Student Government Association Governing Documents

The Rules and Regulations of the Association

Current As Of: August 18, 2026

Official Version Certification Statement

This document constitutes the sole approved and authoritative version of the Wichita State University Student Government Association Governing Documents. It has been formally reviewed, validated, and adopted by the appropriate governing bodies of the Wichita State University Student Government Association and is recognized as the authentic and official record of the Association’s governing authority.

No other copies, drafts, editions, archived files, or distributed versions, whether digital or printed, shall be considered official or binding unless expressly certified and issued in accordance with Wichita State University Student Government Association procedures.

Vincent Duong

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

Gabriel A. Fonseca, Ed.D.

Association Advisor

The Constitution of the Student Body of Wichita State University

The Preamble

We, the Students of Wichita State University, believe that having certain collective authority, we are charged with the accompanying inescapable responsibility to further a democratic community marked by mature citizenship habits, attitudes, and skills; and recognizing that this degree of responsibility will be manifested in the total community when we, as individuals, take our places there; do herein define and organize this collective authority into a student association and, by this constitution, guarantee that our use of it will always be in harmony with our trust.

Last Revised on April 9, 2025

Article I. The Association

Section 1. The Association, Duties and Membership

The name of the student association shall be Wichita State University Student Government Association (hereafter referred to as the Association).
All students at Wichita State University (hereafter referred to as the University) from whom the Association derives income through established University policy, shall automatically be members of the Association.
The duties of the Association shall be:
1. Promote and stimulate student participation in the University's activities, which will serve to enhance the educational, social, and cultural experiences of the members of the Association.
2. Provide a channel of communication between the students, faculty, staff, and Administration.
3. Foster loyalty to the University; promote the extracurricular efforts of the University community.
4. Establish jointly with the University administration rules to govern the conduct of members of the Association in their actions as students of the University.
5. Finance, with funds authorized by the University administration, the activities necessary and incidental to carry out the purposes of the Association.
6. To ensure that all students are afforded free and equal access to all opportunities the Association has to offer.

Section 2. The Kansas Board of Regents and University President

The authority granted to the Association in this section is derived from and shall be subject to the authority of the Kansas Board of Regents and the President of the University.

Section 3. Powers of the Association

The Association, in order that it might perform its duties effectively, shall have the authority to delegate its legislative, executive, and judicial authority to representative bodies. These bodies shall have the authority to:
1. Prescribe procedure for the election and appointments of the membership of the said bodies of the Association.
2. Extend official recognition and provide oversight to groups of students seeking privileges of a recognized student organization. The authority granted to student organizations through a grant of official recognition, is derived from and shall be subject to the authority of the Association and its representative bodies.
3. Establish criteria and conduct a review for the granting and removal of said recognition.
4. Levy reasonable penalties for Bylaws and Statutes.
5. Provide to the Vice President of Student Affairs or designee reasonable penalties for students who violate the Association's Statutes or University rules and policies.
6. Reasonably provide for the execution of the Association's duties as prescribed in this Article, through the establishment of Bylaws and Statutes and the appointment of special or regular committees with a specific grant of authority.

Section 4. Separation of Powers

The legislative authority of the Association shall be vested in the members of the Student Senate, hereafter referred to as the Senate.
The executive authority of the Association shall be vested in the Student Body President.
The judicial authority of the Association shall be vested in the Supreme Court, hereafter referred to as the Court.

Article II. The Legislative Branch

Section 1. Membership of the Student Senate

The Senate shall consist of seats filled by Senators elected from the membership of the Association or, in the case of freshman seats and seats left vacant, confirmed by the Senate. All members of Senate shall be reserved as follows:
1. One (1) seat shall be reserved for the Student Body Vice President, serving in the capacity of President of the Senate.
2. Thirty (30) seats shall be allocated proportionally among the six major Colleges of the University based on each College’s respective share of the total population of those Colleges. Each College of the University shall have at least two (2) seats.
3. Two (2) seats shall be reserved for Association members affiliated with the Dorothy & Bill Cohen Honors College. Students serving in this seat shall be known as Honors Senator.
4. Three (3) seats shall be reserved for Association members continuing their education in the graduate school of the University. Students serving in this seat shall be known as Graduate Senator.
5. Two (2) seats shall be reserved for Association members, who are classified as first time in college, entering their first year of undergraduate education at Wichita State University, regardless of prior transfer credits or dual-enrollment credits. Students serving in this seat shall be known as Freshman Senator.
6. Two (2) seats shall be reserved for Association members who are United States citizens or permanent residents but have not established residency in the State of Kansas. Students serving in this seat shall be known as Out of State Senator.
7. One (1) seat shall be reserved for Association members who have ever served in any of the branches of the United States Military. Students serving in this seat shall be known as Military and Veterans Senator.
8. Four (4) Seats shall be reserved for Association members who are not U.S. Citizens, currently in any non-immigrant status, and do not have approved United States permanent residency status. Students serving in this seat shall be known as International Senator.
9. Two (2) seats shall be reserved for Association members who are considered adult learners. Students serving in this seat shall be known as Adult Learner Senator.
10. Five (5) seats shall be reserved for Association members, elected at-large from the general Association membership. Students serving in this seat shall be known as At-Large Senator.

Section 2. Qualifications for Office

To be a candidate for Senator, an Association member must be a currently enrolled student as defined by the College in which member is enrolled and must have and maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average as an undergraduate student and be in good standing as defined by the Graduate School as a graduate student, except in cases when the candidate is an incoming student and does not have a college grade point average.
In such case, it will be necessary for the incoming student to be admitted in good standing as defined by the University. Exceptions may be made as prescribed by law.

Section 3. Election to the Student Senate

All elective seats in the Senate shall be filled at an election held in the month of April or upon declaration of a special election. The number of candidates for senatorial seats who receive the largest totals of votes shall be declared elected.
If for any reason a seat in the Senate is vacated, it shall be filled with an Association member appointed by the Speaker of the Senate. Said appointments are subject to two-thirds (2/3) ratification of the entire Senate, excluding vacant seats. Prior to the Fall Election, the Speaker shall not be able to make any appointments to fill vacant seats of the Senate.

Section 4. Duties of Senators

Senators of the Association shall have the following responsibilities:
1. To attend all meetings of the Senate.
2. To perform on the committee, work to which they are assigned.
3. To understand the Association's Constitution, Statutes, and Bylaws.

Section 5. Duties of the Senate

To take action, which is in harmony and pursuant to the duties of the Association as prescribed in this Constitution and its Preamble.
To call a special meeting of the Senate upon a written petition signed by fifty percent (50%) of the members of the Senate with not less than twenty-four (24) hours’ notice of said meeting.
To recognize organizations.
To approve all allocations of Student Government and oversee Student Fee monies.
To reverse any action taken by an officer of the Association by a two-third (2/3) vote of the entire Senate excluding vacant seats. The authority of the Senate granted herein shall be binding upon the membership of the Association, the officers, the Court, and upon organizations.

Section 6. Grounds for Removal

The following will be grounds for removal of a Senator:
1. The failure to maintain good academic standing with the University.
2. The failure to fulfill prescribed duties.
3. Others as specified in the University Code of Conduct and outlined in the Bylaws.
If a Senator is charged with one (1) or more of the grounds for removal, the Senate shall review said Senator’s case and may expel the Senator by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire Senate, excluding vacant seats.

Section 7. Recall Election

When presented with a valid petition signed by a number of the Association members equal to twenty-five (25%) percent of those voting in the last general election for that specific position, the Senate must call a special election within thirty (30) days.
A valid petition must be validated by the Association's Advisor, prior to public exposure and presentation. If the requisite number of signatures has not been obtained within thirty (30) days of said validation and dating, the petition shall be null and void. If the requisite number of signatures is obtained within thirty (30) days, the Association’s Advisor, or equivalent to, must validate the signatures as those of constituent members of the Association.

Section 8. Sessions of the Senate

The Senate shall automatically convene in regular weekly session during the academic year, excluding periods of official recess. A senatorial quorum shall be defined as a simple majority of installed Senators.

Article III: The Executive Branch

Section 1. Elected Officers

The President of the Association and Vice President of the Association shall be elected on the same ballot, as a team, from the Association at an election held during the month of April. The Treasurer of the Association shall be appointed by the President, said appointment is subject to a two-thirds (2/3) ratification of the entire Senate, excluding vacant seats.

Section 2. Qualifications for Office

To be eligible to be an officer of the Association, an Association member must have and maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average as an undergraduate student or remain in good academic standing as defined by the Graduate School as a graduate student. Officers must be at least junior status by the beginning of the fall term following the election or appointment. An Association officer shall not hold the same office more than twice. Exceptions may be made as prescribed by law.

Section 3. Administrative Powers

All administrative powers granted herein shall be vested in the officers of the Association with the President of the Association being the Chief Executive Officer. The President of the Association shall be granted administrative powers not already governed by law of the Association.

Section 4. Powers of the President of the Association

To enforce the Statutes and administer the Resolutions of the Association.
To execute the policies of the Senate and the decisions of the Court.
To be granted administrative authority.
To act as the official spokesperson for the Association.
To veto and invalidate any action of the Senate, excluding Senate resolutions, within fourteen (14) days. The Senate shall have until the following Senate session of the same Session to act upon the President’s veto. If after such consideration, if two-thirds of the whole Senate, excluding vacant seats, votes to override, it shall be enacted.
Other duties as specified in the Association’s Bylaws.

Section 5. Powers of the Vice President of the Association

To assume all duties of the President in that individual’s absence.
To serve as the President of the Senate, who shall, in the event of a tie, cast a vote in the Senate and shall preside as they wish.
Other duties as specified in the Association’s Bylaws.

Section 6. Grounds for Removal

The following will be grounds for removal of an Association officer:
1. The failure to maintain good academic standing.
2. The failure to execute prescribed duties.
3. Others as established by the Code of Conduct and outlined in the Bylaws.

If an Association Officer is charged with one (1) or more of the grounds for removal, the Senate shall review said Officer’s case and may impeach the Officer by a two-third (2/3) vote of the entire Senate, excluding vacant seats.

Section 7. Recall Election

The Senate must call a special election of the Association within thirty (30) days if presented with a petition to recall an Association Officer signed by a number of Association members equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of those voting in the last general election. Such petition must be validated by the Association's Advisor, or equivalent to, prior to public exposure and presentation.
If the requisite number of signatures has not been obtained within thirty (30) days of said validation and dating, the petition shall be null and void. If the requisite number of signatures is obtained within thirty (30) days, the Association’s Advisor, or equivalent to, must validate the signatures as those of members of the Association.

Article IV: The Judicial Branch

Section 1. Justices of the Supreme Court

The Court shall be composed of seven (7) members of the Association appointed by the President of the Association and confirmed by the Senate.
Members shall be eligible for appointments if the student is a currently enrolled student as defined by the College or School in which they are enrolled and has a cumulative grade point average of 2.50.
Justices shall be ineligible to serve or seek election or appointment to any other Association position while a member of the Court.

Section 2. Term of Office

The term of appointment shall expire upon graduation, resignation or removal. Justices may be recalled by a two-third (2/3) vote of the entire Senate excluding vacant seats.

Section 3. Jurisdiction of the Court

The Court shall have jurisdiction on cases arising from the Constitution, Statutes, and Bylaws of the Association. The Court shall hear appeals from Traffic Court, Parking Appeals, Library Court of Appeals, Student Organization Code of Conduct, and shall render decisions in these cases.
The Court shall have the authority to render advisory opinions at the written request of any member of the Association. An advisory opinion will be provided by the Court which then will be sent to the Senate.
Any further jurisdictional areas are only granted by the Senate and approved by the President of the Association.

Section 4. Filing Orders

All minutes and written opinions concerning the Association must be taken and filed with the Association’s Office before the decision can take effect.

Section 5. Rights of Members of the Association

The right of parties before the Court to have a spokesperson (example: family member or member of campus community) communicate directly with the Court verbally, in writing, or in other manner on the parties’ behalf shall not be infringed.

Section 6. Rules and Procedures of the Court

The Rules and Procedures are set by the Senate and approved by the President of the Association.

Section 7. Quorum of the Court

Four (4) members shall constitute a quorum in any case before the Court; provided a case may be assigned to a single member for pre-trial conference for the purpose of identifying the issues and facts of law involved in the case.
Any disposition based on a pre-trial conference shall be made a quorum of the Court.

Article V: The Association Statutes

Section 1. Statutes

The Association's Statutes are laws, which are specific in their terminology. They shall carry over from Session to Session enduring until they are repealed. The Senate shall have the authority to make Statutes pursuant to this Constitution, which shall be binding.
A Statute may be passed only at a regular session of the Senate and may not be passed at the same session it is proposed. Providing that they have been afforded a first reading at a previous regular meeting of the Senate, Statutes and statutory amendments shall be deemed passed if they receive a simple majority of the vote at a regular Senate session.
Statutes may be repealed only at a regular session of the Senate, by a simple majority of the Senate, or by a two-third (2/3) vote of members’ present, if no notice has been given at a prior regular session.
When a Statute is passed, amended, or repealed, by the Senate, the President of the Association, if approved by the President, shall deliver within three (3) days, a written copy of the change in the Statute to the President of the University. The President of the University shall, within the next thirty (30) days review the proposed change in the Statute and pass or veto the change. If the President of the University does not notify the President of the Association of their decision, in writing, within the thirty (30) day period the Statute, amendment, or repeal shall officially take effect.

Section 2. Approval of Statutes

If all provisions of this Article are met for a particular Statute, that Statute shall constitute a binding agreement between the University and the Association. The Association Bylaws shall decide procedural matters of the Association’s bodies not provided for herein.

Article VI: The Association Resolutions

Section 1. Resolutions

Resolutions are formal expressions of the opinion, will or intent of the Association. They shall remain in effect only during the Session in which they are passed. The Senate shall have the authority to make resolutions pursuant to this Constitution.

Section 2. Approval of Resolutions

A Resolution shall be deemed passed if it receives a simple majority of the vote at any session of the Senate and approved by the President of the Association.

Article VII: Bylaws of the Association

Section 1. Bylaws

This Constitution shall be expanded by a body of Bylaws that relate to the operation of the Student Government and are approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Senate, excluding vacant seats and approved by the President of the Association.
A Bylaw may be passed only at a regular session of the Senate and may not be passed at the same session it is proposed. Changes to the Bylaws may be approved by a simple majority of the Senate.
No Bylaw may have the effect of altering or suspending the nature of the Constitution as all such measures are contradictory to the purposes of the Association and thereby void.

Article VIII: Association Funding Bills

Section 1. Funding Bills

Funding Bills are formal expressions of the will of the Senate regarding financial expenditure. No funds may be appropriated without a Funding Bill, unless otherwise provided for in the Constitution of the Association.
Funding Bills may be passed only at a regular session of the Senate and may not be passed on at the same session at which it was proposed, unless it is deemed to be of a timely nature.
A funding bill shall be deemed passed if it receives a simple majority vote of those Senators present and voting, unless otherwise specified by law.

Article IX: Constitutional Amendments

Section 1. Constitutional Amendments

This Constitution shall be deemed amended if any proposed amendment receives a simple majority of the votes cast at any election.
The Senate must call said special election if it is presented with a petition signed by seven percent (7%) of the Association's members proposing a specific amendment.
An amendment to the Constitution submitted in a referendum shall become effective only upon receiving a positive vote in a referendum participated in by at least seven percent (7%) of the Association's membership.

The Bylaws of the Student Government Association

Rules of the Government

The Constitution of the Student Body shall be expanded by a body of Bylaws that relates to the operation of the Association and are approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Senate. No Bylaw may have the effect of altering or suspending the nature of the Constitution. All such measures are contradictory to the purposes of the Association and thereby void.

Article I. The Legislative Branch

Chapter 1. The Office of Student Senator

Section 1. Duties of a Student Senator

To fulfill all expectations of the Office of Senator listed in the Constitution of the Student Body.
To serve a term of office of one (1) year that shall commence two (2) weeks after official election results are announced.
To attend all Senate sessions, and committee meetings, including presence at opening and closing roll call and any votes held, as well as other mandatory events as directed by the Speaker of the Senate.
To comply with the Association’s dress code as outlined and all policies of the Association.

Section 2. Absences

Submission for an excused absence must be made twenty-four (24) hours in advance and approved by the Speaker of the Senate unless otherwise discussed with the Speaker of the Senate. If the Speaker of the Senate does not respond to an excuse submission within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt, the submission is automatically approved.
1. Three (3) excused absences will make up one (1) unexcused absence at the discretion of the Speaker of the Senate.
2. Senators can only accrue one (1) unexcused or excused absence in a calendar day.
3. Classes, work, or prior commitments are not to be considered an excused absence unless approved by the Speaker of the Senate.

Section 3. Compliance

The Speaker of the Senate shall monitor and maintain records of the fulfillment of these duties.
The Speaker of the Senate may, at their discretion, temporarily excuse the Senator’s failure to fulfill any of these duties upon receipt of a written request submitted within one (1) week of the failure to fulfill any duty.

Chapter 2. The Office of the Speaker of the Student Senate

Section 1. Duties of the Speaker

The Speaker of the Senate will be the presiding officer of the Senate and the administrative head of the Legislative Branch.
The Speaker will appoint the Officers and Staff of the Senate, with all reporting directly to the Speaker and serving at their pleasure.
The Speaker will coordinate the efforts of all Standing Committees of the Senate.
The Speaker of the Senate may, at their own discretion, establish any policies for the management of the legislative branch, its members, and its staff.
The Speaker of the Senate may, at their own discretion, establish a seating arrangement for the Senate meeting.
The Speaker of the Senate may, at their own discretion, determine the method for any vote.
The Speaker of the Senate may, at their own discretion, declare the Senate to be recessed for no more than thirty (30) minutes.
The Speaker of the Senate may, at their own discretion, remove any or all individuals gathered in the gallery.
The Speaker of the Senate may, at their own discretion, recruit whatever aid one may need in making or implementing any decision.
The Speaker of the Senate may, at their own discretion, table, lift, review, or hold any piece of legislation.
The Speaker will perform all other functions and duties of their office as prescribed by the Association’s Bylaws or Standing Rules of the Senate.

Section 2. Election of the Speaker

At the first meeting of the Session, the President of the Senate shall serve as Presiding Officer for the purposes of facilitating the election of the Speaker of the Senate.
The Speaker of the Senate shall be an item on the agenda at the first Business meeting of the Senate.
The Speaker will be elected by a simple majority of Senators. No person will be eligible for nomination to the Office of the Speaker unless they are a sitting member of the Senate.
The President of the Senate shall open the floor to allow for nominations to be made for the Office of the Speaker, by members of the Senate. This shall be considered the first round of the Election.
1. During the first round, Candidates will each be given five (5) minutes to speak, followed by three (3) minutes of Q&A. After all Candidates have been presented, a debate will take place. All candidates for Speaker will wait outside the Senate Chamber during the debate on the Candidates.
2. Following debate, a voice vote must take place. A tie between the Candidate with the most votes and abstentions does not meet the elected requirement at any point during the election process.
3. Following the end of the first round, if no Candidate receives a simple majority of Senators, a second round will be conducted including only the two (2) Candidates who received the most votes in this round.
4. In the event of a tie between three or more candidates, the requirement to move onto the second round of voting has not been met and shall be considered a failed vote.
Following the end of the first round, the top two (2) Candidates will each be given five (5) minutes to speak, followed by three (3) minutes of Q&A. After all Candidates have been presented, a debate will take place. All Candidates for Speaker will wait outside the Senate Chamber during the debate on the Candidates. Following debate, a voice vote must take place.
Following the end of a second round, if no candidate receives a simple majority of Senators, the President of the Senate will end the election of the Office of the Speaker and re-open the floor for open nominations pursuant to Section 2A of this Chapter.
The Speaker-elect will assume the Office after taking the Oath of Office at the end of the first session of the Senate and shall expire at the end of the Session of the Association.

Section 3. Overriding the Speaker of the Senate

The Senate may overturn any decision of the Speaker of the Senate with a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.

Section 4. Line of Succession of the Speaker of the Senate

In the case of the removal of the Speaker from Office, or death, resignation or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office or a prolonged absence of ten (10) days or more, or a suspension by the Senate by Senate Resolution, the office of the Speaker of the Senate, with all rights and responsibilities thereof shall fall to the line of succession.
1. The Chair of Senate Affairs and Operations.
2. The Chair of Government Oversight.
3. The Chair of Academic Services.
4. The Chair of Student Support Services.
5. The Chair of Student Experiences and Engagement.

Section 5. Acting Speaker of the Senate

In the case of a temporary absence of ten (10) days or less or whenever the Speaker transmits to the President of the Association, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the Association’s Advisor, their written declaration that they are unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office, and until they transmit to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Deputy Speaker as Acting Speaker of the Senate.

Section 6. Vote of No Confidence of the Speaker of the Senate

Whenever the Deputy Speaker and a majority of the Senate Leadership, transmit to the President of the Association, the Chief Justice, and the Association’s Advisor their written declaration the Speaker is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office, the Deputy Speaker shall assume the powers and duties of the Office of the Speaker as Acting Speaker. The Speaker may challenge this declaration to the Senate who may overturn or sustain this decision by a two-thirds vote. The Court may not override this Order.

Section 7. Temporary Suspension of the Speaker of the Senate

The Association’s Advisor, under extreme circumstances and when deemed necessary may call into question the ability of the Speaker of the Senate to serve may transmit a letter issuing a temporary suspension lasting no more than ten (10) business days as such to the Deputy Speaker, members of the Senate Leadership, members of the Senate, the President, members of the President’s Cabinet, the Chief Justice and Members of the Court.
The Deputy Speaker and members of the Senate Leadership may invoke No Confidence of this Chapter, or the Membership Review Board may invoke an investigation according to their procedures.

Section 8. Failure to Assume Office the Speaker of the Senate

If no member of the enumerated line of succession is willing to assume the Speaker of the Senate upon the removal of the Speaker from Office, or death, resignation or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office or a prolonged absence of ten (10) days or more, or a suspension by the Senate by Senate Resolution, then a new election for Speaker shall be held following the procedure outlined Chapter 3 of this Article

Until a new speaker can be elected, the President of the Senate shall serve as presiding officer.

Chapter 4. The Deputy Speaker of the Senate

Section 1. Appointment of the Deputy Speaker of the Senate

The Speaker of the Student Senate may appoint one (1) Chairperson of a Standing Senate Committee to serve as Deputy Speaker for the duration of the Legislative Session.

Section 2. The Deputy Speaker of the Senate

The Deputy Speaker shall assist the Speaker of the Student Senate in the execution of operational and administrative responsibilities of the Legislative Branch, including but not limited to:
1. Assisting in the preparation and review of Senate and Committee agendas;
2. Supporting communication and coordination with members of the Student Senate;
3. Assisting in the planning and execution of Senate meetings, Committee of the Whole sessions, and other legislative functions;
4. Supporting the general administrative and operational functions of the Office of the Speaker as delegated by the Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker may accompany or represent the Speaker of the Student Senate at meetings, events, and functions as determined by the Speaker.
The Deputy Speaker shall serve at the discretion of the Speaker of the Student Senate and may be removed or replaced by the Speaker at any time.

Chapter 5. The Clerk of the Student Senate

Section 1. Appointment of the Clerk of the Senate

The Clerk of the Senate will be appointed by the Speaker, from membership of the Association. The Clerk cannot be a sitting official of the Association.
The Clerk of the Senate shall serve at the pleasure of the Speaker, who may at any time, remove or suspend the Clerk of the Senate, or until resignation, in the case of death, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office or a prolonged absence of ten (10) days or more, or a suspension by the Senate by Senate Resolution. In case of resignation, the Clerk of the Senate must give the Speaker of the Senate two weeks' notice.
In the case of temporary absences, temporary suspension, or vacancy of the office, the Speaker of the Senate may designate that the Central Office shall act in the capacity of Acting Clerk until the Speaker of the Senate appoints a new Clerk.
The Clerk of the Senate shall be ineligible to serve as a Senator while serving as the Clerk of the Senate. This line does not prohibit the Clerk of the Senate from running or being appointed as a Senator; however, the two positions cannot be held simultaneously.

Section 2. Duties of the Clerk of the Senate

The Clerk of the Senate, when sworn in, shall serve as the Chief Operating Officer of the Senate by:
1. Maintaining a permanent record of all Senate proceedings.
2. Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date Senate roster.
3. Maintaining a record of all absences and excuses for the Senate and mandatory events as set by the Speaker.
4. Maintaining the Senate record of legislation.
5. Maintaining the Senate voting record.
6. Facilitating the signing of all Legislation in a timely manner

Chapter 6. The Chairpersons of the Standing Committees

Section 1. Eligibility of Chairperson

The Chairpersons of all Standing Committees of the Senate must be a Senator and serve as Officers of the Senate

Section 2. Duties of a Chairperson

The Chairperson presides over all their committee meetings.
To coordinate the overall performance of their committee.
To report all Committee activities to the Speaker of the Senate.
Chairpersons of the Standing Committees serve at the pleasure of the Speaker, who may at any time remove or suspend such Chairpersons.

Section 3. Succession of a Chairperson

In the case of the removal of the Chairperson from Office, or death, resignation or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office or a prolonged absence of ten (10) days or more, or a suspension by the Senate by Senate Resolution, the office of the Chairperson, with all rights and responsibilities thereof shall fall to the Chair Pro-Tempore, pending approval by the Senate
Should the Senate fail to approve the Chair Pro-Tempore for the position of Chairperson, they shall act in the capacity of Interim Chairperson until the Speaker of the Senate appoints a new Chairperson and they are confirmed by the Senate.

