Student Senate

The Goose

Tired of the daily routine? Looking for something fun and meaningful while here in Valhalla, but you don't have the time? Look no further. The Goose, a completely student-run and uncensored newspaper provides ample opportunity to get away from anatomy and explore topics that interest YOU, not the professor. Started in 1994 with only two editors, we have expanded to a full- and part-time staff of more than 40 contributors. Some of the activities include investigative reporting, feature stories, creative writing, interviewing faculty and deans, restaurant, bar, and music reviews, photography, advertising, computer layout, and leadership roles. New activities become available as students create them! The Goose comes out weekly and we cover events here on campus, in the community (including NYC), and nationally. And we do not limit ourselves to just medical news. You can write about anything you desire. We are looking for something beyond the ordinary to prove to the world (or at least to ourselves) that we are not just one-track tunnel visionaries. Our paper is constantly changing as new students become involved every year. Almost everyone on campus and at our affiliated hospitals in NYC reads this paper. It is an excellent way to get to know the faculty members and deans, and for them to get to know you. You can't lose with The Goose, so join us in our quest to entertain and inform!

CONSTITUTION OF THE NEW YORK MEDICAL COLLEGE STUDENT ASSOCIATION

ARTICLE I

THE STUDENT ASSOCIATION

The membership in the Student Association will include all medical students of New York Medical College.

ARTICLE II

THE PURPOSES OF THE STUDENT ASSOCIATION

The primary purpose of the Student Association is to make the students of New York Medical college direct participants in the affairs of the college. By means of this involvement, the Student Association intends to help advance the best interests of the college, realizing that these interests necessarily include the interests of the generation of future physicians and scientists who are presently students. This participation will help advance the Student Association’s second purpose, which is to promote communication and cooperation between the students and the other members of the college community. The Student Association has as its third purpose the organization of an effective form of representative student government, so that the students can extend their participation in the affairs of the college from the level of deliberation and consultation to the level of action in a responsible orderly fashion.

ARTICLE III

THE STUDENT SENATE

The Senate will be the organization responsible for seeing that the interests of the members of the Student Association are represented in the college, and that the purposes of the Student Association as stated in Article II are faithfully carried out.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATION ON THE STUDENT SENATE

Section 1- MEMBERSHIP:

            The Senate will be composed of twenty-one (21) members.  Each class year will elect five (5) student representatives, as described in Article IV, Section 2.  The twenty-first member will be the Senate President, whose nomination and election are described in Article V, Section 2. 

            From the time of graduation of the fourth year class until the first Senate meeting after the election of the first year class, the Senate shall consist of sixteen (16) members, five (5) from each of the remaining classes and the Student Senate President.

Section 2- ELECTIONS:

Subsection A: Elections Committee:  The second year class senators shall form the elections committee of the Senate and will have the responsibility of supervising all Senate elections except during the election of their third year class senators, which will be supervised by the first year class senators.

Subsection B: Timing of Elections:  Elections for each class will be held within the following time periods:

            First Year Class:  Within six (6) weeks of the commencement of classes.

            Second, Third, and Fourth Year Classes:  Any time after the April Senate Meeting and one (1) week prior to the June Senate Meeting.

Subsection C: Method of Elections:  Elections may be conducted one of two ways:  Online via the DCDB or in-person by paper ballots.  In either case, arrangements shall be made for the candidates to present their case by delivering speeches of no more than three (3) minutes in length. 

            Online Elections:  The date and time of the speeches and election, as well as the procedures for election and nomination, shall be announced at least three (3) weeks prior by the elections committee.  Students shall present themselves as candidates for election by submitting their typed biographies and statements of interest as prescribed by the elections committee no later than 5 pm of the day prior to speeches.  Students who fail to meet this deadline shall not be made available on the online ballot, but will still have the opportunity to deliver speeches and be eligible for votes by write in.  Online voting (the voting period) shall begin with the commencement of speeches and remain open for a period of no greater than seventy-two (72) hours.  Each member of the class undergoing election may vote for up to five (5) candidates.  Any person attempting to submit more than five (5) votes will be considered to be in violation and all of their votes will be voided.

            Final results shall be sent to the Senate President no later than four (4) business hours after the close of the voting period.  Results are only valid if at least 51% of the class participates.  In the event that 51% of the class does not cast a vote, the voting period shall be extended as decided by the elections committee until at least 51% of the class participates.  The top five (5) vote-getters will serve as class senators.  The results shall be announced to the class within eight (8) business hours of the close of voting period by the elections committee.  The President shall keep a record of the results of the election for a period of no less than one year.

