EIU Student Government

We, the students of Eastern Illinois University, desiring to maintain academic freedom, academic responsibility, student rights, and to foster the recognition of the rights and responsibilities of students to the University and Community, do hereby ordain and establish this Constitution of the Student body of Eastern Illinois University. This Constitution shall supersede any Rules or Bylaws adopted by any student governing boards, except when in conflict with university, state, and federal policies.

1. Composition
   1. The Student Government, which will consist of two branches, shall represent the student body: the Legislative and Executive. 

1. Duties
   1. The Legislative Branch shall consist of the Student Senate, hereafter referred to as the Senate.
   2. The primary function of the Senate shall be to represent the Student Body of Eastern Illinois University and improve student life through the passage of bills and resolutions.
   3. The Senate shall designate rules and bylaws that it deems appropriate for the administration of the Legislative Branch, in accordance with Article IX: Rules and Bylaws Adoption.
2. Composition
   1. The Senate shall consist of one senate seat for every 800 students fully enrolled at Eastern Illinois University. The Senate will have a cap of 30 senators and a minimum of 11 senators. Student Senators, hereafter referred to as Senators representing the full Student Body.
   2. A Senator must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 and be a full-time undergraduate student in good disciplinary standing with the University.
   3. The Student Senate Bylaws shall determine other eligibility requirements.
3. Meetings
   1. Regular meetings of the Senate shall be held at least once per week during the fall and spring semesters, at the discretion of the Speaker of the Senate.
   2. Special Meetings shall be convened by the Student Body President or the Speaker of the Senate in accordance with public law.
   3. A quorum shall be defined as 50% plus one (1) voting member as stated in the Student Senate bylaws.
   4. All meetings shall be open to the public except when closed by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership and in accordance with public law.
   5. Meetings shall be presided over by the Speaker of the Senate and shall be governed by this Constitution and all Rules or Bylaws adopted by the Senate.
4. Responsibilities
   1. The Senate shall act as the representative voice of the Student Body.
   2. The Senate shall approve all student appointments, including appointments to Student/faculty boards, committees, councils, and University and Housing Judicial Boards all by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership of the Senate.
   3. In addition, the Senate shall approve the Student Government Budget by a two-thirds majority vote.
   4. The Senate shall recommend passage or failure of all tuition and fee increase proposals.
   5. In the allocation of Student Activity Fees, the Senate shall determine the amount and usage of student fee money and approve or reject all budget recommendations made by a two-thirds majority vote.
   6. The Senate shall elect a Speaker.
      1. The Speaker may attend all Executive meetings.
      2. The Speaker shall be a full-time undergraduate student.
      3. The eligibility requirements and duties of the Speaker shall be governed by Rules or Bylaws adopted by the Student Senate.
      4. The Speaker shall be responsible for maintaining the records of the Legislative Branch.
5. Removal
   1. The Senate is empowered to remove any Student Body Executive Office, Student Trustee and University Judicial Board member for violating the Student Body Constitution, the Rules, or the Bylaws of said body.
   2. Removal shall be by a two-thirds majority vote of the Senate membership.
   3. The Senate is also empowered to remove from office any student member on student/faculty boards councils and Student Government agencies after recommendations by the chairperson of the organization or by the Student Body President.
   4. The procedure for removal shall be defined in the Rules and Bylaws.
   5. The removed party may appeal to the University Vice President of Student Affairs, which may overturn the decision of the Senate only when the removal process is conducted in violation of the Student Government Constitution or University Policy. 

