Congress meeting.

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Section 1.4. Approval.

The approval process of the Justices is:

A. Per Article I, Section 2, Part F of the Student Body Government

Constitution, the Student Body Government President shall appoint the

Chief Justice and Justices.

B. Per Article II, Section 3, Clause 2, the Chief Justice and Justices are subject

to the “advice and consent” of the Student Body Government Student

Congress

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Section 1.5. Judicial Power.

All actions of the Student Body Government are subject to judicial review.

A. The Judicial Branch is vested with the authority to annul the acts of the

Student Body Government when it finds them incompatible with a higher

authority.

“Higher authority” refers to the terms of any written document that governs

the Gallaudet University Student Body Government.

C. All decisions made by the Justices on any type of judicial review,

grievances, or conflicts must be written on paper and are final. Copies must

be given to the President and the Speaker of the Student Body Government

Student Congress.

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Section 1.6. The Oﬃce of the Judicial Branch.

The Chief Justice and the two Associate Justices shall compose the Oﬃce of the Judicial Branch.

However, at the Chief Justice’s discretion, the following position may be opened:

A. Director of Judicial Operations

i. The duties of the Director of Judicial Operations are as follows:

1. Responsible for facilitating all administrative operations within

the Judicial Branch

2. Assists Justices with legal research and drafting

3. Manages community and public relations of the Judicial

Branch

4. Performs all duties and/or special projects assigned by the

Chief Justice

ii. The Chief Justice shall appoint the Director of Judicial Operations and,

in compliance with Article II, Section 3, Clause 2 of the Student Body

Government Bylaws, the appointed individual will be subject to the

“advice and consent” of Student Congress.

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Section 1.7. Compensation.

The Chief Justice and any position within the Judicial Branch may be compensated at the

discretion of the Student Body Government President. All compensation is subject to

approval of the Student Congress.

ARTICLE IV: Installation

Section 1. Proceedings.

The installation of all Student Body Government oﬃcials shall abide by the following procedure:

I. The President of Gallaudet University or their designated representative shall swear

the incoming President and Vice President of the Student Body Government in the

oﬃce.

II. The President of the Student Body Government shall then swear the incoming Chief

Justice of the Student Body Government in oﬃce.

III. The Chief Justice of the Student Body Government shall then swear the remainder of

the incoming Executive Branch Cabinet into oﬃce.

IV . The Chief Justice of the Student Body Government shall swear the incoming Speaker

and Vice-Speaker of the Student Congress into oﬃce.

V . The Chief Justice of the Student Body Government shall swear incoming Student

Congress Senators and Alternate Student Congress Senators into oﬃce.

VI. The Chief Justice of the Student Body Government shall swear incoming Associate

Justices of the Student Body Government into oﬃce

VII. In the event of the absence of the Chief Justice, the Student Body Government

President shall swear in the Legislative Branch members, and then the Speaker of the

Student Congress shall swear in the Cabinet members of the Executive Branch.

ARTICLE V: Impeachment

Section 1. Proceedings.

All impeachment proceedings of the Student Body Government shall abide by the following

process:

A. The Student Congress, by way of majority vote, must first establish a committee to

gather and review evidence against the individual(s) identified in the said motion that

contributes to the justification of impeachment. The committee shall then present their

findings to Student Congress at the subsequent Student Congress session.

B. The Student Congress possesses sole power to impeach any oﬃcer of the Student

Body Government by a two-thirds (2/3) vote.

i. Impeachable oﬀenses shall include: perjury, obstruction of justice, abuse of

power, failure to comply with judicial orders, dereliction of duties, and

noncompliance with the provisions of the Student Body Government

Constitution and By-Laws.

ii. If an individual is impeached by Student Congress, the committee charged

with gathering and reviewing evidence shall write a petition and submit it to

the Student Body Government Judicial Branch within seventy-two (72) hours

of the impeachment.

C. Impeachment trial proceedings shall be used judiciously, and there shall be no

improper grounds for the impeachment of any Student Body Government official.

Impeachment trial proceedings are as follows:

i. The Judicial Branch shall receive a written petition by the committee,

requesting an impeachment trial. This petition shall outline all evidence held

against the individual(s).

ii. To initiate an impeachment trial, the Judicial Branch must approve the petition

by way of a two-thirds (2/3) vote.

iii. If the Judicial Branch approves the petition, the charged individual has a right

to a fair and speedy trial. The impeachment trial must take place no later than

fifteen (15) business days after the petition’s approval.

iv. The Chief Justice shall preside over the trial and uphold the laws as written.

The Chief Justice will also consult the Gallaudet University Office of Student

for guidance on how to carry out a fair and speedy trial.

v. If the Chief Justice renders a guilty verdict as determined by two-thirds (2/3)

vote of the Judicial Branch, the accused shall be immediately removed from

oﬃce.

vi. The Dean of Student Aﬀairs shall possess the sole authority to reverse the

decision. Such action must be taken within fifteen (15) business days after the

Chief Justice renders the decision of the Judicial Branch.

ARTICLE VI: Amendments to the By-Laws

Section 1. Amendments.

All amendments made to the Student Body Government By-Laws are subject to the following

regulations:

A. An amendment to the Student Body Government By-Laws may be recommended

and/or moved by any Senator following two weeks’ notification to Student Congress.

