Purpose
The Student Government Association (SGA) serves as the official representative body of the students of Xavier University School of Veterinary Medicine (XUSOVM). The SGA acts as a liaison between the student body, faculty, administration, and the broader University community.
The SGA seeks to:
- Represent student interests and concerns.
- Promote communication between students and the administration.
- Enhance student engagement and participation in University governance.
- Foster professional development, leadership, wellness, and community service.
- Support student organizations and extracurricular activities.
- Promote a positive learning environment consistent with the mission and values of XUSOVM.
The SGA shall operate in accordance with the Student Handbook, University policies, and all applicable accreditation standards.
Student Representation
Students are encouraged to participate actively in institutional governance.
Student representatives may serve on selected University committees that directly affect student education and welfare, including but not limited to:
- Curriculum Committee
- Research Committee
- Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Committee
- Student Handbook and Bylaws Committee
- Student Wellness Committee
- Other committees designated by the Dean
Student representatives may serve as voting or non-voting members as determined by committee bylaws and accreditation requirements.
Structure of the SGA
The elected officers of the SGA shall include:
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Class Representatives (one representative from each Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) cohort)
Additional positions may be created as needed and approved by the SGA and Office of Student Affairs.
Elections
Election Schedule
Elections shall be conducted annually during the Fall semester.
The elected officers shall assume office immediately following certification of election results and shall serve for one academic year.
Eligibility
To be eligible for election:
- Students must be in good academic and professional standing.
- Students on disciplinary probation may not hold executive office.
- Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout their term.
Election Administration
The Office of Student Affairs shall oversee election procedures in collaboration with the outgoing SGA Executive Board.
Election procedures shall ensure:
- Transparency
- Fairness
- Equal opportunity for candidates
- Confidential voting
Candidates may be required to submit a statement of interest and participate in candidate presentations.
Meetings
The SGA shall meet at least once each semester.
Additional meetings may be called by:
- The President; or
- A majority of Executive Officers.
Quorum
A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the voting members of the SGA.
Minutes
Meeting minutes shall be recorded by the Secretary and distributed to members within two weeks of the meeting.
Minutes shall be maintained by the Office of Student Affairs.
Student Participation
Any student may submit agenda items for consideration by notifying the President at least one week before the meeting.
Responsibilities of Officers
President
The President shall:
- Serve as the primary liaison between students and administration.
- Chair all SGA meetings.
- Represent students at official University functions.
- Coordinate student leadership initiatives.
- Work with the Office of Student Affairs on student surveys and engagement initiatives.
- Oversee implementation of SGA activities.
Vice President
The Vice President shall:
- Assume Presidential duties in the President's absence.
- Coordinate student events and wellness activities.
- Assist student organizations and interest groups.
- Support orientation and student engagement programs.
Treasurer
The Treasurer shall:
- Maintain records of all SGA financial transactions.
- Prepare financial reports.
- Manage SGA budgets.
- Ensure appropriate use of student activity funds.
Secretary
The Secretary shall:
- Record meeting minutes.
- Maintain official records.
- Coordinate communications.
- Assist with election administration and documentation.
Class Representatives
Class Representatives shall:
- Communicate student concerns to the SGA.
- Provide updates to their respective classes.
- Promote student engagement.
- Assist with class-specific initiatives and events.
Student Organizations and Interest Groups
The SGA shall oversee recognized student organizations and interest groups.
Examples may include:
- One Health Club
- Public Health Club
- Wildlife and Conservation Club
- Research and Scholarship Club
- Surgery Club
- Diagnostic Imaging Club
- Nutrition Club
- Community Outreach Club
- Veterinary Business and Entrepreneurship Club
Additional organizations may be approved by the Office of Student Affairs.
Each organization shall:
- Have a faculty advisor.
- Maintain active membership.
- Conduct at least one event each semester.
- Comply with University policies.
Funding
Student activity funds allocated by the University shall be administered through the SGA.
Funding may be used for:
- Student wellness activities.
- Community outreach programs.
- Educational events.
- Student leadership activities.
- Professional development initiatives.
University funds may not be used for:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco products
- Illegal substances
- Activities inconsistent with University policies
The Treasurer shall provide an annual financial report to the Office of Student Affairs.
Rights of Students
Students have the right to:
- Be represented by the SGA.
- Attend open SGA meetings.
- Present concerns and suggestions.
- Participate in elections.
- Petition the SGA regarding matters affecting the student body.
Vacancies and Removal
If a position becomes vacant:
- The SGA may appoint an interim officer until a replacement is elected or appointed.
- Appointments shall be approved by the Office of Student Affairs.
An officer may be removed for:
- Failure to perform assigned duties.
- Excessive absences.
- Academic ineligibility.
- Professional misconduct.
- Violation of University policies.
Removal shall require a majority vote of the SGA Executive Board and approval of the Dean of Student Affairs.
Review of Bylaws
The SGA shall review these bylaws annually.
Proposed amendments shall require:
- A majority vote of the SGA; and
- Approval by the Dean of Student Affairs.
Policy Contact
Dean of Student Affairs
Xavier University School of Veterinary Medicine (XUSOVM), Aruba