1. Duties
   1. The Executive Branch shall exercise administrative and managerial power over the programs and policies created by the Student Government.
   2. Executive Officers shall be required to attend all Student Government Meetings. An accumulation of three (3) absences per semester will be grounds for impeachment.
   3. Executive Officers who fail to respond to the opening roll call or the Adjournment roll call will receive one (l) half absence per missed roll call.
   4. The Secretary will keep records of attendance for the Executive Branch.
   5. The Executive Officers shall be responsible for meeting with their graduate advisor assigned to Student Government Executives through the Student Life Office at least once every week.
2. Compensation
   1. Executive Officers may be compensated as determined by the Student Life Office by an amount that shall not exceed $2,500 per semester or $5,000 per year and cannot go lower than $2,000 per semester or $4,000 per year.
   2. The Executive Officer scholarship shall be reviewed as the Constitution is reviewed.
   3. The Senate shall develop Rules or Bylaws that shall indicate the amount of the compensation, the procedures for compensation, the type of compensation, and the changes in the amount of compensation shall not affect Student Body Executive Officers until the next regular election of student body executives.
3. Evaluation, Review, and Final Report
   1. All Executive Officers shall be evaluated at the beginning of each Spring semester.
   2. The evaluation of the Executive Officers shall be headed by the Student Government Advisor.
   3. The purpose of this evaluation will be for the administration, faculty, staff, and students to evaluate the performance of each Executive Officer and outline goals for the future.
   4. These sessions and all related materials shall be made open and available to the public.
   5. Each Executive Officer shall submit a final report to Student Government archives.
4. Executive Branch Meetings and Rules of the Executive Branch
   1. The Executive Branch shall meet once per week.
   2. Meetings shall be presided over by the Student Body President. Executive Branch meetings shall be open in accordance with public law.
   3. Agendas for this meeting must be available at least forty-eight (48) hours before the meeting starts.
   4. The Executive Branch may not adopt rules unless a quorum of 50 percent plus one (1) executive is present.
   5. The Executive Branch shall have the power to adopt rules deemed necessary or convenient for its business. Details of Executive Rules can be found in Article IX: Rules and Bylaws Adoption.
5. Composition
   1. The Student Body President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Student Body.
   2. The other Student Body Executive Officers shall be the Student Body Executive Vice President, Student Body Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Student Body Vice President for Student Affairs.
   3. A Student Body Executive Officer must be a full-time undergraduate have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and be in good disciplinary standing with the University for the entire academic year.
   4. The line of succession to the Presidency shall be defined as the following: Executive Vice President, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Speaker of the Student Senate.
   5. In the case of a vacancy in any Student Body Executive Office other than the Student Body President, the President shall fill said vacancy by appointment, subject to approval by a two-thirds majority vote by the Senate.
   6. The President's appointment shall remain in office until the next regular election.
6. Student Body President: Powers and Duties
   1. The Student Body President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Student Body and shall determine the general policy of the Executive Branch of Student Government by exercising administrative supervision of the Vice President’s Office of the President, Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs.
   2. The President shall, in person or through an appointed representative, officially represent the Student Body at any function within or outside of the University.
   3. The President shall be responsible for organizing and filing information pertaining to the University and bearing relevance to present or future Student Government activities and act to make such records public.
   4. The President shall appoint Justices to the University Judicial Board, and the Student Elections Commissions.
   5. Further, the President may remove a Student Government-appointed student Chairperson or member from a student/faculty board or council, subject to approval by a two-thirds majority vote of the Senate.
   6. The President shall create an Executive Commission when deemed necessary, deliver the State of the University Address at least once per semester, deliver special addresses to the Senate when deemed necessary, make appointments to committees as requested by external bodies, and may call special meetings of the Senate for a specific purpose.
   7. In the form of an Executive Opinion, the Student Body President may make comments and/or recommendations on issues affecting students.
   8. Executive Opinions shall be recognized as being authorized solely through the Office of Student Body President.
   9. The President may veto any action taken by the Senate within the jurisdiction of the Student Government except parliamentary procedure, RSO Charter, or resolutions.
   10. A veto must be delivered by the subsequent meeting that the vetoed action was passed by the Senate and is subject to reversal by a two-thirds majority vote of the Senators present.
   11. The President shall be responsible for meeting at least once a month with the University President.
   12. The Student Body President shall be an ex-officio member of committees, boards, councils, and task forces within the University President's area that function under shared governance policies.
   13. The Student Body President shall be charged with the task of overseeing the preparations and performance of the First Night and Inauguration of the Senate.
7. Executive Vice President: Powers and Duties:
   1. The Student Body Executive Vice President shall be the Chief Public Affairs Officer and Chief Business Affairs Officer of the Student Body and shall assist the President in determining the general policy of the Public Affairs Area.
   2. Moreover, these powers shall be supplemented with authority to assist the President in the formulation and execution of Executive Branch policies and ex-officio membership on all executive commissions.
   3. The Executive Vice President shall serve as a Student Representative to the Illinois Board of Higher Education Student Advisory Committee and shall appoint an alternate voting member subject to a two-thirds majority vote of the Senate as defined by the State of Illinois and Board of Higher Education.
   4. City Council Representative shall report to the Executive Vice President within seven days of each meeting of the City Council.
   5. Such reports shall contain matters pertaining jointly to the city and the University and any legislation pending before the City Council.
   6. All such reports must also be submitted to the Senate.
   7. The Executive Vice President shall provide direction for the Student Action Team and appoint student members subject to a two-thirds majority vote of the Senate as defined by the Student Lobbying Team Act.
   8. The Executive Vice President shall be responsible for meeting with the University Director of Governmental Affairs.
   9. The Executive Vice President shall be responsible for maintaining the records of the Executive Branch.
   10. The Executive Vice President shall serve on the Council of University Planning and Budgeting and shall appoint an alternate voting member subject to a two-thirds majority vote of the Senate.
   11. The Executive Vice President shall consult with the leaders of the Legislative and Executive Branches and assist in drawing up their respective itemized budgets for the next fiscal year.
   12. The Executive Vice President shall provide updates once a semester on the budgets of the Student Activity Fee-funded boards to the Senate.
   13. The Executive Vice President shall review all Student Government expenditures, requiring Senate approval, before being proposed.
   14. The Executive Vice President shall regularly review and audit any and all financial records and expenditures involving Student Activity Fee funded boards, and shall reserve the right to audit and review any and all financial records involving student fee funded budgets.
   15. The Executive Vice President shall reserve as an ex-officio member of, and attend all meetings of, the Senate Tuition and Fee Review Committee.
8. Student Body Vice President for Academic Affairs: Powers and Duties
   1. The Student Body Vice President for Academic Affairs shall be the Chief Academic Officer of the Student body and shall assist the President in determining the general policy of the Academic Affairs area.
   2. The Vice President for Academic Affairs shall exercise administrative supervision of the University Grade appeals System and act as a counsel for students seeking such appeals and shall be an ex-officio member of committees, boards, councils, and task forces within the University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Area that function under shared governance policies.
   3. The Vice President for Academic Affairs shall serve as a voting member of the Council on Academic Affairs. If unable to serve, the Vice President of Academic Affairs shall appoint a proxy.
   4. The Vice President for Academic Affairs shall receive reports from those boards and councils under administrative supervision within the Student Government Academic Affairs Area and shall report on the activities of said boards and councils to the Senate as needed.
   5. The Vice President for Academic Affairs shall exercise administrative supervision of the Council of Student Deans, and meet with the council, on a regular basis, as defined by Executive Rules.
   6. The Vice President for Academic Affairs shall be responsible for coordinating a joint meeting between the Deans of the Colleges and the Council of Student Deans at least once a semester.
   7. The Vice President for Academic Affairs shall meet at least once a month with the University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
   8. The Vice President for Academic Affairs shall be charged with the task of overseeing the preparation and performance of the Students Distinguished Faculty Award.
9. Student Body Vice President for Student Affairs: Powers and Duties
   1. The Vice President of Student Affairs shall serve the Chief Student Affairs Officer and shall assist the President in determining the general policy of the Student and Affairs Area.
   2. The Vice President for Student Affairs shall exercise administrative supervision over, appoint student members to, and serve as an ex-officio member of all committees, boards Councils, and task forces within the University Vice President for Student Affairs area that function under shared governance policies.
   3. The Vice President for Student Affairs shall assist, advise, and promote all Registered Student Organizations.
   4. The Vice President for Student Affairs shall meet at least once a month with the University Vice President for Student Affairs.
   5. The Vice President for Student Affairs shall be charged with the task of overseeing the preparations and performance of Pantherpalooza.
   6. The Vice President for Student Affairs shall be responsible for Diversity in Action Council and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Week.
   7. The Vice President for Student Affairs in conjunction with Executive Vice President shall be responsible for all Registered Student Organization funding.

1. Job Description:
   1. The Student Trustee shall serve as the student representative of the Board of Trustees.
   2. They shall be the liaison between the board of trustees and the student body.
   3. They shall keep the board connected to the needs and priorities of the student body to ensure that the board remains aware of students’ perspectives.
   4. The Student Trustee would be responsible for attending Board of Trustee Meetings, participating in discussions, and voting on matters that affect the college.
2. Requirements:
   1. The Student Trustee shall attend the student senate meeting directly preceding and directly following each Board of Trustees meeting.
   2. The Student Trustee shall meet with the Student Body President once per month.
   3. The Student Trustee shall be required to follow all rules and guidelines set forth by the Elections Reform Act of Eastern Illinois University Student Government.
3. Eligibility:
   1. The Student Trustee must maintain a GPA of 2.50, during their term.
   2. The Student Trustee must be a full-time student, an undergraduate or a graduate student.
   3. The Student Trustee must be an Illinois resident.
   4. The Student Trustee must run in the Election and their term is from July 1st to June 30th.
4. Impeachment or Vacancy:
   1. If the Student Trustee is removed from their position by the student senate, a special election may be held as soon as possible.
   2. If the Student Trustee position is vacant after a student body election, the position may be given to the appropriate office. 

1. Eligibility
   1. All Students enrolled in Eastern Illinois University shall be eligible to vote in the Student Government elections.
2. Voting
   1. All students may vote in Student Body Executive Officer elections and all Senate Elections.

