51ÁÔÆæ

To officially recognize the Associated Students of 51ÁÔÆæ (AS51ÁÔÆæ) as the duly elected body representing the students of 51ÁÔÆæ, to provide for the creation of subordinate entities, and to define the relationship between AS51ÁÔÆæ and the administration of the College. 

Applies to all students and administrative employees of the College, as well as to all student-formed clubs and organizations seeking or holding recognition of the College. Nothing in this policy shall infringe upon the rights of the faculty, nor upon college administration, except in areas where either group interacts with AS51ÁÔÆæ or their associated entities.

AS51ÁÔÆæ: Associated Students of 51ÁÔÆæ. An elected body consisting of an executive branch, a senate, and any associated committees, boards, groups, and other entities created to execute the functions of governance. 

51ÁÔÆæ: Refers to the College as a whole, or any office, department, or group therein. May also be referred to as 51ÁÔÆæ or the College. 

Dean of Students: Refers to the 51ÁÔÆæ employee holding the title of Dean of Students and his or her designee. 

Election: The process by which the enrolled students of the College are allowed to vote for the members of the executive team, the senate, and any referenda which may be put to the student body for approval or rejection. 

Student body: All students enrolled in any degree, certificate, or training program with an expected duration of more than 60 calendar days and who are not solely enrolled in designated dual credit courses. 

Student club or organization: Any group of students who have met the criteria established by AS51ÁÔÆæ, have completed the required application process, and have been approved for recognition by the senate. 

Voters: The subset of the student body which meet the criteria established by AS51ÁÔÆæ for eligibility to vote in elections. 

Policy

The College recognizes AS51ÁÔÆæ as the duly elected representative government and the voice of the student body in decision-making process. AS51ÁÔÆæ shall conduct itself in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, as well as any established policies and procedures set forth by the College, though the Dean of Students or their designee. AS51ÁÔÆæ shall also be subject to the following guidelines.

Guidelines

Standards for Elected & Appointed Positions

All elected positions (including elected positions filled by appointment due to vacancy) within AS51ÁÔÆæ shall be subject to the following requirements: 

• Students must be enrolled for a minimum of six (6) credits in the fall and spring terms at the time of election or appointment and throughout their term of office unless an exception has been authorized by the Dean of Students.
• Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing. A student on academic probation may be granted a one-semester grace period, at the sole discretion of the Dean of Students. A student on disciplinary probation may not serve in an elected position.
• Students holding elected positions must always maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5. 

The elected officers of AS51ÁÔÆæ may make appointments, as necessary and appropriate, subject to reasonable limitations, as determined by the College. 

Recognition of Student Clubs & Organizations

AS51ÁÔÆæ shall be the sole recognition body for student clubs and organizations. It shall develop standards for the formation of, and a process for the recognition of, student clubs and organizations.

Elections

Elections must be held once each academic year, in the spring semester. AS51ÁÔÆæ may determine the method of holding election, provided that:

• Notice of elections is given at least 15 days prior to the first day of voting.
• All voters are provided with the option to vote remotely, though this does not preclude the use of in-person voting as an option.
• The period of voting is not less than 48 consecutive hours.
• Reasonable restrictions are put in place surrounding campaigning such that the opportunity to campaign is reasonably fair, open to all, and not disruptive of the daily business of the College. 

Funding

The College shall provide funds to AS51ÁÔÆæ for the purposes of maintaining general operations and providing for the support and engagement of the student body. These funds are subject to annual audit and may only be utilized in accordance with local, state, and federal laws, as well as 51ÁÔÆæ procurement policies.

AS51ÁÔÆæ shall establish procedures for the use and disbursement of funds, which will require, at a minimum, that established procurement policies are followed and that a signature for each expense be obtained by the AS51ÁÔÆæ president, or designee, and the designated advisor of AS51ÁÔÆæ. The signature of the head of Student Engagement, the Dean of Students, the Assistant Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services, the Provost, or the President may be required, depending on the nature and/or amount to be spent, in accordance with established procurement policies and procedures. 

AS51ÁÔÆæ may solicit additional funds through donations, fundraising activities, and funds provided by students directly through a student fee.  

AS51ÁÔÆæ is required to create and maintain an independent board, committee, or commission for the purpose of preparing an annual budget. This budget must be approved by the executive, ratified by the senate, and approved by the Dean of Students prior to the last day of final examinations of the spring semester, prior to the fiscal year beginning on July 1 of each year.