Barkin' Blog

SGA Constitution: Text

2010-10-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

This is the text of the proposed constitution. A cleaner PDF version of the constitution can be found at the Campus Life website.

Constitution of the Student Government Association of the University of Georgia

Article I. Name

This organization shall be the Student Government Association of the University of Georgia (abbreviated hereafter as SGA).

Article II. Purpose

SGA shall be the organized voice for each student of the University of Georgia; shall protect students’ rights; shall serve as a liaison between students, administrators, and organized governing bodies of the University; shall foster an environment of civic responsibility; and shall advocate on behalf of the students’ academic, social, and cultural welfare.

Article III. Membership

Section 1. Student Membership

All University of Georgia students are members of SGA upon the payment of their Student Activity Fee. Committee Members, Elected Officials, and Appointed Officials are considered Active.

Section 2. Non-Discrimination Policy

Membership and all privileges, including voting and officer positions, must be extended to all students without regard to age, ethnicity, gender, disability, color, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or sex and gender identity.

Article IV. General Organization

SGA shall be organized into three branches: the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial.

Article V. Executive Branch

Section 1. Executive Composition

The Executive Branch shall be composed of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, other appointed Executive Officers, Cabinet, General Assembly, Freshman Forum, and other bodies as dictated by the rules and procedures.

Section 2. Officers

Paragraph A. President

i. Must be registered as a full time student as defined by the President’s degree or program of study, and must maintain an institutional G.P.A. of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale throughout the term.

ii. Shall speak on behalf of SGA.

iii. Shall make appointments to University-wide committees and governing bodies that have student representation and shall select students to represent the student body outside the University.

iv. Shall serve as the University delegate to the Student Advisory Council of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and shall have the authority to appoint Student Advisory Council delegates with a majority approval of the Senate.

v. Shall have the ability to create committees that expire at the end of each term.

vi. May veto resolutions and bills passed by the Senate within a week of passage. Such a veto must be in writing and delivered to the President Pro- Tempore.

vii. Shall present to the student body a report on SGA activities at the end of each academic term.

viii. Shall establish rules and procedures in accordance with the Constitution of SGA.

ix. Shall run as a ticket with the Vice President and Treasurer.

x. Shall be elected by the student body in a secret ballot and inaugurated no later than April 30.

Paragraph B. Vice President

i. Must be registered as a full time student as defined by the Vice President’s degree or program of study, and must maintain an institutional G.P.A. of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale throughout the term.

ii. Shall assist the President in the fulfillment of presidential duties.

iii. Shall have the power to call meetings of the Senate.

iv. Shall be the presiding officer of the Senate.

v. Shall vote in the case of a tie in the Senate.

vi. Shall serve as a non-voting member of the Rules Committee.

vii. Shall act in full capacity of the President should the President be unable to fulfill the duties of office.

viii. Shall establish rules and procedures in accordance with the Constitution of SGA.

ix. Shall run as a ticket with the President and Treasurer.

x. Shall be elected by the student body in a secret ballot and inaugurated no later than April 30.

Paragraph C. Treasurer

i. Must be registered as a full time student as defined by the Treasurer’s degree or program of study, and must maintain an institutional G.P.A. of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale throughout the term.

ii. Shall be responsible for the finances, financial records, and financial transactions of SGA, and shall have the authority to delegate these tasks to an Executive appointment.

iii. Shall chair the Small Clubs Allocations Committee.

iv. Shall give an itemized report on the current state of the budget at each Senate meeting.

v. Shall establish rules and procedures in accordance with the Constitution of SGA.

vi. Shall run as a ticket with the President and Vice President.

vii. Shall be elected by the student body in a secret ballot and inaugurated no later than April 30.

Paragraph D. Chief of Staff

i. Shall be a non-Senator appointed by the President.

ii. Shall aid the Executive Branch in its organization and general duties.

Paragraph E. Executive Secretary

i. Shall be a non-Senator appointed by the President.

ii. Shall be responsible for recording Executive Branch members’ absences and shall provide this information to the Attorney General.

iii. Shall make reservations on behalf of SGA.

iv. Shall be responsible for preparing the agenda for Cabinet meetings.

v. Shall compile weekly reports from all Executive Branch members and provide them at weekly Cabinet meetings.

Paragraph F. Attorney General

i. Shall be a non-Senator appointed by the President with a majority approval of the Senate.

ii. Shall act as a liaison between the Executive and Judicial Branches.

iii. Shall make eligibility checks each academic term on all SGA Officers and Senators.

iv. Shall inquire, investigate, and gather evidence, testimony, or written statements relevant to possible or alleged violations of the Constitution and all other governing documents by any elected or appointed official other than the President, Vice President, Treasurer, or Justices.

v. Shall serve as the chair of the Elections Committee.

vi. Shall serve as a non-voting member of the Freshman Board Selection Committee.

Paragraph G. Freshman Board Advisors

i. Shall be two non-Senators appointed by the President with a majority approval of the Senate.

ii. Shall aid the Freshman Board in the execution of its duties.

iii. Shall serve on the Freshman Board Selection Committee.

iv. Shall report to the Chief of Staff.

Paragraph H. Director(s) of Freshman Forum

i. Shall be no more than three non-Senators appointed by the President.

ii. Shall aid the Freshman Forum in the execution of its duties.

iii. Shall select the members of Freshman Forum.

iv. Shall report to the Chief of Staff.

Paragraph I. Historian

i. Shall be a non-Senator appointed by the President.

ii. Shall work to maintain an accurate record of the activities and projects of the current term.

Section 3. Cabinet

Paragraph A. Purpose

The purpose of the Cabinet is to act as the authority of the Executive Branch.

Paragraph B. Composition

The Cabinet shall be comprised of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Chief of Staff, Executive Secretary, Attorney General, SGA Graduate Advisor, SGA Faculty Advisor, and any other positions appointed by the President as outlined in the rules and procedures.

Paragraph C. Duties

i. Shall review the progress of Executive Committees.

ii. Shall advise and support the President, Vice President, and Treasurer in carrying out Executive duties.

Section 4. General Assembly

Paragraph A. Purpose

The purpose of the General Assembly shall be to coordinate and implement Executive initiatives among the general student community.

Paragraph B. Composition

Shall consist of Executive committees determined by the rules and procedures.

Paragraph C. Directors of Executive Committees

i. Shall be appointed by the President.

ii. Shall have the authority to create subcommittees to exist for the duration of the Director’s term.

iii. Shall submit their reports in writing to the Executive Secretary prior to any meeting of the Cabinet.

iv. Shall report to the Senate at each meeting.

Section 5. Freshman Forum

Paragraph A. Purpose

The purpose of the Freshman Forum is to develop leaders in the freshman class through leadership training and community projects.

Paragraph B. Composition

Shall be composed of no more than one-hundred freshmen.

Paragraph C. Membership Selection

i. An application process shall be held during the beginning of the fall semester to select members for the term.

ii. The Director(s) of Freshman Forum shall have the authority to establish eligibility requirements.

iii. The Director(s) of Freshman Forum shall be responsible for the application reviewing process.

