Section 1: Proposal

Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by legislation of the Student Senate or by petition of ten percent of the Student Body.

Section 2: Referendum

Amendments proposed must be approved by the Undergraduate Student Body in a referendum by two-thirds of those voting and signed by the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Article V- Impeachment

A.  Impeachment proceedings may be initiated against any member of Undergraduate Student Government.

B.     Impeachment procedures may be initiated by any Senator's motion to impeach.

C.     An impeachable offense may be defined as but is not limited to: 1) being placed on disciplinary probation or 2) not fulfilling his or her elected/appointed responsibilities as defined in the Student Body Handbook.

D.    Any Senator who brings up the motion to impeach shall present a formal written statement of the charges, which will be read before the Senate upon bringing up the motion.

E.     The written statement of charges shall consist of:

1.Name of the accused and office held.

2. Specific reasons for impeachment (charges).

3. Three signatures of current Senators in office.

F.   There will then be a five to fifteen minute period of question and answer directed towards the Senator presenting the motion concerning the written statement.  Once the five to fifteen minute period has expired, the body will move into a period of debate.

G.     Upon passing of closure of debate, the body will move into voting. A simple majority is required.

H.    If the motion is passed, a special meeting of the Senate will be called for the impeachment trial.

I.    Rule 3 of "Rules of Senate" (Order of Business) will not apply to this meeting.

J.    The meeting will be called no earlier than one (1) week and no later than two (2) weeks after the motion to impeach has been passed.

K.   Any Senator who is absent from this special meeting will receive one (1) Senate absence.

L.    Orders of the Day:

1. President of the Senate will preside. If the President is the accused then the Senate President Pro-Tempore will preside.

2.  The Senator who motioned for the impeachment trial will have ten (10) minutes to re-read the letter of formal charges and then speak on the letter.

3.  The accusing Senator is allowed to yield his/her remaining time to other witnesses.

4. Once time has expired the Senate Body will move into a period of question and answer with the accuser(s) and his/her witnesses until there is a passing motion to end question and answer. Question and answer will begin with the defendant(s) and then move to the Senate at large.

5.  After the completion of the question and answer of the accusing Senator(s) and witnesses, the defendant(s) will have fifteen (15) minutes to present his/her case.

6.  The defendant(s) is allowed to yield his/her remaining time to other witnesses.

7.      Once time has expired the Senate Body will move into a period of question and answer with the defendant(s) and his/her witnesses until there is a passing motion to end question and answer. Question and answer will begin with the accuser(s) then move to the Senate at large.

8.  After the completion of question and answer, the Senate will be cleared of all non-Senators excluding the Attorney General. There will then be a period of pro/con. Once pro/con has ended (by the passing motion of a Senator) there will be an immediate vote. This motion requires a two-thirds majority of current membership to pass.

9.  The accusing Senator(s), defendant(s), and witnesses will pledge the oath: "I affirm that I will tell the entire truth to the best of my knowledge."

10.  Any person testifying who commits perjury will be subject to High Court prosecution under the Student Regulations.

M.  The entire special meeting will be held in executive session, not including any defendants or witnesses, who will be let in one at a time. The Attorney General of the Judicial Branch will also be present at the special meeting.

N.   Any appeals must be made to the Supreme Court within five (5) University business of the passing vote to impeach.

O.   The vacant office(s) shall be filled in the same manner in which they were originally filled or through currently defined and approved vacancy procedures.

P.   Any person removed from office by impeachment is ineligible to hold any office in Student Government.

Article VI - Supremacy

The Supreme Constitution of the Clemson University Undergraduate and Graduate Student Bodies, this Constitution, the Bill of Rights and responsibilities attached hereto and all the By-Laws enacted by the Student Senate, or that shall be enacted, in accordance with this Constitution and the Supreme Constitution of the Clemson University Undergraduate and Graduate Student Bodies, shall be the supreme governing authority of the Clemson University Undergraduate Student Body. All elected members and appointed officers and directors within Undergraduate Student Government shall be bound by the Supreme Constitution of the Clemson University Undergraduate and Graduate Student Bodies and this Constitution, and that all by-laws and the Bill of Rights attached to the previous Constitution shall be given full effect and attached to this Constitution. 

BILL OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Preamble

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. As members of the academic community, students should be encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth. The standards of academic freedom for students outlined below are essential to any community of scholars.

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.

The responsibility to secure and to respect general conditions conducive to the freedom to learn is shared by all members of the academic community. The purpose of this statement is to enumerate the essential provisions for student freedom to learn.

I. Rights in the University Community

A. The University, as a community, has the responsibility and right to formulate policies and guidelines to promote the general welfare of its members.

B. As the University is a community in a democracy, students shall have voice in those affairs of the University directly concerning the Student Body.

C. Students are not to consider themselves the sole members of the community in making demands upon the whole community.

II. Rights Concerning Academic Freedoms and Responsibilities

A. Performances shall be judged by achievement in academic areas and not on opinions or conduct unrelated to academic areas.

B. Students will accept all responsibilities concerning required course material and attendance. They shall have protection through orderly procedure against prejudicial or capricious academic evaluation. No faculty member or administrator shall consider it his or her prerogative to go beyond established academic policy. 

C. Information concerning student views, beliefs and political associations that professors may acquire in the course of their work shall be considered confidential. Protection against voluntary disclosure is a serious professional obligation.

D. Students whose academic freedoms may have been abridged have the right to seek redress.

III. Rights Concerning Records

A. The University shall have a carefully considered policy as to the information in a student's permanent educational record and as to the conditions of its disclosure. To minimize the risk of improper disclosure, academic and disciplinary records should be separate, and the conditions of access to each shall be explicitly and publicly stated. Transcripts of academic records shall contain only information about academic status.

B. Information in all disciplinary and counseling files shall be available only to authorized persons unless prior written consent is given by the student. Exception of this shall be made in the case of legal subpoena and where there is a possible danger of serious physical harm to the student or to others. 

C. No records shall be kept that reflect adversely on the political or religious activities or beliefs of students.

IV. Freedom of Inquiry and Expression

A. Students shall be free to examine and to discuss all questions of interest to them and to express opinions publicly and privately. They shall always be free to support any causes by lawful means. At the same time, it shall be made clear to the academic and larger community that in their public expressions or demonstrations, students or organizations speak only for themselves.

B. Those routine procedures needed in securing speakers will be designed 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. Although the University is properly concerned with the prevention of unlawful conduct, no control of campus facilities shall be used as a device of censorship. It should be made clear to the academic and larger community that sponsorship of guest speakers does not necessarily imply approval of the views expressed, either by the sponsoring group or the institution.

C. The editorial responsibility for student publications is given to the editor and staff of each publication commensurate with guidelines established by the University. In addition to editorial freedom, which includes freedom from censorship, students have financial freedom within the framework of approved budgets and expenditures.

D. The editorial freedom of student editors and managers entails a corollary responsibility for responsible journalism. All University-published and financed student publications should explicitly state on the editorial page that the opinions there expressed are not necessarily those of the University.

V. Right to Self Government

A. Students have the right to organize such government to represent student opinion and desires as delegated by the Board of Trustees. 

B. Such an organization shall have financial freedom within the framework of its approved budget and expenditures.

C. Such a government shall initiate legislation in areas of student concern.

VI. Right to Trial by Peers

A. Students have the right to trial by peers in cases that have been reserved for the student courts by established University policy.

B. Sanctions may be imposed against a student or student organization for the violation of any student regulations that occur on campus.  Sanctions also may be imposed against a student or student organization for violation of any regulations that occur off campus when the alleged violation conduct would, if true, impair, interfere with, or obstruct the missions, processes, or functions of the University, or when the alleged conduct would, if true, endanger the health, safety, or welfare of the student or others, or would endanger any university property.