            In the event of a tie for the remaining positions, a run off election will be held for the remaining position(s).  Each student may cast as many votes as there are remaining positions (e.g. one position, one vote).  The run-off shall commence within twenty-four (24) hours of the close of voting period and last for a period of no greater than forty-eight (48 hours), or until at least 51% of the class participates.  The method of the run off will be determined by the elections committee based on the resources available to them.  Results of the run-off shall be sent to the Student Senate President no later than four (4) business hours after the close of the voting period.  Results shall be announced by the elections committee no later than eight (8) business hours after the close of the voting period.

            Paper Ballots:  The date and time of the speeches and election, as well as the procedures for election and nomination, shall be announced at least three (3) weeks prior by the elections committee.  Students wishing to be candidates for election must notify the elections committee no later than 5pm of the day prior to the election.  Students who fail to meet this deadline shall not be made available on the paper ballot, but will still have the opportunity to deliver speeches and be eligible for votes by write in.  Candidates will have the opportunity to deliver speeches of no greater than three (3) minutes.  Voting will take place at the time of the speeches.

            The elections committee shall produce printed ballots to be distributed by hand in a manner which ensures that students receive only one ballot.  Each member of the class undergoing election may vote for up to five (5) candidates.  Any student attempting to vote for more than five (5) candidates or attempting to vote more than once will be considered to be in violation and all of their votes will be voided.

            Completed ballots will be collected by the elections committee and tallied.  Top five (5) vote-getters will serve as class senators.  Results shall be made known to the Student Senate President within four (4) business hours of the completion of the election.  Results shall be announced by the elections committee no later than eight (8) business hours after the completion of the voting.  Results are only considered final if 51% of the class has participated.  Top five (5) vote-getters will serve as class senators.  A record of the results and actual ballots must be kept by the President of Student Senate for a period of no less than one year.

            In the event of a tie for the remaining positions, a run off election will be held for the remaining position(s).  Each student may cast as many votes as there are remaining positions (e.g. one position, one vote).  The run-off shall commence within twenty-four (24) hours of the close of voting period and last for period of no greater than forty-eight (48 hours), or until at least 51% of the class participates.  The method of the run off will be determined by the elections committee based on the resources available to them.  Results of the run-off shall be sent to the Student Senate President no later than four (4) business hours after the close of the voting period.  Results shall be announced by the elections committee no later than eight (8) business hours after the close of the voting period.

SECTION 3- TERMS of SENATORS:

            First year senator terms shall begin at the first Senate meeting after their election and conclude on May 31^st.  Second and third year senator terms shall begin on June 1^st and conclude on May 31^st of the following year.  Fourth year senator terms begin on June 1^st and conclude with graduation.

 ARTICLE V

OFFICERS OF THE STUDENT SENATE

Section 1-POSITIONS: The Senate will elect from among its members a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.

Section 2- ELECTION OF THE PRESIDENT: The President for the coming year will be elected at a Senate meeting in the spring of each year preceding the election of the new Senate. The outgoing President will supervise the election of a new President from among the members of the existing Senate. A procedure for submission of nominations must be announced to all Senators well in advance of the deadline, which must also be announced. Nominations will not be accepted beyond the deadline. All candidates must be given an opportunity to present their positions to their fellow Senators prior to the commencement of balloting. The election must be by secret printed ballots, which will be distributed, collected, and counted by the President, who may cast a ballot him/herself only in the event of a tie. The President-elect will complete his term of office as a regular Senator, assuming the powers and duties of the Presidency of a newly elected Senate on June first.

Section 3- ELECTION OF THE VICE PRESIDENT, SECRETARY, AND TREASURER: The first meeting of the new senate year (June first to May 31st), the President will announce the opening of nominations for the offices of Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. All candidates must be given an opportunity to present their positions to their fellow Senators prior to the commencement of balloting. The election must be by secret printed ballots, which will be distributed, collected and counted by the President, who may cast a ballot him/herself only in the event of a tie.

Section 4- DUTIES:

Subsection A- The President will be responsible for upholding the Constitution and for implementing its directives. In addition, he/she will be responsible for reviewing all Senate decisions on a periodic basis with regard to their applicability to the Constitution. On the basis of this review, he will be responsible for initiating Senate discussion on possible amendments to the Constitution every three (3) months. The President will be responsible for formulating an agenda for each meeting which brings up for discussion the pressing issues of the time. These issues may be presented in terms of policy statements when appropriate. The President will be responsible for holding periodic meetings with the Deans of the College, at which he/she will inform the Deans of issues of concern to students. The President will preside over all meetings of the Senate, but he/she will vote only in the case of a tie. In general, the President will represent the Senate in all matters unless Senate representation is otherwise established.

Subsection B - The Vice President will be responsible for presiding over meetings of the Senate when the President cannot be present. When presiding, he may vote only in the case of a tie. The Vice President will be responsible for overseeing all student committees and for giving the assembled Senate detailed reports of these committee meetings. The Vice President will be responsible for compiling year end reports of these student committees.