Paragraph D. Duties

i. Shall participate in General Assembly and Freshman Forum meetings.

ii. Shall fulfill all mandatory obligations as defined by the Director(s) of Freshman Forum.

Section 6. Standing-Select Committees

Paragraph A. Elections Committee

i. Shall derive its authority from the Executive Branch of SGA.

ii. The Judicial Branch of SGA shall have oversight power to ensure the Constitutionality of the elections process.

iii. Shall plan, monitor, manage, and define the annual elections procedures of SGA in order to maintain an effective and meaningful process as prescribed by the Constitution.

iv. Composition

1. Shall be chaired by the Attorney General who shall vote only in the case of a tie.

2. Shall be comprised of two non-active members of SGA appointed by the President and approved by a majority vote of the Senate, two active members of SGA appointed by the President and approved by a majority vote of the Senate, and the President Pro-Tempore.

3. The SGA Graduate Advisor and the SGA Faculty Advisor shall serve as non-voting members.

4. The majority of students on this committee must be graduating seniors.

5. Should the President Pro-Tempore not be able to impartially serve on the elections committee, he/she must appoint a Senator to serve on the committee.

6. Quorum shall consist of four of the five voting members and the Attorney General.

v. Elections Code

1. Shall be the rule upon which the Elections Committee operates.

Paragraph B. Small Clubs Allocations Committee

i. Shall derive its authority from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and SGA.

ii. Shall be responsible for distributing funds from the Small Clubs Allocations account to student organizations classified as small clubs.

iii. Composition

1. Shall be chaired by the Treasurer who shall serve as a voting member.

2. Shall include four Senators appointed by the Treasurer and approved by a majority vote of the Senate, who shall serve as voting members.

3. Shall include a representative from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, who shall serve as a non-voting member.

4. Shall include a representative from the Department of Student Activities as the committee secretary with no voting privilege.

5. Shall include an Accounting Assistant from the Student Activities Business Office with no voting privilege

6. Should a temporary vacancy occur, the Treasurer shall appoint a Senator to serve on the committee.

iv. Shall review all requests for funding from the Small Clubs Allocations account and shall determine the monies appropriate for a small club to meet its specified goal. Upon approval, the request is sent to the Student Activities Business Office.

v. Small Clubs Allocations Code

1. Shall be the rule upon which the Small Clubs Allocations Committee operates.

Article VI. Legislative Branch

Section 1. Legislative Composition

The Legislative Branch shall consist of all Legislative Officers and the Senate.

Section 2. Officers

Paragraph A. President Pro-Tempore

i. Shall be elected by a majority vote of the Senate at the first meeting of the new Senate.

ii. Shall act in full capacity of the Vice President when the Vice President is unable to fulfill the duties of the office.

iii. Shall act upon any veto delivered by the President.

iv. Shall investigate and gather evidence, testimony, or written statements relevant to possible or alleged violations of the Constitution or other governing documents by the President, Vice President, Treasurer, or Justices.

v. Shall serve as the chair of the Rules Committee.

vi. Shall serve as the chair of the Freshman Board Selection Committee.

vii. Shall serve on the Elections Committee.

Paragraph B. Parliamentarian

i. Shall be a non-Senator appointed by the Vice President with a majority approval of the Senate.

ii. Shall advise the Senate as to the legality and Constitutionality of Senate actions, proposals, and legislation.

Paragraph C. Secretary of the Senate

i. Shall be a non-Senator appointed by the Vice President with a majority approval of the Senate.

ii. Shall be responsible for recording and distributing the agenda and minutes of the Senate.

iii. Shall be responsible for recording absences of Senators, Freshman Board members, and Student Life Representatives and shall provide this information to the Attorney General.

iv. Shall be responsible for forwarding approved legislation to the President and the Supreme Court.

vi. Shall maintain a voting record for every member of Senate.

Section 3. The Senate

Paragraph A. Purpose

The purpose of the Senate is to serve as the Legislative power of SGA.

Paragraph B. Composition

Shall be composed of the Senators, the Freshman Board, and the Student Life Representatives.

Paragraph C. Duties

i. Senators, Freshman Board members, and Student Life Representatives shall attend all Senate meetings as scheduled by the Vice President.

ii. Senators, Freshman Board members, and Student Life Representatives shall not be required to attend Senate meetings between the Spring and Fall terms.

iii. Senators, Freshman Board members, and Student Life Representatives with voting rights must be present in order to vote on any item or issue; there shall be no voting by proxy.

iv. A quorum of the Senate shall be considered two-thirds of all members of Senate on the roll, including Senators, the five voting members of the Freshman Board, and Student Life Representatives, must be present in order to conduct official business.

v. A two-thirds vote of the Senate overrides a presidential veto.

Paragraph D. Powers of Impeachment and Removal from Office

i. Shall require a two-thirds vote of the Senate to impeach the President, Vice President, and Treasurer or remove Justices for violations of the Constitution or other governing documents as presented by the President Pro-Tempore.

ii. The Chief Justice shall preside over impeachment hearings for the President, Vice President, and Treasurer.

iii. The Vice President shall preside over hearings regarding the removal of Justices from office.

iv. Senate members shall recuse themselves from any hearing if they have any relationship with, partiality towards, or prejudice against the accused that would compromise their objectivity.

v. No other business may be conducted by the Senate during impeachment hearings.

Paragraph E. Rights of the Accused

i. Shall be given one week’s notice if they are to be reviewed by the Senate.

ii. The charges must be formally presented to the accused by the President Pro-Tempore.

iii. The accused may present any necessary or desired materials that demonstrate contrary evidence to the alleged accusation.

Section 4. Senators

Paragraph A. Purpose

The purpose of the Senators will be to represent the needs and interests of the student body.

Paragraph B. Composition

i. Shall be elected from each of the schools and colleges of the University of Georgia in proportion to the student enrollment within the school or college using the formula of one Senate seat for every one-thousand students in a college and one Senate seat for any college with less than one-thousand enrolled.

ii. One Graduate Senator shall be elected per every two-thousand graduate students. The President of the Graduate Student Association, or a designee of the President of the Graduate Student Association, shall serve as an additional Senator representing the Graduate School. This designee shall be confirmed by a majority vote of the Senate.

iii. Shall be registered as full time students as defined by their degree or program of study and must maintain an institutional G.P.A. of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale throughout the term. iv. Shall be enrolled in the school or college in which they stand for election.

v. Shall be elected by the student body in a secret ballot and inaugurated no later than April 30.

vi. If a Senator ceases to be enrolled in the school or college he or she was elected to represent, then he or she will be subject to review by the Supreme Court.

Paragraph C. Duties

i. Shall represent and advocate on behalf of students within the school or college from which he or she was elected.

ii. Each Senator shall have one vote in Senate.

Section 5. Freshman Board

Paragraph A. Purpose

The purpose of the Freshman Board will be to represent the concerns and needs of the freshman class to the Senate. The Freshman Board term shall commence upon the installation of the body at a meeting of the Senate and shall expire upon the end of the current Senate term.