VII. Rights Concerning Student Affairs

A. The University shall be open to all qualified persons regardless of race, sex, religion or national origin.

B. Students will be free to organize and associate to promote their common interests.

C. Student organizations are free to invite their own faculty or staff advisers. Advisers may advise organizations in the exercise of responsibility, but they shall not have the authority to control the policy of the organizations.

D. Student organizations are required to publicize information concerning purpose, criteria for membership and a current list of officers. They shall not be required to submit a membership list as a condition of institutional recognition other than an initial list of members.

E. No recognized student organization can be denied access to University facilities if available, unless they prove to be irresponsible in the care of such facilities.

F. Campus organizations shall not deny membership to students solely because of race, sex, color, religion or national origin.

VIII. Rights Concerning Housing

A. Students have the right to choose where they will live, whether it be on or off campus.

B. The student has the right to be secure in his or her possessions against invasion of privacy and unreasonable search and seizure.

C. In all cases, students shall not violate the rights of other students residing in  University housing.

D. There is to be no discrimination in University housing assignment based on race, religion or national origin.

IX. Redress of Grievances

In the case where a student's rights as outlined herein are contravened, he or she has the right to petition for redress of grievance in all matters.

BYLAWS

Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch shall perform the legislative function of Student Government by debating and enacting legislation concerning matters affecting student life and the operation of Student Government. The Legislative Branch shall consist of the five Student Senate officers and the remaining elected and appointed senators.

I. Senate Apportionment

The Clemson University Student Senate shall be comprised of 64 total senators. They shall be elected according to the following makeup:

A. Three (3) senators elected by each of the five colleges: College of Art, Architecture and Humanities; College of Business and Behavioral Sciences; College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences; College of Engineering and Science; and College of Health, Education and Human Development.

B. Three (3) senators from each of the following classes: Freshman, Sophomore  and Junior.

C. Thirty (30) senators with the next highest vote count elected as at-large senators.

D. Five (5) senators shall include the five Student Senate Officers: Senate President, Senate President Pro-Tempore, Senate Clerk, Senate Secretary, and Student Body Vice President.

E. Five (5) senators from the incoming freshman class shall be appointed at the  discretion of the Student Senate President.

II. Standing Committees

There shall be nine standing committees of the Student Senate, appointed by the Student

Senate President, as follows:

A. Committee on Academic Affairs shall act on all questions pertaining to academics including but not exclusive to class attendance policies, grading policies and procedures, honors, awards, admission requirements financial aid and scholarships, exam policies and schedules, and short and long-term academic planning for and/or by the University.  The Committee shall also serve as a liaison between the Student Senate and the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.

B. A Committee on Finance and Procedures shall act on all questions pertaining to constitutional and rules amendments, the student courts and other judicial affairs, funding for higher education and appointments.  Additionally, the Finance and Procedures Committee shall review the Student Senate Handbook along with the Senate Clerk, and shall review the year's student life budget in order to make recommendations for next year's budget. The Chairman shall serve as a member of the Media Advisory Board, and a member of the Finance Committee.

C. A Committee on Health and Human Awareness shall act on all issues of health, wellness, and student awareness including but not limited to Redfern, campus safety, accessibility for the disabled, nutrition, and campus recreation. 

D. A Committee on Campus Life shall act on all questions pertaining to University

Housing and Dining Services. The Committee shall also serve as a liaison between the Student Senate and the Residence Hall Council and shall review all the rules established by the Residence Hall Council.  The committee will also rule on all matters involving all dining halls and other dining or catering concessions.

G. A committee on University Services shall act on all questions pertaining to commercial student services (except for Housing and Dining Services) including, but not limited to, the sales of University Agricultural products, the University Bookstore, Campus Card Access, the Clemson University Post Office, unions and facilities, and University Printing Services. Additionally, the Committee shall serve as a liaison to all other commercial concessions which may rent, lease, or purchase space from the University for the purpose of serving students. The committee will also act as the direct liaison to Clemson Computing and Information Technology and act on all matters pertaining to technology.
I. A Driving Committee shall coordinate Student Government socials, write the Student

Senate Newsletter, shall be involved in service projects, and shall act on all questions pertaining to publicity needed by the Senate, Student Government, and the University. Additionally, theCommittee shall act as the media outlet for Senate press releases. The committee shall be comprised of all standing committee vice chairs.

That Executive Branch, Section III, subsection L reads:

III. Legislation

Legislation considered by the Student Senate shall include:

A. Constitutional Amendments. (See Constitution of the Clemson University Student Body, Article IV).

B. Rules Amendments. Legislation entitled "A Rules Amendment" is any amendment to the Student Senate Handbook.

C. Resolutions. Legislation entitled "A Resolution" is a recommendation regarding any University activity that the Student Senate has deemed necessary for student input.

D. General Bills. Legislation entitled "A Bill" is any amendment to the By-Laws that accompany the Constitution as the supreme governing authority of the Clemson University Student Body. Upon approval by the Student Senate, each General Bill must be signed by the Student Senate President, the Student Body President, and the Vice President for Student Affairs before it can be enacted.

E. Approval Bills. Legislation entitled "An Approval Bill" states the Student Senate's approval of nominations or appointments. Upon approval by the Student Senate, each Approval Bill must be signed by the Student Senate President, the Student Body President and the Vice President for Student Affairs before it can be enacted.

F. Appropriations Bill. Legislation entitled "An Appropriations Bill" outlines the Finance Committee's recommended allocation of Activity Fund monies to Activity Fund Recipients and recognized funded organizations. An Appropriations Bill shall be unamendable and, upon approval by the Student Senate, must be signed by the Student Senate President, the Student Body President, and the Vice President for Student Affairs before it can be enacted.

G. Recognition Bills. Legislation entitled "A Recognition Bill" states the formal recognition, either non-funded or funded, of an organization by the Student Senate. Upon approval by the Student Senate, each Recognition Bill must be signed by the Student Senate President, the Student Body President, and the Vice President for Student Affairs before the organization is officially recognized as either a non-funded or funded student organization.

H. De-Recognition bill.  Legislation entitled "De-Recognition Bill" states the formal de-recognition of an undergraduate organization by the Student Senate.  Upon approval by a majority of the Student Senate, the de-recognition bill must be signed by the Student Senate President, the Student Body President and the Vice President for Student Affairs before the organization is officially de-recognized as an undergraduate student organization.

I. Emergency Funding Bills. Legislation entitled "An Emergency Funding Bill" allocates emergency funding to recognized funded organizations based on the Student Activity Funding Board's recommendations. An Emergency Funding Bill shall be unamendable, and upon approval by the majority of the Student Senate, must be signed by the Student Senate President, the Student Body President, and the Vice President for Student Affairs before the bill can be enacted.

IV.             Impeachment

A.    Impeachment procedures may be initiated by any Senator's motion to impeach.

B.     An impeachable offense may be defined as but is not limited to:  1)  being placed on disciplinary probation or 2) not fulfilling his or her elected/appointed responsibilities as defined in the Student Body Handbook.

C.     Any Senator who brings up the motion to impeach shall present a formal written statement of the charges, which will be read before the Senate upon bringing up the motion.

D.    The written statement of charges shall consist of:

                                                              i.      Name of the accused and office held.

                                                            ii.      Specific reasons for impeachment (charges).

                                                          iii.      Three signatures of current Senators in office.

E.     There will then be a five-minute period of question and answer directed towards the Senator presenting the motion concerning the written statement.  Once the five-minute period has expired the body will move into a period of debate.

F.      Upon passing of closure of debate the body will move into voting.  A simple majority is required.

G.    If the motion is passed, a special meeting of the Senate will be called for the impeachment trial.

H.    Rule 3 of "Rules of Senate" (Order of Business) will not apply to this meeting.

I.       The meeting will be called no earlier than one (1) week and no later than two (2) weeks after the motion to impeach has been passed.

