SA Constitution
SA Constitution
PREAMBLE
ARTICLE I
NAME
ARTICLE II
THE ASSOCIATION
Section 1
The Declaration of the Student Association
a) The Association is an establishment of the Student Body of the
Adventist University of the Philippines in cognizance of and in
conformity to the principles that in the order of things underlie
its existence as a Student Body and in accordance with Student
Government provisions of the Philippines and the Adventist
University of the Philippines.
b) The Association is founded of and for the students.
c) The Association operates by principles of good governance
through multi party democracy, participatory governance,
honesty, transparency and accountability, separation and
devolution of powers, respect for student rights, fundamental
freedoms and the rule of law.
d) The Adventist University of the Philippines Student Body,
collectively, has no existence that is distinct or separate from
that of The Adventist University of the Philippines, in its Being as
an incorporated Religious Educational Institution. The Student
Body is an inseparable and integral part of the personality of the
University.
e) In organizing for collective undertaking, the Adventist University
of the Philippines student body, collectively, is the original and
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Section 2
Devolution
a) The executive power delegated by the Student Body is exercised
at all levels of the Association.
b) The Commissions, Parliamentary and Adhoc Committees
exercise powers delegated by the President, General Assembly
and the Student Body, through this constitution.
Section 3
Head office
The head office of the Student Association shall be at the University
Student Center.
Section 4
Language
a) The official language of communication in the Association is
English.
b) All official transactions and meetings shall be done in English.
c) All official documents shall be made available in English.
Section 5
Association symbols
The Association shall adopt official seals for:
a) The Student Association
b) The Executive
c) The General Assembly
d) The Constitutional Commissions (one for each).
ARTICLE III
PRINCIPLES, POLICIES, OBJECTIVES AND GOALS
Section 1
The Principles, Policies, Objectives, and Goals contained in this
article of the constitution shall apply to all Students, Association
officers, Advisers, Association organs and Private or Professional
student clubs; whenever any of them:
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Section 2
The Students Association Shall:
a) Promote Unity and harmony among the Student Body.
b) Foster School Spirit.
c) Promote accountability and transparency in leadership.
d) Acknowledge and exercise democracy.
e) Recognize the diversity of its members and promote and
protect their cultures.
f) Ensure clear student access to the issues and programs
of the University.
g) Protect and promote student rights and fundamental
freedoms and enhance the dignity of individuals and
groups.
h) Manage Association resources and funds fairly and
efficiently for the welfare of the Student body.
i) Provide a link between the Student body and the
University Administration, by ensuring that the voice of
the student body is heard by the Administration.
j) Conduct such other programs and activities and launch
projects as it may deem necessary and advisable.
ARTICLE IV
THE STUDENT BODY AND THE CONSTITUTION
Section 1
The Student Body
a) All Powers and authority of the Association shall ultimately be
vested on the Student Body and shall be exercised only in
accordance with this constitution.
b) The Student Body shall exercise its power directly or through the
democratically elected representatives.
c) Authority is delegated to the following Association branches
which shall perform their functions in accordance to this
constitution:
i) The General Assembly and its supplementary
committees.
ii) The Executive and its supplementary committees.
iii) The Constitutional Commissions.
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Section 2
The Constitution
a) This constitution is the law of the Student Association and binds
all Association organs at all levels and all the undergraduate
students Of the Adventist University of the Philippines; unless it
is substantially found to be in violation of the Student Handbook,
University Policies, Regulations and By-Laws and the Philippine
Law.
b) The validity and legality of this constitution is not subject to
challenge by anyone before any Branch, commission or
administrative committee of the Association except the General
Assembly; unless any part, or section, or article of this
constitution is in direct substantiated violation of; the University
Student Handbook, the University Policies and Practices,
Philippine Regional and National Acts and Laws that apply to
student governments.
c) A law or policy or practice in formulated at any level of the
Student Association that is not an official constitutional
amendment, however useful, that is inconsistent with this
constitution, is void to the extent of its inconsistency and any
action or omission in contravention of this constitution is invalid.
d) A person or a group of persons may bring an action to the
General Assembly and/or the SAO and/or the ADCOM, for a
declaration that any law is inconsistent with, or is in
contravention of this constitution.
e) If the General Assembly/SAO/ADCOM makes a declaration under
clause(c) of this section, it may also make any order necessary to
give effect to the declaration.
Section 3
Defense of the Constitution
a) Every student shall be obligated to respect and defend this
constitution.
b) Any attempt to establish a system of government other than that
expressed in this constitution is unlawful and void.
