The following constitution was voted on and approved by the Bunker Hill Community
College (BHCC) Student Government Association (SGA), and was ratified by the
student body in a referendum in May 2021 . The constitution empowers the Student
Government Association to represent all members of the student body.

Preamble

In order to create a more effective and representative Student Government Association
(SGA) at Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC), we do hereby establish this
constitution. We, the students of Bunker Hill Community College, in order to create a
more effective and representative Student Association, do hereby establish this
constitution to provide for a Student Government, whose duty is to represent student
interests. Our goal is to establish a communication between the student body, the club
organizations, the college administration and the Board of Trustees (BOT).

ARTICLE I: Name and Purpose

Section 1.

This organization shall be known as the Bunker Hill Community College Student
Government Association (SGA).

Section 2.

The BHCC SGA is organized to affect self-government, promote open communication
and cooperation among students, faculty and administration, and the Board of Trustees.
The Student Government Association will work toward addressing all issues pertaining
to the quality of student life at the College.

Section 3.

The governing body of the BHCC Student Association shall be known as the Student
Government Association (SGA). The SGA shall be made up of a President, five Vice
Presidents, an Executive Secretary, Senator of the Chelsea Campus, Senator of the
H-Building, and five Senator-at-Large positions.

Section 4.

The purpose of this governing body will be:
A. To represent the Student Association in those issues and policies that directly
affect student life at BHCC.
B. To advise College committees on matters of student’s concerns through student’s
appointments and inputs.
C. To act as a liaison between the College administration and the student body.
D. To assist in planning activities and oversee the disbursement of funds to
recognized student clubs and organizations.
E. To advocate for the rights of students and to ensure their equal treatment, free
from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, maternity leave,
and national origin.

ARTICLE II: Membership in the Student Government Association

Section 1.

Any student who pays the required College fees and is registered for class at BHCC is a
member of the BHCC Student Association.

Section 2.

Any student currently enrolled at Bunker Hill Community College who seeks elective or
appointed office in the Student Government Association must have a 2.30 GPA at
BHCC and maintain enrollment status at BHCC, maintain good academic and behavior
standing while in office as defined by the BHCC Student Handbook.

Section 3.

The Student Government Association will consist of an Executive Board. The Executive
Board will consist of a President, 5 Vice Presidents, an Executive Secretary, Senator of
the Chelsea Campus, Senator of the H-Building and 5 Senator-at-Large positions, all of
which have equal voting authority and will at all times reflect the administrative structure
of Bunker Hill Community College. To maintain open communication and promote
collaboration, the Student Government Association will coordinate monthly Club
Presidents Meetings. The Club Presidents Meetings shall consist of representatives
appointed by every recognized club and the SGA President, Vice President of Finance
and Administration, and Vice President of Student Affairs from the Office of Student
Leadership and Engagement (Student Activities) at BHCC. The Club Presidents
Meeting will occur at a time and place specified by the SGA President and Student
Activities Office. All club/organization presidents are responsible for maintaining active
communication with the SGA to provide maximum exchange and dissemination of
information.

ARTICLE III: Officers

Section 1.

The officers of the Bunker Hill Community College Student Government Association
(SGA) shall be a President, 5 Vice Presidents (Vice President of Administration, Vice
President of Human Resources and Facilities, Vice President of Student Affairs, Vice
President of Academic Affairs, Vice President of Communications), an Executive
Secretary, a Senator representing the Chelsea Campus, a Senator representing the
H-Building and 5 Senator-at-Large positions.

Section 2.

There shall be 14 elected officials from SGA, 1 elected Student Trustee (non-voting,
ex-officio member) from the Board of Trustees, that acts as the Board of Trustees
Liaison, and 1 advisor.

A. The duties of the President are as follows:
1. Presides at all meetings of SGA at which they are present;
2. Partakes as a tiebreaker in the event of a tie;
3. Chairs the SGA Executive Board meetings;
4. Sets agendas of all SGA Executive Board meetings;
5. Appoints students representative onto College-wide committees as well as the
College Forum;
6. Meets with the President of Bunker Hill Community College one or more times a
semester;
7. Keeps the whole group in contact outside of SGA Executive Board meetings;
8. Maintains constant contact and support club/organization leaders;
9. Maintains constant contact and support to student support services;
10.Maintains monthly College Forums;
11. Maintains weekly office hours on Charlestown Campus;
12.Maintains weekly meetings with SGA advisor;
13.Attends all organized events hosted by SGA;
14.Attends monthly College-wide committee meetings;
15.Attends Student Advisory Council (SAC) meetings;
16.Represents the SGA, when required, at appropriate college functions on and off
campus;
17. Coordinates monthly Club Presidents Meetings and participates in the meetings;
18.Handles the SGA President email account and uses the email account for all
official affairs of SGA.