Consultation with, notification to, the President, Chief Justice, and Speaker of the

Student Body Government Student Congress are required before any motion is made.

B. Amendments must be approved by Student Congress with a two-thirds (2/3) -

majority consent. The President must sign the passed amendment before becoming

into eﬀect.

i. If the President, in any way, vetoes the amendment, a two-third (2/3) majority

of the Student Congress is needed to override the veto. The President, upon

signing such amendments, must announce the amendment(s) to the general

student body through any means at his/her discretion.

ARTICLE VII: Student Media Organizations

Section 1. Organizations.

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Section 1.1. Recognition.

The following organizations recognized by the Gallaudet University Student Body Government

are categorized as “student media organizations”:

A. Buﬀ and Blue Media is to be the organization that oversees the following student

media organizations:

i. Bison Television Productions

ii. The Buﬀ and Blue Student Publication

iii. Tower Clock Yearbook

Section 2. Leadership.

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Section 2.1. Student Media Leadership Positions.

The leadership positions of each student media organization are listed as follows:

A. Buﬀ and Blue Media is to be placed under the leadership of the Student Body

Government Director of Student Media. Buﬀ and Blue Media will oversee the

three standing student media organizations and their leadership. The leadership

positions for these organizations are named as follows:

i. Bison Television Productions: Executive Producer

ii. The Buﬀ and Blue Student Publication: Editor-in-Chief

iii. Tower Clock Yearbook: Editor-in-Chief

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Section 2.2. Minimum Requirements.

All individuals applying for any Student Media Leadership positions as stated under Article VII,

Section 2.1 of the Student Body Government By-Laws must meet a set of unconditional

requirements. An individual’s failure to meet any one (1) of the minimum requirements

will result in the disqualification of their application. The minimum requirements are as

follows:

A. Must have at least one (1) semester of experience with the student

organization in which they are applying to lead

B. Must maintain the minimum semester and cumulative grade point average

established for all student organization oﬃcers by the Gallaudet University

Oﬃce of Student Engagement and Leadership

C. Must be in good standing with the Gallaudet University Oﬃce of Student

Conduct

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Section 2.3. Student Media Leadership Appointment Committee.

The Student Media Leadership Appointment Committee will interview and appoint all student

media organization leaders. The outgoing Student Body Government Director of Student

Media is charged with assembling this committee. The Student Media Leadership

Appointment Committee will consist of the following individuals:

A. The outgoing Student Body Government Director of Student Media

(Committee Chair)

B. The outgoing Student Body Government President

C. The student media organization advisor

i. Advisors may only interview student media leadership candidates for

the media organization they advise

D. A representative of the Department of Student Engagement & Leadership

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Section 2.4. Student Media Leadership Appointment Timeline.

The procedure of appointing student media leaders shall abide the following timeline:

A. Before the tenth week of the fall semester: Student Body Government Director

of Student Media will have met with members of the Student Media

Leadership Appointment Committee to discuss goals and review the timeline.

B. Before the end of the fall semester: Oﬃcially announce the opening of each

media leadership position for the next academic year

i. Student Body Government Director of Student Media is responsible

for the announcement

ii. All student media leaders are required to advertise the opening of their

organization’s leadership position through their website and form of

media outlet

C. On or before the first week of the spring semester: Begin accepting

applications for each media leadership position

i. All applications will be submitted to the Student Body Government

Director of Student Media

D. By the end of the sixth week of the spring semester: Deadline for accepting

applications for media leadership positions

E. By the seventh week of the spring semester:

i. Screen all applicants to ensure they meet the minimum requirements

listed under Article VII, Section 2, Clause 2 of the Student Body

Government By-Laws

1. Student Body Government Director of Student Media is

responsible for submitting names and ID numbers to the

Gallaudet University Oﬃce of Student Engagement and

Leadership for screening

ii. Student Media Leadership Appointment Committee will finalize

interview format and questions

iii. End of the week: Student Body Government Director of Student

Media will contact qualified applicants to set up an interview date

F. By the eighth week of the spring semester:

i. Conduct interviews with all qualified student media leadership

applicants

ii. End of the week:

1. Student Media Leadership Appointment Committee will

appoint individuals to each student media leadership position

2. Student Body Government Director of Student Media will

notify said individuals of their appointment and explain the

approval process defined under Article VII, Section 2, Clause 5

of the Student Body Government By-Laws

G. Should any part of this timeline come into scheduling conflicts due to

exceptional circumstances, it may be extended with the unanimous consent of

the heads of the three branches of the Student Body Government.

i. The three heads are the Student Body Government President, Chief

Justice, and Speaker of the Student Body Government Student

Congress.

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Section 2.5. Approval of Student Media Leaders.

The approval of all appointed student media leaders is required before their appointment is

rendered oﬃcial.

A. Per Article II, Section 3, Clause 2 of the Student Body Government By-Laws,

all individuals appointed to the student media leadership positions listed under

Article VII, Section 2, Clause 1 of the Student Body Government By-Laws are

subject to the “advice and consent” of Student Congress.

i. Student Congress shall convene for the confirmation hearing of

appointed student media leaders during the tenth week of the spring

semester

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Section 2.6. Duties of the Student Media Leaders.