Section 4
The Law of the Association
The Law of the Student Association shall comprise this constitution and
each of the following:
a) The Amendments of the General Assembly immediately after the
effective date.
b) Provisions of the Philippine Magna Carta of Students.
c) The Regulations of the Student Handbook.
d) The Philippine Law, directly concerning students.
e) The Philippine Education Act.
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ARTICLE V
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
a) All students, enrolled during the current regular semester and
summer in the undergraduate level of the academic programs of
the college are members of the Students Association.
b) The Rights of members shall be as provided and granted in the
Philippine National Student Magna Carta, which shall be a
supplementary (accompanying) document of this Constitution.
c) All students shall pay a subscription fee set by the General
Assembly, every semester and summer. The adjustments of the
figure of this fee shall be made by the General Assembly from
time to time as need shall arise, in response to a Presidential
Proposal.
Section 2
Loss of Membership
A person will cease to be a member of the Association by, Ceasing to
be a registered student of the Adventist University of the Philippines
through:
a) Death
b) Expulsion
c) Upon transfer to another college
d) Permanent physical or Mental Handicap
ARTICLE VI
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Section 1.1
There shall be a General Assembly of the Student Association of the
Adventist University of the Philippines.
Section 1.2
All legislative powers and responsibilities herein shall be vested upon
the General Assembly.
Section 1.3
The General Assembly shall:
a) Promote unity and harmony among the student body.
b) Amend this constitution in accordance with the amendment
provisions of this constitution.
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Section 1.4
The first sitting of the General Assembly shall be presided over by an
Adviser of the Student Association. During this meeting, the Speaker,
Deputy-Speaker, Sergeant-at-arms and Clerk of the General Assembly
shall be elected by majority ballot vote.
Section 2
The General Assembly of the Student Association shall be a
composition of the following members:
a) The Speaker.
b) Sixteen Senators elected at large.
c) Representatives, determined as follows:
i) Representative(s) from each college; one (1)
representative for every two hundred (200) students of the
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Section 3.1
The General Assembly officials and their responsibilities.
Speaker
The Speaker must be elected by a majority secret ballot vote of the
General Assembly. A student, at the Silang Cavite Campus for at least
two consecutive semesters; not including summer, prior to election.
Must have, attained a GPA of 3.0, in all enrolled subjects cumulatively
preceding graduation. Have up to 30 units of academic requirement
remaining to qualify for graduation, With a unit load of between 15 and
24 per semester during his/her term of office. Shall be eligible for
election for only two terms of office.
The Speaker shall:
a) Preside over the General Assembly.
b) Receive and introduce Bills for debate.
c) Forward passed Bills to the President for approval.
d) Shall not be a voting member unless in the case of a tie.
e) Official signatory and spokesperson of the General Assembly.
Section 3.2
Deputy Speaker
The Deputy Speaker must be elected by a majority secret ballot vote of
the General Assembly. An elected senator or representative, A student
at the Silang Cavite Campus for at least two consecutive semesters;
not including summer, prior to election, Must have attained a GPA of
3.0 in all enrolled subjects cumulatively preceding graduation. . Have
up to 30 units of academic requirement remaining to qualify for
graduation, with a unit load of between 15 and 24 per semester during
his/her term of office, Shall be eligible for election for only two terms of
office.
The Deputy Speaker shall:
a) Perform all the duties of the Speaker in the case of his/her
absence and/or when the Speaker assumes the office of the
President.
b) Assist the Speaker in maintaining order in the House.
c) Assume the office of The Speaker as stipulated in Article V(3.1)
in the event of :
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Section 4
The General Assembly shall summon to its chambers any member of
the Executive to attend its proceedings. This official shall be obligated
to answer all questions and submit documents that bear relevance of
any nature to the Students Association, if so determined by at least
50% of the Members of the General Assembly.
Section 5
The General Assembly shall convene standing and adhoc house
committees as need arises and when necessary. 50% plus one (1) of
the members of the House shall form a quorum for convening house
committees.
Section 6
There shall be a code of regulations/procedure of the General
Assembly.
Section 7
There shall be a swearing-in ceremony of the Speaker, Deputy-
Speaker, Clerk, Sergeant-at-arms, Department Secretaries, and
Publications Editors-in-chief and other Association officers.
Section 8
A member of the General Assembly wishing to resign shall submit a
letter to that effect to the Speaker and the issue shall be made a
motion in the house, where confirmation shall be voted on and
subsequently signed by the Speaker.
ARTICLE VII
THE EXECUTIVE
Section 1.1
There shall be an Executive branch of the Adventist University of the
Philippines, Student Association.