Paragraph B. Composition

Shall be composed of no more than twenty and no less than five first-year students.

Paragraph C. Membership Selection

i. An application process shall be held during the beginning of the fall semester to select members for the term.

ii. The Freshman Board Selection Committee shall oversee the selection process.

iii. The Freshman Board Selection Committee shall consist of either the President or Vice President, two Freshman Board Advisors who will each have a vote, two Senators appointed and approved by a majority vote of the Senate who will each have a vote, and two non-Senators appointed and approved by a majority vote of the Senate who will each have a vote.

iv. The Freshman Board Selection Committee shall be chaired by the President Pro-Tempore of the Senate who shall serve as a non-voting member.

v. The Attorney General shall also serve as a non-voting member.

vi. The Freshman Board Selection Committee shall set the guidelines of the selection process, including criteria used for screening applicants.

vii. Every member of the Freshman Board Selection Committee must be present in order for the committee to conduct business.

Paragraph D. Duties

i. Shall represent and advocate on behalf of the freshman class.

ii. Shall fulfill all mandatory obligations as defined by the Freshman Board Advisors.

iii. Shall have five votes in Senate, which will rotate among the members of Freshman Board.

Section 6. Student Life Representatives

Paragraph A. Purpose

The purpose of the Student Life Representatives will be to represent the extracurricular needs and interests of the student body. The Student Life Representative term shall commence upon the installation of the body at a meeting of the Senate and shall expire upon the end of the current Senate term.

Paragraph B. Composition

i. One representative shall be chosen by and amongst the following categories of Student Life: Residence Hall Life, South Campus, Athletics and Recreation, Service, Political, Religious, and the Arts.

ii. Three representatives shall be chosen by and amongst Greek Life, each representing a different council within Greek Life.

iii. Three representatives shall be chosen by and amongst Multicultural Student Life, each representing a different area within Multicultural Student Life.

iv. Two additional representatives shall be chosen from other areas of Student Life.

v. Shall be chosen by the second Senate of the fall semester.

vi. Shall be approved by the Rules Committee and confirmed by a two- thirds vote of the Senate.

Paragraph C. Duties

i. Shall represent and advocate on behalf of students within their respective Student Life category.

ii. Each representative shall have one vote in Senate.

Section 7. Rules Committee

Paragraph A. Purpose

The purpose of the Rules Committee is to ensure the legitimacy of the Legislative process.

Paragraph B. Composition

i. Shall be chaired by the President Pro-Tempore and consist of the Vice President, who is an ex officio, non-voting member, and five Senators who shall be appointed by the President Pro-Tempore and approved by a majority vote of the Senate.

ii. In the case of an absence of one member of the Rules Committee, the President Pro Tempore will cast any necessary tie-breaking votes.

iii. Quorum shall consist of four of the five Senators and the President Pro Tempore.

Paragraph C. Duties

i. Shall correct all semantic errors in proposed legislation.

ii. Shall catalog all legislation presented before the Senate.

iii. Shall rectify any code in accordance with approved bills.

iv. Shall rectify the Constitution in accordance with approved Constitutional amendments.

Section 8. Legislation

Paragraph A. Resolutions

i. Shall be drafted to express an official position of the Senate on behalf of the student body.

ii. Shall be submitted to the Rules Committee for semantic revision before appearing before the Senate.

iii. Shall require one reading at a Senate meeting. The Vice President shall entertain debate and amendment, and the Senate will vote on the proposed resolution.

iv. Shall require a majority vote of the Senate.

Paragraph B. Bills

i. Shall be drafted to alter any code or other governing document other than the Constitution.

ii. Shall be submitted to the Rules Committee for semantic revision before appearing before the Senate.

iii. Shall require one reading at a Senate meeting. Upon first reading, the Vice President shall entertain debate and amendment, and the Senate will vote on the proposed bill.

iv. Shall require a two-thirds vote of the Senate.

Paragraph C. Amendments

i. Shall be drafted to make deletions or insertions to the Constitution.

ii. Shall be submitted to the Rules Committee for semantic revision before appearing in front of the Senate body.

iii. Shall require a first and second reading at a Senate meeting. Upon first reading, the Vice President shall not entertain debate. At least one week shall transpire between the first and second reading. Upon second reading, the Vice President shall entertain debate and amendment, and the Senate will vote on the proposed amendment.

iv. Shall require a two-thirds vote of the Senate.

v. Shall require a majority approval of University students voting on the amendment. The Vice President shall set the date of the vote.

vi. Shall be approved by the President of the University of Georgia for passage or shall take effect one week after being delivered to the President.

Section 9. Parliamentary Authority

Paragraph A. Robert’s Rules of Order

Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern all proceedings, except as set forth in this Constitution and the rules and procedures.

Paragraph B. Rules and Procedures

i. Shall be created by the President, Vice President, and Treasurer in consultation with the Supreme Court, and approved by a majority vote of the Senate.

ii. Shall expire at the end of each term.

Paragraph C. Rules for Debate

Shall be established within the rules and procedures.

Paragraph D. Open Meetings

All meetings of SGA shall be open to all members of the University community, except where expressly provided for by this Constitution.

Article VII. Judicial Branch

Section 1. Judicial Composition

The Judicial Branch shall consist of a Supreme Court.

Section 2. Officers

Paragraph A. Chief Justice

i. Shall be appointed by the President with a majority approval of the Senate.

ii. Shall call and preside over all meetings of the Supreme Court.

iii. Shall align with a majority opinion or may elect to file a dissenting opinion jointly with the Associate Justices or individually.

iv. Shall present the a majority opinion of the Supreme Court, both verbally and in writing, to the Senate without disclosing personal information, including but not limited to health, legal, or academic records.

v. Shall have one vote in every judicial hearing.

vi. Shall preside over the impeachment hearing should the President, Vice President, or Treasurer face impeachment.

Paragraph B. Associate Justices

i. Four Associate Justices shall be appointed by the President with a majority approval of the Senate.

ii. Shall align themselves with a majority opinion or may elect to file a written dissenting opinion either jointly or individually.

iii. Shall issue a written majority opinion authored by either the Chief Justice or Associate Justices.

v. Shall each have one vote in each judicial hearing.

Paragraph C. Alternate Justices

i. Shall be appointed by the President in accordance with the rules and procedures.

ii. Shall fulfill the duties of Associate Justice should a temporary or permanent vacancy occur.

Paragraph D. Secretary of the Court

i. Shall be appointed by the Chief Justice.

ii. Shall compile, distribute, and archive all materials presented by the Attorney General and the accused.

iii. Personal information, including but not limited to health, legal, or academic records, shall never be distributed through any records kept by the Secretary.

Section 3. Supreme Court

Paragraph A. Jurisdiction

i. Shall hear alleged violations of the Constitution or any other governing documents by any elected or appointed official other than the President, Vice President, Treasurer, or Justices as presented by the Attorney General.

ii. Shall determine the Constitutionality of any legislation passed through the Senate

iii. Shall determine the Constitutionality of any rules and procedures.

iv. Shall determine the Constitutionality of the manner in which legislation is passed.

v. Shall be consulted by the President, Vice President, and Treasurer in the creation of the rules and procedures that shall outline the process for judicial proceedings.