J.       Any Senator who is absent from this special meeting will receive one (1) Senate absence.

K.    Orders of the Day:

                                                              i.      President of the Senate will preside.  If the President is the accused then the Senate Pro-Tempore will preside.

                                                            ii.      The Senator who motioned for the impeachment trial will have ten (10) minutes to re-read his letter of formal charges and then speak on the letter.

                                                          iii.      The accusing Senator is allowed to yield his/her remaining time to other witnesses.

                                                          iv.      Once time has expired the Senate Body will move into a period of question and answer with the accuser(s) and his/her witnesses until there is a passing motion to end question and answer.  Question and answer will begin with the defendant(s) and then move to the Senate at large.

                                                            v.      After the completion of the question and answer of the accusing Senator(s) and witnesses the defendant(s) will have ten (10) minutes to present his/her case.

                                                          vi.      The defendant(s) is allowed to yield his/her remaining time to other witnesses.

                                                        vii.      Once time has expired the Senate Body will move into a period of question and answer with the defendant(s) and his/her witnesses until there is a passing motion to end question and answer.  Question and answer will begin with the accuser(s) then move to the Senate at large.

                                                      viii.      After the completion of question and answer the Senate will be cleared of all non-Senators excluding the Attorney General.  There will then be a period of pro/con.  Once pro/con has ended (by the passing motion of a Senator) there will be an immediate vote.

                                                          ix.      This motion requires a 2/3 majority of current membership to pass.

                                                            x.      The accusing Senator(s), defendant(s), and witnesses will pledge the oath:  "I affirm that I will tell the entire truth to the best of my knowledge."

                                                          xi.      Any person testifying who commits perjury will be subject to High Court prosecution under the Student Regulations.

L.     The entire special meeting will be held in executive session, not including any defendants, witnesses, whom will be let in one at a time.  The Attorney General of the Judicial Branch will also be present at the special meeting.

M.   Any appeals must be made to the Supreme Court within five (5) University business days of the passing vote to impeach. 

N.    The vacant office(s) shall be filled in the same manner in which they were originally filled or through currently defined and approved vacancy procedures.

Executive Branch

The Executive Branch shall perform the executive function of Student Government by coordinating and lending direction to Student Government initiatives, by providing diplomatic representation, and by appointing student officials. The Executive Branch shall include the Student Body President, Student Body Vice President, and all members appointed by and responsible to the Student Body President, except for the Attorney General who shall serve as chief administrative officer of the Judicial Branch.

I. President's Cabinet

A. Purpose. The President's Cabinet shall serve as the central body to direct the efforts of the Executive Branch and shall facilitate communication between the respective branches of Student Government.

B. Members and Responsibilities. The President's Cabinet shall be comprised of the Student Body Vice President, the Student Senate President, the C.O.D.A Director, the Transfer Council Director, and the following members appointed by and responsible to the Student Body President. All appointments to Cabinet must be approved by the Student Senate.  All Cabinet members shall report to all Cabinet meetings called by the Student Body President and follow the rules of the Cabinet Handbook.

1. Attorney General shall report on the activities of the Judicial Branch and shall provide

    advice to any member of Student Government regarding University regulations and

    policies.

2. Student Body Treasurer shall serve as chairman of the Student Activity Funding

    Board. The Student Body Treasurer shall also monitor and advise Student Government

    on all matters relating to funding for recognized organizations and the reimbursement of the Student Organizations.

3. Chief-of-Staff shall serve as advisor to the Student Body President regarding all

    executive matters, shall manage the office of the Student Body President, and coordinate any special projects deemed necessary by the Student Body President. The Chief-of-Staff shall also serve as the chief facilitator for all cabinet functions and maintain records of those functions in order to review continually the executive function of Student Government. The Chief-of-Staff shall also monitor and advise the Cabinet on all matters relating to Student Government budgets, expenditures, the expenditure process and revenues, in addition to approving Student Government expenditures.

4. Activities Director shall represent the Activities Department and relay to the Cabinet

    any information regarding Student Government activities, services, and any revenue generated from the department.

5. Research and Development Director shall direct the Research and Development

    Department in conducting research requested by Student Government members. All findings shall be compiled and presented before the Cabinet.

6. Public Relations Director shall represent the Public Relations Department and update

    the Cabinet on matters pertaining to publicity.

7. Organizations Director shall represent the Organizations Department and apprise the

    cabinet of all matters pertaining to University organizations.

8. Freshman Council Director shall report on the issues, concerns and activities of

    Freshman Council.

9. Elections Director shall be responsible for informing the Cabinet of all election

    proceedings and results.

10. Governmental Affairs Director shall be responsible for informing the Cabinet of all student issues pertaining to local, state, and national governments and governmental agencies excluding those agencies delegated to another department of Student Government.

C. Filling Appointed Vacancies.  Any appointed executive position that becomes vacant shall be filled by the Student Body President, in conjunction with the Student Body Vice President, upon approval of the Student Senate.

II. Vice President's Advisory Council

The Vice President's Advisory Council shall exist for the purpose of enhancing communication between student groups on campus, generating new ideas for student life improvement, and offering feedback to Student Government on current issues and services. The Student Body Vice President shall chair the Council and is responsible for calling all meetings.

A. Members. Membership of the Council shall include one liaison from the following organizations:

1. Student Alumni Council

2. ROTC

3. Union Programs and Activities Council

4. Interfraternity Council

5. Panhellenic Council

6. National Pan-Hellenic Council

7. Central Spirit

8. Graduate Student Government

9. Residence Hall Association

10. Club Sports Association

11. Media Advisory Board

12. Calhoun Society

13. IPTAY Student Advisory Board

B. Representatives. Representatives to the Council shall consist of any interested student group/organization deemed necessary by the Student Body Vice President with approval of the Student Senate.

III. Executive Branch Departments, Councils, and Committees

A. Activities Department

1. Purpose. The Activities Department shall coordinate special activities sponsored by

    Student Government. These activities shall include:

    a. Homecoming Pageant to select the finalists for Miss Homecoming

    b. Student Government Banquet

    c. Other activities deemed appropriate by the Student Body President.

2. Structure.

a. The Director shall be appointed by the Student Body President with the approval of the Student Senate.

    b. At least one Assistant Director shall be appointed by the Activities Director and

        approved by the Student Body President.

    c. Department membership is open to any enrolled Clemson University student who

        expresses an interest through means of an interview.

3. Fund Allocation.

    a. Services costing less than $1500 may be funded by the Department, through the

       Department Director, with the approval of the Chief-of-Staff. Any service costing more than $1500 may be funded by the Department, through the Department Director, with the approval of the Chief-of-Staff and the Student Senate.

    b. Funds from the Department may be allocated to Department personnel for honoraria

       with approval of the Chief-of-Staff and the Student Senate.

  4. Accounting Procedures

    a. The Student Services account will be reconciled by a student life budget center

        accountant on a monthly basis. Audits will occur randomly by the Clemson University

        Internal Auditing Office.

    b. The results of audits shall be placed in Student Government records and shall be

        available as governed by rules pertaining to University records.

B. Elections Department

1. Purpose. The Elections Department shall be responsible for administering

the procedures of nominations, elections and referendums, and for certifying their results.

2. Structure

a. The Director shall be appointed by the Student Body President with the approval of the Student Senate.

b. Seven additional members of the Department shall be selected by the Director through means of an interview and with Student Senate approval. Members of the Elections Department must be Clemson University undergraduate students.

3. Procedures. The Elections Department shall be responsible for the following:

a. All elections concerning the Clemson University student body.

1) Student Senate

i. Officers of the Student Senate from the previous Student Senate

ii. Senators

2) Miss Homecoming

b. Issuing any proxies for students who are not on campus at the time of election(s) due to official University related business.

c. Calling a mandatory meeting with all candidates to explain election rules and procedures.

d. Ensuring proper advertisement, pictures and ballots are prepared for effective elections.

e. Establishing at least six locations for manual ballot polls.

f. Disqualifying any candidate in violation of election rules (See Student Government Elections section).

g. Tabulating and certifying the results of each election. Results of a non-protested election shall be posted within 24 hours.

h. Overseeing referendums in the same fashion as elections.