Chapter 7. Pro-Tempore Chairperson of the Standing Committees

Section 1. Pro-Tempore Chairperson

Each Standing Committee of the Student Senate shall include a Pro Tempore position to support the operations, continuity, and leadership succession of the committee.

Section 2. Duties of the Pro-Tempore Chairperson

Preside over committee meetings and fulfill all duties of the Chairperson in their absence.
Present committee reports to the Senate on behalf of the Chairperson when the Chairperson is unavailable.
Assist the Chairperson in administrative and procedural functions of the committee, including but not limited to agenda preparation, communication with committee members, and maintenance of attendance and records.
Ensure that meeting minutes are accurately recorded and submitted in accordance with the Association’s record-keeping procedures.
Serve as a point of contact for committee members when delegated by the Chairperson.

Section 3. Succession to the Chairperson

In the event the Chairperson resigns, graduates, or becomes otherwise unable to serve during the Session, the Pro-Tempore Chairperson shall assume the role of Acting Chairperson until a new Chairperson is appointed or confirmed pursuant to Association procedures. If such a vacancy occurs after mid-Session, the Pro-Tempore Chairperson shall serve as Chairperson for the remainder of the Session or until a new chairperson is appointed by the Speaker of the Senate.

Section 4. Removal of the Pro-Tempore

The Pro-Tempore Chairperson may be removed for failure to perform assigned duties, misconduct, or other reasons consistent with the Association’s Code of Conduct and the provisions of Article XI: Sanction and Removal of Officials of the Rules and Regulations.
The Pro-Tempore serves the pleasure of the Committee Chairperson, who may recommend removal to the Speaker of the Senate. Removal becomes effective upon concurrence of the Speaker.
Within five (5) business days of written notice of removal, the Pro-Tempore may appeal to the Supreme Court of the Association, whose decision shall be binding.

Chapter 8. The Operations of the Student Senate

Section. 1. Meetings of the Senate

The Senate shall meet each Wednesday when classes are in session during the fall and spring semesters. Meetings shall begin at 7:30 pm unless an alternate schedule is announced at least 24 hours in advance by the Speaker of the Senate and meetings shall adjourn by 9:30 pm unless the meeting is extended by a two-thirds majority vote of the Senate.
Prior to the official meeting, the Senate shall meet as Committee of the Whole. Meetings for the Committee of the Whole shall begin at 6:30 pm unless an alternate schedule is announced at least 24 hours in advance by the Speaker of the Senate.
The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall be the official standard of parliamentary procedure for the Senate in all situations not specifically addressed in the Constitution, Bylaws, or Statutes.

Section 2. Quorum

A quorum shall be at least fifty percent (50%) of the total number of Senators installed.
A simple majority vote shall be more than fifty percent (50%) of Senators present. A majority of Senators present and voting shall be more than fifty percent (50%) of Senators present and not abstaining.
A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote shall be at least sixty-six-point six percent (66.6%) of Senators present. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire Senate, excluding vacant seats, when stated in the Constitution, Bylaws and Statutes, shall be at least sixty-six-point six percent (66.6%) of the total sworn membership of the Senate.

Section 3. Speaking Rights

The Vice President of the Association, serving as the President of the Senate, shall retain speaking and procedural rights.
The President of the Association, members of the Cabinet, the Student Advocate, and other Association appointees shall retain speaking rights but may under no circumstances retain procedural or voting rights.
The Association Advisor shall retain speaking rights at any time and shall be able to yield their time but may under no circumstances retain procedural or voting rights.
Any individual in the gallery shall retain speaking rights for any piece of business which pertains to the individual directly, but under no circumstances shall they retain procedural or voting rights.

Section 4. The Senate Agenda

At each regularly scheduled Senate meeting, a portion of the agenda shall be designated as Public Forum.
Any member of the University community in the gallery shall have the right to address the Senate during Public Forum. Individuals from outside the University community in the gallery may address the Senate during Public Forum with the prior permission of the Speaker of the Senate.
Any Senator may address the Senate on a specific topic of their choice for a minimum of three minutes in duration. This shall be known as Senator Floor Speeches. Senators may only hold the floor once during the period. The Speaker shall determine the time allotment per speech allowed for the Session. Senators may request the time restriction to be waived with prior approval from the Speaker. Senators may not speak during the normal Public Forum period of the agenda
Any member of the University community may request that the Speaker of the Senate commit any form of legislation.
1. Such legislation shall be placed on the agenda under New Business.
2. The author(s) of any such legislation shall be responsible for answering any questions regarding its content.
3. Such legislation may not be acted on at the same Senate meeting in which it is presented for a First Read unless deemed timely by the Speaker.
4. After the First Read, the Speaker of the Senate shall assign the legislation to one of the Standing Senate Committee. In the case that legislation was authored by the Standing Senate Committee, the Speaker of the Senate, at their discretion, may choose to skip the Standing Senate Committee read for that legislation.
5. Such legislation shall be placed on the agenda for the next Senate meeting under Pending Business after being reported out of the assigned Committee or by two-thirds (2/3) of the Senate.
6. Pending agenda items shall be placed on the agenda for the next Senate meeting under Unfinished Business.
7. Items may be placed on the consent agenda at the discretion of the Speaker or a simple majority vote of the Senate.
8. Items on the Consent Agenda will be taken up unless objected to, in which case they are restored for consideration on the regular agenda.
9. In the case that the meeting minutes are objected to, Senators must state the errors within the minutes to be corrected by the Clerk of the Senate. Once all corrections have been made and corrected, the meeting minutes may be approved by the Senate, barring any other objections or corrections.

Section 5. Unfinished Legislative Initiatives Report

At the conclusion of each Legislative Session, a report shall be created to document legislative initiatives, proposals, and policy concepts that were introduced or discussed during the session but were not completed prior to adjournment of the session
The report shall be compiled by the Speaker of the Senate, in coordination with the Central Office, following the final Senate session of the Session, after all items of business, including emeritus legislation, have been considered.
The report shall summarize unfinished legislation, initiatives, or policy proposals that were actively being developed or considered by the Senate or its committees during the Session but were not finalized prior to adjournment of the final Senate session. To ensure completeness, the Speaker of the Senate or Central Office shall issue a formal request for submissions no later than four (4) weeks prior to the final Senate session of the Session. Senators may submit descriptions of their individual or committee-led initiatives, including draft legislation or proposals not formally introduced, to the Speaker for inclusion in the report.
The finalized report shall be maintained by the Central Office of the Student Government Association as part of the official legislative records of the Association. The report shall be preserved in a manner accessible to future Senate leadership and members, including but not limited to storage within the Association’s official Microsoft Teams or other designated SGA shared digital platform, as maintained by the Central Office.
At the beginning of a new Legislative Session, the Central Office or the former Speaker of the Senate, when available, shall present the Unfinished Legislative Initiatives Report to the Student Senate. The presentation shall serve to inform incoming Senators of prior legislative ideas, discussions, and proposals from the previous Session that may provide inspiration or a starting point for new legislative efforts.

Chapter 9. Emeritus Status

Section 1. Purpose of Emeritus Status

Emeritus Status shall be given as permanent status to honor individuals who have served in the Association, who have typically gone above and beyond the work expected within their position, and whose accomplishments have had a significant impact on the Association.

Section 2. Speaking Rights of an Emeritus Holder

Any individual with Emeritus Status shall retain speaking rights but may under no circumstances retain procedural or voting rights.

Section 3. Processing of Awarding Emeritus Status

Emeritus Status is granted through a Senate Bill at the final meeting of the Session and requires a simple majority vote of the Senate.
Emeritus Status may be removed by two-thirds majority vote of the Senate, through a Senate Bill
The Central Office is required to keep a record of all individuals who have been granted Emeritus status and update the list of those individuals on the Association’s website.

Section 4. Recognition of an Emeritus Holder

In the case an individual with Emeritus Status attends a Senate session, the presiding chair must recognize them by stating their name and title before starting Public Forum

Chapter 10. Operations of the Standing Committees of the Student Senate

Section 1. Purpose of the Standing Committees

Standing Committees of the Senate shall research, report, and make recommendations to the Senate regarding action related to their respective areas of responsibility and undertake other efforts as decided by the Senate.

Section 2. Operations of the Standing Committees

The Standing Committees of the Senate shall meet weekly when classes are in session during the fall and spring semesters. Meetings shall begin at 5:30 pm unless otherwise arranged by the Chairperson. The Senate Executive Committee shall be exempt from the 5:30 pm meeting time.
Meeting times shall be arranged by the Committee Chairperson and be communicated to the Speaker and the Association Advisor prior to the fall and spring semesters. An effort should be made for the meeting time to be accessible to as many members as possible.
Meetings shall begin at the prescribed time unless an alternate schedule is announced at least 24 hours in advance by the Speaker or Chairperson.
The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall be the official standard of parliamentary procedure for the Standing Committees of the Senate in all situations not specifically addressed in the Constitution, Bylaws, or Statutes.

Section 3. Quorum and Voting

A quorum shall be at least fifty percent (50%) of the total number of installed Committee members
A simple majority vote shall be more than fifty percent (50%) of the Committee members present

Section 4. Speaking and Procedural Rights

Any member of the Senate shall retain only speaking rights within Committees upon recognition of the Chairperson
The Association Advisor or designee shall retain speaking rights in any Committee at any time and shall be able to yield their time but may under no circumstances retain procedural or voting rights.
Any individual in the gallery shall retain only speaking rights for any piece of business which pertains to the individual directly.

Section 5. Legislative Duties

Each standing committee shall consider legislation referred to the Committee.
Each standing committee shall report the legislation to the Senate with a recommendation that it either be passed or not passed, or without recommendation.
Each standing committee may hold legislation in Committee until reported out by a simple majority vote of the Committee. Such held legislation may be discharged and considered on the floor of the Senate by a two-third (2/3) majority vote of the Senate.
Each standing committee shall have the ability to amend the legislation by a majority vote of the Committee and send it to the Senate.
The Committees shall be accountable to the Senate for their activities and exercise of their duties.
The Committees may not take any decision or hold any vote, including votes by general consent, without a quorum consisting of fifty percent (50%) of the entire Committee present.

Section 6. Joint Committees

When necessary, two (2) or more Standing Committees of the Senate may convene in a Joint Meeting when legislation or matters fall under the jurisdiction of multiple Committees or when directed by the Speaker of the Senate. Joint Meetings shall be coordinated by the Chairpersons of the participating Committees and communicated to the Speaker of the Senate and the Association Advisor.
The Chairperson of the Committee to which the legislation was primarily referred shall preside over the Joint Meeting. If legislation has been referred to multiple Committees without designation of a primary Committee, the Chairpersons shall mutually determine which Chairperson shall preside, subject to approval of the Speaker of the Senate. Upon adjournment of the Joint portion of the meeting, each Chairperson shall preside over their respective Committee should separate meetings continue.
The agenda for a Joint Meeting shall be prepared collaboratively by the Chairpersons of the participating Committees. The agenda shall clearly distinguish items for joint consideration and items reserved for individual Committee consideration. The finalized agenda shall be distributed in accordance with standard Committee procedures.
Roll calls shall be conducted at the beginning of the Joint Meeting. Quorum shall consist of at least fifty percent (50%) of the installed members of each participating Committee. No action may be taken unless quorum requirements are satisfied.
The Pro Tempore, as assigned by the participating Chairpersons, shall record the minutes of the Joint Meeting. The minutes shall reflect attendance for each participating Committee separately. All motions, amendments, and votes shall be clearly recorded.
All items considered during a Joint Meeting shall be voted on jointly by the members of the participating Committees present. A motion shall pass upon receiving a simple majority of the total voting members present from all participating Committees, provided quorum requirements are satisfied.
Matters falling exclusively within the jurisdiction of one Committee shall not require joint consideration unless directed by the Speaker of the Senate. A Joint Meeting may include a portion designated for joint business and a portion designated for separate Committee meetings. The division of time between joint and separate portions shall be determined by the participating Chairpersons and approved by the Speaker of the Senate.
Individual Committee business may not be conducted until the Joint portion of the meeting has adjourned.

Chapter 11. Standing Committees of the Student Senate

Section 1. The Senate Executive Committee

The Senate Executive Committee shall serve as the Senate Leadership and shall assign topics or problems to any of the other Standing Committees, and direct the projects, legislation, and initiatives of the Legislative Branch. The Committee shall hold jurisdiction over attendance, voting rules, inter-committee relations, senator recognition, and review legislation on the Senate floor.
The Committee shall set the rules for any removal proceedings recommended by the Membership Review Board.
The Speaker of the Student Senate shall serve as chair and the Committee shall be comprised of each Standing Committee Chair, the Clerk of the Student Senate, and the President of the Senate. The Clerk of the Senate is a non-voting member of the committee. The Association Advisor and Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs shall serve as an ex-officio, non-voting members on the committee.

Section 2. The Senate Affairs and Operations Committee

The Committee on Senate Affairs and Operations shall serve as the main programming and outreach body for internal Senate Affairs and Operations. The Committee shall review and make recommendations to the Senate on actions to address issues with the legislative progress of the Senate, the Senate’s Standing Rules of Order, senator outreach initiatives, Senate caucuses, and the legislative process of the Senate.
The Committee shall be responsible for planning Senate workshops and training for the weekly Committee of the Whole sessions, Senate programming, and senator retention initiatives. The Committee shall work with the Senate Executive Committee to further senator engagement, recruitment, and retention for the Senate.
The Senate Affairs and Operations Chairperson shall serve as chair and the Committee shall consist of no more than five senators of total allocated Senate seats, including the Chairperson and the Speaker of the Senate.

Section 3. The Government Oversight Committee

The Committee on Government Oversight shall oversee and identify policy concerns and legislation relevant to higher education and students’ interests, and advocate and lobby for the fulfillment of students’ interests at the local, state, and federal levels of government.
The Committee shall hold jurisdiction over city, state, and national government issues, Higher Education law in Kansas and United States.
The Committee shall hold jurisdiction over Appropriations, Individual and Organization Funding, Student Service Fees policies, the Association budget, The Association’s Funding Regulations, the Association’s Hardship Fund, internal SGA programs and services such as the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker, elections and civic engagement initiatives and programs, and student employment issues (HR) in addition to general policies and student concerns.
The Government Oversight Chairperson shall serve as chair and the Committee shall consist of no more than one-third (1/3) of total allocated Senate seats, including the Chairperson and the Speaker of the Senate.

Section 4. The Student Support Services Committee

The Committee on Student Support Services shall provide oversight to all Student Support Service areas, shall identify services that are available to members of the Association through the University, shall communicate such information to members of the Association and shall monitor the actions of Staff Senate.
The Committee shall hold jurisdiction over Staff Senate, the TRIO programs, Accessibility issues and ADA compliance, Student Health Services (SHS), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Health, Outreach, Prevention and Education (HOPE) Services, Office of Civil Rights, Title IX & ADA Compliance (CTAC), Student Outreach & Support (SOS), the CARE Team, Information Technology Services (ITS), Postal Services, student rights, the Office of Student Accommodations and Testing.
The Student Support Services Chairperson shall serve as Chair and the Committee shall consist of no more than one-third (1/3) of total allocated Senate seats, including the Chairperson and the Speaker of the Senate.

Section 5. The Student Experiences and Engagement Committee

The Committee shall aim to cultivate and support student experiences, engagement, retention, and belonging on campus. The Committee shall aim to cultivate a relationship with Student Engagement & Belonging, Housing and Residence Life, the University Police Department, Recognized Student Organizations, the Rhatigan Student Center, Athletics, the Child Development Center, Dining Services, and Campus Recreation.
The Committee on Student Experiences shall provide oversight and hold jurisdiction over recognized student organizations (RSOs) and policies regarding RSOs, Dining Services, Housing and Residence Life, Parking and Traffic Concerns, University Police Department, Rhatigan Student Center, Student Engagement & Belonging, Shocker Strengths, Student Employment, Child Development Center, Athletics, and Campus Recreation.
The Committee shall facilitate communication and gather student concerns by communicating and reaching out to student organizations and participating and supporting campus events in conjunction with the Executive Branch.
The Committee shall reserve a minimum of two (2) meetings each academic semester dedicated to engagement with Recognized Student Organizations, which shall not follow the standard legislative agenda and shall instead serve as a forum for student organizations to present concerns, feedback, and proposals to the Committee.
The Student Experiences and Engagement Chairperson shall serve as Chair and the Committee shall consist of no more than one-third (1/3) of total allocated Senate seats, including the Chairperson and the Speaker of the Senate. The Chair of the Committee shall attend the RSO Summit or other relevant RSO training courses and forums in addition to other bodies as determined by the Speaker.

Section 6. The Academic Services Committee

The Committee on Academic Services shall address all academic concerns of students and shall hear and make recommendations to the Senate on actions to address issues of academic nature, monitor the actions of the Faculty Senate and the Kansas Board of Regents.
The Committee shall hold jurisdiction over Faculty Senate, Classroom Experiences, Academic Advising, Student Success and Advancement, Scholarships, Student Conduct and Community Standards, Shocker Career Accelerator and applied learning issues, the University Libraries, Financial Aid, the Office of the Registrar, Admissions, the NISS Toolbox Program, Commencement, University and College Townhall Meetings, and Undergraduate and Graduate Research.
The Academic Services Chairperson shall serve as Chair and the Committee shall consist of no more than one-third (1/3) of total allocated Senate seats, including the Chairperson and the Speaker of the Senate. The Chair of the Committee shall attend the University’s Advising Council in addition to Faculty Senate meetings as determined by the Speaker.

Chapter 12. The Legislative Council

Section 1. Purpose of the Legislative Council

The Legislative Council serves as the de facto Senate over the Summer and Winter Session of the academic year when traditionally the Senate would not be in session and is convened to address the business of the Association.

Section 2. Members of the Legislative Council

Membership of the Legislative Council shall consist of those listed members below, confirmed by the Student Senate:
1. The Speaker of the Senate, serving as Chair of the Council,
2. The President of the Senate, serving as Vice Chair
3. Each Standing Senate Committee Chairperson,
4. The Clerk of the Senate, serving as an ex-officio, non-voting member
5. One (1) Senator from each of voting bloc of the Senate, who is the most senior representative,
  1. Senior representative shall be defined as the senator who has served for the longest duration in the voting bloc. In the case that several senators have served for the same duration, the senator that has served for the longest duration and received the most votes in the spring or midterm elections shall serve as the voting block representative.
  2. In the case that several senators have served the same duration and were appointed by the Speaker of the Senate, it is up to the discretion of the Speaker of the Senate who will serve as the most senior bloc representative.
  3. In the case that the most senior representative is a Standing Committee Chairperson or the Speaker of the Senate, the next most senior representative according to the criteria above shall serve as the voting bloc representative.
  4. The duration period can include both consecutive terms and non-consecutive terms if the duration served is in the same voting bloc.
6. The Association Advisor, serving as ex-officio, non-voting member.

Section 3. Duties of the Legislative Council

Act as the Senate and represent the Senate when the Senate is not in session.
Conduct business on behalf of the Senate when not in session.
Govern mechanics and procedure of legislative committee work and activities when the Senate is not in session.
The Speaker of the Senate shall communicate the Council's decisions and activities to all members of the Executive Cabinet, all members of the Student Senate, and members of the Supreme Court.

Section 4. Meetings of the Legislative Council

The Speaker of the Senate must call the Council into session at least once during the Summer Session and at their discretion may call the Council into session for additional meetings, but not required to meet during the Winter Session.
The Speaker of the Senate shall determine the format for Council Meetings such as virtual meetings, hybrid meetings or in-person meetings.
The Council shall meet and follow the same rules as the full Senate during normal session.
The Council shall consider legislation as necessary and must be passed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote, excluding vacant seats, to encourage consensus building and non-bias representation.

Article II: The Executive Branch

Chapter 1. The President of the Association

Section 1. The Duties of the Student Body President

To fulfill all expectations of the Office of the President of the Association listed in the Constitution.
To recommend to the Senate any policy which the individual considers to be in pursuit and expedient of the purposes of the Association.
To call any special sessions of the Senate at their own discretion within 24 hours via Executive Order.
To create or dissolve executive committees and positions to aid in the fulfillment of the position’s duties.
To attend meetings of the Kansas Board of Regents and the Students’ Advisory Committee as the Association’s delegate.

Section 2. Appointment Authority

To appoint the Court Justices to the Supreme Court of the Student Government Association.
To appoint Association members to positions in pursuit of purpose of the Association.

Section 3. Term of Office

To assume a term of office for one (1) year that shall commence two (2) weeks after official election results are announced.

Section 4. Removal or Sanction

The President may be sanctioned or removed for failure to maintain eligibility for office or to fulfill any of these duties according to the procedure outlined the Bylaws.

Chapter 2. The Vice President of the Association

Section 1. The Duties of the Student Body Vice President

To fulfill all expectations of the Office of the Vice President of the Association listed in the Constitution.
To serve as President of the Senate, voting only in the event of tie; and shall preside as they wish.
To serve as the student representative to the Board of Directors for the Intercollegiate Athletic Association, Publications Board and the Rhatigan Student Center.
To be responsible for all Standing Committees of the Association and direct their operations and projects.
To monitor and hold accountable the progress of ongoing initiatives and projects of the Executive Branch.
To assist Committee members of the Association, and individual students in the drafting and publication of legislation for presentation to the Senate.
To recommend to the Senate any policy or action which they believe is expedient in improving the internal operation of the Association and the Association’s office.
To maintain an operational knowledge and understanding of the Constitution, Bylaws, and Statutes, both current and historical, and to provide this insight to members of the Association and University Community.
To perform a comprehensive review of the Legislative Journal over the course of the Summer, reviewing the document for mistakes in spelling and grammar as well as for flaws or contradictions in the internal workings of the Association.

Section 2. Appointment Authority

To appoint Student Representatives, in pursuit of purpose, of the Student Senate and Association Committees.
To assist the President in the collection and review of applications, interviews, and making selections for appointment to any vacant Association position.

Section 3. Term of Office

To assume a term of office for one (1) year that shall commence two (2) weeks after official election results are announced.

Section 4. Removal or Sanction

The Vice President may be sanctioned or removed for failure to maintain eligibility for office or to fulfill any of these duties according to the procedure outlined in the Bylaws.

Chapter 3. The Treasurer of the Association

Section 1. The Duties of the Student Body Vice President

To fulfill all expectations of the Office of the Treasurer of the Association listed in the Constitution.
To execute all financial transactions of the Association in compliance with the Association’s budget.
To submit the Association’s budget to the Senate for approval at least once per fiscal year.
To ensure that all contracts to which the Association or organization are recognized according to the regulations and procedures outlined in S002 is party to or executed according to university policy.

Section 2. Term of Office

To assume a term of office for one (1) year that shall commence after confirmation of the Senate.

Section 3. Removal or Sanction

The Treasurer may be sanctioned or removed for failure to maintain eligibility for office or to fulfill any of these duties.

Chapter 4. Operations of the Association’s Cabinet

Section 1. Purpose of the Cabinet

The Cabinet shall serve to advise and assist the President in the execution of the will of the Senate and the members of the Association and to communicate the activities of the Executive Branch to the Senate.
The Cabinet shall meet each week during the term. Meetings shall be set by the President and/or Chief of Staff. The Association Advisor shall retain speaking rights at any time.
The Cabinet may develop its own rules and procedures if they are consistent with the Constitution, Bylaws, and Statutes through Executive Order.
The Office of the Student Advocate shall be considered members of the Cabinet.

Section 2. Expansion of Duties

The President of the Association may add additional duties and/or expectations to members of the Cabinet through Executive Order.

Section 3. Creation of Positions

The President of the Association may create, develop, implement and appoint any additional members of the Cabinet they deem necessary through Executive Order including allocating a stipend not to exceed the pay of the lowest member of Cabinet. Such act shall expire upon revoking of such Order or overturned by the Senate in the following Session.
An Executive Order to create and appoint an additional member to the Cabinet shall be announced to the Senate at the following Senate session.

Section 4. Reporting

Members of the Cabinet serve at the pleasure of the President, who may at any time remove or suspend such Members, excluding the Vice President and Advocates.

Section 5. Term of Office

All Cabinet Members shall serve a term no longer than one (1) year ending at the last regularly scheduled Senate meeting of the session to which they are appointed.
Transition authority is set up annually by the Central Office

Section 6. Additional Duties of Cabinet Members

All Cabinet Members are required to complete any assignments as directed by the Student Body President and Student Body Vice President.

The flowing positions within the Association’s Cabinet shall be made permanent and must be filled each Session of Student Government. Appointments made to these permanent positions must be approved by the Senate with a simple majority.
1. Chief of Staff
2. Director of Media Relations
3. Director of Legislative Affairs and Policy

Chapter 5. The Association’s Cabinet

Section 1. The Chief of Staff

The Chief of Staff shall maintain order and function within the Office of the President.
To oversee and execute the codification, collection, publication, and distribution of the Legislative Journal.
To oversee the preservation and distribution of all public records of the Association and to make preliminary determinations regarding any open records requests to the Association, with denied requests being appealed automatically to the President.
To record all official action by the Executives and Cabinet and, together with official office memos, submit the records to be added to the journal each year.
To monitor and hold accountable the progress of ongoing initiatives and projects of the Executive Branch.
To record minutes of each official Cabinet meeting and to upload these to the Association’s chosen student organization management system, which shall be uploaded no later than thirty (30) days after each meeting.
To distribute any legislation passed by the Senate to any party mentioned specifically in that legislation and to any other parties concerned.
To facilitate effective communication between the Cabinet and individuals working on official Association projects and initiatives.
Assess both on campus and off campus policies that affect decisions of the Executive Branch.
Draft, investigate, produce and develop recommendations to university policies or KBOR policies as well as complete necessary research over specifics of policies.
To assist the Vice President, especially organizationally, in performing a comprehensive review of the legislative Journal over the course of the Summer.

