This document outlines and compares the key governing documents of the Student Senate: the Constitution, By-Laws, Strategic Plan, and Budget. It notes that the Constitution contains fundamental principles, the By-Laws establish specific rules, and the Strategic Plan provides updated guidance. The document also identifies issues with the current Constitution and outlines plans to complete a new Constitution by the end of the academic year to address these concerns.

1. Student Senate
Governing
Documents

2. What are they?
 Constitution
 By-Laws
 Strategic Plan
 Budget

3. What’s the difference
Constitution
Contains the fundamental
principles which governs its
operation.
By-Laws
Establish the specific rules of
guidance by which the group
is to function.
Strategic Plan
Document written in 2012 to
provide updated guidance to
Student Senate. Acts as the
by-laws for the constitution.

4. You need to know: Constitution
 Current constitution last amended in early 00s
 Provides base for areas such as impeachment, officer roles, and role
of Student Senate
 Guide on how to update constitution

5. You need to know: Constitution (cont.)
 Impeachment: Provides guidelines on how to remove a Senator
 Elections: outlines Spring and Fall elections
 Discusses duties for officers

6. Issues with Current Constitution
 Old, outdated, and at times contradictory
 Committee structure no longer makes sense
 Doesn’t provide enough guidance in key areas
 Needs stronger focus on representational areas

7. A New Constitution!
 Goal to be completed by this academic year
 Addresses many of the concerns of previous constitution

8. By-Laws & Strategic Plan
 Strategic Plan is used as by-laws
 Provides for current committee structure
 Address issues such as attendance, office roles, etc.
 Merged Corresponding and Recording Secretary

9. Where can I find these?
 You can find these documents in the Blackboard Course under
“Governing Documents”