Section 1.2
The Executive shall:
a) Uphold, defend and respect the Constitution as the supreme law
of the Students Association.
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Section 2
The Executive shall be a composition of:
a) The President
b) Vice-President
c) The Cabinet
1. Secretary of Records/ Cabinet
2. Secretary of Finance
3. Secretary of Constitutional affairs/Internal Affairs/SA
Spokesperson
4. Secretary of Religious Affairs
5. Secretary of Social Affairs
6. Secretary of Foreign Students Affairs(should be a foreigner)
7. Secretary of Publications/Press
8. Presidents of the Divisions.
Section 3.1
The President of the Student Association shall be: Elected at large by a
majority ballot vote of the student body, The Presidential candidate of
a registered party or as an Independent candidate, a student at the
Silang Cavite Campus for at least two consecutive semesters; not
including summer, prior to election. At least 18 years of age. Must
have attained a GPA of 3.0 in all enrolled subjects cumulatively,
preceding graduation. Have up to 30 units of academic requirement
remaining to qualify for graduation. Maintain a unit load of between 15
and 24 per semester during his /her term of office, Shall be eligible for
election for only one term of office.
Section 3.2
The President shall:
a) Be the Chief Executive Officer of the Student Association.
b) Be head of the Executive and Chairperson of the Cabinet.
c) An ex-officio member of the General Assembly.
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Section 4.1
The Vice-President of the Students Association shall be elected at large
by a majority ballot vote; hence the Vice-Presidential candidate of
his/her party or as an independent candidate, A student at the Silang
Cavite Campus for at least two consecutive semesters; not including
summer, prior to election. At least 18 years of age. Must have attained
a GPA of 3.0 in all enrolled subjects cumulatively, preceding
graduation. Have up to 30 units of academic requirement remaining to
qualify for graduation. Maintain a unit load of between 15 and 24 per
semester during his /her term of office, Shall be eligible to serve for
only one term of office.
Section 4.2
The Vice-President shall:
a) President’s Associate and general assistant.
b) Represent the President or the Students Association in meetings
upon being asked to do so by the President.
c) Assume the office of President as stipulated in Article V(3.2) in
the event of :
i) Resignation of the President
ii) Impeachment of the President
iii) Incapacitation of the President
iv) Death of the President.
Section 4.3
In the case of both the Offices of the President and Vice President
falling vacant at the same time, The Speaker of the General Assembly
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shall assume the office of the President for the rest of the term. A new
speaker should be elected within 14 days after the inauguration.
Section 5.1
Departments of the Student Association
There shall be departments of the Student Association:
Section 5.2
A Secretary of a Department of the Student Association shall be a
Presidential Nominee and Approved and Confirmed by the General
Assembly in accordance with the provisions of this constitution, a
student at the Silang Cavite Campus for at least two consecutive
semesters; not including summer, prior to appointment. At least 17
years of age. Must have attained a GPA of 2.75 in all enrolled subjects
cumulatively, preceding graduation. Have up to 30 units of academic
requirement remaining to qualify for graduation. Maintain a unit load of
between 15 and 24 per semester during his /her term of office.
Section 5.3
A Departmental Secretary shall:
a) Be the Administrative head of the Department.
b) Be a member of the cabinet.
c) Be the Presidential adviser and assistant on the affairs of his/her
specific department.
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ARTICLE VIII
THE STUDENT ASSOCIATION DIVISIONS
Section 1.1
There shall be Student Association Divisions.
Section 1.2
The organizational Divisions of the Student Association shall be by
colleges of the Adventist University of the Philippines, namely: The
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Division (CAST), The COLLEGE OF
BUSINESS Division (COB), The COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY Division (COD),
The COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Division (COE), The COLLEGE OF HEALTH
Division (COH), The COLLEGE OF NURSING Division (CON) and The
COLLEGE OF THEOLOGY Division (COT).
Section 1.3
The Divisions shall be extensions of the Student Association
administration in the respective colleges; hence they shall be part of
the Executive Branch of the Student Association.
Section 1.4
The Student Association Treasurer shall make provisions for the
allocation of funds for the Divisions in the over-all budget of the
Association.
Section 2.1
A Student Association Division shall be administered by an Executive
Council of Officers elected at large by secret ballot in a duly announced
meeting of the Students registered under the particular college of the
Adventist University of the Philippines.
Section 2.2
The Elections shall be conducted and supervised by representatives of
the Student Association Commission of Elections, a week after the
beginning of the summer session of each year. Election policies of this
constitution as reflected in article X and the code of elections
developed by the Commission in consultation with the administration
of each college shall be the guiding rule. In a case whereby, the criteria
for qualification of a college and the Commission of election conflicts,
the college criteria shall take precedence provided, it is applied
uniformly for all aspiring candidates.