B. The duties of the Vice President of Administration and Finance are as follows:
1. Performs the duties of President in the event of their absence or illness and
assists in the preparation and conduct of general business under the direction of
the President;
2. Assists the SGA President with all administrative issues concerning the SGA;
3. Handles all financial obligations of the association (is de facto treasurer);
4. Provides monthly updated budget updates to the SGA;
5. Chairs the Student Budget Committee;
6. Attends all organized events hosted by SGA;
7. Attends monthly College-wide committee meetings;
8. Maintains weekly office hours on Charlestown Campus.
9. Attends monthly Club President’s Meetings.

C. The duties of the Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities are as
follows:
1. Keeps and maintains records of attendance of SGA officers at SGA meetings;
2. Declares vacancies in SGA Officers positions;
3. Chairs the Governance and Ethics Committee;
4. Coordinates elections, appointment processes and helps fill vacant positions;
5. Coordinates recruitment and training activities for the SGA;
6. Facilitates the successful transition from one SGA to the other;
7. Attends all organized events hosted by SGA;
8. Attends monthly College-wide committee meetings;
9. Maintains weekly office hours on Charlestown Campus.
D. The duties of the Vice President of Student Affairs are as follows:
1. Acts as liaison between all clubs and organizations and the SGA;
2. Acts as liaison to all issues pertaining to student life at the College;
3. Acts as liaison for all student concerns pertaining to facilities;
4. Chairs the Student Affairs Committee;
5. Facilitates monthly meetings with the Student Club Representative Council;
6. Attends all organized events hosted by SGA;
7. Attends monthly College-wide committee meetings;
8. Maintains weekly office hours on Charlestown Campus;
9. Attends monthly Club President’s Meetings.

E. The duties of the Vice President of Academic Affairs are as follows:
1. Acts as liaison to all issues pertaining to student academic involvement;
2. Acts as SGA liaison pertaining to issues of academic support services, and to
The Tutoring and Academic Support Center;
3. Chairs the Academic Affairs Committee;
4. Attends all organized events hosted by SGA;
5. Attends monthly College-wide committee meetings;
6. Maintains weekly office hours on Charlestown Campus.

F. The duties of the Vice President of Communications are as follows:
1. Handles all publicity and public relations activities for the SGA;
2. Handles all social media content for the SGA;
3. Liaison with student and College news/media organizations and offices;
4. Responsible for promoting and advertising all events, news and projects of the
SGA;
5. Handles all initial inquiries to the organization;
6. Chairs the Communications Committee;
7. Attends all organized events hosted by SGA;
8. Attends monthly College-wide committee meetings;
9. Maintains weekly office hours on Charlestown Campus.

G. The duties of the Senator of the Chelsea Campus are as follows:
1. Maintains contact with and serves as liaison between the SGA and the students
and staff at the Chelsea Campus;
2. Provides feedback to the SGA on issues related to student life at the Chelsea
Campus;
3. Attends all organized events hosted by SGA;
4. Attends monthly College-wide Committee meetings;
5. Attends all organized events hosted by the Chelsea Campus administration.
6. Maintains weekly office hours on Chelsea Campus.

G. The duties of the Vice President of Technology are as follows:
1. Ensures the smooth and efficient functioning of the SGA's technology and digital resources;
2. Maintains and manages SGA Slack, Sharepoint, and email, ensuring that these digital resources are up-to-date and used effectively by SGA members;
3. Manages the technology committee by serving as the Chairperson
4. Attends all organized events hosted by SGA;
5. Attends monthly College-wide committee meetings;
6. Maintains weekly office hours;
7. Attends monthly Club President’s Meetings.