Paragraph B. Powers of Impeachment and Removal from Office

i. Shall require a majority vote of the Justices to impeach a member of Senate or remove members of the Executive Branch other than the President, Vice President, and Treasurer from office for violations of the Constitution or other governing documents as presented by the Attorney General.

ii. Justices shall recuse themselves from any hearing if they have any relationship with, partiality towards, or prejudice against the accused that would compromise their objectivity.

iii. Should a recusal occur, the Chief Justice shall call upon the necessary number of Alternate Justices to fulfill the duties of the absent Justice(s).

Paragraph C. Rights of the Accused

i. Shall be given one week’s notice if they are to be reviewed by the Supreme Court.

ii. The charges must be formally presented to the accused by the Attorney General.

iii. The accused may present any necessary or desired materials that demonstrate contrary evidence to the alleged accusation.

Paragraph D. Appeals

A decision of the Supreme Court may be overturned by a two-thirds vote of Senate signed by the President.

Article VIII. Vacancies

Section 1. Vacancy in the Office of the President

The Vice President shall assume said office for the remainder of the term. The current Vice President will be sworn in as President at the next immediate Senate by the Chief Justice. The Office of the Vice President shall then be considered vacant.

Section 2. Vacancy in the Office of the Vice President

The President Pro-Tempore shall assume said office for the remainder of the term. The current President Pro-Tempore will be sworn in as Vice President at the next immediate Senate by President. The President Pro-Tempore Senate seat shall be considered vacant.

Section 3. Vacancy in the Office of the Treasurer

The President shall appoint said office for the remainder of the term upon two- thirds approval of the Senate. If the appointment is a member of Senate, said Senate seat shall be considered vacant.

Section 4. Vacancy in the Office of the President Pro-Tempore

Upon vacancy a new President Pro-Tempore will be elected by the Senate at the next immediate Senate.

Section 5. Vacancy in the Office of a Senator

All students who qualify as candidates may apply for a vacant seat. Applicants will be selected by the Rules Committee and approved by a two-thirds vote of the Senate.

Section 6. Vacancy in the Seat of Student Life Representative

Shall be approved by the Rules Committee with a representative from the same Student Life category and confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the Senate.

Section 7. Vacancy in an Appointed Office

The President and/or Vice President shall appoint one candidate for the vacant position. Said appointment is contingent upon the rules of approval for that office.

Section 8. Resignation

An elected or appointed official who wishes to resign shall submit a resignation in writing to the head of his or her respective branch. If the head of a branch resigns, he or she must submit his or her resignation to the heads of the other two branches.

Article IX. Recall and Referendum

Section 1. Recall

i. A recall election for any office may be called by a petition signed by at least ten percent of the electing body. For Senators, the electing body is the college or school that they represent, and for the President, Vice President, and Treasurer, it is the entire University student body.

ii. Only one recall election per Senator or Officer per term of office shall be held.

Section 2. Referendum

i. A referendum on any question may be called by a petition by at least ten percent of the student body.

ii. A referendum may also be called by two-thirds of the Senate.

iii. The Vice President shall set the date of the referendum.

Article X. Constitutional Review

Section 1. Constitutional Revision Commission

After the first Senate of the fall semester of 2014, and each fourth year thereafter, there shall be established a Constitution Revision Commission.

Paragraph A. Composition

i. Shall be composed of eleven voting members: the President, Vice President, Treasurer, President Pro-Tempore, two Senators appointed and approved by a majority vote of the Senate, one member of the Freshman Programs appointed and approved by a majority vote of the Senate, the SGA Chief Justice, one additional Justice chosen by the Supreme Court, and two non-active members of SGA appointed by the President and approved by a majority vote of the Senate.

ii. The SGA Graduate Advisor and SGA Faculty Advisor who shall both serve as non-voting members.

iii. The Attorney General shall chair this committee as a non-voting member.

iv. Vacancies occurring on the commission shall be filled by appointment by the Attorney General approved by a majority vote of the Senate from the same constituency as the original member.

v. All meetings of the Commission are open to the general student body.

Paragraph B. Duties

i. Shall evaluate the effectiveness of the current SGA Constitution.

ii. If significant deficiencies are found with the current document, a new Constitution shall be drafted and presented for Ratification.

iii. If the Constitutional Revision Commission deems the document can be updated through individual amendments, such amendments will be drafted and submitted to the Senate in accordance with the amendment process.

iv. Shall forward a copy of any Constitutional changes to the President who shall notify the entire student body of the impending changes by using the most effective method possible.

Section 2. Approval of New Constitution

Paragraph A. Ratification

i. Shall be submitted to the Rules Committee for semantic revision.

ii. Shall require a first and second reading at a Senate meeting.

iii. Upon first reading, the Vice President shall not entertain debate. At least one week shall transpire between the first and second reading.

iv. Upon second reading, Vice President shall entertain debate and amendment, and the Senate may vote on the proposed Constitution.

v. Shall be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Senate.

vi. Shall require a majority approval of University students voting on the Constitution. Ten percent of the University student body must participate in the vote for ratification. The Vice President shall set the date of the vote.

vii. Shall be approved by the President of the University of Georgia for passage or shall take effect one week after being delivered to the President.

Article XI. Oath of Office

All Constitutional officers must take the following Oath of Office in order to assume elected and appointed positions. “I, (name of nominee), do hereby affirm that I will faithfully support and defend the Constitution and Bylaws of the Student Government Association of The University of Georgia, the Constitution of the State of Georgia, and the Constitution of the United States of America; and I will endeavor to fulfill my obligations to the students and my duties as (name of office), to the best of my ability.”

Article XII. Constitutional Supremacy

Upon ratification, this Constitution and its associated codes shall supersede all previous governing documents, which shall be deemed null and void.

SGA Constitution: Vote on OASIS!

2010-10-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

The ballot box is open, and voting on the new SGA Constitution has begun. OASIS predates the internet, so follow these directions to make sure your voice is heard.

1. Go to the OASIS web site and log in using your MyID and password.
2. On the main menu, go to "Student Elections," the last option.
3. On the student elections menu, click on "Vote!", option #4.
4. Select the four contests for which you'd like to vote: Homecoming King, Homecoming Queen, Referendum 1 (Constitution) and Referendum 2 (Smoking Ban).

5. Select a candidate for Homecoming Queen, then a candidate for Homecoming King.
6. Check "Yes" for the new SGA Constitution. The text of the constitution can be found on SGA's website.

7. Select "Yes" or "No" on the smoking ban.
8. Once you've voted on every ballot, click "Submit" on the elections main menu. It's very important that you submit your vote; otherwise, it won't be counted.

9. A new window will open with options to submit your ballot, cancel your ballot, or resume voting. Click "Submit" (Option #1) when you're done voting.
10. Your vote has been recorded and your voice has been heard! Thank you for voting for the new SGA Constitution!

