The Constitution of the Diplomatic Congress

Preamble

We, the students of Franklin & Marshall College, enterprising to strengthen our participation in the shared governance of the college, observing the necessity of a stronger, more unified government, seeking to more effectively empower students with the tools they need for success, and ever striving to enhance all facets of the student experience, do establish this Constitution for the Diplomatic Congress of Franklin & Marshall College.

Article 1: The Government

Section 1: Name

The name of the student government of Franklin & Marshall College shall be the Diplomatic Congress, hereafter referred to as "Congress" for short.

Section 2: Mission and Purpose

As the central student government of Franklin & Marshall College, the Diplomatic Congress unites student leaders from all facets of the community with the common purpose of promoting a diverse and engaging campus culture and improving all aspects of the student experience. To this end, Congress is tasked with the following: coordinating student participation in the shared governance of the college, overseeing the activities of—and facilitating collaboration between—various student governing bodies, primary funding for, and oversight of, campus-wide events and student activities, and advocacy on behalf of the student body on all critical matters facing the college.

Section 3: Composition

Congress is a collection of various assemblies each tailored to achieve an element of Congress's mission. Each assembly has a unique membership of student leaders from various organizations across campus. The Congress is led by an Executive Board of a popularly elected President and Vice President and three appointed additional officers described herein, and a General Assembly composed of Senators and Representatives.

Section 4: Enumerated Powers of The Congress

1. The Congress shall serve as the official forum for the student opinion and shall be the representative thereof.
2. The Congress shall coordinate and supervise student participation in the shared governance of Franklin & Marshall College, including membership of Student, Faculty, and Trustee committees.
3. The Congress shall make all laws, proclamations, and statements, which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers enumerated in this Constitution, and shall deliberate on proposals brought to it by all members of the community.
4. The Congress shall manage the allocation of funds derived from the student activity fee, the primary source of funding for institutional student organizations and campus-wide programming, and ensure its equitable disbursement based on the demonstrated demand of the student body.
5. The Congress shall have the power to compel any officer or employee of Franklin & Marshall College to appear before the Congress for the purpose of receiving their testimony. Such requests must be issued by a formal vote of the Congress.

Article 2: The Executive Board

Section 1: Composition and Purpose

The Executive Board shall be composed of five Congressional Officers, a popularly elected President and Vice President and an appointed Treasurer, Parliamentarian and Communications Director, hereafter referred to as the Officers, who shall serve terms of one academic year. The Executive Board can appoint one additional member each year to a non-permanent position of their creation. Each created position is up for review by the General Assembly at the end of each academic year. An affirmative unanimous vote can secure that position into the constitution.

Section 2: Requirements

All Executive Board Officers will meet the following requirements:

1. Be a rising sophomore, junior or senior who is a full-time student at the College
2. Be in good standing with the College, with no pending judicial cases, holds, or probations
3. Possess strong leadership and teambuilding skills
4. Represent their peers to the best of their ability
5. Not hold any concurrent positions on the General Assembly

The President and Vice President shall be popularly elected.

The Treasurer, Parliamentarian, and Communications Director shall be appointed by the incoming President and Vice President and approved by the General Assembly.

Section 3: Responsibilities

The Officers shall be collectively responsible for ensuring the proper function of the Congress, and the enforcement of this Constitution. They shall convene regularly to plan for Congress, and shall liaise with college administration, faculty and professional staff in regular meetings. This includes but is not limited to: weekly meetings with the Congress advisor, biweekly meetings with the Dean of Students or representative from the Office of Student Affairs officer, monthly meetings with the President of the College, and semesterly meetings with the senior staff of the College assembled.

In addition each Officer shall have particular duties:

The President of Congress and the Student Body shall:

1. Be a rising junior or senior who is a full-time student at the College
2. Be in good standing with the College, with no pending judicial cases, holds, or probations
3. Represent the Congress and student body to the broader college, faculty, administration, trustees, and the local community
4. Determine the semesterly goals of the Congress, and produce a report of the accomplishments of the Congress at the end of the Spring Term
5. Liaise directly with college administration, faculty, trustees, and professional staff on behalf of students
6. Sit on the Budget Priorities Committee
7. Call and preside over meetings of the Congress
8. Oversee the proper function of the Congress as a whole and of the Executive Board
9. Be the tie-breaking vote in the instance of a split ballot

The Vice President of Congress and the Student Body shall:

1. Assume the role of President should the President be unable to discharge the duties of the office
2. Oversee the appointment of students to committees of the Trustees and Faculty
3. Oversee the committees of the Congress and regularly check in with all committee chairs
4. Work generally on all matters concerning the Congress, including but not limited to programming and planning external meetings
5. Sit on the Trustee Committee on Student Life
6. Be a voting member of the Congress

