Student Government

• Developing a strong network of personal and professional connections with BCTC faculty, staff, campus partners, and students
• Providing hands-on experience in leadership, collaboration, project management, and decision-making which are transferable to various academic and professional settings
• Contributing to a more vibrant and welcoming campus culture
• Priority access for leadership opportunities and events
• Involvement in the planning and implementation of the annual Student Leadership Conference
• Recognition at the annual Grades and Retention Ceremony
• Graduation cords signifying SGA membership

Section 1. Name

The organization shall be known as the Bluegrass Community & Technical College Student Government Association (BCTC SGA).

Section 2. Purpose

The purpose of BCTC SGA is to:

• Represent and advocate for the student body during their transition and tenure at BCTC.
• Promote and support activities unifying all BCTC campuses, including Newtown, Newtown North, Leestown, Lawrenceburg, Danville, Winchester, Georgetown, online, and dual credit students.
• Serve as a liaison between students, faculty, administration, staff, and the broader community.
• Ensure a high standard of student life through policies, initiatives, activities, and organizations.

Section 1. Eligibility

All enrolled BCTC students:

• May vote in BCTC SGA elections.
• May petition their elected representatives.
• May attend general board meetings with the privilege of the floor.
• May run for office in BCTC SGA elections if they meet the qualifications listed in Article IV Section I of the SGA Constitution.

Section 2. Elected Membership Count

• There will be one President, one Vice-President, one Secretary, one Treasurer, one Parliamentarian, up to four Newtown Senators, one Newtown North Senator, one Leestown Senator, one Georgetown Senator, one Lawrenceburg Senator, one Danville Senator, one Winchester Senator, and up to five Online Senators.

Section 3. Voting Members

• All elected positions are voting members.

Section 4. Appointed Membership Positions

• Dual Credit Liaison - This appointed position is a non-voting role that allows for a dual credit student to provide guidance and perspective on advocating for their dual credit peers.

Section 1. Officer Responsibilities

Section 2. Executive Office Hours

• Office hours can be completed through tabling, representing SGA at approved events or meetings, working on tasks or holding meetings through the Student Success Hub office, or other methods that may be approved by the SGA President.

Section 3. Organization Representatives

• Act as liaisons between BCTC SGA and their respective organizations.
• May request support from BCTC SGA.
• Organization Representatives do not have a vote within SGA.

Section 1. General Requirements

• Be enrolled at BCTC during the term of office.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Be in good academic, disciplinary, and financial standing with the college.

Section 1. Election Process

• Elections occur annually during BCTC’s spring semester.
• The Nomination period will be one (1) week in duration.
• The campaign period for candidates will last one (1) week.
• The election window will be open for two (2) days.
• All events are to be held consecutively.
• Once nominated, students must complete the Candidate Profile to be listed on the official election ballot.
• Candidates must disclose if they will graduate prior to serving a full two semester term.

Section 2. Vacancies

• Vacancies are filled by appointments or special elections.
• The Vice President of Engagement and Student Success must grant permission for SGA to fill a position via appointment, otherwise, a special election will be held.
• Appointments must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of SGA Executive Board.
• The Vice President assumes the President’s role if it becomes vacant, unless a two-thirds majority votes to hold a special election for the Presidency.

Section 3. Special Election

• Special elections occur when vacancies exist within SGA that, for any reason, are decided to not be filled via appointment.
• Special elections are held anytime outside of regular elections in the Spring semester.
• The Nomination period will be one (1) week in duration.
• Once nominated, students must complete the Candidate Profile to be listed on the official election ballot.
• Candidates must disclose if they will graduate prior to serving a full two semester term.
• Only elected SGA members will vote in special elections.

Section 1. Regular Meetings

• Scheduled for the academic year during the summer retreat.
• Open to the public and announced in advance.
• Governed by Robert’s Rules of Order.
• 50% of voting SGA members must be present for quorum to be achieved.
• If quorum is not achieved for two consecutive meetings, the President may override the quorum requirement.

Section 2. Special Meetings

• Called by the President or by request of 50% of Executive Board members.
• Limited to stated purposes and announced at least one week in advance.
• The inability to attend Special Meetings for admissible reasons will not be held against a member’s unexcused absences.

Section 1. Officer Accountability

• Officers may be removed for failure to perform duties by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee or by written approval by the Director of Student Engagement, Associate Dean of Student Success, and Vice President of Engagement and Student Success.
• The SGA President and/or advisors may place officers on a probationary period depending on attendance and performance of required duties.
• SGA Advisors may be required to take swift action, in the best interest of SGA and the BCTC student population, without Executive Committee approval. Any action taken will be submitted to SGA in writing, with approval from the Director of Student Engagement, Associate Dean of Student Success, and Vice President of Engagement and Student Success.

Section 2. Attendance

• Any officer with two unexcused absences may be removed.
• Absences must be submitted to the Secretary and Director of Student Engagement at least 24 hours prior to a meeting, training, or required event.

Section 1. Proposal and Ratification

• Amendments must be submitted in writing and approved by a two-thirds majority of the Executive Committee.
• The Constitution should be reviewed yearly, at a minimum, for necessary updates and edits.