C. Organizations Department

1. Purpose. The Organizations Department shall disseminate information and conduct business pertaining to organizations. The functions of the department shall be:

a. To inform organizations of Student Government regulations.

b. To enforce all University and Student Government regulations concerning organizations.

c. To handle all petitions for organizational recognition.

d. To create an Organizations' Handbook before the Fall semester to include organizations' names, contact persons, purposes and brief descriptions.

e. To host an Organizations Day in September to provide information about organizations to the Clemson University Student Body.

f. To administer an organizations' meeting in both the Fall and Spring semesters.

g. To maintain updated files on all recognized organizations, including updated copies of constitution and bylaws, officer listings, status of recognition, and other associated paperwork.

h. To assign organizations to the appropriate organization classification as defined in the Student Organizations Section.

2. Structure.

a. The Director shall be appointed by the Student Body President with the approval of the Student Senate.

b. An Assistant Director shall be chosen by the Director and approved by the Student Body President.

c. Department membership is open to any enrolled Clemson University undergraduate or graduate student who expresses an interest through means of an interview. Members shall serve as liaisons to recognized organizations and organizations seeking to gain recognition.

d. The Director may appoint a member of the department to serve as an ex-officio member of the Student Government Finance Committee.

e. The Chairman of the Student Senate University Relations Committee shall serve as a liaison between the Department and the Student Senate.

D. Public Relations Department

1. Purpose. The Public Relations Department shall perform the following functions:

a. Help inform students of Student Government sponsored activities.

b. Work with campus media and provide them with necessary details of the activities and operations of Student Government.

c. Provide students with additional outlets to express their opinions.

d. Communicate to the Student Body President the ideas and opinions of the student body.

e. Maintain good relations with the administration and all departments of the University.

f. Assist, when needed, with inter-organizational activities and solicit student organization help in various Student Government sponsored events.

2. Structure.

a. The Director shall be appointed by the Student Body President with the approval of the Student Senate.

b. A Student Government Webmaster shall be appointed by the Student Body President with the approval of the Student Senate.

c. At least one Assistant Director shall be appointed by the Director for the purpose of coordinating the production and posting of banners and fliers announcing Student Government sponsored events.

d. Department membership is open to any enrolled Clemson University undergraduate student who expresses an interest through means of an interview.

E. Research and Development Department

1. Purpose.

a. To seek information on pertinent problems facing students at the request of any member of Student Government.

b. To provide background information and recommend possible solutions for problems facing Student Government of the Student Body. The Research and Development committee must send any new initiative projects to its respective department and senate committee for completion.

c. To administer any student opinion poll for Student Government and the Division of Student Affairs.

2. Structure.

a. The Director shall be appointed by the Student Body President with the approval of the Student Senate.

b. The Director may appoint one Assistant Director with the approval of the Student Body President.

c. Department membership is open to any enrolled Clemson University student who expresses an interest through means of an interview.

F. Student Services Department

1. Purpose. The Student Services Department shall provide the Student Body with appropriate services and generate the funds to provide these services.

2. Structure.

a. The Director shall be appointed by the Student Body President with the approval of the Student Senate.

b. The Director may appoint any number of assistant directors he deems necessary for the efficient and economical operation of the Department.

c. All department personnel must be Clemson University students.

3. Fund Allocation.

a. Services costing less than $1500 may be funded by the Department, through the Department Director, with the approval of the Chief-of-Staff.  Any service costing more than $1500 may be funded by the Department, through the Department Director, with the approval of the Chief-of-Staff and the Student Senate.

b. Funds from the Department may be allocated to Department personnel for honoraria with approval of the Chief-of-Staff and the Student Senate.

4. Accounting Procedures

a. The Student Services account will be reconciled by a student life budget center accountant on a monthly basis.  Audits will occur randomly by the Clemson University Internal Auditing Office.

b. The results of audits shall be placed in Student Government records and shall be available as governed by rules pertaining to University records.

G. Freshman Council

1. Purpose. The Freshman Council shall:

a. Develop in its members a better concept and understanding of the structure, function, projects, services and opportunities of Student Government and the University as a whole.

b. Provide members, as needed, for the various committees, councils and departments of Student Government.

c. Promote activities for and address the concerns of members of the freshman class.

d. High School Leadership Conference

2. Structure.

a. The Freshman Council Director shall be appointed by the Student Body President with the approval of the Student Senate.

b. Any interested freshman Clemson student or transfer student may interview for a position on Freshman Council.

H. Council On Diversity Affairs

1. Purpose.

a. To advise Student Government on matters of concern to those students not in the racial majority of the Student Body.

b. To serve as the voice of minority students at Clemson University in dealing with persons, organizations, committees, businesses and other establishments located or visiting on or off campus.

c. To encourage minority student involvement in student organizations at Clemson University.

d. To promote unity among the racial minority and the racial majority students so as to preserve the Clemson Family spirit.

2. Structure.

a. The Council shall consist of a maximum of 60 students not in the racial majority of the student body of Clemson University.

b. Up to eight positions on the Council will be left open for freshman or transfer students who will be appointed by means of an interview process at the beginning of the Fall semester.

c. During the third week of March, all executive positions shall be elected by the Council On Diversity Affairs. The Director shall serve on the Student Government President's Cabinet.

d. Any Clemson University student, faculty or staff member may attend Council meetings.

3. Procedure.

a. Council On Diversity Affairs interviews shall be held once every semester.

b. The Council On Diversity Affairs shall meet at least once every two weeks.

I. Student Activity Funding Board

1. Purpose.  The Student Activity Funding Board shall be responsible for allocating Activity Fund monies to Activity Fund recipients, organizations whose eligibility is subsequently defined in the Student Organizations section of this handbook.  These allocations shall be determined at meetings that occur during a set of spring hearings and at least once every two weeks during the academic year.

2. Structure.

a. The Student Activity Funding Board shall consist of exactly 9 members.  Members of the committee shall include the Student Body Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer, and a Senator appointed by the Senate President. The remaining members shall be selected from the Student Body by the Student Body Treasurer through means of an interview.  The committee should generally reflect the composition of organizations that are going to be requesting funds and of the student body as a whole.  The Student Senate shall confirm those members selected to the board. Non ex-officio members may be removed by, or those vacancies filled by, the Student Body Treasurer with the consent of the Senate.

b. The Student Body Treasurer shall chair the committee. The Assistant Treasurer shall serve as the vice-chair.

c. Two-thirds of the membership of the board as set in sub-section a above must be present in order to conduct official business. 

d. All meetings of the Student Activity Funding Board shall be held in open session, except if the board votes to enter into executive session. The board may only enter executive session to debate personnel issues.