The duties of the student media leaders are:

A. Bison Television Productions Producer

i. To oversee the production of Bison Television for the full duration of

their term

ii. To be Bison Television Production’s chief administrator in charge of

hiring staﬀ members and overseeing them

iii. To coordinate various aspects of production, including, but not limited

to:

1. Script writing

2. Camera work

3. Editing

4. Budget management

5. Managing work schedules

iv. To implement strategies best suited for meeting all objectives

established by Bison Television Productions

v. To ensure the high-quality work of all Bison Television output

vi. To serve as the primary point-of-contact between Bison Television

Productions and:

1. External production companies

2. University administration

3. The Student Body Government Director of Student Media

B. Tower Clock Yearbook Editor-in-Chief

i. To oversee, and see through, the production of their administration’s

yearbook from beginning to end

ii. To be Tower Clock Yearbook’s chief administrator in charge of hiring and

overseeing staﬀ members, and budget management

iii. To implement strategies best suited for meeting all objectives established

by Tower Clock Yearbook

iv. To serve as the primary point-of-contact between Tower Clock Yearbook

and:

1. Publishing companies

2. University administration

3. The Student Body Government Director of Student Media

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Section 2.7. Removal of Student Media Leaders.

In the event that a student media organization leader is not in compliance with duties listed in

Article VII, Section 2, Clause 6, the Student Body Government Student Congress may

relieve said leader by abiding the following procedure:

A. The Student Body Government Student Congress, under no circumstances,

may relieve a student media organization leader of their duties without first

conducting a Student Congress hearing.

i. The procedure for calling a congressional hearing is outlined under

Article II, Section 3, Clause 6 of the Student Body Government

By-Laws

B. Once a Student Congress hearing has taken place, a Senator may submit a

motion to relieve a student media organization leader of their duties at any

Student Congress meeting following the hearing.

i. A motion to relieve a student media organization leader of their duties

may be passed by a majority vote of Student Congress

C. Upon the resignation or removal of any student media organization leader, the

Student Body Government Director of Student Media will immediately

advertise the vacancy and accept applications for a period of two weeks.

i. All applicants are subject to the minimum requirements listed under

Article VII, Section II, Clause 3 of the Student Body Government

By-Laws.

ii. At the conclusion of the two-week application period, the Student

Body Government Director of Student Media will convene an

emergency meeting of the Student Media Leadership Appointment

Committee to select a replacement.

iii. The appointed student media organization leader is subject to the

“advice and consent” of Student Congress, as defined under Article II,

Section 3, Clause 2 of the Student Body Government By-Laws.

iv. Once appointed and approved, the new student media organization

leader shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term.

v. The Student Body Government Director of Student Media will appoint

a current employee of the media organization with the vacancy to act

as interim leader until a replacement is appointed and approved.

Section 3. Organizational Governance.

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Section 3.1. Governance and Oversight.

All student media organizations listed under Article VII, Section 1, Clause 1 of the Student Body

Government By-Laws are governed by the Gallaudet University Student Body

Government. The following individual(s) and entities are prescribed with the oversight of

the aforementioned student media organizations:

A. Student Body Government Director of Student Media

i. Duties are listed under Article I, Section 2, Clause 4, Part K of the

Student Body Government By-Laws

B. Student Body Government Student Congress

i. The Student Congress Committee on Oversight and Institutional

Reform, listed under Article II, Section 3, Clause 5, Part A, is given

the specific task of the review and oversight of all Student Body

Government operations. This includes student media organizations.

C. The Judicial Branch of the Student Body Government

i. Per Article III, Section 1, Clause 4 of the Student Body Government

By-Laws, all actions of the Student Body Government are subject to

judicial review.

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Section 3.2. Rights and Protections.

All student media organizations listed under Article VII, Section 1, Clause 1 of the Student Body

Government By-Laws are granted the following rights and protections:

A. The Student Body Government shall support the journalistic endeavors of

student media organizations by maintaining a policy of anti-censorship. The

Student Body Government’s anti-censorship policy shall be an incorporation

the following:

i. First Amendment protections

1. Such protections are also subject to restrictions, such as

ii. Federal Communications Commission promulgations

Section 4. Funding.

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Section 4.1. Principal Funding.

In recognition of the special nature of student media organizations, the Student Body

Government, at the full discretion of Student Congress, will provide student media

organizations with the funding necessary to carry out all goals and objectives. All funding

provided to student media organizations by the Student Body Government shall abide the

following preconditions:

A. The Student Body Government Student Congress shall possess the sole power

to authorize funds allocated to student media organizations

B. All principal funds allocated to student media organizations may only come

from student unit fees.

i. The Student Body Government Director of Finances and the Student

Body Government Director of Student Media shall manage this budget

C. Student media organization leaders may appear before Student Congress to

request funding for the following semester during any of the two Student

Congress meetings prior to the conclusion of each semester.

i. At their appearance, student media organization leaders shall provide

the following information to assist Senators in the approval of

appropriations:

1. The amount of funding requested for the following semester

2. Their organization’s proposed budget for the following

semester

3. Their organization’s goals and objectives for the following

semester

ii. Student Congress may approve the budget and requested funds by a

majority vote.

iii. In the event that Student Congress does not approve the budget and/or

amount requested, the assembly shall commence discussions to

determine the appropriate budget and/or the funding necessary to carry

out all goals and objectives of the student media organization.