1. General Powers
   1. The Student Government, through powers granted and procedures established by this Constitution, shall have authority over all areas previously listed herein plus the following areas, except where the exercise of such power would violate this Constitution and or the Eastern Illinois University Board of Trustees administrative policies, state laws, or national laws.
   2. The Student Government shall not be denied shared governance powers in the administration of student conduct on campus, in the allocation of all student activity fees, in recommending policy on the use of all buildings paid for in any part by student fees, and in any monetary change of all student fees and tuition with the exception of course fees.
2. Continuity of Responsibility
   1. Actions of the Student Government and all its entities will be binding upon and assumed by the future Student Government and all of its entities, until or unless such actions are altered or repealed by normal parliamentary procedure. The only exception to this is resolutions, which are non-binding.

1. A Student Body Executive Officer, Student Senator, University Board Chairperson or Vice Chairperson, or University disciplinary member shall not hold more than one of the above-stated offices concurrently. Student Body Executive Officer may not serve as a member of the University Board or as a Resident Assistant, Senior Staff Assistant, or Assistant Resident Director during their term in office.
2. A Student Body Executive Officer, Senator, Student Trustee, or University disciplinary member shall not serve concurrently in any of the following capacities: Editor in Chief of the campus newspaper; station manager of the campus radio or television stations, or, in any way, the Chief Executive Officer of any regular news media supported by student fees excluding the campus yearbook and campus literacy publications.
3. A Student Body Executive Officer, Senator, Student Trustee, or University disciplinary member in media roles cannot report on anything related to Student Government.
4. A Student Body Executive Officer, may not serve concurrently as the Chief Executive Officer of any fee-funded board. 

1. Proposal
   1. An amendment to this Constitution may be proposed by one of three methods: proposal submitted to the Senate, or proposal by initiative, or proposal by Constitutional Revision Committee.
   2. Proposal by initiative.
      1. Constitutional revisions may be submitted for ratification by initiative by presenting a petition with signatures of 10% of the Student Body to the Elections Commission in accordance with The Elections Reform Act.
   3. Proposal by submission to the Senate.
      1. Constitutional revisions may be submitted for ratification by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership of the Senate.
      2. Proposals must be tabled for at least one week before being voted upon by the Senate.
   4. Proposal by Constitution Revision.
      1. A two-thirds majority vote of the membership of the Senate is required to convene a Constitutional Revision Committee which is governed by the bylaws.
2. Process
   1. Copies of all proposed amendments and/or revisions shall be made available to the Student Body and the campus media.
   2. The proposed amendments, regardless of the method of initiation, shall be submitted to the Elections Commission in accordance with The Elections Reform Act.
   3. After a proposal by one of the three (3) methods above, proposed revisions shall be placed on the ballot for a student referendum.
   4. Revisions shall be ratified after approval by a two-thirds majority of those students who cast votes on the proposed revision.
3. Clerical Revisions
   1. The Senate shall be empowered to adopt linguistic and corrective changes in the event of errors and misspellings found in this document. Changes cannot alter or change the substance of any sentence. These changes shall be subject to a 2/3 majority vote of the Senate.

1. Senate Bylaws
   1. The Senate shall be empowered to adopt such rules, bylaws, and regulations deemed necessary and convenient for the execution of its functions through the procedures 12 established in this Constitution provided such rules, bylaws, and regulations do not conflict with this Constitution.
   2. The bylaws shall govern only the Senate, except in cases specifically authorized by the Student Body Constitution.
2. Executive Rules
   1. Executive Rules shall be adopted in a Senate bill form by a simple majority vote of the membership of the Executive Branch, pending approval by a simple majority of the membership of the Senate.
   2. The Senate may not amend the proposed rule. These Rules shall govern only the Executive Branch of the Student Government unless otherwise specified in this Constitution.
   3. Rules adopted shall not conflict with the Student Body Constitution, University policy, or public law.
3. Student Activity Fee-Funded Boards and Councils
   1. Amendments to the Rules, Bylaws, and Regulations of Student Activity Fee-funded Boards shall be subject to a two-thirds majority vote of the membership of the Senate.
   2. All Student Activity Fee-funded Board meetings shall include audience participation.
   3. The organizations may make reasonable time restrictions on audience participation in accordance with parliamentary procedure.