Section 2. The Director of Media Relations

To manage the Association’s online and social media presence across all areas of the Association.
To serve as the Association’s graphic designer, photographer, and videographer.
To manage the visual brand and advertisement of services, programs, and opportunities of the Association.
To advertise on the Association’s online and social media presence, in the Shocker Blast, and in any other appropriate media outlet.

Section 3. Director of Community Engagement and Outreach

To handle and develop outreach efforts and initiatives for the Association.
To manage programming sponsored by the Executive Branch.
To coordinate volunteer events, services and mutual aid resources for the WSU community and the Shocker Neighborhood.
To serve on the University’s Community Village Team by attending all Community Village meetings.
To advocate for the prosperity of the Shocker Neighborhood by engaging with local community members to ensure awareness of what the community wants/needs as well as Council members and local government officials.
To strengthen relationships between community members and students on campus.
To ensure community services and mutual aid opportunities are flourishing within the community.
Plan and host community gatherings in which community members, students, staff and administration can connect and foster relationships.
If opportunity presents itself, to serve on the Fairmount Neighborhood Association.

Section 4. Director of Health and Wellness

Develop relationships with and meet regularly with leaders from all the health, wellness, and sustainability related student organizations.
Develop a working relationship with professional health and wellness staff.
Proactively address health and wellness concerns and policy issues and recommend strategies and opportunities to ensure a more sustainable future for Wichita State University.
Direct students to the proper outlets to obtain assistance with questions related to health, counseling, wellness, prevention, and safety.
Work on projects and programming to address student health and wellness needs.
Serve on University health and wellness committees, task forces, and work groups.

Section 5. Director of Food Insecurity and Sustainability

Serves on the Prevention Services Advisory Board and University committees relating to Sustainability.
Develop relationships with and meet regularly with leaders from all the sustainability related student organizations.
Develop a working relationship with professional facilities, food insecurity and sustainability staff.
Proactively address food insecurity and sustainability concerns and policy issues and recommend strategies and opportunities to ensure a more sustainable future for Wichita State University.
Work on projects and programming to address food insecurity and sustainability.
Serve on University task forces and work groups.
Studies and work with Wichita State Green Group to ensure the success and maintenance of the Wichita State Community Garden.
In conjunction with staff, support the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker and oversee policy practices of the Locker.

Section 6. Director of Legislative Affairs and Policy

To serve as the spokesperson of the Association and manage the public relations of the Association, including but not limited to relationships with news outlets such as Sunflower, Strategic Communications and local news media.
Aid the President with KBOR Student Advisory Committee Meetings and travel with the President to all meetings.
To report to the President on legislation and public affairs relevant to higher education in the State of Kansas and the United States of America.
Communicate and engage with Legislative Directors from the other KBOR Student Advisory Committee institutions.
Assist in coordination of State Higher Education Day in collaboration with the other KBOR Student Advisory Committee.
Assist in coordination of communication to State and Federal Governments in collaboration with the Cabinet.
Attend Legislative Review sessions hosted by the Wichita State University Office of Governmental Relations.

Section 7. Director of Leadership and Engagement

Appoint, lead, coordinate and serve as the student leader to the Freshman Leadership Council.
Coordinate any leadership and/or student engagement programming or initiatives on behalf of the Student Government.
Oversee and assist in all aspects of the Freshman Leadership Council including, but not limited to the selections process, recruitment, coordinating meetings, events and initiatives of the Council.

Section 8. Director of International Student Affairs

Lead outreach and advocacy with and on behalf of international students, working to ensure that all international students on campus are supported.
Assist international students in gaining access to resources that can be useful to the mission of student government.
Work with partners in the university and the City of Wichita to develop and execute initiatives to enhance college experience for international students at Wichita State.
Work directly with recognized international student organizations and serve as a liaison between Student Government and the International Student Union.
Serve as the Student Government liaison to the Office of International Education and coordinate efforts with campus to improve experiences for international students.

Section 9. Director of Student Organizations

Lead outreach and advocacy with and on behalf of student organizations, working to ensure that all recognized student organizations are supported.
Acts as a liaison between the Council, the Association and Student Engagement & Belonging.
Serve as chair, preside over and act as the spokesperson of the Student Organization Council.
Enforce the tenants of the Student Organization Handbook by coordinating in collaboration with staff and educational programming for student organizations.
Maintains contact with Student Organizations on behalf of the Association.

Section 10. Director of Athletic Engagement

Represents the interests and concerns of the student body to Wichita State Athletics
Serve as the primary liaison between Student Government and the Athletics Department
Promote student engagement with campus athletic events and spirit initiatives
Shall be responsible for the review of the Student Athletics Ticket Agreement by SGA leaders as outlined in the ticket agreement.
Works to maintain positive public relations between Athletic and Students, to maintain the level of excellence expected in representation of Wichita State University
Ensure student engagement and voice over the Athletic Fee
Advance engagement from the student body in and with Athletic events

Section 11. Director of Professional Opportunities

Represents the interests and concerns of the student body to Shocker Career Accelerator as well as Foundation and Alumni Engagement
Serve as the primary liaison between Student Government and Shocker Career Accelerator as well as Foundation and Alumni Engagement
Promote student engagement professional development opportunities
Collaborate with academic colleges and departments to align career development initiatives with students’ educational goals and programs
Build and maintain relationships with employees, industry partners, and alumni networks to create job placement and internship opportunities

Section 12. Director of Transfer Student Experience

Lead outreach and advocacy efforts on behalf of transfer students to ensure they are supported and represented within the Student Government Association and the broader campus community.
Assist transfer students in gaining access to resources and opportunities that foster a smooth transition and promote involvement at Wichita State University.
Collaborate with university offices, departments, and community partners to develop and execute initiatives that enhance the transfer student experience.
Serve as the primary liaison between the Student Government Association and offices such as Student Engagement and Transfer Student Success, as well as with recognized student transfer organizations.
Complete any additional assignments as directed by the President and Vice President.

Section 13. Director of Graduate Student Experience

Lead outreach and advocacy with and on behalf of graduate students, working to ensure that all graduate students on campus are supported.
Assist graduate students in gaining access to resources that can be useful to the mission of the student government.
Work with partners in the university and the City of Wichita to develop and execute initiatives to enhance college experience for graduate students at Wichita State.
Work directly with recognized graduate student organizations and serve as a liaison between Student Government and the Graduate Student Council.
Serve as the Student Government liaison to the Graduate School and coordinate efforts with campus to improve experiences for graduate students.

Section 14. Graphic Designer

Design graphics and visual materials for SGA programs, initiatives, events, and announcements.
Support marketing and communication efforts through the creation of digital and print media, including social media graphics, flyers, presentations, and promotional materials.
Maintain visual consistency with SGA branding guidelines across all materials.
Collaborate with the Media Relations Director and the Chief of Staff and other Executive Branch members to support outreach and messaging efforts as needed.

Section 15. Assistant Treasurer

To coordinate funding processes as directed by the Treasurer of the Association.
To assist in executing all financial transactions of the Association in compliance with the Association’s budget.
To assist in reconciling the Association’s budget at least quarterly throughout the fiscal year.
To assist in ensuring that all contracts to which the Association or any organization recognized according to the regulations and procedures are party to or executed according to university policy.

Section 16. Administrative Clerk

To record minutes of each official Cabinet meeting and to upload these to the Association’s chosen student organization management system, which shall be uploaded no later than thirty (30) days after each meeting.
To maintain a permanent record of all proceedings of the Association’s Cabinet
To maintain an accurate record of all absences and excuses for Cabinet and mandatory events as set by the President.
To serve the role as Commission Clerk for all Commissions
To maintain the voting records of all Commissions
To assist the Chief of Staff in the production, collection and maintenance of official records for the Legislative Journal.

Chapter 6. Succession of the Office of the Student Body President

Section 1. Line of Succession

In the case of the removal of the President from Office, or death, resignation or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office or a prolonged absence of ten (10) days or more, or a suspension by the Senate, the Office of the Presidency, with all rights and responsibilities thereof shall fall to the line of succession as follows:
1. The Vice President of the Association.
2. The Speaker of the Senate.
3. The Treasurer of the Association.

Section 2. Vacancy in the Student Body Vice Presidency

Whenever the Office of Vice President shall become vacant, the President of the Association shall nominate a member of the Association to fill the vacancy with the advice and consent of the Senate by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members.

Section 3. Acting Student Body President

In the case of a temporary absence of ten (10) days or less or less or whenever the President transmits to the Speaker of the Senate, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the Association’s Advisor, their written declaration that they are unable to discharge the powers and duties of the Office, and until they transmit to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.

Section 4. Vote of No Confidence

Whenever the Vice President and a majority of the President’s Cabinet, transmit to the Speaker of the Senate, the Chief Justice, and the Association’s Advisor their written declaration the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office, the Vice President shall assume the powers and duties of the Office of the President as Acting President.
The President may challenge this declaration to the Senate who may overturn or sustain this decision by a two-thirds vote.
The Court may not override this Order.

Section 5. Temporary Suspension

The Association’s Advisor, under extreme circumstances and when deemed necessary may call into question the ability of the President of the Association to serve and transmit a letter issuing a temporary suspension lasting no more than ten (10) business days as such to the Vice President, members of the President’s Cabinet, the Speaker, members of the Senate Leadership, Members of the Senate, the Chief Justice and Members of the Court.
The Vice President and the Cabinet may invoke Section 4 of this Chapter, or the Membership Review Board may invoke an investigation according to their procedures.

Section 6. Failure to Assume Office

If no member of the enumerated line of succession is willing to assume the office of President, then the office of President shall be filled through a limited election.
Only confirmed members of the Cabinet and Senate Leadership shall be eligible to declare candidacy for the limited election. Candidates must adhere to the rules outlined by the constitution for the position of President of the Association.
Only installed members of the Senate shall be eligible to vote in the limited election. Members of Senate Leadership who have declared candidacy shall be ineligible to cast a vote.
The Limited Election should occur during an emergency meeting of the Senate to be called by the Speaker of the Senate at the earliest opportunity. The members of the Association shall be notified at least twelve (12) hours prior to the emergency meeting of the Senate, once the Limited Election has been called. The method of communication shall be at the discretion of the Central Office.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall serve as presiding officer for the purpose of electing the new President. The Chief Justice shall open the floor to allow for nominations to be made for the Office of the President, by members of the Senate or the Executive Branch. This shall be considered the first round of the Election.
1. During the first round, Candidates will each be given five (5) minutes to speak, followed by three (3) minutes of Q&A. After all Candidates have been presented, a debate will take place. All candidates for President will wait outside the Senate Chamber during the debate on the Candidates.
2. Following debate, a voice vote must take place. A tie between the Candidate with the most votes and abstentions does not meet the elected requirement at any point during the election process.
3. Following the end of the first round, if no candidate receives a 2/3 majority of Senators, a second round will be conducted including only the two (2) Candidates who received the most votes in this round.
4. In the event of a tie between three or more candidates, the requirement to move onto the second round of voting has not been met and shall be considered a failed vote.
5. Following the end of the first round, the top two (2) Candidates will each be given five (5) minutes to speak, followed by three (3) minutes of Q&A. After all Candidates have been presented, a debate will take place. All Candidates for President will wait outside the Senate Chamber during the debate on the Candidates.
6. Following debate, a voice vote must take place.
7. Following the end of a second round, if no candidate receives a simple majority of Senators, the Chief Justice will end the election of the Office of the President and re-open the floor for open nominations.
8. The President-elect will assume the Office after taking the Oath of Office at the end of the emergency session of the Senate and shall expire at the end of the Session of the Association
9. The Treasurer shall be appointed as interim president until the new President can be sworn in.

Article III: The Judicial Branch

Chapter 1. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

Section 1. The Duties of the Chief Justice

The Chief Justice shall fulfill all expectations of the Supreme Court of the Association listed in the Constitution.
Shall preside over all cases and acts of the Court and shall serve as the Court’s senior officer and representative.
Shall function as the principal officiator of procedure within the Court whether it is a private meeting or public hearing.
Shall hosts offer training for all Justices over the Constitution of the Student Body once per semester and shall train all new Justices in their role.
Shall act as the Court Librarian and maintain an accurate and organized record of all Supreme Court happenings.
Shall receive all evidence upon submission. It shall be the responsibility of the Chief Justice to provide all members of the Court with copies of all evidence and a list of those who will be called to testify in a timely, no later than twenty-four hours, and prudent manner.
The Chief Justice shall also retain the authority to call the Court into session at any time with or without a case.
The Chief Justice shall retain authority to designate a member of the Court as a representative of the Court when needed.

Section 2. Appointment Authority

The Chief Justice may also appoint an Associate Justice to preside over the Court for private meetings and/or hearings at their discretion.

Section 3. Succession of the Chief Justice

In the event the office of the Chief Justice becomes vacant, or the Chief Justice is not able to be in attendance, the most senior Associate Justice shall assume the role of the presiding Justice until the Chief Justice returns, or the Court elects a successor in the event the Office becomes vacant due to resignation, absence, or removal.

Section 4. Term of Office

Shall be nominated by another Justice and elected by a majority of Justices from within the Supreme Court and shall be confirmed by two-thirds of the Senate, excluding vacant seats and approved by the President of the Association. May serve a renewable one-year term as Chief Justice.

Chapter 2. The Associate Justices of the Supreme Court

Section 1. Associate Justices

In addition to the Chief Justice, the Court shall be composed of six Associate Justices.
Each Justice shall have the ability to preside over the Court at the discretion of the Chief Justice.
Each Justice shall have one vote on all Court rulings and opinions and may agree or dissent.

Chapter 3. The Clerk of the Supreme Court

Section 1. Clerk of the Court

The position of Clerk of the Court shall be nominated and appointed by the Chief Justice.
In this capacity, the Clerk of the Court will be required to document meetings and keep written record of all case hearings, rulings, and opinions rendered by the Court.
In the event the position is vacant temporarily, the Chief Justice may temporarily appoint another Justice to the position at the beginning of a meeting. If the position becomes permanently vacant, the Chief Justice may delegate the work to another Justice temporarily until the position is filled.

Chapter 4. Court Hearings

Section 1. Purpose of Hearings

The purpose of the court hearing is to allow interested parties access to an unbiased judicial body.

Section 2. Announcement of Proceedings

The Court shall announce the time and place of a public hearing for the purpose of oral arguments at least 24 hours in advance.
In all parties to the dispute decline to provide oral arguments, the Court shall not be required to hold a public hearing.

Section 3. Procedures for Hearings

All oral arguments for any case shall be open to the public, either in person or virtually.
The Chief Justice shall preside over the Court and call the room to order.
The Chief Justice will allow each party to present their case beginning with the party filing the action.
Any Justice of the Court, upon recognition by the Chief Justice, may speak during the hearing.
The Court can postpone hearings and/or call the Court into recess at the discretion of the Chief Justice or with a majority vote in favor of such action
The Court will render its verdict in favor of the majority opinion of the Justices present.

Section 4. FERPA Protections

If any circumstances in which there is a potential privacy violation due to discussion or presented information, meetings of this hearing shall be allowed to hold the status of Permanent Select Status and shall be considered closed pursuant under Kansas Open Meetings Act, K.S.A. 75- 4319(a).
Records of Permanent Special Hearings shall be considered closed pursuant under Kansas Open Records Act, K.S.A. 45-215 and under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g.
Once presentation of information or discussion on the matter is concluded, the Court must go back into Open Session.

Section 5. Authority of Appeals

As prescribed by the Constitution, all members of the Association can appeal any lower court decision to the Supreme Court. All rulings of the Supreme Court are final.

Section 6. Filing an Appeal

Any member of the Association, excluding members of the Court, may appeal against the passing of Association legislation that they believe is not in adherence to the Laws of the Association.

Section 7. Lead Plaintiff

In all cases where the Association legislation or executive action are challenged, the President of the Association or designee shall serve as the representative of the Government in judicial proceedings.

Section 8. Election Appeals

In cases where the decision of the Election Commission is challenged, the Chief Elections Commissioner or designee shall serve as the representative of the Elections Commission in judicial proceedings.

Chapter 5. Court Procedures

Section 1. Submission of a Case

Members of the Association may submit a case to the Court to appeal a lower Court’s decision.
Members of the Association, excluding members of the Court, may submit a case to the Court for review.

Section 2. Representation

Any member of the Association may be represented by another Member of the Association in all Court proceedings.

Section 3. Evidence Submission

All evidence and documentation must be submitted to the Clerk of the Court.
1. It is the responsibility of all parties involved in hearings to submit this evidence as well as a list of those who will be called to testify before the Court no later than forty-eight hours before the hearing.
2. All evidence must be accompanied with a consent to release form.
3. A chain of custody receipts shall also be attached to the evidence.
4. After the hearing and subsequent ruling, all evidence shall be returned to the respective party along with a signed custody receipt.
5. No evidence shall be reproduced in any way under any circumstance.

Section 4. Access to Justice

The Supreme Court is designed so that all members of the Association may have access to its intended services.

Section 5. Oral Arguments

All complainants have the right to present oral arguments before the Court subject to the process outlines in this Chapter.
The Court will not expect interested parties to act as trained lawyers but rather as representatives of their respective case.
The Court will strive to facilitate an environment where all may respectfully voice their opinions and testimony.
Amici curiae that bring relevant information not already mentioned by the parties regarding the case before the Court may be found in favor and of value to the Court in making a sounder judgment. An amicus curia may be admitted to the hearing at the discretion of the Court.
If any unreasonable repeated actions such as use of profanity, physical violence, or other disruptive action should occur, the Court may immediately recess to remove any responsible party. The Court shall move back into session once said party is removed.

Chapter 6. Rulings and Opinions

Section 1. Private Conference

After the hearing, the Chief Justice shall call the Court into a private conference.
The Court shall write a majority, concurring, or dissenting ruling as applicable.
A dissenting opinion shall be written on behalf of dissenting justices, unless the decision from the Court is unanimous.
The official ruling shall be placed on file in the Association’s Office before the decision can take effect.

Section 2. Opinions of the Court

The Court shall render official opinions at the written request of the President of the Association, the Senate, Senators, the Student Advocate, and University employees submitted to the Court.
If an official opinion is requested, the Court shall review the information submitted and may call members involved to testify before the Court.
The Court reserves the right to deny the rendering of official opinions if it is determined the request is unsubstantiated, with the exceptions of cases required to be heard.
The Supreme Court’s opinions will be final and submitted before the respective party(s), filed with the Association’s Office and placed on public record in the Association’s Record.
The Court shall write majority, concurring, and/ or dissenting opinions as applicable.

Section 3. Rulings and Opinions

In the event of a unanimous decision, the Court shall author one opinion for filing with the Central Office.
In the event of a decision that is not unanimous, the Court shall author a majority opinion and a dissenting opinion.
The Court may also author concurring opinions.
All rulings and opinions of the Court are final.
The majority, concurring, and dissenting opinions on hearings will be represented in the final ruling filed no later than one week after the hearing or rendered advisory opinion. Authoring of these opinions rendered shall be decided by the respective parties in regard to the majority and minority dissent. Such opinions shall remain in effect unless re-issued by the Court.

Article IV. Agencies of the Association

Chapter 1. Agency Operations

Section 1. Purpose of Agencies

An agency is a Recognized Student Organization whose primary mission is to enhance student experience through purposeful programming, advocacy, and service by developing initiatives that benefit the Wichita State University student body and by promoting the mission of the Student Government Association.

Section 2. Creation of an Agency

An Association Agency may be established if:
1. A Recognized Student Organization files a petition to become an Agency directly with the Student Body President or a Student Senator.
2. A Student Senator files a Bill creating an Agency
3. The Student Body President requests the creation of an Agency
The proposed agency will be created upon the enactment of the Bill voted on by the Student Senate and approved by the Student Body President.
Each agency must meet at least one of the following four policy directorates:
1. Civic Engagement,
2. Advocacy,
3. Leadership and Service,
4. Health and Wellness.
Each agency, prior to acceptance, should meet at least one of the following four qualifiers:
1. Develop service and leadership potential,
2. Serve and advocate on behalf of student interests,
3. Promote Wichita State University Spirit, Tradition, and Core Values,
4. Provide Service to Campus and Community.
If a Recognized Student Organization is transitioned into an Association Agency, the Recognized Student Organization will continue to exist, and the agency status granted will act as a classification of a recognized student organization. The Agency shall be bound to the Association as an entity with the rights and privileges of a Recognized Student Organization with additional responsibilities in accordance to Article IV, Chapter 1, Section 1.

Section 3. Independence

An Agency can act independently of the Association to advocate for policies that are in alignment with their mission and values.
Agencies can put on any event or meeting without the approval of the Senate, President of the Association or the Speaker of the Student Senate.

Chapter 2. Agencies Board of Directors

Section 1. Membership of the Board

The Association Agencies Board of Directors shall be made up of:
1. The Association Advisor, or designee, serving as the Chair of the Board,
2. The President, or designee, of each Agency,
3. The President of the Association, or designee,
4. The Speaker of the Student Senate, or designee,

Section 2. Purpose of the Board

The Board of Directors will act as the unifying body and conduit of information between Agencies and the Association.

Article V. Policies of the Association

Chapter 1. The Nondiscrimination Policy

Section 1. Policy Statement

The Association shall not discriminate in its resources, programming, or services on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, status as a veteran, or disability.

Section 2. Expectation of Officials

All elected or appointed officials of the Association subscribe to the University’s policy of nondiscrimination according to the Policies and Procedure Manual Section 3.02.

Section 3. Policy Making Authority

This policy of nondiscrimination shall not interfere with the Senate’s ability to set guidelines for eligibility for funding.

Chapter 2. The Hazing Policy

Section 1. Policy Statement

The Association defines hazing as any action taken or situation created, intentionally or unintentionally, whether on or off university premises, to produce mental and/or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.
The term hazing shall be defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with other persons, against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and, causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team, of physical or psychological injury including, whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity; causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity; causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances; causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts; any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct; any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.
No organization recognized according to the procedure outlined in S002 may, actively or passively, allow any hazing of its members or potential members to any degree whatsoever, including the action of any individual regardless of whether such actions are officially approved or allowed by the organization.

Section 2. Jurisdiction of the Government

The determination of whether a given activity meets the definition of hazing shall be reached by an investigation culminating in a two-third (2/3) vote of the entire Senate, excluding vacant seats, or by investigation and ruling by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
The determination that an organization has allowed any activity that meets the definition of hazing shall be grounds for denial of or immediate withdrawal of Association recognition.

Chapter 3. The Dress Code Policy

Section 1. Policy Purpose

The Association’s dress code ensures a level of professionalism and responsibility to the elected or appointed officials of the Association when representing the Association and the University.

Section 2. Policy Statement

All elected or appointed officials of the Association shall at minimum dress in casual business attire during Official meetings or any other times officially representing the Association including but not limited to attendance at events sponsored by the Association or participation in a University Committee or community project.

Section 3. Jurisdiction of the Government

The Head of Branch may also amend, add, suspend, enforce this policy at their discretion at any time upon notice filed with the Central Office.

Chapter 4. The Sabbaticals Policy

Section 1. Policy Purpose

The Association’s Policy on Sabbaticals for Officials recognizes Officials facing health issues, mental or physical, such that a system of temporary recusal of responsibilities is established.
The expectations for Officials include proactively reaching out to leadership, Associate Advisor or designee, and Undergraduate and Graduate Advocates to express any concerns about attendance or other issues affecting their participation. This aim is to ensure that potential needs are identified and addressed promptly, as unmet needs may go unnoticed without active communication.
Officials may apply for a sabbatical through an application sent to the Undergraduate and Graduate Advocates and Association Advisor or designee in cases where health-related concerns impact attendance or participation.

Section 2. Review Process

The Undergraduate and Graduate Advocates and Association Advisor or designee shall review sabbatical applications.
Applications shall be reviewed with an emphasis on health-related (physical and mental) and grief cases, ensuring a compassionate evaluation of Officials’ needs.
Officials may share as much or as little information as they need when submitting a sabbatical application.
The Undergraduate and Graduate Advocates and Association Advisor or designee may request additional information or documentation as part of the sabbatical application process to make an informed decision on the appropriate duration.

Section 3. Application for Sabbatical

The applicant shall be notified within seven (7) business days of application submission if further documentation is requested, and reasonable accommodation shall be provided for those facing challenges in providing the requested documentation.
The applicant shall have five (5) business days to respond with the extra documentation.

Section 4. Duration

The duration of a sabbatical shall be determined based on the individual circumstances and needs of the Official. The Undergraduate and Graduate Advocates and Association Advisor or designee shall consider the nature of the related concerns in evaluating the appropriate duration.
The sabbatical time requested shall be limited to one month. The Undergraduate and Graduate Advocates and Association Advisor or designee will have the authority to limit the applicant’s requested amount of time on a case-by-case basis.

