Proposed Constitutional Amendments:

Current Constitution is in regular typeface.

Proposed Amendments that have been approved by the 28th Student Senate are in Italics.

Preamble
Current Constitution
We, the Students of George Mason University, grateful for the blessings of freedom and liberty, guided
by the philosophy of our Namesake in order to form a more perfect institution of learning, exercise our
power to establish justice, promote the general welfare, and provide for a common foundation of
student governance, do ordain and establish this Student Body Constitution for George Mason
University.

Proposed amendment as voted on by the 28th Student Senate

We, the students of George Mason University, in order to promote the general student welfare, do
hereby establish this Constitution to govern and delegate rights and responsibilities of those parties
stated herein.

Do you approve of this change? __ YES __ NO

Mission Statement
Proposed amendment to be added into the Constitution as approved by the 28th Student Senate
ARTICLE I: MISSION STATEMENT
The name of this organization shall be the Student Government of George Mason University. Student
Government is a permanent standing entity which receives its legitimacy and authority as
representatives of the entire student body. The Student Government of George Mason University
advocates the interests of the student body, educates the University community with regard to the state
of the institution, and represents the interests of each student. The Student Government of George
Mason University will serve as a liaison to the administration, faculty, staff, and University community.

Do you approve of this change? __ YES __ NO

Legislative Branch
Current Constitution
ARTICLE I: THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
Section 1. Establishment
All Legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Student Senate of George Mason University.

Section 2. Composition, Qualifications, and Term

The Student Senate of George Mason University shall be composed of members from each school,
chosen by the students thereof; and each Senator shall have one vote. Any person may be elected to the
Senate, who, at the time of the election is in good academic standing, and is enrolled of the school in
which they shall be chosen.

The terms of the Senators shall expire at noon on the first Monday of May, from whence the terms of
their successors shall begin.
Senators shall be apportioned among the several schools according to their respective numbers,
counting the whole number of persons in each school. An actual enumeration of the students shall be
taken annually, in such manner, as the Student Senate shall by statute direct. Each school shall have at
least one Senator; and when vacancies happen in the representation from any school, the Speaker of the
Student Senate shall fill such vacancies with the concurrence of the members present.

New schools may be admitted by the Student Senate into the body; but no new school shall be formed
or erected by the junction of two or more schools, or parts of schools, without the reapportionment of
the members of the Student Senate.

Section 3. Officers
The Student Senate shall choose its officers and also a Speaker who shall preside.

Section 4. Impeachment
The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that purpose, they shall
be on Oath or Affirmation. When the Student Body President of George Mason University is tried, the
Chief Justice shall preside; and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two thirds of
the members present.

Judgment in cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from office, and
disqualification to hold and enjoy any public office of honor, trust, or profit under the Student
Government of George Mason University; but the party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and
subject to trial, judgment, and punishment, according to the Statutes enacted by the Student Senate.

Section 5. Duties
The Student Senate shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall be held on an
appointed day to be determined by statute.

The Student Senate shall be the judge of the elections, returns, and qualifications of its own members,
and a majority shall constitute a quorum to do business. The Student Senate may determine the rules of
its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with concurrence of two thirds, expel
a member.

The Student Senate shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, and
the yeas and nays of the members on any question shall, at the desire of a majority of those present, be
entered into the journal.

Section 6. Member Restrictions

No Senator, while holding office, shall be appointed to any civil post created under the authority of the
Student Government; and no person holding any civil post under the Student Government, shall be a
member of the Student Senate.

Section 7. Bills and Statutes

Every bill which shall have passed the Student Senate, shall, before it become a Statute, be presented to
the Student Body President of George Mason University; if the President approves, the bill shall be
signed, but if not, the bill shall be returned with any objections to the Senate which shall enter the
objections at large in their journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such reconsideration two thirds
of the body shall agree to pass the bill, it shall become a statute. But in all such cases the votes of the
Student Senate shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the persons voting for and
against the bill shall be entered into the journal. If any bill shall not be returned by the President within
seven days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented, the same shall be a statute, in like
manner as if the President had signed it, unless the Senate by their adjournment prevent it's return, in
which case it shall not be a statute.

