Article II – Student Senate

Article II – Student Senate

Section A. Definition, Powers, and Responsibilities

1. Senate shall:
   • Be the representative body of the LeTourneau University Student Body;
   • Operate in cooperation with the Executive Cabinet and the University Administration through coordinated two-way communication;
   • Give student organizations the opportunity to use Senate funds and resources to benefit the Student Body;
   • Take the necessary and proper steps to uphold and enforce the provisions set forth in this Constitution in accordance with the University’s policies and procedures.
2. All legislative powers shall be vested in the Senate.
   

Section B. Senators

1. Qualifications:
   • Each Senator shall live in the district for which that Senator is elected during the entire time in office.
   • Each Senator shall be enrolled in at least nine credit hours at LeTourneau University throughout his or her term, unless in their graduating semester.
   • Each Senator shall maintain a lifestyle consistent with the University’s Statement of Faith.
   • Each Senator shall be in good standing with the University as defined by the LeTourneau University Student Handbook and the LeTourneau University Catalog and uphold the academic and disciplinary standards as outlined by Student Life’s guidelines for IMPACT leadership.
   • Each Senator must attend Senate training as designated by the Vice President.
2. Voting Districts:
   • Each residential unit, being defined as a dorm or dorms which identify themselves in name and action as a single entity, shall be considered one voting district. The residential societies shall together be considered one voting district. The Quads shall together be considered one voting district. Family and Married Housing together with the apartments shall be considered one voting district.
   • When in question, The Department of Student Life shall determine the section of housing to be defined as a dorm.
   • Each voting district is entitled to eight Senators.
   • The number of Senators allowed per voting district shall be determined according to the last Fall Residence Life official housing list. If a voting district has less than five students according to the Fall Residence Life housing list, and more than five according to the Spring Residence Life housing list, the Spring list may be used for that voting district.
   • No floor, society, or Quad shall have more than four senators.
3. Senators shall:
   • Represent the interests of their voting district to Senate;
   • Inform their voting district of issues and legislation under consideration by Senate;
   • Act as leaders on campus;
   • Uphold and defend the Constitution;
   • Take the Oath of Office as stated by the Constitutional Bylaws.
4. Senator Removals and Vacancies:
   • Senators may be dismissed from Senate by:
     1. A two-thirds vote of all members of their voting district;
5. Submitting their letter of resignation to Senate;
   1. Moving from their voting district;
   2. Failure to follow the attendance requirements as determined by Article II Section B of the Constitutional Bylaws.

• If a Senate seat becomes vacant, a reelection must be held as determined by Article II Section C of the Constitutional Bylaws.

Section C. Senate Officers

1. The President Pro Tempore (PPT):
   • Duties:
     • Be responsible for overseeing the operation of all committees, including nomination of committee chairs and committee members;
     • Become the acting Student Body President if the positions of both Student Body President and Student Body Vice President become vacant and shall hold an election to fill these offices as determined by Article IV of the Constitutional Bylaws;
     • Promote the efficiency of Senate operations by necessary and proper means.
     • Enforce all legislation relating to the internal workings of the Senate as defined in the Senate Bylaws.
     • Maintain general order in the Senate General Assembly and acts as the designated parliamentarian.
     • Specific duties of the PPT shall be defined by Article VI of the Senate Bylaws.
   • Requirements:
     • The PPT must be a Senator at the time of his or her election.
     • The PPT must have been a Senator for at least one full semester before serving as PPT.
   • Election and Removal
     • The method and time of election shall be determined by Article II Section A the Constitutional Bylaws.
     • The PPT will serve for one academic year.
     • The PPT may be removed from office upon a two-thirds vote of the entire Senate.
     • The PPT may resign by submitting his or her resignation in writing to the Senate.
     • The PPT will retain all rights and privileges of a Senator.

Section D. Senate Assembly

1. Quorum:
   • Two-thirds of the members of the Senate shall constitute a quorum.
   • Quorum is required to conduct an official meeting.
2. Attendance requirements for Senators shall be determined by Article II Section B of the Constitutional Bylaws.
3. Each Senator shall have exactly one vote.
4. The Senate shall assemble regularly as determined by Article IX of the Senate Bylaws.
5. Senate meetings shall be open to the public.
   

Section E. Legislation

1. Legislation shall only be introduced by Senators.
2. Legislation changing standing rules or amending Senate Bylaws shall be enacted upon passage.
3. All legislation shall require the signature of the Student Body Vice President and be reviewed by the Dean of Students prior to enactment.
4. Vetoes by the Student Body President may be overridden by the Senate with a 2/3 majority vote.
5. Legislation not signed by the Student Body President within 6 days of passage by the Senate shall take effect as if it had been signed.