SGA - Turning the Corner in 2012!

[Alan Hester]

Hello Fellow SGA Members,

I hope you all had a Happy New Year and enjoyed your break!

We have some new processes on the horizon that we will be implementing
the spring session. As I mentioned to you all during a Senate meeting
in the fall session, I would be holding a series of protocols meetings
to unify our efforts and efficiency, reduce confusion, and streamline
processes. I have be working diligently with the Executive Officers
as well as other SGA members over the break and would like to report
the following updates that will go into effect immediately.

You are responsible to know the below information – Please be sure
that you read this thoroughly and are on board:

COMMUNICATIONS

1. Google Groups is being phased out effective immediately. Going
forward all communications will be made using OrgSync SGA.
2. Going forward, only send communications meant for all of SGA
through OrgSync.
3. Be sure that you are on OrgSync, have a profile set-up, with your
primary email address, and your account set-up to forward emails to
you immediately without having to log into OrgSync.
4. Questions regarding set-up, seek assistance in the SGA office from
any member or the Business Affairs Committee during open office hours.
5. Office hours will be posted on the SGA door to inform the student
body of our hours of operation. In addition to the hours posted,
senior level officers will need to post their expected spring office
availability and email address as well. Senior level officers
include, all Executives, Chief Justice, Speaker, and Senators.

SENATE MEETINGS

1. Going forward, Senate Meetings will be referred to as the General
Assembly. This name encompasses all members of SGA including the
Legislative Branch and guests.
2. Meeting times will be on the designated Friday to start at 12:00
Noon and end by 1:30 p.m. Meetings will now start promptly at 12:00N
and end at 1:30 p.m. if not before. Please account for this now as you
plan your spring semester schedules.
3. Be advised that the agenda format has been changed to accommodate
the above changes and ensure for a more efficient and effective
meeting.
4. All SGA members are still required to be present at the meetings
and on time. When role call starts and you are not present, it will
be counted against you as defined in our Constitution and Bylaws.

EXECUTIVE / JUDICIAL MEETINGS

1. The Executive Branch and Judicial Branch will set up a folder on
OrgSync to post the minutes of their meetings to keep you all updated
of the on-goings of the other governing branches and to ensure checks
and balances.
2. Executives and Judicial officers will report when they held their
last official meeting during the General Assembly and give a summary
report.

OFFICE HOURS / COMMITTEES / ATTENDENCE

1. All members of SGA are required to do their office hours during the
time classes are in session and as posted in the SGA office and on
OrgSync. See the schedule to look when there are exceptions (spring
break, short school weeks, finals, etc).
2. All SGA members must be on a committee and actively participating.
3. All SGA members must be on a shared governance committee and
actively participating.

CENSORSHIP / DISCIPLINARY ACTION

1. In order to maintain not only a productive SGA, but a fair
environment for all, disciplinary action will be strictly governed and
enforced by the Chief Justice.
2. The areas that are heavily being watched by the team in place will
be: Office hours, committee meeting attendance, assigned to a Shared
Governance Committee.
3. These areas should be taken seriously. Please live up to your
commitment to SGA this term and avoid disciplinary action.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION - RULES

1. Disciplinary action consists of the following: Censorship,
Suspension, and Impeachment.
2. Can be called upon at any time during the General Assembly, by any
member, without prior warning or notice.
3. Planned censorship should be listed under Special Orders on the
agenda.
4. Unscheduled censorship should be brought up during New Business at
the General Assembly meeting.
5. The Chief Justice can intervene to discuss the constitutionality of
any action on the floor.
6. Any member can appeal disciplinary action by sending a request, via
letter or email, to the Chief Justice.

I hope this reports gives you a good sense of the direction we are
moving. Please become very familiar to the above processes and use
this email as a source document and a guide. It will also be posted
on OrgSync.

As a reminder, this is the last communication to be used via Google
Groups. We look forward to staying connected with you on OrgSync.

Best regards,

Alan Hester
President | Professional Accounting Society
Chief Justice | Student Government Association
University of Houston-Downtown

pas.pr...@gmail.com
832.643.5406 (Mobile)
713.583.2393 (Fax)

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President - Houston CPA Society, Student Auxiliary