H. The duties of the Executive Secretary are as follows:
1. Takes minutes of SGA meetings;
2. Works alongside with the President in creating the agenda/minutes;
3. Distributes meeting minutes to SGA Officers and Student Trustee prior to each
SGA meeting;
4. Distributes meeting minutes to administration and staff;
5. Coordinates sending legislation through the appropriate channels;
6. Acts as parliamentarian for the SGA;
7. Keeps and maintains lists of membership of committees;
8. Attends all organized events hosted by SGA;
9. Attends monthly College-wide committee meetings;
10.Maintains weekly office hours on Charlestown Campus.

I-L. The duties of the Senator-at-Large are as follows, but not limited to:
1. Assists other SGA Officers on planning and carrying out group projects;
2. Steps into any SGA Officer positions should there be any vacancies as appointed
by the SGA President;
3. Attends all organized events hosted by SGA;
4. Maintains monthly College-wide committee meetings;
5. Maintains weekly office hours on Charlestown Campus.

M. The duties of the Student Trustee are as follows:
1. Serves as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the SGA. Is a voting member of
the Bunker Hill Community College Board of Trustees, the policy making body of
the college. The Board of Trustees defines the relationship of the college to the
communities it serves.

Section 2.

The Dean of Students or their designee will serve as advisor to the SGA. The advisor
must be present at SGA meetings for votes to be considered valid.

ARTICLE IV: Student Government Committees and Councils

Section 1. SGA Committees & Types of Committees

All SGA committees shall have a chair and at least two other members. Meetings of
SGA committees will be presided over by their respective chair. The chair is also
responsible for setting the agenda for each committee meeting and giving a report of
the happenings of each committee meeting to the rest of the SGA at the regularly held
meetings of SGA. The chair will send the meeting reports to the Executive Secretary
who shall distribute these documents to the rest of the SGA. Along with the Executive
Secretary, each committee will keep and maintain a list of their current working projects.
Before a committee adds a project to their list, the project must be approved by the
SGA. The Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities will keep a list of the
membership of each committee. There shall be two types of SGA committees.

A. Standing Committees
Standing committees will be the permanent committees of the SGA. These committees
shall meet once a week during the academic year at a time determined by the
committee chair. The membership of these committees is outlined in Section 2 of this
article. The SGA President is encouraged to attend all standing committees and has
voting rights in each committee.

B. Ad-Hoc Committees
Ad-hoc committees will deal with issues and SGA initiatives during the academic year
that do not fit the jurisdiction of the standing committees or that need special attention
from the SGA. These committees will be created by motions passed with a majority of
the membership of SGA during a regular meeting. The creating motions must include
the following items: the mission of the committee, the meeting time and location, and
the membership of the committee including committee chair. All ad-hoc committees will
dissolve at the end of the academic year or by a motion passed by the SGA.

C. Removal of Members from Committees
Removal of members from standing and ad-hoc committees will require previous
discussion between the President of SGA and the chair of the committee. The member
to be removed will be then notified of their removal by the President of SGA or the chair
of the committee.

D. Addition of Members to Committees
New members to standing and ad-hoc committees may be nominated by the committee
chair which will be approved by the Governance and Ethics Committee. For new
members of the Governance and Ethics Committee the SGA President will nominate
new members, subject to the approval of the SGA as a whole.

Section 2. Standing Committees

A. Governance and Ethics Committee
This committee shall be responsible for matters related to the governance and ethics of
the SGA. Specifically this committee shall be responsible for the following: One,
amendments to this constitution. Two, approval of absences from the regularly held
meetings of the SGA. Three, management of ethical violations by any member of the
SGA. Four, organization of elections for the next SGA. Five, resolve vacancies in the
SGA membership. Six, facilitate the successful transition from one SGA to the other as
well as any other matters related to governance and ethics of the SGA. This committee
shall consist of the following members:
● The Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities as Chair
● The Executive Secretary
● The Vice President of Administration and Finance
● One SGA Senator-at-Large appointed by the SGA President

B. Budget Committee
This committee shall be responsible for matters related to the SGA budget and
approving spending requests from SGA members, SGA committees, and recognized
clubs and organizations. The committee can approve or deny budget requests under
$1500, anything more must be presented to the Executive Board at a regular meeting.
This committee shall consist of the following members:
● The Vice President of Administration and Finance as Chair
● The Vice President of Academic Affairs
● Two SGA Senators-at-Large appointed by the SGA President

C. Academic Affairs Committee
This committee shall be responsible for matters and programs related to college
academics, academic support services, relations with the BHCC administration, and
issues pertaining to BHCC facilities. This committee shall consist of the following
members:
● The Vice President of Academic Affairs as Chair
● The Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities
● Two SGA Senators-at-Large appointed by the SGA President