Freshman Friday Tomorrow!

2010-09-02T17:12:00.000-07:00

Attention all Freshman:

If you're interested in becoming involved with SGA--the organized voice of the student body at the University of Georgia, to represent your fellow peers, meet incredible students and administrators and use the next four years to leave your mark on this campus, do not miss your chance to sign up for our freshman programs! The deadline to submit your application for Freshman Board and Freshman Forum is Friday, September 10 by 4:00 p.m. and applications can be found on the SGA website.

But, if you're still hesitant about whether or not to get involved or are just interested in learning more, stop by TOMORROW, September 3rd from 11:00 to 3:00, at BRUMBY BEACH, where previous Freshman Board and Freshman Forum members, as well as the current student advisors and other SGA members, will be hanging out to answer questions and provide more information. We will have popcorn, drinks, music and moon-bounce, so whether you're interested in more information, or just need a break between classes to celebrate the end of a week and the first football game weekend of your college experience, come by and say hello!

We'll see you tomorrow!

Mandatory Fees Committee: Deadline TODAY!

2010-08-30T04:52:00.000-07:00

SGA is seeking two students to sit on UGA’s Mandatory Fees Committee, and it’s your chance to make your voice heard and help determine how much you pay to go to school here.

“The Mandatory Fees Committee is the single most important committee that we as students have a chance to sit on,” said President Josh Delaney. “This is one of the only chances we get to say how much we pay.”

The state Board of Regents requires that students at its member institutions pay mandatory fees to supplement tuition in certain areas. The Regents also require that a Mandatory Fees Committee review any proposal for increases in mandatory fees before they’re submitted to President Adams and the Regents for approval. The committee is comprised of eight people: four upper-level administrators, including Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Tim Burgess and Vice President for Student Affairs Rodney Bennett, and four students, including Graduate Student President Jason O’Rouke. SGA is filling the other two seats through an application process.

Interested students should want to have a say in where the money they spend every year goes. SGA is also looking to set a new precedent by choosing at least one member of the committee who is hoping to get new experience in a major campus organization. In addition, students who apply know their voice will be heard, as they make up half of the committee. Committee members will be able to represent their opinions through a robust but smooth debate, and students should be able to appreciate that fact.

“It’s an intense process, and meetings can’t be missed arbitrarily,” said Delaney. “It’s a time commitment, but I think it’s worth it.”

This is a particularly important year for the Mandatory Fees Committee, as the Regents declared a moratorium on all mandatory fees for the 2010-2011 school year. As a result, any UGA departments depending on the fee for operation haven’t seen an increase in their budgets since 2009.

“For instance, Ramsey is going to argue that the cost of lights and electricity went up in two years, and they need to increase the facilities fee because of that,” said Delaney.

The application for the Mandatory Fees Committee can be found at SGA’s website. Applications are due in the Center for Student Organizations, Tate 102, by 4pm August 31.

The total amount of mandatory fees for undergraduates can be found at the website of the Bursar’s office. For most UGA students for fall 2010, it is as follows:

Transportation: $103*

Activity: $89*

Athletic: $53*

Health: $191*

Facilities: $80*

Technology: $114*

Institutional: $200

Green: $3

*determined by the Mandatory Fees Committee in accordance with Board of Regents policy

Graduate Senator's Response to Budget Cut

2010-03-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

The budget cuts that have been imposed by the Georgia State Legislature and subsequently proposed by the University System of Georgia will indeed change the landscape of higher education in Georgia in general and graduate education in particular. The logical starting point is to ask, "why education?" The legislature must know the value of a higher education and also the value of an educated public. An educated public adds value to a state, not only in its ability to make decisions but also in its ability to draw employment opportunity, which helps maintain its municipalities and associated services. Alternately, we proponents of education have proposed, what we detest as an American public, are taxes, which help pay for our municipalities. There have been calls for increased taxes on somewhat arbitrary goods, such as cigarettes and (non) carbonated drinks. Thus, the current economic downturn, assumes better times will come, but no one knows when those times will come, rendering us all uncertain. No one has answers to how we get out of this conundrum: raise taxes on seemingly arbitrary goods and services or cut back on goods/services/jobs. The constellation of alternatives seem numerous, but time is of the essence.

After laying out the general terms of our economic situation, we see the consequences play out in the request for UGA to cut another 60 million dollars from a budget which has already cut 100 million dollars from its budget over the past two years. To be fair, the Georgia legislature sees a need to cut spending and does not want to tax citizens in a recession, but simultaneously views the lives of students as decadent and ultimately more able to sacrifice for the greater good of the state, at-large.

As a graduate student, the prospect of cutting "all non-contract teach faculty" seems ominous for those are currently serving in a para-professional role. As para-professionals, we take classes as students and we also serve the university in various roles as less-than-well-paid workers. This middle position creates, again, uncertainty for graduate education. Such uncertainty is focused on the lack of specificity and the dearth in overt mention of graduate students in the University's proposal. As a result, a proliferation of questions arises: will the cutting of non-contract teach faculty mean an increase in teaching/graduate/research assistants? Are graduate students categorized as non-contract faculty? How does this affect those in-coming or newly accepted graduate students to UGA? Will this mean a mass exodus of tenured and tenure-track faculty, whom graduate students depend on for research opportunities and the like? In other words, how will the current proposed budget cuts affect graduate education at the University of Georgia?

Contributed by: Marcus Coleman, Graduate School Senator

Response to proposed budget cut

2010-03-01T22:46:00.000-08:00

UGA is being forced to look at a possible $60 million budget cut for 2011, in addition to the $100 million reduction already taken over the past 2 years.

A budget cut of that size impacts every student, and as the primary clientele of this University we find these cuts to be unbearable.

As a student at the University of Georgia, you can make a bigger impact than you may think. The history of our university has shown that when students speak up, change happens.

During desegregation, the Governor nearly closed the University to enforce a state law mandating segregation at all state institutions. It was UGA students that personally convinced him to do otherwise.

When Georgia needed a forestry school in the thick of The Great Depression, a junior forestry major convinced Governor E.D. Rivers to build it. Even within the last six years, our SGA joined others from around the state to prevent mid-year tuition increases and a toll booth on GA-316. We need your help to continue the tradition.

SGA will host an emergency information session, tonight at 7 in MLC 148 to discuss the student response to these proposed budget reductions. On Friday, UGA and Georgia Tech’s SGA will meet with state legislators in Atlanta to express our concerns. The Student Government Association invites you to join us and students from every state public college and university as we rally at the Capitol in Atlanta on Monday, March 15. We want our legislators to hear us, loud and clear. If you’d like to travel with us, please sign up at www.uga.edu/sga.

More than $20 million will be cut in academic programming, including the elimination of all part-time and temporary faculty positions, according to the Board of Regents’ proposed cuts released Monday. It is estimated this action would reduce faculty, cutting the size of the incoming freshman class by 500 students and transfer students by 1000.

Additionally, the lack of faculty could force up to 500 students out of their current major, resulting in students having to change majors or transfer to another institution altogether.

