Preamble:
We, the Student Government Association of El Paso County Community College District (EPCCD), do establish and functions. Our goals are to further liberties, respect the rights of all the students, and enjoy liberties regardless of cultures, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, ethnic background or disability.
Article I: Name
The name of the organization shall be the Student Government Association (SGA) of EPCCD.
Article II: Mission Statement
SGA of EPCCD is the official student body representative that influences college decisions by providing leadership opportunities, voicing the concerns of the students, and advocating for students' rights. SGA seeks cooperation and communication between students, college administration, faculty, and professional classified staff and community organizations to attain the mission of EPCCCD.
Article III: Purpose
The purpose of SGA, is to enhance education and encourage cooperation and communication between students, faculty, administration, professional and classified staff, and all other college and community organizations and their purposes.
Article IV: Objectives
- Encourage and provide opportunities for leadership, training, service, and personal growth and development for all students.
- Recognize, encourage, and support participation of student clubs, including supervision of the Student Organization Council and its budget.
- Promote cooperation and enhance communication with all college entities.
- Promote campus life.
- Promote scholastic achievement through referral to appropriate college services.
- Develop, by example, an intelligent, progressive and involved student population.
- Demonstrate a progressive and involved SGA.
- Participate in and promote community services.
Article V: Membership
All students, who pay the Students Activity Fee at EPCCCD and meet the election code criteria, are eligible to become members of SGA. Any student who pays the student activity fee is a member of the student body and may vote in SGA general elections.
Article VI: Executive Council
Section - 1:
The elected officers of SGA shall be known as the Executive Council. Their duties will consist of assisting the President in providing direction for the Senate and proper administration of SGA. The Executive Council shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, and Campus Representatives.
Section - 2:
The Executive Council shall hold regular meetings before every General session. The President reserves the right to call a meeting with the council at any time (except during vacation periods). A quorum of two-thirds (2/3) of the current Executive Council members must be present for official business to be conducted. Special meeting may be called by the President or by the approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the Executive Council. All special meetings of the Executive Council shall require a minimum of one (1) week notice.
Article VII: Duties
Section - 1:
The President shall be the presiding officer of SGA without the right to vote except in the case of a tie. The President is the official student representative of the college and shall act as such when the occasion arises. It shall be the President's duty to appoint senators to committees and dissolve such committees. The President shall appoint members to vacancies within the Executive Council with the approval of two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Senate. All appointments must meet election code criteria.
Section - 2:
The Vice-President of SGA shall act as assistant to the President and carry out the responsibilities of the President in the President's absence.
Section - 3:
The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping accurate minutes, records, and all SGA correspondence.
Section - 4:
The Parliamentarian shall assist the presiding officer in conducting the meetings of the Senate in accordance with the articles of the Constitution of SGA of the EPCCCD and Robert's Rule of Order Newly Revised. The Parliamentarian shall have in possession at all the meetings: copies of the Constitution, "Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised", and any standing rules SGA may adopt.
Section - 5:
The Treasurer shall maintain a budget of SGA funds. The Treasurer will give an informal report of the finances at each meeting of SGA and will make a full financial report annually. This report will include the total funds available, spent and encumbered. The EPCCCD Business Office shall monitor the funds and finances of SGA and the official records shall be maintained by the College Accounting Department.
The SGA Advisor's office shall provide copies to the Treasurer of all transactions from all the entities that are funded with SGA program funds. A general ledger shall be kept by the Treasurer so that all financial transactions can be recorded accurately. All purchasing procedures of the College will be observed with approval of the Senate.
Section - 6:
The Campus Representative shall be the official representative of Senators at their respective campus. They shall be the official liaison between the Executive Council and the campus senators. The Campus Representative shall conduct meetings (at the Campus Representatives discretion) with their Senators at least every two weeks and report the results to the full Senate at the General Session.
Section - 7:
The Senator shall assist in the organization of events and activities and attend all assigned committee meeting. Each Senator shall report on all business and activities conducted to their respective Campus Representative.
Section - 8:
The term of office for all elected/appointed positions shall be one (1) year from the date of the installation banquet.
Section - 9:
Any member of SGA, who has missed three (3) general sessions and/or special meetings, SGA events, or activities during any semester, shall be referred to the Judiciary Committee for consideration of disciplinary action.