Section 2.3
The Officials of the Division shall be:
a) President
b) Vice-President
c) Secretary
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d) Treasurer
Section 2.4
The President of a Division shall be a member of the Cabinet of the
Student Association Executive Branch.
Section 3
The General Assembly Representatives for every 200 students in a
Division shall not be members of the Executive Council. They shall be
nominated as provided in article X, Sec 5 of this constitution.
Section 4
Membership shall be determined by College registration. All students
registered under a college shall automatically be members of the
corresponding Division. In the Case of a double-major, the primary
course shall be considered.
Section 5
As a Division of the Executive Administration of the Student
Association, the Executive Council of the Division shall be vested with
the responsibilities of the Executive stated in article VII, Sec 1.2,
limited to the borders of the particular Division.
Section 6.1
The Executive Council shall hold regular meetings at least twice a
month throughout the Year of official duty.
Section 6.2
Special meetings may be held to decide on business of urgent nature.
Section 7.1
The President of a Student Association Division shall be elected at
large by a majority ballot vote of the student body of the Division, A
student at the Silang Cavite Campus for at least two consecutive
semesters; not including summer, prior to election. At least 18 years
of age. Must have attained a GPA of 2.75 in all enrolled subjects
cumulatively, preceding graduation. Have up to 30 units of academic
requirement remaining to qualify for graduation. Maintain a unit load of
between 15 and 24 per semester during his /her term of office, Shall be
eligible for election for only two terms of office.
Section 7.2
The President shall have the responsibilities of the Student Association
President reflected in article VII, Sec 3.2 of this constitution, limited to
the borders of the particular Division.
Section 8.1
The Vice President shall have the same qualification requirements of
the President as in section 7.1 of this article.
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Section 8.2
The Vice-President shall have the responsibilities of the Student
Association Vice-President in article VII, Sec 4.2 of this constitution,
limited to the borders of the particular Division.
Section 9.1
The Secretary shall be at least 17 years of age. Must have attained a
GPA of 2.75 in all enrolled subjects cumulatively, preceding graduation.
Have up to 30 units of academic requirement remaining to qualify for
graduation. Maintain a unit load of between 15 and 24 per semester
during his /her term of office.
Section 9.2
The Secretary shall have responsibilities as of the Records Secretary in
Article VII, sec 5.1.1 of this constitution, limited to the borders of the
particular Division.
Section 10.1
The Treasurer shall be at least 17 years of age. Must have attained a
GPA of 2.75 in all enrolled subjects cumulatively, preceding graduation.
Have up to 30 units of academic requirement remaining to qualify for
graduation. Maintain a unit load of between 15 and 24 per semester
during his /her term of office.
Section 10.2
The Treasurer shall have responsibilities as of the Finance Secretary in
Article VII, sec 5.1.2 of this constitution, limited to the borders of the
particular Division.
Section 11
Vacancies shall be filled according to the provisions in article VII for
officials and other Articles of this Constitution.
ATICLE IX
CONSTITUTIONAL COMISSIONS/COMMITTEES
Section 1
Commission of Elections
a) There shall be a permanent Commission of Elections, with
commissioners that are convened by the General Assembly.
b) The General Assembly Shall appoint a Chairperson, secretary,
treasurer and four commissioners. The commissioners shall only
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Section 2
Commission of Goodwill
a) There shall be a permanent Commission on Goodwill.
b) The President shall nominate a Chairperson, Secretary and five
commissioners and submit them to the General Assembly for
approval and confirmation. The commissioners shall only be
replaced when a vacany occurs for any reason or when a viable
need for replacement arises.
c) The Commission shall function under the office of the President.
d) The Functions of the Commission shall be to:
i) Promote and handle all matters relating to the
enhancement and protection
of student rights.
ii) Provide assistance to those students who may be
deprived of their rights.
iii) Monitoring the quality of student life here in the
University.
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Section 3
Commission of Constitutional Review
a) There shall be a temporary Commission of Constitutional Review
upon a majority vote of the General Assembly when need arises.
b) The President shall nominate a Chairperson, Secretary and five
Commissioners and then submit them to the General Assembly
for approval and confirmation.
c) The Commission shall function under the office of the President.
d) The Commission shall be dissolved by the General Assembly
immediately after the New constitution shall have been ratified.
e) The Functions of the Commission shall be to:
i) Conduct a research among the Student body concerning
constitutional needs and preferred constitutional systems
of administration.
ii) Review and revise the Constitution.
iii) Promote and lobby for the ratification of the new
constitution among the Students.
iv) Supervise and Assist in the ratification process.
v) Submit final ratified constitution to the General Assembly
as the report of their findings, alongside financial
expenditure.
