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case western reserve university

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT GOVERNMENT
 
 

Undergraduate Student Government Elected Representative Requirements


RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE REPRESENTATIVE

As an elected official, the representative shall agree to these responsibilities and requirements of this position as outlined in the USG Constitution, Operating Bylaws, and this document.

  1. The elected leader represents the students’ interests to Undergraduate Student Government (USG) and is the primary liaison between the students and the university. The representative is an advocate for the students to the University. The representative voices the wants and needs of his/her constituency to USG and the University.
  2. The representative attends all General Assembly meetings. If the Representative is unable to attend, s/he finds another member of her/his constituency to be a proxy during the meeting.
  3. The representative also serves on at least one standing committee: Academic Affairs, Finance, Information Technology, Public Relations, or Student Life. Through work on these committees, the representative meets with administrators, faculty, staff, the representative’s constituents, and pertinent and invested parties to research and resolve problems.
  4. Up to three absences from General Assembly or standing committee meetings are allowed per semester without sending a proxy. One absence from a caucus meeting per semester is allowed without sending a proxy.
  5. The representative may also participate in ad hoc committees or University committees if assigned by USG.
  6. Representatives are expected to have a working knowledge of the USG Constitution, bylaws, University policies, parliamentary procedure, and this document and follow them accordingly.
  7. Each member works together with the other representatives of his/her constituency to form a caucus for each academic college or for the first year experience. At-large representatives are encouraged to be included in the caucus.
  8. The primary purpose of the caucus is to develop relationships with appropriate contacts within the academic or first year experience and improve communication between USG and the constituencies. The caucus addresses the unique concerns of the constituency and brings feedback of their constituents to committees and the General Assembly.
  9. Caucuses should meet at least once a month or more if needed. At the beginning of each semester, the caucus sets goals and a timeline for accomplishing those goals. This plan is presented to the Speaker of the Assembly, the USG President, and the USG Advisor. Progress on this plan is given throughout the semester.
  10. The Speaker of the Assembly facilitates communication and organization for each caucus. The caucus meets and reports to USG when an issue areises or is appropriate. The caucus is also in regular communication with their consitutients via email. The caucus shall maintain its doucments, minutes, agendas, etc. in the USG Public Record
  11. The semester plan should include:

 a. At least one meeting with the academic college dean or appropriate member of the Undergraduate Studies Office

 b. An outreach meeting with constituents for feedback or questions

 c. Other goals and concerns to be addressed during the semester

USG RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE REPRESENTATIVE

1.     USG will acquire email lists for each caucus for communication purposes and give department chairs, appropriate Residence Life staff and other relevant personnel the contact information of the representatives. This shall be the responsibility of the President and Speaker of the Assembly.

2.     USG will prepare all representatives in the writing and presentation of General Assembly legislation. The procedures of introducing, debating, and voting on legislation will be covered for the representatives. The Constitution and bylaws will also be discussed with them. This is the responsibility of the Parliamentarian and the Vice Presidents.

3.    USG will present information to develop the representatives’ knowledge of the administrative and academic structure of the Case community. This includes, but is not limited to the President’s Cabinet, Student Affairs, Campus Services, and Undergraduate Studies. Training also includes discussion on the value and power of the role and how to interact with constituents and university officials.

4.    USG will facilitate a personal introduction to appropriate officials based on the need of the representatives. Whenever possible, the Executive Committee will introduce representatives to appropriate faculty, staff, pertinent parties, and student leaders to prepare them for leadership opportunities in USG. The Speaker of the Assembly in particular will help coordinate the caucuses.

5.    USG executives and the advisor will assist the Speaker of the Assembly and be available for assistance.