OLD UNIVERSITY SUPREME STUDENT COUNCIL Visayas State University Visca, Baybay City, Leyte 6521-A

AMENDMENTS UNIVERSITY SUPREME STUDENT COUNCIL Visayas State University Visca, Baybay City, Leyte 6521-A

PREAMBLE We, the college students of the Visayas State University, imploring the aid of the Divine Providence, with the aim of establishing a democratic, autonomous, representative and pro-masses Student Council, in order to forward the ideals, aspirations and welfare of our sector and institution; protect and promote scholarship, leadership and service; foster principled relationships among students, faculty, administration and other sectors of the society, do ordain and promulgate this constitution. ARTICLE I NAME AND ADRESS

PREAMBLE We, the undergraduate students of the Visayas State University, imploring the aid of the Almighty God, with the aim of establishing a democratic, autonomous, representative and pro-masses Student Council, in order to forward the ideals, aspirations and welfare of our sector and institution; protect and promote scholarship, leadership and service; foster principled relationships among students, faculty, administration and other sectors of the society, do ordain and promulgate this constitution. ARTICLE I NAME AND ADRESS

Section 1. The Student Council of the Visayas State Section 1. The Student Council of the Visayas State University System shall be known as the University System shall be known as the University Supreme Student Council herein University Supreme Student Council herein referred to as USSC referred to as USSC Section 2. The USSC shall have its office at the VSU, Section 2. The USSC shall have its office at the VSU, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte Visca, Baybay City, Leyte Section 3. The Student Council of the Colleges under Section 3. The Student Council of the Colleges under VSU system shall be known as College Supreme VSU system shall be known as College Supreme Student Council herein referred to as CSSC Student Council herein referred to as CSSC Section 4. The CSSCs shall have there address at their Section 4. The CSSCs shall have its address at their respective campuses respective campuses ARTICLE II COLOR AND LOGO ARTICLE II COLOR AND LOGO

Section 1. The official colors of the USSC shall be green Section 1. The official colors of the USSC shall be green and yellow. and yellow. Section 2. The logo is depicted by four arms in tight Section 2. The logo is depicted by four arms in tight grasp that represents unity, cooperation, and grasp that represents unity, cooperation, harmony among its members; at the center of harmony, and impartiality among its members; the logo is a mechanical balance that at the center of the logo is a mechanical represents justice. balance that represents justice.

ARTICLE III DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES

ARTICLE III DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES

Section 1. The USSC shall be the highest governing body Section 1. The USSC shall be the highest governing body of the students of the VSU system, embodied of the students of the VSU system, embodied by the CSSCs by the CSSCs Section 2. The USSC is a democratic, autonomous Section 2. The USSC is a democratic, autonomous representative and pro-masses student council. representative and pro-masses student council. a) The USSC shall in full authority, make decisions, policies and steps for the implementation of such without any hindrance coming from other sectors subject to existing rules of the University and the laws of the land. b) The USSC shall strive to instill social awareness among students, and shall take definite stand on significant issues relevant to student welfare may it be local, national or international. c) The USSC shall serve, protect and promote the interest of the students. d) The USSC shall in full authority make decisions, policies and steps for the implementation of such without any interference coming from other sectors subject to existing rules of the university and the laws of the land. e) The USSC shall strive to instill social awareness among students, and shall take definite stand on significant issues relevant to student welfare may it be local, national or international. f) The USSC shall serve, protect and uphold the interest of the students.

Section 3. The CSSCs shall exercise local autonomy Section 3. The CSSCs shall exercise local autonomy such that each CSSC is independent of each such that each CSSC is independent of each other but they shall cooperate, support, and other but they shall cooperate, support, and actualize any approved project and activity of actualize any approved project and activity of the USSC. the USSC. Section 4. The USSC shall actively participate on Section 4. The USSC shall actively participate on matters affecting Studentry through matters affecting the students through representation to the Board of Regents (BOR) representation to the Board of Regents (BOR) in accordance with RA 8292, otherwise known in accordance with RA 8292, otherwise known as The Higher Education Modernization Act of as The Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997, and in the implementing bodies of the 1997, and in the implementing bodies of the University. university. ARTICLE IV MEMBERSHIP ARTICLE IV MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. All bonafide VSU undergraduate students Section 1. All bonafide VSU undergraduate students shall automatically become members of the shall automatically become members of the USSC upon enrollment. USSC upon enrollment. Section 2. Membership terminates upon transfer to Section 2. Membership terminates upon transfer to another school and/or upon cessation of the another school and/or upon cessation of the schooling within the regular semester. schooling within the regular semester. Section 3. All members shall be bound by Constitution Section 3. The membership fee of the students under

and by-laws and subject to its rules and regulations. (Transfer to Article VI)

the college shall be determined by their respective CSSC with the approval of its members.