Section 4
General Assembly Standing Committees
Standing and Adhoc (temporary) committees shall be formed by the
General Assembly when need arises to perform functions that shall be
defined by the General Assembly.
ARTICLE X
ELECTIONS
Section 1
Elections shall be held twice every school year:
a) There shall be a General Election whereby a President, Vice
President and eight senators shall be elected at large. The
Nomination of Representatives also be done during the same
election period.
b) There shall be a By-Election whereby succeeding eight senators
shall be elected.
Section 2
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Section 3
One month before the Election Day, the Commission of Elections shall
make a public proclamation of the major events and their dates and
hence declare the Election period officially open. The Commission of
Elections shall officially prepare and supervise the elections at all
times.
Section 4
Unless otherwise fixed by the Commission of Election, the election
period shall commence three weeks before the day of the election and
shall end three days after.
Section 5
Nomination of Representatives
a) The Nomination of Representatives shall be done by the
respective colleges, supplementary associations and
male/female divisions under the supervision of the Commission
of Elections.
b) This shall be held not earlier than one (1) week before and not
later than one day before the General Election.
c) There shall be one representative for every two hundred (200)
students of every college and an additional one (1) for the
remainder number of students.
d) The Commission of Elections shall send a Memo, on the first
Monday of February calling for Representative nomination
conventions of the concerned colleges, male/female divisions
and associations.
Section 6
Professional/Religious clubs Representation
The following clubs shall nominate one (1) representative each under
the supervision of the Commission of Elections:
a) Working Students Association
b) International Student Association
c) Campus Youth Ministry
Section 7
There shall be nominated, one representative each from the male
residence and female residence respectively.
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Section 8
The Nominated Representatives shall be approved and confirmed by
the Commission of Elections in strict adherence only to provisions for
qualification for nomination as a Representative of the General
Assembly by this Constitution.
Section 9
A free and open party system shall be allowed to evolve to the free
choice of the members of the Students Association.
Section 10
All candidates for Presidential, Vice-presidential, and Senatorial tickets
must satisfy the requirements for qualification to run for the respective
office as provided by this constitution.
Section 11
The Application period shall be as follows:
a) The Application for candidacy shall be submitted during the
period that shall be set by the Commission of Elections.
b) In the case whereby an aspirant submits the application before
or after the given period, the Commission of Election shall not
accept the application except if the Commission of Election made
a prior provisions for late/early applications which shall have
been approved by the General Assembly.
Section 12
All approved and certified candidates with their respective parties will
campaign throughout the campaign period allocated by the
Commission of Elections, before the Election Day.
Section 13
On Election Day
a) A specific time for the opening and closing of the election shall
be strictly observed. Petitions regarding the time allocated the
voting period shall only be entertained prior to the election.
b) Headquarters, Precincts and Canvassing area shall be as
designated as announced beforehand.
c) Distribution and collection of ballots are only to be managed by
the Commission of election and appointed deputies.
d) Voting shall be done by secret ballot, one student per ballot.
e) All ballot boxes shall be transported to the Canvassing area
immediately after the polling period.
f) There shall be a validation of votes.
g) The Commission of Election and deputies shall wear an official
I.D during the Election Day.
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Section 14
Election returns shall be canvassed by the Commission of Election at a
set date and time. The ballot boxes shall be stored securely when
necessary to avoid irregularities of any kind.
Section 15
The number of watchers for each party shall be included in the
provisions of the Election code.
Section 16
Election Results:
a) The results shall be made public officially not earlier than the
third day and not later than the tenth day after the election. An
unofficial announcement of the result shall be made available
soon after the canvassing is completed according to the
discretion of the Commission of Elections.
b) The Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates having the
highest number of votes shall be proclaimed elected, but in the
case whereby two or more shall have an equal and highest
number of votes, one of them shall forthwith be chosen by the
vote of a majority of all the members of the existing General
Assembly.
c) In the case of the Senators at-large, the top eight shall be
proclaimed elected but incase two or more shall have an equal
number of votes for the eighth slot, one of them shall forthwith
be chosen by the vote of all the members of the existing General
Assembly.
Section 17
There shall always be an appropriation from the Student Association
fund for the Election Process. This amount shall be released to the
Commission of Election, prior to the election period. After the election,
the Commission shall submit a financial and procedural report to the
General Assembly. A balance, if any shall be reverted to the general
fund of the Students Association.