Section 5. Absence from Service

Officials granted a sabbatical shall have their absence considered excused. During their absence, the recipient must communicate effectively with the Undergraduate and Graduate Advocates and Association Advisor or designee about their absence.
Officials on sabbaticals are encouraged to participate in regular check-ins with the Associate Advisor and relevant leadership. This will ensure maintained connection and provide updates on the Official’s situation.
Officials returning from a sabbatical are encouraged to meet with the leadership, Association Advisor, and Advocates to discuss reintegration plans and ensure a smooth transition back into their responsibilities.
Members of the Executive and Judicial branches must regularly inform the respective Head of Branch if they expect to miss a required event. Members of the Legislative Branch must fill out the excuse form at least 24 hours in advance if they expect to miss a Senate session. In the case of immediate issues, Officials are further urged to promptly communicate with the Speaker and Associate Advisor.

Section 6. Quorum

Officials on sabbatical shall still count towards quorum of their respective Branches. Utilizing procedural or voting privileges while on sabbatical shall be considered a notification that they have concluded their sabbatical early.

Section 7. Compliance with Policies

Failure to appear or communicate within a reasonable time frame to continue their duties may result in a review of their membership.
Officials are expected to comply with the Association Code of Ethics and Conduct, pursuant to The Bylaws. Officials are expected to protect personal privacy comply with federal and state privacy laws.

Section 8. Appeal

Should any Association member or SGA Official disagree with the decision of the Undergraduate and Graduate Advocates, Association Advisor, or designee(s) regarding the sabbatical; application, or any other related matters, such member may appeal the decision.
An appeal must be submitted in writing to the Association Advisor or designee within five (5) business days of the decision dates. An appeal should include a detailed explanation of the grounds for disagreement and any supporting documentation or information.
Upon submission of an appeal, the Association Advisor shall notify the Chair of the membership Review Board.
The Chair of the Membership Review Board shall assign three (3) members of the Board to serve as an Appeal Review Panel. Panel members shall not be previously involved in the sabbatical application process.
The Appeal Review Panel shall review the appeal, consider any additional information provided, and decide whether to deny the appeal or to uphold the decision of the Student Advocates and Association Advisor or designee.
The Appeal Review Panel must notify the Chair of the Membership Review Board and the Association Advisor of their decision.
The decision of the Appeal Review Panel on the appeal is final and binding.

Article VI. The Code of Ethics and Conduct

Chapter 1: Purpose of the Code of Ethics and Conduct

Section 1. Policy Statement

The Code of Ethics and Conduct provide a codified set of expectations for those individuals who serve in elected or appointed positions within the Legislative, Executive, or Judicial Branches.
All officials, upon taking the Oath of Office, shall sign the Oath to ensure compliance with the Code of Ethics. The signature shall release the Association’s Office to ensure compliance with the eligibility requirements and standards of each Official as listed.

Section. University Code of Conduct

All Officials of the Association are to be held to the Student Code of Conduct as set forth in the Student Handbook of the University.

Section 3. Standards of Service

Service as Official of the Legislative, Executive, or Judicial Branch, is both a privilege and a responsibility and as such, Officials are held to a higher standard.
The expectations for Officials include fair and ethical behavior and full accountability to the Student Body of Wichita State University. As campus leaders and role models, Officials must be dedicated to increased campus unity and school spirit, to full and open communication with constituents, and to efforts for positive and realistic change.
The nature of serving as an Official represents responsibility as Public Officials and Representatives of the Wichita State University Student Body. Each who serves as an Official shall honor the:
1. Responsibility to abide by laws, rules, policies, election codes, and duties related to the business of the SGA,
2. Responsibility to standards of personal integrity and civic behavior as befits a member of the governing body of the SGA,
3. Responsibility to the public trust and to put first the public interest and thereby avoid actions for private gain.

Chapter 2: The Code of Ethics and Conduct

Section 1. Responsibility to standards of Personal Integrity and Civic Behavior as benefits a member of the governing body of the SGA

No Official shall make, directly or indirectly, any oral or written public or private statements that are false and disparaging of the Student Government Association, any of its present officers, or its Constitution, Bylaws, Codes, procedures, and regulations.
No Official who is in a position of authority shall threaten, attempt to threaten, or condone threatening, either verbally or in writing, the current or future employment, funding, or position of a subordinate Official.
Officials shall demonstrate professional and personal conduct and shall refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges or verbal attacks upon the character or motives of fellow Officials, boards, committees, and commissions, and the Student Body.
Officials will abide by the University Student Code of Conduct and the Rules and Regulations of the Association.
No Official shall aid, advise, condone, or in any way induce another to act in violation of any provision in the Constitution, Student Bill of Rights, Bylaws or Statutes.

Section 2. Responsibility to the Public Trust and to put first the public interest and thereby avoid actions for private gain

No Senator shall cast a vote in any bill, resolution, or appropriation that would place that Senator in a position where there may be a conflict of interest between a private interest and the interest of the Student Body.
If an Official serves in a student organization(s) leadership role(s), they must abstain from any vote relating to their student organization (s) and the receipt of money, awards, or other beneficial services from the Association for said student organization(s).
No Official shall commit or attempt to commit extortion, blackmail, bribery, slander, or libel.

Chapter 3. Violations, Interpretation and Review

Section 1. Consideration of Malfeasance

Violation of the Code of Ethics and Conduct may be considered malfeasance and shall be reviewed by the Membership Review Board, upon submission to the Board.

Section 2. University Allegations

Any University allegations must be made by the Association’s Advisor directly to the Board with direct information.

Section 3. Annual Review

This Chapter is up to the interpretation of the Membership Review Board and shall review this Code of Ethics and Conduct every Session.

Article VII. The Association’s Records

Chapter 1. The Public Record

Section 1. Responsibility of Maintaining Records

The Chief of Staff, Clerk of the Senate, and Clerk of the Court shall be responsible for overseeing the maintenance and compilation of the Association’s public records.
The Student Advocate shall be responsible for maintaining any records related to their Office’s caseload; such records contain confidential and legally protected information and should therefore not be considered public records.

Section 2. Public Records of the Association

All current Association regulations and procedures.
All records relating to the activities of the Senate, each Senate Committee, each Association Committee and the Membership Review Board.
All records relating to the activities of the Executive Officers.
All records relating to the activities of the Supreme Court.

Section 3. The Journal of the Association

The Association’s Public Records produced in each academic year shall be compiled and published in a document known as the Journal of the Association containing all records, reports, documents relating to the Session.

Chapter 2. Requesting The Public Record

Section 1. Records Custodian

The Chief of Staff shall have the responsibility of fulfilling any requests for public records, in consultation with the Central Office, following the Kansas Open Records Act Compliance Process.
All public records not available on the Association’s website shall be made available within one (1) week of a request.

Article VIII. The Budget and Finance Code

Chapter 1. The Finance Commission

Section 1. The Purpose of the Commission

The Commission shall be responsible for making recommendations on the distribution of Individual Funding, Organization Funding, Appropriations Funding and Student Fees Allocations.

Section 2. The Members of the Commission

The Treasurer of the Association, who serves as the Chairperson, who only votes in the event of a tie.
The Student Body Vice President or designee.
The Speaker of the Student Senate or designee.
The Government Oversight Chairperson or designee.
A representative from each representative block of the Senate.
The Chief of Staff serving as Commission Clerk.
The Association’s Advisor or a designee, to serve as a non-voting, ex-officio member.

Section 2. Appointment and Service

All Representative Commissioners shall be confirmed by the Senate with a simple majority vote.
All Representative Commissioners shall be removed by Act of the Student Body President upon formal notification to the Senate.

Section 3. Membership As Student Fees Commission

University members shall be seated during the annual Student Fee Hearings and shall have speaking privileges only when a pointed question is directed to them by the Chair at the request of a Member and are all considered non-voting, ex-officio members.
The University shall appoint
1. The Vice President of Student Affairs, or designee.
2. The Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration or designee.
3. Executive Director of University Budgets, or designee.
4. Assistant Vice Provost of Financial Aid and Scholarships, or designee.

Section 4. Business of the Commission

The Commission shall ordinarily conduct general meetings during the Session as called by the Chair.
A quorum of at least fifty percent (50%) of the total number of installed Commissioners shall be required to take any action; with all decisions made with a simple majority of those present and voting.
The Commission is required to hold open hearings and deliberations and produce minutes of all hearings and deliberations must be taken.

Section 5. The Legislative Process for Student Fees

The Chair and Advisor shall draft legislation and alert the Speaker of the Senate of the passage of the recommendation for Legislative review.
The First Read of the package shall be the first time the Senate is presented the funding bill. During the first read, Senators shall have the chance to advocate for changes of a specific line item, not the overall student fee rate. To do so, a Senator must make a motion to request a review on the line item with a two-thirds vote on that specific line to discuss the change. With the call for that review, it must include the difference for changes to the overall budget. If successful vote on changes, during the second read, the Senate will hear specifically from representatives from that line item.
The Second Read of the package shall be the second time the Senate is presented the funding bill regardless of first read reviews request(s). If reviews are called during the first read, the Senate will hear specifically from representatives from that line item. Any formal adjustments to the recommendation of the specific line items must pass with a two-third (2/3) majority.
The Third Read of the package shall be the final time the Senate is presented with the funding bill This shall be the final time the Senate is presented with the recommendations and must past by a simple majority with a two-thirds (2/3) roll call vote.

Chapter 2. Student Organization Stimulus Fund

Section 1. Purpose of the Fund

All RSOs that are in good standing with fewer than $250 dollars in their safekeeping account as of August 1^st annually shall be eligible to receive stimulus funds necessary to raise their account balance to $250 dollars.
All funded programs must be open and accessible to all Wichita State students in accordance with the Association’s Statutes and all pertinent Local, State and Federal laws.

Section 2. Funding Source

Funding shall be provided from set aside annually during the Student Fees Budget.

Section 2. Eligibility, Application, and Compliance

To be eligible for funding through this process, organizations must be a recognized student organization or University-sponsored student group.
All organizations eligible for stimulus must be in good standing prior to and during the fiscal year of funding. Good standing is defined by but not limited to not currently on disciplinary probation or suspension and in compliance with all Association and University policies.
There is no required application to be considered for stimulus funds, funding will automatically be awarded.
After confirmation of eligibility, the Association shall disburse funding to Organization Safekeeping Accounts.
Any violation of this Chapter or organizations who fail to remain in good standing with the Association and/or University may result in a suspension of use of funds, reversal of disbursement, or inability to request funding at the next fiscal year or other sanctions issued by the Treasurer of the Association.
The Finance Commission shall have jurisdiction of adjudicating violations to this Chapter with appeals determined by the Court.
Any Funds not utilized for the purpose of stimulus funding shall be allocated towards Organization Funding and shall be subject to all provisions and requirements outlined.

Chapter 3. Individual Funding Guidelines

Section 1. Purpose of the Fund

Any currently enrolled, SGA fee paying student, shall be eligible to request individual funding from the Association up to $1,500 in funding per individual per fiscal year.
Individual funding may only be allocated to reduce the costs related to a student’s participation in an academic or professional conference.
Priority for similar completed individual applications shall be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Section 2. Application and Reimbursement

Individuals must submit the Individual Funding Request Application, with all documentation, to the Treasurer of the Association, ten (10) business days prior to the first date of travel.
Applications for Individual Funding must include a notice of acceptance to the conference; an official description of the conference; an itemized budget and proof and/or estimation of all costs; a mileage itinerary using the University as the point of origin for car travel; a completed University Sanctioned Travel Form; and a completed W9 or W-8BEN form.
Any receipts not submitted within ten (10) business days of return from travel shall not be reimbursed. No reimbursement may be made more than the amounts indicated on these receipts or more than the amount allocated by the Senate.

Section 3. Funding Source

The individual funding budget shall derive from the President’s Budget and will be allocated equally into the fall and spring semester.
The amount allocated in each semester, fall and spring, will be $10,000 minimum. All unallocated and unexpected funds may be reallocated in the spring semester.

Section 4. Authorized Expenses

Individual funding may be allocated to cover the cost of registration, which may also include virtual conference registration; cover travel more than fifty (50) miles outside of Wichita, not limited to one mode of transportation, reimbursed according to University Travel Office rates; lodging, submission or publication of research or creative activity; and the costs of meals during the direct trip with no more than $25 per day.
Individual funding may not be allocated to cover costs for any recreation or entertainment pursued during travel; inherent costs of being a student; or clothing.

Section 5. Review Process

The Treasurer shall decide to accept or decline the request; and following acceptance shall set a date to hear the request before the Finance Commission; and if denied, shall communicate this decision to the requestor.
The Finance Commission shall hear each request that the Treasurer has accepted and decide regarding the request.
Upon approval of the request entirely, in part, or with revisions, the Chair shall inform the Senate at the next meeting.
Upon rejecting the request, the Chair shall communicate the decision and the reasoning behind that decision to the requestor in writing.

Section 6. Personal Reimbursement

Individual Funding is processed through personal reimbursements. Any receipts not submitted within ten (10) business days of return from travel shall not be reimbursed. No reimbursement may be made more than the amounts indicated on these receipts.

Section 7. The Treasurer of the Association’s Authority

The Treasurer of the Association shall have the sole power to deny the disbursement of funds for any of the following reasons:
1. Submission of documentation for a different use than what the individual was approved for.
2. Inability of the individual’s request to comply with the Division of Accounts & Reports Policy and Procedure Manual, pursuant to K.S.A. 75-3728.
3. Fraud or misrepresentation of documentation, or any attempt to defraud or embezzle funds from the Association.

Section 8. Advance on Funding

At the discretion of the Treasurer of the Association, individuals who may not have the resources to cover the costs of the travel or events may supplement upfront costs prior to the reimbursement, to not exceed 50% of the total allocation.

Chapter 4. Organization Funding Guidelines

Section 1. Purpose of the Fund

Organizations may request up to four (4) funding requests per organization per year with no more than $3000 in funding per student organization per fiscal year.
Organizations who have been allocated Appropriation Funds may request up to an additional $1500 in funding per student organization per fiscal year.
Organization funding may be allocated for the support and expansion of programming and operation costs to Recognized Student Organizations.
Priority for completed Organization applications shall be on a first come, first serve basis.

Section 2. Application and Reimbursement

Funding Request Applications for Organizational Funding may be submitted anytime.
Organizations requesting funds must submit the Funding Request Application from the University’s chosen organization management portal funding module with all documentation to the Treasurer ten (10) business days prior to the first event date or prior to the first date of travel.
Applications for Organization Funding must include a description of the funding’s intended use and the ways in which it benefits the University and members of the Association and an itemized budget. If traveling, a completed University Sanctioned Travel Form; notice of acceptance to the conference; an official description of the conference. If for a program, an agenda for projects must be submitted in writing if requested by the Treasurer.
Any organization recognized according to the procedure outlined in S002 shall be eligible to request organization funding from the Association.
Organizations may only apply for one (1) funding allocation per funding request at a time.
All purchases must be made within thirty (30) days of approval or forfeit reimbursement

Section 3. Authorized Expenses

Organization funding may not be allocated to multiple organizations for the same event, project, trip, etc.
Organization Funding may be allocated to cover conference registration; to cover travel more than fifty (50) miles outside of Wichita and reimbursed according to University Travel Office rates with only one (1) form of travel for each excursion per each participant; to cover lodging for the duration of the organization’s stay at the conference; to cover expenses arising from organization programming or projects that primarily serve members of the Association; and to cover programs or projects intended to raise any funds or other material support for the organization not to exceed $250 for each academic semester.
Organization Funding may not be allocated to cover inherent costs of being a student; programs or projects intended to raise any funds or other material support for third parties; donations or other material support to third parties; chapter dues to national or international organizations; banking charges, maintenance fees, or utilities expenses; gifts, competitive awards, gift cards, or unapproved honoraria; support or sponsor ballot initiatives or for any partisan political purposes; support or sponsor political lobbying; firearms, ammunition, weapons, or any devices whose primary function is violence or destruction; the cost of any alcohol; petty cash or cash-on-hand; any recreation or entertainment pursued during travel; telephonic expenditures; stipends or salaries, or any form of payroll in the form of a 1099 or W-2.

Section 4. Review Process

The Treasurer shall decide to accept or decline the request; and following acceptance shall set a date to hear the request before the Finance Commission; and if denied, shall communicate this decision to the requestor.
The Finance Commission shall hear each request that the Treasurer has accepted and make a decision regarding the request.
1. Upon approval of the request entirely, in part, or with revisions, the Chair shall inform the Senate at the next meeting.
2. Upon rejecting the request, the Chair shall communicate the decision and the reasoning behind that decision to the requestor in writing.

Section 5. Organization Reimbursement

Organization Funding is processed through safekeeping account reimbursements. No personal reimbursements may be issued when using Organization Funding, all funding is sent to Safekeeping budgets.
Any receipts not submitted within ten (10) business days of return from travel shall not be reimbursed.
No reimbursement may be made more than the amounts indicated on these receipts.

Section 6. The Treasurer of the Association’s Authority

The Treasurer of the Association shall have the sole power to deny the disbursement of funds for any of the following reasons:
1. Submission of documentation for a different use than what the individual was approved for.
2. Inability of the individual’s request to comply with the Division of Accounts & Reports Policy and Procedure Manual, pursuant to K.S.A. 75-3728.
3. Fraud or misrepresentation of documentation, or any attempt to defraud or embezzle funds from the Association.

Section 7. Advance on Funding

At the discretion of the Treasurer of the Association, individuals who may not have the resources to cover the costs of the travel or events may supplement upfront costs prior to the reimbursement, to not exceed 50% of the total allocation.

Section 8. New Student Organization Funding

Any new student organization, recognized under S002, shall be given $250 for startup costs of the organization, if organization funding is available, from their approved limit as listed above.

Chapter 5. The Organization Appropriations Process

Section 1. Establishment of the Fund

Annually, the Treasurer of the Association shall earmark $6.75 per student per semester for the annual student services fee allocation of fund the Organization Appropriations Process, or other such number as approved yearly during the Fiscal Budget development.

Section 2. Eligibility

To be eligible for funding through this process, organizations must be a recognized student organization or University-sponsored student group.
All organizations eligible for appropriations must be in good standing prior to and during the fiscal year of funding. Good standing is defined by but not limited to not currently on disciplinary probation or suspension and in compliance with all Association and University policies.
All student organizations must have completed at least one (1) fundraising initiative in the previous fiscal year. New student organizations formed during the previous fiscal year are exempt from this requirement. There is no minimum requirement for the amount fundraised. A fundraising initiative can be considered:
1. Any registered event for the purpose of garnering donations.
2. Sponsorships from an organization.
3. Dues paid toward a Wichita State affiliated organization
4. Any other instance of receiving donations.

Section 3. Application for Funding

Applications shall include a detailed request for the upcoming fiscal year, including projected revenue and expenses; a copy of the detailed budget request for the previous fiscal year, if applicable; a list of total amounts requested for the previous two (2) years, if applicable; current balances of any on or off-campus accounts or foundations accounts; and any additional information that is requested by the Commission.
Applications for Appropriations shall be made available to members of the Finance Commission at least one (1) week prior to the beginning of budget hearings after the deadline.
Any applications that are submitted which do not include all of the above information or additional information requested by the deadline will not be heard by the Commission and will be denied.
Applications will open annually immediately after the student fees budget is submitted. The deadline to submit applications will be a month after applications open each year.

Organizations seeking funding must attend a Budget Briefing with the Treasurer of the Association to apply for funding. Only an executive member shall count on attendance. Advisors do not count towards this requirement. The Treasurer shall make special requests for alternative briefings if an organization is unable to attend a briefing prior to the final briefing.

Section 4. Tiers for Funding

Organizations shall apply annually for a tier within the organization’s main group:
1. Tier 1 shall be for funding organizations that primarily hold general meetings.
2. Tier 2 shall be for funding organizations with general meetings and regular events that are open to all students.
3. Tier 3 shall be for funding organizations with general meetings, regular events that are open to all students, and or professional Conferences or Competitions.
4. Tier 4 shall be for funding Recognized Student Organizations with an Association Agency status with general meetings, regular events that are open to all students, professional conferences and/or competitions, and to support the mission of Student Government.

Section 5. Funding Limits

Appropriations funding applications must be a request for a minimum of $1,500.00.
Funding applications for Appropriations must be capped at the following amounts:
1. Tier 1 organizations may request funding up to $3,000.00.
2. Tier 2 organizations may request funding up to $5,000.00.
3. Tier 3 organizations may request funding up to $10,000.00. Exceptions to the Tier 3 maximum may be made at the discretion of the Treasurer of the Association. Exceptions to the Tier 3 maximum may be made at the discretion of the Treasurer, not to exceed $20,000.
4. Tier 4 organizations may request funding up to $30,000.00. Exceptions to the Tier 4 maximum may be made at the discretion of the Treasurer of the Association.

Section 6. Hearing Procedures

Upon the closing of applications, the Treasurer of the Association will set a schedule for hearings. Organizations requesting funding will have the opportunity to select a time to the Budget Hearing during the schedule approved by the Commission.
The Treasurer of the Association will establish regular rules for the Hearings as needed to govern the process.
Deliberations and Allocations shall be completed no later than 2 weeks after the first day of the Fall semester.

Section 7. Approval By the Student Senate

The Treasurer of the Association shall introduce the Allocations to the Senate at the first Senate meeting following the completion of deliberation and allocations and the Senate shall consider the allocations timely.
Should the regular schedule of the Senate not allow for timely review of the Allocations, the Speaker of the Senate shall call an emergency meeting of the Senate for the purpose of Allocations.

Section 8. Authorized Expenses

All funding programs must be open and accessible to all Wichita State students in accordance with the Association’s Statutes and all pertinent Local, State and Federal laws.
Funding cannot be used for or allocated to support or sponsor ballot initiatives or for any partisan political purposes; support or sponsor political lobbying; provide financial support to off-campus organizations; purchase alcohol or any product that violates University policy; establish petty cash funds; pay individual membership dues, tuition, general fees, fines, parking passes; offer scholarships; pay stipends or offer salaries to members or Officers; money for prizes not connected to an event or formal purpose; clothing not tied to a formal purpose or event.
Funding can be allocated for purposes requested in the application, including programs or projects intended to raise any funds or other material support for the organization not to exceed $250 each academic semester.

Section 9. Management of the Appropriations Accounts

After approval of funding by the Senate and President of the Association, the Association shall disburse funding to accounts managed by the Central Office.
Special safekeeping account funds will be assigned to each organization who was approved for funding and will be managed by the Central Office.
The processing of personal reimbursements will not be allowed, unless authorized by the Treasurer of the Association.
All receipts from any purchases must be returned to the Central Office within one week after purchasing to process funding and clear up all expenses. Late submissions may result in fines being issued.
Any funds remaining in the fund at the conclusion of the Association’s fiscal year will be swept into the Association’s reserves for re-allocation.

Section 10. End of Semester Report

Each semester, each organization is required to submit a semester report highlighting expenditures, goals, objectives met, programs hosted, and other information requested by the Treasurer of the Association.
The End of Semester Report will be comprised of documentation to confirm conference/competition attendance if an organization has identified themselves as Tier 3 and has attended the event.
1. Documentation can be, but not limited to the following: event registration confirmation, hotel confirmation or receipts, travel itineraries with travel confirmations, conference or competition acceptance letters
2. For organizations that have not yet attended by the time of the ~~Annual~~ End of Semester Report deadline, this information shall be added to the next report.
3. This information shall be gathered for the Finance Commission to refer to during the funding processes if needed.

Section 11. Accountability

The Treasurer of the Association shall be empowered to freeze the expenditures of organizations for violations of Association policies or procedures.
Any violation of this Statute or organizations who fail to remain in good standing with the Association and/or University may result in a suspension of use of funds, reversal of disbursement, or inability to request funding during the next fiscal year or other sanctions issued by the Treasurer of the Association. Sanctions resulting in the reversal of disbursement of funds shall be approved by the Finance Commission. Any sanctions must be reported to the Senate to take effect.
Failure to meet the requirements of the Tier system may result in disqualification for applying under the same Tier in the subsequent fiscal year. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Treasurer. The Commission may override the Treasurer with a two-thirds majority vote of those members present and voting.
The Finance Commission shall have jurisdiction of adjudicating violations to this Chapter with appeals determined by the Court.

Chapter 6. The Bi-Annual Budget

Section 1. Creation of the Bi-Annual Budget

The Bi-Annual Budget shall be defined as the two-year base budget approved by the Joint Leadership Council. The Association’s Advisor shall be responsible for alerting the Session if they are charged with the development of the Bi-Annual Budget. The Session responsible for developing the Bi-Annual Budget shall be the session prior to the bi-annual Student Fees Review as prescribed in S003.
The Bi-Annual Budget shall be prepared and developed by the Treasurer of the Association and Association’s Advisor.
The Treasurer of the Association and the Association’s Advisor shall meet with Officials to develop a two-year Budget that meets the current needs, potential needs and meets all statutory regulations and requirements.

Section 2. Review of the Bi-Annual Budget

The Joint Leadership Council, made up of all Government Officials of all three Branches, shall review and approve the Bi-Annual Budget prior to submission to the Finance Commission no later than two weeks prior to the deadline.
A formal vote shall be taken by the Council to approve the Bi-Annual Budget and a letter stating such approval shall be signed by the heads of all three branches and shall accompany the Bi-Annual Budget submission to the Finance Commission.
When before to the Finance Commission, the President of the Association shall present the Bi-Annual Budget representing the Joint Leadership Council and the Association’s Advisor shall represent the Central Office and provide historical knowledge.
The Commission shall not have authority to amend the budget if formally adopted by the Joint Leadership Council.