Section 4. The membership fee of the students under the college shall be determined by their Section 4. Each student shall pay a membership fee per respective CSSC with the approval of its semester as indicated in Article X, Section 2. members. Section 5. The USSC membership fee shall be collected Section 5. Each student shall pay a minimum of upon enrollment of every semester. Php 10.00 per semester (or as may be determined by the USSC Board) to the USSC General Fund. Section 6. The USSC membership fee shall be collected upon enrolment of every semester by the CSSCs treasurer. ARTICLE V RIGHTS OF MEMBERS ARTICLE V BILL OF RIGHTS OF STUDENTS

Section 1. Every member has the right to academic Section 1. Every student has the right to academic freedom as provided by the 1987 Philippine freedom as provided by the 1987 Philippine Constitution Article XIV, Section 5, Sub-section Constitution Article XIV, Section 5, Sub-section 1. 1. Section 2. Every member has the right to an education Section 2. Every student has the right to an education commensurate to his or her abilities and commensurate to his abilities and capabilities capabilities and to avail himself/herself and to avail himself scholarship or grants scholarship or grants offered by any sector of offered by any sector of the society. the society. Section 3. Every student has the right to be Section 3. Every member has the right to be knowledgeable of the USSC constitution and knowledgeable of the USSC constitution and by-laws and participate actively during by-laws and participate actively during activities of the council. activities of the council. Section 4. Every student has the right to express his Section 4. Every member has the right to express views or opinions on all matters affecting him his/her views or opinions on all matters as a member of the university community and affecting him/her as a member of the society as a whole. University community and society as a whole. a) Every student shall have the right to a) Every member shall have the right to participate in discussions inside and outside participate in discussions inside and outside the classroom setting and put a stand on the classroom setting and put a stand on significant issues whether local, nation or significant issues whether local, nation or international. international. Section 5. Every student has the right to express his Section 5. Every member has the right to express views and opinions in student newspapers and his/her views and opinions in student similar publication provided that he upholds newspapers and similar publication provided the principles of responsible journalism. that he/she upholds the principles of

responsible journalism.

a) Every member shall have the right to circulate leaflets, newsletters, posters, manifesto and other materials of similar nature. b) Student publications shall serve as official student organ reflecting and enhancing the ideas, views, aspirations, issue and sentiments of students regarding its academic community and society in general. c) No school administrator and/or school official shall interfere, influence nor determine contents of the student publication provide that they shall be guide by the provision of the Campus Journalism Act. Section 6. Every student shall have the right to be protected against any harassment and Section 6. Every member shall have the right to be unwarranted interference that is prejudicial to protected against any harassment, abuse and his physical, mental, emotional, social, moral, unwarranted interference that is prejudicial to spiritual development. his/her physical, mental, emotional, social, moral, spiritual development and beliefs. a) Military/Police elements, school security forces, faculty and staff shall not interfere a) Military/Police elements, school security and/or not be of harm with peaceful forces, faculty and staff shall not interfere student activities inside the campus and/or not be of harm with peaceful particularly students protest actions. student activities inside the campus b) Every student shall have the right to be in particularly students protest actions. due process of law if and only if his rights b) Every member shall have the right to be in are abused or suppressed. due process of law if and only if his/her right/s is/are abused or suppressed. Section 7. Every student shall have the right to organize associations without any discrimination and/ or Section 7. Every member shall have the right to participate actively in any of these, in organize associations without any accordance with the rules and regulation of the discrimination and/ or participate actively in university. any of these, in accordance with the rules and regulation of the University. Section 8. Every student shall have the right to exercise ideological and spiritual belief without Section 8. Every member shall have the right to trespassing others respective values. exercise ideological and spiritual belief without trespassing others respective values. Section 9. Every student shall have the right to information on all matters affecting his studies Section 9. Every member shall have the right to and access on all records and documents information on all matters affecting his/her (whether printed or in electronic form) of studies and access on all records and public nature. documents (whether printed or in electronic form) of public nature. Section 10. Every student shall have the right to vote and be elected subject to internal policies of Section 10. Every member shall have the right to vote the organization he desires to join.