D. In the event that a student media organization fails to follow through with the

goals and objectives identified to justify funds allocated by the Student Body

Government Student Congress, a Senator may issue a motion to freeze the

budget of said student media organization.

i. The Student Body Government Student Congress, under no

circumstances, may freeze the budget of a student media organization

without first conducting a Student Congress hearing.

1. The procedure for calling a congressional hearing is outlined

under Article II, Section 3, Clause 6 of the Student Body

Government By-Laws

ii. Once a Student Congress hearing has taken place, a Senator may

submit a motion to freeze the budget of a media organization at any

Student Congress meeting following the hearing.

1. A motion to freeze the budget of a student media organization

may be passed by a majority vote of Student Congress

2. To unfreeze the budget of a student media organization, a

senator must move to unfreeze the budget of said student media

organization, and it must be passed by a majority vote of

Student Congress.

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Section 4.2. Discretionary Funding.

In addition to principal funding made available to student media organizations, a discretionary

fund, with the approval of the Student Body Government Student Congress, may be

established. All discretionary funds established by the Student Body Government Student

Congress for student media organizations shall abide the following preconditions:

A. The Student Body Government Student Congress may only establish

discretionary funds when a motion to approve the budget of the Student Body

Government is made.

B. The Student Body Government Director of Student Media shall be granted the

authority to allocate discretionary funds to student media organizations, as

they deem necessary.

i. Discretionary funds shall only be allocated for purposes that will allow

student media organizations to better inform, educate, entertain, or

lead their constituencies.

ii. The Gallaudet University Student Congress shall possess the sole

power to reallocate unused discretionary funds for purposes unrelated

to student media organizations.

1. The reallocation of unused discretionary funds may take eﬀect

by way of a majority vote of Student Congress.

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Section 4.3. Compensation.

All employees of Student Body Government-funded student media organizations may be

compensated at the discretion of the organization’s leader. Compensation is subject to

approval of the Student Congress.

ARTICLE VIII: Event Laws

Section 1. Events.

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Section 1.1. Definition.

The definition of an “event” applies to any of the following:

A. Any event—profit or not-for-profit—hosted by a recognized student

organization that takes place during any of the given timeframes:

i. Between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. on a weekday

ii. Between 5 p.m. and midnight on a weekday

iii. Between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any day of the weekend

iv. Between 4 p.m. and 2 a.m. on any day of the weekend

1. A weekend lasts from 5 p.m. on Friday until midnight on

Sunday

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Section 1.2. Major Events, Minor Events, and Bake Sales.

An event hosted by a recognized student organization is categorized either as a major event, a

minor event, or a bake sale. The following criteria shall be used to categorize events

hosted by student organizations:

A. Major event:

i. Any event that lasts more than two (2) hours

B. Minor event:

i. Any event that lasts less than two (2) hours

C. Bake sale:

i. A fundraising event where an organization is given the exclusive right to

sell food and/or beverages during four days (Monday through Friday) of

a given week

1. Bake sales shall not take place past 2 p.m. on Fridays

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Section 1.3. Allotment.

Each recognized student organization is entitled to the allotment of event dates. The process in

which event dates are allotted to recognized student organizations must abide the

following procedures and restrictions:

A. Before recognized student organizations are allotted event dates, the Student

Body Government Director of Community Relations shall submit to all

organization leaders a list of “Black-Out Dates.

” “Black-Out Dates” are days

in which student organizations cannot host an event.

“Black-Out Dates” may only be designated to days that feature any of

the following:

2. Gallaudet University Homecoming events

3. Rockfest or Brickfest weekend

4. Gallaudet University Academic Bowl

5. Study day or final examination period

6. An event planned by the Student Body Government

7. A day that carries cultural significance

B. For each academic year, a recognized student organization shall be allotted:

i. No more than three (3) major events

ii. No more than three (3) minor events

C. No event may take place on study day or during the final examination period

D. No organization may host more than one (1) major event on a given weekend

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Section 1.4. Event Applications.

Each recognized student organization is entitled to the allotment of event dates. They may be

allotted an event date by way of submitting an event application. The process in which an

event application is submitted and accepted must abide the following procedures and

restrictions:

A. On the thirteenth or fourteenth week of the spring semester, the Student Body

Government Director of Community Relations shall begin accepting event

applications for the subsequent academic year

B. All event applications shall be accepted on a first come, first serve basis

C. A completed event application shall consist of the following:

i. A completed copy of the Student Body Government Lottery Date Form

ii. A completed copy of the Student Engagement and Leadership Room

Reservation/Event Form, with the following included:

1. Organization name

2. Point of contact

3. Event title

4. Event location

5. Event date

6. Event time

7. Applicant’s signature

8. Student organization advisor’s signature

iii. No Student organization may proceed with hosting an event without the

approval of the Gallaudet University Director of Health and Wellness

Programs

D. The following event applications shall be voided:

i. Any incomplete application

●

ii. Any application submitted by an organization with outstanding debts

and/or fines owed to the Student Body Government and/or the Oﬃce of

Student Engagement and Leadership shall be voided.

iii. Any application for a non-alcohol event submitted less than ten (10)

business days before the requested event date

iv. Any application for an alcohol event submitted less than twenty (20)

business days before the requested event date

v. Any event application with a requested event date that takes place during

a “Black-Out Date” or an event already allotted to a student organization

E. If an organization wishes to co-host an event with (an)other organization(s)

using their allotted date, the event shall not count against any of the invited

organizations’ allotment of events.