1. COMPOSITION (Mandated by Article II, Section B, Part 1 of the Student Government Constitution)
   1. The EIU Student Senate shall consist of one senate seat for every 800 students fully enrolled at Eastern Illinois University. The EIU Student Senate will have a cap of 30 EIU Student senators and a minimum of 11 EIU Student Senators representing the EIU Student Body at large.
   2. If a quorum cannot be reached, all EIU Student Government budget decisions will be made by the EIU Student Body President by way of executive order.
   3. If a quorum cannot be reached, all pending RSO approvals shall be subject to approval by the Student Life Office.
   4. EIU Student Senators must meet the following requirements to hold office:
      1. Be enrolled in a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours for EIU Undergraduate Students (full-time students).
      2. Maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 Grade Point Average.
      3. Any EIU Senator without a pre-established Eastern Illinois University Grade Point Average shall be held to their most recent cumulative Grade Point Average.
   5. A EIU student member of the EIU Student Senate may not be appointed to the EIU Student Senate in one (1) or more concurrent terms of office.
      1. One (1) term is equivalent to one academic year.
   6. Once elected or appointed as a Student Senator the following oath must be taken:
      1. I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Eastern Illinois University Student Body. I am of understanding of the responsibilities that come with being a Student Senator and will do all that is in my power to fulfill these responsibilities. From this point on my actions will be representative of the Student Body of Eastern Illinois University.
      2. The oath shall be administered by the Speaker of the Senate. In the absence of the Speaker of the Senate, the Student Body President shall administer the oath. In their absence, the reading shall follow the line of succession.
2. PROCEDURE OF MEETINGS
   1. All EIU Senate meetings will be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order – Newly Revised, except when inconsistent with the Student Body Constitution or the Student Senate Bylaws.
   2. All regular and special meetings shall be presided over by the Speaker of the EIU Student Senate, unless the EIU Speaker of the Senate, through some circumstance, is absent, in which case the EIU Student Body President shall preside over the meeting. In their absence, the meeting shall be presided over following the line of succession.
   3. Regular meetings shall be convened a minimum of once (1) per week during the Fall and Spring semesters, in accordance with the EIU Student Body Constitution.
   4. Special meetings may be convened at the request of the EIU Student Body President.
   5. The EIU Senate may proceed with business when a quorum of 50%, plus one voting member in attendance, is established following the Call to Order roll call, whereupon another roll call shall be conducted prior to Adjournment.
   6. Audience Participation Period
      1. The audience participation period shall be placed on the Agenda of each EIU Senate meeting before New Business.
      2. The EIU Speaker of the Senate shall open the floor to anyone not holding membership in the EIU Student Government to allow people to present comments, requests, issues, and ideas to the Senate.
      3. Unannounced audience participants will be allotted five (5) minutes to speak. Those who make prior arrangements to speak will have an amount of time to speak designated by the EIU Speaker of the Senate.
      4. The audience participation period shall not be used for electoral campaign purposes. It shall be the judgment of the EIU Speaker of the Senate as to whether the topic is campaigning, subject to reversal if a Senator appeals the ruling of the Speaker and the motion is passed by a two-thirds majority.
   7. Any proposal arising out of a report during a meeting may be delayed at the discretion of the EIU Speaker of the Senate. These new proposals will be considered in their order of original occurrence following established Agenda items.
   8. Roll Call Votes
      1. Roll call votes shall be conducted on any motion at the request of a EIU Senator.
      2. Roll call votes shall be conducted on all formal motions at the discretion of the EIU Speaker of the Senate.
      3. Roll call votes shall be conducted on:
         1. Appropriations (Budgets)
         2. Amendments to the EIU Student Body Constitution
         3. Bylaw changes on the EIU Senate, Student-Faculty Boards, and University Board
         4. Elections
   9. Agendas
      1. A tentative agenda shall be completed at least 48 hours before each Senate meeting.
      2. All legislation must be submitted to the Speaker within three (3) business days before the date of the Senate meeting.
      3. The EIU Speaker of the Senate shall decide the order of the agenda.
      4. Agendas shall be placed in the Student Activities Center 48 hours in advance of the call to order of the meeting.
3. ATTENDANCE POLICIES
   1. EIU Senators shall be required to attend all regular EIU Senate Meetings. In the event that a EIU Senator is unable to attend a meeting, they must notify the EIU Speaker of the Senate of their expected absence at least (24) hours prior to the meeting unless it is declared an emergency by the Speaker.
   2. An accumulation of three (3) unexcused absences per semester shall result in removal of office.
   3. One-half absence is defined as an unexcused failure to respond to the Call to Order roll call or the Adjournment roll call by the Secretary of the Senate. If a Senator is present upon voting, the Senator may vote on the issue, however, the absence will count for attendance purposes.
   4. An accumulation of three (3) excused absences per semester shall result in office probation, which is defined in Article V, Section D, Sub-Section 2-5 of the Bylaws.
      1. Once a EIU Senator reaches their three (3) “Excused” absences they may present their case to the EIU Speaker who will determine if one or more of their excused absences may be repealed.
   5. The EIU Speaker of the Senate shall have the authority to declare a Senator’s absence excused or unexcused with the exceptions of:
      1. The Internal Affairs Committee Chair has the authority to declare a Senator’s absence excused or unexcused from office hours.
      2. The Diversity Affairs Committee Chair has the authority to declare a senator’s absence excused or unexcused from diversity requirements.
      3. The Student Affairs Committee Chair has the authority to declare a senator’s absence excused or unexcused from involvement requirements.
      4. If a EIU senator believes a member is not fulfilling their obligations to the committee, they may submit a Complaint of Non-Compliance form to the EIU Speaker. If the EIU Speaker of the Senate approves the complaint, the EIU Senator shall be charged one-half (1/2) unexcused absence.
      5. The accused can appeal a complaint to the full EIU Senate, requiring a two-thirds majority vote for repeal.
   6. Leave of absence
      1. Following a meeting with the EIU Speaker or a letter written to the EIU Speaker, specifying the reasons and duration for the leave of absence, a leave of absence could be granted by the EIU Speaker of the Senate.
      2. A leave of absence shall be granted upon request for the following reasons:
         1. Personal
         2. Health
         3. Academic
         4. Other circumstances at the discretion of the Speaker of the Senate.
      3. If a EIU Senator Returns to the Senate, by participating in EIU Senate activities and/or responsibilities, canceling the leave of absence, they cannot return to the leave status without receiving approval for a new leave of absence.
      4. If a EIU Senator is requesting a leave of absence and that EIU Senator is the Chair of any committee, then the EIU Speaker of the Senate must appoint a member of that committee to be an acting Chair until the Chair returns. This appointment shall be made in consultation with Senate Council of Chairs.
4. OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER OF THE SENATE
   1. The EIU Speaker of the Senate shall be the presiding officer of the Senate.
   2. The EIU Speaker of the Senate shall be the Chairperson of Council of Chairs.
   3. The EIU Speaker of the Senate shall, on the last meeting of each semester, deliver a State of the Senate address summarizing the Senate’s past accomplishments and future goals.
   4. The EIU Speaker of the Senate shall collect and maintain up-to-date Senator Information sheets from each Senator with the following affixed:
      1. Name
      2. School Address
      3. Contact information
      4. Length or tenure in the EIU Senate
      5. Past committee membership / committee(s) desired
      6. Committee choice / Chair applications
      7. Grade release statement
   5. The Speaker of the Senate shall, at the first or second meeting of each semester, appoint a chairperson(s) to each of the standing committees.
   6. The EIU Speaker of the Senate shall rule any EIU Senator off the roll if the said EIU Senator actions and conduct are in conflict with the EIU Student Body Constitution or the Student Senate Bylaws.
   7. The EIU Speaker of the Senate shall be counted as one of the voting members and be counted in the number of votes necessary to constitute a majority or two-thirds (2/3) vote.
   8. Rules Governing EIU Speaker Elections
      1. Candidates shall be required to inform the EIU Speaker of the Senate of their intent to run in the elections at least three (3) business days prior to the day of nominations.
      2. Each candidate intending to run for the EIU Speaker position will be required to meet with the Speaker of the Senate at least three (3) business days to before the day of Speaker nominations.
      3. The election shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order – Newly Revised.
      4. All candidates shall be required to serve one full academic semester before running for the EIU Speaker position. At the time of EIU Speaker Elections, the candidate must be an elected senator.
      5. The candidate must be an elected senator of the Senate the semester they intend to run for the EIU Speaker position.
      6. In the event that there are more than two nominees for the EIU Speaker of the Senate position, the EIU Student Senate will hold a primary election.
         1. The timeline for Speaker Elections should be as follows:
            1. Four (4) weeks before the last meeting of the end of the Fall semester, Nominations, Presentations and Elections will occur, if there are three (3) or more nominations accepted. Vote in the primary election by ballot.
               1. The two candidates who have received the most votes will move on to the general election. In the case of a tie between two or more candidates in the primary election, there will be a runoff election between the candidates who have tied.
            2. Three (3) weeks before the end of the Fall semester, they will each be allowed a redress of their platform; however, if they so desire, either candidate may opt out of their redress. Following this, the Senate floor will be opened for discussion. After the discussion has concluded, another vote will be tallied.
            3. All platforms must be tabled for one (1) week before EIU Speaker Elections.
            4. EIU Speaker Elections will take place at the last Senate meeting of the Fall semester.
   9. The EIU Speaker of the Senate shall be the last name called to vote in a roll call vote.
   10. The EIU Speaker of the Senate shall discharge all official correspondence of the Senate.
   11. The Speaker of the Senate shall appoint the Parliamentarian of the Senate, subject to the approval of the Senate.
   12. The Speaker of the Senate shall be responsible for collecting, recording, and maintaining digital copies of all Student Senate legislation for the duration of their term. In addition, be responsible for producing accurate and updated paper and digital copies of the Bylaws as they are updated. The Speaker of the Senate shall notify Student Senators in writing, informing them of total number of absences they have accumulated immediately after they miss an office hour, senate meeting, or absences of any nature that may be counted toward their limit of three (3) unexcused absences and three (3) excused absences.
   13. The Speaker of the Senate shall be responsible for maintaining the “Senate Orientation Program.”
   14. The Speaker of the Senate shall send copies of all legislation passed by the Senate to the Student Body President no later than 48 hours following the motion’s passage.
5. PARLIAMENTARIAN OF THE SENATE
   1. The Parliamentarian of the Senate shall be appointed by the Speaker of the Senate, subject to the approval of the Senate by simple majority: subject to a roll-call vote.
   2. The Parliamentarian of the Senate shall be counted as one of the voting members and be counted in the number of votes necessary to constitute a majority or two-thirds (2/3) vote.
   3. The Parliamentarian of the Senate shall meet with the Speaker of the Senate at least once a week to discuss the following:
      1. Agenda
      2. Legislation
      3. Other Senate matters
   4. The Parliamentarian of the Senate shall enforce Robert’s Rules of Order – Newly Revised
   5. The Parliamentarian of the Senate shall serve as the Secretary of the Senate in the absence of one.
   6. The Parliamentarian of the Senate shall keep the order of questions or discussion items.
   7. Parliamentarian’s term is concluded at the start of a new Speaker’s term.
6. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE SENATE
   1. The Secretary of the Senate shall record and maintain all minutes of Student Senate meetings, within a minimum of two (2) office hours per week, with copies sent to the following seven days after their approval:
      1. Student Senators
      2. Officers of the Executive Branch
      3. University of Vice President for Student Affairs
      4. Student Government Advisor
      5. Any other officials deemed necessary by the Speaker
   2. The Secretary of the Senate shall present minutes of the previous Senate meetings and bring to the attention of the Speaker any excessive absences.
   3. The Secretary of the Senate shall be hired by the Speaker of the Senate.
   4. The Secretary of the Senate shall be under the direct supervision of the Speaker of the Senate.
   5. The Secretary of the Senate shall assume other powers and duties as designated by the Speaker.
   6. The Secretary of the Senate shall be paid state minimum wage per hour, not to exceed $300 per semester.
7. OFFICE OF THE SENATE GRAPHIC DESIGNER
   1. The Senate Graphic Designer shall be paid state minimum wage per hour, not to exceed $300 per semester.
   2. The Senate Graphic Designer shall be hired by the Speaker of the Student Senate.
   3. The Senate Graphic Designer shall be under direct supervision of the Speaker of the Student Senate.
   4. The Senate Graphic Designer shall create marketing based on marketing forms submitted by Chairs of Committees, Speaker of the Senate and Executive Officers.
   5. The Senate Graphic Designer shall submit marketing to graduate advisors, Speaker of the Senate, and designated committees, and shall request feedback.
   6. The Senate Graphic Designer should complete a minimum of two (2) office hours weekly. 