And the list doesn’t stop at academic programs — more cuts could significantly affect our quality of student life. The proposal calls for the elimination of 12 positions within the Office of Vice President for Student Affairs.

Furthermore, according to the proposal summary, “[t]hese reductions would force the elimination of many recreational sports programs, including intramural and club sports. It would also force the loss of the only sign language interpreter on UGA staff, possibly jeopardizing students’ ADA rights.”

In total, the proposed cuts by the Board of Regents would eliminate 1,418 currently filled positions at the University of Georgia.

Being a student at the University of Georgia is indeed a privilege, yet these cuts significantly hinder the type and the quality of education that we receive.

We understand the state’s financial difficulties during this time and that cuts will undoubtedly happen.

However, we will continue to work closely with state legislators, the UGA administration, and the Board of Regents in managing these cuts to be as fair as possible without completely jeopardizing our academic experience.

In the meantime, we need your voice now. Please join us for the discussion tonight and sign a petition against the budget cuts at http://www.petitiononline.com/georgia1/petition.html.

Contributed by: Katie Barlow, SGA President

Ron Clark Acadmy draws large crowd at 25th annual Holmes-Hunter Lecture

2010-02-28T11:47:00.001-08:00

The 25th annual Holmes-Hunter Lecture was a hit.

Seating in Hodgson Hall was packed to the max as UGA students, faculty, staff and guests gathered to hear this year's highly anticipated guest lecturer, Ron Clark of the Ron Clark Academy.

Perhaps what made the event an even greater success was the student performance by Ron Clark Academy eighth graders.

The facility brewed with excitement as we all sat back to witness a first-rate show. Clark's energy, bundled with the children's enthusiasm to showcase the breadth of their knowledge and creativity, captivated us all.

We couldn't have imagined a more successful Friday afternoon lecture.

Clark, an educator whose influential career accomplishments span the length of the east coast, gave an inspiring account of his personal challenges and triumphs, only to be significantly underscored by the true story of his success and achievement, his brilliant students.

Seeing the impact he'd made on students in Aurora, NC, Clark felt a profound need and desire to do the same for the public schools in Harlem, Ny. Despite the discouraging words of his students, peers and hiring staff in Harlem, he persisted with a vision and will to change education and opportunity for the area's at-risk youth.

In 2007, Clark teamed up with teaching fellow and UGA alumna, Kim Bearden, to establish the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta. Since then, the private nonprofit school has attracted educators from all over the world interested in learning the innovative teaching methods at the Academy.

Eighth graders from the RCA also attended the lecture on Friday as evidence that the program works. The students put on a dazzling performance -- a shortened version of "You Can Vote However You Like," "Man in the Mirror," and finally, a composition all their own-- with one of their own on drums and three soul-shaking solos. Their performance was rippling, sending messages of hope through the audience rows with every word they sang and beat they swayed.

It was simply impossible not to be moved by the message of their story, or by the power of their song. I hope you each take a moment to learn more about Ron Clark Academy and the power of its mission.

Learn more about the Ron Clark story here.

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The annual Holmes-Hunter Lecture honors the first African-American students to enroll at the University of Georgia almost 50 years ago, the late Hamilton Holmes and Charlayne Hunter-Gault.

Hunter-Gault was unable to attend the lecture, but she sent a few words to her dear friend and wife of the late Hamilton Holmes, who addressed the crowd on Friday. Holmes' mother and daughter were also in attendance.

2/23 Senate Notes

2010-02-25T13:14:00.000-08:00

Updates from our informal Senate meeting, this past Tuesday, Feb. 23.

If you have questions about anything that goes on at our Senate meetings, or would like to express a concern or issue you would like us to address, please e-mail us at ugasgaexec@gmail.com. Also, comments are always welcome.

Call to Order
Pledge
Roll Call
Officer Reports

a. Executive Report

Day with SGA with Invisible Children a success
Met with President Adams about minimum sanctions changes; questions will be addressed at March cabinet meeting
Senators further encouraged to contact professors about C-Minus proposal
Curriculum committee's new standardized course evaluations now approved
Email switch has been approved and is being worked on
Legislature is meeting tomorrow; budget cuts will be topic of discussion

b. Chief of Staff

Holmes-Hunter Lecture on Friday (Mandatory event for SGA)
Commencement applications are available; due date is March 15
Candidate seminars on Wednesday and Thursday; those interested in running in upcoming election must attend at least one of these seminars to be eligible to run
“Hogies with Heidi” on March 30 (Mandatory event for SGA)
Professor Recognition Banquet on March 4; Senators should contact Melissa Worth if interested (10 SGA seats available)

V. Residence Hall Association Report

Election processes in progress
Application processes for RA and CA complete

Senator Reports

a. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

b. College of Education

- Open dialogue with professors about C-Minus proposal in process

c. College of Environment and Design

- Working to change advisement in Aderhold

- All contract points complete; Senators should contact if help needed

d. College of Family and Consumer Sciences

- Met with associate dean about C-Minus proposal

- Attended Alumni Luncheon Award Ceremony

- Master calendar created and will be passed down to future senators

e. College of Public Health

f. Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

- Franklin College Peer Mentoring Program planning in progress

- Recruiting coordinators for philosophy and religion department

- Institutional Funding Resolution planning in progress

- New degree works program to replace DARS report; will possibly be available for summer semester, most likely fall semester

- Continuing to contact professors about C-Minus proposal

- Final exam grade reporting in progress

g. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications

- WNEG and Newsource up and running successfully

- Working with Dean Cully with Grady ambassador application process

- Talking to potential Grady senators

h. Odum School of Ecology

- Facebook group for Odum School of Ecology made

- Work on bike safety and roadway signs for bicyclists in progress

i. School of Public and International Affairs

- Work in progress:

Gender identity resolution

Ben levy Resolution

SPIA Advisory Council

SPIA Brochure for Freshmen advertising Mock Trial and Model UN

j. School of Social Work

k. Terry College of Business

Work on Honors Day and Terry Graduation in progress
Cohorts program pushed to side for now

Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources

Work on computer/physical lab space in progress
Talking to potential senators

m. The Graduate School

10th Annual Graduate Interdisciplinary Research Conference on March 27
Mary Frances Early Lecture on April 6

n. Freshman Board

Freshman Friday a success

New Business
Old Business
- Freshman Forum event: “Homelessness on the Home Front” on Thursday
- Blackout Week ongoing in dormitories
- Freshman Forum event: “Dawg for a Day” will host 30 local high school students

Open Mic with Mike, SGA expands influence

2010-02-24T13:28:00.001-08:00

For those of you who couldn't make it out to Open Mic with Mike yesterday, we wish you could have been there. President Adams ran through a quick list of the current projects and notable accomplishments, then, immediately opened the floor up for students' questions.

Concerns students raised included traffic on the East Campus loop, HOPE Scholarship, Honors scholarships, University energy resources and employee wages.

President Adams responded to all questions and concerns and committed that he would look further into the concerns the students raised. Read more about Open Mic with Mike from the Red & Black.