a) Every student shall have the right to circulate leaflets, newsletters, posters, manifesto and other materials of similar nature. b) Student publications shall serve as official student organ reflecting and enhancing the ideas, views, aspirations, issue and sentiments of students regarding its academic community and society in general. c) No school administrator, school official, faculty and staff shall interfere, influence nor determine contents of the student publication provided that they shall be guided by the provision of the Campus Journalism Act.

and be elected subject to internal policies of the organization he/she desires to join. Section 11. Every student shall have the right to protest against unjust and inhumane university Section 11. Every member shall have the right to policies. protest against unjust and inhumane University policies. a) No student shall be barred nor intimidated from participating in any student assembly. a) No member shall be barred nor intimidated b) Every student shall have the right to air from participating in any student assembly. their grievances, seek redress and shall b) Every member shall have the right to air have his or her protection for whatever their grievances, seek redress and shall intimidation or harassment suffered have his or her protection for whatever without just cause. intimidation or harassment suffered without just cause. ARTICLE VI DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MEMBERS Section 1. Every member shall uphold this constitution. ARTICLE VI DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MEMBERS Section 1. Every member must uphold this constitution.

Section 2. Every member shall empower and develop Section 2. Every member must empower and develop each others advocacies for public service in each others advocacies for public service in order to strengthen the organization and foster order to strengthen the organization and foster cooperation wherein he/she is a member. cooperation wherein he is a member. Section 3. Every member shall pay his/her CSSC and Section 3. Every member must pay his CSSC and USSC USSC membership fee as levied by his/her membership fee as levied by his respective respective CSSCs. CSSCs. Section 4. Every member shall cast his/her vote in every Section 4. Every member must cast his vote in every election/plebiscite conducted by the Student election/plebiscite conducted by the Student Election Board. Election Board. Section 5. Every member shall attend all meetings Section 5. Every member must attend all meetings conducted by their respective CSSCs, or by the conducted by their respective CSSCs, or by the USSC. USSC. Section 6. Every member shall be involved in any socio- Section 6. Every member must be involved in any sociocultural, sport, and academic activities cultural, sport, and academic activities conducted by the USSC or by his/her respective conducted by the USSC or by his respective CSSC. CSSC. Section 7. Every member shall exercise his/her rights Section 7. Every member must exercise his rights and and responsibilities. responsibilities.

ARTICLE VII DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

ARTICLE VII DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Section 1. Negligence of the duties and responsibilities Section 1. Negligence of the duties and responsibilities of each member is subject to sanctions as per of each member is subject to sanctions as per

determined by the Committee on Sanctions through an approved resolution provided that it is in line with the rules and regulations of the University and in relation with Article VI. ARTICLE VIII THE USSC BOARD Section 1. The Executive and Legislative Power shall be vested in the USSC Board. Section 2. The USSC Board shall be composed of the Presidents of the CSSCs. Section 3. The Board shall be composed of the following: a) President b) Vice-President c) Secretary-General d) Treasurer e) Auditor f) Eight (8) Board Members Section 4. The eight (8) Board Members shall head any of the following committees: a) Committee on Justice and Student Rights (CJSR) b) Committee on Student Welfare and Housing (CSWH) c) Committee on Sports (CS) d) Committee on Socio-Cultural Affairs (CSCA) e) Committee on Education (CE) f) Committee on Information (CI) g) Committee on Student Organizations (CSO) h) Committee on Sanctions (CoS)

determined by the Committee on Sanctions through an approved resolution provided that it is in line with the rules and regulations of the university and in relation with Article VI. ARTICLE VIII THE USSC BOARD Section 1. The Executive and Legislative Power shall be vested in the USSC Board. Section 2. The USSC Board shall be composed of the Presidents of the CSSCs. Section 3. The Board shall be composed of the following: a) President b) Vice-President c) Secretary d) Assistant Secretary e) Treasurer f) Assistant Treasurer g) Auditor h) Six (6) Board Members Section 4. The six (6) Board Members shall head any of the following committees: a) Committee on Justice and Student Rights (CJSR) b) Committee on Student Welfare and Housing (CSWH) c) Committee on Sports and Socio-Cultural Affairs (CSSCA) d) Committee on Education (CE) e) Committee on Information (CI) f) Committee on Student Organizations (CSO)