Section -10:
The Director of Student Leadership shall serve as the Advisor for the Student Government Association and will be required to be in attendance of meetings and activities held by SGA. In case the Advisor is unable to attend a meeting, a staff member will be assigned by to represent him/her. The Advisor will be responsible and be held accountable for approval of all financial expenditures and actions approved by the Senate. The Advisor has the authority to override the Senate's decision. The decision can be appealed to the Vice-President of Student Services.
Article VIII: Senate
Section - 1:
The Senate shall consist of current elected/appointed officers and senators.
Section - 2:
The full senate consists of forty (40) Senators and ten (10) Executive Council Members.
Section - 3:
Senate vacancies will be voted during general elections. Any senate vacancies after the general election will be voted during official sessions of the senate by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of members present by secret ballot. Results of the vote will be announced by the Advisor.
Section - 4:
SGA may conduct official business during the summer, provided a quorum is met. College enrollment is not required.
Section - 5:
The senate shall have sole approval of any, and all, proposed SGA activities, actions, and expenditures by majority vote. Expenditures will be reviewed by the SGA Advisor and the Vice-President of Student Services to ensure all college policies and procedures are being followed.
Article IX: Student Organization Council
Section - 1:
Student Organization Council (SOC) composed of one member from each SGA recognized club.
Section - 2:
SOC operates under its own constitution which must be approved by SGA by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote. SOC is under direct supervision of SGA.
Section - 3:
Amendments to the SOC constitution must be submitted to SGA and must also be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote
Section - 4:
The President of SGA shall appoint a member of SGA to attend SOC meetings and report back to the senate.
Section - 5:
SGA shall fund SOC after has received and reviewed their proposed budget. The amount of monies to be funded will be voted by the Senate.
Section - 6:
SGA may act on SOC's behalf if the need arises (i.e., if SOC is inactive). If money is allocated on behalf of SOC, the correct adjustments will be made to the SOC budget.
Article X: Meetings
Section - 1:
The Senate shall hold regular meetings at least twice a month during a semester except during vacation. Special meetings may be called by the President or by the approval of two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Senate.
Section - 2:
A quorum is two-third (2/3) of the current membership which must be present for the Senate to conduct business.
Section - 3:
All SGA Members are responsible for reporting to the Advisor and or the SGA President, if they are unable to attend any General, Special Meetings or Activities. Failure to do so will result in an unexcused absence. Mitigating circumstances will be taken under consideration.
Section - 4:
All General Members and special sessions of the SGA shall be open to all students and the general public. Only elected/appointed members of the senate will have the right to vote. Non-members may speak during open forum by signing in prior to the General Session, and after appropriately addressing the chair and property obtaining the floor in order to speak.
Section - 5:
At all meetings the voting member may vote aye (Yes/For) or nay (No/Against). A numerical count of the votes will be taken and recorded in the minutes. If any member wants to go on record as having a vote abstention for a particular issue, than that member must request that his/her vote of abstention be placed in the record. Otherwise, only Aye and Nay votes will be counted and recorded.
Article XI: Impeachment
Section - 1:
Any officer of SGA or any member of the Senate may be impeached for failure to executive their duties, misconduct or for any act violating the Constitution.
Section - 2:
All impeachment accusations will be automatically referred to the Judiciary Committee for investigation. Impeachment charges must be typed, signed by the accuser and the chair of the Judiciary Committee, and submitted to the SGA advisor. Should the Judiciary committee find grounds for impeachment, the impeachment hearing will take place at a specified time and location following one (1) weeks' notice to all SGA members.
Section - 3:
At the impeachment hearing, the Judiciary Committee shall present all evidence produced from their investigation of the allegations. The accused shall have an opportunity to present any witnesses and/or evidence in their defense. The Senate will vote by secret ballot, either guilty or not guilty. Upon a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of guilty, the accused shall be placed on suspension and all voting privileges will be suspended.
Section - 4:
If SGA passes the impeachment by a vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the total current Senate membership, the accused shall be put on suspension and all voting privileges will be revoked. The vacancy shall be filled in the manner prescribed in this Constitution. The accused is entitled to appeal within one week to the SGA Advisor or waive the appeal and submit his/her resignation. The appeals must be typed, signed by the accused and delivered to Advisor. If neither the appeal nor waiver is submitted, the accused shall immediately be removed from office. Anyone resigning, removed or impeached from SGA due to: allegations, falling to execute duties, or misconduct may not return to the Senate at any time. If the accused waives the appeal, they shall submit their resignation within one-week (1) to the SGA president. If neither the appeal, nor the waiver and resignation are submitted in a timely matter, the accused will be removed from office.