ARTICLE XI
THE PUBLICATIONS
Section 1
The Student Association Publications shall publish the following
periodicals:
a) The University Voice, under it: the monthly newsletter, the bi-
monthly journal, and the annual literary folio.
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Section 2
The University Voice shall be published during regular semesters. Extra
issues may be published according to necessity. The Silang Memoirs
must be published every March of the year.
Section 3
a) There shall be an Editor-in-Chief of the University Voice and an
Editor-in-Chief of the Silang Memoirs.
b) The term of the University Voice Editor-in-Chief and the Editor-in-
Chief of the Silang Memoirs shall be for one academic school
year.
Section 4
a) Not later than two weeks before the close of each academic
school year, the Publications Committee of the University shall
hold a qualifying examination and interview for aspirants for the
Editorship of the publications.
b) The holding of the examinations shall be announced at least two
weeks prior to examination day. All aspirants shall submit their
names to the Publications Committee of the University.
c) The Editorship shall be open to all the members of the student
body.
d) An aspirant must have been a member of the publications for
one year.
e) An aspirant must be presently enrolled, and must have been a
student of the university for at least two academic school years.
An aspirant shall take examinations for the Editorship of both
publications whenever there exists any vacancy in both
positions, provided that no student shall hold two Editorships at
any given time.
f) The results of the examinations shall be released not later than
three days after it was given.
Section 5
The aspirants who shall have qualified according to the results of the
examinations shall be certified and recommended to the General
Assembly by the Publications Committee. The General Assembly shall
appoint one of the certified applicants to the office of Editor-in-Chief.
Section 6
No Student Association President or Vice-President, Senator or
Representative, Speaker or any other elected or appointed official shall
qualify or assume office of the Editor-in-Chief in the University Voice
and the Silang Memoirs.
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Section 7
In case where there are no aspirants for Editorship of the Publications,
the Publications Committee of the University, shall certify and
recommend an Editor-in-Chief to the General Assembly which shall
make the appointment. Upon appointment, he/she shall exercise all
the powers and rights vested upon the Editor-in-Chief by this
Constitution.
Section 8
The Editors-in-Chief shall have the authority and power to appoint the
members of their respective staff, subject to approval of the
Publications Committee of the University, who shall serve according to
the policies and guidelines of the respective publication.
Section 9
The members of the Editorial Board and staff of the University Voice
shall be the:
a) Editor-in-Chief
b) Managing Editors
c) Executive Editor
d) Photojournalist
e) Editorial Secretary
f) Layout Artist/Graphic Designer
g) Literary Editor
h) News Editor
i) Feature Editor
j) Editorial Assistants
k) News Writers
l) Assistant Photojournalist
m) Artists.
The Editor-in-Chief shall have the authority and power to append
and/or reduce the number of positions according to the need of the
publication.
Section 10
The members of the Editorial Board and staff of the Silang Memoirs:
a) Editor-in-Chief
b) Managing Editor
c) Executive Editor
d) Business Manager
e) Literary Editor
f) Feature Editor Photographer
g) Editorial Secretary
h) Literary Assistant
i) Graphic Designer/Layout Artist
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Section 11
There shall be three faculty advisers, namely:
a) The Editorial Adviser
b) The Financial Adviser
c) Technical Adviser,
for each publication who will be chosen by the Editor-in-Chief. They
shall supervise the work of the Editorial Staff.
Section 12
a) An editor-in-chief shall serve for only a one year term, and does
not qualify for re-appointment except in the case of absence of
or lack of editorial aspirants.
b) Staff members of the University Voice cannot occupy any
position in the Staff of the Silang Memoirs, and vice-versa.
Section 13
The Editors-in-Chief and their respective Editorial Board shall solely
have the right and power to decide on the content of the paper.
Provided, that it coincides with the philosophies and principles of the
Adventist faith, the Philippine Constitution, the Adventist University of
the Philippines Mission, Vision, and Philosophy; and the Student
Association Constitution.
Section 14
The Editors-in-Chief shall not hold any other office in the Student
Association, or any of its organs while they are in office.
Section 15
a) The Editors-in-Chief shall publish their financial statements by
the end of each semester, a copy of which shall be provided to
the General Assembly, the Publications Committee, and the
University Treasurer.
b) The books of accounts of publications must be kept intact and
audited by an Auditor appointed by the General Assembly.
c) The funds and property of the publications shall be audited every
semester, or at any when need shall arise provided a prior notice
of seven (7) working days is given to the concerned parties.