F. Should an organization wish to cancel an event, the leader of the organization

must notify the Student Body Government Director of Community Relations

and the Oﬃce of Student Engagement and Leadership no later than fifteen

(15) business days before the reserved event date

i. All canceled events dates are made available to any other recognized

student organization on a first come, first serve basis during a timeframe

to be determined by the Director of Community Relations. All

procedures and restrictions pertaining to submitting an event application

shall be abided.

G. If an organization proceeds with an event without the approval of the Student

Body Government Director of Community Relations, then the said

organization is subject to a one-year ban from hosting events

i. The Student Body Government Director of Community Relations shall

inform the Student Congress Speaker and the Student Body Government

Chief Justice of any violations of the Event Laws

Section 1.5. Conflicts.

The following section shall be abided in all conflict-related cases:

A. A conflict in events shall be defined as an event that overlaps with the time

frame of another organization’s event by more than one (1) hour

B. No student organization shall schedule or host events that conflicts with an

event hosted by any other student organization

C. Organizations may agree to have events conflict with one another. In this case,

a Conflict in Events form must be signed by the leaders of the conflicting

organizations and submitted to the Student Body Government Director of

Community Relations before an event application is accepted.

D. If any student organization, intentionally or unintentionally, violates Article

VIII, Section 1, Article 5, Part B of the Student Body Government By-Laws,

the following penalties shall be imposed on the said organization:

i. The violating organization shall be fined an amount to be determined by

the Student Body Government Director of Community Relations. This

amount shall be determined and announced at the beginning of each

academic year. The amount fined will be deposited into the aggrieved

organization’s on-campus account.

ii. The violating organization will cede its next event to the Student Body

Government.

iii. The Student Body Government will reimburse the aggrieved

organization of any damages and/or losses caused by this violation that

are in excess of the fine. The Student Body Government Judicial Branch

shall determine the amount in damages in which the aggrieved

organization is aﬀorded.

E. The Student Body Government shall not schedule or host events that conflict

or will conflict with an event scheduled by a student organization

F. If the Student Body Government, intentionally or unintentionally, violates

Article VIII, Section 1, Article 5, part E of the Student Body Government

By-Laws, the following penalties shall be imposed:

i. A fine of $250.00 shall be paid to the aggrieved organization

ii. The aggrieved organization shall receive an extra allotted event of the

same category as the event that was conflicted

iii. Damages in excess of $250.00 shall be reimbursed to the aggrieved

organization. The Student Body Government Judicial Branch shall

determine the amount in damages in which the aggrieved organization is

aﬀorded.

G. The Student Body Government Director of Community Relations shall inform

the Student Congress Speaker and the Student Body Government Chief

Justice of any violations of the Event Laws

Section 2. Patents and Reserved Rights.

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Section 2.1. Food and Beverage Patents.

A recognized student organization is entitled to food and beverage patents. The following

procedures and restrictions pertaining to food and beverage patents shall be abided:

A. A recognized student organization may patent no more than three (3) food or

beverage items.

i. There are two parts of a food and beverage patent:

1. The type of food/beverage being sold

iii.

2. The “brand name” (if applicable) of the food/beverage being

sold

a. Coca Cola products may not be patented

ii. Types of food/beverage that have been patented are only protected at

events with multiple student organizations vending their products

“Brand names” of food/beverages that have been patented are fully

protected with no exceptions

B. If an organization violates another organization's food and beverage patent,

then the organization will lose their next fund-raising event.

C. If an organization wishes to use another organization’s food and beverage

patent at any time, both organizations have to enter an agreement, and the

organizations will have to notify the Director of Community Relations through

an email or a letter.

D. The Director of Community Relations is responsible for recording and

enforcing all food and beverage patents.

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Section 2.2. Event Patents.

A recognized student organization is event patents. The following procedures and restrictions

pertaining to event patents shall be abided:

A. A recognized student organization may patent an event name or title, but not the

features of the event itself.

B. If an organization violates another organization's event patent, then the

organization will lose their next fund-raising event.

C. If an organization wishes to use another organization’s event patent at any time,

both organizations have to enter an agreement, and the organizations will have to

notify the Director of Community Relations through an email or a letter.

D. The Director of Community Relations is responsible for recording and enforcing

all event patents.

Section 3. Homecoming.

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Section 3.1. Homecoming Events.

Throughout the academic year, the Student Body Government will be responsible for the funding

and planning of the following Homecoming events, at their discretion. This comes with the

exception of Homecoming Day and the Homecoming Bash, which are non-negotiable standing

events:

A. Homecoming Spirit Week

B. Homecoming Fashion Show

C. Homecoming Clubroom Event

D. Homecoming day

E. Homecoming bash

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Section 3.2. Leadership.

The leadership structure of the Student Body Government-planned Homecoming is as follows:

1. Chairperson

a) In compliance with Article I, Section 2, Clause 4, Part L of the Student

Body Government By-Laws, the Student Body Government Director of

Events shall serve as the chairperson.

2. Assistant Chairperson

a) The Student Body Government Director of Events (Chairperson) shall

appoint an assistant chairperson to assist them in overseeing all

Homecoming operations.