1. GENERAL
   1. All Senate Committees, except the Council of Chairs, are encouraged to have non-senate members.
   2. Chairpersons shall verbally submit committee reports at each regular Senate meeting. In the absence of the committee chairperson, any member of the committee will be able to give the committee report.
   3. Chairpersons shall verbally submit Final Committee Reports at the last regular meeting of each semester, preceded by a written report submitted to the Speaker three (3) business days before the final meeting.
   4. The chairperson can only be removed by a 2/3 majority No Confidence vote by the Senate.
2. POWER AND DUTIES
   1. COUNCIL OF CHAIRS
      1. The committee shall be composed of the Speaker of the Senate as the Chairperson, and the standing Committee Chairpersons.
      2. Legislation should be submitted three (3) business days before the Council of Chairs meeting to be placed on the Council of Chairs agenda.
         1. If approved by a simple majority (50% plus 1 voting member) of the members of the Council of Chairs, the legislation would be placed on the Senate agenda the following week.
      3. The committee shall convene regular meetings each week on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM.
      4. Special meetings of the Committee may be convened by the Chairperson (Speaker of the Senate).
      5. The committee shall review all Senate/ committee programs with the option to recommend confirmation, rejection, continuance, or discontinuance to the Senate.
      6. The Speaker of the Senate shall have the power to deem any legislation that is presented to the Council of Chairs in need of work.
   2. COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
      1. Duties and responsibilities
         1. The committee shall investigate areas where a EIU student’s academic interests are concerned.
         2. The committee shall report to the Senate any matter of an academic nature.
         3. The committee shall send at least one representative from the committee to Faculty Senate meetings and CAA meetings, if the EIU Student Vice President of Academic Affairs is unable to attend.
         4. The committee shall deal with all issues between Faculty, Staff and Student Senate as deemed by the majority of the members of the committee.
         5. The Student Body Vice President for Academic Affairs shall be a non-voting member of the committee.
         6. The committee shall strive to have a midterm project during midterms to promote studying and a stress-free environment.
   3. COMMITTEE ON ALUMNI RELATIONS
      1. Duties and responsibilities:
         1. The committee shall meet regularly with the director of the Alumni Association to discuss ways to improve the relationship between the student body and Eastern Illinois University Alumni.
         2. The committee shall work with Alumni Services and the Alumni Association to promote undergraduate participation and involvement with projects and initiatives.
         3. The committee shall be responsible for promoting Alumni recruitment and retention.
         4. The Student Body Vice President for Academic Affairs shall be a non-voting member of the committee.
   4. COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AFFAIRS
      1. Duties and responsibilities:
         1. The committee shall serve as an advisory committee to the President on tuition increases. Every semester the Speaker of the Senate shall contact the University President’s Council to request information on tuition changes and provide the committee’s recommendations. After changes have been approved by the council, the Executive Vice President and Business Affairs committee shall write a Resolution for the proposed change with documentation and reasoning to support the Resolution.
         2. The committee shall advise the Executive Vice President on all proposed fee increases other than the Room and Board fees which maintain board(s) already designated for that purpose.
         3. The committee and Executive Vice President shall review information from those non-appropriated funded departments requesting fee changes for the following year, collect and review student input on these changes, and make a recommendation to the Student Senate. Additionally, they shall require all requests be submitted by the final Wednesday in March of any academic or fiscal year.
         4. The Student Body Executive Vice President shall be a non-voting member of the committee.
   5. COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY AFFAIRS
      1. Duties and responsibilities
         1. The committee shall be committed to addressing the needs of the students as it relates to diversity regarding education and programs.
         2. The committee shall be committed to representing both primary and secondary dimensions of diversity.
            1. Primary dimensions of diversity include the following: race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, culture, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and disabilities among students, faculty, administration, and staff.
            2. Secondary dimensions of diversity include the following but are not limited to: educational background, geographic location, and political beliefs.
         3. The committee shall work to promote diversity across Campus through education and awareness.
         4. The committee shall work to foster intellectual development, expand cultural knowledge, and interracial understanding among students, faculty, administration, and staff.
         5. The committee shall investigate University actions and procedures dealing with Diversity issues.
         6. The committee shall advise and/or make recommendations to Eastern Illinois University administration regarding diversity issues and policies. The committee shall additionally share all recommendations with the Student Body Vice President of Student Affairs to report to the Executive Board and include in the Executive Board report to the University President.
         7. The committee shall have full authority and jurisdiction over the Diversity Requirement, as mentioned in Article V letter C; Promotion of the Diversity Requirement.
         8. The committee shall sponsor, support, and/or promote programs that build individual awareness, interaction, and understanding of diversity issues among students, administration, faculty, and staff.
         9. The committee is encouraged to work with community efforts to improve diversity on and off campus.
         10. The committee shall work to provide a campus community that is more inclusive culturally sensitive, and respectful of all student issues.
         11. The committee shall work to provide information, resources, and opportunities that enhance the diversity in the campus community.
         12. The Student Body Vice President for Student Affairs shall be a non-voting member of the committee.
   6. COMMITTEE ON EXTERNAL RELATIONS
      1. Duties and Responsibilities
         1. The committee shall work to promote student life in the Charleston area.
         2. The committee shall contact and have information on all rental opportunities for students.
         3. The committee shall work with local businesses to improve student life.
         4. The Student Body President shall be a non-voting member of the committee.
   7. COMMITTEE ON INTERNAL AFFAIRS
      1. Duties and responsibilities
         1. The committee shall ensure that all Senators are performing their required three (3) office hours per week.
         2. The committee shall ensure that the Senate Star program is running smoothly and effectively by announcing all nominations at weekly Senate meetings, writing the nominations on the stars and hanging them up on the Speaker of the Senate’s door.
         3. The committee shall host a minimum of two (2) Senate bonding experiences throughout the course of the semester to ensure bonding and team building.
         4. The committee shall organize and make the “Paper Plate Awards” at the end of each academic year.
         5. The Student Body President shall be a non-voting member of the committee.
   8. COMMITTEE ON STUDENT AFFAIRS
      1. Duties and responsibilities
         1. The committee shall be responsible for conducting Student Government surveys that the senate recommends.
         2. The committee shall work with the Representative to the Residence Hall Association (R.H.A.) whose responsibilities shall be as follows:
            1. Shall study and report to the Senate on all campus housing matters.
            2. Shall represent the Student Senate at the R.H.A. and report on the activities that are happening within R.H.A.
         3. The committee shall make a list of the hall council meeting times, presidents, and the President’s email address. This shall be made available to all Senate members and Committee members upon request.
         4. The committee is encouraged to organize activities between the Student Government and R.H.A.
         5. The committee shall be responsible for contacting appropriate offices to gather survey results if deemed necessary by the Senate.
         6. The committee shall be responsible for facilitating tabling once every month to both inform students what Student Government is doing and to receive student feedback.
         7. The Student Body Vice President for Student Affairs shall be a non-voting member of the committee.
   9. COMMITTEE ON UNIVERSITY ENHANCEMENTS
      1. Duties and responsibilities
         1. The committee shall at least once a semester conduct a Safety Walk with the University Vice President of Student Affairs on and near campus as well as do a follow up to check if the issues were solved.
         2. The committee shall get qualitative feedback from students by riding the shuttle bus over a course of two (2) days once a semester.
         3. The Student Body Executive Vice President shall be a non-voting member of the committee.
   10. EX-OFFICIO POSITIONS
       1. All ex-officio positions will be open to all Eastern Illinois University students, not excluding Student Senators. All ex-officio members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the Student Senate and confirmed by majority vote of the Senate.
   11. SPECIAL COMMITTEES
       1. Special Committees shall exist outside the official committee apparatus. These committees shall be convened on basis of need.
       2. Absences from Special Committee meetings shall not be counted.
       3. Membership of Special Committees shall be on a volunteer basis.
       4. Special Committee reports shall be on an as needed basis.
   12. RECURRING SPECIAL COMMITTEES
       1. Recurring Special Committees shall exist outside the official Committee apparatus.
       2. Committee on Constitutional Oversight
          1. This committee shall be created and proceed in accordance with Article VIII, Part A, Section 4 of the Student Body Constitution, titled “Proposal by Constitutional Revision.
          2. This committee shall convene every five (5) years, at the beginning of the fall semester of the fifth year in the cycle.
       3. Committee on Bylaw Revision Adoption
          1. This committee shall be Chaired by the Speaker of the Senate, and shall consist of the following members:
             1. Three (3) Student Senators
             2. One (1) Executive Board members
          2. The committee shall be convened every three (3) years, at the beginning of the fall semester of the third year in the cycle.
          3. The committee shall meet a minimum of once per week until the last Senate meeting of the fall semester, at which time the Committee must present the new Bylaws or updates to the Senate for approval with a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.
       4. Student Action Team
          1. This committee shall be chaired by the Executive Vice President of the Student Body.
          2. Shall proceed following the Student Action Team bylaws.
          3. Any action done by the Student Action Team shall be presented to the Senate during the Executive Vice President’s report. 