D. Student Life Committee
This committee shall be responsible for matters and programs related to student life and
student clubs and organizations. Specifically this committee shall be responsible for the
following: One, approval of applications for new student clubs and organizations before
vote to recognize the new organizations by SGA. Two, organization of events not
related to academics. Three, approval of SGA hosted events organized by student clubs
and organizations. Four, any other matter related to student life. This committee shall
consist of the following members:
● The Vice President of Student Affairs as Chair
● The Vice President of Communications
● Two SGA Senators-at-Large appointed by the SGA President

E. Communications and Social Media Committee
This committee shall be responsible for matters and programs related to
communications to the BHCC community at-large and management of SGA’s social
media. Specifically this committee shall be responsible for the following: One, the
communication to the BHCC community of events organized or hosted by the SGA.
Two, the management, maintenance, and moderation of all social media accounts of the
SGA. Three, the organization of public awareness campaigns by the SGA. Four, any
other matter related to social media and communications with the BHCC community
at-large. This committee shall consist of the following members:
● The Vice President of Communications
● The Vice President of Student Affairs
● Two SGA Senators-at-Large appointed by the SGA President

Section 3. Powers and Duties of Councils

The Council will provide a forum for all clubs to give updates, share ideas, network and
collaborate.

ARTICLE V: Elections

Section 1.

The Student Government Association will be elected in the spring prior to the academic
year of term or office.

Section 2. Eligibility to Run

Any students, except first semester freshmen, must have a minimum of a 2.30
cumulative GPA at the time of the election and maintain good academic standing
throughout the term. All officer positions are open to full or part-time students who meet
these criteria.

Section 3. Student Government Elections

Members of the Student Association who wish to serve on the Student Government
Association may submit nomination papers to the Student Activities Office in April.
Nomination papers will be accepted for a period of two weeks and must be submitted no
later than two weeks before the date of election. The Office will determine eligibility
according to Article 2. The Office will determine dates for the election, which must occur
no later than the second week of May. All members of the Student Association will be
eligible to vote. In the event of a tie, a run-off election will be held solely for those
members. The results of the elected positions will be announced by the Student
Activities the week after the election takes place.

Section 4. Student Trustee Elections

Members of the Student Association who wish to serve this position will follow the same
selection process as Student Government Elections.

Section 5.

The term of office shall be from June 1 to May 31.

Section 6. Yearly Mission Statement

By the third week of the academic year the SGA shall adopt a document that outlines
the goals and priorities of the SGA during the term. This document shall set methods
and timelines for each goal and establish the committee and the SGA members
responsible for implementing those priorities.

ARTICLE VI: Vacancies

Section 1.

If any position becomes available on the SGA any time after elections are held in the
spring, an email will be sent to notify the Student Association of the vacancy and the
materials required to apply for the open position. Interested and qualified candidates
should reply with the requested materials. The Governance and Ethics Committee shall
present the recommended applicants to the SGA Executive Board. A special election
will be held. Robert’s Rules of Order must be followed. The qualified candidate with the
majority of votes will serve as SGA member for the remainder of the term.

Section 2.

If an existing SGA member plans to run for a vacancy during a special election, they
must inform the president of their intent to run before the student body is notified of the
open position. The existing SGA member’s position will also be advertised as open in
the event that they are elected, there will be qualified candidates ready to be appointed
to the resulting vacancy.

ARTICLE VII: Student Government Association Meetings

Section 1. Regular Meetings

The SGA will meet weekly, whenever classes are in session. All SGA meetings are
open to all students and faculty. The meeting will be held on Thursdays at 1pm during
the free period in E175 or virtually. Meetings will be conducted according to Robert’s
Rules of Order. Meetings will follow the guidelines of the Massachusetts Open Meeting
Law, a copy of which shall be placed in the Student Activities Office. Meetings will be
held in a location that is handicap accessible.

Section 2. Special Meetings

If SGA needs to handle business outside of the regular meetings then SGA may pass a
motion to hold a Special Meeting. This motion must be passed with a majority of the
membership of SGA. Special Meetings shall not have the power to amend this
constitution.

