|
Constitution of The Student Association of Graduates in English
The Student Association of Graduates in English (SAGE) exists to provide graduate students with opportunities that will enhance understanding of the discipline and the profession of the academic in English, as well as participation in affairs related to graduate education and service.
The name of this organization shall be the Student Association of Graduates in English (SAGE), hereafter referred to as the Organization.
SAGE strives to
foster community among graduate students and faculty in the department,
to prepare graduate students for professional life, and to serve as a
representative body to various committees within the English department.
SAGE believes that the understanding of one’s discipline and profession
is not bounded by class schedules and academic calendars and that
commitment to learning and
Section 1: Membership shall be open to any University of Kansas English graduate student. Section 2: Non-discrimination Clause. Consistent with all applicable federal and state laws and University policies, this organization and its subordinate bodies and officers shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, veteran’s status, sex, national origin, or disability in its selection of members, educational programs, committee representatives or activities.
Section 1: Officers of the Executive Committee of the organization shall be as follows: two(2) Co-Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary and First-Year Liaison. Section 2: Standing
committees shall have up to three(3) officers each in the following
divisions: Graduate Committee, Graduate Assembly Representatives,
Lecturers and Readers Committee, Advisory Committee, FSE Committee, GTA
and Lecturers Committee, Academics Anonymous Committee,
Professionalization Workshop Committee, Social Committee and the SAGE Advise Editor(s)/
Webmaster. Each standing committee will maintain a chairperson to
delegate authority and Section 3: Election
of officers/ committee members. Officers are elected in late April of
each academic year. All English graduate students may nominate officers.
Officers accept or decline nominations. English graduate students then
vote by ballot. In the event of no contest for any one position,
incumbents may be voted for/ against the renewal of their position. On
the issue of Co-Presidency, the Co-Presidents Section 5: Officers shall not be on academic or university probation at the time of their elections and throughout their terms of office. Section 6: Unless the committee position is uncontested, there is a two year limit for officers to work at any one position or on any one committee; the exception to this is the Executive Committee positions, which cannot be held for more than two years. There is no term limit for SAGE membership. Section 7: The First-Year Liaison position and one slot per each committee will be elected/ appointed separately during the first week of classes of the fall semester. The nominees will be new-incoming graduate students. Only the new graduate students will vote in this election. If no one decides to run for one of these positions, the committee can appoint someone to the position (either a new or current graduate student) if necessary. Section 6: Duties of Officers.
Section 1: Officers failing to fulfill their given responsibilities and duties may be removed by the regular members of the organization. This includes missing three SAGE meetings during the academic year or two consecutive monthly meetings. If reports are submitted in absentia to a member of the Executive Committee prior to the meeting, then the officer has partially completed his/her given responsibilities and will not be removed from his/her position solely for lack of attendance. Section 2: The removal of an officer requires a 4/5 vote of the Executive Committee and a 2/3 vote of a quorum following the notification of the officer in question. Such notification shall be provided in writing no less than seven working days prior to the vote.
Section 1: In the case where some part of the presidential office is vacant, the other president will immediately fill the position until which time as an appointment can be made according to the line of succession (Treasurer, Secretary etc). Section 2: All other positions found to be vacant shall be filled by appointment immediately. The Executive Committee will appoint a replacement; this replacement will hold office for the duration of the current term.
Section 1: A minimum of three regularly scheduled general meetings shall be held each semester. The Executive Committee may call additional meetings only if the immediate need arises. Section 2: A quorum shall consist of 50% the regular officers. Section 3: A quorum shall be present in order for any official business to be conducted. Section 4: Parliamentary Authority: meetings shall be conducted according to the agenda set prior to each meeting. Prior to each meeting, the Co-Presidents shall solicit items from acting committee chairs that officers would like to address at the meeting. The Presidents shall make the meeting agenda according to the items committee members state they would like to discuss.
Section 1: The officers of the organization shall have the authority to create any committees, standing or special, that will further the purpose of the organization. Section 2: Committees will be created as the need arises and agreed to by a 2/3 quorum vote. Section 3: Committee chairs will accept responsibility for organizing and presenting all issues and materials at the monthly meetings.
Section 1: All amendments to this constitution require notice of one week prior to being discussed and voted upon.
Section 2: All amendments require a 2/3 vote of a quorum for adoption.
|