1. LEGISLATION (Mandated by Article VIII and Article IX of the Student Body Constitution)
   1. Bills: A bill is a binding statement of the Senate calling for a specific action in its Implementation. A bill requires a majority vote of the members present and able to vote. A bill must be presented to the Senate for the first reading and may only be voted upon on its second reading unless it is considered emergency legislation.
   2. Bylaw Change: A bylaw amendment changes the Student Senate Bylaws. A bylaw amendment requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members present and able to vote. A bylaw amendment must be presented to the Senate for the first reading and may only be voted on at its second reading.
   3. Resolution: A resolution is a non-binding statement of opinion of the Student Senate. A resolution requires a majority vote of the members present and able to vote. A resolution may be voted upon at the meeting in which it is introduced and is not subject to approval or veto by the Student Body President.
   4. All motions to pass Bills or Resolutions, amend the Student Body Constitution, and amend the Student Senate Bylaws must meet the following requirements for consideration by the Senate:
      1. The motion must be submitted in writing with justification to the Speaker three (3) business days before the regularly scheduled Senate meeting for the Speaker to refer the motion to the appropriate committee for input, evaluation, and consideration.
      2. The motion must be accompanied by the names of its intended sponsors (restricted to Senators), and, where different, the names of the authors.
      3. The motion may then be considered by the Council of Chairs at its regularly scheduled weekly meeting. The committee may recommend passage, failure, or amendments. The committee must then take a formal vote on the motion, as amended if applicable, with a quorum of members needing to be present.
      4. The motion must be considered by Council of Chairs with the option to recommend to the Senate passage, rejection, or amendments.
      5. All special motions, with exception of Resolutions, will be submitted to the Senate and tabled for one (1) week.
      6. Resolutions shall be voted on at the present meeting, subject to majority vote of the Senators present for passage.
      7. Bills shall be subject to a majority vote of the Senators present for passage.
      8. All motions to amend the Student Body Constitution or the Student Senate Bylaws must be accompanied by a written copy of both the current text and the proposed change written in full, subject to two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Senators present.
      9. All changes to the Student Senate Bylaws will go into effect the following semester.
      10. If a Bylaw Revisions is required to go into immediate effect in order to safeguard the viability of the Senate, a change may be introduced as an Emergency Bylaw Revisions. An Emergency Bylaw Revisions, after being passed through the normal legislative process, shall go into effect immediately after approval. Emergency Bylaw Revisions require a unanimous vote of the Senators present. Emergency Bylaw Revisions must be introduced as such before the first reading.
   5. Emergency Legislation: legislation that will need to be passed by a certain date and the Senate legislation process will not allow this. If legislation is deemed emergency, it will be up to the judgment of the Speaker of the Senate as to where it will need to be placed on the agenda.
      1. A bill may acquire emergency legislation status:
         1. Prior to the Senate meeting: If such action is approved by the Speaker, pending rationale.
         2. A copy of the legislation must be provided to the Senate prior to roll call.
      2. Changes to Student Fees and/or University policy presented to Senate for approval are not eligible for emergency status.
   6. Consent Agenda
      1. The consent agenda shall be the vehicle for packaging uncontested appointments and for a majority vote without reading, debate, or discussion.
      2. Bills on budget approval, apportionment approval, and Student Fee changes shall not be eligible.
2. CORRESPONDENCE OF THE SENATE
   1. Correspondence will be considered as any letter on the official Student Government of Eastern Illinois University letterhead.
   2. All motions to send official correspondence must meet the following requirements:
      1. The motion must be submitted to the Council of Chairs, which shall retain the option to recommend passage, rejection, or amendments to the Senate.
      2. All motions shall be accompanied by copies, which shall be distributed to Senators, and if passed, made available to the University community through the Speaker.
      3. All motions shall be subjected to two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Senators present.
      4. If approved, letters must be mailed within six (6) calendar days, with any exceptions to be approved by the Speaker, subject to a majority vote of the Senators present.
   3. Official Student Government letterhead may be used for:
      1. Official Press Release
      2. Official Correspondence of the Senate
3. BUDGET EXPENDITURES
   1. All motions by a member of the Senate to spend money above the amount of $50.00 must be approved by a member of the Executive Board that sits on the committee. All motions by a member of the Senate to spend money above the amount of $75.00 must be approved through a Bill that includes the exact amount of the transaction(s).
   2. All motions to expend funds over the amount of $75.00 must be approved through a Bill which includes the item(s) to be purchased with a breakdown of individual costs.
   3. All monies spent under the amount of $50.00 dollars shall be reported to the Senate via placement in the report of the Executive Vice President.
   4. Student Government funds shall not be used for donations to any person, activity, organization, or academic department.
   5. Any Student Government money misappropriated shall be dealt with per Internal Governing Policy 108. The matter shall be referred to the Dean of Students Office and the Purchasing Department.  The Speaker of the Student Senate and the Student Body President shall submit for Senate’s approval the budget for Student Government. All expenditures which fall under these exceptions shall be reported to the Student Senate through the Executive Vice President.
   6. All Senators who participate in any Student Government funded conference or educational trip will be required to submit a formal report to the Student Senate and participate in an open forum focused on what each participant learned from the experience and how those experiences can best benefit the University.
4. SUSPENSION OF THE BYLAWS
   1. The senate shall reverse the right to suspend the bylaws in an instance when it is deemed necessary in order to proceed with a specific task.
   2. In order to suspend the bylaws a two-third (2/3) vote is required by the Senate.
   3. In order to suspend the bylaws, the senator making the motion must list the sections(s) they are suspending.
   4. The Bylaws will be automatically reinstated at the Adjournment of the meeting.

