Appendix A - Student Association Constitution

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 2026. The constitution empowers the Student Government Association to represent all members of the student body. Every elected official of the Student Government Association must read this constitution in its entirety within the first month of their term.  

Preamble

In order to create a more effective and representative Student Government Association (SGA) at Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC), We, the students at Bunker Hill Community College, hereby establish this Constitution. This constitution provides for a student body and to foster communication between students, club organizations, the college administration, and the Board of Trustees (BOT).

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1.

This organization under this constitution shall be known as the Bunker Hill Community College Student Government Association, hereafter referred to as the “BHCC SGA” or “SGA”. 

Section 2.  

The BHCC SGA is organized to affect self-government, promote open communication, and foster cooperation among students, faculty, administration, and the Board of Trustees. The SGA will work toward addressing all issues pertaining to the quality of student life at the College by collaborating effectively and respectfully to propose and implement solutions. 

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, six Vice Presidents, an Executive Secretary, Co-Executive Secretary, a Senator of the Chelsea Campus, and twelve Senator-at-Large positions.

Section 4.

The purpose of this governing body will be:

1. To represent the Student Association, defined as all students who are enrolled in courses at Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) and who have paid the applicable student fees, in matters, issues, and policies that directly or indirectly affect student life at BHCC. This included degree- seeking students, certificate students, part-time students and full-time students, and students enrolled in work force development, or special programs (e.g., Eversource program) who meet the enrollment and fee requirements.
2. To advise College committees on matters of student concerns through student’s appointments and inputs.
3. To act as a liaison between the College administration, the faculty, and the student body.
4. To assist in planning activities and oversee the disbursement of funds to recognized student clubs and organizations.
5. 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, parental leave, and national origin.

Article II: Membership in the Student Government Association

Section 1.

Any student who is enrolled in at least one course at BHCC and has paid the required student fees is considered a member of the BHCC Student Association. Required student fees include, but are not limited to, tuition, activity fees, technology fees, and any other mandatory fees assessed by the College.

Section 2.  

Any student currently enrolled at Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) who seeks elective or appointed office in the Student Government Association (SGA) must have a cumulative 2.30 GPA or higher at BHCC, maintain enrollment status at BHCC throughout their term in office, maintain good academic and behavioral standing as defined by the BHCC Student Handbook, be enrolled in at least SIX (6) credits per semester, which defines part-time status, and be eligible to run for office even during their first semester at BHCC. In special circumstances, an officer may continue to fulfill their role while enrolled in fewer than six credits, provided that they previously met the six-credit requirement and that their current situation warrants an exception, as determined in consultation with SGA leadership and the Dean of Students.

Section 3.

The Student Government Association (SGA) shall consist of an Executive Board composed of a President, six Vice Presidents, an Executive Secretary, Co-Executive Secretary, a Senator of the Chelsea Campus, and twelve Senator-at-Large positions. All members of the Executive Board shall have equal voting authority. The structure of the Executive Board shall reflect the administrative organization of Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) and shall promote open communication and collaboration within the SGA.

Article III: Officers and Duties

Section 1.

The elected officers of the Bunker Hill Community College Student Government

Association (SGA) shall be a President, six 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; Vice President of Technology, an Executive Secretary; Co-Executive Secretary; a Senator of the Chelsea Campus; and twelve Senator-at-Large positions.

Section 2.

The SGA shall consist of 22 elected officials, except in cases where Co-Vice Presidents are established, in which case the total number may increase accordingly. Those officers, shall be one elected Student Trustee (non-voting, ex-0fficio member) from the Board of Trustees, which acts as the Board of Trustees liaison, and one/or more advisors.