Section 9. Powers
The Student Senate shall have the Power to:

Determine the time, places, and manner of choosing all eligible elected officers under this Constitution,
and the dates on which the qualified electors shall give their votes, which shall be the same throughout
George Mason University, and the Senate may at any time, by statute, alter such regulations;

Borrow money on the credit of the Student Government;

Establish uniform Rules of Student Governance;

Constitute tribunals inferior to the Student Supreme Court;

Exercise exclusive legislation and authority over all places occupied by the Student Government of
George Mason University;

To make all statutes which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the forgoing
powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the Student Government of George Mason
University, or in any department or officer thereof.

Section 10. Limitation of Power

No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto statute shall be passed.

No money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in consequence of appropriations made by statute; and
a regular statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be published
from time to time.

Proposed amendments to replace current above Article entitled “Article I: The Legislative
Branch,” approved by the 28th Student Senate
ARTICLE II: LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
Section 1. Establishment
All Statutory powers are herein granted and shall be vested in the Student Senate of George Mason
University.

Section 2. Composition, Qualifications, and Term

The Student Senate of George Mason University shall be composed of students, chosen by the students;
and each Senator shall have one vote. Any person may be elected to the Senate, who, at the time of the
election meets the minimum requirements to be involved in Student Activities, and is enrolled as either
an undergraduate or graduate student at George Mason University.

The terms of the Senators shall expire at noon on the first Monday of May, from whence the terms of
their successors shall begin.

Each Senator shall be a representative of the Student Body of George Mason University, with the
exclusion of the Law School.

Section 3. Officers
The Student Senate shall choose a Speaker who shall preside, a Speaker ProTempore,
and a Clerk.

The members of each respective committee shall choose the Chairperson of that Committee.

Section 4. Duties & Powers

The Student Senate shall assemble every Thursday of the month, unless otherwise deemed unnecessary
by university recognized holiday or statute.

The Student Senate shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, and
the yeas and nays of the members on any question shall, at the desire of a majority of those present, be
entered into the journal.

The Student Senate shall establish uniform rules of Student Governance

The Student Senate shall have the sole power to impeach a member of Student Government.

Section 5. Member Restrictions

No Senator, while holding office, shall be appointed to the Election & Disputes Commission or the
Executive Branch of the Student Government; and no person holding office under the Elections &
Disputes Commission or the Executive Branch of the Student Government, shall be a member of the
Student Senate.

Section 6. Bills and Statutes

Every bill which shall have passed the Student Senate, shall, before it become a Statute, be presented to
the Student Body President of George Mason University; if the President approves, the bill shall be
signed, but if not, the bill shall be returned with any objections to the Senate which shall enter the
objections at large in their journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such reconsideration two
thirds of the body shall agree to pass the bill, it shall become a statute. But in all such cases the votes
of the Student Senate shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the persons voting for
and against the bill shall be entered into the journal upon request.

Section 7. Limitation of Power

No Bill or Attainder or ex post facto statue shall be passed.

No money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in consequence of appropriations made by statute; and
a regular statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be published
from time to time.

Do you approve of this change? __ YES __ NO

Executive Branch
Current Constitution
ARTICLE II: THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
Section 1. Establishment, Qualifications, and Terms
The Executive Power shall be vested in a Student Body President of George Mason University, and
together with the Vice President, shall be chosen by the qualified electors of George Mason University
for the same term.

No person except a student of George Mason University shall be eligible to hold the Office of Student
Body President; neither shall any person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained the age
of eighteen years, be in good academic standing, and been one year a student of George Mason
University.

No person constitutionally ineligible to the Office of Student Body President shall be eligible to that of
Student Body Vice President of George Mason University.

The terms of the Student Body President and Vice President shall commence at noon on the Saturday
following the first Monday of May, next succeeding the election, and ending one year thereafter
immediately upon the inauguration of their successors.

Section 2. Election
All persons seeking the Office of Student Body President shall designate a nominee for Student Body
Vice President, and the names of said nominees shall appear jointly on one ballot, and each elector
shall cast a single vote applicable to both offices.

All ballots shall be collected, counted, certified, and transmitted to the Speaker of the Student Senate
who shall, in the presence of the Senate, open all certificates and affirm the results. The persons having
the greatest number of votes for Student Body President and Vice President shall be elected to said
offices.