The Treasurer of Congress shall:

1. Maintain a budget of expenses and oversee all matters of Congress finance including allocation and distribution of the budget
2. Provide The Congress with an overview of the budget at each General Assembly meeting
3. Formulate, direct, execute, and publish the student budget
4. Order an audit of any student organization receiving money from the Congress
5. Maintain records of every transaction involving the Student Activities Fee Account
6. Annually review established appropriations by-laws and guidelines and to recommend necessary changes or amendments to the Congress for approval
7. Serve as the Assistant Chair of Club Council
8. Be a voting Member of the Congress and Club Council

The Communications Director shall:

1. Keep and disseminate meeting minutes, congressional reports, and other relevant materials to the General Assembly, Congress, and College community
2. Effectuate all outward facing communication campaigns, including but not limited to, posters, mass email communications, the webpage and social media
3. Assist in the drafting and dissemination of student polls and surveys
4. Be a voting Member of the Congress

The Parliamentarian shall:

1. Interpret the Constitution, Bylaws, and proposals of the Diplomatic Congress and ensure that all Diplomatic Congress actions are in accordance with the Constitution, its Bylaws, and Robert's Rules of Order
2. Conduct a regular review of the Diplomatic Congress Constitution, Bylaws, and proposals
3. Evaluate, help to draft, present, and interpret all formal amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws
4. Reserve the right to form a Policy Action Committee to aid in the drafting of proposals
5. Create and execute an orientation program to familiarize new members with the protocols and procedures of The Diplomatic Congress
6. Serve as the Historian of the Congress and shall ensure the integrity of all congressional archives and records
7. Be a voting Member of the Congress

Article 3: The Cabinet

Section 1: Composition and Purpose

The Congressional Cabinet shall be directed by the Officers and its membership composed of the head of each Congressional Agency and the Chair of each Congressional Committee. The Cabinet meets biweekly to discuss all matters pertaining to the Congress and hear updates on all committee matters.

Section 2: Responsibilities

The cabinet shall advise and inform The Officers on matters pertaining to their respective office in order to advance the mission of the Congress.

Congressional Committee Chairs shall perform these general duties:

1. Schedule regular committee meetings and complete any necessary pre- and post-meeting work
2. Preside over their committee meetings, select the members of their committee, and appoint a Vice Chair and Scribe at their discretion
3. Ensure that their committees work on relevant issues and events and understand that they are to take the lead in all committee matters
4. Work closely with the Congress Executive Board to consult and implement policy
5. Attend all weekly Diplomatic Congress meetings
6. Be an active member of the Congress, by debating and evaluating issues brought before the Congress and provide updates on their committee business
7. Be a voting Member on the Congress in the capacity of Representative on the General Assembly

In addition, Congressional Committee Chairs shall perform these specific duties:

The Academic Life Committee Chair shall:

1. Serve as the primary advocate of academic concerns before the Provost, Dean of the College, Faculty Council, and members of the faculty
2. Draft and disseminate student polls and surveys related to academic issues
3. Serve as the student representative on the Trustee Committee on Academic Affairs

The Student Wellness Committee Chair shall:

1. Serve as the primary liaison and representative of the students to the Department of Public Safety, Student Wellness Center, the Student Emergency Medical Service, and to the Office of the Dean of the College on matters of student health, wellness, and safety
2. Meet regularly with the leaders of campus organizations engaged in promoting student health, wellness, and safety
3. Serve as a primary point of contact for the Dean of the College and other officials on issues of student health, wellness, and safety
4. Draft and disseminate student polls and surveys related to health, wellness, and safety initiatives
5. Serve as the student representative on the Public Safety Advisory Committee

The Sustainability Committee Chair shall:

1. Meet with leaders of the Center for the Sustainable Environment and other offices engaged in sustainable practices to support the College's Sustainability Master Plan
2. Bring together student leaders in sustainability from across campus life to advocate on their behalf and facilitate cooperation and joint programming
3. Serve as the student representative on the Trustee Committee on Buildings, Grounds, and Sustainability

The Diversity Committee Chair shall:

1. Oversee all of the other positions on Diversity Committee and liaise with all delegate members of the Diversity Committee
2. Serve as the primary liaison of diversity and inclusion related concerns before the President, Dean of the College, and other members of the campus community
3. Be the primary point person in the planning of Congressional Diversity initiatives, like Diversity Week
4. Serve as the student representative on the Trustee Enrollment Committee

The Dining Advisory Committee Chair shall:

1. Serve as the student representative on the Quality of Campus Life Committee

Article 4: The General Assembly

Section 1: Composition and Purpose

The General Assembly shall be the primary deliberative body of the Congress composed of Senators and Representatives. The General Assembly shall serve the purpose of uniting student leaders from all facets of the community. General Assembly meetings shall allow for both deliberation and ratification of proposals and reports to the Congress from the other student organizations, and shall assist the Executive Board and Cabinet in achieving the Congress's mission.