3. Procedure for Organizational Funding

 a. Prior to annual budget hearings, the Student Activity Funding Board will allocate the entire Student Activity Fee Fund to the three organizational categories, as defined in the categorization of Student Organizations.  The preliminary allocation made by the Student Activity Funding Board may be suspended by a 2/3 vote of the board.

 b. To determine the allocation of funds for those organizations that are defined as Student Activity Organizations and Club Sports, hearings shall be held in the Spring Semester. The annual budget requests of these organizations will be decided in their entirety during these hearings.

c. For those groups defined as Student Organizations, the Student Activity Funding Board will hold Budget Hearings in the Spring Semester to allocate funds for operational uses. Operational uses shall be defined as those which further a consistent, repeatable, or essential function of an organization.  This shall include but not be limited to office supplies, postage, and newsletters.

 d. For those groups defined as Student Organizations, the Student Activity Funding Board will hold separate Budget Hearings at least every two weeks during the academic year to allocate funds for non-operational uses.  Organizations requesting non-operational funds must submit a proposed budget at least four weeks before the scheduled event. Non-operational uses shall be defined as those which further a unique and/or widely available function of the organization.  This shall include but not be limited to speakers, conference participation, and travel.

 e. During the Budget Hearings, the Student Activity Funding Board will review the proposed budgets submitted by student organizations.  Activity Fund monies shall be allocated to eligible student organizations.

 f. The Student Funding Activity Board must specify for which categories the appropriation is recommended as well as how much money is designated for each category.

g. The treasurer will present the organization with a contract detailing which categories are eligible for student activity fee spending and how much is allowed to be spent per category at the conclusion of the budget hearing. The contract must explicitly state that the money is to be used for no other purpose. Both the organization leaders and Student Government Treasurer will sign the contract, ensuring both parties understand the terms of the appropriation.

h. The Student Activity Funding Board's recommended allocations that are made during Spring Budget Hearings shall be included in an Appropriations Bill and submitted to the Student Senate for approval by April 1. All other recommendations for allocation shall be submitted to the Senate in the form of an Appropriations Bill at least two weeks before the event is to take place. After approval by the Senate and signature by the President, the signed contract will be sent to the Student Budget Office.

i. Exceptions:

            i. For budget requests arising outside of the academic semester, the Student Body Treasurer shall send a copy of the proposal electronically to all members of the Student Activity Funding Board. If a majority of the board approves the request, it shall be forwarded to the Student Senate president for his or her approval. If approved, it shall then be sent to the Student Body President for his or her approval. If either of those individuals vetoes the proposal, then the only way for it to be approved outside of the academic year is for a special session of the Senate to be called.

            ii. The Student Activity Funding Board will have the sole discretion to suspend the rules to allow a funding request to be heard which has not been submitted the required four weeks in advance.  Any resulting allocation must still be approved by a vote of the Student Senate.

j. The Student Organization receiving Student Activity Fee money will have 60 days upon submission of the contract to receive their reimbursement. At the expiration of this 60 day period, any money left over from the appropriation will be placed back in the student activity fund. This information must be included in the contract.

k. The Student Budget Office will notify the Treasurer when an organization submits receipts for reimbursement. The Treasurer will then sign off on the receipts, verifying that the organization is spending the money as outlined in the contract. After this final period, the Treasurer will contract the Student Budget Office and inform it that the organization is no longer eligible to be reimbursed.

4. Student Activity Funding Board Guidelines

a. Activity Fund allocation will be made in strict accordance with the following guidelines. Changes to these guidelines may be proposed by the Student Body Treasurer and introduced to the Student Senate by any Senator in the form of a General Bill.

b. The Finance Committee shall approve standing rules and may approve special rules of order which do not conflict with the Student Handbook. The guidelines set forth in this handbook may not be suspended, no matter their nature, unless explicitly allowed for in that particular section of this handbook.

c. Allocation of Operational Funds

            1. Definitions

 i. Printing: Expenses incurred in printing reports, bulletins, and publications.

 ii. Insurance: Expenditures for insurance on state-owned property.

 iii. Telephone: Calls made in regard to club business.

 iv. Postage: Cost of stamps, postcards, and bulk mailings.

 v. Supplies and Materials: Expenditures for expendable, inexpensive articles, including but not limited to supplies and minor equipment.

 vi. Rentals: Expenses for the use of equipment or rooms for a specified period of time.

 vii. Repairs and Maintenance: Expenditures for the repair and maintenance of minor equipment.

            2. Each organization will be required to fund at least 35% of its operational expenses.

            3. No organization will be eligible to receive more than $200 for operational funding.

            4. Uses which are eligible for operational funding are strictly limited to those defined in Clause (1) of this section.

d. Allocation of Non-Operational Funds

            1. Definitions

i. Travel: Transportation to and from conferences or events. Allocations will be      based on Transportation Services' vehicle rental and lease rates.

ii. Registration: Registration for conferences or tournaments.

iii. Repairs and Maintenance: Expenditures for the repair and maintenance of major equipment

 iv. Honoraria: Fees for lecturers, consultants or other.  State employees may not receive honoraria.

 v. Advertising for events: Costs incurred which directly publicly promote the event for which funding is requested.

 vi. Insurance for events: Insurance costs directly related to the event for which funding is requested.

 vii. Direct event expenses: Costs incurred which are directly related to the successful and complete execution of the event for which funding is requested.

viii. Equipment: Expenses incurred by groups whose primary function requires some form of equipment.

            3. Each organization will be required to fund at least 35% of its proposed non-operational expenses.

            4. Uses which are eligible for non-operational funding are strictly limited to those defined in Clause (1) of this section.

 e. The Student Body Treasurer shall decide the categorization of an expense in accordance with these guidelines.

 f. Funding Priority

            1. The Student Activity Fee seeks to promote the interaction and education of Clemson University students in accordance with the University's Core Values statement. Consequently, funding proposals which seek to further those values will be given the highest consideration.  Other factors which will impact an allocation decision will include:

                        a. Impact of the event (number of students, number of non-students, degree, etc.)

                        b. Likelihood of success

                        c. Academic and Cultural value

                        d. Availability of other funding sources

            2. Allocation of Student Activity Fees will follow strict viewpoint neutrality and will not discriminate amongst student groups on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation or veteran's status.

J. Philanthropy Department

1. Purpose. The Philanthropy Department shall:

a. Act as the liaison between recognized organizations in order for them to carry out their philanthropies more effectively.

b. Work with specific philanthropy organizations as determined by the Student Body President.

c. Provide the student body with service organizations as determined by the Student Body President.

d. Organize Student Government involvement in certain philanthropy events determined by the communities.

e. Be the representative of Student Government when major disasters occur on and off campus.

2. Structure.

a. The Philanthropy Director shall be appointed by the Student Body President with the approval of the Student Senate.

b. The Director may appoint one Assistant Director with the approval of the Student Body President.

c. Department membership is open to any enrolled Clemson University student who expresses an interest through means of an interview and application process.

K.  Governmental Affairs Department

     1. Purpose. The Governmental Affairs Department shall:

        a. Act as the liaison between the Governmental Affairs office and Student Government.

        b. Organize any lobbying trips to Washington, D.C. or Columbia, South Carolina.

        c. Keep up-to-date state budget information and legislative priorities from Clemson

            University.

        d. Assist the Student Body President in organizing trips that involve lobbying or speaking to public officials.

        e. Keep students informed on all pertinent issues in local, state, and federal governments and governmental agencies excluding agencies delegated to another Student Government Department.

         f. Act as a liaison to the City of Clemson, and other surrounding community government and government agencies excluding agencies delegated to another department in Student Government.

     2. Structure.

         a. The Governmental Affairs Director shall be appointed by the Student Body President with the approval of the Student Senate.

         b. The Director may appoint one Assistant Director with the approval of the Student

             Body President.

         c. Department membership is open to any enrolled Clemson University student who

             expresses an interest through means of an interview and application process.

L.  New Initiatives Department

1.      Purpose:

a.       To advise Student government on matters that affects the quality of life for students on the University's campus.

b.      To initiate and pursue projects that will benefit the University over fall and spring semesters.

c.       To raise awareness of the committee to the student body as a source for student concerns and suggestions.

d.      To collaborate with the other branches of Student Government concerning the projects the New Initiative Director shall pursue. 

2.      Structure:

a.       Department shall consist of a director who is responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

i.                    Selecting director(s) representative of the student body.

ii.                  Pacing and monitoring the progress of department members' projects.

iii.                Establishing necessary and/or beneficial contracts with university officials and community members.

iv.                Attendance at university meetings to generate new ideas and to publicize the committee.

b.      The director's Assistant(s) is/are responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

i.                    Regular attendance at university meetings held by the director.

ii.                  Development and follow-through of projects proposed by peers.

