UCF Student Sustainability Advisory Committee Charter ARTICLE I Section 1. ARTICLE II
NAME The name of this Charter shall be the UCF Student Sustainability Advisory Committee (SSAC) and exist under the bylaws of the UCF Sustainability Initiatives Office. OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE
Section 1. Mission: The Student Sustainability Advisory Committee (SSAC) shall provide suggestions and feedback in the necessary collegial efforts to advance environmental stewardship, economic vitality and social justice. The committee shall serve as a connection to the student perspective in the values, educational material, policies, practices, and projects that strengthen the campus-wide commitment to sustainability. Section 2. Charge: To facilitate a shared avenue with the Sustainability Advisory Committee to provide recommendations in furthering the sustainable practices of UCF’s institutional culture. The committee will consider each initiative in discussion, including academics & engagement, buildings & land, energy, food & livability, transportation, waste, and water. Section 3.
Authority and Responsibilities:
Specifically, the Committee will:
1. Create suggestions and feedback regarding sustainability that will guide in achieving the goals of the President’s Climate Commitment. 2. Provide the Sustainability Advisory Committee with one report per semester that outlines the work of the committee and progress toward meeting goals. 3. Provide each Sustainability Working Advisory Team (SWAT) with at least one report per semester that outlines the suggestions, feedback, and goals related to the designated initiative. 4. Advise on the student perspective of resource prioritization for sustainability programs that support university goals. 5. Assist in promoting a student culture that incorporates environmental, economic, and social aspects of sustainability. 6. Review and recommend updates to university policies, procedures, and regulations with regard to sustainability to be forwarded to the Sustainability Advisory Committee for potential approval by the University Policy committee. 7. Advise on the integration of sustainability concepts in academics, research, operations, and community outreach. 8. Advise on coordination of campus efforts with community sustainability programs. 9. With respect to sustainability, understand the current state of affairs in our community and the impacts of our university on our community. 10. Assist in engaging the campus in an ongoing dialogue about sustainability and instilling a culture of forward-thinking through their respective constituencies.
ARTICLE III
ORGANIZATION
Section 1. Reporting Structure: The Student Sustainability Advisory Committee will report to the Sustainability Advisory Committee comprised of Faculty and Administration. The committee shall establish task forces or subcommittees on specific topics and/or projects in each sustainability initiative. Section 2.
Membership/Appointment:
The Student Sustainability Advisory Committee shall consist of no more than twelve voting members, chosen through an application process. All committee members shall be active UCF students and passionate about the advancement of campus and community sustainability. Committee members will be appointed to serve a one (1) year appointment and will require reappointment in order to serve consecutive terms. Members will be nominated by the current Chair. Section 3. Chair: The Chair shall be a current student appointed by the Office of Sustainability Initiatives and is responsible for presiding over and organizing committee meetings. The Chair is also responsible for collaboration and communication with the Sustainability Advisory Committee. Section 4. Subcommittees: Each subcommittee shall consist of no more than two members overall and shall choose an individual to lead the specific topic and/or project. Subcommittee members are permitted to assist with the efforts of other subcommittees, if approved. Subcommittees will consist of the six separate initiatives: buildings and land, energy, food and livability, transportation, waste, and water. The primary purpose of these subcommittees is to designate advisory efforts towards each initiative The Chair may appoint other subcommittees as needed. Section 5. Appointment Period: New members of the Committee shall serve during the period of September 1 - August 31. Section 6. Resignation and Removals: In the event a member of the Student Sustainability Advisory Committee is unable to complete their appointment term, he/she shall notify the Chair in writing. A member can be removed from the Committee by a ž vote of the SSAC. ARTICLE IV.
MEETINGS
Section 1. SSAC Formal Meetings: The Student Sustainability Advisory Committee shall convene once per month, amounting to twelve meetings annually. A quorum of any committee meeting shall consist of a majority of its members. To maintain current status, members are required to attend 50% of the scheduled meetings each year. One individual from each subcommittee must be present at each meeting. If a member is unable to attend a meeting, he/she must give the Chair 24-hour written notice. Section 2. Subcommittee Meetings: Subcommittees meet separately from formal general body SSAC meetings. Subcommittees may determine the dates, times, and places of their meetings. Section 3. Agenda and Minutes: The Chair shall be responsible for establishing the agendas for meetings. An agenda, together with supporting material, shall be distributed electronically to committee board members at least five days prior to a meeting. Minutes for all meetings shall be drafted by the Chair, and approved by board members electronically or at the following meeting. ARTICLE V.
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Continual Maintenance of Charter: This charter shall be reviewed and reassessed by the Student Sustainability Advisory Committee members at least annually, and any proposed changes must be reviewed and receive a majority vote by the board in order to be amended.
ARTICLE VI.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART