Student Government (SG) Responsibility Amendment
Description: Outlines procedures and protocols for elected members of SG who cannot fulfill their duties during their term and may therefore seek a leave of absence.Passed: April 12, 2012
Authors: Douglas Everson, Renard Miller, Pravin Patel
President: Youssef Kalad
1. A Member of the Student Association (“member”) runs intending to serve in the role for an entire year. In doing so, she forgoes “opportunities,” as defined by Section 4 of Article V, that would make her unable to hold the position for its entirety. If a member does not or cannot fulfill her duties because she chooses to engage in any of the Section 4 “opportunities,” she will be permanently removed from her position, without the opportunity to return to her position when she is again able to fulfill her duties. The vacancy shall be filled according to Article V of the By-Laws. Exceptions are made during the summer quarter.
2. If a member does not or cannot fulfill her duties because of a “reason out of her control,” as defined by Section 5 of Article V, the member may be allowed to return to her position. In such a circumstance, the member’s respective Council–or, for a member of the Executive Cabinet, the General Assembly—will, upon petition from the returning member, vote, after allowing both parties reasonable time to state their case, whether she may return to her position when she is again able to fulfill her duties. The vacancy, temporary or permanent, shall be filled according to Article V of the By-Laws. Exceptions are made during the summer quarter.
3. Any member reserves the right to decline to serve during anytime of her appointment by sending a letter to the Slate and her respective Chair, if applicable. The vacancy shall be filled according to Article V of the By-Laws.
4. The “opportunities” mentioned in Section 1 of Article V are defined as, but not limited to, activities, commitments, regular occurrences, and/or trips that the member knows or should know will conflict with fulfilling her duties as a Member of Student Government. Opportunities include, but are not limited to, study abroad; activities, organizations, classes, internships, job opportunities, or meetings that regularly or periodically conflict with Student Government Meetings; pre-planned – meaning at the time of running for the position – leaves of absences from the University of Chicago; and voluntary leaves of absences from the University, i.e., internship and job opportunities.
5. “Reason out of her control” is defined as an occurrence, circumstance, or situation that: (1) the member did not reasonably know would arise and did not voluntarily bring about; and (2) leaves the member unable to fulfill her duties. A “reason out of her control” includes, but is not limited to, family emergencies arising after the member has been elected or appointed to her position; and a University of Chicago imposed leave of absence for Fall Quarter, Winter Quarter, or both.
6. “Member of Student Government” is defined as any registered student who is elected by the student body of the University of Chicago; elected by General Assembly; or appointed or elected by her respective Graduate school, division, or department.
7. “Student Government Meetings” are defined as, but not limited to, the respective meetings – College Council, Graduate Council, General Assembly, Executive Cabinet – that a member is required to attend based on her position.