Subsection C - The Secretary will be responsible for assigning the minutes at every Senate meeting, and for distributing summaries of these minutes to the Senators. The Secretary will also be responsible for informing the students of Senate proceedings by means of the various college and Senate publications. In general, the Secretary will be responsible for keeping communication open between the Senate and students.

Subsection D - The Treasurer will be responsible for the Senate Treasury and the records thereof. He will be responsible for disbursing all funds allocated by the Senate according to the provisions in Article VII, Section 2, and he/she will also be responsible for arranging the reimbursement of the Senate Treasury from the Student Activities Fund of the college. The Treasurer will be responsible for reporting regularly to the Senate on the state of the Treasury, for advising the Senate in financial matters, and for periodically reviewing Senate expenditures with the President. In general, the Treasurer will be responsible for making sure that the funds of the Student Association are allocated as specified in the Constitution.

ARTICLE VI

COMMITTEES OF THE STUDENT SENATE

Section 1 - ACCOUNTABILITY: All committees to which a student of New York Medical College belongs will report to and be regulated by the Vice President. No committee will receive any appropriation from the Senate Treasury for any purpose whatsoever unless it fulfills the conditions specified in the Constitution.

Section 2 - MEMBERSHIP:

Subsection A - ELIGIBILITY: Any member of the Student Association will be eligible for membership on committees of the Senate.

Subsection B - SELECTION: On an annual basis, the President of the Senate will announce that positions on committees of the Senate are open for new applicants. The date of the Senate meeting at which applicants may appear to express their interest in membership will be publicly announced. An open discussion and presentation of views will be held at this meeting of the Senate. The Senate may choose to hold additional meetings of this nature if it feels the Student Association would be better served by doing so. All such additional meetings must be publicly announced. When the last applicant has been interviewed, the Senate will select those students it feels will best occupy the available positions.

Subsection C - DUTIES: The functions of the committees and the responsibilities of the positions thereon will be defined by the Senate. The members of a Senate committee, by virtue of their appointed positions as representatives of the Student Association, are responsible collectively and individually to the Student Association. Each committee is responsible for submitting a year end review to the Vice President of the Student Senate.

ARTICLE VII

THE TREASURY OF THE STUDENT SENATE

Section 1- REVENUES: The Student Association will be supplied each year with monies obtained from the Student Activities Fund of the college. These monies will be designated the Senate Treasury and will be disbursed in accordance with the requirements outlined in Section 2.

Section 2 - APPROPRIATIONS: The Senate Treasury will be used to fund school approved club activities in which NYMC students participate. Clubs events are not restricted to the NYMC campus but club funds may not subsidize costs for any individual non-NYMC participants in the form of entry fee, transportation, supplies, meals, apparel or items reimbursed.

Exceptions:

1) Clubs may purchase supplies for community service events in which non- NYMC affiliated people participate.

2) Co sponsored programs by NYMC and non-NYMC institutions may be funded as determined by the Senate.

3) Funds may be used for an honorarium for a guest lecturer (50$ maximum or as determined by the senate).

In order to be eligible for funding, each club must be in compliance with the following:

1) it must have as its purpose an activity wide enough in scope to potentially benefit all members of the Student Association;

2) it must be publicly announced to all members of the Student Association;

3) it must be open to participation by all members of the Student Association, regardless of economic position, sex, race, national origin, religious belief, or political ideology;

4) it must be confined in scope to the college and the community it serves; exceptions to this requirement can be made only by a majority vote of the Student Association;

5) the individuals conducting the activity must submit in advance a detailed budget outlining the expenses involved.

6) the individuals conducting the activity must assume responsibility for submitting a full, itemized account of monies received and spent, accompanied by receipts to the Senate upon demand, and a full refund of unspent monies in a timely fashion

7) the Senate maintains the right to access all monies allocated by the Senate.

Any inquiries regarding the above policies can be directed to the Student Senate Treasurer.

ARTICLE VIII

MEETINGS OF THE STUDENT SENATE

Section 1 - FREQUENCY: Meetings must be held on a regular schedule, at least one meeting per month while the college is in session.

Section 2 - RULES OF ORDER: At one of the first meetings of the newly elected Senate, the President will propose a printed set of rules of order to be followed for the coming year. Amendments may be proposed at this time. These rules of order will become official upon majority vote of the Senate. Amendments may be made as the year progresses; majority approval of the Senate will make such amendments official.

Section 3 - QUORUM: At any Senate meeting, a quorum requires the presence of a simple majority of the elected members. Attendance will be noted in the minutes of each meeting. Persistent absence by a Senator constitutes misconduct.