Chapter 7. The President’s Budget

Section 1. The President’s Budget

The President’s Budget shall be defined as the funding allocated in any given fiscal year that is under the control and management of the Session.
The Fiscal Year for the Student Government starts on July 1^st and ends on the first Friday of May each year in preparation for the closing of the University Fiscal Year.
At the start of each new Session of the Association, the President of the Association and Treasurer of the Association shall prepare and develop the President’s Budget of the yearly allocation. The President shall determine needs and priorities of the Government.
The Association’s Advisor shall review budget for compliance with all statutory regulations and requirements.
The President of the Association shall review and approve the proposed Budget prior to submission.
The Treasurer of the Association shall submit the approved proposed budget to the Legislative Council for final annual approval prior to the start of a new Fiscal Year.
No expenditure or transfer of funds that deviates from this budget may be made prior to the approval of the President of the Association and as such the Treasurer shall report any such expenditures or transfers to the Finance Commission prior to their next meeting.

Section 2. Special Budgets

The Treasurer of the Association shall make available, from the Reserves, no more than $3,500 each for the President’s, Speaker’s and Advisor’s Budgets.

Special Budgets are exempt from regulations under this Article, and are to be used for professional development, sponsorships or special recognition of Members under those areas.

Section 3. Funding the Capital Fund

The Treasurer of the Association shall make available, from the Student Fees Budget, the requisite funding necessary to restore the Student Government Capital Fund to its annual starting balance of $250,000.

Chapter 8. The Student Fee Reserves

Section 1. The Purpose of the Reserves

The Association, under Statute 003, Chapter 15 requires the establishment of a Student Fee Reserve. This reserve does not exceed the dollar amount listed under Statute 003, Chapter 15.
The Association maintains a reserve to ensure financial stability and sustainability of the Student Fee Budget to provide a cushion against unexpected expenses and fluctuations in enrollment

Section 2. Usage of the Reserves

All expenditures from the student fee reserves must align with enhancing student services as a direct result of unexpected expenses and fluctuations in enrollment.
In the spirit of the purpose of this Fund, use of this Fund may not fund special projects or capital projects as those are not in line with emergency funding.
A portion, not to exceed 10% of the balance of the student fee reserves shall remain readily accessible for emergency use to address unplanned, critical needs within student services as identified by the Student Body President, in consultation with the Central Office, and approved by the Student Senate.

Section 3. Management of Fluctuations in Enrollment

Upon review of the annual fiscal year budget projection, the Central Office may forward a recommendation to the Senate to utilize the student fee reserves to manage fluctuations in enrollment and to balance the student fee budget. The Student Senate may approve expenditures from this Fund with a simple majority vote.

Section 4. Report on Balances

Annually, during the presentation of the President’s Budget, the Student Body President and Student Body Treasurer shall present to the Senate the balance of this Fund.
During the annual Student Fee Hearing Process, the Student Body President and Student Body Treasurer shall present to the Finance Commission the balance of this Fund.

Chapter 9. The Student Government Capital Fund

Section 1. Purpose of the Fund

The Student Government Capital Fund was established to support infrastructure projects, minor renovations, and other capital expenditures necessary to maintain and enhance university facilities and student services.
Allocations from the Capital Fund shall be dedicated solely to projects that improve campus infrastructure, technology needs, student facilities, or enhance the student social environment.
Funding shall be provided from set aside Student Fees annual Chapter 7 of this Article.
In the spirit of the purpose of this Fund, use of this Fund may not fund special projects or emergency funding as those are not in line with capital funds. The Capital Fund may not be used to Bond projects.

Section 2. Eligibility

The Capital Fund is limited to providing support towards student fee funded entities.
Proposals for Capital Projects shall be submitted in writing to the Central Office for review.
1. The Student Body President and shall decide to accept or decline the request.
2. Upon acceptance of the request, the President shall notify the Chair of the Finance Commission to set a date to hear the request before the Finance Commission.
3. Requests that are recommended by the Finance Commission will be forwarded to the Senate for review.
4. The Student Senate may approve expenditures from this Fund with a simple majority vote. Should a request be denied, the decision and the reason for the denial shall be communicated to the requestor by the Treasurer.

Section 3. Report on the Fund

Annually, during the presentation of the President’s Budget, the Student Body President and Student Body Treasurer shall present to the Senate the balance of this Fund.
The Student Body Treasurer shall present to the Finance Commission the balance of this Fund.

Article IX. The Election Code

Chapter 1. The Election Commission

Section 1. Members of the Commission

Five (5) Election Commissioners, who are members of the Association not serving in any elected or appointed position within the Association designated

Section 2. Appointment of the Commission

To limit political interference and remove ethical concerns, the Commissioners are not required to be confirmed by the Senate.
Commissioners are appointed by the Association Advisor and shall serve as lifetime appointment.
A member of the Election Commission may be sanctioned or removed for failure to maintain eligibility for office, to maintain strict neutrality regarding the outcome of any election, or to fulfill any of these duties by the Association’s Advisor.

Section 3. Duties of the Commission

To administer any election in a manner that is fair and equitable to all candidates and tickets competing in the election.
To maintain strict neutrality with regard to the outcome of any election as well as enforcing all regulations of all elections.
To make every effort to advertise broadly the date and time of any election; to educate the members of the Association regarding the candidates, the contents of any Constitutional Amendments or referenda, and the regulations and procedures governing elections; and to encourage and facilitate widespread and active participation in any election.

Section 4. The Chief Election Commission

The Chief Election Commission shall be the senior most Commissioner by appointment or elected by a simple majority of the Commission.
To administer any election in a manner that is fair and equitable to all candidates.
To submit a written report on each election containing the complete details of all decisions and actions of the Election Commission, election results, and any financial information.
To make available to members of the Association, including any candidates, for two (2) weeks after the election a means for submitting suggestions or complaints regarding the election.
To execute all decisions of the Election Commission and serve as the spokesperson for the Commission.
To maintain a written record of all decisions of the Election Commission and submit the annual Election Report.

Chapter 2. Campaign Ethics

Section 1. Ethical Behavior by the Commission

Election Commissioners or members of Student Government Association Supreme Court are prohibited from campaigning, verbalizing or electronic support for a candidate or party.

Section 2. Ethical Behavior by the Candidates or Campaign Member

No candidate or campaign member may make any threats of physical or emotional abuse of an opposing candidate or ticket.
No candidate or campaign member may offer anything of value to a member of the Election Commission or the Court with the intention of incentivizing certain actions in the election process by the intended recipient.
No candidate or campaign member may request proof that an individual voted for a candidate or ticket that they claim to have voted for.

Chapter 3. General Election

Section 1. The General Election

A General Election of the Association shall be considered to refer to the annual election held to elect the President and Vice President of the Association and the Senators for the next Session.
The distribution Senator Positions to be contested in a General Election shall be determined using the 20^th Day Enrollment Census data collected in the fall semester preceding the General Election according to the composition outlined in Article II of the Constitution.
The General Election Campaign period shall begin at the second Senate meeting of January and shall end when the Election Commission has verified the results.

Section 2. Prohibition of Election

No member of the Election Commission may apply for candidacy in the General Election, and members of the Election Commission shall be ineligible to be elected by write-in ballot.

Section 3. Presidential Tickets

Any Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates shall be paired and ticketed together according to their application for candidacy. The candidate for President affiliated with a presidential ticket shall serve as the official leader of the presidential ticket and serve as its representative in all communication with the Election Commission.

Section 4. Write-In Candidates

Any member of the Association may conduct a write-in campaign for any position to be contested in the General Election. A write-in candidate is defined as a member of the Association who publicly announced their candidacy and whose name will not appear on the ballot.
1. Voters will have the option of electronically entering a write-in candidate for each position for which a write-in candidate was filed. The last name must be written on the ballot in order for the vote to be counted.
2. Any write-in candidate who violates any of the regulations in this section shall be subject to the same sanctions.
3. Any write-in candidate may request a meeting with the Election Commission.
4. Any write-in candidate who does not meet the qualifications outlined for holding office will be disqualified and/or removed by the Election Commission.
5. Votes cast for a write-in candidate shall carry equal weight to votes cast for candidates appearing on the ballot for the purpose of awarding Senate seats. In the event of a tie no preference shall be given to candidates whose name appears on the ballot.

Section 5. Announcement of the General Election

The Chief Election Commissioner shall announce the details of the General Election at the second Senate meeting of each January.
This announcement shall include the following:
1. The positions to be contested in the General Election.
2. The qualifications for these positions.
3. The means for obtaining and submitting applications for candidacy.
4. The text of any Constitutional Amendment or referendum to be presented to the Association for approval and enactment or rejection.
5. The specific dates for each event and deadline are listed in this Section.
6. This announcement shall be published in the University’s student newspaper and on the Association’s online and social media presence and released to any appropriate news media.

Section 6. Declaration of Candidacy

Each individual candidate for any position to be contested in the General Election must personally submit their individual application for candidacy through the approved submission process announced by the Commission by 5:00 p.m. on a date decided upon by the Election Commission. The application for candidacy shall include the following information:
1. The candidate’s name as the individual wishes it to appear on the ballot.
2. The candidate’s myWSU ID number.
3. The candidate’s mailing address.
4. The candidate’s email address.
5. The candidate’s telephone number.
6. The position the candidate intends to seek in the election.
7. If applying for the position of President or Vice President, the candidate must specify their Presidential ticket counterpart.
8. A release granting the Association’s office to verify the candidate’s eligibility to stand for election which includes a verification of the candidate’s GPA and anticipated graduation, including that the Commission shall recognize self-identification for identities not tracked by the University in the certification process.
9. A pledge to comply with the Constitution, Bylaws, and Statutes and any decision by the Election Commission or the Court.
10. A statement of intent that is a maximum of 250 words (Senate candidates) and 350 words (Executive candidates), which will be posted as a candidate profile on University’s website and the voting page during Election Day. The statement must answer these three questions: Who are you? (This includes basic information, campus involvement, etc.), Why are you running? And What is your platform?

The name of any candidate whose application lacks any of this information shall not appear on the ballot unless the omission is corrected before the application deadline.
The name of any candidate who applies for candidacy for more than one (1) position shall not appear on the ballot unless the error is corrected before the application deadline.
The Association’s Office shall verify the eligibility of each candidate. The name of any candidate who is eligible for the position they seek and who has correctly completed the application for candidacy by the deadline shall appear on the ballot.

Section 7. Workshops, Sessions and Required Events by the Commission

The Election Commission shall host an informational workshop for candidacy after the beginning of the Spring semester but no later than the last Senate meeting of February. This workshop shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, explaining the processes of the election, how to apply for candidacy, what the responsibilities of each open position are, and how to correctly and effectively campaign.
Each candidate must attend a rule reading to review regulations governing the General Election at a time and on a date decided upon by the Election Commission. Any candidate who does not attend the rules reading shall be disqualified from having their candidacy appear in the ballot which are subject to the exceptions set forth in this provision. The Commission shall make a good faith effort to meet with any candidate who cannot attend a group meeting.

Any candidate who is disqualified from having their candidacy appear on the ballot may appeal this disqualification to the Election Commission, which may approve any appeal by a simple majority vote. The decision of the Election Commission may be appealed to the Court, which may approve any appeal by a simple majority vote. Any candidate who is disqualified from having their candidacy appear on the ballot may conduct a write-in campaign for Election.
A presidential ticket debate is to take place during the campaign term to take place one (1) to two (2) nights before Election Day and are required by all Presidential Tickets.
Senatorial candidates running for contested seats are to participate in a separate forum during the election cycle. The date and time will be posted in the election timeline as set by the Elections Commission and are required by all Senatorial Candidates.

Section 8. Activities of Campaigns and Students

No candidate may engage in campaign activities or present or distribute any campaign materials that disrupt the normal functioning or operations of the University, slander or defame the character of any person, reflect poorly on the Association or the University, violate the regulations outlined in the University’s Policies and Procedures Manual.
No candidate may engage in any campaign activities or present or distribute any campaign materials within fifty (50) feet of the following areas:
1. The Association’s offices and the office of the Student Advocate.
2. Grace Memorial Chapel.
3. Any Housing and Residence Life facilities, unless approved by the Director of Housing and Residence Life.
4. Any other area listed in the University’s Policies and Procedure Manual.
5. Any other area designated by a simple majority vote of the Election Commission.
Any campaign rally, demonstration, press conference, or event planned and executed on university property may only occur in an area of Limited Public Forum designated according to the University’s Policies and Procedures Manual and must be approved by the Commissioner for Rules and Regulations.
No table, room, or facility reservation made by a candidate may be made in the name of the Association’s office.
A student must give express permission to be emailed by a candidate. University, academic, departmental, and other organizational email lists shall not be used by a candidate.
Campaign signs, posters, banners, and chalking must adhere to the regulations outlined in the University’s Policies and Procedures Manual in their size, location, and manner of placement.
No member of the Association may tamper with, deface, destroy, move, or remove any campaign signs, posters, banners, or chalking without the express, written permission of the candidate that placed them initially.
No campaign signs, posters, banners, or chalking may be placed in a location or manner that would obstruct the view of any other campaign signs, posters, or banners.
No candidate may engage in any campaign activities or present or distribute any campaign materials in person or in print within a radius of fifty (50) feet of any polling location designated by the Election Commission.
No member of the Association may, in any way or for any purpose, interfere with the process of casting a ballot, whether to block or hinder the process of casting a ballot or to influence the decision of the voter.
All campaign materials, including print or electronic media and any campaign signs, posters, banners, or chalking, must be removed from all locations by 8:00 a.m. on a date to be decided by the Election Commission.
Any non-candidate member of the Association may assist in the campaign activities, the presentation or distribution of any campaign materials, or the raising of any campaign funding of any candidate provided that this assistance complies with the regulations outlined in this Section.

Section 9. Campaign Funds and Expense Reports

No University funds may be used to support or fund any campaign activities or materials. University funds include, but are not limited to, student fees, tuition, university foundation dollars, departmental funds, and grant money.
No candidate or ticket may spend any money nor receive any cash donations or gifts-in-kind in excess of the following campaign finance limits:
1. A maximum of $600 for a presidential ticket.
2. A maximum of $100 for each candidate for all Senator seats.
Candidates and/or Tickets may accept donations or Gift-in-kind services. Donations are defined as either cash or check donations to the campaign. Those must be made note on the candidate’s final financial report and by whom. Gift-in-kind services are defined as the actual good or services provided for free to the campaign and must be fair value of services, which must include a signed affidavit from the person providing the gift-in-kind. Those must be listed as well and from whom.
On or before the third Monday of March, each candidate or presidential ticket shall submit a projected budget reflecting the sources for expected campaign funding and the expected costs for all campaign activities and materials to the Election Commission.
On or before the Friday preceding the first day of voting, each candidate or presidential ticket shall submit a finalized finance report reflecting the sources for all campaign funding and the expenditures for all campaign activities and materials to the Election Commission.
Should any campaign funding source or the cost for any campaign activity or materials change following the submission of this finalized budget, the candidate or presidential ticket must submit a revised budget to the Election Commission reflecting this change, at least one (1) day before any affected activity may take place or any affected materials may be distributed.
Failure to complete any of the prior listed finance requirements shall result in disqualification of senator candidate or presidential ticket.

Section 10. Student Organization Involvement in Elections

Any organization recognized according to the procedure outlined in S001 may issue an official endorsement of any candidate provided that the endorsement is approved by the membership of the organization according to the procedures outlined by its Constitution and Bylaws.
Any organization recognized according to the procedure outlined in S001 may contribute financially to the campaign or assist in the raising of campaign funding of any candidate provided that the contribution or assistance is approved by the membership of the organization according to the procedures outlined in its Constitution and Bylaws and provided that this contribution or assistance complies with the regulations outlined this Chapter.
No candidate may abuse the powers of their individual positions in any organization including but not limited to financial and physical resources to facilitate their personal campaign.

Section 11. University Involvement

No faculty or staff member can utilize University resources to support specific candidates. This shall include but is not limited to email list servers, resource rooms, room reservations, and finances.
This shall not be interpreted to restrict the ability of any faculty or staff member to publicize the dates and times of the General Election or to encourage voter participation in the General Election, provided that no suggestion is made to encourage voting for any specific candidate.

Section 12. Withdraw from the Election

If a candidate wishes to withdraw from an election, they must do so by meeting with the Chief Elections Commissioner and Commission Advisor, in person, presenting a valid picture ID, and giving a written signed statement of their withdrawal.
Should a withdrawn candidate’s name be inadvertently placed on the ballot, they shall be considered to still have withdrawn and to be thus ineligible to win the election. Votes for this candidate will not be counted or considered when determining the winning candidate under the terms of this statue.

Section 13. Elections Days and Voter Eligibility

The Association’s General Election shall take place from 8:00 a.m. on the first Monday of each April through 5:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each April except in case of extraordinary circumstances. Such extraordinary circumstances shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Natural disasters.
2. Fundamental disruption of the University’s physical plant or infrastructure.
3. Suspension or cancellation of courses and/or the closing of university offices for the duration of those dates.
4. The electronic ballot system will become unavailable or nonfunctional for more than fifty (50) percent of the General Election.
5. Disqualification or withdrawal of every candidate for President.
6. In the case of any such extraordinary circumstances, the Election Commission shall determine alternate dates for the General Election.
Each member of the Association, if they are enrolled, shall be allowed to cast one (1) ballot.
1. Each voter shall be allowed to cast one (1) vote for one (1) presidential ticket.
2. Each voter shall be allowed to cast one (1) vote for one (1) candidate for each Senator position contested in the General Election reserved for the College(s) in which the voter is enrolled.
3. Each voter shall be allowed to cast one (1) vote in the affirmative or one (1) vote in the negative for any Constitutional Amendment presented to the Association for approval and enactment or rejection.
4. Each voter shall be allowed to cast one (1) vote in the affirmative or one (1) vote in the negative for any referendum presented to the Association for approval and enactment or rejection.
5. The Election Commission shall coordinate making electronic ballots available and easily accessible to all Association members.
6. The electronic ballot system shall undergo a test of accuracy and reliability at least one (1) week in advance of the General Election.
The Election Commission shall coordinate making available one physical in-person voting location during office hours for the duration of the General Election

Section 14. Election Ballot

Should the electronic ballot system become unavailable or nonfunctional for more than fifty percent (50%) of the General Election, the Election Commission shall determine alternate dates for the General Election.
Should the organization designated as operating the electronic ballot system be unable for any reason to facilitate the system or should any extraordinary circumstances make an electronic ballot system impossible to deliver an inclusive, representative, and legitimate election, the Election Commission may implement an alternate paper or alternative electronic ballot system.
The alternate paper or alternative electronic ballot system and polling locations shall be designated by the Election Commission and publicized in the University’s student newspaper and on the Association’s online and social media presence and released to any appropriate news media at least one (1) week prior to the beginning of the General Election.
1. Paper ballots shall include a line or field for the voter’s name and myWSU ID number to facilitate ensuring only one (1) ballot is cast per voter.
2. Should any voter be determined to have cast more than one (1) ballot or to be ineligible to vote by virtue of not being a member of the Association, all ballots cast by that voter shall be invalidated and excluded from the voting total.
3. Paper ballots shall be made available for the duration of the General Election at each designated polling location.
4. Ballot boxes shall be sealed until the end of the General Election.
5. The Election Commission shall count all ballots.
6. The Chief Election Commissioner may appoint additional ballot counters subject to the approval of the Election Commission.
7. No pre-registered candidate for any position may serve as a ballot counter, and any ballot counter shall be ineligible to be elected by write-in ballot.
8. Any ballot counter who modifies, defaces, damages, destroys, or in any other way tampers with any ballot, or any other person who accesses, modifies, defaces, damages, destroys, or in any other way tampers with any ballot, shall be subject to sanctions imposed by the Election Commission and the Membership Review Board, a student conduct investigation by the University, and/or criminal and civil proceedings in the applicable federal, state, or municipal court.
9. Votes shall be tallied on official vote count tally sheets. These tally sheets and all ballots shall be preserved by the Association’s Office and shall be treated as public record with personally identifiable information redacted.
10. The final voting totals shall be printed and signed by each ballot counter. These voting totals shall be sealed, and the results shall remain secret until the outcome of the General Election is announced.

Section 15. Election Data and Results

The Association’s Advisor shall have exclusive access to the voting totals until the end of the General Election. Any other person who accesses, tampers with, modifies, or otherwise interferes with the electronic ballot system or voting totals shall be subject to sanctions imposed by the Election Commission and the Membership Review Board, a student conduct investigation by the University, and/or criminal and civil proceedings in the applicable federal, state, or municipal court.
After the end of the General Election, the Association’s Advisor shall deliver a copy of the final voting totals to the Chief Election Commissioner. This copy shall remain in the possession of the Chief Election Commissioner, and the results shall remain secret until the outcome of the General Election is announced.
The outcome of the General Election shall be announced by the Chief Election Commissioner on the first Wednesday of each April except in the case that the Election Commission has determined an alternate date for the General Election due to extraordinary circumstances, in which case the Election Commission shall determine an alternate date for this announcement.
1. Such an announcement requires the Commission to formally invite members of the Association and the greater University community to a live, in-person event announcing the election results, which will be held at a physical location as decided upon by the Commission.
2. The Chief Election Commissioner shall announce the results beginning at 5:30 p.m. and election results shall be announced no later than 6:30 p.m.
3. This announcement shall be published in the Association’s online and social media presence and released to the University’s student newspaper and any other appropriate news media.
4. Any presidential ticket who receives a plurality of votes shall be considered elected.
5. The number of candidates who receive the greatest number of votes equal to the number of Senator positions contested in the General Election shall be considered elected.
6. If a victorious senatorial candidate chooses to decline their office from the date of the election announcement until the date of the joint Senate meeting, the open seat shall be given to the senatorial candidate in the particular position that received the most votes while not awarded an office and they shall be considered the elected candidate.
7. In the case of a tie for any position, the Chief Election Commissioner shall announce a runoff election within two (2) weeks following the reception. All Special Election dates, deadlines, regulations, and procedures shall be in effect for this runoff election.
8. Should any candidate for any position contested in the General Election be involved in a pending Court case related to the General Election that would prevent the candidate from being considered elected, the Chief Election Commissioner shall not announce the winner of that position.
9. Should any write-in candidate earn enough votes to be considered elected, the Chief Election Commissioner shall not announce the winner of that position until the Association’s Office has verified the candidate’s eligibility for office.
10. Any Constitutional amendment that receives a simple majority vote in the affirmative shall be considered adopted and enacted, provided that the minimum number of votes outlined in Article IX of the Constitution is achieved.
11. Any referendum that receives a simple majority vote in the affirmative shall be considered adopted and enacted.
12. The voting totals shall be made available to each candidate during this announcement.

Section 16. Appeal of the Election Results

Any appeal to the outcome of the General Election must be submitted within two (2) business days following the reception announcing the outcome of the General Election. Any candidate may file an appeal of the outcome of the election for their applied position to Supreme Court.
An extension of the deadline for appeals may be granted by a simple majority vote of the Court.
Such an appeal must be based on the following reasons:
1. An allegation of a violation of the regulations in this Article.
2. An appeal to a decision of the Election Commission that was announced between the end of the General Election and the reception announcing the outcome of the General Election.
3. A request for a recount of ballots should an alternate paper ballot system have been implemented for the General Election.
The Court may take the following actions as the result of an appeal that was formally submitted:
1. Ordering a recount of ballots by a simple majority vote should an alternate paper ballot system have been implemented for the General Election.
2. Disqualifying any candidate and declaring the candidate who earned the next highest number of votes elected by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.
3. Disqualifying any candidate and directing the Chief Election Commissioner to conduct a Special Election to fill the position by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.

Section 17. Elections Certification Board

Once the outcome of the General Election has been announced by the Chief Election Commissioner and all appeals heard, the Chief Elections Commissioner shall present the results to the Elections Certification Board, which consists of the Student Body President, Speaker of the Senate and Association’s Advisor.
The Board shall approve the results as presented and enact the provisions for succession of power and filling vacant positions outlined in the Constitution shall be in effect.

Section 18. Elections Report

Following the closing of the Election, the Chief Election Commissioner shall submit a written report on the General Election containing the complete details of all decisions and actions of the Election Commission, election results, and any financial information.

Chapter 4. Midterm Election

Section 1. The Midterm Election

A Midterm Election of the Association shall be considered to refer to the annual election held to fill vacant Senate seats.

Section 2. Procedure for the Midterm Election

The Chief Election Commissioner shall announce the details of the Midterm Election at the first Senate Meeting in August.

This announcement shall include the same information as presented in Chapter 4.
The Election Commission shall host an informational workshop for candidacy on the Wednesday after the Announcement of the Midterm Election. This workshop shall include the processes of the election, how to apply for candidacy, what the responsibilities of each open position are, and how to correctly and effectively campaign.

Section 3. Midterm Election Timeline

The Midterm Election Campaign Period shall begin at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday of the second week following the announcement and shall end when the Election Commission has verified the results.
The Midterm Election shall take place from 8:00 a.m. on Monday through 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday of the third week following the announcement of the Midterm Election except in case of extraordinary circumstances.

Section 4. Midterm Election Process

The Midterm Election shall follow the same process as outlined in Chapter 4 regarding the Rules Meetings, disqualifications, Write-In Candidate process, campaign activities, campaign finance, third parties, voting procedures, outcome of the election, the reading of the results, appeal of the results, swearing in of new officers, as well as the Election Report.

Chapter 5. Special Election

Section 1. A Special Election

A Special Election is called for any Constitutional Amendment submitted to the members of the Association for approval and enactment or rejection; any referendum submitted to the members of the Association for approval and enactment or rejection; any election called for the purpose of recalling an elected official of the Association; or any election called for the purpose of filling the vacancy of the position of any elected official of the Association.

