2008 Woodie Awards
SGA revamps constitution
Student Government Association plans to add judicial branch, new executive officer
Kiel McLaughlin
News | 4/10/08
On Tuesday, the Student Government Association's constitutional review commission recommended the addition of a judicial branch of the SGA and the creation of a new executive position.
At the weekly SGA meeting in the University Union Chesapeake Room III, the commission unveiled a draft of a new constitution to govern the student group.
The SGA makes modifications to the constitution each spring that must be approved by the student body during the executive board elections.
The commission's draft this year has much more significant changes than those in recent years, SGA president Jenny Haley said.
"This is probably the biggest overhaul the constitution has received in a decade or more," she said.
The draft was reviewed and discussed by members of the senate on April 8 and amendments were noted.
The amended constitution will be approved at the next meeting on Tuesday, April 15.
Haley said the addition of a judicial branch is meant to secure SGA's ability to govern itself without need for outside influence from Towson administrators.
"If there is a big issue that faces the SGA or a controversial situation or ruling, this judicial branch will review what we do. It provides additional checks and balances to the organization," Haley said.
The student body would elect the judicial branch during general elections, according to Article III, section four of the 2008 constitution draft.
A chief justice would then be selected from among the justices elected.
Last spring, the SGA created a judicial review board headed by the attorney general that reviewed organizational legislation. Haley said by creating an entire judicial branch, the members will carry greater responsibility and have increased power.
The new constitution also outlines the responsibilities of a new position in the executive branch of the SGA, a chief of staff. This executive would be responsible for the "more menial, day-to-day tasks," of the SGA according to Haley.
At the weekly SGA meeting in the University Union Chesapeake Room III, the commission unveiled a draft of a new constitution to govern the student group.
The SGA makes modifications to the constitution each spring that must be approved by the student body during the executive board elections.
The commission's draft this year has much more significant changes than those in recent years, SGA president Jenny Haley said.
"This is probably the biggest overhaul the constitution has received in a decade or more," she said.
The draft was reviewed and discussed by members of the senate on April 8 and amendments were noted.
The amended constitution will be approved at the next meeting on Tuesday, April 15.
Haley said the addition of a judicial branch is meant to secure SGA's ability to govern itself without need for outside influence from Towson administrators.
"If there is a big issue that faces the SGA or a controversial situation or ruling, this judicial branch will review what we do. It provides additional checks and balances to the organization," Haley said.
The student body would elect the judicial branch during general elections, according to Article III, section four of the 2008 constitution draft.
A chief justice would then be selected from among the justices elected.
Last spring, the SGA created a judicial review board headed by the attorney general that reviewed organizational legislation. Haley said by creating an entire judicial branch, the members will carry greater responsibility and have increased power.
The new constitution also outlines the responsibilities of a new position in the executive branch of the SGA, a chief of staff. This executive would be responsible for the "more menial, day-to-day tasks," of the SGA according to Haley.
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