Hofstra University Student Government Association 2023

S.A.2023.87.007

Expansion of Debates

Taken from Article X, Section C Subsection 3 of the Policy Series

1. DEBATES

a. Any questions relating to the debates shall be directed to the Elections Commission and answered outside of the Student Government Association office.

b. If there is an uncontested election, the Elections Commission shall hold at least one (1) event during which the ticket candidates presents the goals of their campaigns to the general Student Government Association constituency prior to voting dates.

c. The Elections Commission shall organize at least one (1) presidential debate and one vice presidential debate if each office sees a contested election. there is a contested election.

i. Debates are to be open to the Student Government Association constituency.

ii. The format and logistics of debates shall be left to the discretion of the Elections Commission but the following provisions must be adhered to: d. A ticket debate shall be held prior to voting dates. The Elections Commission may hold two (2) additional debates prior to voting: a presidential debate and a vice presidential debate.

1. The debate must occur before elections begin and after signatures are collected for president and vice president.

2. At least one of the moderators must be the Elections Commission Chair.

3. Every effort must be made to include all candidates for each respective debate.

Respectfully Submitted,

Danny DeCrescenzo Communications Chair

Spring 2023 Spring-Into-Action Week Questions

1. Would you be in favor of Hofstra providing peer advisors in the Center for University Advising?

a. Yes b. No a. Yes b. No a. Yes b. No a. Yes b. No a. More expensive plans b. Less expensive plans c. No change a. Yes b. No a. Yes b. No c. I do not know what the Ethicspoint reporting system is

2. Would you be in favor of creating additional 1-2 credit courses?

3. Have you found difficulty completing your coursework without taking more than 17 credits in a semester?

4. Is your dietary restriction catered to at Hofstra?

5. What changes would you like to see made to first-year meal plans?

6. Have you witnessed, heard of, or personally experienced bias against you or someone you know based on an aspect of your identity (race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, etc.)?

7. If needed, would you feel comfortable using the Ethicspoint reporting system?

8. Which of the following difficulties have you experienced in regards to observing or practicing your culture and/or religion on campus: (Choose all that apply) a. Lack of Academic Accommodations b. Difficulties with Excused Absences for Observances/Holidays c. Lack of Dietary Options d. Insufficient Prayer Spaces e. Lack of Inclusive Language f. Other g. Does Not Apply to Me h. None a. Yes b. No a. Yes b. No

9. Would you be in favor of having free menstrual products in academic buildings on campus?

10. Do you think there should be cameras in the parking lots across campus?

Respectfully Submitted,

Cristianna Giovanangelo Nicotera Dallas Jackson

Academic Affairs Chair

Sam Atlas

Facilities and Operations Chair

Equity and Inclusion Chair

Kayla Stadeker

Wellness and Campus Safety Chair

S.A. 2023. 87.009

Impeachment in the Constitution

Taken from Article 303, Section 1-2 of the Constitution

303. IMPEACHMENT AND REMOVAL

303.1 IMPEACHMENT AND REMOVAL OF STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION a. An impeachment action must detail the alleged abuses and reason for impeachment. b. The impeachment action must be seen at the next senate if sent more than 24 hours before said meeting. c. The author of the action shall have the opportunity to speak on their action, and the accused shall have an equal opportunity to respond. d. If a motion is made to pass the action, at least half (½) of the Senate is required to vote to move the impeachment forward. i. If the vote is tied, the motion passes. a. If the impeached party is a member of the Judicial Panel, the Club Resources Committee shall investigate. b. An impeachment investigation must include at least two (2) hearings. i. The first, a preliminary hearing must present the charges, evidence, and any relevant materials to all parties. The first hearing shall not occur less than 72 hours after the accused party is notified of the charges. ii. The second hearing shall include testimony and rebuttal from all relevant parties. Members of the Student Government Association must be notified of the hearing at least 48 hours before. The hearing must be open to all constituents of the Student Government Association. c. All relevant documents must be made available and easily accessible to all members of the Student Government Association for the entire period of the investigation. i. Relevant documents include, but are not limited to: minutes, testimonies, evidence, rebuttals, and statements. d. An impeachment investigation must conduct interviews with all parties deemed relevant. e. To impeach, malicious neglect of duties must be proven. a. If the impeached party is a member of the Judicial Panel, Club Resources shall report their findings and recommendation to the Senate. The Senate shall make a vote to remove the member of Judicial Panel, requiring a ¾ majority. b. The Judicial Panel shall decide whether the impeached party is removed from their position or as a Senator At Large. a. When a motion is made to overturn a Judicial Panel Impeachment decision, a caucus is immediately opened. i. The impeached party shall have the opportunity to rebut their removal. ii. Speakers may speak in favor of or against the decision. iii. A simple majority must vote to close the caucus. iv. Once the caucus is closed, the Senate must go straight to a closed vote to overturn the decision. v. If ¾ is not obtained, the motion fails and the impeachment stands.

MEMBERS: Impeachment proceedings may be brought against any senator, E-BOARD member, or appointed official of the Student Government Association for failure to fulfill their oath of office as administered.

A. Refer to Article III, Section One of the Judicial Panel Constitution for more details regarding impeachment proceedings. An impeachment action must be sent to the Club Resources Chair, Vice President, and Chief Justice. The action must follow the format of a Senatorial Action and the author(s) must have their name signed on the document.

B. If the action passes, it shall immediately be forwarded to the Judicial Panel for investigation.

C. Once the investigation is complete, the Judicial Panel shall issue their decision to the Senate.

D. The Senate may overturn the Judicial Panel decision with a ¾ majority vote.

E. Following an impeachment proceeding, regardless of outcome, e-board shall facilitate a meeting with the Student Government Association advisor and all parties to rectify the situation.

303.2 REMOVAL OF ASSOCIATES: The Vice President may remove any Associate at the request of their Committee Chair.

ARTICLE III.

Section One. The Judicial Panel shall hear any case referring to impeachment, reinstatement, or removal of any Student Government Association official as outlined in Section 303. The Judicial Panel shall have the power to investigate members for alleged violations and may carry out impeachment and removal from office proceedings as outlined in Section 303.

a. Senators may recommend members of the Student Government Association for impeachment via an email to the Chief Justice.

b. The party or parties in question shall be notified of the allegation prior to the investigation via an email from the Chief Justice.

c. The Judicial Panel shall then conduct an investigation to gather evidence of the alleged offenses.

d. The party or parties in question shall have an opportunity to deliver a rebuttal in a hearing.

e. Using the gathered evidence and statements provided, the Justices shall then vote on whether the party or parties in question shall be impeached.

f. The Judicial Panel shall then submit any opinions to Senate to relay their findings.

g. The party or parties in question shall be removed from office following presentation of the opinions of the Judicial Panel.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lincoln Anniballi

Makayla Egolf Leah Wrazin Chair of Appropriations Senator, Ethics and Conduct Chair Associate

Kayla Stadecker

Sydney Livingston Chair of Wellness and Campus Safety Senator