Bard College Student Government and Standing Committees
Every member of the student body is a voting member of the Bard College Student Government and is encouraged to suggest legislation, run for office, and vote. The Central Assembly of the Student Government holds regular and special-purpose forums, or meetings.
Student Government Committees
The Central Assembly of the Student Government serves as the executive branch of the student government. The Central Assembly shall compose of the following members: Speaker of the Student Body, Treasurer, Chair of the Fiscal Committee, Chair of the Peer Review Board, Chair of the Student Judiciary Board, Chair of the Student Life Committee, Chair of the Educational Policies Committee, and Chair of the Multicultural Diversity Committee. The Central Assembly sets the agenda for and presides over General Assemblies. It oversees the evaluation of proposed reforms to the Constitution of the Bard College Student Government and serves as a liaison between the student body and the College administration.
The Educational Policies Committee (EPC) keeps students informed of proposals being considered by the faculty and ensures that students have input regarding changes in the curriculum and other academic matters. The EPC also appoints students to serve in the process of faculty evaluation and hiring. The EPC chair attends faculty meetings (which are otherwise closed to students) and reports matters of interest to the Student Forums. The committee consists of a chair and two student representatives from each of the four academic divisions. The divisional representatives must have moderated and be in good academic standing. There are also two un-moderated students elected to the committee. Committee members are elected through online elections run by the Constitutional Court.
The Student Divisional Evaluators Committee consists of eight students (two moderated students in good standing from each division), who may be selected by the EPC or may be EPC members. The committee serves as a liaison for student input in the rehiring, promotion, and tenure of faculty members
The Fiscal Committee consists of seven students, all of whom are elected. This committee has the important task of allocating money from the Convocation Fund to student organizations. Organizations present their requests for funding during the first 10 days of each semester. A proposed budget for all organizations is brought to a General Assembly, where it is ratified, amended, or rejected. The Fiscal Committee also oversees the on-going allocation of the Stimulus Fund, which is additional funding that can be requested by student clubs throughout each semester.
The Student Life Committee (SLC) acts as a liaison between the Dean of Student Affairs Office, Safety and Security, Buildings and Grounds, Dining Services, and other campus services. The SLC handles all complaints and suggestions regarding student services.
The Multicultural Diversity Committee (MDC) consists of six elected members who advocate for diversity in the realms of academics, social, community, and community service, and works with the Bard Community to enhance and broaden diversity at the College. MDC serves as a liaison between student organizations, offices, departments, and the administration in the field of promoting and upholding campus diversity.
Student Conduct Boards:
There are two student conduct boards; the Peer Review Board (PRB) and the Student Judiciary Board (SJB). The Chair of the PRB and SJB are elected positions, while all other board members are selected through an application process. The PRB hears conduct cases where there has been a clear violation of campus policy. Cases are referred to the PRB by the Dean of Student Affairs Office. The SJB is compiled of student members and appointed faculty and staff members. This board hears more complex cases of reported campus policy violations. Cases may be referred to the SJB by the Dean of Student Affairs Office or initiated by a student complaint to the chair of the board. The SJB decides whether disciplinary action is appropriate and may impose sanctions, including disciplinary leaves, suspension or expulsion, which are implemented by the Dean of Students.
The Constitutional Court oversees all Student Government elections, addresses issues of constitutionality if they so arise, and oversees the impeachment and dismissal proceedings as outlined in the Student Constitution. The Constitutional Court consists of the Chair of the PRB, the Chair of the SJB, and seven student members, selected randomly from the student membership of the SJB and PRB.
Campus-wide Committees
The Campus Security Advisory Committee is composed of a minimum of six students, faculty, and staff who meet twice a year to discuss issues concerning campus safety. This committee is maintained by Bard College in accordance with New York State mandates. The committee reviews campus security policies and procedures and makes recommendations for their improvement. Issues may include educating personnel and the campus community about personal safety and crime prevention, reporting crimes and policy violations, supporting students during interventions, referring complaints to appropriate authorities, counseling students on their options, and responding to inquiries from concerned persons. The committee reports to the President or Vice President for Administration, in writing, on its findings and recommendations once per year, and makes the report available upon request.
The Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is composed of student athlete representatives from the 18 varsity programs sponsored by the College. The College’s faculty athletics representative, members of the coaching staff, and an athletics adviser are also members of the SAAC. Each member serves as a liaison between the committee and their team. Student athletes maintain their seat on the SAAC for the duration of their athletics eligibility. The SAAC seeks to enhance the student athlete’s experience by promoting opportunity, protecting the welfare of the student athletes and fostering a positive student athlete image to the campus and within the community. Bard College is dedicated to the athletic and academic achievement of all student athletes and adheres to all NCAA Division III legislation. The SAAC functions under the guidelines of the committee’s constitution.
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