Section 5. Once a CSSC President is elected as USSC President his/her Vice-President shall assume Section 5. Once a CSSC President is elected as USSC his/her responsibility as CSSC President and President his Vice-President shall assume his shall automatically be a Board Member. responsibility as CSSC President and shall automatically be a Board Member. ARTICLE IX POWER, DUTIES, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE USSC BOARD OFFICERS ARTICLE IX POWER, DUTIES, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE USSC BOARD OFFICERS

Section 1. The newly elected USSC Board Officers shall Section 1. The newly elected USSC Board Officers shall conduct an inaugural address in a form of have a Student Federation general Assembly on General Assembly two weeks after the start of the first Thursday of the month on July and the regular school year. December.

Section 2. The USSC Board Officers shall conduct a State Section 2. The USSC Board Officers shall conduct a State of the Council Address (SOCA) three weeks of the Council Address (SOCA) three weeks before the final examination in every regular before the final examination in every regular semester. semester. Section 3. The President a) Shall be the head of the USSC. b) Shall approve all litigations and resolutions passed by the Board. c) Shall represent or delegate representatives for official functions of the USSC. d) Shall be the official representative to the Board of Regents (BOR). e) Shall preside on all meetings and dialogues of the Board. f) Shall vote in case of ties or as per determined by the Election Code. g) Shall form special committees when needed. h) Shall perform other functions if the need arises as approved by the Board. Section 4. The Vice-President a) Shall assume the responsibility of the President in such cases of his/her incapacity, absence, resignation or impeachment. b) Shall have a voting power apart from his/her functions or as per determined by the Election Code. c) Shall perform other functions if the need arises as determined by the President, or by the USSC Board. Section 5. The Secretary-General a) Shall keep all journals and correspondence pertaining to the activities of the USSC, and shall reproduce such if the need arises. b) Shall take minutes of the USSC Board meetings, general assemblies and the like. c) Shall issue call slips to USSC Board Officers. d) Shall present secretarial report through the Committee on Information. e) Shall have a voting power apart from his/her functions or as per determined by the Election Code. f) Shall perform other functions if the need arises as determined by the President, or by the USSC Board. Section 3. The President a) Shall be the head of the USSC. b) Shall approve all litigations and resolutions passed by the Board. c) Shall represent or delegate representatives for official functions of the USSC. d) Shall be the official representative to the Board of Regents (BOR). e) Shall preside on all meetings and dialogues of the Board. f) Shall vote in case of ties or as per determined by the Election Code. g) Shall form special committees when needed. h) Shall perform other functions if the need arises as approved by the Board. i) May enter and sign any contract in behalf of the USSC with the approval of the council by two-thirds (2/3) vote, provided that it shall be consistent to the interest of the USSC. Section 4. The Vice-President a) Shall assume the responsibility of the President in such cases of his incapacity, absence, resignation or impeachment. b) Shall have a voting power apart from his functions or as per determined by the Election Code. c) Shall perform other functions if the need arises as determined by the President, or by the USSC Board. Section 5. The Secretary a) Shall keep all journals and correspondence pertaining to the activities of the USSC, and shall reproduce such if the need arises. b) Shall take minutes of the USSC Board meetings, general assemblies and the like. c) Shall issue call slips to USSC Board Officers. d) Shall have a voting power apart from his functions or as per determined by the Election Code. e) Shall perform other functions if the need