Section 3. Vacancy and Succession

In case of the removal of the President from office, or, in the case of death, resignation, or inability to
discharge the powers and duties of said Office, the same shall devolve on the Vice President. The
Student Senate may by statute provide for the case of removal, death, resignation, or inability, both of
the President and the Vice President, declaring what officer shall then act as President, until the
disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.

Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Student Body Vice President, the President shall
nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a two thirds vote of the Student
Senate.

Section 4. Disability and Succession

Whenever the Student Body President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the Office, and
transmits to the Speaker of the Student Senate a written declaration attesting to the same, such powers
and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President until the President transmits to
the Speaker of the Senate a written declaration to the contrary.

The Student Senate, shall, prescribe by statute the manner by which the power of the President shall be
suspended, in the event the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the Office, and is
incapable of transmitting a written declaration to the Senate attesting to the same.

Section 5. Responsibility and Powers

The President shall be the Chief Enforcement Officer of all provisions contained within this
Constitution and shall take care that the statutes be faithfully executed. The President may require the
opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive departments, upon any subject
relating to the duties of their respective offices. The President shall have the power to grant reprieves
and pardons, commute sentences, and remit fines for offenses against George Mason University,
imposed by a court of Student Government, except in Cases of Impeachment.

The President shall have the power, by and with the advice and consent of the Student Senate, to make
contracts, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and the President shall nominate, and by
and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint delegates, other public representatives,
Justices of the Student Supreme Court and inferior courts, and all other officers of the Student
Government of George Mason University whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for,
and which shall be established by statute; but the Student Senate may by statute vest the appointment of
such inferior officers, as they think proper.

The Student Body President shall have the power to appoint Judges, both of the Supreme and inferior
courts, from a register established by the Student Senate; and no person shall serve without the
concurrence of two thirds of the Senate. If the President fails to issue an appointment within such time
as prescribed by statute, the vacancy shall be filled by the Senate.

The President shall have the power to fill all vacancies that may occur during the recess of the Student
Senate, by granting commissions that shall expire at the end of their next Session.

The President shall from time to time present to the Student Senate information on the state of the
University, and recommend to their consideration such measures that shall be necessary and expedient.

Section 6. Impeachment
The Student Body President and Vice President, Justices of the Student Supreme Court, and all civil
officers of the Student Government of George Mason University, shall be removed from Office on
Impeachment for, and conviction of, malfeasance, corruption, neglect of duty, or other high crimes and
misdemeanors.

Proposed amendments to replace current above Article entitled “Article II: The Executive
Branch,” as approved by the 28th Student Senate
ARTICLE III: THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
Section 1. Establishment, Qualifications, and Terms
The Executive Power shall be vested in a Student Body President and Vice President of George Mason
University, who together shall be chosen by the registered students of George Mason University for the
same term.

No person except a fulltime student of George Mason University shall be eligible to hold the Office of
Student Body President; neither shall any person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained
the age of eighteen years, be in good academic and University standing, and have attended George
Mason University for one year.

No person constitutionally ineligible to the Office of Student Body President shall be eligible to that of
Student Body Vice President of George Mason University.

The terms of the Student Body President and Vice President shall commence at noon on the Saturday
following the first Monday of May, next succeeding the election, and ending one year thereafter
immediately upon the inauguration of their successors.
Section 2. Election
All persons seeking the Office of Student Body President shall designate a nominee for Student Body
Vice President, and the names of said nominees shall appear jointly on one ballot, and each registered
student shall cast a single vote applicable to both offices.

All ballots shall be collected, counted, certified, and transmitted to the Chairperson of the Elections &
Disputes Commission who shall, in the presence of the Elections & Disputes Commission, open all
certificates and affirm the results. The persons having the greatest number of votes for Student Body
President and Vice President shall be elected to said offices.

Section 3. Disability, Vacancy, Succession

In case of the removal of the President from office, or, in the case of death, resignation, or inability to
discharge the powers and duties of said Office, the Student Body Vice President shall assume the
powers, duties, and title of said Office. Due to disability should there be neither a Student Body
President nor a Student Body Vice President, the Student Senate shall appoint an Acting Student Body
President until the disability be removed, either in the Student Body President or the Student Body Vice
President. Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Student Body Vice President, the President
shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a two thirds vote of the
Student Senate.