M.   Transfer Council

1.   Purpose

a.   To promote successful transitions of all transfer students.

b.   To advise Student Government on matters of concern to transfer students at Clemson University.

c.   To serve as a voice for transfer students at Clemson University in dealing with persons, organizations, committees, businesses and other establishments in and around Clemson University.

d.    To educate incoming transfer students about the unique culture and history of Clemson, and to ease the transition from different backgrounds to Clemson's way of life.

e.    To facilitate the involvement of transfer students into different clubs and organizations in and around the Clemson area.

2.   Structure

a.   The Council shall consist of no more than 30 permanent voting members. These members must be transfer students.

    i.   Members will be appointed by means of an interview process held no later than the first week of October.

   ii.   Interviews may be held throughout the year in order to fill vacancies within the Council.

  iii.  The Council shall be led by an executive board made up of a Director, Assistant Director, Secretary and an Organizations Department Representative. All executive 

       board members, with the exception of the Organizations Department Representative,   will be elected by the Transfer Council by the third week of March and will be included in the 30 voting members.

   a.   Director. The Director of the Transfer Council shall determine the agenda of the

council, initiate and lead projects relating to the purpose of Transfer council, and act as an ambassador to outside organizations and administration. The Director shall serve on the Student Government President's Cabinet.

   b.   Assistant Director. The Assistant Director is to aid the Director in any way the

Director deems necessary. In any case where the Director is unable to serve, the Assistant Director will resume the Directors responsibility.

   c.   Secretary. The Secretary shall be responsible for recording the minutes of meetings and taking attendance.

   d.   Organizations Department Representative. A member of the Organizations

Department, appointed by the Organizations Director, will serve as an ex-officio           member of the Transfer Council. The role of the representative is to advise the council on possible means to become involved in and connected to Clemson. This representative will not count as one of the 30 voting members.

            iv.   The Council shall hold regular meetings at least once a month. All Clemson University students and faculty are free to attend Council meetings.

Judicial Branch

I. Judicial Powers

A. The judicial powers of Student Government are vested in a Student Government Judicial Branch. The Judicial Branch shall have jurisdiction over the Student Body in all cases involving violation of any student regulation except those reserved to the administration (See Administrative Policies). Actions by the student judicial boards shall be in the form of recommendations to the Vice President for Student Affairs or the Vice President's designee.

B. The Student Government Judicial Branch shall have complete jurisdiction over all cases involving student organizations, except those reserved to the administration, and all Student Government violations. These violations shall be heard by the Supreme Court in the form of a recommendation from the Attorney General.

II. Positions and Responsibilities

A. Office of the Attorney General

The Office of the Attorney General shall be composed of the Attorney General, the Assistant Attorney General(s), the Parking Review Director, Conduct Advisors and Conduct Examiners.

1.Attorney General

a. The Attorney General shall coordinate the operation of the student judicial boards. This constitutes the coordination of all paperwork for cases, recommended sanctions, selection and dismissal of justices, and the coordination of the appeal process. The Attorney General shall also serve as advisor to the student judicial boards.

b. The Attorney General shall recommend to the Student Body President and the Student Senate the Chief Justice along with the five Supreme Court justices and the alternative justice.

c. The Attorney General, in addition to administering student judicial board and Supreme Court affairs, shall be the student representative of the University to the administration in all matters involving student policies and judicial procedures.

d. The Attorney General shall be responsible for maintaining a pool of students willing to serve as the student representative for Administrative Hearings. This selected pool of students must be pre-approved by the Vice President for Student Affairs or the Vice

President's designee.

e. The Attorney General shall ultimately be responsible for the appointment of all members within the Office of the Attorney General and all matters within the office's jurisdiction.

2. Assistant Attorney General(s)

a. The Assistant Attorney General(s) shall be responsible for coordinating all affairs involving the internal operations of the Judicial Branch. This shall include, but not be limited to, the coordination of all conduct advisors and examiners and the paperwork for the trial courts.

b. The Assistant Attorney General(s) shall perform all tasks otherwise assumed by the Attorney General involving Administrative Hearings or any other administrative matter.

c. The Assistant Attorney General(s) shall perform all other tasks required to assist the Attorney General in the operations of the Judicial Branch.

3. Attorney General and the Parking Review Board

a. The Attorney General shall be responsible for coordinating the student representatives for the Clemson University Parking Review Boards.

b. The Attorney General must coordinate all use of Student Government facilities for the Clemson University Parking Review Board.

c. The Attorney General shall serve as a liaison between Student Government and the Parking Review Board and shall inform Student Government of all matters pertaining to the Parking Review Board within the University.

4. Official Notice of Appearance.  The Office of the Attorney General has the ability to require any member of the Clemson University Student Body to appear before a student judicial board hearing.  Failure to comply with the official notice may result in charges against the student, which shall be filed by the Attorney General.  An Official Notice of Appearance shall be served to students or organizations at least 72 hours prior to the time of the hearing.

B. Supreme Court

1. Supreme Court Chief Justice

a. Jurisdiction. The Chief Justice has the ability to determine whether a hearing is warranted from the information presented by the Attorney General. All student appeals for cases from student judicial boards must be approved as having some merit for recourse in order for the Supreme Court to be called into session.

b. The Attorney General shall recommend to the Student Body President and the Student Senate the Chief Justice along with five supreme court justices and the alternate justice.

c. Interpretation. The Chief Justice, in addition to the Attorney General, has the authority to interpret Student Government policies. However, if the Attorney General makes a hearing recommendation, the Chief Justice must convene the Supreme Court.

2. Supreme Court Justices

a. Term. The five justices and one alternate will serve a one year term.

b. Appointments. The appointments of justices are in the form of recommendations from the Student Body President to the Student Senate. Approval of the recommendation shall be a two-thirds vote from the Student Senate.

c. Qualifications.  All students nominated must have a minimum of one academic year of experience on a student peer review board and must meet the same qualifications as those for judicial board members.

C.  Student Judicial Board Members

1. Selection. The members shall be selected by the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of Judicial Services in the Fall and Spring semesters of every academic year.

2. Qualifications. No member may be approved as a student judicial board member if they are currently on probation. For students who have been placed on any type of probation at any University, they must be pre-approved. A minimum GPR of 2.3 is required, in addition to one academic semester as a Clemson University student.

D. Parking Review Board Representatives

1. Selection. The Attorney General shall appoint the student representative to the Clemson University Parking Review Board.

2. Qualifications. No student may be approved as a Parking Review Board representative if they are currently on probation. For students who once before have been placed on any type of probation at any university, they must be pre-approved. A minimum GPR of 2.2 is required, in addition to one academic semester as a Clemson University student.

III. Court System

A. Supreme Court

1. The Supreme Court has ultimate jurisdiction over all matters within the Student Government jurisdiction.

2. The Supreme Court has the right to hear any appeal that does not have a recommended sanction of eviction, suspension or expulsion.

3. The Supreme Court must meet at least once a month per semester.

4. Dated files of all Supreme Court hearings and decisions shall be kept by the Attorney General.

B. Student Judicial Boards

1. Jurisdiction.  The Board shall have original jurisdiction of all cases not retained by administration involving violations of student regulations.  The Office of the Attorney General and the Office of Judicial Services will assign all cases. The Attorney General's office will be responsible for maintaining all audio records pertaining to cases. All permanent records shall be given to the Office of Judicial Services.

2. Each student judicial board must have three members present for quorum.

3. Each board shall meet at least once a month during the Fall and Spring semesters.

4. Procedures.  The Office of the Attorney General will retain a copy of the procedures, to be followed by chairperson, for any student or organization that chooses to review them prior to the hearing. 

5. Each board will have a chairperson to facilitate the hearings.  The chairperson will not have a vote in the hearing, except for in the case of a tie. The Office of the Attorney General and the Office of Judicial Services will appoint the chairperson for each board at the beginning of each semester.