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; The President goes over all Executive Board meetings in an orderly manner according to Robert’s Rules of Order. Open meetings at the scheduled time, establishes quorum, presents the agenda, and ensures all items of business are addressed. Recognizes members wishing to speak, maintains decorum, and facilitates motions, debate, and voting. Provides guidance on procedural questions and ensure compliance with the Constitution, oversees subcommittee and Ad-Hoc committee coordination when necessary and ensure accurate minutes and follow up on action items.
4. Sets agendas of all SGA Executive Board meetings;
5. Appoints student representatives onto College-wide committees as well as the College Forum; committees that are made up of faculty, staff, and students. These are permanent and authorized bodies designed student representation in the governance of the institution. They act as a direct link between students and the college administration, faculty, and staff, ensuring that student opinions, concerns, and suggestions are included in decisions affecting the student body.
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; the President shall ensure consistent and effective communication across all branches of the Student Government Association outside of Executive Board meetings. This includes overseeing the dissemination of updates regarding Executive Board decisions, organizational initiatives, upcoming events, and key deadlines to the general SGA body. The President shall coordinate regularly with Vice Presidents and other officers to monitor the progress of their duties, uphold accountability, and ensure active participation and attendance. The President shall further promote collaboration among the officers, address gaps in communication, and ensure that the Association operates in a unified, transparent, and efficient manner in alignment with its mission and goals.  
8. Maintains contact with the student body; the President shall actively engage with the student body to understand, represent, and advocate for students needs, concerns, and interests. This responsibility extends beyond classroom presence and includes building meaningful connections with students through regular interaction, outreach, and visibility across campus. The President shall communicate with classmates and peers to gather feedback, but also take initiative in creating opportunities for engagement, such as forums, town halls, tabling, and attendance at student events
9. Maintains constant contact and support to student support services; the President shall maintain consistent communication and collaboration with campus student support services to strengthen coordination between the Student Government Association and institutional resources. This includes establishing and sustaining relationships with offices such as advising, counseling accessibility services, financial aid, and student engagement. The President shall serve as a liaison by sharing relevant student feedback, identifying student needs, and communicating information about available resources to the student body.
10. Attends monthly College Forums;
11. Maintains weekly office hours in accordance with SGA policy; The President shall maintain regularly scheduled weekly office hours to ensure accessibility, transparency, and engagement with the student body. Office hours shall be conducted in Room C-104 or another designated, accessible campus location approved by the Student Government Association or relevant college office, or through an approved virtual platform when necessary. During these hours, the President shall be available to meet with students, address questions and concerns, gather feedback, provide information about SGA initiatives and campus resources, and perform administrative duties related to the responsibilities of the office. Office hours may also be used to coordinate with other SGA officers, plan initiatives, and follow up on ongoing projects. The scheduled time for office hours must be consistent, clearly communicated, and selected based on student accessibility and availability. Officers are expected to choose times that do not conflict with required classes or official SGA meetings and that reasonably accommodate a broad range of student schedules. Any changes to office hours must be communicated in advance to the Vice President of Human Resources, to ensure continued accessibility and accountability.
12. Maintains weekly meetings with SGA advisor;
13. Attends all organized events hosted by SGA; The President shall make a good faith effort to attend all organized events hosted by the Student Government Association. In recognition of academic, professional, and personal obligations, full attendance at every event shall not be required; however, the President is responsible for ensuring that all events are adequately supported by SGA representation. The President shall establish and maintain an event coverage schedule assigning SGA officers to attend organized events. This schedule shall be created in advance, distributed to all officers, and designed to ensure equitable participation among members of the Association. Each event shall have a minimum of two (2) designated SGA representatives, unless otherwise approved.
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. Attends and participates in the monthly Student Club Representative Council;
18. Handles the SGA President email account and uses the email account for all official affairs of SGA.

The duties of the Vice President of Administration and Finance are as follows:

1. Performs all the duties of the President in the event of their absence or illness (short or long term) 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; Administrative issues may include, but are not limited to: internal operations, policy implementation, coordination between officers and committees, compliance with institutional procedures, record-keeping processes, and communication with college offices. Such issues shall be addressed through collaboration with relevant officers, consultation with SGA advisors when necessary, and adherence to this Constitution and college policies.
3. Handles all financial obligations of the association (is de facto treasurer); Oversees the financial operations of the SGA and serves as the primary student officer responsible for budget management. Financial obligations include tracking expenditures, maintaining accurate financial records, reviewing funding requests, ensuring proper allocation of funds, and working in coordination with the SGA Advisor and/or Student Engagement Office for all purchases and financial transactions in accordance with college policies.
4. Provides monthly budget updates to the SGA; Prepares and presents budget updates to the SGA on a regular basis. Budget updates shall include, but are not limited to: current account balances, a summary of expenditures, pending and approved funding requests, and any anticipated financial commitments. Updates shall be provided at least twice per semester, and additionally as needed when significant financial activity occurs.
5. Chairs the Budget Committee; Serves as Chairperson of the Budget Committee and is responsible for organizing meetings, setting agendas, facilitating discussions, reviewing funding requests, ensuring fair and equitable allocation of funds, and maintaining records of committee decisions. The Chair shall also ensure that recommendations of the committee are communicated to the SGA for approval. Ensures that accurate records, including minutes and funding decisions of the Budget Committee, are maintained and submitted to the appropriate SGA record-keeping platform
6. Maintains weekly office hours in accordance with SGA policy.
7. Attends monthly College-wide Committee meetings;
8. Attends monthly Student Club Council meetings;
9. Gives a budget update to the SGA at least twice a semester; The Vice President of Administration and Finance shall provide at least two (2) comprehensive budget reports per academic semester. These reports shall present an overview of the SGA’s overall financial status, including cumulative expenditures, remaining balances, major spending categories, and financial trends. Semester reports shall serve as a broader analysis of budget performance and shall be used to inform planning, evaluation, and decision-making by the SGA.

The duties of the Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities are as follows:

1. Keeps and maintains accurate records of attendance of SGA officers at all SGA meetings; Attendance records shall be maintained in an official document accessible to all SGA officers for viewing, but editing access shall be limited to authorized individuals;
2. Declares vacancies in SGA officer positions in accordance with this Constitution;
3. Serves as Chairperson of the Governance and Ethics Committee and oversees its operations;
4. Coordinates elections, appointment processes, and assists in filling vacant positions in accordance with this Constitution;
5. Coordinates recruitment and training activities for the SGA, including outreach and onboarding efforts for new members;
6. Facilitates the successful transition between outgoing and incoming SGA administrations. A successful transition shall include, but not be limited to, the preparation and maintenance of proper documentation, records, and resources to support continuity. This includes creating or updating onboarding materials, transition reports, and guides to ensure incoming officers are adequately informed of their roles and responsibilities;
7. The Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities shall be responsible for onboarding their successor following the Spring General Election of the current academic year. This onboarding process shall include the transfer of knowledge, review of responsibilities, and distribution of an onboarding handbook and equivalent materials;
8. Conducts regular check-ins with members of the SGA Executive Board to ensure officers are fulfilling their assigned duties and responsibilities. The Vice President shall monitor compliance with this Constitution, provide guidance as needed, and address concerns related to performance, accountability, or adherence to SGA policies;
9. Attends all organized events hosted by the SGA;
10. Attends monthly College-wide committee meetings;
11. Maintains weekly office hours in accordance with SGA policy.
12. Handles all SGA issues pertaining to facilities, including but not limited to the SGA office (Room C-104) and the location of weekly meetings;
13. Serves as Parliamentarian for the SGA and as the guardian of its Constitution, ensuring adherence to its provisions and overseeing the enforcement of any sanctions outlined within it.

The duties of the Vice President of Student Affairs are as follows:

1. Acts as liaison between all recognized clubs and organizations and the Student Government Association;
2. Acts as liaison on all issues pertaining to student life at the College, including gathering and communicating student concerns to the SGA and relevant college offices;
3. Acts as liaison for student concerns related to facilities, including but not limited to supporting and advocating for students with disabilities in coordination with appropriate campus offices;
4. Serves as Chairperson of the Student Affairs Committee and oversees its operations;
5. Presides over, attends, and facilitates monthly meetings of the Student Club Representative Council;
6. Maintains consistent and proactive communication with club and organization leaders. This responsibility shall include, but is not limited to: regular outreach to student organizations, attending club events when feasible, hosting or coordinating meetings or forums for club leaders, and ensuring timely responses to club inquiries;
7. Collaborates with the Student Leadership and Engagement Office, or its equivalent, to support student organizations, remain informed on club operations, and ensure alignment between SGA initiatives and institutional processes;
8. Supports student organizations by providing guidance on resources, policies, and engagement opportunities, and by advocating for their needs within the SGA and the broader college community;
9. Attends all organized events hosted by SGA;
10. Attends monthly College-wide committee meetings;
11. Maintains weekly office hours in accordance with SGA policy.