arises as determined by the President, or by the USSC Board. Section 6. The Assistant Secretary a) Shall assist the secretary in the performance of his duties. b) Shall have a voting power apart from his functions or as per determined by the Election Code. c) Shall perform other functions if the need arises as determined by the President, or by the USSC Board. Section 6. The Treasurer a) Shall be the principal budgetary officer of the USSC. b) Shall keep detailed records on all properties and financial expenditures of the USSC. c) Shall transparently present an approved financial report together with the auditor to the USSC members during SOCA. d) Shall have a voting power apart from his/her functions. e) Shall perform other functions if the need arises as determined by the President, or by the USSC Board. Section 7. The Treasurer a) Shall be the principal budgetary officer of the USSC. b) Shall keep detailed records on all properties and financial expenditures of the USSC. c) Shall transparently present an approved financial report together with the auditor to the USSC members during SOCA. d) Shall have a voting power apart from his/her functions. e) Shall perform other functions if the need arises as determined by the President, or by the USSC Board. f) Shall be the representative of the USSC to the University Finance Committee. Section 8. The Assistant Treasurer a) Shall assist the treasurer in the performance of his duties. b) Shall have a voting power apart from his functions or as per determined by the Election Code. c) Shall perform other functions if the need arises as determined by the President, or by the USSC Board. Section 7. The Auditor a) Shall audit all accounts of the USSC. b) Shall assist the financial report of the USSC treasurer. c) Shall have a voting power apart from his/her functions. d) Shall perform other functions if the need arises as determined by the President, or by Section 9. The Auditor a) Shall audit all accounts of the USSC. b) Shall assist the financial report of the USSC treasurer. c) Shall have a voting power apart from his functions. d) Shall perform other functions if the need arises as determined by the President, or by

the USSC Board. Section 8. The Board Members a) Shall head his/her respective committee. b) Shall be held accountable for the effective and dynamic functioning of his/her committee. c) Shall establish linkages with the other USSC Board committees. d) Shall make resolutions pertaining to the function of his/her committee. e) Shall have a voting power apart from his/her functions. f) Shall perform other functions if the need arises as determined by the President, or by the USSC Board. Section 9. Nature and Description of the Executive Board Committee a) Committee on Justice and Student Rights (CJSR) 1) Shall hear grievances from the USSC members, attend to these and bring issues to the appropriate authorities for immediate action. 2) Shall act as a para-legal counsel to members being subjective to investigation by the University and other entities and/or shall facilitate the assistance of any reputable lawyer. 3) Shall be present during investigations involving Student cases conducted by the University. b) Committee on Student Welfare and Housing (CSWH) 1) Shall monitor food, fare and fuel prices and exert effort to organize the Studentry in gaining the best deals in bargaining compromises with entities concerned. 2) Shall implement projects and form task forces addressed in giving solutions/remedies to problems concerning student welfare. 3) Shall attend to problems concerning student-housing welfare and bring these to the attention of the proper authorities

the USSC Board. Section 10. The Board Members a) Shall head his respective committee. b) Shall be held accountable for the effective and dynamic functioning of his committee. c) Shall establish linkages with the other USSC Board committees. d) Shall make resolutions pertaining to the function of his committee. e) Shall have a voting power apart from his/her functions. f) Shall perform other functions if the need arises as determined by the President, or by the USSC Board.

Section 11. Nature and Description of the Executive Board Committee a) Committee on Justice and Student Rights (CJSR) 1) Shall hear grievances from the USSC members, attend to these and bring issues to the appropriate authorities for immediate action. 2) Shall act as a para-legal counsel to members being subjective to investigation by the university and other entities and/or shall facilitate the assistance of any reputable lawyer. 3) Shall be present during investigations involving student cases conducted by the university. 4) Shall represent the USSC in the Student Disciplinary Tribunal. b) Committee on Student Welfare and Housing (CSWH) 1) Shall monitor food, fare and fuel prices and exert effort to organize the students in gaining the best deals in bargaining compromises with entities concerned. 2) Shall implement projects and form task forces addressed at giving solutions/remedies to problems concerning student welfare. 3) Shall attend to problems concerning

for action. 4) Shall coordinate with the alliance of dormitory occupants, non-dormitory occupants, and other dormitory organizations from both main and external campuses. 5) Shall discuss common goals with the alliance of dormitory occupants leaders and leaders of organizations for nondormitory occupants and implement activities that would benefit them. 6) Shall assist USSO regarding the concerns on housing maintenance and facilities that will provide security among dormitory and non-dormitory occupants. 7) Shall represent the USSC in the USSO Dormitory Management. c) Committee on Sports (CS) 1) Shall coordinate with the Institute of Human Kinetics in the conduct of the USSCs Most Valuable Player Awards Program during the Annual University Intramural Games. 2) Shall coordinate with Committee on Sports of every dormitory and cottages. 3) Shall monitor the welfare of the sports related organization recognized by the USSO and the VSU varsity team members. 4) Shall represent the USSC in the VSU Anniversary Committee and in the Athletic Board. d) Committee on Socio-Cultural Affairs (CSCA) 1) Shall organize socio-cultural activities for the benefit of the students. 2) Shall promote and develop Philippine cultural dances and traditional games. 3) Shall coordinate with every Socio-Cultural Committees of different dormitories and the Culture and Arts Center of the University. 4) Shall monitor the welfare of any sociocultural related organizations recognized by the USSO. e) Committee on Education (CE)