C.  Student Judicial Advisors

1. The Student Advisors will advise members of the Clemson University student body that appear before a student judicial board hearing and wish to have their counsel. The members will advise the accused student of their rights according to the student handbook.

2. Each Student Advisor will be assigned to a different Student Judicial Board.

3. The Student Advisors shall meet at least once a month during the Fall and Spring semesters, independent of their respective boards.

4. The Student Advisors shall be selected by the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of Judicial Services.

Student Activity Fee

The Student Activity Fee of $30 per Fall and Spring semester per full-time undergraduate student and $2.00 per credit hour per semester per part time undergraduate student (including Maymester and summer sessions) as accorded by the Clemson University Board of Trustees shall be used for the provision of Clemson University student activities, and the following guidelines shall be followed regarding said fee monies:

1. The Student Activity Fee collections shall be combined with Education and General funds allocated for the express purpose of providing for undergraduate student organizations and activities. These combined funds shall hereinafter be referred to as Activitiy Funds.

2. The Clemson University Student Body, through its elected representatives of the Clemson University Student Government, shall have final control over the allocation of the Activity Funds. These allocations must receive final approval from the Vice President for Student Affairs in order to become effective.

3. As accorded by the Clemson University Board of Trustees, a sum of $50,000.00 per fiscal year shall be appropriated from the Activity Funds for the purpose of capital improvements. The Student Senate shall make a recommendation, in the form of a general bill, by February 1^st.

4. The following entities shall be considered "Activity Fund Recipients:"

Central Spirit

Clemson Live

Greek Life

Leadership Council

Media Advisory Board

Recognized Organizations

Tiger Paw Productions

University Union

Short Courses

Student Government

5. The Committee on Finance and Procedures of Student Senate shall conduct a fee effectiveness assessment every other year. This assessment shall evaluate student sentiment concerning the activities provided by the fee. Findings of the Committee shall/be communicated to the Student Body and the Activity Fund Recipients.

6. Excluding the appropriation for capital improvements, Activity Funds shall be distributed annually by the Student Government Student Activity Funding Board.

7. The Student Activity Funding Board also reserves the right to consider proposed budgets for special activities from the departments within the Division of Student Affairs.

8. The recommended allocations from the Student Activity Funding Board shall be included in Appropriations Bills and submitted to the Student Senate for approval.

9. All Activity Funds shall be spent in accordance with the purchasing guidelines of all state agencies. Activity Fund Recipients shall be held accountable for all expenditures of Activity Funds.

10. If the position is deemed necessary by Activity Fund Recipients, salaries for Graduate Assistants shall be included in the submitted budget.

12. Activity Fund Recipients not complying with all rules and regulations in the allocation process and in spending allotted sums, shall be subject to a reduction and or loss of funding for the following year.

Student Government Financing

I. Funds allocated to Student Government are state monies and are to be used under the same purchasing guidelines of all state agencies.

II. The acting Student body Treasurer, in cooperation with the Student Body President-Elect and all other branches of Student Government, must submit a budget to the Undergraduate Student Senate for majority approval by the first Student Senate meeting in April.

A. This Budget must include specific allocations for Student Government Honoraria.

B. The Student Senate will not be permitted to amend any portion of the budget prior to its call to question.

C. If the budget is not approved before the end of the fiscal year, the new administration shall operate under the prior fiscal year's budget. This temporary budget shall be weighted as a function of the prior allocation of the line item over the total budget, with corresponding percentages assigned to each activity and department.

III. To ensure that allocated funds are being used appropriately, the Student Body Treasurer shall approve all monetary requests before purchases can be made. Additionally, all expenditures equal to or in excess of $1,500 whose source is monies from any discretionary fund or capital savings must be submitted to and approved by a majority vote of the Undergraduate Student Senate.

A. Discretionary fund shall be defined as any amount of money not specifically designated by the current budget.

B. Capital savings shall be defined as money remaining from the prior fiscal year.

Student Government Elections

I. General Information

A. Elections may be in the form of online ballots.  Student Government will allow for 48 hours of uninterrupted voting, and Student Government will allow for 24 hours of uninterrupted voting for runoff elections, with additional time added to the end for any amount of time missed due to complications or technical difficulties.

B. Elections shall be publicized at least one week in advance.

C. There shall be a mandatory meeting of all candidates to be scheduled by the Elections Director prior to the campaign period.

D. All campaigning will end at 12:00 AM on the day of the start of the elections.

H. Results of an election shall be posted outside the Student Government Main Office within 24 hours of the poll closings unless the election is disputed.

F. All candidates, including write-in candidates, are subject to all rules and regulations as established by the Student Handbook and the Elections Department.

II. Purpose of Elections Department. The Elections Department shall exist to promote the publicize student body elections, formulate updated rules and regulations for student body elections, ensure that student body elections are run efficiently and with integrity, and to determine sanctions for student body election violations. The Elections Department also exists to host Federal Voter Registration Drives in order to allow students to have a voice in Federal affairs.

III. Student Senate Elections

A. Qualifications.

1. Candidates for Student Senate President, Senate President Pro-Tempore, Senate Secretary and Senate Clerk must have a minimum GPR of 2.3, while candidates for Student Senate must have a minimum GPR of 2.0.

2. No senator may be an executive officer or director or hold a court office position.

3. All freshman seats must be filled by appointment after freshman candidates file the appropriate petition and interview with the Student Senate President, the Senate President Pro-Tempore and the Student Body Vice President.

4. Senators must be enrolled in the college under which they petition or fulfill the credit hour requirement for the class for which they petition.

B. Nominations. All Student Senate candidates must file a nominating petition signed by twenty-five students with the Elections Department no later than 5 p.m. on the second Friday of February unless the potential nominee is absent due to family emergency, sickness, or official University business in which case he or she may submit a nominating petition after this date as under the jurisdiction of the Elections Director.

C. Election Procedures.

1. General Information

a. Senate on-line elections shall be held the first Monday and Tuesday of March.  Runoff elections, if required, shall be held on that Thursday. 

b. Online polls shall open at 12:01 a.m. on Monday and close at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday.  Clemson University Undergraduate students, regardless of credit hours currently in progress, may vote at any poll in campus-wide elections.  

2. Polls

a. The Elections Department shall determine the location of at least two on campus voting stations.

b. The voting stations shall be operated under the supervision of the Electronics Department.

3. Write-ins and Abstaining

a. The Elections Department shall allow for write-in candidates by way of online ballots, provided that the candidate receives at least twenty-five write-in votes and is eligible to serve.

b. The Elections Department shall allow for a no-vote (abstention) by way of online ballots.

D. Campaign Rules.

1. There will be no restrictions on campaign expenditures for Student Senate candidates except that the use of University media shall be prohibited.

2. Student Senate candidates shall abide by the following rules governing the location of all posted material.  These guidelines will be enforced by the Elections Department.

a. In residence halls, posted material shall be restricted to bulletin boards, but will need to be approved by University Housing departments before posting. This posted material cannot be placed inside residence hall computer labs.

b. Fliers may be placed under residents' doors.

c. Senate candidates shall be restricted to kiosks, University Post Office bulletin boards, and any other approved location and academic building under the following guidelines: Campaign material cannot be posted prior to the mandatory candidates meeting. Campaign material in academic buildings must be no larger than 8.5 inches by 11 inches. Candidates shall be restricted to one piece of campaign material per bulletin board in academic buildings.

d. Candidates may not use Clemson endorsed electronic mailing to contact potential voters or campaign helpers during election season. Campaign helpers are also prohibited from using Clemson endorsed electronics mailing to contact candidates and potential voters. E-mails from and towards the Election Department are exceptions.

e. Candidates may use Facebook and instant messenger services, but are warned to use these services wisely and reminded that in using these, the campaign rules still apply (i.e. no slanderous campaigning)

f. Candidates may not perform any act of campaigning in the Student Government offices during the election season.

g. Candidates may not use the Clemson University logo or letterhead for campaigning purposes. The use of the Student Government logo, letterhead, office supplies, and office equipment for campaigning purposes is also prohibited.

h. Candidates may not do any form of public chalking or writing on boards in University classrooms for their campaign.

i. Campaign material posted with the candidate's knowledge in any area other than what is allowed specifically in this section will constitute grounds for immediate disqualification.

j. All candidates must remove their campaign material within 48 hours after the election has been officially finalized. A $30 fine will be charged if all the materials are not removed within 48 hours after the posting of election results.