1. GRADE POINT AVERAGE POLICY
   1. Grade Point Average and class hours for Senators shall be checked two (2) times by the Student Life Office who will determine if the student is eligible to hold office.
      1. Once after one (1) week from start of the first official class of the semester to ensure that the Senator meets the enrollment requirement.
      2. Once after the University designated deadline to drop a course with no grade.
   2. The Petitioning Process
      1. The Elections Commission will forward all grade release forms to the Student Life Office when a student files a complete petition for an Executive Office.
      2. The Student Government Advisor will determine if the student is eligible to run in accordance with the Student Government Constitution.
   3. Fall and Spring Semesters
      1. Student Life Office will collect each Senator’s names to collect each of their grade point averages. They will forward if each Senator meets the requirements to the Student Government Advisor and the Speaker of the Senate.
   4. Senators’ class hours shall be checked by the Student Life Office after withdrawal phase in accordance with the academic calendar.
   5. The Student Government Advisor shall rule any Senator off the roll if in conflict with the Student Body Government Constitution.
2. APPOINTMENT PROCESS
   1. The Speaker of the Senate will announce any Senate vacancies at the beginning of the next meeting following the vacancy.
   2. Interviews will be conducted with the Speaker of the Senate and at least one (1) graduate advisor, executive officer, Parliamentarian, or Student Government Advisor.
   3. Vacancies and the procedures for filling them shall be made public.
   4. Appointments must be placed on the consent agenda.
3. REMOVAL (Mandated by Article II)
   1. The senate shall not consider the removal of a Student Government Executive Officer or Senator until a petition for removal is presented to the Speaker of the Senate and said petition has been signed by five (5) Senators.
      1. The petition must request the removal of the official and state on what grounds the proposal would be justified.
      2. The petition shall cite in what manner the individual’s action(s) create the request for removal.
   2. The Speaker of the Senate shall deliver a copy of the petition to the individual proposed to be removed within twenty-four (24) hours.
   3. The proposal shall be the first order of business as the next regular meeting of the Senate except in the case where there are not any regular meetings scheduled at the end of the semester, whereupon a special meeting shall be convened.
   4. Endorsers of the petition (or their representatives) and the individual in question (or representative) shall be allowed to introduce their evidence on the removal of the individual.
   5. The Speaker of the Senate shall serve as a mediator unless there is a conflict of interest and may call recesses at their discretion.
      1. In the event that the Speaker of the Senate is unable to fulfill their role, it shall be filled by an executive officer, beginning with the Student Body President. In the event that further conflict still exists, the role of mediator shall be passed through the line of succession established in Article III of the Student Body Constitution, subject to a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.
      2. If further conflict still exists, the Senate shall nominate one of their members, subject to a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.
   6. The head table shall be reserved for the Speaker, the Senate Secretary, and witnesses.
   7. Opening statements may be presented by either side. The endorser shall make the first statements, the defense shall follow.
   8. Argumentation shall not be allowed by either side during the opening and closing statements.
   9. Endorsers shall call witnesses first and defense shall be as follows:
      1. Direct examination
      2. Cross examination
      3. Re-direct
      4. Re-cross
      5. Senators may present questions for clarification of testimony offered by witnesses.
   10. Final arguments may be presented by either side. The endorser shall make the first statement, the defense shall follow.
   11. Open debate among Senators (excluding both parties, with the exception when questions are addressed to them) shall commence at the conclusion of final arguments.  Motions to limit debate will require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote on the membership of the Senate.
   12. The Senate shall consider the removal of the individual according to rules governing debate outlined in Robert’s Rules of Order - Newly Revised, with the exception of motions limiting debate.
   13. Following the end of debate, the Senate shall vote by roll call on the removal of the individual. Removal shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.
   14. The result of the roll call shall first be announced to the accused and then to the Senate and made available to the public.
   15. Removal of a Senator or Executive Officer concerning grades/absences shall not be subject to this procedure.
   16. Any Senator removed from office, be it through impeachment, grades, or absences, shall be banned from holding office within the legislative branch for one (1) full semester.
4. RESIGNATION
   1. A Senator must present a letter of resignation to the Speaker of the Senate stating their reasons for resignation. 