Section 3. Agenda and Guests

A. A written agenda of matters to be considered at each regular meeting of SGA
shall be sent to each member, Student Trustee, and advisor at least one (1)
calendar day prior to the date fixed for said meeting. Items to be included in the
agenda for a regular meeting shall be submitted to the Executive Secretary in
writing by (a) the SGA President; (b) the Student Trustee; (c) Advisor (d) any
faculty and administration from BHCC.

B. The Bunker Hill Community College Student Government Association reserves a
place at the end of the agenda of its regular meetings for advisor’s updates and
public participation.

C. Individuals seeking to speak to the SGA should inform the SGA President and
advisor in writing, setting forth the purpose for which they seek to speak, at least
twenty-four (24) hours before the relevant meeting. The SGA President shall
determine whether said individuals shall be permitted to speak, and if so, for how
long they may speak on the designated topic.

Section 4. Quorum

A quorum of SGA members must be present for voting to be valid. A quorum will be
considered one more than half of the current SGA members (51%). The SGA President
will be counted as a member for the purpose of defining quorum, despite the fact that
the President does not vote, except to break a tie.

Section 5. Procedure

Robert’s Rules of Order shall be followed in conducting meetings of the Student
Government Association unless otherwise provided in this Constitution, or by SGA.

Section 6. Remote Participation

It is mandatory for SGA members, Student Trustee, advisor, and advisor’s designee to
attend all meetings. However, should they not be able to attend in person, they are
allowed to participate remotely. This request must be given at least twenty-four (24)
hours in advance to the SGA President and Executive Secretary. Voting members are
required to request permission and upon approval exercise their voting rights remotely.

Section 7. Attendance

All SGA Officers and Student Trustee must attend all regular meetings, special
meetings, organized events hosted by SGA, and other events required as said by the
SGA President. Should SGA Officers or Student Trustee be unable to attend, they must
contact the SGA President with reason(s) of why they cannot attend. No-show, or any
absence without reason, will be considered as an unexcused absence, unless known to
the SGA President.

ARTICLE VIII: Removal and Resignation from the Student Government Association

Section 1.

Officers of the SGA can be removed from office for the following:

A. Attendance: No more than three unexcused absences will be accepted each
semester except for extraordinary circumstances. Once three absences have
been reached, the SGA member will be terminated without vote. “Extraordinary
circumstances” will be defined by the SGA President with consultation of the
advisor and may include written documentation from a physician or other source.

B. Failure to uphold the responsibilities: The failure to uphold responsibilities of
their office, including but not limited to maintaining office hours, participating in
committees, acting beyond the scope of their responsibilities and/or without the
authorization of the SGA.

C. Poor conduct: Acting in a manner that violates the mission and purpose of the
SGA and BHCC, the expectations outlined in the SGA Commitment Contract, the
Student Code of Conduct in the Student Handbook, and the responsibilities
stated in the SGA Constitution.

D. Poor academic standing: Failure to maintain good academic standing, as well
as the minimum GPA and course load required to maintain office as said in the
Student Handbook.

E. Any member of the SGA may bring the issue of removing an officer by written
request to the Advisor to the SGA.

F. The Advisor will notify the SGA President of the request, and the item shall be
placed on the agenda for the next SGA meeting. The affected individual(s) will be
notified, and will have the opportunity to respond to the issues raised. The
affected individual(s) may not vote on said removal. A two-thirds majority vote of
the SGA is required to remove an officer under this article.

Section 2.

If a SGA officer decides to leave their position on SGA they must notify by sending a
letter of resignation to the Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities who will
notify the SGA at the next weekly meeting of SGA at which point the resigning officer’s
position will be declared vacant.

Section 3.

Should the SGA President be unable to uphold their duties during their term, the
concerns will be brought before the Governance and Ethics Committee where the
process of bringing the issue(s) and/or removal will follow the same process as
removing an officer.

ARTICLE X: Amendments

Section 1.

This constitution may be amended by a motion made by any SGA member during a
regularly held SGA meeting. The vote must pass with a majority of the SGA members
for the vote to be considered valid. If the vote is favorable, then a referendum item will
be put on a ballot and will be considered approved if a favorable vote of the Student
Association is achieved.

Section 2.

This constitution shall be revised by SGA members under the Governance and Ethics
Committee a maximum of 5 years after its last amendment. If the Governance and
Ethics Committee determines that the constitution does not need amendments, it shall
be reported to the SGA during a regular meeting.