3. Homecoming Committee Members

a) Once the Homecoming assistant chairperson has been appointed, the

Student Body Government Director of Events and the assistant

chairperson shall appoint the following individuals to the Homecoming

committee:

(1) Event Chairpersons

(a) Events listed under Article VIII, Section 3, Clause 1

shall each have a chairperson.

(2) Homecoming committee secretary

(3) Homecoming committee public relations specialist

(4) Student Body Government Director of Finances

(5) External Homecoming Committee Composition

(a) Each organization is required to select two members

of their respective organizations to serve as

volunteer members to aid with event setup and

cleanup at the discretion of the Homecoming

committee chairperson (e.g. Bash, Pep rally, etc…)

with the volunteers’ event assignments established

by the start of homecoming week.

(i) Each organization must select two members

of their organization to serve as volunteer

members on the Homecoming Committee in

order to be eligible to receive Student Body

Government funding for the remainder of

the academic year.

(ii) In the case that an organization cannot find

two volunteers, they may make agreements

with other organizations in order to send

enough members to serve the committee’s

need for volunteers, in order to compensate

for said organization’s inability to send

members. The agreement shall be made in

writing and the Director of Events,

Homecoming Chairperson, and the three

heads of the branches of the Student Body

Government shall be informed of and

approve of such agreements at their

discretion.

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Section 3.3. Funding.

In recognition of the special nature of Homecoming, the Student Body Government, at the full

discretion of Student Congress, will provide the Homecoming committee with the

funding necessary to carry out all goals and objectives. All funding provided to the

Homecoming committee by the Student Body Government shall abide the following

preconditions:

A. The Student Body Government Student Congress shall possess the sole power

to authorize funds allocated to the Homecoming committee.

B. All funds allocated to the Homecoming committee by Student Congress may

only come from the Student Body Government budget.

i. The Student Body Government Director of Finances and the Student

Body Government Director of Events shall manage this budget

C. The incoming Student Body Government Director of Events (Homecoming

chairperson) may appear before Student Congress to request funding for the

Homecoming committee during any of the two Student Congress meetings

prior to the conclusion of the spring semester.

i. At their appearance, the Student Body Government Director of Events

shall provide the following information to assist Senators in the approval

of appropriations:

1. The amount of funding requested for Homecoming

2. The Homecoming committee’s proposed budget for the

following semester

3. The Homecoming committee’s goals and objectives for the

following semester

ii. Student Congress may approve the budget and requested funds by a

majority vote.

iii. In the event that Student Congress does not approve the budget and/or

amount requested, the assembly shall commence discussions to

determine the appropriate budget and/or the funding necessary to carry

out all goals and objectives of the student media organization.

Section 4. Student Body Government-sponsored Events.

●

Section 4.1. Privileges and Restrictions.

The following privileges and restrictions shall apply to all Student Body Government-sponsored

events:

A. The event plan for all Student Body Government-sponsored events shall be

submitted to the Student Body Government Student Congress no later than

two (2) weeks prior to the event.

B. The President and Vice-President of the Student Body Government will be

granted free admission to all Student Body Government-sponsored events.

i. The President and Vice-President of the Student Body Government

shall not wear clothing or jewelry bearing any letters of any oﬃcial

or unoﬃcial organization(s) of Gallaudet University other than that

of the Student Body Government.

ARTICLE IX: Election Laws

Section 1. Election Committee.

●

Section 1.1. Formation.

The following entity is held responsible for establishing the Student Body Government Election

Committee:

A. The Student Body Government Student Congress

●

Section 1.2. Leadership.

The following individuals shall lead the Student Body Government Election Committee:

A. Student Congress Speaker (Student Body Government Election

Committee Chairperson)

i. In the event that the Speaker wishes to run for Executive oﬃce, the

Vice-Speaker shall assume the role of Election Committee

Chairperson.

ii. If the Vice Speaker also wishes to run for Executive oﬃce, the

Student Congress shall appoint a pro tempore to handle duties and

responsibilities of the Speaker in regard to election laws.

B. Assistant Chairperson

i. The Assistant Chairperson will be appointed by the Election

Committee Chairperson, and shall be a Senator of Student

Congress.

a. Per Article II, Section 3, Clause 2, appointed chairpersons

of events planned by the Student Body Government are

subject to the “advice and consent” of Student Congress

●

Section 1.3. Composition.

In addition to the Chairperson and Assistant Chairperson, the Election Committee shall be

composed of the following individuals:

A. Student Body Government Director of Finances

B. Four (4) Student Congress Senators

C. Four (4) Students-at-Large

●

Section 1.4. Appointment.

The procedure of appointing the individuals listed under Article VIII, Section 1, Clauses 2 and 3

shall abide the following procedure:

▪

Student Body Government Director of Finances

iii. Automatically appointed

iv. In the event that the Student Body Government Director of

Finances wishes to run for Executive oﬃce, the chairperson of

the Student Congress Committee on Finances shall serve

instead.

▪

Four (4) Student Congress Senators and Two (2) Alternatives

iii. The Election Committee Chairperson shall announce the

vacancies at the fourth Student Congress meeting of the fall

semester.

iv. The Election Committee Chairperson shall announce their

appointments at the fifth Student Congress meeting of the fall

semester.