1. OFFICE HOURS
   1. Student Senators are required to be present in the Student Government Office for at least three (3) hours per week.
      1. Of the three (3) office hours, only one (1) meeting may be counted. All other office hours must be spent doing productive work towards the organization.
   2. If a Student Senator missed any of that week’s office hours, the Student Senator shall be counted for one (1) unexcused absence.
   3. The fulfillment of the office hours shall be overseen by the Chairperson of the Committee on Internal Affairs.
   4. Failure to fulfill this requirement on three (3) separate occasions in a semester will result in removal from Senate.
   5. A combination of three (3) absences from office hours, Student Government meetings, and/or committee meetings, will result in removal from Senate.
   6. The Speaker of the Senate has the authority to declare a Senator’s absence excused or unexcused from office hours.
   7. A Senator is allowed up to three (3) excused absences from office hours per semester.
2. REGISTERED STUDENT ORGANIZATION VISITATION INITIATIVE
   1. Senators and the Executive Board members shall be required to visit one (1) RSO throughout the semester.
      1. Senators shall be required to complete and submit an RSO Visit Report Form within two (2) academic days after each RSO visit.
      2. The Student Vice President for Student Affairs and Student Affairs Chairperson shall maintain record of Senators’ RSO visits.
      3. The Student Affairs Chairperson shall notify the Speaker of the Senate of Senators who have not fulfilled requirements two weeks before the last senate meeting of the semester.
      4. The Speaker of the Senate shall maintain a list of RSO’s that have been visited to ensure that Senators do not visit the same RSO twice.
3. DIVERSITY INVOLVEMENT REQUIREMENT
   1. All Senators are required to participate in a selected event, program, or meeting that promotes diversity on campus
      1. Senators shall attend two events that promote the diversity of the EIU/Charleston community as deemed sufficient by the Diversity Affairs Chairperson.
      2. Upon completion Senators must submit a report to the Diversity Affairs Chairperson.
4. FAILURE TO COMPLY
   1. Should a Student Senator fail to complete their RSO visit and/or Diversity Involvement requirement by the end of a given semester that Senator will be placed in probationary status for the coming semester.
   2. Senators in probationary status will be required to fulfill the remainder of their RSO or Diversity Involvement requirement in addition to the requirements for the current semester.
   3. Senators in probationary status will not be permitted to run for Speaker of the Senate, nor hold chairmanship of any committee.
   4. If, after a semester of probationary status, the Senator has not fulfilled their requirements, the Senator shall be removed from Student Government and shall have to wait one (1) academic semester before attempting to re-enter.
   5. Senators in probationary status shall retain all other rights and voting privileges guaranteed under the Student Body Constitution and the Senate Bylaws.

1. EXECUTIVE BRANCH AND SPEAKER OF THE SENATE
   1. Compensation shall be provided in the following manner:
      1. Compensation in the amount of, but not to exceed, two thousand five hundred dollars ($2500) shall be applied to the Executive Officer’s account per semester served.
      2. This amount shall be re-evaluated every three (3) years to account for the rising cost of tuition.
   2. Compensation shall be denied in cases of academic/disciplinary probation, withdrawal from the University, removal from office, or failure to fulfill the required eight (8) hours per week of work.
   3. If an Executive Officer is impeached or resigns from office, they shall return the prorated amount of any tuition waiver already received.
   4. Executive Officers may, at the discretion of the Student Government Advisor, be reimbursed for mileage expenses incurred during fulfillment of summer requirements.

The mission of the Eastern Illinois University Student Action Team is to represent the expressed interests of EIU students and present those interests to state lawmakers. The Student Action Team works closely with state and local lawmakers in the State of Illinois to improve the quality of education and financial support for EIU students. Members of the Student Action Team gain hands-on political experience advocating in the State of Illinois Capital — Springfield, Illinois on behalf of the EIU Student Body.

1. Committees
   1. Voter Outreach Committee
      1. Shall administer voter registration forms in a manner accessible and convenient to students.
      2. Shall be in constant contact with the Coles County Clerk’s office.
      3. Shall meet at the pleasure of the Chair.
      4. Shall present students with non-biased information on party candidates to encourage informed voting.
      5. Shall engage with the student body to encourage participation in the political process at all levels.
      6. Shall hold annual voter registration drives to encourage registration in Coles County and present students with information on absentee voting.
   2. Legislative Research Committee
      1. Shall divide Student Action Team members based on issues affecting higher education for research and presentation.
      2. Shall research the Illinois state budget and compare it with the University, as well as other higher education budgets and work with the Vice President of University Advancement and University Chief of Staff to present the asking budget for the forthcoming fiscal year.
      3. Shall obtain demographic and personal data about University students, faculty, staff, and administrators in relation to social and political issues affecting Eastern Illinois University
      4. Shall obtain specific data on University academic procedures, financial aid, and student life in relation to social and political issues affecting Eastern Illinois University
      5. Shall research Illinois state legislation that directly affects the University and/or higher education.
      6. Shall convene meetings at least once a month.
      7. Shall work with Legislative Action Committee to find information needed and will give such information to the Committee.
      8. Shall prepare a closing report upon return from Springfield, which highlights successes and failure of the day.
   3. Legislative Action Committee
      1. Shall work closely with the Vice-Chair of the Student Action Team in scheduling and planning all activities during trips to Springfield.
      2. Shall present information collected by the Legislative Research Committee to representatives in order to achieve the goals of the trip to Springfield.
      3. Shall always conduct themselves in a professional manner when representing EIU in public and private occasions.
      4. Shall convene meetings at least once a month.
      5. Shall work with the Legislative Research Committee on preparation and presentation of the closing report.