The duties of the Vice President of Academic Affairs are as follows:

1. Acts as liaison on all matters pertaining to student academic involvement. This includes, but is not limited to, concerns related to course experiences, grading practices, syllabus structure, academic policies, and student feedback regarding classes;
2. Serves as the SGA liaison on issues related to academic support services, including but not limited to the Tutoring and Academic Support Center, the Language Lab, the Library, and the Learning Commons;
3. Maintains regular and proactive engagement with academic support service offices. This shall include meeting with relevant staff on a periodic basis, but no less than once per month when feasible, to remain informed on available resources, updates, and student support initiatives;
4. Gathers and communicates student feedback related to academic experiences and support services, and works collaboratively with appropriate college offices to address concerns and improve student outcomes;
5. Serves as Chairperson of the Academic Affairs Committee and oversees its operations;
6. Supports and promotes academic resources and initiatives to the student body to increase awareness and utilization;
7. Attends all organized events hosted by SGA;
8. Attends monthly College-wide committee meetings;
9. Maintains weekly office hours in accordance with SGA policy.

The duties of the Vice President of Communications are as follows:

1. Oversees all publicity and public relations activities for the Student Government Association;
2. Manages and maintains all SGA social media platforms, ensuring content is accurate, timely, and aligned with SGA initiatives;
3. Serves as liaison with student and College news/media organizations and offices;
4. Responsible for promoting and advertising all SGA events, initiatives, news, and projects;
5. Ensures that the student body is consistently informed and up to date on SGA activities, including but not limited to announcements, meeting updates, election information, and important deadlines;
6. Manages and responds to initial inquiries directed to the SGA, ensuring timely and appropriate communication or referral;
7. Serves as Chairperson of the Communications Committee and oversees its operations;
8. Attends all organized events hosted by SGA;
9. Attends monthly College-wide committee meetings;
10. Maintains weekly office hours in accordance with SGA policy.
11. Attends monthly Student Club Council meetings.
12. The duties of the Vice President of Technology are as follows:
13. Ensures the smooth and efficient functioning of the SGA's technology and digital resources;
14. Gathers and sets up necessary resources for SGA hybrid meetings
15. Maintains and manages SGA Microsoft Teams, Outlook email, and other similar platforms, ensuring that these digital resources are up-to-date and used effectively by SGA members;
16. Manages the technology committee by serving as the Chairperson
17. Attends all organized events hosted by SGA;
18. Attends monthly College-wide committee meetings;
19. Maintains weekly office hours in accordance with SGA policy.
20. Attends monthly Student Club Council meetings.

The duties of the Executive Secretary are as follows:

1. Takes and records accurate minutes of all SGA meetings;
2. Works alongside the President in preparing meeting agendas and minutes;
3. Distributes meeting minutes to SGA Officers and the Student Trustee prior to each SGA meeting;
4. Distributes meeting minutes to administration and staff;
5. Ensures accurate documentation of SGA proceedings and uploads records to the official SGA Teams or designated platform;
6. Coordinates the submission of legislation through the appropriate institutional channels;
7. Keeps and maintains updated records of committee membership;
8. Attends all organized events hosted by SGA;
9. Attends monthly College-wide committee meetings;
10. Maintains weekly office hours in accordance with SGA policy.
11. Assists the Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities in holding Executive Board members accountable for the fulfillment of their duties and responsibilities;
12. Assists in tracking and maintaining records related to the SGA budget in coordination with the appropriate officers.

The duties of the Co-Executive Secretary are as follows:

1. Assists the Executive Secretary in taking and recording accurate minutes of all SGA meetings;
2. Collaborates with the Executive Secretary and President in the preparation of meeting agendas and minutes;
3. Supports the timely distribution of meeting minutes to SGA Officers, the Student Trustee, administration, and staff;
4. Assists in maintaining and uploading accurate records of SGA proceedings to the official SGA Microsoft Teams or designated platform;
5. Supports the coordination and transmission of legislation through the appropriate institutional channels;
6. Assists in maintaining updated records of committee membership and rosters;
7. Conducts regular check-ins with Senators-at-Large and the Senator of the Chelsea Campus to ensure engagement, address concerns, and support communication between representatives and the Executive Board;
8. Ensures continuity of responsibilities in the absence of the Executive Secretary, including assuming all duties as needed;
9. Supports communication and follow-up on documentation, deadlines, and record-keeping tasks;
10. Attends SGA meetings, organized events, and relevant committee meetings as required;
11. Maintains weekly office hours in accordance with SGA policy.

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 in accordance with SGA policy.

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. Attends monthly College-wide committee meetings;
5. Maintains weekly office hours in accordance with SGA policy.

The duties of the Student Trustee are as follows:

1. Serves as 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;
2. Attends Student Advisory Council (SAC) meetings.
3. Attends the monthly Board of Trustees meetings.
4. Maintains the role, responsibilities and requirements of Student Trustee outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

Section 3 Office Hours

All elected officers of the Student Government Association shall maintain regularly scheduled weekly office hours to ensure accessibility, transparency, and engagement with the student body. Office hours shall be held in Room C-104, the designated SGA Office, unless otherwise approved. In cases where in-person hours are not feasible, officers may conduct office hours through an approved virtual platform.

The purpose of office hours is to provide students with a consistent and accessible opportunity to meet with SGA officers, voice concerns, ask questions, and receive information regarding SGA initiatives, campus resources, and student advocacy efforts. Office hours shall also serve as dedicated time for officers to complete administrative responsibilities, collaborate with fellow officers, and follow up on ongoing projects.

Office hour schedules must be clearly communicated to the student body and maintained consistently. Times shall be selected based on student accessibility, avoiding conflicts with scheduled classes, SGA meetings, and major campus events. Any changes to scheduled office hours must be communicated in advance to ensure continued availability and accountability. The Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities shall be responsible for upholding the Office Hours policy and ensuring that all SGA officers fulfill their required office hours. This includes monitoring attendance, maintaining records of completed hours, and addressing any instances of non-compliance.

The Vice President shall communicate expectations clearly, provide reminders as needed, and follow up with officers who fail to meet their obligations. In cases of repeated non-compliance, the Vice President shall take appropriate action in accordance with this Constitution to ensure accountability and the effective operation of the Student Government Association.

Section 4 Advisor

The Dean of Students or their designee, shall serve as advisor to the Student Government Association.  

Advisors shall provide guidance, ensure compliance with institutional policies, and support the effective operation of the Student Government Association. For any official vote of the Student Government Association to be considered valid, at least one (1) advisor or their designee must be present. The advisor or designee is expected to attend meetings and be present during votes to provide comprehensive oversight and support.

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 and Co-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, the Executive Secretary, and the Co-Executive Secretary will both 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 at least 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. Each standing committee shall be responsible for maintaining accurate records of its minutes. Meeting minutes and relevant updates shall be submitted in a timely manner to the Executive Secretary and Co-Executive Secretary to ensure proper documentation, transparency, and organizational continuity.

B. Ad-Hoc Committees

Ad-hoc (“For this” in Latin) 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. Members may be removed from a committee for reasons including, but not limited to: failure to attend meetings consistently without valid excuse; failure to fulfill of assigned responsibilities; conduct that disrupts the effective operation of the committee; violation of the Student Code of Conduct or SGA policies; or actions that conflict with the mission and values of the Student Government Association. Removal decisions should be made in good faith, with consideration given to the member’s circumstances, and in the best interest of maintaining the effectiveness, accountability, and integrity of the committee. Members of standing committees, with the exception of the chair, can also submit a request to the President for removal. Upon approval, the officer may resign from the committee, and a replacement will be nominated by the President. 

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:  

1. Amendments to this constitution.
2. Approval of absences from the regularly held meetings of the SGA
3. Management of ethical violations by any member of the SGA.
4. Organization of elections for the next SGA.
5. Resolve vacancies in the SGA membership.
6. 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 Co-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. All Budget Committee meetings where a vote is made regarding approving or denying budget requests, require the presence of the SGA Advisor. 

This committee shall consist of the following members: 

• The Vice President of Administration and Finance as Chair
• The Executive Secretary
• The Co-Executive Secretary
• The Vice President of Academic Affairs
• The Vice President of Student 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:  

1. Approval of applications for new student clubs and organizations before vote to recognize the new organizations by SGA.
2. Organization of events not related to academics.
3. Approval of SGA hosted events organized by student clubs and organizations.
4. Any other matter related to student life.

This committee shall consist of the following members: 

• The Vice President of Student Affairs as Chair
• The Co-Executive Secretary
• 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:  

1. The communication to the BHCC community of events organized or hosted by the SGA.
2. The management, maintenance, and moderation of all social media accounts of the SGA.
3. The organization of public awareness campaigns by the SGA.
4. 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 as Chair
• The Vice President of Technology
• Two SGA Senators-at-Large appointed by the SGA President

F. Technology Committee

This committee shall be responsible for matters and programs related to the SGA technology. Specifically, this committee shall be responsible for the following: 

1. Ensuring the seamless integration and optimal functioning of technological resources utilized by the SGA.
2. Managing and updating digital platforms such as Slack, SharePoint, email, and other relevant technologies essential for efficient communication and collaboration among SGA members.
3. Providing technical support and guidance to SGA members as needed.
4. Collaborating with other committees to leverage technology for the advancement of SGA initiatives.
5. Recommending and implementing innovative technological solutions to enhance the effectiveness and productivity of the SGA.

This committee shall consist of the following members: 

• The Vice President of Technology
• Vice President of Communications
• 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. 

1. Student Club Representative Council

To maintain open communication and promote collaboration, the Student Government Association will coordinate monthly Student Club Representative Council meetings. The Student Club Representative Council 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. The Vice President of Student Affairs presides and facilitates the council with the help of the Director or a designee from the Student Leadership and Engagement (Student Activities) office at BHCC. The Student Club Representative Council’s meetings will occur at a time and place specified by the SGA Vice President of Student Affairs 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 V: Elections

Section 1.

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

Section 2. Eligibility to Run

Ant student, except first semester students, must be in good academic standing at the time of the election and must maintain good academic standing throughout their term, in accordance with the Student Handbook. All officer positions are open to students who are enrolled in six (6) credits or more. In special circumstances, an officer may continue to fulfill their role while enrolled in fewer than six credits, provided that they previously met the six-credit requirement and that their situation warrants an exception, as determined in consultation with SGA leadership and the Dean of Students.

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 current SGA advisor 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 unless decided otherwise by the elections’ organizer. The SGA advisor will determine eligibility according to Article 2. The Advisor alongside the Governance and Ethics committee 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 current SGA advisor no later than the week after the election takes place. 

Section 4. Student Trustee Elections

Members of the Student Association who wish to serve in this position shall be selected through the Student Government Association election process, which shall be conducted in accordance with the eligibility requirements and general election standards established for the Student Trustee by the Bunker Hill Community College Board of Trustees, while adhering to the procedures outlined in this Constitution.   

Section 5. Term

The term of office for all elected members of the Student Government Association shall begin on June 1^st and conclude on May 31^st of the following year. The Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities-elect shall complete the onboarding process in collaboration with the current Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities prior to the commencement of their term of office. 

Section 6. Yearly Mission Statement

Within the two first months 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 committees and the SGA members responsible for implementing those priorities. 

Article VI: Vacancies

Section 1.

If any position within the Student Government Association becomes vacant following the Spring elections, the remaining officers shall deliberate on whether to appoint an acting officer to temporarily fulfill the responsibilities of the position until a special election is held, as outlined in Section 3 of this Article.

The Student Association shall be notified of the vacancy via official communication, which shall include the application process and required materials for interested candidates. Eligible students may apply by submitting the requested materials within the designated timeframe.

The Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities shall review all applications and present qualified candidates to the SGA Executive Board. A special election shall then be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order. The candidate receiving a majority vote shall be elected to fill the vacant position for the remainder of the term, with all rights, responsibilities, and authority equivalent to those of an officer elected during the general election.

In the event that the Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities position is vacant, the SGA Executive Board shall designate an interim officer to carry out the responsibilities of the role for the purposes of administering the application and election process.

In the event of a tie for a Vice President position, the Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities shall notify the elected SGA officers. The officers shall then deliberate and determine, by majority decision, whether to (1) allow the President to cast a tie-breaking vote or (2) establish Co–Vice Presidents for the position. If the President is designated as the tie-breaker, their vote shall be counted in the final decision. This provision applies exclusively to Vice President positions.

In the event that the position of SGA President becomes vacant, the Vice President of Administration and Finance shall automatically assume the role of SGA President. Upon succession, the Vice President of Administration and Finance position shall be declared vacant and filled in accordance with this Constitution.

Section 2.

If an existing SGA elected 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. 

Section 3.

If the SGA elected members decide to nominate an acting officer, the Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities will present the candidates, all of whom are very familiar with the current SGA projects (Senator or current volunteer). A vote shall be held for this special appointment process, which shall not grant any voting rights (including participation to quorum count) and is temporary. The chosen member shall be referred to as an “SGA Acting Officer” and will be considered a member of the SGA Executive Board.    

Section 4.

The Student Government Association may conduct special elections as needed for the purpose of filling vacant positions.

ARTICLE VII: Student Government Association Meetings 

Section 1. Regular Meetings

The Student Government Association shall meet on a weekly basis during the academic year when classes are in session. All meetings shall be open to members of the Student Association, faculty, and staff. The regular meeting time shall be Thursdays at 1:00 PM during the designated free period, unless otherwise determined by the Student Government Association. Meeting days, times, and locations are subject to change by a majority vote of the SGA, provided that any changes are communicated in advance to ensure accessibility and transparency.

Meetings shall be held in a previously designated, handicap-accessible location and offered in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person and virtual participation. All meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order and shall comply with the guidelines of the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law. A copy of the Open Meeting Law shall be maintained in the Student Activities Office. Audio and/or video recording of Student Government Association meetings shall not be permitted without the prior consent of all parties present. Any unauthorized recording shall be considered a violation of the College’s Code of Conduct and may result in disciplinary action in accordance with Bunker Hill Community College policies.

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 written agenda of matters to be considered at each regular meeting of SGA shall be sent to each member, Student Trustee, and advisor(s) at least one (1) calendar day prior to the date fixed for said meeting. Items to be included in the agenda for a regular meetings shall be posted in designated platform chosen by the SGA in writing by (a) the SGA President: (b) the Student Trustee; (c) the SGA advisor; (d) any member of the SGA executive board; (e) or any faculty, staff or student from BHCC.  

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. 

Individuals seeking to speak to the SGA should inform the SGA President and the advisor, 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 elected officers, 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. They must still maintain an active and vivid participation in the meeting and shall fully exercise their voting rights. 

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 Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities with reason(s) of why they cannot attend. If not able to contact the VP of Human Resources, they shall reach out to the SGA President, and/or the advisor. No-show, or any absence without reason, will be considered as an unexcused absence unless known to those mentioned above. 

Article VIII: Removal and Resignation from the Student Government Association

Section 1.

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

1. 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 Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities in consultation with the SGA president, and the advisor and may include written documentation from a physician or other source.

In the event of an extraordinary circumstance, wherein an elected SGA officer cannot attend a meeting, said officer may appoint a proxy to act on their behalf. The appointed proxy shall possess full authority, including voting rights and participation in quorum counts. However, each SGA officer is limited to utilizing this provision thrice per semester. It is hereby designated that the Vice President of Administration and Finance shall serve as the default proxy for the SGA President.

1. 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.
2. Poor conduct: Acting in a manner that violates the mission and purpose of the SGA and BHCC, the expectations outlined in the Student Code of Conduct in the Student Handbook, and the responsibilities stated in the SGA Constitution.
3. 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.
4. Any member of the SGA may bring the issue of removing an officer by written request to the Advisor to the SGA who shall respond confirming the reception of the letter.
5. The Advisor will notify the Vice President of Human Resources and 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 and the advisor who will notify the SGA at the next weekly meeting 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, as mentioned in Article 8, Section 1, F. 

SPECIAL ARTICLE X: Amendments  

Section 1.

This constitution may be amended by a motion made by any elected SGA member during a regularly held SGA meeting. The vote must pass with a majority of the elected 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.