▪

Four (4) Students-at-Large and Two (2) Alternatives

iii. The Election Committee Chairperson shall announce to the

student community the vacancies during the seventh week of

the fall semester via visual advertisements and e-mails to the

community.

iv. The Election Committee Chairperson shall announce their

appointments at the fifth Student Congress meeting of the fall

semester.

v. At-large members must be undergraduate students of Gallaudet

University that do not hold the position of Senator, Alternate

Senator, or President (or role of equivalent status) of any

student organization. Nor shall they hold any administrative

oﬃce within the Student Body Government.

vi. Either the Executive or Judicial Branch of the Student Body

Government may not employ at-large members.

●

Section 1.5. Duties.

The duties of the Student Body Government Election Committee are as follows:

A. The Election Committee shall be responsible for supervising the election,

devising the annual Election Laws to be followed by candidates, and

enforcing all election laws as prescribed by the Student Body Government

By-Laws and the Election Week Laws.

i. Only the Judicial Branch of the Student Body Government can

supersede the Election Committee’s decisions.

B. The members of the committee shall be impartial at all times until the

committee is disbanded. They shall reserve the right to vote, but they

cannot reveal their support until five days after the announcement of the

results of the Student Body Government Election.

C. Members of the Election Committee shall sign a contract, drawn up by the

Election Committee Chairperson, agreeing to follow all duties listed in the

Student Body Government By-Laws and Election Laws. They will also

agree to remain on the Election Committee for the duration of the Student

Body Government Election.

D. The committee members are required to perform all duties as assigned by

the Election Committee Chairperson.

Section 2. Election Laws.

●

Section 2.1. Drafting and Implementation.

The procedure for creating and implementing the Election Laws are as follows:

A. Election Laws shall be drafted by the Election Committee and submitted

to Student Congress for approval at the sixth Student Congress meeting of

the fall semester.

i. The Election Laws may be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote

of Student Congress

B. All Election Laws must ensure that the teams campaign fairly, lawfully,

and in accordance with University policies.

●

Section 2.2. Declaration of Candidacy.

The procedure for declaring candidacy for Executive oﬃce is as follows:

A. All interested in running for oﬃce must run as a ticket of two individuals,

with one person being listed as the presidential candidate and the other

person listed as the vice-presidential candidate.

B. All teams apply for candidacy shall submit a petition to the Election

Committee chairperson.

i. The petition shall contain the signatures and student identification

numbers of at least five (5) percent of students eligible to vote in

the Student Body Government election.

B. After the petition has been submitted to the Election Committee, the

Election Committee Chairperson has twenty-four (24) hours to verify the

validity of the petitions.

C. Teams must sign a contract stating that they have received the Election

Laws and the Chief Justice of the Student Body Government must witness

the signature. If deemed valid by the Chief Justice of the Student Body

Government, the chairperson must make a public announcement informing

the student body of the team(s) declared eligible to run. Once this has been

done, teams can begin campaigning.

●

Section 2.3. Standing Election Laws.

The following laws are considered “Standing Election Laws” and may only be changed by way

of amending the Student Body Government By-Laws:

A. The deadline for candidates to submit their petitions shall be the end of the

second week of the spring semester.

B. All public election events shall take place after the ninth week, but before

the twelfth week, of the spring semester.

C. Campaign financing is limited to only the reimbursement of advertising

media such as posters, flyers, and advertisement and media supplies such

as papers, paints, and ink.

i. If a candidate resigns from the campaign before the election or

is disqualified from the election, all funds that are contributed

by the Student Body Government must be returned in full

within a week of resignation or disqualification.

D. The teams or their committees cannot publicly raise funds for their

campaign until they have submitted the petition with signatures and the

Election Committee Chairperson has verified the petition.

E. There are several Standing Election Laws in regard to voting. They are as

follows:

i. Undergraduate and English Language Institute students who

have paid their unit fees are eligible to vote.

ii. Oﬃcial ballots shall be delegated by the Election Committee

and be displayed in public one week before the first Election

Day.

iii. The Election Committee shall reserve a specific place for the

voting booths. The voting booths must be secure, convenient,

and private. Any other methods for voting shall be stated in the

Election Laws.

iv. There will be no advertisements of candidates within fifty (50)

feet radius of the voting booths or else stated in the Election

Laws. The candidates are allowed within the radius, but they

shall not publicly campaign within the radius.

v. The teams shall be listed on the ballot in alphabetical order, by

the last name of the Student Body Government Presidential

candidate of each team.

vi. The process of counting or tallying the votes shall be made by

the members of the Election Committee under the supervision

of the Student Body Government advisor, the Director of

Student Engagement & Leadership, and the Chief Justice of the

Student Body Government.

vii. The Election Committee must approve the oﬃcial ballot, and

the Chief Justice of the Student Body Government must hold

the tally sheet for five (5) business days after verification.

During the verification and post-verification period, a final poll

displaying vote percentages shall be released to the public. The

Election Committee shall then destroy the tally sheet and

ballots.

viii. A plurality of votes of total cast ballots must be attained in

order to declare a winner of the election. However, if there is

only one team, the team is automatically announced the

winning team providing that the team has acquired the votes of

at least five (5) percent of the eligible student body.

●

Section 2.4. Discretionary Election Laws.