Section 2. Procedure for the Special Election

The Chief Election Commissioner shall announce the details of the Special Election at the next Senate Meeting after a vote of the Senate calling for a Constitutional Amendment or referendum to be presented to the Association for approval and enactment or rejection.
This announcement shall include the same information as presented in Chapter 4 or the text of any referendum to be presented to the Association for approval and enactment or rejection; the positions to be contested in the Special Election; instructions for a recall election and specific dates for each section of the Election.

Section 3. Special Election Timeline

The Special Election Campaign Period shall begin at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday of the second week following the announcement and shall end when the Election Commission has verified the results.
The Special Election shall take place from 8:00 a.m. on Monday through 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday of the third week following the announcement of the Special Election except in case of extraordinary circumstances.

Section 4. Midterm Election Process

The Special Election shall follow the same process as outlined in Chapter 4 regarding the Rules meetings, disqualifications, Write-In Candidate process, campaign activities, campaign finance, third parties, voting procedures, outcome of the election, the reading of the results, appeal of th results, the swearing in of new officers, as well as the Election Report.

Section 5. Procedure for Recall Election

For the Special Election resulting in a recall election, the question shall be “having received a complaint with the requisite number of signatures validated by the advisor of the association as required by the Constitution. Shall (Position, First and Last Name) be removed from the office they currently represent”
1. The elected official that is the subject of a recall election shall be considered removed if a plurality of the votes is cast in the affirmative; the official shall be considered retained if a plurality of the votes is cast in the negative.
2. Should the officials be removed, the Chief Election Commissioner shall announce a runoff election within two (2) weeks following the reception. All Special Election dates, deadlines, regulations, and procedures shall be in effect for this runoff election.

Chapter 6. Enforcement of Election Regulations and Procedures

Section 1. Fines for Violation

The Election Commission may issue fines in the form of a reduction of the campaign finance cap against any candidate or presidential ticket for any violation of the regulations outlined in this Article
The Election Commission may issue a fine of no greater than one quarter (1/4) of the campaign finance cap by a simple majority vote.
The Election Commission may issue a fine of no greater than one half (1/2) of the campaign finance cap by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.
The Election Commission may issue a fine of no more than two thirds (2/3) of the campaign finance cap by a unanimous vote.
Any fines issued by the Election Commission may be appealed to the Court and are subject to a simple majority vote.

Section 2. Suspension of Campaign

The Election Commission may suspend the campaign of any candidate or presidential ticket for any exceptional violation of the regulations outlined in this Statute for a time not extending into the beginning of the voting period.
The Election Commission may approve and enact such a suspension by a two-third (2/3) majority vote. Such a suspension may be appealed to the Court, subject to a two-thirds (2/3) vote.

Section 3. Disqualification

The Election Commission may enact the disqualification of any candidate or presidential ticket from any General or Special Election for any outrageous violation of the regulations outlined in this Statute by a unanimous vote. Such a disqualification may be appealed to the Court, subject to a unanimous vote.
The Election Commission shall have wholly authority to disqualify a candidate or presidential ticket by a two-thirds (2/3) majority under the following exempted conditions as stated in Chapter 4.

Section 4. Standard of Proof and Submission of Certification

The Election Commission may not impose or recommend any of these sanctions for any candidate or presidential ticket because of a third-party action unless it can be demonstrated by a preponderance of evidence that the candidate or presidential ticket was involved or aware of, said action and failed to prevent the planning or execution of it.
The Election Commission may recommend to the Senate by a simple majority that an organization’s recognition be revoked according to the procedures outlined in S001 for any violation of the regulations outlined in this Article. The Senate may only revoke the organization’s recognition according to the procedure outlined in S001.
The Election Commission may recommend to the Finance Commission by a simple majority that an organization should be restricted from receiving or revoking any funding allocated according to the procedures outlined in Article VIII. The Financial Code for a period not extending past the end of the current Session for any violation of the regulations outlined in this Article.
Any decision or action of the Election Commission must be submitted in writing to the Senate and bear the signature of the Association’s Advisor indicating the certification that it accurately and completely reflects the action or decision taken by the Election Commission.
The Association’s Advisor may escalate the question of imposing any sanction from the Election Commission to the Court without a vote of the Election Commission, or refer any individual or organization to the University administration for a conduct hearing, for any overwhelmingly egregious violation of the regulations in this Statute, for any violation of the Student Code of Conduct, or for any misconduct by the members of the Election Commission.

Section 5. Election Amendment Deadlines

After fall recess, no changes may be made to any of the election rules, deadlines, or regulations by said Session to affect the general election of the incoming Session.

Chapter 7. Inauguration and Installation

Section 1. Annual Inauguration and Installation Ceremony

The Annual Inauguration and Installation Ceremony shall be planned by the Central Office.
The Ceremony must take place the Thursday following sine die adjournment of the previous Session.
Funding for this Ceremony shall come from the Transition Budget.

Section 2. Oath of Office

The Oath of Office shall be administered to every elected and appointed member of the Student Government Association.
The Oath shall be administered to the Finance Commission the first time they are seated as well as the Membership Review Board.
The Oath of Office shall be administered every time there is a vacancy in any role of the Student Government.
The Oath of Office may only be officiated by the Student Body President, Student Body Vice President, Student Body Chief Justice, the Speaker of the Student Senate and/or the Association’s Advisor.
Prior to taking Office, each Official must take the Oath of Office “I, (state your name), hereby swear, that I will faithfully serve the students of Wichita State University, act in accordance with the Constitution of the Student Body, and fulfill all duties and responsibilities required of the Office of (POSITION). I will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend, the Constitution of the Student Body of Wichita State University.”

Section 3. FERPA Release

In compliance with eligibility standards and ethics enforcement, the Association’s Advisor must issue oversee the formal signing of the Oath of Office. This formal document grants and satisfies written and electronic consent of members of the Student Government, in compliance with University policies and allows the Central Office, specifically, the Association’s Advisor, to monitor good standing, GPA, behavioral issues, and university investigations of any individual, in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).

Article X. Appointments of Officials

Chapter 1. General Procedures for Appointment

Section 1. Opportunity to Serve

Any member of the Association who is in good academic standing as defined by the College in which the member is enrolled shall be eligible to serve in any appointed Association position, with the following exceptions:
1. No Executive Officer, member of the Cabinet, or Senator may serve as a member of the Supreme Court.
2. No Executive Officer, member of the Cabinet, Senator, or student member of the Supreme Court may serve as the Student Advocate.
3. No Executive Officer, member of the Cabinet, or student member of the Supreme Court may serve as a Senator.
4. Only members of each Senate Committee shall be eligible to serve as the Membership Review Board alternate for the respective Senate Committee Chairperson.
The Association’s Office shall verify the eligibility of each applicant
Each appointed Association official shall assume all rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of that position upon taking the Oath of Office.

Chapter 2. Formal Appointments

Section 1. Appointments by the Student Body President

The Student Body President shall make all formal appointments to all Faculty Senate and University committees, Justices of the Supreme Court, members of the President’s Cabinet and the Student Advocates.

Section 2. Appointments by the Student Body Vice President

The Student Body Vice President shall make all formal appointments to any members of all Association Committees.

Section 3. Appointments by the Speaker of the Student Senate

The Speaker of the Student Senate shall make all formal appointments of Senators to Standing Senate Committee; any vacant Senate Seats, following general and fall elections; and all Senate Committee Chairpersons.

Section 4. Appointments by the Chairs of the Student Senate

The Pro-Tempore shall be appointed by the Chairperson of the respective committee from among the current voting members of the committee.

Section 5. Appointments by the Association’s Advisor

The Association’s Advisor shall make all formal appointments of members to the Elections Commission.

Section 6. Selection Process

All individuals shall nominate the most qualified applicant for the position based on the applicant’s application and interview and shall present the nominee to the Senate, if applicable.
Confirmation Hearings are required for all positions requiring confirmation as stated in the Articles and shall face the Seante by answering any germane questions from the Senate regarding the nomination.
Confirmation shall be conducted by simple majority except for the following positions, which require a two-third (2/3) majority vote of the Senate: the Student Body Treasurer, Student Senators, and the Student Advocates.

Section 7. Interim Appointments

The Student Body President shall have the authority to make interim appointments to any appointed position that may become vacant or available more than one (1) month before the next Senate meeting and must be reported to the Senate.

Article XI. Impeachment and Removal of Officials

Chapter 1. General Procedures for Suspension or Removal by the Association Advisor

Section 1. Good Standing

If a Senator, Justice, Executive Officer or Cabinet member is not in good standing with Wichita State University, the Association Advisor retains the ability to vacate the position.

Section 2. Temporary Suspension

If a Senator, Justice, Executive Officer or Cabinet member is brought up on university charges and/or investigation, the Association Advisor retains the ability to temporarily suspend this Member until the investigation is complete. Such suspension is limited to no more than 30 days, at which point a case to the Board is introduced for review.
Should the Association Advisor vacate a position or enact a temporary suspension on a member, the Association Advisor shall submit a memo to the heads of branches regarding such action.

Section 3. Removal Due to Absences

If a Senator has three unexcused absences from meetings according to the record of the Clerk of the Senate, the Clerk of the Senate shall notify the Association Advisor, and the Association Advisor shall vacate the position.

Section 4. Failure to Take Oath

If a Senator-elect was not sworn in at the first Senate meeting of the Session without being excused by the Advisor of the Association, the Association Advisor retains the ability to vacate the position.

Chapter 2. The Membership Review Board

Section 1. Purpose of the Membership Review Board

The Membership Review Board monitors and enforces ethical conduct duties and standards of the Association’s elected and appointed officials, student committee members, while maintaining strict fairness in any hearing or deliberation and ensuring that each party’s due process rights are protected.

Section 2. Membership of the Board

The Speaker of the Senate, serving as the Chairperson,
The Clerk of the Senate, serving as Clerk of the Board with no procedural or voting rights.
The Chairpersons of each of the Standing Senate Committees,
Two designees from the Executive Branch appointed by the Student Body President of the Association,
The Association’s Advisor or a designee, serving as a nonvoting, ex-officio member.

Section 3. Recusal of Membership

In any case reviewing the performance of any member of the Membership Review Board or if a member of the Membership Review Board is the complainant, that member shall be rescued from the case.

Should any member of the Membership Review Board be recused from a case, the Chair Pro-Tempore shall take their place on the Board.

Should the Speaker of the Senate be recused from a case, the President of the Senate shall serve as Chairperson.

Section 4. Jurisdiction of the Board

The Membership Review Board shall hear a case for the review, sanction, or removal of any elected or appointed official, Senator, member of cabinet, Agency Leader, or Committee Member of the Association for any of the following reasons:
1. Failure to fulfill the position’s respective duties as outlined in the Constitution or the Bylaws.
2. Refusal or failure to comply with the expectations of the Constitution, Bylaws, or Statutes.
3. Violation of any federal, state, or municipal law or of the University’s Student Code of Conduct.
4. Committing any fraud or embezzlement compromising the finances or property of the Association of the University.
5. Violation of the standard of professionalism or respect for human dignity in the performance of the position’s respective duties outlined in the Constitution or the Bylaws.
6. Submitting a frivolous or deleterious complaint against any elected or appointed official of the Association without substance, foundation, or reasonable basis.
7. Impeding the progress of any case for review, sanction, or removal of any elected or appointed official of the Association, any conduct proceedings by the University, or any criminal or civil proceedings in a federal, state, or municipal court.

Chapter 3. Case for Review by the Membership Review Board

Section 1. Complaints to the Board

The Membership Review Board may consider complaints or documentation directly related to an individual’s performance and/or behavior as a member of the Association only in their role as an elected or appointed official of the Association.
The Membership Review Board may not consider any complaint or decide any action regarding any behavior or activity ex post facto should any eligibility standards, duties, or regulations be amended.
The Membership Review Board shall review complaints issues by any individual who submitted the complaint and shall be referred to as “the Complainant.”
The Membership Review Board shall investigate the individual who is the subject of the complaint and shall be referred to in this Code as “the Respondent.”

Section 2. Initiating a Case

If it is believed that any elected or appointed official, Senator, member of Cabinet, or Committee member of the Association is guilty of any of the reasons for review, sanction, or removal, a member of the Association may initiate a case with the Membership Review Board against the official by providing a detailed written complaint against that official.
Such a complaint shall be submitted to both the Association Advisor and the Membership Review Board Chair and contain the following information:
1. The name and position of the elected or appointed official, Senator, member of Cabinet, Agency Leader, or Committee member that is the subject of the complaint.
2. The specific cause for review, sanction, or removal.
3. Any evidence supporting the complaint.
4. The names and positions of any witnesses who may supply or clarify any evidence supporting the complaint.
5. A list of suggested actions toward a resolution of the complaint.
6. Upon receiving such a complaint, the Membership Review Board shall convene to hear a case for the review, sanction, or removal of the official who is the subject of the complaint.
The Membership Review Board, upon receiving the complaint, the Respondent shall submit a detailed written response within a week of being contacted to the Chairperson before the hearing.
1. A refutation of the complaint or justification for the behavior constituting the subject of the complaint.
2. Any documentary evidence supporting the response.
3. A list of dates and times that they are available for a hearing.
4. The names and positions of any witnesses who may supply or clarify any evidence supporting the response.
5. A list of suggested actions toward the resolution of the complaint.

Section 3. Witness

The Chairperson shall request that any witness named submit a written statement and any evidence to support that statement before the hearing with enough time in advance for the witnesses to be able to fulfill this request. Witnesses must agree to be a witness.

Section 4. Submission of Compliant

The Chairperson shall forward the complaint before the hearing to the members of the Membership Review Board, to the Respondent, and to any witness within a week of receiving a complaint.
As they forward the complaint, The Chairperson shall make a good faith effort to accommodate the schedules of every member of the Membership Review Board, the Complainant, the Respondent, and any witnesses when setting the date and time for any hearing. If deemed appropriate, the tentative date and time for the hearing may fall outside the realm of a business day, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
The Chairperson shall forward the response before the hearing to the members of the Board, to the Complainant, and to any witnesses.
After receiving the detailed written response, the Board shall have ten business days to hold their first hearing and no more than fourteen business days to make a decision. The Board will still have the hearing if the Respondent fails to reply to the Chairperson in the allotted time.

Section 5. Hearing of the Compliant

At the hearing, the Membership Review Board shall hear the complaint, the response, the statements of any witnesses, and any evidence before making any decision.
Members of the Board are strictly prohibited from any dissemination, distribution, or copying of any communication, discussion, or other decisions of the Board. Only the Chairperson shall communicate information at their discretion. The Speaker of the Senate shall, when serving as chairperson, report to the Senate the number of cases that will be handled, but nothing else pertaining to the cases.
The Membership Review Board may not make any decision without two-thirds majority of its members or their designees present.
The Chairperson shall forward the decision and reasoning of the Membership Review Board in writing to the Complainant and the Respondent and report the decision and reasoning at the next Senate Meeting.

Chapter 4. Sanctions or Removal Process

Section 1. Sanctions by the Board

The Membership Review Board may, with a simple majority vote, approve and recommend sanctions on the Respondent.
Such sanctions should include, but are not limited to, requiring the Respondent to submit a formal, written apology to the Association and complainant for the content of the complaint or consideration of a Resolution of disapproval or condemnation of the behavior constituting the subject of the complaint.
Under no circumstances shall any form of sanctions restrict the Respondent’s speaking, procedural, or voting rights granted in the Bylaws.

Section 2. Suspension from Office

The Membership Review Board may, after a simple majority vote, recommend to the Senate the Suspension of the Respondent from their position.
The Senate shall approve and enact such a removal by a two-third (2/3) majority vote.
To have suspensory status means the Respondent is removed from their committee assignments and do not count towards quorum, and eligibility for any current and prospective leadership role is annulled during the suspension. The details of the suspension shall be left to the discretion of the Membership Review Board.

Section 3. Impeachment

The Membership Review Board may, after a simple majority vote, recommend to the Senate the Impeachment of the Respondent from their position.
The Senate shall approve and enact such a removal by a two-third (2/3) majority vote.
Should the recommendation be to remove the Speaker of the Student Senate, Chair of Standing Committee, Senator or Justice, the President of the Senate shall preside over the trial in the Senate.
Should the recommendation be to remove any Officer of the Association or the Student Advocates, the Chief Justice shall preside over the trail in the Senate.

Article XII. Compensation of Officials

Chapter 1. General Regulations and Procedures

Section 1. General Policies

Officials and Central Office Staff are compensated for specific duties that shall be in intervals that correspond to the University’s pay periods.
Any change in the amount or frequency of compensation for any Association official shall be effective as of the beginning of the fiscal year following its approval and enactment, unless required by state or federal guidelines and laws regarding minimum wage.
Compensation for any Association official shall end effective immediately following resignation or termination.

Section 2. Rate of Pay

All Officials are entitled to receive compensation equal to an hourly rate of $12.00.

Section 3. Authority of Payment

The Association’s Advisor is charged with the disbursement of payroll and will sign off on all payroll documentations.
The Central Office, starting during Fiscal Year 2023, shall not accept payroll documents that passed the deadline without approval from the Association’s Advisor.

Chapter 2. Compensation of Officials and Officers

Section 1. Working Schedules

Executive Officers, Court Leadership, Senate Leadership and Members of the Cabinet are required to work, fulfilling the duties prescribed of their roles, including when classes are not in session, except on days when University offices are closed or by notice of the Central Office.

Section 2. Availability of Working Hours

The Student Body President is required to maintain up to thirty-five (35) hours per week.
The Student Body Vice President is both required to maintain up to thirty (30) hours per week. During Formal Hearings of Appropriations and Student Fees, the Treasurer may be compensated for an additional 5 hours per week.
The Speaker of the Senate are both required to maintain up to thirty (30) hours per week. During Formal Hearings of Appropriations and Student Fees, the Treasurer may be compensated for an additional 5 hours per week.
The Deputy Speaker may log up to an additional ten (10) work hours per week beyond the standard allotted hours for their role as a Committee Chairperson.
The Student Body Treasurer is required to maintain up to twenty-five (25) hours per week. During Formal Hearings of Appropriations and Student Fees, the Treasurer may be compensated for an additional 5 hours per week.
The Chief of Staff and Cabinet Directors are required to maintain up to twenty (20) hours per week.
The Student Advocates are required to maintain up to twenty (20) hours per week.
The Senate Chairpersons are required to maintain up to twenty (20) hours per week. During Formal Hearings of Appropriations and Student Fees, the Government Oversight Chairperson may be compensated for an additional 5 hours per week.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is required to maintain up to fifteen (15) hours per week.
The Clerk of the Senate is required to maintain up to fifteen (15) hours per week.
The Chief Elections Commissioner is required to maintain up to fifteen (15) hours per week.
The Elections Commissioners are required to maintain up to ten (10) hours per week during Election Season.
The Clerk of the Court is required to maintain up to ten (10) hours per week.
The Administrative Clerk is required to maintain up to fifteen (15) hours per week. During Formal Hearings of Appropriations and Student Fees, the Administrative Clerk may be compensated for an additional ten (10) hours per week.
The President may compensation temporary positions no more than ten (10) hours per week.

Article XIII. The Association’s Advisor and Central Office

Chapter 1. Designation of the Association’s Advisor

Section 1. Executive Director of Student Engagement & Belonging

The Executive Director of Student Engagement & Belonging shall serve as the Association’s Advisor and shall be known as the Head of the Central Office.
The Executive Director is hired by the Division of Student Affairs to serve in this capacity and reports to the Division.
Student Government Leadership shall have no less than three officials, appointed by the Student Body President, who shall serve on the search committee to hire the Executive Director.
The Association shall provide compensation for up to 50% of the Executive Director’s annual salary and benefits; either directly, or indirectly.

Section 2. Duties of the Association’s Advisor

The Advisor is responsible for the overall day to day oversight and management of the Central Office, the physical office of the Student Government Association, located in the Rhatigan Student Center
The Advisor acts as a mentor, resource, and guide, helping Officials of the Association to develop skills and carry out the annual agenda.
The Advisor provides institutional knowledge, facilitates planning, and ensures accountability.
The Advisor is charged with bridge the gap between the Association and University Administration, representing the Association’s interest at the University.
The Advisor is charged with the responsibility of a timely and orderly transition of power from one Session to the next.
The Advisor retains speaking rights in all areas of the Association and is granted by certain authorities in Membership.
The Advisor serves as the Budget Office for the Association’s Budget
The Advisor is responsible for the review of the eligibility and conduct standards of the Officials of the Association
The Advisor may speak for the Association but may not make decisions for the Association above and beyond prescribed authority granted within these Bylaws.

Section 3. Staff of the Central Office

The Central Office will employ staff to assist in the operations of the Association. The staff employees of the Association shall be compensated and hired according to the policies of Human Resources at a rate set by the Executive Director of Student Engagement & Belonging.
The Executive Director shall have, at their discretion, the ability to hire or designate funding up to 6.0 FTE positions to assist them in the advising and operation of the Association and shall designate advising responsibilities as such; all directly reporting to the Executive Director and serve at their pleasure. The Association shall provide the funds for these positions.
The Central Office has funding for up to two (2) graduate assistants to provide para-professional learning experience for a graduate student. The Funding shall include a stipend set by the Association’s Advisor, the cost of tuition up to fifteen (15) credit hours, and health and fringe benefits. The Association shall provide the funds for these positions.
The Central Office has funding for up to six (6) student assistants to provide administrative support to the Office and its programs for any undergraduate or graduate student. The Association shall provide the funds for these positions.

Article XIV. The Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker

Section 1. The Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker

The purpose of the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker is to provide resources for current Wichita State students, faculty, and staff who are facing food insecurity and/or difficulty with having clothing and/or hygiene products, and to educate the campus and community about the prevalence of food, clothing, and hygiene product insecurity at Wichita State University.
The resources may include food items, kitchen items, hygiene items, clothing items, literature from on-campus resource sites, and literature from off-campus resource sites.

Section 2. Funding for the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker

The funding for the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker shall be derived from the President’s Budget as well as applicable grants, investments and endowments, and from monetary contributions from alumni, community members, and current Wichita State University students, faculty, and staff.

Section 3. Transition to 501(c)3

Should the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker obtain a 501(c)3 distinction, funding for the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker should also be derived from grants, tax exemptions, investments, endowments, and other contributions applicable to 501(c)3 organizations.

Section 4. Oversight

The responsibility of overseeing operation of the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker shall be assigned to the Central Office.
Budgets, volunteer coordination, food and/or resource drive coordination, creation/maintenance of partnerships and all other activities necessary for managing and promoting the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker shall be regulated by Central Office.

Section 5. Usage of the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker

Students, faculty, and staff shall register prior to using the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker in a manner determined by the Central Office.

Article XV. Scholarship and Hardship Funds

Chapter 1. Scholarship General Regulations

Section 1. Non-Discrimination Clause

No scholarship applicant will be excluded from consideration, and no scholarship recipient will be chosen on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran.

Section 2. The Scholarship Commission

The Scholarship Commission is appointed by the Vice President, shall be responsible to oversee and authorize the awarding of all scholarships unless otherwise stated in this Article. The Vice President shall appoint a Commission, made up of members of the Student Government and Association to not exceed five (5).
The Association Hardship Fund Permanent Select Committee shall be responsible for overseeing and awarding all Hardship funds and other designated funds. Meetings of this Committee shall be bestowed with the status of Permanent Select Committee and shall be considered closed pursuant under Kansas Open Meetings Act, K.S.A. 75-4319(a). Records of Permanent Special Committees shall be considered closed pursuant under Kansas Open Records Act, K.S.A. 45-215 and under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g. The Committee shall consist of:
1. The Student Body Vice President or designee; serving as the Chairperson.
2. The Speaker of the Senate or designee.
3. The Undergraduate Student Advocate.
4. The Graduate Student Advocate.
5. Association Advisor, or designee.

Section 4. Funding Requirements

Any scholarship funded or partially funded by the Association must follow all regulations in this Article and are under the allocation control of the Association.
All Association Scholarships or Hardship Funds shall receive their funding from the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) annually.
The Association’s Advisor shall serve as Budget Officer of these funds, unless otherwise stated.

Section 5. Application Process

All scholarships must follow the regular application process and awards recommended in considered with Office of Financial Aid schedules.

Section 6. Authority of Commissions

The Scholarship Commission has allocation oversight over the International Scholarship, James J. Rhatigan Leadership Scholarship, SGA Summer Scholarship, the SGA Endowed Scholarship, the ADHD, Autism, or Learning Disability Testing Support Fund and other non-hardship fund scholarships. The Commission also has expense and allocation authority of all remaining funds.
The Association Hardship Fund Board has allocation oversight over the Student Hardship Fund, the McKinney-Vento Scholarship,and other Association Hardship Funds. Allocation of funds under this Commission is left to the discretion of the Commission.
The Chairpersons will be responsible for providing an annual report, at the end of the fiscal year, to the Senate.

Section 7. Establishing New Scholarships

Any new Association Scholarships or Hardship Funds must be approved by the Senate.

Chapter 2. SGA Controlled Scholarships

Section 1. The International Student Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide scholarship assistance to the international students enrolled in the University who are continuing their education.
An application shall be created by the Central Office and approved by the Scholarship Commission.
Each scholarship will be in the amount of five hundred dollars ($500) per academic semester. Scholarships can be awarded for an academic year or for a single semester. No student can receive more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per academic year. The Committee will be responsible for selecting the recipients.
Awards shall be based on leadership and academic excellence, for full-time undergraduate and graduate international students who have completed at least one (1) semester of study at the University.