Section 2: Responsibilities

Senators and Representatives of the General Assembly shall be responsible for voicing issues and giving opinions of their respective constituencies. They are responsible for reporting back to their constituencies the relevant deliberations of the Congress, and gathering their constituencies consensus on Congressional matters.

Section 3: Senators

The role of Senator shall be to serve as a voting member of the General Assembly whom shall uphold the purpose the Diplomatic Congress. Senators shall represent chiefly the interests of the entire student body, and secondarily the interests of members of their class year. Two senators for each class will be elected by the members of their respective class year in an annual election. First Year Senators will be elected at the beginning of the academic year for which they will serve on the congress. These Senators shall serve as members of their Class Cabinet. In addition to serving on their Class Cabinet, Senators shall be required to serve on no less than one additional standing committee of the Diplomatic Congress and attend all congressional events.

Section 4: Representatives

Representatives are voting members of the General Assembly who are appointed to serve on the Congress and voice the concerns of their respective member organizations.

Agency Representatives

Agency Representatives are leaders of the Agencies and shall voice the interests of their respective Agency. The Agencies consist of the Club Council, the College Entertainment Committee, and the International Student Advisory Board.

Congressional Committee Representatives

Congressional Committee Representatives shall be appointed by the Executive Board and confirmed by the General Assembly. These Congressional Committee Representatives consist of the Academic Life Chair, Community Outreach Chair, Student Wellness Chair, Sustainability Chair, and Diversity Chair.

Organizational Representatives

Organizational Representatives are appointed by their respective member organization at the advice and consent of the General Assembly. These Organizational Representatives are limited to one member to represent the following organizations: The College House System, Panhellenic Council, Inter-Fraternity Council, Student Athletic Leadership Council, and the Interfaith Council.

Article 5: Agencies of the Congress

Section 1: Composition and Purpose

Agencies of the Congress are independent student government organizations which regularly report to the Congress and perform a critical component of the Congress's core mission. In addition, Congressional Agencies derive their primary funding from the student activities fee and participate in the Congress's budget hearings.

Section 2: Club Council

Club Council is a student-run governing body charged with the oversight of the student organizations of Franklin & Marshall College and is responsible for: merit recognition of student organizations, development and enforcement of policies and procedures affecting student organizations, the fair and impartial allocation of funds to recognized student organizations, and the oversight of the expenditure of allocated funds to ensure that they are properly spent.

Additionally, Club Council serves as a resource for recognized student organizations at F&M. In this role, Club Council acts as an advisory board to clubs and organizations on any number of subjects ranging from the structure of their organization to the planning of events, and even locating a faculty advisor. Ultimately, Club Council serves as an advocate for student organizations on campus and is responsible for ensuring that student organizations have the tools they require for success at their disposal.

Section 3: College Entertainment Committee

College Entertainment Committee, hereafter referred to as CEC, exists to offer programming aimed at engaging all students in social life at Franklin & Marshall College. The organization plans, promotes, and executes through collaborative effort, a wide, but well-balanced variety of high-quality, diverse entertainment in the interest of the entire F&M community. Through regular all-campus programming, CEC will exceed the standards of the College while developing students' leadership skills through their roles as professional members of the Committee.

Section 4: Class Cabinets

Each class shall have a cabinet led by their respective Class President. Each Class President will be responsible for representing the interests and concerns of their respective classes on the Congress and for informing their classmates of Proposals, programs, class specific events and other information as deemed necessary by the Executive Board. All class presidents must attend weekly General Assembly meetings and serve on at least one Congressional Committee. Each Class President shall organize a Class Cabinet which shall receive class feedback, plan class programs, further class identity, and enhance school spirit. Class Cabinet meetings shall be held regularly during the academic year, at least monthly.

Section 5: International Student Advisory Board

The International Student Advisory Board serves as a representative body which advocates for international students. The Board is made up of international students leaders and these leaders serve on the board to tackle and solve problems on campus relating to international students. We advocate for internationally related groups on campus, and work with groups and organizations to enrich the campus international culture and improve the campus experience for the whole student body.