E. Disqualification.

1. A candidate may be disqualified for not abiding by the rules governing Student Senate elections.

2. If a candidate is disqualified before the polls open, the election will be held with the candidate's name stricken from the ballot.

3. If a candidate is disqualified after the polls have closed, the election will be considered null and void; however, if a qualified candidate has received a plurality of all the votes cast, the results of the election will stand. If a new election is required, all candidates' names will appear on the ballot except those who have been disqualified.

F. Appeal of Disqualification.

1. Grounds for appeal of elections

a. Inaccurate vote count.

b. Failure of the Elections Director and Elections Department to abide by the elections procedures.

2. An election referendum, special vote or disqualification may be appealed by filing a written notice containing specific allegations with the Attorney General within 72 hours after the polls have closed. Any complainant in this matter shall be considered an adversary and shall be granted all applicable rights.

3. The Supreme Court shall hold a mandatory hearing within three working days following the deadline for appeals. If the Court decides there are adequate grounds for appeals of elections, the court may at its discretion call a new election, uphold or overturn the ruling of the Elections Department or otherwise penalize the parties involved.

 G. Commencement of duties. Elected candidates shall assume their duties in the first week of April.

H. Vacancies. Vacancies in Student Senate shall be filled by fully qualified candidates who are appointed by the Student Senate President and approved by a majority vote of the Student Senate. These senators shall serve out the remainder of the vacated term.

IV. Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections

A. Qualifications.

1. Candidates for office must currently be enrolled as Clemson University undergraduate students and have a minimum GPR of 2.3.

2. Candidates for the office of President must have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours prior to petitioning. Candidates for Vice President must have completed a minimum of 45 semester hours prior to petitioning. If the President is removed or has resigned, the Vice President does not have to have the required number of semester hours to assume the Office of President.

3. Candidates for all offices must be enrolled as Clemson University undergraduate students during their entire term. All candidates must agree to serve the entire term.

4. No President or Vice President may hold an additional executive office, court position or Student Senate position.

B. Nominations. Nominations for office will be made by petition of fifty students filed with the Elections Department no later than 5:00 p.m. on the second Friday of February.

C. Election Procedures.

1. Candidates for the offices of President and Vice President shall be elected on receiving a majority of ballots cast.

2. Online elections shall be held the first Monday and Tuesday of March. Runoff elections, if required, shall be held that Thursday.

3. Online polls shall open at 12:01 a.m. on Monday and close at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday. Online polls for runoff elections shall open at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday and close at 12:01 a.m. on Friday. All Undergraduate Clemson University students, regardless of credit hours currently in progress, may vote at any poll in campus-wide elections.

4. Write-ins and Abstaining

a. The Elections Department shall allow for write-in candidates by way of online ballots.

b. The Elections Department shall allow for a no-vote (abstention) by way of online ballots.

5. In the case of a runoff election, the number of candidates included shall be twice the number of positions in dispute.

D. Campaign Rules.

1. Each candidate shall be allowed to spend no more than $500 with an additional $250 in donations on campaign materials in the election.

a. Campaign materials shall include, but are no limited to, all posters, signs, fliers, platforms, letters, buttons, banners, stickers, and notices.

b. In order to prevent slanderous campaigns, all campaign material to be used must be approved and/or initialed by the Elections Director or his designee before being distributed. This should be done before any material is replicated.

c. Candidates may not use Clemson endorsed electronic mailing to contact potential voters (not including the 15 registered campaign volunteers) during the election season. Emails from and towards the Election Department are exceptions.

d. Candidates may use Facebook and instant messenger services, but are warned to use these services wisely and reminded that in using these, the campaign rules still apply (i.e. no slanderous campaigning)

e. Candidates may not perform any act of campaigning in the Student Government offices during election season.

f. Candidates may not use the Clemson University logo or letterhead for campaigning purposes. The use of the Student Government logo, letterhead, office supplies, and office equipment for campaigning purposes is also prohibited.

g. Candidates may not do any form of public chalking or writing on boards in classrooms for their campaign.

h. Candidates must submit the names of the fifteen helpers officially associated with their campaign at the mandatory candidate's metting, and immediately inform the Elections Department should any changes occur in this list. Candidates are encouraged to inform these persons of the rules and regulations of the election and will be sanctioned for any violations these persons commit.

i. All candidates must file one sample of each type of campaign material to be used in the election with the Elections Department.

j. All candidates must specify and submit an itemized report with intended campaign expenditures to the Elections Director at the mandatory Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates' meeting.  Candidates must adhere to their report.  Each expense will be recorded by means of the candidates turning in any expense forms or receipts to the Elections Department as money is spent.  Candidates will also turn in a finalized, specific expense report completed by each of the candidates.  Any donations to a candidate must be reported and will be valued at a rate set by the Elections Department.

k. If elected, write-in candidates for President and Vice President shall be subject to all regulations governing elections except that campaign expenditures must be submitted to the Elections Director no later than 24 hours after the official notification by the Elections Director. 

l. There will be a $30 deposit required of all Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, which will be returned after all the candidate's campaign material has been removed and will be forfeited if all the materials are not removed within 48 hours after the posting of election results.

2. Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates shall abide by the following rules governing the location of campaign material. These guidelines will be enforced by the Elections Department.

a. Campaign materials (including non-reproduced) shall be restricted to kiosks, University Post Office bulletin boards, ground stake locations approved by the Elections Department, nonacademic buildings, academic buildings, and all locations approved by the Elections Director.

b. In residence halls, posted material shall be restricted to bulletin boards, but will need to be approved by University Housing departments before posting. This posted material cannot be place in residence hall computer labs.

c. Fliers may be placed under residents' doors.

d. Use of Student Media Association shall be permitted but will be included in the candidate's budget.

e. Campaign material shall not be posted on any column of the Robert M. Cooper Library for campaign publicity.

f. Campaign material posted with the candidate's knowledge in any area other than what is allowed specifically in this section will constitute grounds for immediate disqualification.

g. Candidates may have a personal webpage only if it is included in the expense report. However, candidates are expected to keep these web pages election based.

3. All campaigning may begin at 12:01 AM, the day following the mandatory candidates meeting, which shall be held at the discretion of the Elections Director following the Friday on which petitions are due and after successful completion of the candidate's rules and regulations quiz. The rules and regulations quiz must be approved by the current student body president prior to being issued.

E. Disqualification.

1. A candidate may be disqualified for not abiding by the rules governing campus-wide elections.

1. Candidates will be given the regulations at the mandatory candidates' meeting.
2. If an offense is detected, the Elections Department has the right to determine it to be a major or minor offense.
3. For a minor offense, the candidates will be penalized by correcting the offense and will also be required to take down one major posting of campaign material in the following order:  the Outdoor Theatre; Schilletter Dining Hall, Harcombe Dining Hall, and lastly, any other major area used for posting.
4. For a major offense, an Executive Elections Committee consisting of the Elections Director, the Student Body Attorney General, and the Associate Dean for Student Involvement will oversee the consideration of the case. That committee will make a unanimous decision with a recommendation for a course of action based on the offense.  If the Associate Dean for Student Involvement cannot participate for any reason, and in the event of an emergency, Student Government faculty advisors may serve on the committee.