Section 2. James J. Rhatigan Leadership Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship shall be to provide financial assistance to eligible University students on a yearly basis. The scholarship honors Dr. James J. Rhatigan for his many years of service as Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, and the model of leadership his past tenure as such represents. The Scholarship shall also be a tool to promote scholastic and personal leadership at the University.
An application shall be created by the Central Office and approved by the Scholarship Commission.
The Scholarship monies shall be derived from a fund endowed through the Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement. All funds allocated for a fiscal year are to be awarded for that fiscal year, with any unused, unallocated, or forfeited money being rolled over into reserves.
The award amount must be included and updated on the Scholarship application and shall follow the procedures set by the Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement.

Section 3. SGA Summer Endowed Scholarship

The purpose of the SGA Summer Semester Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to full-time summer semester students.
An application shall be created by the Central Office and approved by the Scholarship Commission.
The Scholarship monies shall be derived from a fund endowed through the Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement.
All funds allocated for a fiscal year are to be awarded for that fiscal year, with any unused, unallocated, or forfeited money being rolled over into reserves.
The award amount must be included and updated on the Scholarship application and shall follow the procedures set by the Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement.

Section 4. SGA Endowed Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship shall be to provide financial assistance to eligible University students on a yearly basis.
The Scholarship monies shall be derived from a fund endowed through the Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement.
An application shall be created by the Central Office and approved by the Scholarship Commission.
All funds allocated for a fiscal year are to be awarded for that fiscal year, with any unused, unallocated, or forfeited money being rolled over into reserves.
The award amount must be included and updated on the Scholarship application and shall follow the procedures set by the Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement.

Section 5. SGA & Sigma Lambda Beta Dreamer Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to eligible University students on a yearly basis.
An application shall be created by the Central Office and approved by the Scholarship Commission.
The Wichita State Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta shall be contractually obligated to provide funding each year toward the Association’s scholarship account. If this contract is broken, award dispersal and award amounts will be at the discretion of the Chairperson. Any remaining monies shall be kept in the Association’s scholarship account.
The Committee has full jurisdiction of award totals and shall set the eligibility annually for this Scholarship.

Section 6. McKinney-Vento Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide scholarship assistance to the support students who are homeless at Wichita State University under identification standards of the McKinney-Vento Act.
An application shall be created by the Central Office and approved by the Hardship Fund Commission.
The Committee will be responsible for selecting the recipients with no one person receiving more than $6,000.
Awards shall be made based on identification standards of the McKinney-Vento Act.

Section 7. SGA General Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide scholarship assistance to any student enrolled in the University who are continuing their education.
The Association’s Advisor shall be authorized to award scholarships not to exceed $1,000 per award per semester, with no more than 5 awards per year
The Scholarship Committee shall have full jurisdiction on award totals exceeding the authorized amount
Must be an incoming or current Wichita State University student and must be a part-time or full-time student

Section 8. ADHD, Autism, or Learning Disability

The purpose of this fund is to financially assist members of the Association in obtaining ADHD, Autism, or Learning Disability evaluations to receive proper documentation of their diagnosis for academic purposes.
The full cost of the testing shall be allocated to any student deemed eligible by the diagnosing clinic, as set by the Memorandum of Agreement. This section will be reviewed annually in congruence with the Memorandum of Agreement
The diagnosing clinic will be responsible in determining the student’s eligibility for the testing and receiving the scholarship.
The Central Office will provide the funds to the diagnosing clinic after each test is completed upon receiving an invoice from the diagnosing clinic.
This scholarship cannot be distributed to an applicant more than once.
Applicants must be undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled in at least one (1) credit hour at Wichita State University and must demonstrate financial need.

Section 8. Rural Student Higher Education Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial aid for incoming or current graduate students residing from a rural area in Kansas.
The application will be created and maintained by the Central Office
Recipients of this scholarship must have completed a bachelor’s program at an accredited institution & can provide proof of residence in a rural area by mailing address. Students already enrolled in a graduate program can apply by providing proof of residency prior to their enrollment at Wichita State, such as documentation from financial institutions, government organizations, utility services, mortgage/rental history, academic history, or insurance companies. Traditional identification such as driver’s license or voter registration cards are an acceptable form of verification as well.
Although not an academic or merit-based scholarship, a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 is required to apply & receive funds. Students already enrolled in a graduate program must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students who do not maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher while receiving this scholarship will be considered ineligible for re-application until their GPA has returned to the required average.
An essay detailing the applicant’s past in a rural area, as well as their planned major & how the applicant plans on serving their community will be required to qualify for consideration of this scholarship.

Chapter 3. Student Hardship Fund

Section 1. Student Hardship Fund

The purpose of this fund is to provide interim financial support for all members of the Association in need of emergency financial assistance to enable them to continue their academic pursuits at the University.

Section 2. Authority of the Student Body President

Under extreme and unique circumstances, the President of the Association shall Order allocations of the Hardship fund through Executive Order pursuant to Article III, Section 5 of the Constitution

Section 3. Application

Applicants must be in good academic standing and be enrolled in at least one (1) credit hour and/or pay the student support services fee at the University.
The fund shall be distributed to the eligible applicants at a maximum of $1,200 per fiscal year.
Applicants shall assure the Committee of continuing with their individual education at the University and remain in good academic standing.
Priority for completed individual applications shall be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Student Hardship Fund Budget will be allocated equally into the Fall and Spring semesters according to the President’s budget. All unallocated and unexpected funds from the Fall semester will be reallocated in the Spring semester.
To apply, members of the Association must submit a written statement, in 500 words or less, that explains emergency financial hardship including the amount this is requested and where those funds will be applied.
An itemized budget and proof of all income and expenses for the previous (6) months and an itemized estimate of income and expenses for the upcoming six (6) months. An itemized budget and proof and/or estimation of the amount that is requested.
The Commission, at the Chair’s discretion, may also require additional information such as student demographic information including student classification for the purpose of data collection.

Section 4. Authorized Expenditures

Funds from the Hardship Fund may not be spent on any of the following:
1. Inherent costs of being a student.
2. Programs or projects intended to raise any funds or other material support for third parties.
3. Chapter due to national or international organizations.
4. Gifts, competitive awards, gift cards, or unapproved honoraria.
5. Firearms, ammunition, weapons, or any devices whose primary function is violence or destruction.
6. The cost of any alcohol.
7. Petty cash or cash-on-hand.
8. Clothing.
9. Any recreation or entertainment, including digital streaming services.
10. Telephonic expenditures not incurred due to extreme financial debt.
11. Stipends or salaries, or any form of payroll in the form of a 1099 or W-2.
12. Support or sponsor ballot initiatives or for any partisan political purposes.
13. Support or sponsor political lobbying.

Section 5. Review Process

The Chair shall decide to accept or decline the request.
The Hardship Fund Permanent Select Committee shall hear each request that the Chair has accepted and upon approval or rejection of the request, the Chair shall communicate the decision and the reasoning behind that decision to the requestor in writing.
The Chair shall have the sole power to deny the disbursement of funds for the following reason: submission of documentation for a different use than what the individual was approved for; inability of the individual’s request to comply with the Division of Accounts & Reports Policy and Procedure Manual, pursuant to K.S.A. 75-3728; fraud or misrepresentation of documentation, or any attempt to defraud or embezzle funds from the Association.
Any funds not allocated shall be reverted to the Association’s Reserve at the end of the fiscal year.
At the discretion of the Chair, individuals who may not have the resources to cover the costs of approved expenditure may supplement upfront costs.

Article XVI. Committees, Boards and Commissions

Section 1. The Child Development Center Advisory Board

The Child Development Center Advisory Board shall be responsible to meet at least two times per semester to review, develop, and establish the Child Development Center’s policies and programs and consult on its budgets for the benefit of the University community.
The Child Development Center shall create a finance sub-committee to develop and approve the annual budget and budget request to the Student Fees Commission.
The Child Development Center Advisory Board shall consist of the following individuals:
1. The President of the Association or designee, serving as the Chairperson
2. The Vice President of Student Affairs or designee, serving as the Vice Chair.
3. The Child Development Center Lead Teacher, appointed by the Director of the Child Development Center, serving a term of two (2) years.
4. One (1) parent, selected by the Director of the Child Development Center, serving a term of two (2) years.
5. One (1) faculty member from the College of Education, selected by the Dean of the College of Education, serving a term of two (2) years.
6. Three (3) members of the Association appointed by the President of the Association.
7. One (1) Education Senator, appointed by the Speaker of the Senate
8. The Dean of the College of Education, or designee, serving as a nonvoting, ex officio member.
9. The Executive Director of University Budgets, or designee, serving as a nonvoting, ex officio, member.
10. A Lead Teacher Assistant, appointed by the Director of the Child Development Center, serving as a nonvoting, ex officio member.
11. The Director of the Child Development Center, serving as a nonvoting, ex officio member.
12. The Association’s Advisor, serving as a nonvoting, ex officio member.

Section 2. Banquet and Annual Awards Committee

The Banquet and Annual Awards Committee is responsible for planning and executing the Association’s Annual Banquet. The Committee facilitates the annual awards such as Senator of the Year, Executive of the Year, Justice of the Year as well as any other awards deemed by the Committee, Senate Leadership or Executive Cabinet.
The Association Advisor shall select one member of leadership from each Branch to serve on the Committee

Section 3. The Menstrual Product Advisory Board

The Board shall be responsible for reviewing the functions of the Menstrual Product Initiative and reporting findings to the President of the Association. Subject matters that should be documented in the report include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Utilization of products such as restocking frequency of bathrooms, buildings, etc.
2. Feedback from students in the form of survey results, commentary, etc.
3. Summary of program successes, failures, areas needing improvement.
4. An update on cost changes from distributors.
5. List of restrooms presently included in the program, by building.
6. A review of readiness for program expansion.
7. A list of recommendations, including Improvements to standing processes; change of product distributor; expansion of product availability; cost of operations for the following Fiscal Year. The Board may use student population and inflationary increases as a gauge to operational spending recommendations.
The following individuals shall make up the Committee and shall retain speaking and procedural privileges:
1. The Director of Health & Wellness, or designee, as Chairperson.
2. The Vice President of the Association, or designee,
3. The Chief of Staff as Clerk.
4. Three Senators, chosen by The Speaker.
5. One representative from Spectrum LGBTQ+Allies.
6. At least some makeup of the board must be of a demographic impacted by this program

Section 4. Health and Wellness Commission

Created by Student Body President Paige Hungate of the 60th Session, formalized under Executive Order 63-011 by Student Body President Rija Khan and amended under Executive Order 68-024 by Student Body President Jia Wen Wang under the 68^th Session.
The Health and Wellness Commission exists to advise, guide, and improve the quality of student wellness by bringing together students, staff and administrators to address issues that affect students’ daily experiences including coordination and identity long-term service needs
The Health and Wellness Commission shall advise the Executive Branch on areas relating to and offered by departments on campus relating to this Section.
The Health and Wellness Commission shall exercise student fee oversight authority over the following Student Fee entities: Student Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, HOPE Services, Student Outreach Services.
The Commission shall have hold the recommendation authority of the Health and Wellness Fee.
The following individuals shall make up the Commission and shall retain speaking and procedural privileges:
1. The Vice President of the Association, serving as Chair.
2. The Treasurer of the Association
3. The Speaker of the Student Senate
4. A Chairperson appointed by the Speaker of the Senate
5. A Cabinet Director appointed by the President of the Association
6. Two (2) Senators, appointed by the Speaker of the Senate.
7. Two (2) members of the Finance Commission, appointed by the Treasurer of the Association
8. Two (2) members of the Association, appointed by the Vice President of the Association
9. The Directors or designees of the respective units list in 4D and the Association’s Advisor serve as non-voting members of the Commission

Section 5. Freshman Leadership Council

The purpose of the Freshman Leadership Council is to establish an avenue for first-year students to be involved in the Association, grow as student leaders, and engage in various opportunities and programs across campus for an enhanced freshman experience. Additionally, the Freshman Leadership Council shall plan and facilitate events that elevate the experiences of first-year students and advocates on behalf of first-year students to the Association
Members of the Freshman Leadership Council are expected to attend all council meetings, represent the interests of first-year students to the Council and the Senate, and attend all mandatory events as directed by the Chair
The following individuals shall make up the Committee and shall retain speaking and procedural privileges:
1. The Director of Leadership and Engagement, as Chairperson.
2. The Vice President of the Association, or designee.
3. Freshman Senators shall each be reserved a seat.
4. No more than twenty (20) but no less than ten (10) first-year students, excluding Freshman Senators, who are interviewed and selected by the Chair.
5. The Association’s Advisor or a designee, serving as an ex-officio member.

Section 6. Sustainability Commission

The Sustainability Commission shall be responsible for meeting at least once per month to identify, review, develop, and create policies and programs regarding sustainability at Wichita State University and throughout the Association.
The Commission shall work and meet with the university’s faculty and staff regarding concerns and feedback regarding sustainability on campus.
The Commission shall assist the Director of Wellness and Sustainability in planning and working on projects and programming to address sustainability needs and efforts.
The Commission shall assist in efforts to ensure the success and maintenance of the Wichita State Community Garden.
The following individuals shall make up the Commission and shall retain speaking and procedural privileges:
1. The Director of Wellness and Sustainability, or designee, as Chairperson
2. The Vice President of the Association, or designee
3. The Chief of Staff as Committee Clerk
4. Three (3) student representatives of the Association.
5. One (1) representative from Wichita State Green Group or an alternative sustainability-based recognized student organization.
6. One (1) faculty member associated with the University’s Sustainability Steering Committee, serving as a non-voting member.
7. The Director of Facilities Services, or designee, serving as a nonvoting, ex-officio member.
8. The Association’s Advisor or a designee, serving as a nonvoting, ex-officio member.

Section 7. Engagement and Outreach Commission

The Commission shall be responsible for organizing outreach efforts and initiatives in conjunction with the Legislative Branch which must include:
1. Tabling events.
2. Marketing and information campaigns.
3. Presentations about the Association and/or visits to recognized student organizations, first-year seminars, agencies, and colleges.
4. Work and communicate with the advisory boards and the deans of each college.
5. Any other initiative the Chair deems necessary.
The Commission shall advocate on behalf of the students of the Association by working with recognized student organizations, agencies, and colleges to identify areas of need and improvement of university and Association services and/or resources.
The following individuals shall make up the Commission and shall retain speaking and procedural privileges:
1. The Vice President of the Association, or designee, serving as Chairperson.
2. The Director of Engagement and Leadership
3. The Director of Community Engagement and Outreach
4. The Director of Student Organizations.
5. The Speaker of the Student Senate
6. A student representative from each representative block of the Senate
7. The Association’s Advisor or a designee, serving as a nonvoting, ex-officio member.

Section 8. Wichita State University Police Department Advisory Board

The Wichita State University Police Department Advisory Board shall be responsible to meet at least twice per semester to bring student concerns to the police department, and to alleviate concerns via conversations with the members of the board. It shall be made clear that this board is not a board of/for appeals regarding arrest, citations, NTAs, or other criminal punishments served via the Wichita State University Police Department or any other governing body in relation to said department.
The Wichita State University Police Advisory Board shall consist of the following members:
1. The President of the Association or designee, serving as chair
2. The Student Support Services Committee Chairperson or designee.
3. A Senator from the Student Government Association appointed by the Speaker of the Student Senate
4. The Chief of the Wichita State University Police Department or designee.
5. Two (2) employees of the Wichita State University Police Department, appointed by the Chief of the Wichita State University Police Department. Neither of the two (2) employees shall be a member of the Parking Services Division of the Wichita State University Police Department
6. Three (3) residence Resident Assistants, appointed by the President of the Association.
7. Only one (1) resident assistant shall be from each dorm building, those being; Shocker Hall, The Flats, and The Suites
8. The President of the Faculty Senate or designee
9. The President of the Staff Senate or designee
10. WSU Tech Head of Security or designee
11. Two (2) Three (3) WSU students majoring in political science or criminal justice appointed by the President of the Association.
12. A representative from the Wichita Police Department appointed by the WPD Patrol North Captain. This member shall be a non-voting ex-officio member.

Section 9. The Student Life Commission

Created by Executive Order 68-025 by President Jia Wen Wang of the 68th Session
The Student Life Commission exists to advise, guide, and improve the quality of campus life by bringing together students, staff and administrators to address issues that affect students’ daily experiences and sense of belonging.
The Student Life Commission shall advise the Executive Branch on areas relating to and offered by departments on campus relating to this Section.
The Student Life Commission shall exercise student fee oversight authority over the following Student Fee entities: Student Engagement & Belonging, Campus Recreation, Student Accommodation & Testing, Graduate Student Programming, College of Fine Arts Programming, Student Outreach Services, Rhatigan Student Center, The Sunflower.
The Student Life Commission shall be charged with advising on the Housing and Residence Life Room and Board Rates prior to submission to the Student Senate.
The following individuals shall make up the voting members of the Commission
1. The Vice President of the Association, serving as Chairperson
2. The Treasurer of the Association, serving as the Vice Chairperson
3. The Speaker of the Student Senate
4. A Chairperson appointed by the Speaker of the Senate
5. A Cabinet Director appointed by the President of the Association
6. Two (2) Senators, appointed by the Speaker of the Senate.
7. Two (2) members of the Finance Commission, appointed by the Treasurer of the Association
8. Two (2) members of the Association, appointed by the Vice President of the Association
9. The Directors or designees of the respective units list in 9C and the Association’s Advisor serve as non-voting members of the Commission

Article XVII. The Community Garden

Section 1. Purpose of the Community Garden

The purpose of the WSU Community Garden, located on the east side of the Rhatigan Student Center, is to provide current Wichita State students, faculty, and staff an environment to grow and harvest produce and to educate the campus and community about gardening.

Section 2. Funding for the Community Garden

The funding for the Community Garden shall be derived from the President’s budget.
Budgets, volunteer coordination, student assistant management, and creation or maintenance of partnerships and all other activities necessary for managing and promoting the Community Garden shall be regulated by the Central Office.

Section 2. Staffing and Operations

Community Garden Student Assistants shall support the daily operations and sustainability of the Community Garden. Student Assistants must be able to assist with seasonal garden transitions, perform routine plant care, and maintain sustainable practices.
The primary duties and responsibilities of a Student Assistant shall be set by the Central Office.

Article XVIII. International Mentorship Program

Section 1. Purpose

The purpose of the International Student Mentorship Program shall be to support the successful transition, integration, and retention of incoming international students at Wichita State University. The program shall provide structured opportunities for academic, social, and cultural engagement to enhance student success and sense of belonging.

Section 2. Mentorship Orientation

The program shall include an Orientation component for incoming international students, which may include, but is not limited to: digital platform navigation, academic expectations within the United States higher education system, local living resources in Wichita, and campus engagement and involvement opportunities.

Section 3. Peer Mentorship Structure

The program shall include a Peer Mentorship component in which incoming students are paired with trained upper-division student mentors.

Section 4. Oversight and Administration

The International Student Mentorship Program shall be primarily administered and overseen by the Student Government Association. The Student Government Association shall collaborate with the Office of International Education, to support program implementation, coordination, and student engagement.
The program may include data tracking, assessment, and annual evaluation to measure effectiveness and improve outcomes.

The Statutes of the Student Government Association

Authority of Statutes

The Association's Statutes are laws, which are specific in their terminology. They shall carry over from Session to Session enduring until they are repealed. The Senate shall have the authority to make Statutes pursuant to this Constitution, which shall be binding.

S001 Student Organizations

Section 1. Purpose of this Statute

The purpose of this statute shall be to provide the procedure by which organizations are recognized and registered and to define the rights and privileges attached to such recognition. The authority for this statute is granted by Article 1, Section 4, of the Constitution of the Association of the University. The inclusion of Student Engagement & Belonging in this statute shall not be construed as to diminish the authority of the Association in any way.

Section 2. Definitions

For purposes of this statute the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Advisor, university contact, and member shall be defined as:
1. President/Chief Officer: The highest elected official of a formally recognized student organization. This individual must be a Wichita State University student in good standing.
2. Vice President: Any Officer that can act as and/or replace the President/Chief Officer of a formally recognized student organization.
3. Treasurer: The Officer in charge of financial affairs for a formally recognized student organization.
4. Advisor: Any current faculty or staff of the University, who is not an undergraduate student, or any community member who monitors the actions of an organization.
5. University contact: Any current faculty or staff of the University, who is not an undergraduate student, who acts as a contact person for the organization if the Advisor is not a current faculty or staff member of the University.
6. Organization member: Any person as determined by local chapter Constitution and Bylaws of a recognized organization.

Section 3. Recognition Standards

Any organization applying for the status of a recognized organization at the University shall present and adhere to the following guidelines to be maintained in Student Engagement & Belonging
1. Local chapter and national Constitution and Bylaws of the organization.
2. Mailing address, phone number, and email of the organization.
3. Name, phone number, and email address of the President/Chief Officer and two (2) other officers.
4. Name, phone number, and email address of Advisor.
5. Name, phone number, and email address of university contact.
6. A list of all members who consent to having their names released.
7. Officer election and rollover dates.
8. A statement of compliance with Section 8 of this statute
9. An organization must have at least five (5) members.
10. Other requirements as set forth by Student Engagement & Belonging.
11. Exceptions to the above process shall be granted by the Senate, with a two-third (2/3) vote of the Senate, or otherwise without objection.

All officers for a student organization must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 and be enrolled in at least one (1) credit hour for credit.
Advisors must reside in the Greater Wichita Metropolitan Area.
University contacts must be current faculty or staff of the University, excluding undergraduate students.
Recognition shall be defined as the formal acknowledgement of a student organization by the University, the Association, and Student Engagement & Belonging for the purpose of gaining the privileges as outlined in Section 112 of this Statute.
1. Any organization wishing to become initially recognized must complete an application for Recognition of Student Organizations and turn it into Student Engagement & Belonging
2. Student Engagement & Belonging will be responsible for checking eligibility of all initial recognition requests based on requirements set forth in Section 104 of this statute
3. Student Engagement & Belonging shall review applicants and grant recognition according to the guidelines outlined in this statute. All decisions shall be reported to the Senate by the Association’s Advisor
4. Once the Senate has been informed of all initial recognition, a list of those organizations which have received initial recognition will be forwarded to Student Engagement & Belonging where an official list of recognized organizations of the University shall be kept.
Organizations will be recognized for one (1) year if the organization abides by the regulations set forth in this statute and with the policies and procedures of the University.
1. Organizations must register their status at the beginning of each fall semester by submitting a Student Organization Registration Form to Student Engagement & Belonging by September 30^th.
2. If officers of an organization change, an update must be filed in Student Engagement & Belonging in order to stay in good standing as a recognized organization and receive funding.
All recognized organizations and any organization applying for recognition shall make available any records or financial statements requested by Student Engagement & Belonging, the Government Oversight Committee, the Senate, or the Court of the Association.
No organization may be recognized unless it follows the Kansas Board of Regents policy regarding the selection of its members, in accordance with the section regarding student organizations in the Kansas Board of Regents’ Policy Manual.
All recognized organizations, including conditional organizations, shall have all rights and privileges granted to them by the Association, the University, and as outlined in the Student Bill of Rights.
1. Student Organizations shall be granted reservation privileges, eligibility for receiving Association funding, and other privileges to be determined by Student Engagement & Belonging.
2. Secondary Student Organizations shall only be granted reservation privileges and other privileges to be determined by Student Engagement & Belonging. They shall not be eligible to receive funding through the Association.
3. Provisional Student Organizations shall be granted reservation privileges, eligibility for receiving Association funding up to $700, and other privileges to be determined Student Engagement & Belonging.
4. Probationary Organizations shall be ineligible for Association funding during the duration of the probation.
5. During the period of conditional recognition, an organization shall be eligible for all benefits granted to a recognized organization, except funding eligibility.
6. Recognition may be withdrawn by two-thirds vote (2/3) of the Senate.
All recognized organizations and any organization recognized by the Association is responsible to the Association.
The Association provides complete oversight and administration to any and all recognized organizations and any organization recognized by the Association with the right to overturn any decision made by Student Engagement & Belonging.

S002 Office of the Student Advocate

Section 1. The Office of the Student Advocate

The Office of the Student Advocate of the Association is hereby established as a non- political office of the Association for the resolution of any concern, problem, complaint, and/or grievance brought by members of the student fees-paying community at the University.
The Office of the Student Advocate consists of the Undergraduates Student Advocate, who serves undergraduate students and the Graduate Student Advocate, who serves graduate students
The Office of the Student Advocate of the Association shall have all the authority necessary to effectively perform their duties in a timely and efficient manner provided that it is consistent with the Constitution, Bylaws, Statutes, and official policies of the Association
The Office of the Student Advocate shall have access to all pertinent files, records, electronic databases, research materials, data, and other informational resources of the University provided that such information may be obtained in compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal laws.
The Office of the Student Advocate may not be excluded from any meeting of the Faculty Senate or its standing committees or temporary committees; University committees; Senate meetings or its standing committee meetings or temporary committee meetings including executive sessions when seeking just solutions to any concern or problem.

Section 2. Relationship with the Student Advocates

All faculty members, administrators, staff persons, employees, and other personnel of the University will cooperate with requests from The Office of the Student Advocate of the Association made through administrative channels in the performance of the responsibilities of the Office.

