STAFF COUNCIL 
BYLAWS

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Article I: Name

The name of this body shall be the Staff Council of South Georgia Institute (SGI).

 

Article II: Purpose and Mission

The purpose of the SGI Staff Council is to:

1. Serve as a representative body for SGI staff employees.

2. Facilitate communication and collaboration between staff, administration, and other institutional bodies.

3. Provide a forum for discussion and resolution of staff-related concerns and initiatives.

4. Promote a positive and inclusive work environment through advocacy, engagement, and professional development.

5. Support the mission and strategic goals of SGI.

 

Article III: Membership

Section 1: Eligibility

All full-time and part-time, non-faculty SGI employees are eligible to serve on the Staff Council.

 

Section 2: Composition

The Staff Council shall consist of:

• One (1) representative from each administrative or service unit (e.g., Admissions, Student Affairs, Facilities, Finance, IT).

• One (1) Chair, elected by the council members.

• One (1) Vice Chair.

• One (1) Secretary.

 

Section 3: Term of Service

• Elected members shall serve a two-year term.

• Members may serve no more than two consecutive terms.

 

Article IV: Elections

1. Elections will be conducted every two years during the Spring semester.

2. Nominations will be solicited by the Council Secretary.

3. Voting will be anonymous and conducted electronically or in-person as needed.

4. Vacancies during the term will be filled by special election or appointment by the Council with majority vote.

 

Article V: Officers and Duties

Section 1: Chair

• Presides over all Staff Council meetings.

• Serves as liaison to the President’s Cabinet and represents the Council in institutional committees.

• Sets the agenda in collaboration with the Secretary and Vice Chair.

 

Section 2: Vice Chair

• Assumes the duties of Chair in their absence.

• Assists with meeting facilitation and committee leadership.

 

Section 3: Secretary

• Maintains meeting minutes and attendance.

• Prepares and distributes communications to staff.

• Keeps an updated roster of members and terms of service.

 

Article VI: Meetings

1. Regular meetings shall be held monthly during the academic year.

2. Special meetings may be called by the Chair or by a majority vote of Council members.

3. A quorum consists of 50% of active Council members.

4. Meeting minutes shall be made available to all staff via the SGI Staff Council webpage or staff portal.

 

Article VII: Committees

Standing Committees May Include:

• Staff Recognition and Awards Committee

• Policy and Workplace Issues Committee

• Professional Development Committee

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee

Ad hoc committees may be created as needed by the Council.

 

Article VIII: Amendments

• Proposed amendments to these bylaws may be submitted by any Council member.

• Amendments must be reviewed by the Bylaws Committee and approved by a two-thirds vote of the Staff Council.

• All approved amendments shall be published and disseminated to staff.

 

Article IX: Parliamentary Authority

All meetings and procedures of the SGI Staff Council shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order (Revised) unless otherwise stated in these bylaws.

 

Article X: Adoption

These bylaws shall become effective upon approval by a majority vote of the SGI Staff Council and endorsement by the SGI President.