Section - 5:
Any member that has been removed from office, impeached or resigns from SGA due to: allegation, failure to execute duties, or misconduct of any kind, shall be permanently barred from SGA membership.
Article XII: Amendments
Amendments to the Constitution shall be formally proposed by any officer or senator of SGA. Amendments will be automatically assigned for review and recommendation to the Advocacy and Information Committee. Recommendations will be presented and voted on at the following General Session. A vote of two-thirds (2/3) majority shall be necessary for ratification. After the amendments are changed the new Constitution will be signed by the President of SGA and submitted for approval by the Director of Student Leadership, Vice-President of Student Services and President of El Paso County Community College.
Article XIII: Establishing Clubs
To establish a club, a separate Constitution must be written describing the policies and actions, functions of said club. In addition, the said club must have a minimum of ten (10) members. Clubs must also fulfill the requirements for recognition, which are identified in the Student Organizational Manual. All Committee (A&I) will be responsible for the review of the materials and ensure all requirements are met. If requirements are not met, the materials will be returned to the club for correction and resubmitted to A&I will make club recommendations to the senate for approval by two-thirds (2/3) majority vote for confirmation or recognition as a campus club organization by SGA at the next General session or special meeting.
Article XIV: Fiscal Policies
Section - 1:
All funds or monies of the students program funds shall be allocated for the good of EPCCCD and/or its students as prepared by the EPCCCD Board Policy 4.03.03 Students Services and Fees, voted and confirmed by SGA and approved by the Board of trustees. This will be done within the guidelines set forth by Texas Education Code.
Section - 2:
At no time will SGA fund or donate monies of anything that can be deemed to have monetary value to political candidates or parties.
Section - 3:
Funds may be donated to local, state, nationally recognized charities only by having special fund-raising events, only then can the profits from fund-raising events be donated as the Senate sees fit, and in keeping with the purpose of the fund-raising event.
Article XV: Committees
Section - 1:
The Planning and Programs Evaluation Committee shall have the following powers and duties:
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Provide guidance, assessment and recommendations to the overall planning and funding activities of the Senate.
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Review and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of Senate projects and provide guidance and recommendations as appropriate.
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Monitor and provide written periodic reports of the Senate.
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Work closely with Regional and State Convention Committees and personnel in planning for conventions and other leadership development activities.
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Will establish dates, conferences and agendas for various SGA leadership training workshops.
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The President of Student Government will appoint the chair of the planning and Programs Evaluation Committee.
Section - 2:
Advocacy and Information Committee shall have the following powers and duties:
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Recommend and coordinate action on advocacy goals, objectives, public relations, and activities of the Senate.
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Provide recommendations to the Senate of advocacy and procedure activities based on input from the college and community.
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Recommend specific strategies and funding activities to the Senate or the Planning and Evaluation Committee as appropriate for advancing priority advocacy and procedure issues.
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Participate and present Senate recommendations on college committees affecting policy.
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Make recommendations to the full Senate on future college and community information strategies.
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Monitor and provide reports on the implementation of Advocacy and Information activities.
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Develop position statements in key advocacy issues areas for review by the full Senate.
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Responsible for the annual review, evaluation and revision of all literature in the portfolios of SGA, including the Student Organizational Manual, the Constitution, Student Handbook, and all student club or organization renewal and recognition.
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Maintain the responsibility to record the history and archive of SGA.
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Prepare, disseminate and support the SGA mission statement and emphasis of the academic year.
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The President of the Student Government will appoint the chair of the Advocacy and Information Committee.
Section - 3:
Judiciary Committee shall have the following duties:
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To review absences by Student Government Members who have been absent three (3) times during the semester. The committee will make a decision whether there is validity for their absences. The committee will recommend whether the absences are excused and make their recommendations at the next SGA General Session or Special meetings.
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To review any Student Government Members participation in SGA standing committee's (A&I P&PE, Judiciary, Scholarship)
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To recommend removal of any member of Student Government from office who does not follow the guidelines given to them under the Constitution of the Student Government of EPCCCD.
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The President of Student Government will appoint the chair of the Judiciary Committee.
Section 4:
Scholarship Committee shall have the following duties:
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To provide guidance and recommendations for the criteria to be used for funding the SGA Scholarships
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To provide recommendations on deadlines for submission of applications and disseminating of the applications
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The President of the Student Government Association will appoint the Chair and the Committee Members.