Article 6: Committees of the Congress

Section 1: Composition and Purpose

The Congress may create or abolish student committees, except for standing committees, at its discretion. All committees are under the direct jurisdiction of the Congress, which has the right to veto any of their actions. The Vice President of the Student Body shall monitor the business conducted by ad hoc committees.

Section 2: Standing Committees

The Congress shall have the following standing committees: the Academic Life Committee, the Diversity Committee, the Student Wellness Committee, the Sustainability Committee, and the Dining Advisory Committee. The Chairs of these committees shall be duly appointed by the Executive Board to serve on the General Assembly of the Congress as Representatives.

The Academic Life Committee

The Academic Life Committee shall serve as the primary liaison to and advocate for the students before the Office of the Provost and the Office of the Dean of the College on all matters concerning student academic affairs.

The Student Wellness Committee

The Student Wellness Committee shall be the primary liaison to and representative of the students to the Department of Public Safety, Counseling Services, LGH Health Services, and the Student Emergency Medical Service. The Committee shall convene regularly with the Dean of the College to discuss matters relevant to student health and wellness.

The Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee shall assist the College in carrying out its sustainability initiatives and plan sustainability-related events and programs on behalf of the Congress. The Chair shall keep in close contact with the Center for Sustainability, and ensure that Congress events are environmentally friendly. The Committee also brings together leaders from other campus sustainability organizations to provide support and advocacy for their shared visions.

The Diversity Committee

The Diversity committee of Diplomatic Congress shall create a more inclusive community grounded in respect and appreciation for individual differences. The Committee will abide by a broad definition of diversity and will engage with social justice issues through activism, programming, and resources that will create a place of belonging for all members of the Franklin & Marshall community.

The Dining Advisory Committee

The Dining Advisory Committee shall serve as liaisons between the greater student body and F&M Dining. Engaging in dialogue with the administration regarding food services and advocate for the student body to enhance the dining experience on campus. Operate the Facebook page "Dining Advisory Group" to allow students to voice their opinions and experiences.

Section 3: Ad Hoc Committees

At its leisure, the Congress may appoint ad hoc committees, task forces, or working groups from among its members or the students at large to address particular issues. The Chairs of these committees shall be non-voting observers of the Congress.

Article 7: Rules of Order

Section 1: Meetings

The Congress shall convene on a weekly basis to debate and ratify proposals, discuss community matters, seek testimony from Officers or Employees of the College, and provide organizational updates.

Robert's Rules of Order shall serve as the official rule of parliamentary procedure of The Congress, except where they may be in disagreement with the provisions of the Constitution or the Bylaws of The Congress.

Section 2: Attendance

Members shall attend all regular meetings of the Congress, except when unable to do so for reasons of an unavoidable academic or co-curricular conflict.

Members who cannot be present must select a proxy representative, who shall be afforded the same privileges and responsibilities as the member that they represent. The Proxy must be an active member, preferably an officer, of the organization they represent and must be well informed of the matters of the organization. Failure to attend or to send a proxy to two consecutive regular meetings or three regular meetings at any interval without the express authorization of the Officers may result in impeachment and removal.

Section 3: Quorum

A quorum of two thirds of the members must be present at a regular meeting for Congress to conduct its business.

Section 4: Proposals

All official business of the congress shall take the form of a written proposal. Any student or member of the Congress may initiate deliberation on a proposal by submitting the text of said proposal to Executive Board at least twenty-four hours in advance of a regular General Assembly meeting. Adopted proposals, hereafter referred to as Resolutions, are considered public documents expressing the voice of the Congress as the representative of the student body.

Section 5: Bylaws

The Congress shall establish Bylaws for operations and Rules of Order for procedure not enumerated in this Constitution by a two-thirds majority vote of the General Assembly. The Bylaws and the Rules of Order may be amended by a two-thirds vote and majority vote, respectively. The Congress shall make no bylaw that contradicts any provision of this Constitution.

Article 8: Funding and Budgeting

Section 1: Student Activity Fee

The Student Activities Fee is a student-managed fund collected as part of the comprehensive fee to attend Franklin & Marshall College. It is a distinct and dedicated fee, which serves as the primary funding source for campus-wide events and student activities. The Congress shall be solely responsible for ensuring the equitable allocation and oversight of Student Activity Fee funding. This process shall be managed through a deliberative budget hearing process.

Section 2: Congress Operating Budget

The Congress shall have an operating budget, renewed annually through participation in the Student Activity Fee budget hearing process, that shall serve as a primary fund for all internal Congress matters and events planned by the Congress. The Treasurer shall be charged with management of this budget.