Section 4. Responsibilities and Powers

The President is the Chief Executive Officer of the Student Government and shall be elected at large
from the student body, serving a one year term as previously defined.

The President has veto power over all Senate bills. This veto must be exercised before the next Senate
meeting, and must be submitted in writing to the Speaker of the Senate.

The President shall be the official representative of the Student Government to the administration,
faculty, and University community.

The President shall have the power to appoint a cabinet to be confirmed by the Senate.

The President shall be the Chief contracting officer of Student Government and is authorized to review
all contracts which commit Student Government funds. The Student Government advisor must cosign
all contracts.

The President or Executive Branch Designee shall make an Executive Report to the Senate at all
regularly scheduled full senate meetings.

Do you approve of this change? __ YES __ NO

Judicial Branch
Current Constitution
ARTICLE III: THE JUDICIAL BRANCH
Section 1. Establishment, Qualifications, and Terms
The Judicial Power shall be vested in one Student Supreme Court of George Mason University, and in
such inferior courts as the Student Senate may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both
of the Supreme Court and inferior courts, shall be qualified electors of George Mason University and
shall hold their Offices during good academic performance, until the date of their respective
graduation, not exceeding the expiration of four years.

Section 2. Jurisdiction
The Judicial Power shall extend to all cases in statute and equity arising under this Constitution, the
statutes of student governance, contracts made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the
Student Government; to all cases affecting delegates, representatives, and other public officers of the
Student Government; and to controversies to which the Student Government of George Mason
University shall be a party.

The Supreme Court shall have the sole Power of Impeachment, but the Student Senate shall prescribe
by Statute the time and manner in which all Articles of Impeachment shall be adopted; and when
hearing such Articles, the Justices of the Supreme Court shall not be permitted to sit in judgment of
themselves.

In all cases affecting delegates, representatives, other public officers, and those in which Student
Government shall be party, and in all Cases of Impeachment, the Supreme Court shall have original
jurisdiction. In all the other cases before mentioned, the Supreme Court shall have appellate
jurisdiction, both as to statute and fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations as the Senate
shall make.

Section 3. Judicial Proceedings

The right of trial by jury shall be reserved to the students in all cases of infraction against George
Mason University, but the Student Senate may, by statute, provide for such exceptions as they think
proper; and the accused shall enjoy the right to know the cause and nature of their accusation, to be
confronted by their accusers, and to call for evidence in their favor. All students shall enjoy the right to
a speedy and public hearing at such place as the Student Senate may by Statute have directed and no
student shall be found guilty, or punished, except by the Statutes of Student Governance of George
Mason University.

No Student shall be compelled in any judicial proceeding to either give evidence against oneself, or be
put twice in jeopardy for the same offense, nor be found guilty, or punished, except by the Statutes of
George Mason University.

Section 4. Authority of the Constitution

The Constitutions and Laws of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia, this Student Body
Constitution and the Statutes which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all Contracts, Regulations,
and Rules made, or which shall be made, under the authority of George Mason University, shall be the
supreme statutes of Student Governance; and the Judges under this Student Government shall be bound
thereby, any thing to the contrary notwithstanding.

Proposed amendments to replace current above Article entitled “Article III: The Judicial
Branch,” as approved by the 28th Student Senate

ARTICLE IV: ELECTIONS 7 DISPUTES COMMISSION

Section 1. Establishment, Qualifications, and Terms
The Elections & Disputes Commission shall have sole power over holding official elections of the
Student Government of George Mason University, and preside as an independent adjudicator when
and should disputes arise between the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch. The Elections &
Disputes Commission is established as an independent body from the Student Government of George
Mason University, and except for elections, can be summoned by either chamber of Student
Government, if there is ever a dispute between the Legislative and the Executive Branches. The
Commissioners, shall be registered fulltime students of George Mason University and shall hold their
Offices during good academic and university standing, until the date of their respective graduation,
resignation, or removal from their Office.