Section 16
In the case of a vacancy in the office of the Editor-in-Chief, it shall be
filled as provided in this Article. However, if the vacancy occurs within
the last one-third (1/3) of their term, the Publications Committee of the
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Section 17
The Editors-in-Chief shall be removed from office on the following
grounds:
a) Abuse of funds
b) Negligence of duty as evidenced by failure to publish on time
c) Willful violation of Acts, Resolutions, or Orders of the Student
Association according to the provisions of this constitution.
Section 18
The Editor-in-Chief shall be held responsible and liable for whatever
question that may arise in any publication of the Student Association
periodicals.
Section 19
The Budget of the publications shall be submitted to the Constituent
Assembly for approval and the same shall be included in the General
Appropriations of the Student Association.
Section 20
Policies evolving from practice in the course of publishing the
University Voice and the Silang Memoirs shall, before they can be
implemented, be approved by the General Assembly.
ARTICLE XII
FINANCES
Sections 1
Funds
The Student Association will obtain funds from:
a) Subscription from the students.
b) Donations from well wishers and donors.
c) Grants
d) Any other legitimate way to raise funds subject to the approval
of the General Assembly, the SAO and University Administration.
Section 2
Adjustment of Fee figure
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Sections 3
Use of Funds
a) Financing student projects and activities which are in keeping
with the objectives of the Association as provided for in this
Constitution and upon due approval of the General Assembly.
b) Acquisition of valuable and economically viable and necessary
assets for promoting the official functions of the Association, duly
approved by the General Assembly.
c) Producing the Student Association Publications and maintaining
the Department of Student Publications.
d) Maintaining the Executive and its functions.
e) Maintaining the Students Center.
f) Any other purpose that shall be approved by the General
Assembly for the realization of the objectives of the Association.
Sections 4
Administration of Funds
a) Student Association shall open and operate an account in any
stable bank or with the University Finance department. Its
resources shall be deposited under the name; Adventist
University of the Philippines Student Association. The President,
Finance Secretary and an Advisor shall be collective signatories
to the account.
b) The Silang Memoirs and University Voice shall operate sub
accounts individually within the Students Association account.
c) Only an act of the General Assembly can authorize the release of
funds to the Executive, Silang Memoirs and University Voice for
any purpose at all times.
d) Funds shall be released to the President and Executive, Silang
Memoirs and University Voice according to the current
Semester’s budget upon approval by the General Assembly.
e) The President, Finance Secretary and an Advisor shall be
signatories to the account and are hence directly answerable to
the General Assembly on the usage of funds.
f) The Secretary of Finance shall prepare a Balance Sheet every
Semester, which shall be presented to the General Assembly.
Members are entitled to seek clarification or substantiation on
the balance sheet. The Secretary is under obligation to answer
all questions to the satisfaction of the members of the Assembly.
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ARTICLE XIII
CODES OF PROCEDURE AND REGULATIONS
Section 1
There shall be codes of for the following Students Association
organs/process:
a) The General Assembly
b) The Cabinet & Department Committees
c) The Elections
The concerned organs shall at an appointed time before deliberating
any official business, make a code of procedure and regulations to
govern the running of official business during meetings.
Section 2
The Codes shall comprise the subjects where applicable and
necessary:
a) Members
b) Duties of the Presider/Chairperson
c) Duties of the Clerk
d) Duties/jurisdictions/limitations/creation of associated
committees.
e) Place and time of meetings
f) Rules/Regulations/laws for the organ
g) Sanctions/Disciplinary measures/Penalties.
h) Sessions
i) Roll call and quorum
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j) Order of business
k) Calendar
l) Appearance of persons
m) Measures/Resolutions/Messages/Memorials/Petitions
n) Decorum and debate
o) Voting
p) Motions and their precedence
q) Papers
Other subjects shall be added where applicable and necessary.
Section 3
The Codes shall be approved, ratified and adopted by a three
fourths(3/4) majority vote of its members. Further amendments shall
be made when need arises and shall be ratified by a two thirds(2/3)
majority vote of its members.
ARTICLE XIV
MEETINGS/QUORUMS
Section 1
General Assembly Meetings
a) Ordinary Sessions shall be held every Thursday, commencing at
18.00hrs.
b) Special sessions shall be held be held at times other than the
Ordinary Sessions as need shall arise.
Section 2
Cabinet Meetings
a) Ordinary meetings shall be held every Tuesday, commencing at
18.00hrs.
b) Special meetings shall be held at times other than the Ordinary
meetings as need shall arise.