Section 3: Congress Agency Account

The Congress shall have a permanent agency account into which they may make deposits and withdrawals as necessary. The Treasurer shall be charged with management of this account.

Section 4: Funding Requests

Funding requests may be made by any Member at regular meetings of the Congress. Requests that do not exceed $200 may be made as oral motions, however requests of over $200 must be made in writing with detailed itemization and submitted to the Officers at least 24 hours before a regular meeting.

Article 9: Elections and Appointments

Section 1: Election Regulations

All elections for congressional positions shall use a system of instant runoff voting, also known as a transferable vote, in which a candidate must secure a true majority of the votes cast. These elections shall be conducted according to the electoral bylaws appended to this constitution. In addition, all campaign expenditures shall be solely derived from the Diplomatic Congress budget—no candidate may make personal expenditures to advance their campaign.

Section 2: Congressional Executive Officer Elections

Election of the President and Vice President, who shall serve terms of one year, shall take place two weeks after Spring Break each Spring Term.

Section 3: Class President Elections

Elections will be held in the Spring, except the First Year Class Board Election that will occur shortly after the start of the Fall academic term.

Section 4: Committee Chair Appointments

Committee Chairs shall serve a term of one year, except in the case of those who are studying abroad, shall be duly appointed by the transitional government and confirmed by a majority of the members present at the first General Assembly meeting.

Section 5: Appointed Representatives

Member organizations shall appoint Delegates to the Congress in accordance with their bylaws.

Section 6: Transitional Government

The President-Elect, Vice President-Elect, the Class Presidents-Elect, and Senators-Elect shall assume the full privileges and responsibilities of their offices at the final meeting of the Spring Term. Between election of these Members and the final meeting of the Spring Term, the Congress shall be under transitional government, during which time the Members-Elect shall attend regular meetings and liaise with outgoing Members, but shall not hold votes.

Section 7: Vacancies, Special Appointments, and Elections

In the case of the vacant Officership, Class Presidency, the Officers shall call a special election to fill the seat, which shall be subject to the same regulations as a regular election. Members of Class Cabinets cannot assume the Presidency without a special election, such as an appointed Class Vice President.

The Officers may appoint a temporary Representative, subject to the approval of General Assembly, to serve until the appropriate election or appointment process can be conducted for a vacant position.

If a Committee Chair position becomes vacant, the Officers shall appoint another Chair, to be confirmed by the Congress as soon as possible.

If the Presidency becomes vacant, the Vice President shall become the President, and the position of Vice President shall be filled by appointment of the Officers and confirmation of the General Assembly.

Section 8: Oaths of Office

Before they may enjoy the privileges and responsibilities of a Member of the Congress, all Members must take the following oath:

"As {Position} of the Diplomatic Congress, I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office as prescribed herein, and will, to the best of my ability, uphold the highest standards of honor, respect, and responsibility befitting a student of Franklin & Marshall College."

Article 10: Impeachment and Resignations

Section 1: Impeachment and Removal

Any congressional member or appointed representative may be impeached for failure to comply with their prescribed duties, responsibilities, or any procedures or principles outlined in this Constitution and its bylaws.

Any Member may make motions of impeachment, which shall carry by a simple majority of the Members present. If a motion of impeachment carries, the Impeached shall be permitted to make a brief statement of contestation or apology, after which they shall leave the room during removal proceedings. Votes of removal shall be conducted by secret ballot in the absence of the Impeached, and shall require the consent of two-thirds of the members present.

The President shall conduct impeachment proceedings, if the President is impeached, the Vice President shall conduct the impeachment and vote of removal.

Section 2: Resignation

If a Member wishes to resign their post, they may give verbal notice of resignation at a regular meeting or submit a notice in writing to the Officers. If a Representative of a member organization resigns, the organization must designate a replacement so it may remain in good standing with the Congress.

Article 11: Amendment Procedure

Section 1: Making Amendments

Amendments to this Constitution shall be proposed by a Member of the Congress in writing at a regular meeting and shall be adopted with the two-thirds consent of the members present.

Section 2: Executive Veto Power

The Executive Board may exercise a veto on any amendment of this Constitution by a majority vote of the Officers. This veto shall only be overridden by the two-thirds consent of the Students in a referendum.

Article 12: Enabling

This constitution shall be the supreme governing document for the student governments of Franklin & Marshall College, and shall guide its various bodies in performing their duties to the best of their abilities. It shall supercede all constitutions that have come before it; furthermore, any provisions that shall be found to be contradictory to those outlined in this document shall be invalid.

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Ratified by the 11th Diplomatic Congress on April 18, 2019