Section 2. Composition
The Elections & Disputes Commissioners shall be appointed by the Student Body President and
confirmed by a two-thirds majority of the Student Senate. The Commission shall be comprised of no
less than five Commissioners, of which there will be one Chief Commissioner, and at least four
Associate Commissioners. The Elections & Disputes Commission shall elect of its own members, in a
manner of their own choosing, a chairman, who shall run meeting, render rulings, and represent the
Elections and Disputes Commission generally. Once elected chair, said individual will remain chair for
the remainder of their tenure on the Elections & Disputes Commission.

Section 3. Responsibilities
The Elections & Disputes Commission shall conduct two regularly scheduled elections each year.
The EDC shall conduct an election in the spring which determines the President and Vice
President and seats for Senate.
The EDC will conduct an election within the fall semester, in which only freshman may run to
fill the remaining ten seats of the Senate

The Elections & Disputes Commission shall conduct any emergency elections as conditions may
dictate.
The EDC shall hold an emergency election to fill the Senate if membership drops below 21
members.

The Elections & Disputes Commission shall provide oversight of elections to ensure compliance with
election rules and procedures.

The Elections & Disputes Commission shall have to power to settle disputes between the Legislative
and Executive Branch.

Section 4. Limitations
Members of the Elections & Disputes Commission may not participate in the execution or planning of
any Student Government function or event not directly related to the responsibilities stated in this
article.

No member of the Elections & Disputes Commission, active or resigned, may serve in either an elected
or appointed position in the Student Government during the calendar year in which they have served
as a Commissioner.

Section 5. Procedure
The Elections & Disputes Commission shall be responsible for setting its own procedure and schedule.

Do you approve of this change? __ YES __ NO

Oath of Office
Current Constitution
ARTICLE IV: OATH OF OFFICE
Section 1. Presidential Oath
Before entering on the execution of the Office of Student Body President, the following Oath or
Affirmation shall be taken: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of
the Student Body President of George Mason University, and will to the best of my ability, preserve,
protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of
Virginia, and the Student Body Constitution of George Mason University."

Section 2. Constitutional Oath

The Senators, and Judicial Officers before mentioned, and all other officers of Student Government,
shall be bound by the following Oath or Affirmation: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will
support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and
the Student Body Constitution of George Mason University; and that I will faithfully and honorably
discharge all the duties incumbent upon me as an officer of the Students to the best of my ability."

Proposed amendments to replace current above Article entitled “Article IV: Oath of Office,” as
approved by the 28th Student Senate

ARTICLE V: OATH OF OFFICE

Section 1. Presidential Oath
Before entering on the execution of the Office of Student Body President, the following Oath or
Affirmation shall be taken: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of
the Student Body President of George Mason University, and will to the best of my ability, preserve,
protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of
Virginia, and the Student Body Constitution of George Mason University."

Section 2. Constitutional Oath

The Senators, Election & Dispute Commissioners, and all other officers of Student Government, shall
be bound by the following Oath or Affirmation: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the
Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Student
Body Constitution of George Mason University; and that I will faithfully and honorably discharge all
the duties incumbent upon me as an officer of the Students to the best of my ability."

Do you approve of this change? __ YES __ NO

Impeachment
Current Constitution
There is no article to address this in the current constitution.

Proposed amendments to be added into the Constitution as approved by the 28th Student Senate
ARTICLE VI: IMPEACHEMENT

Any elected or appointed official under the Student Government of George Mason University can be
impeached upon accusations hereby defined as alleged malfeasance, alleged corruption, alleged
negligence, dereliction of duty, or alleged misconduct.

Section 1. Articles of Impeachment

A resolution of impeachment, after being passed by a two-thirds majority of Senators present, is to be
submitted in writing to the Elections & Disputes Commission in accordance with the rules and
regulations and is considered binding.

Section 2. Penalties and Punishment

Should the accused Official be found responsible for the offense(s) by the Elections & Disputes
Commission, the Elections & Disputes Commissions shall impose any punishment not exceeding
removal from office and exclusion from the Student Government of George Mason University. This
article, regardless of the previous articles lays out a final, simple and efficient form in which
impeachments will be conducted from now on.