Section 4 - VOTING:

Subsection A - The passage of any Senate resolution, unless otherwise specified in the constitution, requires a simple majority of the quorum.

Subsection B – Each member of the student senate will have one vote, expect the President, who may vote only to break a tie.

Subsection C - Proxy voting is not allowed.

ARTICLE IX

RESIGNATION OR MISCONDUCT BY STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES AND PROCEDURE FOR REPLACEMENT

Section 1 - DEFINITION OF MISCONDUCT: Misconduct in a Senator, Senate officer, or Senate committee member will be defined as persistent negligence in the performance of his/her Constitutionally or Senate-assigned duties.

Section 2 - PROCEDURE FOR INVESTIGATION AND DETERMINATION OF MISCONDUCT

Subsection A - PRESENTATION OF CHARGES: Any individual who has cause to believe that a Senator, Senate officer, or Senate committee member has been guilty of misconduct in his elected or appointed position must present his charges against the accused person to the President of the Senate. If the President him/herself is the object of charges, the charges should be presented to the Vice President.

Subsection B - INVESTIGATION: The Senate officer to whom the charges are presented (The President or the Vice President) must appoint a committee of Senators (none of whom can be the accused person) to investigate the charges, collect evidence, and present recommendation before the Senate. The Senate officer to whom the charges are presented must also notify the accused person that a committee has been formed to investigate the charges against him/her. If the accused person should choose to resign before the charges against him/her are fully investigated, the investigation will be terminated.

Subsection C - RESOLUTION: The recommendations of the investigating committee will be debated by the Senate, and may be amended. Any final resolution must be ratified by a 3/4 vote of the Senate. The accused person may not vote on any resolution regarding his own alleged misconduct; if the President is accused, the Vice President must preside over all deliberations regarding the President’s alleged misconduct.

Subsection D - PLEBISCITE: If the final Senate resolution is unacceptable to either the person making the charges or the person accused of misconduct, that person will have recourse to a direct plebiscite of the accused person’s class (if the accused person is a Senator or a Senate committee member) or the entire Student Association (if the accused person is a senate officer). The Senate resolution may be overruled by a petition signed by 2/3 of the members of the accused person’s class (if he/she is a Senator or a Senate committee member) or by 2/3 of the Student Association members (if he/she is a Senate officer).

Section 3 - PROCEDURES FOR REPLACEMENT: If a Senator, Senate officer, or Senate committee member resigns or if the Senate resolved to dismiss this person from his/her position for reasons of misconduct or if a plebiscite of this person’s or of the entire Student Association demands his/her dismissal, the following procedures must be followed.

Subsection A - SENATORS: The election committee of the Senate will take immediate steps to hold an election for the vacant Senate seat. The procedure followed will be that outlined in Article IV, Section 2. A dismissed Senator will be eligible for re-election.

Subsection B - SENATE OFFICERS: the Senate will take immediate steps to elect a replacement.

1) Replacing the President: The Vice President will supervise the election of the new President from among the members of the Senate. The former President, no longer a member of the Senate, may not be present. The Vice President may be nominated for the office of President, but if he is, a President Pro Tempore must be elected by the Senate from among those Senators who are not candidates for President to supervise the election of the new President. The procedure followed will be that outlined in Article V, Section 2.

2) Filling the Senate Seat Vacated by the Newly Elected President: The new President can no longer serve as a Senator from his own class; his first duty as new President will be to assume the chair of the election committee and organize an election to fill the Senate seat he has just vacated. The procedure followed will be that outlined in Article IV, Section 2.

3) Replacing the Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer: The President will supervise the election of a new Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer from among the members of the Senate. The former Senate officer may not run for election to the office he has just vacated, but he may vote, since he is still a Senator. The procedure followed will be that outlined in Article V, Section 3.

Subsection C - SENATE COMMITTEE MEMBERS: The Senate will take immediate steps to select a replacement. the selection procedure will be that outlined in Article VI, Section 2, Subsection B. The dismissed Senate committee member will not be eligible for reappointment to the same Senate committee.

ARTICLE X

RATIFICATION AND AMENDMENT

Section 1 - RATIFICATION: The Constitution will be ratified if it is approved on 2/3 of the ballots cast by the Student Association membership. Upon ratification, it must be signed by the President of the Student Senate, and by each succeeding President in his/her turn.

Section 2 - AMENDMENT: Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed by and member of the Student Association. The Senate will consider all such proposals, and if the Senate approves the amendment by a majority vote, the proposed amendment will be submitted to the Student Association membership for approval. The proposed amendment will be ratified if it is approved on 2/3 of the ballots cast by the Student Association membership. Upon ratification, it must be signed by the President of the Student Senate, and the resulting document, as amended, becomes the official Constitution of the Student Association.