The following laws are considered “Discretionary Election Laws” and shall be drafted at by the

Student Body Government Election Committee. The following details shall be

determined at the Election Committee’s discretion:

A. Any rules regarding finances, such as:

i. How much funding the Election Committee receives for

advertising and other public relations material

ii. How much funding each team shall receive

iii. When each team can receive the funds

iv. Limits on expenditures

B. Exact date and time that will serve as the deadline for submitting petitions

for candidacy

C. Exact dates, times, and locations of voting booths

D. Description, rules, and exact time, date, and location of all public election

events

E. Exact date, time, and location of the announcement of election results

F. Exact date, time, and location of the inauguration of the Student Body

Election winners.

●

Section 2.5. Grievances.

In the event of a grievance, the following procedure shall be abided:

D. All grievances against campaign and election procedures shall be directed

towards the Election Committee Chairperson. The Election Committee

shall make the final decision. Only the Judicial Branch can reverse the

final decision in case of any disagreements with all parties involved. If any

of the Justices is a candidate, the Student Congress will appoint a pro

tempore Justice to assume the role only where Election laws are

concerned.

●

Section 2.6. Disqualification.

The following outlines the Student Body Government Election procedure of disqualification:

A. If a team or a member of their committee violate a rule in the Student

Body Government By-Laws and Election Laws, the team can be

disqualified from candidacy upon two-thirds (2/3) of the committee

approval.

B. Upon the disqualification of any team, the Election Committee

Chairperson shall submit a formal memorandum on the declaration of the

disqualification of the team to all branches of the Student Body

Government and the disqualified team. The Director of Student

Engagement and Leadership and the Dean of Student Aﬀairs shall also be

notified of the Election Committee’s decision.

C. The disqualified team shall have 48 hours to appeal the Election

Committee’s decision.

●

Section 2.7. Appeals.

In the event of an appeal, the following procedure shall be abided:

A. All appeals shall be made to the Judicial Branch of the Student Body

Government.

D. In the event of an appeal, all Election Week dates and events shall be

suspended. Campaign teams shall not continue campaigning nor remove

any of the advertisements of the disqualified teams or any other team until

the final decision regarding said appeal is reached.

E. If an appeal has been made, a “Court of Appeals” shall be formed

consisting of the Chief Justice (Chair), the two Justices, the Director of

Student Engagement and Leadership, the Dean of Student Aﬀairs, and the

Student Body Government advisor.

F. The Court of Appeals shall review the appeal and determine if a hearing

should take place. The court shall decide if the hearing will be open to

public or not.

G. If a hearing takes place, the disqualified party and the Election Committee

Chairperson shall be summoned and questioned. Then the court shall vote

on whether to uphold the decision of the Election Committee.

H. If the appeal is accepted:

i. A new timeline shall be prepared, and if necessary, new rules

shall be added to the Election Laws. Student Congress must

approve all changes.

ii. Campaigning shall resume after a formal announcement by the

Student Body Election Chairperson

iii. If the Election Chairperson is found to have violated any aspect

of the neutrality contract, the Chief Justice shall relieve the

Chairperson of all duties.

1. Then the Election Committee Assistant Chairperson shall

become the Election Committee Chairperson with the

approval of Student Congress. In the Election Committee

Assistant Chairperson is also relived of their duties, then

Student Congress shall appoint a new chairperson from the

existing Election Committee.

I. If the appeal is denied:

i. The appealing team shall remain disqualified.

ii. A new timeline shall be prepared by the Election Committee and

approved by Student Congress.

iii. Campaigning of the remaining teams shall commence when the

Election Chairperson makes a formal announcement.

ARTICLE X: Compensation

Section 1. Definition, Limits, and Oversight.

The following section covers the definition, limits, and oversight powers of all compensation

within the Student Body Government:

●

Section 1.1. Definition

Compensation coming from the Student Body Government is defined as any of the following

given to employees of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches of the Student

Body Government, as well as employees of media organizations listed under Article VII,

Section 1, Clause I:

A. Fixed bi-weekly salaries

B. On-campus room and board

C. Apparel

D. Stipends

E. Meals

F. Travel expenses

●

Section 1.2. Limits

The following limits are placed on all compensation within the Student Body Government:

A. No Student Body Government employee of an individual occupation shall

be paid a fixed monthly salary higher than that of the Student Body

Government President.

a. The Student Body Government President, at their own

discretion, may waive their fixed monthly salary by means of a

written memorandum.

1. Should the Student body Government President choose to

waive their fixed monthly salary, no Student Body

Government employee shall be paid a fixed monthly salary

higher than that of the highest-paid member of the

Executive Branch.

B. Compensation shall not be used to cover the consumption of alcohol

and/or drugs

●

Section 1.3. Oversight

The power of oversight of all compensation within the Student Body Government is vested in

this clause:

A. In compliance with Article II, Section 3, Clause 1, Parts C and D, the

Student Body Government Student Congress must approve all budgets that

cover forms of compensation by majority vote.

ARTICLE XI: Non-Discriminatory Clause

A. The Student Body Government of Gallaudet University shall not discriminate on the

basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, hearing status, disability,

covered veteran status, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family

responsibilities, political aﬃliation, source of income, pregnancy or any other

unlawful basis.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE

ARTICLE I: The Executive Branch

Section 1. Leadership.

Section 1.1.

Section 1.2. Duties of the President

Section 1.3. Duties of the Vice President

Section 2. The Cabinet.

Section 2.1. Qualifications

Section 2.2. Standing Offices

Section 2.3. Discretionary Offices

Section 2.4. Approval

Section 2.5. Duties of the Cabinet Members