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The Chair and the committee members will select and recognize the Recipient(s)
Article XVI: Election Code
Section -1:
In order to run President or Vice- President, a petition of two-hundred fifty (250) signatures from currently enrolled credit students is required. The executive Council shall require to maintain a Grade Point Average of 3.0. All candidates for the Executive Board who have completed more than one semester at EPCCD must have at least a 3.0 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). In the case of Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, and Senate Campus Representative, a petition of two hundred (200) signatures required. Senators required a petition of one hundred fifty (150) signatures. The Executive Council shall be required to maintain a Grade Point Average of 3.0 and be enrolled for a minimum of six credit hours. All candidates for the Executive Board who have completed more than one semester of EPCCCD must have at least a 3.0 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). All members of the Senate shall maintain a six credit hour course load each semester in office. All petitions must be submitted to any Student Leadership office by the date and time designated on the candidate application.
Section - 2:
The Election Commission shall consist of two (2) members of the Faculty Association and three (3) students members of a recognized student club randomly selected by a drawing. The Election Commission shall have absolute authority over the election and all matters pertaining thereto. The Elections Commissions shall appoint a chairperson.
Section - 3:
It shall be the SGA Advisor's duty to conduct all SGA elections. The following may not serve on the Election Commission: Elected members of SGA or students running for office.
Section - 4:
All candidates for election will be required to attend a Rules and Regulations Orientation meeting conducted by Election at an appointed time and place.
Section - 5:
Campaign material may state the name and/or party of the candidate but no derogatory remarks regarding persons, organizations, or EPCCD. All campaign material must be approved by the Campus Student Services Coordinator and may only be placed in areas designated by said department. All campaign material must be removed from designated areas 72 hours after elections. Any candidate that does not do so; shall be fined $10.00, which be placed into the Student Relief Fund. Candidates elected into office will not be allowed to hold office until materials are removed. There shall be no active campaigning within 50 feet of polls on designated days of the election.
Section - 6:
The Advisor & Election Commission shall provide a sufficient number of polling places. Members of the Election Commission, student senators, faculty, and student volunteers may be present at polling places. Persons who are running for office cannot manage the polls or deal in the counting of votes. When casting a ballot, the student shall present a validated EPCC picture I.D. which will be verified by the computer printout of currently enrolled students provided by the Registrar's office.
Section - 7:
Polls shall be provided for day evening students on elections days. Election of SGA Executive Board Members, Senate Campus Representatives, and Senators shall be determined by a simple majority. If there should be a runoff, the runoff election will be determined by a majority vote. The ballot boxes shall be sealed and stored in a secure location until the counting ballots occurs twenty-four (24) hours after polls have been closed. The ballots boxes shall be opened by the Advisor or Chairperson of the Elections Commission in the presence of students/Election Commission. A member of the Elections Commission shall be present during the counting of ballots. Candidates may be present at the counting of ballots. Ballots shall be counted by the Advisor/members of the Election Commission. The outcome of the election shall be posted at the SGA offices, locations frequented by students, and in school publications. The ballots shall be held five (5) working days after the result are officially announced and then shall be destroyed.
Section - 8:
A call for recount may be made by presenting a petition of two-hundred fifty (250) signatures and identification numbers of credit students currently enrolled at EPCCCD, to the Election Commission within three (3) working days after the results are officially announced. No student shall sign such a petition more than once. All petition information shall be verified by the Election Commission within two (2) working days.
Section - 9:
When an election, as described in this Constitution and Election Code, produces a runoff election or is contested. The incumbent Executive Board, Senate Campus Representatives, and Senators shall hold office until the official results of a properly conducted runoff election or investigation are announced and the new SGA elected members are officially sworn in. If for any reason any candidate is found to be in violation of any policies found within this Constitution after they have been officially declared victor, they will be removed from their position. Should a candidate stand down or not be present during the bid for a runoff, the remaining candidate shall be declared the victor.
Article XVII: Purpose-Foundation of the Ballot
Section - 1:
A candidate's position on the election ballot will be determined by a random drawing to be held during the Rules and Regulations Orientation meeting. No Party may request to establish a Party ballot.
Section - 2:
To be listed on the ballot all candidates must be in compliance with the election code.
Section - 3:
A space for write-in candidates must be in compliance with the election code.
Section - 4:
There may be an area designated for the purpose of poll watching.