Do you approve of this change? __ YES __ NO

Form of Government
Current Constitution
ARTICLE V: FORM OF GOVERNMENT
Section 1. Responsibilities of Government
The Student Government of George Mason University shall guarantee to every Student of this
institution a Republican Form of Student Governance, and shall protect each of them against injustice,
invasion of privacy, and maladministration

Proposed amendments as approved by the 28th Student Senate

Striking the current ARTICLE V: FORM OF GOVERNMENT

Do you approve of this change? __ YES __ NO

Suffrage
Current Constitution
ARTICLE VI: SUFFRAGE
Section 1. Source of Power
All power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the people, that magistrates are their trustees
and servants, and at all times amenable to them by way of open and free elections; and that all students,
having sufficient evidence of permanent common interest with, and attachment to the community, have
the right of suffrage, and cannot be deprived of this right without their own consent, that of their
representatives duly elected, or by due process of statute.

Section 2. Qualifications
In elections by the people, each qualified elector shall be a student of George Mason University, and be
enrolled of the school in which they are voting.

Proposed amendments to replace current above Article entitled “Article VI: Suffrage,” as
approved by the 28th Student Senate

ARTICLE VII: SUFFRAGE

Section 1. Source of Power
All power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the students, who all have the right of suffrage.

Section 2. Qualifications
In elections by the people, each qualified elector shall be a student of George Mason University.

Do you approve of this change? __ YES __ NO

Amendments
Current Constitution
ARTICLE VII: AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Right of Reform
Government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people;
of all the various modes and forms of government, that is best which is capable of producing the
greatest degree of happiness and safety, and is most effectually secured against the danger of
maladministration; and, whenever any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these
purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to
reform, alter, or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.

Section 2. Senate Provisions

The Student Senate, whenever two thirds of the members deem it necessary, shall propose amendments
to this Constitution, or, on the application of two thirds of the qualified electors, shall call a convention
for proposing amendments, which in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of
this Student Body Constitution when ratified by two thirds of the qualified electors voting.

Section 3. Institutional Supremacy

The Power to suspend, alter, or abolish any provision contained herein, or any act of Student
Government, shall not be denied to the Governing Authority of George Mason University, or an
appointed designee thereof; and once ordered, any amendments shall be valid as part of this Student
Body Constitution and the Statutes of Student Governance.

Proposed amendments to replace current above Article entitled “Article VII: Amendments,” as
approved by the 28th Student Senate

ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Right of Reform
The Student Body and the Student Government shall share the power to amend this Constitution.

Section 2. Student Government

Any member of the Student Government may submit a bill to amend this Constitution. The Senate will
publicize, through appropriate media sources, at least two consecutive weeks before an open hearing,
or debate, for the proposed amendment(s).

The Senate shall have the power to establish procedures for the open hearing, or debate, and allow
adequate time for any student to speak on the bill.

Two-thirds of the Senate must be present in order to vote on the proposed amendment(s), and four-fifths
of those present must approve in order to pass the bill.

Upon signature of the Student Body President, or Legislative Override, the bill shall be forwarded to
the Commissioner of the Elections & Dispute Commission. The Commissioner shall place the proposed
amendment on the referendum at the next appropriate election.
A majority of students voting on the proposed amendment shall be required to amend the Constitution.

Section 3. Student Body

Five percent of the Student Body of George Mason University, excluding the Law School, must transmit
a signed petition complete with school identification numbers, to amend this Constitution to the
Commissioner of the Elections & Disputes Commission.

Once the petition is received, and the requisite number of petitioners is confirmed as registered
students of George Mason University, the Commissioner of the Elections & Disputes Commission shall
vote to determine if the issue merits a special election or if the issue is to be decided at the next
election.

Do you approve of this change? __ YES __ NO

Institutional Supremacy
Current Constitution
There is no article to address this in the current constitution; however it is covered in Article VII,
Section 3.

Proposed amendment to be added into the Constitution as approved by the 28th Student Senate

ARTICLE IX: INSTUTIONAL SUPREMACY

The powers and provisions contained herein, shall serve as the primary source of George Mason
University Student Government authority, and any further documents regarding statutes of Student
Governance shall be viewed as inferior to this Constitution.

Do you approve of this change? __ YES __ NO