Staff Senate Bylaws

Staff Senate Bylaws

STAFF SENATE OF COLLEGE OF EASTERN IDAHO BYLAWS

ARTICLE I - NAME  

The name of this organization shall be: COLLEGE OF EASTERN IDAHO STAFF SENATE

ARTICLE II – MISSION 

The purpose of the Senate shall be:

Section 1: To recommend and promote policies, procedures, and activities which enhance CEI in pursuit of its mission;

Section 2: To promote an active role for the staff in College governance structures;

Section 3: To achieve representation in the process of establishing College operating procedures and policies;

Section 4: To represent the staff in policy matters pertaining to employees’ personal and professional welfare.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP 

Section 1: Membership in the Senate shall be open to all staff.

Section 2: Membership in this Senate shall be automatic to all staff. A person ceases to be a member of the Senate upon termination of employment.

Section 3: Membership shall not include deans, vice presidents, or the president.

ARTICLE IV – GOVERNING COUNCIL 

Section 1: COUNCIL COMPOSITION 
There shall be a governing council which shall consist of elected officers: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.

Section 2: ELECTIONS 
The President and Vice President shall be elected from among the members of the Senate during the fall in-service meeting of each year. 
The treasurer and secretary shall be elected from among the members of the Senate during the spring in-service.
No member of the Governing Council shall serve more than two consecutive terms in any capacity.

Section 3: DUTIES 
Subject to authority of the Council, the officers shall perform duties as described;
The President shall preside and mediate at all meetings of the Council as well as meetings of the whole Senate. The president shall jointly research concerns with the Vice President.
The Vice President shall maintain and update the Staff Senate bylaws with the support of the Governing Council and the Senate. If any concerns arise from the Senate regarding the by-laws outside of scheduled meetings, staff members will contact the Vice President.
The Treasurer shall work closely with the business office to track funds that are made available to the Staff Senate. The treasurer will advocate for funds as needed. He/she will also compile the agenda for regular staff meetings.
The Secretary shall record all concerns brought up in Senate meetings and Council Meetings. This includes tracking attendance and submitting room requests, posting minutes and other info in shared drive.
The Governing Council shall determine assignment of duties and responsibilities necessary for the operation of the council from its elected members. Duties and responsibilities of the council are:
A member of the Governing Council must be in attendance at all board of trustee meetings. The council member will summarize findings from these meetings to the Staff Senate Council. 

Section 4: REMOVAL OF GOVERNING COUNCIL MEMBERS 
Any Governing Council member not fulfilling his/her duties as outlined in this constitution to the satisfaction of the Council or voting membership of the Staff Senate may be subject to removal by a majority vote of the Senate. 

Section 5: OPEN COUNCIL SEATS 
In the event of a Governing Council office vacancy between elections, the President shall appoint a Senate member to fill the vacancy. If the President’s position is vacant between elections, the Vice President will fill the position of the President.

ARTICLE V – SENATE MEETINGS 

Section 1: REGULAR MEETINGS 
There shall be a Senate meeting held twice each semester: 1st meeting will be during regular college in-service and the 2nd meeting will be set time two months afterwards. Meeting time, location, and agenda will be communicated via e-mail before each meeting. Suggestions for additional agenda items should be submitted to the Treasurer in advance of regular meetings. Such meetings shall be held for the purpose of conveying information, determining Senate positions or policies relative to any issue, and conducting Senate election nominations and other business.

Section 2: SPECIAL MEETINGS 
Special meetings of the Senate may be called by the Governing Council. Senate members may communicate with a Council member to initiate a special session.

Section 3: VOTING 
At each regular or special meeting of the Senate, each member shall have one vote. All motions brought to a vote shall be decided by simple majority.

Section 4: RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 
A copy of the proceedings or a summary of meetings of the Senate shall be published by the Governing Council on the new shared drive, in a location that will be determined by the IT department.

Currently all meeting minutes are kept by the Staff Senate secretary.

ARTICLE VI – AMENDMENTS

The Constitution may be amended by majority vote of the Senate members.