Article XVIII: Election Violations
Section - 1:
Any candidate in violation of the election code will be withdrawn from the elections. Any candidate found in violation of the election code after being elected will be prevented or removed from taking office, and the person with the next highest number of votes will be votes will be declared the victor.
Section - 2:
Above penalties will be imposed by The Chairman of the Election Commission with a majority vote of the Election Commission.
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Article XIX: Student Relief Fund
Section - 1:
Purpose: To provide the SGA council guidance in the acceptance and distribution of donations.
Section - 2:
Policy: Life threatening illnesses and similar medical emergencies may at times drain the resources of the student of EPCCCD. The Student Relief Fund sponsored by SGA provides funds to students who experience a life threatening illness, similar medical emergency, or death and find themselves in need of some relief from the financial strains. In case of the death of the student the family may immediately request funds to assist with medical or funeral expenses. SGA may receive donations for the Student Relief Fund. A donation is either a product of value, which can produce revenue, or monetary contribution.
Section - 3:
Procedures:
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SGA is responsible for overseeing the distribution of the Student Relief Fund.
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The Executive Board and/or senators of SGA are point-of-contact for coordinating donations and distribution of funds. Documentation will be provided to the SGA Advisor for review.
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The treasurer of SGA with the SGA Advisor are responsible for receiving and distributing donations under the guidance and approval of SGA.
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SGA is responsible for the management of the Student Relief Fund. The Student Relief Fund is a voluntary program organized by SGA for the students of EPCCCD. SGA will not surrender the management or responsibility of the Student Relief Fund unless supported by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of SGA at a General or Special Session. Additionally, appropriate ratification of amendments affected by such surrender must be made to the SGA Constitution. Any existing funds at time of surrender must continue to serve only students in need of financial relief as defined within this policy.
Section - 4:
Procedures:
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Donations:
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All donations are of voluntary nature, without compensation or any consideration to the donor such funds. A receipt upon request will be approved to the donor.
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Records of an accounting for donations and distributions will be maintained by the SGA treasurer, Leadership Office and a financial statement/report will be presented quarterly to the SGA council.
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Quarterly statements will be available for review by the student body.
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Names of recipients will not be released to the student body unless authorized by the recipient or by a legal mandate.
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SGA will determine the manner in which contributions that are a product of value, can be used to obtain monetary funds for disbursement.
Section - 5:
Distribution of Funds:
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Contributions are not to be utilized as payment for work, student tuition, outstanding loans, library fees, EPCCCD fees, or any other outstanding balances incurred by student not related to medical illness or death.
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Recipients must be currently enrolled at EPCCCD or have attended the previous semester.
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Statements for the Student Relief Fund may be filled out by the intended recipient, or designated representative, i.e. family member.
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The SGA Student Relief Fund Committee will review any request and bring forward recommendations for Senate approval through the voting process at General or Special Sessions. Two-thirds (2/3) majority vote is required for approval.
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The Student Relief Fund is designed to provide some relief for the financial burdens caused by expenses of life threatening illness, similar medical emergency, or death.
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At the time of the statement, or disbursement of funds, the applicant is reminded that all efforts will be made to keep any information provided to SGA confidential. However, confidentially cannot be guaranteed in legal mandate.
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The SGA Executive Board member or Senator who submits the request on behalf of the applicant will notify the applicant of the approval or disapproval of their statement by verbal and written communication.
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The SGA Secretary will keep records of all decisions made and provide a copy to the SGA Treasurer.
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Disbursement of funds is based on the need of the student and/or availability of funds.
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No student can receive more than $1000 annually. However, exceptions may be made by formal request through the SGA Student Relief Fund Committee.
El Paso Community College District Board Policy
4.03.09: Student Services and Fees
Whenever the District shall collect a Student Services fee from a student, the President of the College shall ensure that the same be utilized for the purpose of developing a broad-based student activity program that shall meet the needs of the members of the students body by providing cultural, social, and recreational activities, subject to the following:
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All funds collected the Student Activity Fee shall be held by the District in the "Student Activity Fund" subject to this policy.
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The Board of Trustees shall, in accordance with state laws and regulations, maintain a supervisory role and a trustee relationship over all funds received.
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The annual budget for the Student Activity Fund shall be approved by the Board as part of the District budget.
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Sergio Barrientos
President,
Student Government Association
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Yolanda C. Ahner
Advisor
Student Government
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Tim Nugent
Vice-President Student Services
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Richard Rhodes
President, El Paso Community College
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