Section 3. Appointment of the Advocates

The Student Advocates must currently be enrolled students at the University with at least a 2.50 cumulative grade point average or in good standing, in the case of the Graduate Advocate, and cannot hold another Association position.
The President of the Association shall appoint an applicant to the position of Student Advocate of the Association with action to be ratified by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire Senate.
The newly appointed Student Advocate shall train with the outgoing Student Advocate for two (2) weeks following the confirmation of appointment and shall be sworn into office by the first business day of June.

Section 4. Duties of the Student Advocate

The Student Advocate of the Association shall be responsible for helping students who approach their office with a question, problem, concern, complaint, and/or grievance regarding university personnel or procedures, hereinafter referred to as "concern,” and work towards the resolution, if possible, of that concern.
The Student Advocate may not turn away a student seeking the Advocate’s services, unless the Student Advocate gets an exception to this rule cleared by the Association Advisor.

Section 5. Parking and Traffic Appeals

The Student Advocate of the Association shall be responsible for assisting any student who approaches their office with filing an appeal to the Traffic Appeals Committee regardless of whether the appeal is an “in-person” or “written only” appeal.
The Student Advocate of the Association shall be responsible for speaking to the University Committees responsible for parking and traffic appeals on a regular basis regarding pending appeals to create a professional and cordial working relationship between the University Police Department and the office of the Student Advocate.
The Office of the Student Advocate shall be responsible for obtaining copies of all student appeals that are to go before the Parking and Traffic Appeals Committee and shall be responsible for attempting, at least once, to contact all appellants who have not already contacted the Office of the Student Advocate in an attempt to better advise students of how the appeals process works.
It shall be the sole responsibility of the Office of the Student Advocate to give advice to students, if the student is unsure whether they should appeal a traffic ticket or not. Further, only the Office of the Student Advocate may attempt to “plea bargain” with the Parking or Traffic Supervisor on behalf of a student.
The Office of the Student Advocate shall be responsible for representing all students at regular sessions of the Parking and Traffic Appeals Committee to the best of their ability, regardless of whether they have met with a particular student. Only in cases where it is impossible for the Office of the Student Advocate to appear a designee shall appear in the Advocate’s place.
This shall not be construed to imply that the Office of the Student Advocate is required to attempt to have every ticket brought before the Parking and Traffic Appeals Committee overturned. If either Student Advocate feels that a ticket was truly deserved, they may choose not to advocate for its dismissal so that, when the Student Advocate does find a ticket that should be dismissed, they may argue with full credibility towards its dismissal.

Section 6. Academic Appeals

The Office of the Student Advocate will work with students in preparing to file appeals to the Academic Appeals Court in consultation with the Academic Appeals Court coordinator.
The Office of the Student Advocate shall be responsible for obtaining any information necessary for the student’s appeal that the student has been unable to obtain on their own. This can include, but is not limited to, copies of the course syllabus, homework assignments and tests, and documented interviews with the members of the faculty related to the appeal.
At the request of the students, the Office of the Student Advocate shall represent the student before the Academic Appeals Committee meeting. The Office of the Student Advocate can act as a full representative and present the student’s case on the student’s behalf, or the Office of the Student Advocate of the Association can simply act as Counsel for the student if the student chooses to represent themselves.

Section 7. Other Duties of the Student Advocates

The Office of the Student Advocate shall perform other duties that are necessary to best assist the student on a case-by-case basis.
Creating a temporary committee composed of members of the University and larger community to be chaired by the Undergraduate or Graduate Student Advocate or their designee to investigate the concern and provide a recommendation for how to handle the concern.
Obtaining and supplying information requested and/or referring the student to the proper source where information may be obtained.
Accepting suggestions and referring students to the appropriate people within the University. The Student Advocate shall be responsible for following up on the disposition of these suggestions periodically.
Investigating concerns and recommending solutions to the parties concerned.
Recommending to the proper administrator and/or decision-making body a solution to a concern.
Explaining University policies and procedures to uninformed students and to students with unjustified complaints.
Mediating situations between parties of a dispute bring about a resolution to a dispute.
Reporting findings and recommendations for a solution to a concern to the President of the Association, Vice President of Student Affairs, and to other appropriate officials.
Referring to an appropriate administrator if a conflict of interest arises.
Assisting a student, upon request by that student, in preparing an appeal to University Committees and Courts.
Providing a sense of closure to the student when no action is advisable.

Section 8. Documentation and Closing Cases

All concerns received by the Office of the Student Advocate must be resolved within thirty (30) days after they are received or the Student Advocate of the Association must explain the delay in general terms, without violating the confidentiality of the case, to the President of the Association.
The Student Advocate of the Association shall be responsible for documenting information on any person requesting the services of the Office. A standardized form shall be completed which will include the student's name (only if they wish to have it documented), the date the concern is filed, the nature of the concern, and explanation of action taken by the Office of the Student Advocate. All individual case records shall be accessible only to the staff of the Office of the Student Advocate and Association Advisor.
The Student Advocate of the Association shall be responsible for keeping a record of the number, nature, and disposition of concerns and shall report this monthly to the Senate

Section 9. Staff of the Office of the Student Advocates

All staff of the Office of the Student Advocate shall report directly to the Student Advocate. These positions may be left unfilled if the Student Advocate so chooses.
The staff shall have all the responsibilities assigned to the Office of the Student Advocate by this Statute, as well as any additional responsibilities assigned to them by the Student Advocate
Any of these positions shall be hired by the Student Advocate of the Association with the consent of the President of the Association.
1. Associate Student Advocate
2. Assistant Student Advocate,
3. Secretary to the Student Advocate.
The Student Advocate of the Association may be removed from Office at the request of the President of the Association with such request to be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) roll call vote of the entire Senate.
Failure to perform the prescribed responsibilities listed in this Statute or other specific written responsibilities assigned by the President of the Association and approved by a two- thirds (2/3) of the Senate or maintain eligibility for office shall be grounds for removal.

S003 Mandatory Student Services Fees

Section 1. Definition of Student Fees

For the purpose of this statute, “student fees" shall be construed to include all funds collected from students enrolled at the University which are assessed on the basis of a headcount tiered system and paid or assessed at the enrollment and/or fee payment periods, excluding tuition; and all funds collected from students enrolled at the University which are paid or assessed at the enrollment and/or fee payment periods specifically assessed to supplement student fees for a particular program or activity, but are assessed on a basis other than credit hours.

Section 2. Applications for Funding

The application from entities to apply for student fees bi-annually shall include the following as set by this Statute or as requested by the Student Fees Commission.
1. A detailed request for the upcoming fiscal year, including projected revenue and expenses.
2. Information represents current fund reserve levels, reserve levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and projected fund reserve levels at the end of the current fiscal year.
3. A copy of the detailed budget request for the previous fiscal year.
4. A list of total amounts requested for the previous five (5) years.
5. Detailed actual revenue and expense reports for the previous fiscal year.
6. Any bond retirement schedules for debts being serviced by student fees.
7. A Breakdown of all positions and their salaries that are funded by student fees.
An application that is submitted which does not include all of the above information or additional information requested in the questionnaire that is required by the deadline may not be heard in the budget hearings.
The applications are compiled by the Budget Office in collaboration with the Student Body Treasurer and Association Advisor and shall be submitted by a deadline set by the Student Body Treasurer.
The hearing scheduled, including the deadline, shall be developed prior to the second Senate meeting in November by the Chair.
At least two (2) weeks after the deadline, all applications shall be given to each member of the Student Fees Commission.
No student club or organization is eligible to receive funding through the Student Fees Committee except for the Student Government Association and The Sunflower, Student Newspaper of Wichita State University.
Other entities not covered in this Chapter are eligible to apply, with no guarantee of funding.
Entities who are currently a Funding Commitment with the Association and in good standing, as related to this Chapter, are eligible to apply, with priority allocation, considered by the Student Fees Commission.
Any entity which is not in compliance with the Constitution, Bylaws, Statutes, and/or Resolutions of the Association shall not be eligible to receive Association funds.

Section 3. The Educational Opportunity Fund

The Educational Opportunity Fund shall include all funds collected from students enrolled at the University which are paid or assessed at enrollment and/or fee payment periods, excluding tuition. This is assessed based on full-time enrollment and prorated for part-time students.
This Fund shall be utilized to give financial assistance to members of the Association to facilitate or expedite their academic pursuits at the University and shall not be used to replace existing University support for financial aid and student services and follows all requirements as stated in this Statue.
The Association shall limit funding to those departments, organizations, agencies, or programs that concur with one (1) or more of the following guidelines:
1. Academic scholarships and fellowships for both graduate and undergraduate students.
2. Need-based grants, including awards to students with special expenses.
3. Salaries or grants for students participating in public and community service programs.
4. Salaries for students employed in campus student services programs, such as tutoring, day care and peer counseling.
5. The Fund request shall be made as one (1) budget request that covers the complete package of all approved programs. This complete budget will then be overseen by the Treasurer throughout the year in the case that money shall be shifted from one program to another.
6. This Fund shall not be expended for purchases of food, refreshments, and all social incidentals

Section 4. Two-Year Cycle

Pursuant to Kansas Board of Regents Fiscal Management and Business Administration policies, Section II.D.1 (Tuition and Fees) and Wichita State University Budget Planning and Allocation Process Policy 12.01.A.3, the Student Fees Commission shall conduct fee reviews and set funding for a two-year cycle on an annual basis.
Subject to this Statute, entities shall be reviewed on a two-year cycle. The entities due for review can either remain constant, decrease, increase, and/or be adjusted with a budget enhancement in lieu of a base budget increase.
The Student Fees Commission may request reports from student fee entities in years that their funding is not being reviewed. Any breach of the Funding Commitment between the Association and the entity shall result in automatic review of the fee by the Student Fees Commission.
Each entity will be reviewed according to a three-tiered funding strategy.
1. Tier 1 is a certain percentage funding increase and should delineate additional services or service enhancements that would be provided for this increased funding level.
2. Tier 2 is a continuation of funding and should specify its effects on current operations and services offered.
3. Tier 3 is a certain percent funding reduction and should delineate effects on current services and operations.
The President of the Association may issue a suspension of staggered funding increases or decreases at any time.
The Treasurer of the Association, President of the Association and the Central Office shall be responsible for managing the two-year cycle and accept recommendations and/or requests by entity or the Senate for adjustments:
1. Year A: Student Engagement & Belonging, Campus Recreation, Varsity eSports, Educational Opportunity Funds (standalone requests), Graduate School, College of Fine Arts, Child Development Center, Office of Student Accommodations and Testing
2. Year B: Student Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Affairs Assessment and Retention, The Sunflower, Student Government Association, Rhatigan Student Center, Approved Bond Payments.
3. The Two-Year Cycle shall commence in preparation for Fiscal Year 2026
The Student Fees Commission shall also consider increases to Cost of Living (COI), or other mandatory increases without pulling entities out of review cycle with an addendum added to each entity affected by this increase.
The Student Fees Commission shall retain authority to discuss if funding will be added or if entities will be subject to covering the differences of mandatory increases. Cost of Living (COI) increases not mandated by the State Legislature are not covered by this section and will need to be requested during the bi-annual review of entity as an increase.

Section 5. Off Cycle Review

In situations not outlined in the agreement or unexpected shortfalls, the Student Fees Commission may review an entity at any time with two-thirds (2/3) majority of the seated Senate.
If an entity is not up for their review cycle, the entity may request one-time budget enhancement allocation.

Section 6. Per Student Allocation

The Student Fees Commission shall process each student fee budget allocation on a “per student allocation” and access a base dollar allocation to entities, would remain the same for a minimum of three years.
Entities’ overall budgets are annually based on enrollment projections. Any increases or decreases based on enrollment will be adjusted annually by entities based on 20^th day numbers. The Treasurer of the Association shall work with the Budget Office to issue notices of adjustments based on 20^th day reporting should changes occur.
All Educational Opportunity Funds shall be excluded from automatic increases or decreases based on enrollment projections. Shortfalls to standalone funds shall be covered by the contingency fund. Standalone Educational Opportunity Funds are defined as funds that are not affiliated with another entity currently funded by student fees.

Section 8. Cash Reserves

During the bi-annual review of an entity, the Student Fees Commission shall review cash balances and reserves of each entity for decision on sweeps for re-allocations.

Section 9. One-Time Request

Entities are allowed to apply for a one-time request to enable entities to make large purchases out of their review cycle. These requests may be withdrawn from the Contingency Fund, paid for by sweeps, or added to the Budget, upon approval of the Student Fees Commission and Student Senate.
A budget enhancement allocation shall be a one-time allocation given when all of the following criteria are met:
1. The entity may not make the request in the same year as their review cycle; and
2. The entity has exhausted all other means of outside funding; and
3. Entities must submit a written proposal to the Central Office outlining the justification of the allocation, funding proposal, and any additional information requested by the Student Fees Commission; and,

Section 10. Rate of Fees and Approval

Overall increases or decreases in student fees shall be recommended by the Student Fees Commission and sent to the Senate for approval.
All fee increases considered by either the Administration or the Senate must have at least three (3) meetings before the enactment of said policy.
Upon approval of the Senate, notice shall be issued to the President of the Association for Presidential approval and then forwarded to the President of the University. The President shall notify the Senate of the approval or rejections of the recommendation by the President of the University.
At the conclusion of the student fees hearings, the Student Fees Commission shall set the level of appropriation, with the approval of the Student Senate, President of the Association, and finally the President of the University.

Section 11. Monitoring of Budgets

The University Budget Office shall continue to maintain the function of processing the request and preparing the budget Automatic Appropriations. The University Budget Office does not have the authority for appropriation.
The Treasurer of the Association shall have access to be able to monitor all student fees line-item accounts with the cooperation of the Central Office.
The Central Office, upon closing of the University books each fiscal year, shall make a report to the Treasurer of the Association on the status of the unallocated student fees reserve account and the reserve level in each line-item account at the end of each fiscal quarter. At the end of the fiscal year, this report shall also include the actual amount of credit hours that were recorded for that fiscal year.
After all budgets are approved by Student Senate, the Treasurer of the Association shall work with the University to discuss the adjustments necessary to meet the approved allocations based on projected enrollment figures.
The President of the Association and the Treasurer of the Association shall both be responsible for ensuring a balanced budget based on projected revenue and shall be granted the authority to ensure a balanced budget.
Student Fees may not be taken from line-item allocations to fund any activities or services without prior approval from the Treasurer. Violations to this may result in suspension of funding, deduction of funding or other sanctions issued by the Finance Commission.

Section 12. Student Employee Minimum Wage

Entities, when hiring student assistants, using student fee funds, shall compensate those positions at a minimum hourly rate of $10.00 per hour, starting in Fiscal Year 2023.
The Treasurer, at any time, may request records to ensure compliance with this Section.

Section 13. Funding Bonds with Student Fes

In accordance with Kansas Board of Regents policies, the University may collaborate with both the President of the Association and the Speaker of the Senate to develop special project proposals requiring bond payments. Once proposals are complete, such proposals must be submitted for review to the Senate.
The following shall be the criteria to judge whether the requested proposal should use student fees:
1. Impact on Student Life at Wichita State University.
2. Contribution to long range goals of Wichita State University.
3. Value to Campus.
Any bond proposal to the Senate shall contain the following information prior to submission to the Senate or before consideration of the Association
1. A justification of the fee and benefits to the student body.
2. The request and justification for the level of its fee.
3. Any alternative methods of raising funds for proposal.
4. Any additional information requested by either the President of the Association or Speaker of the Senate.
All proposals regarding Bond projects that are requesting the use of Student Fees to cover the costs shall follow as such:
1. The President of the Association and Speaker of the Senate shall be required present the proposal during a town hall for members of the Association
2. Following the Town Hall, a formal proposal shall be submitted to the Senate for approval in the form of a Bill
3. The Speaker of the Senate shall require a two-week review, and a vote called on the third week
4. In compliance with KSA 76-742, proposals shall be approved by the Senate with a two-thirds majority of the Senate.
All funds for bond payments shall carry an expiration date and must be placed in a separate account from the student fees account for annual tracking and are not discussed at the annual hearings until expiration of the Bond
At the conclusion of the Bond payment, the Senate may, with a two-thirds vote, authorize the retention of the annual allocation to be redistributed to other line items by the Student Fees Commission. The retention of this funding shall last for three fiscal years tied to the annual student fee cycle.

Section 14. Compliance with Policies

Entities are expected to ensure that all proposals, and assurances given to the Association are adhered to throughout the course of the fiscal year in which funding was approved for.
In order to ensure that the entities understand the expectations of the Association and to ensure that all funding commitments are kept by both parties, the Association shall draft a Memorandum for every entity which will include any commitments established between the two parties and any conditions that are placed on the funds by the Senate or Student Fees Commission.
At the request of an entity, the Treasurer of the Association shall have the ability to amend funding commitments for mid-cycle budget adjustments out of review cycle with the approval of the Senate.
If the funding commitment is violated, the Association reserves the right to adjust the budget of the entity in the next fees meeting.
All funding commitments must be signed by the President of the Association, the Speaker of the Senate, the Treasurer of the Association, the Budget Officer of the entity who received funding, and the Association’s Advisor

Section 15. Student Fees Contingency Fund

Annually, one percent (1%) of the student services fee projection must be automatically transferred to the Student Service Fees Contingency fund to only be used as recommended by the Treasurer of the Association and approved by the Senate.
1. The Student Fees Commission shall not be required to continue to transfer to the Contingency Fund if the funding exceeds one million dollars ($1,000,000). The Central Office shall manage regular balances of the Fund.
1. The Student Fees Commission may request to the Senate a suspension of the transfer as needed.
2. Funds in the student fees reserve may be drawn up at times as requested by the Treasurer of the Association and approved by the Senate.
The Central Office, in conjunction with the Treasurer of the Association, shall develop a process to take in proposals and present proposals to the President of the Association prior to submission to the Senate.
1. At any regular or special scheduled session of the Senate, the Treasurer of the Association shall be responsible for submitting such allocations to the Senate review and approval.
2. Allocation recommendations are on a case-by-case basis and are only for one-time allocations for entities and non-student fee funded entities.

Section 16. Cash Balances of Entities

Any cash balances left at any time during the fiscal year, in any entity, may be withdrawn at any time by the Treasurer of the Association.
Entities, except for the Student Government, shall not have a reserve of more than ten (10%) of their yearly disbursement.
Any funding that exceeds this limit may be withdrawn by the Student Fees Commission into the Student Fees Contingency Fund.

Section 17. Advisory Authority of the Commission

The Finance Commission shall serve an advisory and review function for the following fiscal items:
1. The Athletics Fee.
2. Any change in the level of Tuition charged to members of the Association.

The Student Bill of Rights

Joint Statement on Rights and Freedoms of Students

Approved and Enacted by the Student Senate, by the Faculty Senate, and by the President of the University on 2012-08-08. Amended from the Student Bill of Rights previously approved and enacted in 04-1968 and on 2000-05-04.

Article I. Preamble

All students of this University have a guaranteed safeguard for their rights as members of this Association: these rights exist because they are held to be the means through which mankind achieves its greatest fulfillment. A bill of rights exists to prevent encroachment upon this freedom.
This relationship should be no less for the academic community which seeks to promote similar ideals and associations. Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students and the general well-being of society. Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment of these goals.
Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The freedom to learn depends upon appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community. Students should exercise their freedom with responsibility.
To ensure that all students of the academic community of Wichita State University have access to the opportunities for growth and learning, this enumeration of the safeguard is intended. To ensure that this freedom is not betrayed, safeguards are incorporated that protect their permanence and create a responsible attitude in the minds of the students enjoying this liberty.

Article II: Classroom Freedom

Students should be free to take reasonable exceptions to the views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled.
Students are responsible for maintaining standards for academic performance established for courses in which they are enrolled. At the same time, they should have protection against prejudiced or capricious academic evaluation. To provide this protection, the Court of Student Academic Appeals is empowered to review all cases of academic dispute that arise; request all information and witnesses’ necessary to render a decision; and have the final authority in all such cases.
Information about student views, beliefs, and political associations which professors acquire in the course of their work as instructors, advisors, and counselors should be considered confidential according to the guidelines laid out in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Protection against improper disclosure is a serious professional obligation. Judgment of ability and character may be provided under appropriate circumstances, but only with the knowledge and consent of the student.

Article III: Student Records

To minimize the risk of improper disclosure of student records, academic and disciplinary records shall be separated, except in rare cases, and the conditions of access to each shall be set forth in an explicit policy statement. Transcripts of academic records shall contain only information about academic status.
Information from discipline or counseling files shall not be available to unauthorized persons on campus, or to any person off campus without the express consent of the student involved except under legal compulsion or in cases where the safety of persons or property is involved in following with FERPA.
No records shall be kept which reflect the political activities or beliefs of students unless such information is of vital interest in Conduct Hearing records per the University Code of Conduct.
Provision shall be made for periodic routine destruction of non-current disciplinary records according to the University’s Records Retention Schedule policy. Administrative staff and faculty members must respect confidential information about students which they acquire in the course of their work.

Article IV: Student Affairs

Students bring to the campus a variety of interests previously acquired and develop many new interests as members of the academic community. They should be free to organize and join associations to promote their common interests.
1. The membership, policies, and actions of a student organization will be determined by vote of only those students who hold bonafide membership on the college or university community.
2. Affiliation with an extramural organization does not disqualify a student organization from institutional recognition.
3. If campus advisors are required, each organization shall be free to choose its own advisor. Campus advisors may advise organizations in the exercise of responsibility, but they do not have authority to control the policy of such organization.
4. Campus organizations, including those affiliated with an extramural organization, shall be open to all students without respect to race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability, or national origin, except for religious qualification which may be required by organizations whose aims are primarily sectarian.
5. No officially recognized campus organization shall be deprived of that recognition for reasons other than violations of the criteria set forth in the preceding five (5) clauses, or criteria established by Student Government Association Laws.

Students and student organizations shall be free to examine and to discuss all questions of interest to them, and to express opinions publicly and privately. They shall be free to support causes by orderly means which do not disrupt the regular and essential operations of the University. At the same time, it must be made clear to the academic and the larger community that in their public expressions or demonstrations students or student organizations speak for themselves.
Students shall be allowed to invite and to hear any person of their own choosing. Those routine procedures required by the University before a guest speaker is invited to appear on campus shall be designated only to ensure that there is orderly scheduling of facilities and adequate preparation for the event, and that the occasion is conducted in a manner appropriate to an academic community. University control of campus facilities shall not be used as a device of censorship. It must be made clear to the academic and larger community that sponsorship of guest speakers does not necessarily imply approval or endorsement of the views expressed, either by the sponsoring group or the University.
As constituents of the academic community, students shall be free, individually and collectively, to express their views on issues of University policy and on matters of general interest of the student body; and this right participation shall be outlined by the Wichita State University Student Code of Conduct.
The student press and radio shall be free of censorship and advance approval of copy.
1. Editors and managers of student communications shall be protected from arbitrary suspension and removal because of student, faculty, administrative, or public disapproval of editorial policy or content. Only for proper and stated causes shall editors and managers be subject to removal.
2. The agency responsible for the appointment of editors and managers shall be the agency responsible for their removal, such action shall be subject to the Vice President of Student Affairs’ ratification.
3. All University published and financed student communications shall explicitly state on the editorial page or in broadcast that the opinions that are expressed by them are not necessarily those of the college, University, or student body.
4. For the expression of contrary views, equal time and space should be allowed for those wishing to express their views according to the Code of Conduct and Policies and Procedures manual of the University.
5. A student or student organization has the right to publish and distribute written materials on campus without the approval of the administration; further, the administration shall make no effort to suppress such publication unless their distributions disrupt the regular and essential operations of the University.
6. The student press and radio shall be free of censorship and prior approval of copy, except that radio station and University rules and policies concerning radio operations shall comply with all applicable federal statutes, rules, and regulations.

Article V: Student Citizenship

College and university students are both citizens and members of the academic community. As citizens, students enjoy the same freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and right of petition that other citizens enjoy and as members of the academic community, they are subject to the obligations which are accrued to them by virtue of this membership.
Faculty members and administrative officials should ensure that University powers are not employed to inhibit such intellectual and personal development of students as is often promoted by their exercise of the citizenship both on and off campus.
Students who violate the law may incur penalties prescribed by civil authorities. Only where the University's interests as an academic community are distinctly and clearly involved should the special authority of the institution be asserted.
The student who incidentally violates University regulations during their off-campus activity shall be subject to no greater penalty than should normally be imposed. Institutional action shall be independent of community pressure.

Article VI: Standards in Disciplinary Proceedings

Wichita State University has an obligation to clarify those standards of behavior which it considers essential to its educational mission and its community life. Disciplinary proceedings shall be instituted only for violations of the University’s Student Code of Conduct.
Students detected or arrested during serious violations of university regulations, or infractions of ordinary law, should be informed of their rights. No form of harassment should be used by university representatives to coerce admissions of guilt or information about conduct of other suspected persons.
Pending action on the charges, the status of a student shall not be altered, or their rights to be present on the campus and to attend classes suspended, except for reasons delineated in the Student Code of Conduct such as those relating to their physical or emotional safety and well-being, or for reasons relating to the safety and well-being of students, faculty, or University property.

Article VII: Universal Protections

No student shall be precluded from full participation or discriminated against in any way at Wichita State University, including within the domains of funding, participation, evaluation, registration, advising, attending, housing, or any other aspect of university life. Protected classes include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, culture, religion, creed, or lack thereof, age, veteran status, gender, sexuality, political affiliation, or disability. Discrimination against people with disabilities includes, but is not limited to, failure to provide reasonable accommodation for said disability, or failure to make Wichita State University accessible to students with disabilities. Accessible means a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same activities, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally effective and substantially equivalent ease of use.