Section 3
Resolution of Meetings
a) Resolutions of the meeting(s) of the General Assembly, the
Cabinet and organs in all levels of the association shall be carried
by a simple majority where voting shall be a show of hands,
provided that the chairperson/presider shall retain the right of
casting a vote in the event of a tie or a parity vote.
b) In the event of the Speaker and/or the President, neglecting or
refusing to call a meeting of the General Assembly and/or the
Cabinet respectively, if need arises, and a special meeting is filed
on a written request of at least one quarter of the members of
the organ of the Students Association, then the requesting
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Section 4
Quorums at meetings
a) Fifty percent(50%) plus one(1) of the members of the General
Assembly, Cabinet, Constitutional Commissions, Standing
Committees, Adhoc(temporary) committees and all other
supplementary organs of the students Association shall form a
quorum for their respective meetings.
b) A majority of the Student Body (electorate) shall form a quorum
for General Student Association meetings.
c) Provided that if a General Student Association meeting has been
rescheduled for want of quorum, the next scheduled meeting
shall proceed irrespective of the number of members in
attendance, and resolutions passed therein by a majority of
members in attendance, shall bind all members and be good and
valid for all purposes. In case of a meeting where major decisions
and changes have to be effected, a notice for the meeting shall
be at least twenty one (21) days before the intended meeting.
ARTICLE XV
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1
The Students Association shall adopt an official emblem which is truly
reflective of the ideals and aspirations of its members. The General
Assembly shall provide a law which defines the adoption of the
emblem. Such a law shall take effect only upon its ratification by the
members in a General referendum.
Section 2
All the officers of the Students Association and its supplementary
organs shall take a pledge to support and defend its constitution and
uphold the standards of the University.
Section 3
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Section 4
All the acts, resolutions, orders and petitions of the Students
Association shall bear the signatures of the President, the Executive
Secretary and an Advisor before they can be executed.
Section 5
The Vice-President for Student services shall in all manner be informed
of the activities of the Students Association. Any act, resolution, or
order of the Students Association, before it becomes binding, must first
be presented to the Student Affairs Committee. If they approve the
same, the chairperson shall sign it; otherwise he shall veto it and
explain such veto in a General Assembly session within five days after
such a veto has been declared. The Student Affairs office shall act on
every measure passed to it by the General Assembly within seven days
after the date of the receipt thereof; otherwise, it shall become binding
as if they had signed it.
Section 6
Any Student Association official, speaker, senator, representative,
member of any committee, editor-in-chief, member of the editorial
staff of the publications and any organ that has become one under the
mandate given in this constitution, who is under school censure for
violation of school rules and regulations or disregard of the principles,
under the type B and C infractions as described in Rule V, section 5 of
the Student Handbook of the Adventist University of the Philippines, or
who shall be in violation of Rules and Regulation of the Student
Association and having been substantially proven guilty of the
aforesaid violations, shall be removed automatically from the office.
Section 7
Any elected, nominated or appointed official or editor-in-chief may be
removed from office by impeachment on the grounds of:
a) Providing false information to qualify for election.
b) Embezzlement and misuse of funds.
c) Willful violation of acts, resolutions, or orders of this constitution
and the Students Association.
d) Gross negligence of duty, and betrayal of public trust.
The General Assembly has the sole authority to initiate, try and decide
all the cases of impeachment. Further, it shall formulate the rules to
carry out this provision.
Section 8
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Section 9
The Association Advisors shall be ex-officio members of the General
Assembly, Cabinet, Department Committees, Commissions and all
supplementary organs in all meetings as they shall deem necessary.
Section 10
Incase of disagreement between the General Assembly and any of the
Secretaries or the Commissions and other Association officials,
regarding their respective powers and duties, the question shall be
referred to the Student Association Advisors for determination,
provided, that an appeal may be made to the SAO and consequently,
the ADCOM, a ruling of which shall be final.
ARTICLE XVI
AMENDMENTS/ REVIEW
Section 1
All amendments to this Constitution, shall be proposed, discussed,
approved and ratified by the General Assembly upon a vote of three-
fourths(3/4) of its members.
Section 2
The General Assembly shall by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of all its
members, call and form a Constitutional Review Commission. Or by a
majority of all its members, submit to the student body the question of
calling and forming such a commission.
Section 3
The creation of the Constitutional Review Commission shall be done by
the General Assembly which shall elect the commissioners, then call
and form such a commission.
Section 4
The revision of this constitution shall only become valid and binding,
when ratified by a majority vote of the Student body cast in a
plebiscite which shall be held not earlier than twenty(20) days nor later
thirty(30) days after the approval of such amendments.
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ARTICLE XVII
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS
Signed:
Attested by: