General Studies Student Council By-Laws

Section 1. Executive Officers. Members of the GSSC who are members of the Executive Board shall be known as Executive Officers. Their titles and duties shall be as described in Articles  IV and V of the GSSC Constitution, Article III of the GSSC By-Laws, and as follows: 

1.  The Student Body President shall: 

• Bear primary responsibility for the execution of all GSSC directives. 
• Keep the Executive Board abreast of all current business via weekly Executive Board meetings and other modes of communication. 
• Keep the GS student body updated on all relevant issues through email communication.
• Meet with an advisor from the Student Life Office office at least once per month to provide updates on the GSSC. 
• Actively engage with the Policy Committee on initiatives. 
• Attend other GSSC committee meetings as needed. 
• Facilitate the appointment process.
• Cast a vote on proposed motions during Council Meetings only in the event of a tie. 

2.  The Vice President of Policy shall: 

• Assist the Student Body President in the fulfillment of their duties.
• Assume the role of Student Body President in the event of the resignation, impeachment, or ineligibility of the current Student Body President. 
• Have explicit knowledge of parliamentary procedure. 
• Uphold non-budgetary inter-group relations with administrators and the executive boards of other councils and governing boards. 
• Identify goals and initiatives to deliver progress in the areas of academic services, student services, financial aid, housing, and any other relevant areas. 
• Develop and expand the Policy Committee to include delegates and liaisons as needed to achieve progress and encourage student involvement. 
• Oversee the updating of the Constitution and its By-laws in accordance with resolutions and amendments passed by the GSSC. 

3.  The Vice President of Finance shall: 

• Assist the Student Body President in the fulfillment of his or her duties. 
• Implement timely and fair procedures for the funding of the GSSC.
• Uphold budgetary inter-group relations with administrators and the executive boards of other councils and governing boards. 
• Advise the GSSC regarding the Student Activities Fee. 
• Serve on the Activities Board at Columbia, keeping the GSSC abreast of relevant issues on the governing board. 
• Identify goals and initiatives to deliver progress in the areas of budgeting, funding, financial procedures, allocations, financial reporting, and any other relevant areas. 
• Develop and expand the Finance Committee to include delegates and liaisons as needed to achieve progress and encourage student involvement. 

4.  The Vice President of Communications shall: 

• Assist the Student Body President in the fulfillment of his or her duties.
• Uphold non-budgetary inter-group relations with administrators and the executive boards of other councils and governing boards. 
• Facilitate communication between the GS student body, members of the GSSC, and the GS administration. 
• Oversee the taking of minutes at weekly GSSC meetings. 
• Identify goals and initiatives to deliver progress in the areas of communications, transparency, integrity, informational resources, dissemination of information, and any other relevant areas. 
• Facilitate the coverage of GSSC activities by campus publications 
• Develop and expand the Communications Committee to include delegates and liaisons as needed to achieve progress and encourage student involvement. 
• Be responsible for sending out weekly newsletter to the GS student body.

5.  The Vice President of Campus Life shall: 

• Assist the Student Body President in the fulfillment of his or her duties.
• Uphold non-budgetary inter-group relations with administrators and the executive boards of other councils and governing boards.
• Identify goals and initiatives to deliver progress in social, academic, pre-professional, philanthropic events, and any other relevant areas. 
• Develop and expand the Campus Life Committee to include delegates and liaisons as needed to achieve progress and encourage student involvement. 

Section 2. Voting Members. Appointed or elected members of the GSSC who are not members of the Executive Board and have voting rights shall be known as Voting Members. Their titles and duties shall be described in Article IV of the GSSC Constitution and as follows. 

1. The Chief Policy Representative shall: 

• Sit on the Policy Committee. 
• Be the Vice Chair of the Policy Committee. 
• Assist the Vice President of Policy in the fulfillment of his or her duties. 
• Seek out, identify, and create policy initiatives. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Policy. 

2. The Chief Finance Representative shall: 

• Sit on the Finance Committee. 
• Be the Vice Chair of the Finance Committee. 
• Assist the Vice President of Finance in the fulfillment of his or her duties. 
• Seek out, identify, and create financial initiatives. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Finance. 

3. The Chief Communications Representative shall: 

• Sit on the Communications Committee. 
• Be the Vice Chair of the Communications Committee. 
• Assist the Vice President of Communications in the fulfillment of his or her duties. 
• Seek out, identify, and create communications initiatives. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Communications. 

4. The Chief Campus Life Representative shall: 

• Sit on the Campus Life Committee. 
• Be the Vice Chair of the Campus Life Committee. 
• Assist the Vice President of Campus Life in the fulfillment of his or her duties. 
• Seek out, identify, and create events initiatives. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Campus Life 

5. The Student Services and Academic Affairs Representative shall: 

• Sit on the Policy Committee. 
• Ensure that information concerning academic issues shall be made available to the GS student body. 
• Provide opportunities for interaction between students and faculty in various major departments as needed. 
• Uphold relations with other Academic Affairs Representatives from other councils. 
• Organize the GSSC Excellence in Teaching Awards and nomination and selection process. 
• Maintain a relationship with advisors from the Student Life Office and Students and  Administrative Services at Columbia University. 
• Monitor the quality of student service and address concerns that may involve, but are not limited to: 

• The Office of the Registrar 
• Student Financial Services
• Academic Information Systems 
• University Housing 
• Athletic Facilities 
• Dining Services 
• Health Services 

• Uphold relations with other Student Service Representatives from other councils 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Policy.  

6. University Senator shall: 

• Sit on the Policy Committee. 
• Maintain a relationship with the: 

• Dean of the School of General Studies. 
• Dean of Enrollment Management. 
• Director of Educational Financing. 
• Dean of Students. 

• Provide weekly updates to council regarding non-confidential Senate matters. 

7. The Treasurer shall: 

• Sit on the Finance Committee. 
• Assist the Vice President of Finance in the fulfillment of his or her duties. 
• Attend the weekly Campus Life Committee meeting in order to keep track of necessary vendors and payments in support of GSSC events. 
• Obtain an outline of planned student activities from the Campus Life Committee for budgeting purposes by the third week of each semester. 
• Ensure Campus Life Committee members are aware of the B-form/application process and assist in the processing of B-forms, invoices, and W-9 vendor set-up process. 
• Advise student organizations about GSSC financial procedures and allocations. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Finance. 
• Provide weekly updates to the Campus Life Committee and representatives on the status of their remaining budgets. 

8. The External Events Chair shall: 

• Sit on the Campus Life Committee.
• Assist the Vice President of Campus Life in the fulfillment of his or her duties. 
• Assist with any event not occurring on campus.
• Organize the annual spring GSSC Gala. 
• Offer assistance to other GSSC members in planning events.
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Campus Life. 

9. The Alumni Affairs Representative shall: 

• Sit on the Campus Life Committee. 
• Assist the Vice President of Campus Life in the fulfillment of his or her duties. 
• Provide opportunities for interaction between students and alumni.
• Coordinate with the Chief Communications Representative to properly promote all alumni-related events. 
• Monitor the quality of alumni programming at the university and address concerns that may emerge. 
• Maintain a relationship with the: 

• Office of Alumni and Development.
• Associate Director for Alumni Relations at General Studies. 

• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Campus Life. 

10. The International Students Representative shall: 

• Sit on the Campus Life Committee. 
• Assist the Vice President of Campus Life in the fulfillment of his or her duties. 
• Provide opportunities for interaction between international and non-international students. 
• Monitor the quality of international student life at the university and address concerns that may emerge. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Campus Life. 

11. The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) Students Representative shall: 

• Sit on the Campus Life Committee. 
• Assist the Vice President of Campus Life in the fulfillment of his or her duties. 
• Provide opportunities for interaction between JTS and non-JTS students. iv. Monitor the quality of JTS student life at the university and address concerns that may emerge. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Campus Life. 

12.  The Family and Working Students Representative shall: 

• Sit on the Policy Committee. 
• Assist the Vice President of Policy in the fulfillment of his or her duties. 
• Work on policy initiatives on behalf of working students and students with families. 
• Monitor the quality of working students and students with family life at the university and address concerns that may emerge. 
• Work with on campus organizations that promote the wellbeing of students with families and working students. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Policy. 

13. Veteran Students Representative shall: 

• Sit on the Policy Committee. 
• Assist the Vice President of Policy in the fulfillment of his or her duties.
• Work on policy initiatives on behalf of veteran students. 
• Monitor the quality of veteran services at the university and address concerns that may emerge. 
• Maintain a relationship with all veteran affairs officials at Columbia University. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Policy. 

14. Community Services and Sustainability Representative shall: 

• Sit on the Campus Life Committee. 
• Assist the Vice President of Campus Life in the fulfillment of his or her duties. 
• Provide philanthropic opportunities for the GS student body. 
• Maintain a relationship with Community Impact, while serving as a liaison between Community Impact and the GSSC Campus Life Committee. 
• Coordinate and promote sustainability in the planning of GSSC-sponsored events. 
• Promote sustainability initiatives in consultation with the GSSC Policy Committee.
• Seek out, identify, and create community service initiatives for the GS student body.
• Work with other GSSC committees as needed. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Campus Life. 
• Maintain a relationship with on-campus organizations that focus on sustainable development, while serving as a liaison between these organizations and the GSSC Campus Life Committee.

15. The Senior Class Treasurer shall: 

• Be classified academically as a senior. 
• Sit on the Finance Committee. 
• Assist the Senior Class President and the Senior Class Vice President in the fulfillment of their duties. 
• Manage the Senior Class budget. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the: 

• Senior Class President. 
• Senior Class Vice President. 
• Vice President of Finance. 

• Keep a general ledger of the Senior Class council’s expenditures. 

16. First Year Class President shall: 

• Be a first year student at Columbia University. 
• Sit on the Campus Life Committee. 
• Provide opportunities for First Year GS students to come together for class-specific social and educational purposes.
• Uphold relations with the First Year Class Presidents from other councils. 
• Collaborate with the Student Life Office to plan and execute First Year Class activities. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Campus Life. 

17. The First Year Class Vice President shall: 

• Be a first year student at Columbia University. 
• Sit on the Campus Life Committee and act as liaison between the Vice President of Campus Life and the Vice President of Communications. 
• Attend Events Committee meetings. 
• Assist the First Year Class President in the fulfillment of his or her duties.
• Assume the First Year Class President’s responsibilities in his or her absence. 
• Assume the role of First Year Class President in the event of the resignation, impeachment, or ineligibility of the First Year Class President. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the First Year Class President and the Vice President of Campus Life. 
• Coordinate with the Sophomore Class President of other councils.

18. Senior Class President shall: 

• Be classified academically as a senior. 
• Sit on the Campus Life Committee. 
• Provide opportunities for Senior Class GS students to come together for class-specific social and educational purposes. 
• Uphold relations with the Senior Class Presidents from other councils.
• Collaborate with the Student Life Office to plan Senior Class events including, but not limited to: 

• The Senior Cruise 
• Senior Fund 
• Senior Week 

• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Campus Life.
• Oversee the selection of the Senior Class representative to sit on the Senior Week Committee. 

19. The Senior Class Vice President shall: 

• Be classified academically as a senior. 
• Sit on the Campus Life Committee. 
• Assist the Senior Class President in the fulfillment of his or her duties.
• Assume the role of Senior Class President in the event of the resignation, impeachment, or ineligibility of the Senior Class President. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Senior Class President and the Vice President of Campus Life. 
• Coordinate with the Junior Class Presidents of other councils.  

20. Students with Disabilities Representative shall: 

• Sit on the Policy Committee. 
• Assist the Vice President of Policy in the fulfillment of his or her duties.
• Gauge salient issues among students with disabilities through an annual survey. 
• Coordinate with the Office of Disability Services to implement policy initiatives for students with disabilities. 
• Act as a liaison with any governing body directly or indirectly associated with students with disabilities or accessibility on campus. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Policy. 

21. Diversity and Equity Representative shall: 

• Sit on the Policy Committee. 
• Monitor quality of student life as it relates to underrepresented groups including, but not limited to: 

• Race. 
• Ethnicity. 
• Sexual orientation. 
• Gender expression. 
• Socioeconomic status. 
• Religion. 

• Coordinate with the Office of Multicultural Affairs to implement policy initiatives for students from underrepresented groups. 
• Work on policy initiatives that promote social and academic equity for students from underrepresented groups. 
• Act as a liaison on behalf of underrepresented groups and provide opportunities for inclusive, fully integrated student interactions. 

• Assist the Vice President of Policy in the fulfillment of his or her duties. 

22. Dual BA & Joint Program Representative shall: 

• Sit on the Campus Life Committee. 
• Monitor quality of student life as it relates to students in: 

• Sciences Po 
• City University of Hong Kong 
• Jewish Theological Seminary
• Trinity College Dublin
• Tel Aviv University

• Coordinate with JTS Representative. 
• Coordinate with student organizations from previously listed schools in order to ensure inclusive campus events.
• Coordinate with administrators from related establishments to ensure quality of student life is maintained. 

23. The Health and Wellness Representative shall: 

• Sit on the Policy Committee. 
• Assist the Vice President of Policy in the fulfillment of his or her duties.
• Monitor the quality of mental and physical health at the university and address concerns that may emerge.
• Coordinate with Columbia Health and Counseling and Psychological Services to implement policy initiatives that address the needs of the student body 
• Coordinate with the GS Health and Wellness Advisor on events and policy initiatives that improve the quality of health and wellness at the university. 
• Coordinate Campus Life Committee members to create events that promote health and wellness at the university. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Policy. 

24. Social Media Representative shall: 

• Sit on the Communications Committee. 
• Maintain all GSSC-related social media outlets including, but not limited to: 

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram 
• Snapchat 

• Regularly inform the GS student body on GSSC-related events. 
• Assist the Vice President of Communications in the fulfillment of his or her duties. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Communications. 

25. The Chief Negotiator shall: 

• Sit on the Finance Committee. 
• Liaise with any and all committees in order to assist council members with communication and negotiation strategies. 
• Communicate with vendors in order to establish relationships and obtain favorable pricing for events on behalf of the student body. 
• Inform the Council of relevant communications with vendors, if necessary. 
• Assist the Vice President of Finance in the fulfillment of his or her duties. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Finance.

26. The Technology Chair shall: 

• Sit on the Communications Committee. 
• Assist the Vice President of Communications in the fulfillment of his or her duties. 
• Collaborate with all four GSSC committees to evaluate technological solutions that can improve council processes. 
• Manage suite of existing council tech assets including, but not limited to website management and share drive administration. 
• Offer assistance to all Communications Committee initiatives and programs. 
• Fulfill all special assignments as delegated by the Vice President of Communications. 

Section 3. Non-Voting Members. Non-voting, appointed members of the GSSC shall be known as Non-Voting Members. Attendance at their respective committee meetings is mandatory, while attendance at regular GSSC meetings is strongly encouraged. Their titles and duties shall be as follows:

1. The Legislative Assistants (two positions) shall: 

• Sit on the Policy Committee. 
• Be appointed by the University Senator at the beginning of his or her term as outlined in Article VII of the GSSC By-laws. Supplemental appointments may also occur in the event of a mid-year vacancy. 
• Be familiarized with the duties and responsibilities of the University Senator as outlined in Article II of the GSSC By-laws.
• Assist the University Senator in the fulfillment of his or her duties and assist the Policy Committee as needed. 
• In the case where the University Senator is unable or unwilling to fulfill his or her duties, the Legislative Assistants may take up some of the responsibilities of the University Senate, including providing updates and communication between GSSC and the University Senate in place of the GSSC University Senator.  

2. Commuter Student Representative shall: 

• Sit on the Campus Life Committee. 
• Be appointed by the Executive Board. 
• Plan events and create an inclusive environment for commuting students.
• Raise concerns regarding commuting and part-time students, including, but not limited to, subsidized Metro cards during midterms and finals. 

Section 1. Members. The following GSSC Officers shall serve on the Executive Board and be known as the GSSC Executive Officers. 

1. Student Body President 
2. Vice President of Policy 
3. Vice President of Finance 
4. Vice President of Communications 
5. Vice President of Campus Life 

Section 2. Purpose. The GSSC Executive Board shall perform their organizational, administrative, and leadership functions to best serve the GS student body and the GSSC Constitution. 

Section 3. Authorities and Responsibilities. In addition to the authorities and responsibilities defined throughout the By-Laws, the GSSC Executive Board shall have the power to:

• Establish broad policies and objectives for the GSSC. 
• Hold meetings as needed to best serve the GS student body and the GSSC Constitution. 
• Nominate candidates for the positions within the GSSC. 
• Begin the Impeachment process for GSSC Members as defined in Article IX of the GSSC By-laws
• Ensure the availability of adequate financial resources for the GSSC and approve expenditures of less than a predetermined amount each academic year. 
• Speak on behalf of the GSSC. 

Section 4. Rules of the Board. The Student Body President may adopt rules and policies for the GSSC Executive Board, in order to best serve the GS student body and the GSSC Constitution, so long as such rules do not contradict the GSSC Constitution and the GSSC By-laws. 

Section 5. Exclusions. The authorities and responsibilities of the GSSC Executive Board include, but are not limited to, those detailed within this Article. 

Section 1. Executive Board Meetings. The GSSC Executive Board shall hold meetings in order to perform their organizational, administrative, and leadership functions to best serve the GS student body and the GSSC Constitution. 

• Time and Location. The GSSC shall hold weekly Executive Board meetings, on a day and time at the Student Body President’s discretion. Executive Board meetings shall occur weekly on a time, day, and location  at the Student Body President’s discretion. The time and location of each Executive Board meeting shall be announced to all Executive Officers at least one week prior to the meeting. If a meeting announcement is not made before the time frame, the rules of attendance for that meeting shall be suspended. 

• Quorum and Attendance. Quorum shall be a simple majority of all Executive Officers. Attendance at the Executive Board meeting shall be mandatory. The Student Body President may grant a limited number of excused absences at his or her discretion. Absentee voting is not allowed. The President shall approve of anyone who is not on the Executive Board attending executive Board Meetings. 

• Parliamentary Authority. The Student Body President shall define and implement all parliamentary procedures for the Executive Board meetings. 

Section 2. Council Meetings. The GSSC shall hold meetings in order to perform their organizational, administrative, and leadership functions to best serve the GS student body and the GSSC Constitution. 

• Time and Location. The GSSC shall hold weekly meetings each Tuesday at a time decided by the Executive Officers at the beginning of each term no later than 8:30PM EST while fall and spring semester classes are in session. For extenuating circumstances, GSSC may hold weekly meetings remotely via Zoom, to be decided at the discretion of the Executive Board. 

• Quorum and Attendance. Quorum shall be 2/3 of all Voting Members of the GSSC. Attendance at the GSSC weekly meetings shall be mandatory for all Voting Members. Attendance policies for Council Meetings are outlined in Article III, Section 4 of the GSSC Constitution. Partial absence shall be considered for: 

• Arrival after the conclusion of the roll call at the beginning of a meeting or absence upon adjournment of a meeting. 
• Absence from a substantive portion greater than 25% of a meeting, as determined by the start and end times of said meeting, at the discretion of the Student Body President. 
• Two partial unexcused absences shall be considered one unexcused absence.

• Zoom Attendance Policies. Any member who anticipates attending a council meeting remotely must notify the Student Body President and the VP of Communications before the beginning of said meeting. GSSC Members may attend up to three (3) council meetings via Zoom. If a GSSSC Member requires attending more than three (3) council meetings via zoom, it is the Student Body President’s prerogative to approve or deny the Member’s request. 

• Voting. Council Members may propose a motion to be voted on by the GSSC Council during Council Meetings, following procedures outlined in Robert’s Rules of Order. After a motion is brought forth, discussion may be had on that motion. Voting shall occur by Members indicating “Yes,” “No,” or “Abstain” by a show of hands. 

• Unless otherwise specified in the By-Laws, any Voting Member may vote “Abstain” without explanation required. However, Voting Members are nonetheless strongly encouraged to vote either “Yes” or “No” on the majority of motions to ensure full Council participation in decision-making.

Unless otherwise noted in the By-Laws, motions brought up in Council meetings shall be passed via a simple majority. Absentee voting is not allowed for Council Meetings. If a Voting Member is suspected of not fulfilling his or her duty to vote, the Student Body President and VP of Communications will discuss with that Member that consistent voting is a requirement of the fulfillment of duties on GSSC and that infringement of this policy can lead to a retroactive unexcused absence and/or further disciplinary actions. 

• Parliamentary Authority. The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the GSSC in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the GSSC Constitution, the GSSC By-laws, and any special rules of order the GSSC may adopt. The Vice President of Policy shall serve as the Parliamentarian. 

Section 3. Committee Meetings. The four separate GSSC Committees shall hold meetings in order to perform their organizational, administrative, and leadership functions to best serve the GS student body and the GSSC Constitution. 

• Time and Location. The GSSC shall hold Committee meetings weekly, while fall and spring semester classes are in session, on day and time determined by each Committee. The GSSC shall hold Committee meetings in a location at Columbia University, determined by each Committee.

• Quorum and Attendance. Quorum shall be determined by the Vice President of each Committee. Attendance and voting procedures shall follow that of Council Meetings unless otherwise stated by the respective Vice President of that Committee

• Parliamentary Authority. The Vice President of each Committee shall define and implement all parliamentary procedures for his or her respective Committee. 

Section 4. Special Meetings. The GSSC may hold Special meetings as needed throughout the academic year in order to perform their organizational, administrative, and leadership functions that cannot be performed within normal Council and Committee Meetings. 

• Time and Location. The times and locations of these Special meetings, including online modality, of these special meetings  shall be announced to all relevant members at least one week prior to the meeting.

• Quorum and Attendance. Quorum shall be a simple majority of required attendees. Attendance requirements for Special meetings shall be at the discretion of the GSSC Executive Board. 

• Parliamentary Authority.  The organizer of any Special meeting shall define and implement all parliamentary procedures for his or her meeting. 

Section 5. Emergency Meetings. The GSSC may hold Emergency Meetings as needed throughout the academic year in order to carry out important and time-sensitive actions and decisions to best serve the GS student body and the GSSC Constitution.

• Time and Location. The times and locations of these Emergency Meetings shall be announced to all relevant members as early as possible.

• Quorum and Attendance. Attendance is mandatory at Emergency Meetings for all members. Detailed attendance and quorum rules shall follow those stipulated for Council Meetings. Absentee voting is not allowed. 

• Parliamentary Authority. The organizer of any Emergency Meeting shall define and implement all parliamentary procedures for his or her meeting. 

Section 6. Other Meetings. “Other” meetings are described as any organization holding a meeting in which a GSSC member must attend.

• Time and Location. Shall be defined by the hosting organization. 

• Attendance. Attendance for Other meetings shall be mandatory. The GSSC Executive Board may grant excused absences at their discretion. Executive Officers may not excuse themselves.

• Parliamentary Authority. Shall be defined by the hosting organization. 

Section 1. Purpose. The GSSC shall form committees as to best serve the GS student body and the GSSC Constitution. 

Section 2. Administrant. The GSSC Executive Board shall form and administer all committees. 

Section 3. Composition.  

• Standing Committees. The GSSC shall have four Standing Committees as follows:

1. Policy Committee
2. Finance Committee 
3. Communications Committee 
4. Campus Life Committee 

Standing Committees shall be chaired by the respective GSSC Vice Presidents. Standing Committees may be composed of Voting and Non-Voting Members, as well as any other student or Alumni of Columbia University, as needed to best serve the GS student body and the GSSC Constitution. Standing Committees shall be conducted as described in Article IV of the GSSC By-laws.

• Subcommittees. Also known as Non-Standing Committees as described in Article VI of the GSSC Constitution. The Committees may form subcommittees, as needed, to best serve the GS student body and the GSSC Constitution. Subcommittees shall each be chaired by a Voting Member from that relevant Standing Committee. The Subcommittee on Elections (SE) is a reoccurring subcommittee of GSSC. All rules pertaining to its makeup, chairing, voting, procedures, and dissolution are all defined in Article VI of the By-Laws.

• Special Committees. The GSSC may form Special Committees, as needed, to best serve the GS student body and the GSSC Constitution. The Student Body President shall appoint the chair of any Special Committee.

Section 1. Subcommittee on Elections (SE). The SE shall be formed no later than the last GSSC meeting of the Fall semester. All members of the SE are to be academically classified as seniors. The SE shall be chaired by the GSSC President and composed by the Senior Class President and a graduating senior from each GSSC Committee. 

• If: The GSSC President is not a senior, the Senior Class President will chair the SE and the GSSC President will no longer sit on the SE. 
• If: There are more than one graduating seniors on a GSSC Committee, the chair of the SE shall select between eligible members.
• If: Vacancies on the SE remain, the chair of the SE may appoint any graduating seniors in GSSC  to fill the remaining vacancies at his or her discretion.

Further, all SE decisions shall be made through a simple majority vote. The SE shall be responsible for interviewing applicants for the Election Task Force Chair, presenting to GSSC no less than two and no more than three candidates for the position. 

Section 2. Elections Task Force (ETF). The ETF shall be made up of the Election Task Force Chair and two or three Election Commissioners (EC).  

• ETF Membership Eligibility. Any General Studies student in good standing according to the Dean of Students Office, who is enrolled at least half-time and is not a current member of the General Studies Student Council. Candidates for the ETF should not have any conflicts of interest with current members of the General Studies Student Council. Any conflicts of interest will be determined by the SE during the appointment process. Candidates for the ETF should not be running in the upcoming election and, if appointed, will be ineligible to apply to any positions on GSSC in the upcoming academic year.

• ETF Appointments. Appointments shall take place no later than Week 4 of the Spring Term, whereby the GSSC shall publicize the availability of ETF positions to the GS student body. All ETF positions require a simple majority vote from the GSSC.

1. Elections Task Force Chair. For this position, the SE Chair must present to GSSC no less than two and no more than three candidates. Upon doing so, the GSSC shall vote to approve the nomination for the position. 

• If: All the nominations are declined, the SE chair shall nominate another candidate. This cycle of proposals shall continue until a candidate has been selected.

2. Elections Task Force Commissioner. The ETF Chair shall interview and nominate a minimum of three candidates for the Commissioner positions. Upon doing so, the GSSC shall vote to approve the nomination for the position. EC terms shall commence immediately upon the Spring appointment. 

• If: All the nominations are declined, the ETF chair shall nominate another candidate. This cycle of proposals shall continue until a candidate has been selected. However, shall there remain vacant EC positions, the Elections process shall continue, with the SE assisting the ETF Chair in their duties, listed below, until a minimum of two EC positions have been filled. 

• Duties of ETF members. The chief role of the ETF  is to oversee the election process and to ensure the election process is fair and abides by the GSSC Constitution and GSSC By-Laws. 

1. ETF Chair. The ETF Chair is responsible for (1) complete oversight and compulsory delegation of communications and event coordination, (2) interview and nominate candidates for the ETF, and (3) the responsibilities outlined in Article VI, Section 5 with the ability to delegate as needed. 
2. Election Commissioners. Duties of ECs shall be distributed as follows. 

1. Communications. One or two ECs shall be in charge of communications. This includes (1) organize and disseminate election packets to the student body, (2) advertise information session and election rules meeting, (3) email candidates with poster approval, (4) coordinate the email release of debate information to candidates and the GS student body, (5) organize and disseminate the voting link to the GS student body, and (6) coordinate the email release of the election results to the GS student body.
2. Event Planning. One or two ECs shall orchestrate event planning. This includes (1) submitting a request for ETF funding from the GSSC budget. (2) hold information session and mandatory election rules meeting, (3) hold elections debate, (4) handle potential election violations

Section 3. Election Packet. The election packet must include the following information and be assembled and disseminated at least two weeks prior to the election. The information includes (1) a list of relevant election dates, (2) a copy of the election by-laws, (3) relevant forms (including but not limited to [1] intent to run forms, [2] endorsement forms, [3] rule violation forms, [4] dates for rules meeting, [5] debate dates), and (4) the official voting website.

Section 4. Elections Timeline. GSSC elections shall be held annually before the last day of classes in the spring semester. The date will be set by the ETF. The selected date(s) must be announced at least five weeks prior to the elections. Any changes to the elections timeline must be emailed to the candidates and the GS student body at least 12 hours prior to the beginning of the campaigning period (outlined in Article VI, Section 10.). 

Further, GSSC Elections shall adhere to the following timeline.  

• Week 1: (1) submit request for ETF budget out of the GSSC budget, and (2) advertise information session. 
• Week 2: (1) hold information session, (2) email application form to the student body, and (3) advertise election rules meeting.
• Week 3: (1) email elections packet to candidates (at the latest), and (2) hold a mandatory election rules meeting. 
• Week 4: (1) email candidates with poster approval, and (2) hold elections debate (the debate shall be held at an accessible location on campus; information about the debate should be emailed to the GS student body and registered candidates at least one week prior to the debate).  
• Week 5: (1) email voting link to the student body (REF: Article VI, Section 11 of the By-Laws), and (2) email results to the student body. 

Section 5. Responsibilities of the ETF. In addition to ensuring a fair and constitutional election process, the ETF shall: 

• Adjudication. Adjudicate submitted Rule Violation Forms in accordance with the guidelines established in Article VI, Section 12 of the By-Laws.

• Correspondence. Use only official Columbia email accounts for election-related communication. 

• Soliciting Advice. In the event that the ETF decides to seek advice from the SE regarding election procedure, the communication must be done via email. Before responding, members of the SE must consult one another. The only member of the SE who may respond is the highest ranking member of the SE who sits on the Policy committee.

• Authority of the ETF. The ETF is an independent regulatory body, but will abide by the GSSC Constitution and By-laws, namely the Election Rules outlined in the GSSC By-laws. The ETF shall draft and approve a Post-Elections Commission Report outlining any inefficiency in the elections process and any actions taken against violations. The report shall be presented to the GSSC and subsequently published to the GS student body, and GSSC shall discuss any future changes to the election procedures based on the report’s findings.  

Section 6. Removal of ETF Members. There are two ways an ETF member can be removed. 

1. Resignation. Any ETF member may resign from their position in accordance with Article VIII: Resignations of the GSSC By-laws. 
2. Impeachment. GSSC may vote to impeach a member they believe to be unfit and unable to fulfill their respective duties, or in response to a complaint. Any GS student may submit a complaint–which may only be submitted during the election period–to be analyzed by GSSC if they suspect a member of the ETF to have violated the GSSC Constitution and By-laws. The complaint should include: 

• Person responsible for violation 
• Rule(s) violated 
• Supporting evidence/documentation 

• Decision to Remove an ETF Member. Upon receipt of a complaint, the SE will have 48 hours to vote whether to dismiss the complaint or remove the person from the position. The decision should be final and can only be overturned by a ¾ simple majority vote from council. If a member of the ETF resigns or is impeached during their term, they will still be ineligible to run in the Spring GSSC elections or apply to fill a GSSC vacancy during the subsequent school year. In the case of vacancies on the ETF resulting from resignation or impeachments, the SE should appoint a substitute to fill the remainder of the term. Appointments will be made according to the eligibility requirements outlined in Article VI, Section 2 of the By-Laws. 

Section 7. Eligible Positions for the GSSC Elections. 

• Annual Positions. With the exception of the University Senator, whose is elected every other year and serves a term of two consecutive years, as outlined in Article III, Section 2 of the GSSC Constitution, the following positions will be eligible for new representation each year at the time of GSSC’s annual elections: 

1. Student Body President
2. Vice President of Policy
3. Vice President of Finance
4. Vice President of Campus Life
5. Vice President of Communications
6. International Students Representative
7. Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) Students Representative
8. Veteran Students Representative
9. Senior Class President
10. Senior Class Vice President

Section 8. Candidate Eligibility. In addition to the criteria outlined in Article III Section 1 of the GSSC Constitution, students must satisfy the following conditions in order to run for a GSSC position. (1) Students wishing to run for a position must submit an Intent to Run Form by the deadline set forth by the ETF and attend the mandatory Rules Meeting. (2) Any student who wishes to run for the office of Senior Class President or Senior Class Vice President must be classified academically as a senior, as defined by the Student Life Office, for the entirety of the upcoming academic year. (3) No student shall run for more than one position. 

• Unopposed Candidate(s). No candidate may run unopposed. A candidate is considered unopposed if 12 hours prior to the start of the campaigning period, there are fewer than two eligible candidates on the ballot for that position. 

• Withdrawn Candidacy. A candidate who withdraws their candidacy shall be ineligible to win the election and shall be removed from the ballot, if possible. Should a candidate withdraw their candidacy within less than 12 hours of the start of the campaigning period, resulting in one candidate running unopposed for that position, the deadline can be extended for that position only. If less than two eligible students apply to run for the respective position, after the deadline extension, the position will fall under special appointments outlined in Article VII of the By-laws.  

Section 9. Presidential Election. A candidate for the position of Student Body President cannot run unopposed. Candidates for the position must have (1) spent one academic year in GS, and (2) completed a minimum of 12 credits over two consecutive semesters upon taking office. In the absence of an opposing candidate, the ETF will defer the race to a Special Election as outlined in Article VI, Section 14. Relevant campaigning and other deadlines will be adjusted accordingly to suit the new election date. 

Section 10. Election Rules. This section shall outline the rules and stipulations of GSSC elections, namely campaigning, candidate’s conduct, and candidate endorsements. 

• Campaigning. Campaigning is any activity that promotes a candidate or party in association with an election. Campaigning includes, but is not limited to, the distribution of posters and palm cards, the publishing of web content, door-to-door canvassing, emailing, public announcements, telephone or text message canvassing. 

• Campaigning Period. Campaigning is only allowed during the campaign period, which (1) will last for no less than seven and no more than ten consecutive calendar days, and (2) end once voting has begun. 

• University Regulations. All campaign activities are subject to official university regulations. If the ETF determines that a university regulation has been violated, a complaint shall be filed with the administration and refer affected students to the General Studies Bias Response Protocol and the Columbia University Student Conduct and Community Standards. 

• Candidate’s Conduct. All candidates are responsible for the conduct of themselves and all others who support or represent them, regardless of whether or not the act/support was requested or solicited. A supporter is defined as anyone working on behalf of or promoting a campaign. Candidates are responsible for notifying such persons of all ETF guidelines and Election by-laws. Rule violations by supporters will be considered as being committed by the candidate(s).

1. Candidates may not misrepresent themselves or other candidates with fraudulent information in any campaign activities, and may not remove or deface other candidates’ campaign materials
2. Candidates may not campaign in the GS Lounge. 
3. Candidates may not send unsolicited emails or contact any individuals based on information obtained from (1) petitions, (2) sign-in sheets, (3) club lists, (4) listserv, or (5) any list compiled by student councils or governing boards. 

• Campaign Materials. Candidates may spend up to $100 on campaign-related print promotional materials. Any other form of paid advertising is prohibited. Within 24 hours of purchasing campaign materials, candidates must present the ETF with receipts of purchase. Candidates themselves will be responsible for ensuring that they do not exceed the spending guidelines. Candidates may not offer food or alcoholic beverages in an effort to garner votes. Campaign materials may not be procured through donations, sponsorships, employer resources, or any other means not described in the GSSC By-laws. If a candidate has any questions regarding the legitimacy of any campaign materials, they should contact the ETF. Inappropriate or defaming language and images are prohibited in all campaign materials. 

• Endorsements. To obtain an official endorsement, a candidate or party and the endorsing organization must comply with the following regulations: 

1. The party or candidate must obtain a Candidate Endorsement Form from the ETF. 
2. The party or candidate must present their platform at a full meeting of the student organization’s executive board. 
3. The endorsing organization must be provided with a copy of the rules regarding endorsements. 
4. If the candidate seeking endorsement is a member of the student group’s executive board, then he or she must abstain from the vote. 
5. The Candidate Endorsement Form must be completed and signed by the candidate seeking the endorsement and the President of the endorsing organization. 
6. If the candidate is the President of the student group for which he or she is seeking endorsement, then the next highest-ranking officer must preside over the vote and sign the Candidate Endorsement Form. 
7. Candidates must submit completed Campaign Endorsement forms to the ETF.
8. Candidates may not publicize an endorsement until the form has been submitted and approved. 
9. Endorsing organizations may not provide financial or material support to candidates. Their members may campaign on behalf of candidates, but must comply with all election rules. Candidates may not campaign at events of their endorsing organizations. 
10. Candidates may not be endorsed by:

• GSSC (General Studies Student Council) 
• CCSC (Columbia College Student Council) 
• ESC (Engineering Student Council)
• Barnard SGA (Student Government Association) 
• List College Students Council
• Activities Board at Columbia 
• Student Governing Board 
• Community Impact
• Club Sports Governing Board 
• Inter-Greek Council
• General Studies faculty or administration
• ETF (Elections Task Force)
• SE (Subcommittee on Elections). 

• GSSC Endorsements. GSSC—as a body—may not use their privileges as a council to further the candidacy of current members, nor the candidacy of any other students. The following actions, when committed by the GSSC, will be considered in violation of the rules: 

1. Use of Student Council email privileges to promote a candidate. 
2. Use of Student Council social media to promote a candidate. 
3. Campaigning or allowing a candidate to campaign at a Student Council event. 
4. Providing public endorsements in support of or against a candidate other than yourself. 

However, individual members of GSSC may freely endorse, promote, or otherwise support prospective candidates outside of their respective position on GSSC, with the following considerations: (1) There are no violations to the Columbia University policies, GSSC Constitution, GSSC By-Laws, and (2) there are no major ethical breaches. Any concerns regarding a breach in any of the above policies shall be adjudicated by the ETF.

Section 11. Election Voting. Voting for GSSC elections will take place online through the use of an officially supported university electronic system. Voting will open at 10am EST on the day of the election and end promptly 72 hours thereafter. In the case there are any technological problems that impede students from voting, the ETF may extend the elections period by 24 hours with the approval of the Student Life Office. Any evidence of a security breach or other violation affecting the integrity of the voting process will force a review of the alleged breach by the administration to determine if a revote is necessary. 

• Election Information. In addition to the materials outlined in Article VI, Section 4 of the By-Laws, the ETF must prominently feature information about the elections, specifically (1) links to the candidate statements, (2) Election Day voting link, and (3) ETF’s contact information within one week of the elections through official GS electronic communication.  

• Tallied Votes. Votes are tallied by the Student Life Office and confirmed by the ETF. Once votes are confirmed, the ETF will be responsible for announcing results to the student body. A simple plurality of votes will determine the winning candidate of each position. Once elections close, candidates have 24 hours to issue any remaining election complaints to the ETF and any ballot complaints to the Student Life Office.

• Special Election Triggers. In the event that candidates with the highest number of votes running for either the position of Student Body President or the University Senator fail to receive 100 votes, a Special Election will be held for the position. Under the conditions, if there are three or more candidates for said position, the two candidates who received the highest number of votes in the general election will automatically move on to the Special election. Additional candidates for a Special Election are dictated by the rules in Article VI, Section 14, which provides further details concerning Special Elections. 

Section 12. Adjudication. 

• Confidentiality of Election Violations. Any rules violations and penalties will be kept in confidentiality during the elections period. The ETF shall release a document with all rules infractions once the elections period is over. 

• Violation Submissions. All violations may be submitted via the official form or email for formal review. Submissions must clearly identify the rule(s) violated, the illegal action(s), the time and date of the violation, if applicable, and the person(s) allegedly responsible for rule violation. The burden of proof, as to be determined by a preponderance of evidence, shall be on the complainant(s). All supporting evidence and/or documentation must be submitted to the ETF at the same time. The ETF cannot accept any delayed evidence regardless of the cause of the delay. 

• Violation Timeline. Within 12 hours of the complaint, the ETF shall decide whether to investigate or dismiss the case. Should the ETF decide to investigate, it shall email the accused candidate with the alleged rules violation and evidence of violation. Upon receipt of the notification from the ETF, the accused candidate will have 12 hours to respond via email and provide a written defense. 

• Adjudication Proceedings. All documentation will be looked over and given a ruling by the Elections Task Force within 24 hours of the submission of written defense. Should the accused candidate fail to provide a written defense within the allotted 12 hours, the aforementioned timeline will still apply. The decision should be made by a simple majority vote of the ETF. 

• If: The ETF rules that there has been a violation, the rule-violating party will be immediately notified of the ruling and reasoning for the decision via email. The electronic conversation will carbon copy the ETF Student Life Advisor. 

• Appeals and Resolutions. The alleged rule violator is entitled to a first and second appeal, occurring in the following order and pursuant to procedure outlined below. However, at any point should a party fail to comply with a deadline, they will forgo their right to file a rebuttal or appeal any decision.  

1. First Appeal. The accused rule-violating party will have 12 hours to submit a first appeal to the charges in writing or by email to the Elections Task Force. 
2. Resolution. The Elections Task Force will reconvene to vote on the rule violation based on the information in the Rules Violation form and in the rebuttal. The decision is made by a simple majority vote of the ETF. Appropriate sanctions, as described below in Article VI Section 13, will be enforced if the rule violator is found guilty. 
3. Second Appeal. If the alleged rule violator would like to submit a second rebuttal, the rules violation will be turned over to the SE. The ETF Chair shall remove all identifying information from the documents pertaining to the rules violation and send a copy of all documentation to the SE Chair, who will then, immediately, disseminate said documents to all members of the SE. The SE will have 24 hours to review the information, which will remain confidential until the vote occurs and a decision on the appeal is made. After 24 hours, the SE will vote to either affirm or overturn the ruling, both requiring a simple majority. 

• Violations Concerning Appeals and Resolutions. It is a violation for any candidate to attempt to discuss any appeal with any member of ETF or SE. Should they do so, they will be subject to the adjudication process per Article VI, Section 12. Any candidate that attempts to discuss the nature of any appeal with any member of the ETF or SE will be submitted to the adjudication process. If the candidate in question is found responsible they will be immediately disqualified. 

Section 13. Penalties. Penalties will be implemented in one of two ways: 

1. Warning.  Once the ETF decides that a candidate has violated an election rule, the ETF shall email a warning to the candidate containing the rule violated and the consequences of further violations. 
2. Disqualification. After receiving a warning, if a candidate violates the same election rule, they will be disqualified by the ETF. 

• If: The candidate violates a second and different election rule, the ETF will be responsible for deciding whether to disqualify the candidate or issue another warning. The candidate shall have 24 hours to file an appeal with the ETF, as outlined in Article VI, Section 12. After the 24-hour period, if no appeal has been filed, decisions will be made final and, if relevant, the candidate’s name will be removed from the ballot. 

Section 14. Special Elections. A special election is defined as an election scheduled outside the date(s) listed in Article VI, Section 4 for a specific purpose. In a Special Election, Intent to Run Forms will continue to be accepted by the ETF until two weeks before the last day of classes. After this time, the Special Election must take place during the following semester.

• Winning A Special Election. In order to win a Special Election, a candidate must receive the majority of votes and have over 100 votes in total.

• If: The first Special Election between two candidates results in no candidate receiving 100 votes, a second Special Election will be held, following all rules above. 
• If: A candidate fails to receive 100 votes in a Special Election with three or more candidates, an additional Special Election will be held, following all rules above, except the subsequent Special Election will only occur between the top two candidates from the previous Special Election.

Section 1. Purpose. A formal process to secure highly qualified student leaders for the GSSC in order to best serve the GS student body and the GSSC Constitution. Appointments primarily occur during the beginning of the fall semester and the end of the Spring term, but can also take place at any time throughout the academic year for extenuating circumstances. The GSSC Executive Board is responsible for administering all (1) Spring, (2) Fall, (3) Supplemental, and (4) Committee Appointments. All appointments shall be conducted in a location at Columbia University, at the discretion of the GSSC Executive Board/Executive Board Elect (EBE) (described below in Section 2).

Section 2. Spring Appointments. Following the GSSC Annual Elections, the GSSC shall conduct appointments for the following academic year. The newly elected Executive Board, herein within this section known as the Executive Board Elect (EBE), shall administer the Spring Appointments. 

• Definitions. (1) Special Appointments: all chief positions and positions that are eligible for GSSC Annual Elections and that remain vacant following those elections shall be considered Special Appointments and shall take precedence over the General Appointments. (2) General Appointments: all positions that are designated as non-elected, voting positions. 

• Timeline and Location. Spring appointment shall be conducted during the spring semester, after the GSSC Annual Elections and before commencement of the spring term. Positions available for General and Spring Special Appointments shall be announced to the GS student body no later than the release of the official and final election results of the GSSC Annual Elections. Applications will be collected electronically by the current Vice President of Communications and delivered to the EBE by the newly elected Student Body President. The Vice President of Communications shall verify that each application has been properly received with a prompt confirmation email. The application deadline for all Spring Appointments will be one week after the official and final election results of the GSSC Annual Elections have been released. The applications shall be delivered no later than 24 hours following the deadline. Upon conclusion of the Spring Appointments, the Vice President of Communications shall notify the GS student body of the results. The notifications shall take place immediately following the approval of the final applicant. These results shall be a matter of public record. 

• Special Appointments Procedure. Special Appointments for vacant positions on the EBE take precedence over General Appointments. These positions shall be filled in order of succession, as defined by the GSSC Constitution and Article XI of the GSSC By-laws.

• If: Any of the EBE positions are vacant, the current officer(s) shall participate as a substitute officer in the appointment process for said position. 
• If: The current officer of that position seeks the nomination for the vacant position, the appointment process will proceed without that substitute officer. 
• If: The current officer of that position holds another position on the EBE, the appointment process will proceed without that substitute officer. 

An officer of the EBE may apply for a Special Appointment to a different vacant position on the EBE. No substitute may be used to fill in for this officer’s original position during the approval process for his or her new position. Further, an officer of the EBE who is an applicant for a vacant position shall not have a vote in his or her own approval. 

• If: An officer of the EBE is approved for a vacant office, that officer’s original position will be vacant until filled by a Fall Special Appointment. 

• For each position, the EBE, with any required substitute officer and all newly elected officers, shall review and interview all applicants, then nominate one applicant for an approval vote.

• The General Body of the GSSC shall vote for or against the nomination. 
• There shall be no abstentions in this vote. 
• A majority of the votes are required for approval. 
  • If: The nomination is approved, the applicant immediately becomes part of the EBE and relieves his substitute officer. 
  • If: The nomination is rejected, the EBE, along with any required substitute officers, shall nominate another candidate. 
• This cycle of proposals shall continue until a candidate has been selected or there are no remaining candidates. 
  • If: No candidate is approved, the position shall remain vacant until the Fall Appointment.

Following the successful appointment of a complete EBE through the Special Appointment procedure outlined above, remaining Special Appointments for the positions of Senior Class President, (Senior Class Vice President), International Students Representative, Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) Students Representative, and Veteran Students Representative may be considered. Interviews for these positions may be opened alongside other positions outlined under the General Appointments Procedure below, but Special Appointments should be prioritized.

Should there be no satisfactory candidates for these remaining Special Appointments, the EBE may, at their discretion, postpone filling these positions until the fall General Appointments, with the responsibilities of the aforementioned vacant positions falling under the EBE for the time being. However, the position(s) of Senior Class President (and Vice President) should be filled if at all possible in order to facilitate successful fall senior class event planning.

The EBE may, at their discretion, invite other elected GSSC officials for the upcoming academic year to sit in on interviews during Special Appointments in order to ascertain a candidate’s qualifications. However, while the input of these individuals is considered, the ultimate decision to fill the position falls under the purview of the EBE.

• General Appointments Procedure. General Appointments shall follow the completion of Special Appointments or alongside remaining Special Appointments as outlined above. 

• For each position, the EBE  shall review and interview all applicants, then nominate one applicant for an approval vote. 
  • The EBE may, at their discretion, invite other elected GSSC officials for the upcoming academic year to sit in on interviews during General Appointments in order to ascertain a candidate’s qualifications. However, while the input of these individuals is considered, the ultimate decision to nominate a candidate for the position falls under the purview of the EBE.

• If: The nomination is approved, the applicant immediately becomes a member of the upcoming GSSC General Body as outlined in the Constitution and By-laws and relieves their predecessor at the termination of the current school year. 
• If: The nomination is declined, the EBE, along with any required substitute officers, shall nominate another candidate.

• This cycle of proposals shall continue until a candidate has been selected or there are no remaining candidates. 
  • If: No candidate is approved, the position shall remain vacant until the Fall Appointment. 
• The EBE may, at their discretion, decide which positions are to be opened for Spring General Appointment procedures as opposed to Fall General Appointments, as outlined in Sections 2 and 3. However, under no circumstances shall a singular committee for the upcoming academic year be more than half filled through Spring General Appointments. At least half of the positions for each of the four Standing Committees must be reserved for Fall General Appointments, as outlined below.
  • The positions of First Year Class President, First Year Class Vice President, and Legislative Assistants cannot be filled during Spring General Appointments and must be reserved for Fall General Appointments.

Section 3. Fall Appointments. During the fall semester, the GSSC shall conduct appointments for the academic year. 

• Definitions. (1) Special Appointments: chief positions and those eligible for GSSC Annual Elections that remain vacant following those elections and the Spring Appointments process. These positions shall take precedence over the General Appointments. (2) General Appointments: all remaining positions that are designated as non-elected, Voting and Non-Voting positions. 

• Timeline and Location. Fall Appointments shall be conducted during the fall semester, within two weeks of the first day of the semester. Positions available for all Fall Appointments shall be announced to the GS student body no later than 11:59pm on the first day of the semester. Applications will be collected electronically by the Vice President of Communications and delivered to the GSSC Executive Board.

• Special and General Appointments Procedure. Special Appointments for remaining Executive Board vacancies must take precedence over General Appointments and be filled before remaining Special Appointments and General Appointments can begin. Remaining Special Appointments may be conducted alongside General Appointments if the Executive Board deems it appropriate. Fall Special and General Appointments shall follow the same procedure enumerated in Article VII, Section II of the By-Laws, with the following exception: 

• If: No candidate is approved for a position designated as a Special or General Appointment, the position shall remain vacant until the Supplemental Appointment.

• The Executive Board may, at their discretion, invite other GSSC Members to sit in on interviews during General Appointments in order to ascertain a candidate’s qualifications. However, while the input of these individuals is considered, the ultimate decision to nominate a candidate for the position falls under the purview of the Executive Board.
• The University Senator, in consultation with the Student Body President and Vice President of Policy, shall discuss the best process, often the General Appointment procedures outlined above, to fill the Legislative Assistant positions, with the University Senator having final say on the matter.

Section 4. Supplemental Appointments. Throughout the academic year, the GSSC shall hold supplemental appointments to fill any voting position that becomes vacant following both Spring and Fall Appointment conditions. The GSSC Executive Board shall be the administrator of Supplemental Appointments. 

• Definitions. Supplemental Appointments: any GSSC position that (1) remains vacant following both the spring and fall appointments, or (2) becomes vacant at any time during the academic year. These positions shall be filled through a Supplemental Appointment. Supplemental Appointments, however, may not be used in lieu of spring or fall appointments. 

• Timeline and Location. Supplemental Appointments shall be conducted during the academic calendar year; no sooner than two weeks after the first day and no later than two weeks before the last day of either the fall or spring semesters. Positions available for all Supplemental Appointments shall be announced to the GS student body weekly. Applications will be collected electronically by the Vice President of Communications and delivered to the GSSC Executive Board within 48 hours of their acceptance. Applications for each position shall have a deadline set forth by the GSSC Executive Board. 

• Supplemental Appointments Procedure. The Vice President of Communication shall disseminate information to the GSSC and the GS student body regarding all open positions of the GSSC after the spring and fall appointments on a weekly basis. The Vice President of Communication shall develop a system for receiving all applications for said positions. Any GSSC Officer may also recommend an applicant for an open position on the GSSC. Any recommendation must be submitted to the GSSC Executive Board before the application deadline. A current officer on the GSSC may apply for any vacant position on the GSSC. 

• If: The Officer is appointed for the vacant position, their previous position will be vacant until filled by a Supplemental Appointment. 

An Officer of the GSSC who is an applicant for a vacant position shall not vote during the approval process. For each position, the GSSC Executive Board shall review and interview all applicants, then nominate one applicant for an approval vote. 

• The General Body of the GSSC shall vote for or against the nomination. 
• There shall be no abstentions in this vote. 
• A majority of the votes are required for approval. 
  • If: The nomination is approved, the applicant immediately becomes part of the GSSC 
  • If: The nomination is declined, the GSSC shall nominate another candidate.
• This cycle of proposals shall continue until a candidate has been selected or there are no remaining candidates.
  • If: No candidate is approved, the position shall remain vacant until the Supplemental Appointment.
• The frequency of Supplemental Appointments is at the discretion of the GSSC Executive Board. 

Section 5. Committee Appointments. Throughout the academic year, the GSSC shall hold committee appointments to fill any Non-Voting position as needed by the GSSC. 

• Definitions. Committee Appointments: all positions within the GSSC that are non-voting and non-elected. Said positions shall be composed of Non-Voting Members, as described in Article I of the GSSC By-Laws. 

• Timeline and Location. Committee Appointments shall be conducted as needed throughout the academic year. Positions available for all Committee Appointments shall be announced to the GS student body as needed. Applications will be collected by the relevant Executive Officer. Application deadlines shall be at the discretion of the relevant Executive Officer. 

• Committee Appointments Procedure. Committee Appointments shall be made at the discretion of the relevant Executive Officer. The GSSC Executive Board shall be notified of all Committee Appointments. 

Section 6. Exclusions. 

• Resignations and Ineligibilities of the Executive Board Elect (EBE). If a member of the EBE, other than the Student Body President, is found to be ineligible or resigns after the announcement of the Spring Special Appointments, that position shall be filled during the Fall Appointments or Supplemental Appointments, as needed. 

1. Student Body President. The Student Body President may not, under any circumstances, be appointed. If the Student Body President position becomes vacant, the rules for succession outlined in Article VII of the GSSC Constitution and Article XI of the GSSC By-laws apply. If there is no elected officer of the GSSC available to succeed to the position of Student Body President, a Special Election shall take place as stipulated in Article VI of the GSSC By-laws. 
2. University Senator. The University Senator may not, under any circumstances, be appointed. If the University Senator position becomes vacant, a Special Election will be held in order to fill that position. 

Section 1. Purpose. A formal process for GSSC Officers to relinquish their position and title prior to the end of their term in office. The GSSC Executive Board shall administer all resignations. 

• Definition. Resignations: Voluntary requests to relinquish one’s GSSC position and title.

• Timeline and Location. Resignations may occur at any time and from any location. 

Section 2. Resignation Procedure. 

• Step 1 of Resignation Proceedings. The officer must submit a Letter of Intent to Resign, via email or in person, to the Student Body President. The Letter of Intent to Resign must contain: 

1. Name and Title of the officer. 
2. Time the resignation shall take effect. 
3. A clause specifying that the resignation is voluntary. 
4. An explanation for the necessity of the resignation. 

• Step 2 of Resignation Proceedings. Within 48 hours of receiving the Letter of Intent to Resign, the Student Body President will present this letter to the other members of the GSSC Executive Board, the Chief Policy Representative, and the Student Life Office. The GSSC Executive Board, in conjunction with the Chief Policy Representative, shall review the Letter of Intent to Resign and choose to either accept or refuse the resignation. Refusing a Member’s resignation should be made sparingly, as it can lead to unnecessary complications. 

• If: The resignation is accepted, the officer requesting to resign shall be notified of the decision within 24 hours by the Student Body President. The resignation shall take place in accordance with the requested time frame. 
• If: The resignation is refused, the officer requesting to resign shall be notified of the decision within 24 hours by the Student Body President. Reasons to refuse the resignation can include, but are not limited to: 

1. Not adhering to the guidelines set forth within Article VIII of the GSSC By-laws. 
2. Suspicion of coercion. 

Section 3. Exclusions. (1) Student Body President. If the Student Body President is requesting to resign, the Vice President of Policy shall take his or her place in all situations that are required for the resignation to take place. (2) University Senator. Because the University Senator serves two governing bodies, this Officer may not resign from the GSSC without first resigning from the University Senate.

Section 1. Purpose. Impeachment is a formal process to expel all GSSC Voting Members for violations of the GSSC Constitution and the GSSC By-laws. The GSSC Executive Board shall administer all impeachment proceedings. 

• Definitions. (1) Impeachment: A formal process in which a GSSC Voting Member is accused of violating the GSSC Constitution and/or the By-laws. The outcome of said impeachment proceedings may lead to expulsion. (2) Punishment: A punitive action imposed by the GSSC as retribution for a violation of the GSSC Constitution and/or the By-laws. (3) Expulsion: The removal of a Voting Member from the GSSC. 

• Timeline and Location. Impeachment shall occur only while classes are in session. Impeachment proceedings shall be held in the regularly scheduled time and location of the GSSC General Body Meeting. Impeachment Reports shall be delivered Monday through Friday, excluding: 

• Reading Days
• Finals 
• University Holidays 

Section 2. Impeachment Procedure. Any GSSC Member may initiate impeachment proceedings. 

• Step 1 of Impeachment Proceedings. To begin the impeachment process, a GSSC Member must create an Impeachment Report and deliver it to the Student Body President. The Impeachment Report shall contain: 

1. Name and position of the Voting Member to be impeached. 
2. Time(s) and location(s) of the Member’s violation(s). 
3. The name of each Article and Section within the GSSC Constitution or the By-laws that the Member violated. 
4. A description of specific events and actions of the Member that were in violation of the GSSC Constitution or By-laws. 
5. A recommendation for punishment or expulsion. 

• If: The Student Body President is the Member in question, the Impeachment Report shall be delivered to the Vice President of Communications. 

• Step 2 of Impeachment Proceedings. The Impeachment Report shall be disseminated to the GSSC Executive Board and to the Member in question via email by the Student Body President or Vice President of Communications. The Voting Member in question shall have 48 hours upon receipt of the Impeachment Report to submit a written rebuttal to the GSSC Executive Board. This written rebuttal shall be received by the Student Body President or the Vice President of Communications and then disseminated to the GSSC Executive Board. 

Failure to submit a written rebuttal within 48 hours indicates a forfeiture of the Voting Member’s right to dispute the Impeachment Report.

• Step 3 of Impeachment Proceedings. For an impeachment procedure to move forward, a majority vote of the Executive Board must be reached (three out of five) for the impeachment inquiry to proceed. 

Should a member of the Executive Board be the councilmember in review for impeachment, they shall recuse themselves from any voting.

• If: An Executive Board member is being impeached and the remaining members of Executive Board are split on whether to pass the Impeachment inquiry (i.e., 2 out of 4 in favor), the 4 voting Executive Board Members and the 4 Chiefs of each Committee must vote and obtain a majority “yes” (i.e., 5 out of 8 in favor) for impeachment to proceed.

• Step 4 of Impeachment Proceedings. The Student Body President or the Vice President of Communications will publish the Impeachment Report and written rebuttal to the GSSC at least 48 hours prior to the next scheduled GSSC General Body Meeting. 

• Step 5 of Impeachment Proceedings. The impeachment of a Voting Member accused of the violation(s) contained within the Impeachment Report shall commence during the next scheduled GSSC General Body Meeting following the receipt of said Member’s rebuttal by the GSSC. 

• If: The Voting Member in question was previously excused from the next meeting, the proceedings will commence the following weekly meeting. 

The impeachment proceedings shall take precedence over all other business. The GSSC Member who created the Impeachment Report shall address the GSSC and initiate discussion for a vote on the punishment or expulsion of the Voting Member in question. 

The Voting Member in question has the right to (1) give a rebuttal statement to precede all other discussions, and (2) be given the opportunity to respond to all questions.

• If: The Voting Member in question is unexcused from the meeting, they waive these rights.

No additional violations may be addressed that were not detailed within the Impeachment Report. 

The Student Body President shall motion for a vote on the impeachment of the Member in question: 

• This vote shall be taken by a secret ballot. 
• This vote requires a ¾ majority consensus to pass. 
• Abstentions must be verbally noted and recorded prior to the vote concerning the impeachment of the Member in question.
• The result of this vote shall be final and effective immediately. The Student Life Office shall be notified of the result of this vote. 

• If: The Student Body President is the Voting Member in question, the VP of Communications shall vote on the impeachment of the said Member. 

• Step 6. Punishment. If Impeachment has passed, a Punishment must be decided and implemented by council immediately after passing Impeachment. The Impeached Member may not be present or vote for the Punishment period of discussion. Motions for Punishment will be passed via a simple majority vote. The Impeached Member must immediately be notified of their Punishment, which is effective immediately after the vote is cast. Possible Punishments include, but are not limited, to the following:

• Expulsion or suspension from GSSC.
• Expulsion or suspension from their respective Committee.
• Removal of Voting Member status on GSSC.
• Any other Punishment as the Council sees fit.

The Student Life Office shall be notified of the result of the Impeachment and Punishment.

Section 3. Exclusions. Should a Voting Member (1) transfer out of, (2) be suspended from, or (3) be expelled from the School of General Studies, the Member shall automatically be impeached. The Member in question shall be notified of their impeachment by the Student Body President or the Vice President of Communications. The notification requires no Impeachment Report, written rebuttal, or Impeachment proceedings. The Voting Member in question shall be given 48 hours to resign. If no resignation is submitted, the Member in question shall be expelled from the GSSC. Expulsion is automatic; no vote is required. The Student Body President or the Vice President of Communications shall notify the GSSC and the Student Life Office. 

• Resignations. A Voting Member may resign (following the resignation procedure outlined in Article VIII of the GSSC By-Laws) during the impeachment process up to the start of the Impeachment proceedings. If a Voting Member successfully resigns, the impeachment process shall close and no longer be considered a matter of public record. 

• University Senator. Because the University Senator serves two governing bodies, this Officer may continue to serve their term on the University Senate upon impeachment by, punishment by, or expulsion from the GSSC. The University Senate must be notified of the result of any impeachment proceedings regarding this Officer. 

Section 1. Purpose. Removal is a formal process to remove appointed, non-elected GSSC Voting Members for violating the GSSC Constitution and the GSSC By-laws. The procedure may not be used to remove appointed GSSC Voting Members that hold elected positions. The GSSC Executive Board shall administer all removal proceedings. 

• Definitions. Removal: A formal process in which an appointed GSSC Voting Member is removed from office through a unanimous decision from the Executive Board.

• Timeline and Location. Removal shall occur only while classes are in session. Removal Reports shall be delivered Monday through Friday, excluding: 

• Reading Days 
• Finals 
• University Holidays 

Section 2. Removal Procedure. 

• Step 1 of Removal Proceedings. The VP overseeing the appointed GSSC Voting Member must notify the GSSC Voting Member of their concern that said member is not performing their duties. The VP must: outline the nature of the concern(s) and what steps can be taken to resolve said concern(s). 

• If: The appointed Member fails to provide their overseeing VP with times to meet within one week of notification of the need to meet, then said appointee is subject to removal at the discretion of the Executive Board. 

• Step 2 of Removal Proceedings. No sooner than two weeks after the VP and Voting Member have met, discussing the VP’s concerns and potential resolutions, the Executive Board must meet with the GSSC Voting Member and inform them of their concern(s) that said member is not performing their duties. The Executive Board must outline the nature of the concern(s) and what steps can be taken to resolve said concern(s). 

• If: The appointed Voting Member fails to provide the Executive Board with times to meet within one week of notification of the need to meet, then said appointee is subject to removal at the discretion of the Executive Board. 

• Step 3 of Removal Proceedings. No sooner than one month after the Executive Board has met with the Voting Member in question the Executive Board may hold a vote to remove said GSSC member. The GSSC Voting Member in question must be notified that a vote will take place. The GSSC Voting Member must be given the opportunity to resign before the vote is held. The vote will be held in a closed session with just the Executive Board present. The vote must be unanimous to remove an appointed GSSC Voting Member.

• Step 4 of Removal Proceedings. In the event that an Executive Board removal vote fails, the GSSC Voting Member must be notified of the outcome, but not the voting totals. In the event that an Executive Board removal vote succeeds, the GSSC Voting Member must be notified immediately, and is immediately removed from office. The open position will then be advertised by GSSC. 

Section 3. Exclusions. Should an appointed Voting Member (1) transfer out of, (2) be suspended from, or (3) be expelled from the School of General Studies, the Voting Member shall be automatically impeached. The Member in question shall be notified of their removal by the Student Body President or the Vice President of Communications. The notification requires no Removal Report, written rebuttal, or Removal proceedings. The Voting Member in question shall be given 48 hours to resign. If no resignation is submitted, the Member in question shall be expelled from the GSSC. Expulsion is automatic; no vote is required. The Student Body President or the Vice President of Communications shall notify the GSSC and the Student Life Office. 

• Resignations. An appointed Voting member may resign (following the resignation procedure outlined in Article VIII of the GSSC By-Laws) up to the start of the Executive proceedings. If an appointed Voting Member Officer successfully resigns, the removal process shall close. 

Non-Voting Members. Any Non-Voting Member of the GSSC may be removed from their position by a majority vote of the EBoard. This removal shall be immediate and without rebuttal.

Section 1. Purpose. A formal process for Executive Officers to assume a higher vacant elected position and title. 

• Definitions. Succession: An automatic process as described in Article VII of the GSSC Constitution. Succession shall only include Voting Members who have been elected by the GS student body. With any succession, the Senior Class Vice President will automatically succeed to Senior Class President. Order of succession to the position of Student Body President: 

1. Vice President of Policy 
2. Vice President of Finance 
3. Vice President of Communications 
4. Vice President of Campus Life 

• Timeline and Location. Successions shall be implemented where and when as needed.

Section 2. Succession Procedure. 

• Student Body President. Should the Student Body President become unable to perform their duties, the next Executive Officer in the line of succession shall assume his or her duties. This Officer shall only vote in the event of a tie when acting as Student Body President. This Officer shall assume the title of Acting Student Body President until one of the following occurs: 
  • The Student Body President becomes able or eligible to resume their duties. 
  • The Student Body President resigns as defined by Article VIII of the GSSC By-laws. 
  • The Student Body President is expelled through impeachment as defined by Article IX of the GSSC By-laws. 

• If: The Student Body President becomes able or eligible to resume his or her duties, the Officer who temporarily assumed those roles shall resume his or her original position.  
• If: The Student Body President should resign or be expelled by impeachment, the Officer who assumed those duties shall become the new Student Body President. 
• If: The Student Body President has not been chosen prior to the start of the current GSSC, or if the Student Body President Elect fails to qualify, the next elected Officer in the line of succession shall become Student Body President. 
• If: The Student Body President Elect is not willing to assume the position at the start of the current GSSC, the next Officer in the line of succession shall become Student Body President. 

• Senior Class President. Should the Senior Class President become unable or ineligible to perform their duties, the Senior Class Vice President shall assume their duties. 

Section 3. Exclusions.

• Should an Appointed Voting Member Ascend to the Position of the Student Body president or Senior Class President. Only an elected member of the GSSC may succeed to the position of Student Body President. 

• If: An appointed Voting Member holds the next position in the line of succession, that Member shall be ineligible for succession, and the following elected Voting Member in the line of succession will ascend to the position of Student Body President. 
• If: No elected Executive Officers remain in the line of succession to the position of Student Body President, a Special Election shall be held as outlined in Article VI, Section 14 of the GSSC By-laws. In this event, the first appointed Voting Member in the line of succession shall temporarily assume the Student Body President duties–assuming the title of Acting Chairman of the GSSC–until the official results of said Special Election are announced by the Student Life Office. 

Section 1. Purpose. A formal process for the GSSC to amend the GSSC By-laws. 

Section 2. Administrant. The Vice President of Policy shall administer all amendments to the GSSC By-laws. 

• Definitions. (1) Amendment: The process of changing or adding to the GSSC By-laws. (2) Revision: The process of rewriting the GSSC By-laws. 

• Timeline and Location. Amendments shall occur only while classes are in session. Proposed Amendments shall be disseminated to the GSSC Members at least 72 hours prior to voting on them. Amendment votes shall be held at the regularly scheduled time and location of the GSSC General Body meeting. 

Section 3. Procedure. 

• Step 1 of Amendment Proceedings. Notification. Any GSSC Voting Member may notify the Vice President of Policy in the case of a problem or potential addition to the GSSC By-laws. The Vice President of Policy shall review all inquiries and shall respond appropriately if the concern necessitates change. 

• Step 2 of Amendment Proceedings. Dissemination and Voting. If the Vice President of Policy (1) replace, (2) add, or (3) create an Amendment to the GSSC By-laws, it requires a 3/5 majority vote of quorum to ratify the change. All prospective Amendments shall be disseminated to all GSSC members at least 72 hours prior to voting on them. 

Section 4. Exclusions. (1) No Amendment may be created which is in violation of the GSSC Constitution or the rules and regulations of Columbia University. (2) If more than 25% of the GSSC By-laws are to be altered at any one time, the result shall be known as a revision. Revised By-laws shall be labeled by edition and kept for record by the VP of Communications for future reference.