While you're at it, Dallas Duncan wrote an article titled "Campus Ready for SGA Election: SGA expands its influence"in today's issue of the Red & Black. Check it out!

Reminders: Tonight is the mandatory candidate's seminar at 8 p.m. in Tate 481. If you cannot attend tonight's seminar, plan to attend the seminar tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 25 also at 8 p.m. in Tate 481.

Back on Track

2010-02-23T08:45:00.001-08:00

Greetings all,

Sorry for being absent for the past few months. Unfortunately, we've been trying to rework roles within the Comm Team and I have been a little slack with getting news out via blog. Anyway, if you have been keeping up with us through the last several months, you'll know that a LOT has happened.

While R&B is the main news source for students, it's not the only news source. I hope that we can update this blog more frequently as matters arise and keep you all abreast with with information as it comes. Our hope is that our blog can become a reliable source of immediate information as they pertain to SGA. We hope that you'll continue checking back with us.

In the meantime, here are a few reminders from SGA:

Day with SGA

Tuesday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Tate Plaza

We would love to spend this time with other student organizations in Tate. Come on out and join us, let us talk with you and help promote your student organization as well! If you're interested in joining us in Tate Plaza to help promote your organization, please e-mail us, ugasga@gmail.com. We'll be more than happy to schedule some Tate time with you at our next event.

Open Mic with Mike

Tuesday, Feb. 23, 4 p.m.

Myers Hall

Let's hear it straight from President Adams himself! President Adams will be addressing students about current projects and opening the floor to questions and concerns. Join us in Myers Hall for the event! Everyone is welcome to attend.

Mandatory Candidate Seminars for Elections

Wednesday, Feb. 24 and Thursday, Feb. 25, 6 p.m.

MLC 148

If you're interested in running for a position on the Student Government Association, please make sure to attend one of these mandatory information sessions. If you're not yet sure about running, or if you would just like to learn more information, I encourage you to attend one of these meetings and ask questions! You do not have to be currently involved with SGA to run for a position.

Holmes-Hunter Lecture

Friday, Feb. 26, 2 p.m.

Performing Arts Center, Hodgson Hall-- East Campus

The Office of the President will host the annual Holmes-Hunter Lecture in honor of the first two African-American students to attend the University of Georgia-- Hamilton Holmes and Charlayne Hunter-Gault.

This year's speaker is Ron Clark of the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta. Students of the school will also provide a special performance. You might remember them from their rendition of T.I.'s "You Can Have Whatever You Like" as "You Can Vote However You Like."

Commencement Speaker Applications Available!

Due: Monday, March 15, 4 p.m.

Turn in to: Becki Garrett in the Center for Student Organizations

SGA will nominate a student to serve as the 2010 Spring Commencement Speaker. Download your application from the SGA Web site.

There's more to come! If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please e-mail us at ugasgaexec@gmail.com. Hope to see you all out in Tate today, or at any of the other events we have going on this week. If you would like your event to be featured on our blog, please let us know.

Contributed by:

Victoria Lee, Deputy Director of Communication

Should we make UGA a smoke-free campus? YOU DECIDE!

2009-11-20T11:16:00.000-08:00

Several universities around the country have made the step toward instituting campus-wide smoke-free bans, including the University of Florida. This would mean smoking would be prohibited on all areas of campus.

The UGA smoking restrictions are currently in place throughout campus, however, each campus building authorizes their own smoking policies. While these rules have been in place for some time, many say they are not well known or well enforced.

SGA wants to know if you are interested in the idea of a smoke-free campus. Let us know your thoughts and opinions and we'll hear you out. The administration is counting on all of us fo rsome good feedback, so let us know how we can all make this campus more user-friendly for you.

Take the poll! Leave a comment!

Submitted by: Suzanne Meller, General Assembly Secretary

New Spring Fee by BOR-- Total: $200 per student

2009-11-17T16:21:00.000-08:00

Alright, so we know you're not excited about this-- neither are we-- but a new fee has passed. What does that mean? Student fees for schools under the University System of Georgia (USG) student fees will increase. For UGA students, that means tacking $100 on top of the $100 special fee we currently pay. Total cost of the special fee: $200.00.

Now that you have the gist of it, hear us out; there's a little more to this than the Board of Regents (BOR) saying "Hey! Let's cut the budget and ask students to supplement more of our depleting funds from their own pockets."

Today, the BOR met in Atlanta to approve plans to alter the System's budget from a 6 percent reduction ($135 million) to 8 percent ($176 million), effective this fiscal year, FY2010. In order to supplement the loss of these fees, BOR is asking students to pay for it through student fees. Here's the breakdown for the new budget reduction and student fee increase:
$100 increase at research universities and six other universities, $75 at most comprehensive universities and $50 at two-year state colleges. The total cost of student fees, $200/$150/$100 at USG schools respectively.

Times are tough, we know. We feel it at home. We feel it here. We feel it every time we fill up our gas tank, pay an extra penny for printing or pass up our favorite cereal brand for the generic store brand instead. Well, the State's feeling it too. USG is currently trying to actualize $12 million in savings, while generating the $24 million from student fees in FY2010 alone.
In order to realize this $12 million in savings, the state will have to reach to additional employee furlough days, eliminating positions, employee layoffs, or other types of program an structural changes. Those structural changes could result in fewer course sections, larger classes and major health insurance changes to university students and employees.

The BOR has deliberated over this fee increase and has decided that it would help preserve academic quality while having the least possible negative effect on students, says Vice Chancellor for Fiscal Affairs, Usha Ramachandran.

While the fee feels hefty on students, the overall reductions for FY2010 should spread the impact evenly among faculty and staff, campus operations and students in a balanced manner. Ramachandran noted, "approximately 86 percent, or $152 million of reductions are being borne by our institutions and employees" she said. "The student share of the cuts with the additional fee is 14 percent, or $24 million."

In addition to approving the new student fee, the BOR also approved a moratorium on student fee increases for FY 2011 and a sunset date of June 30, 2010 for the total mandatory student fee.

Read the AJC article detailing the new student fee here.

We, your Student Government Association, are working hard to find a resolution to the institution of these mandated fees. Please check back to read on the progress of our resolution debate at tonight's Senate.

Rye, The Premonitions and Dr. Squid-- Nov. 13 by NSSO

2009-11-08T11:58:00.000-08:00

"The Nuçi's Space Student Organization provides a link between the students of the University of Georgia and the non-profit musician's support/resource center Nuçi's Space. The group organizes and participates in mental health advocacy, as well as raising awareness about Nuçi's Space and its resource services. "

NSSO will be sponsoring a show on Friday, Nov. 13, featuring Rye, The Premonitions and Dr. Squid.

Time: Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m.
Ages: All ages welcome!
$5 entrance fee
Where:
Nuci's Space
396 Oconee St.
Athens, GA 30601

Come out and support NSSO and enjoy a great show. For more information on Nuci's Space, please visit http://www.nuci.org/.

Related Events:

TWLOHA- To Write Love On Her Arms
Friday, Nov. 13

"To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.To Write Love On Her Arms Day is a day where anyone can write the words love on their arms, to support those who are fighting against depression and those who are trying to recovering."

