SGA releases new constitution
After months of preparation, the document has been shared with students ahead of a vote to ratify it.
On Monday, Student Government Association president Taylor Dashney announced at Convocation that the organization has completed its new constitution — which has been in the works since the summer — ahead of the student body vote to ratify it which is set for Feb. 27.
Soon after the announcement, the SGA emailed the campus community with a copy of the new constitution, which features 23 pages of policy. The old constitution consisted of 51 pages. The following are the highlighted changes that will go into effect if passed:
Decrease the number of senators from 17 to 10.
Change senate representation from classification to residence: senate would consist of three senators from Haury Hall, two from Voth Hall, three from Warkentine Court, and two commuter senators.
Abolish committees in favor of an “updated section” on ad-hoc committees.
Adjustment to the budget allocation process that places a Secretary of Treasury ad-hoc committee in charge of monthly budgetary club updates.
The SGA will host two information sessions this week. The first will take place from 8-9 p.m. on Tuesday, with the other on Thursday at the same time. The next senate meeting will be conducted as scheduled on Sunday at 7 p.m.
Then, the following Monday, a student vote on the document will be held “unless there is significant pushback or the senate agrees with arguments to make changes to the constitution, in which case the vote will be moved back,” according to the email.
In the two weeks following spring break (March 6-10), the SGA elections will occur. If this proposed document is approved before then, the proposed structural changes will be implemented and thus impact the election process.
Students are encouraged by the SGA to submit their questions, comments, and/or concerns regarding the new constitution to sga@bethelks.edu. An anonymous feedback form is also available on the organization’s website. Students can contact a senator directly with their thoughts.