Invisible Children, Freedom Week!

2009-11-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

Support Invisible Children at UGA next week as they kick off Freedom Week, Nov. 9-12

Invisible Children at UGA hopes to promote education and awareness of the exploitation of child soldiers in Uganda. Please read more about their story, efforts and goals and how UGA students are helping to make a global difference.

Invisible Children United
Nov. 10- UGA's Got Talent, 8-10pm at Tate Theater
Benefit Concert at Two Story Coffee
Here are some additional events for Invisible Children that we would love for you to forward to the website:

Freedom Week: Nov. 9 - Nov. 12

Monday, Nov. 9- YourPie Percentage Night in Five Points, 5-10pm
Tuesday, Nov. 10- UGA's Got Talent! 8-10pm at Tate Theater. There will be prizes, campus celebrity judges and an amazing showcase of UGA talent!
Wednesday, Nov. 11- "At the End of Slavery" screening, MLC 171 6:30 pm
Thursday, Nov. 12- Foreign Aid and Reform Panel, MLC 150 7:00pm

Submitted by: Evan Johnson, Student Affairs Liaison

New tradition, GA/FL compete for new trophy!

2009-10-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

There's an exciting new tradition for the University of Georgia and University of Florida, just in time for the long anticipated Georgia/Florida football game this Saturday, Oct. 31.

Not only will our football team compete for year-long bragging rights, but this year we will also compete for a traveling trophy that will go to the winner of our infamous rivalry. Cut from a 1000-year-old cypress tree from the Okefenokee Swamp, the trophy is carved in the shape of an oar, and is suitably named the Okefenokee Oar.

The trophy will be exchanged each year to the winning team of the Georgia/Florida football game, held in late October. This is the only rival trophy both schools will compete for annually, putting higher stakes on the field when the Gators and Bulldogs meet in Jacksonville, Fla. The Oar is sure to bring added esteem to the pride and passion of this heavy SEC rivalry.

The trophy is paid for in part by both UF and UGA student governments as well as an anonymous donor.

Nominations for Professor Recognition Award; Tailgate with a Dream, Sat. Nov. 14

2009-10-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

Attention Students! Do you have a professor at UGA that has done an amazing job or has had a positive impact on your experience here at UGA? If so, here is your opportunity to honor him or her.

The Academic Affairs Committee of the Student Government Association is accepting nominations for the Professor Recognition Award. You, as a student at the University of Georgia, have the opportunity to nominate an outstanding professor whom you feel is worthy of this prestigious award. If the professor you have nominated becomes one of the finalists, you and your professor will be invited to attend the Professor Recognition Banquet in February, which is hosted by the Student Government Association. Awards will be presented to the selected Professors. All forms are due by Friday, November 13th to the Student Activities and Organizations Office at 102 Tate Student Center. Click HERE to download the application.
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SAVE THE DATE! The Multicultural Affairs Committee of the Student Government Association is having our annual Tailgate with a Dream on Saturday, November 14th at Reed Quad three hours before kickoff of the Georgia-Auburn game. The event is co-sponsored by the Black Affairs Council, the Hispanic Student Association, Indian Cultural Exchange, and the Filipino Student Association. This year's theme is The Puzzle: Connecting the Pieces of Our Bulldog Nation. We invite everyone to join us for great music and great food provided by Choo Choo and Raising Cane.

-- Announcements submitted by Emelia Dunston, SGA Graduate Assistant

STUDENT ACTIVITY FEE ---- Back in the hands of students!

2009-10-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

We ran for it, we fought for it, WE GOT IT!

Back in the spring when Katie Barlow, Cameron Secord and Joe Chaudoin first decided to run for the student government executive ticket they made sure to let us know what they were all about; and they were ALL about getting the student fees back in the hands of students (among other things)!

For decades, students have been paying the $89 Activity Fee, but few could actually say where the money went. Now, students will have a direct hand in how the funds are allocated.

SGA has been working around the clock with University administrators and Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Bennett, to devise a feasible plan for the proposal. The new plan involves an allocation committee of 10 student leaders across campus; five SGA senators, one graduate student and four students from Campus Life, Intercultural Affairs and Recreational Sports within the Department of Student Affairs.

The committee will be selected this semester.

At the end of the spring semester, Dr. Bennett and SGA will evaluate the success of the program and determine whether or not to keep the student allocation committee.

Carolyn Crist, editor-in-chief of The Red & Black, covered the story live at a press conference with Katie, Joe and Dr. Bennett. Click HERE to see her article in The Red & Black.

We will continue to update on the progress of this initiative throughout the semester, so check back often!

Emerging Green Builders and Make-A-Wish at UGA, Events on Saturday, Oct. 24

2009-10-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

Our Student Affairs Liaisons are working hard to make sure we get the word out about all your club activities. If your student organization would like an announcement or concern to appear on our blog, or if you would just like to talk with us, please e-mail us at ugasgaexec@gmail.com.

Here is what's going on this weekend:

Emerging Green Builders will be hosting a Saturday Morning Yank, Saturday, Oct. 24th at 10 a.m. Students should meet at the red pavilion on the corner of Lumpkin St. and Cedar St. Tools will be provided, but please bring gloves and clippers if you have them. Refreshments will be available for all participants!

Make-A-Wish at UGA will be volunteering at the Fall Fair at Oasis Catolico, Saturday Oct. 24, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. If you would like to join Make-A-Wish's volunteer effort, please contact Mary Pendelton at marypend@uga.edu for more details. This is a great opportunity to help bring some fall-filled joy to the kids at Oasis Catolico!

Make-A-Wish is also holding a percentage night at all Your Pie locations in Athens on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Please come help support our Make-A-Wish chapter by enjoying some delicious food!

More Information:

Emerging Green Builders- "Emerging Green Builders are students and young professionals dedicated to becoming and recruiting the future leaders of the green building movement.
EGB groups around the country offer young people the opportunity to get involved in green building locally, gain access to USGBC resources, and participate in local events.
We are a member organization of the US Green Building Council."

Make-A-Wish at UGA- "is an organization that supports the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama. We grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Make-A-Wish at UGA has a goal of raising enough money to grant at least one wish every semester."

Oasis Catolico- "University of Georgia students serve as volunteers for the Oasis after school program helping children to do their homework and organizing educational games.
Over 40 children from the Pinewood Estates community participate. UGA students may earn academic credit for their services in various ways."

-- Announcements submitted by James Schulte, Student Affairs Liaison

We're Bloggin' Now!

2009-10-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the official blog of the Student Government Association! After listening to your concerns we realized that we needed a more effective form of communication, direct from your elected student leaders straight to you.

This blog will cover a range of topics, all of which concern you, the student body of The University of Georgia. Clubs, academics, athletics, residence, parking, .... you name it, we've got it covered.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to comment on our posts or e-mail us at ugasgaexec@gmail.com. Please invite everyone to follow our blog. We hope that through our blog, we will be able to better communicate all that we are doing for you and learn how we can more effectively serve as your student government!