4)

5) 6)

7)

student-housing welfare and bring these to the attention of the proper authorities for action. Shall coordinate with the alliance of dormitory occupants, or other dormitory organizations from the external campuses. Shall coordinate with organizations from the external campuses. Shall discuss common goals with the alliance of dormitory occupants leaders and leaders of organizations for out of dorm students and implement activities that would benefit them. Shall represent the USSC in the USSO Dormitory Management and the University Interdorm Student Body (UISB).

c) Committee on Sports and Socio-Cultural Affairs (CSSCA) 1) Shall coordinate with the Institute of Human Kinetics in the conduct of the USSCs Most Valuable Player Awards Program during the Annual University Intramural Games. 2) Shall monitor the welfare of the VSU varsity team members. 3) Shall organize socio-cultural activities for the benefit of the students. 4) Shall represent the USSC in the VSU Anniversary Committee and in the Athletic Board. d) Committee on Education (CE) 1) Shall receive complaints and work for the resolution of academic-related grievances 2) Shall coordinate with the office of the Director on Research and Extension and the USSO for the schedule of seminars and workshops. 3) Shall represent the USSC in Curriculum Council meetings. e) Committee on Information (CI) 1) Shall manage and disseminate information regarding projects and

1) Shall receive complaints and work for the resolution of academic-related grievances 2) Shall coordinate with the office of the Director on Research and Extension and the USSO for the schedule of seminars and workshops. f) Committee on Information (CI) 1) Shall manage and disseminate information regarding projects and activities of the USSC Board. 2) Shall publish the outcome of the activities conducted by the USSC in coordination with the recognized school publications. g) Committee on Student Organization (CSO) 1) Shall provide supplementary training or education programs to all student organizations at least once a semester. 2) Shall have the duty to motivate any organization to participate in any decision making process affecting their interest. 3) Shall support interested group of students to form an organization without any kind of discrimination provided that it follows rules and regulations of the University. h) Committee on Sanctions (COS) 1) Shall be responsible to lead the deliberation/s pertaining to complaints/allegations proposed by the complainant/s as per determined by the Committee on Justice. 2) Shall be responsible for charging sanction/s as per determined by the USSC constitution and the University rules and regulations. ARTICLE X GENERAL FUNDS Section 1. The USSC shall manage its funds accordingly.

activities of the USSC Board. 2) Shall publish monthly, the outcome of the activities conducted by the USSC. f) Committee on Student Organization (CSO) 1) Shall provide supplementary training or education programs to all student organizations at least once a semester. 2) Shall have the duty to compel any organization to participate in any decision making process affecting their interest.

ARTICLE X GENERAL FUNDS Section 1. The USSC shall manage its funds accordingly.

Section 2. The general funds of the USSC shall be Section 2. The general funds of the USSC shall be sourced from the local funds coming from the sourced from the local funds coming from the

USSC Membership Fee and other incomegenerating activities.

USSC Membership Fee and other incomegenerating activities. a) VSU Main Campus i) Ten pesos (P 10.00) for the VSU Main Fund ii) Ten pesos (P 10.00) for the Federation Fund b) VSU External Campus i) Ten pesos (P 10.00) for the Federation Fund

Section 3. The USSC shall agree to matters relevant to Section 3. The USSC shall agree to matters relevant to the general funds. the general funds. ARTICLE XI ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE USSC OFFICERS ARTICLE XI ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE USSC OFFICERS

Section 1. The USSC Office is a student trust. Its officers Section 1. The USSC Office is a student trust. Its officers must be accountable to its members, serve must be accountable to its members, serve them with utmost responsibility, honesty, them with utmost responsibility, honesty, integrity, efficiency, loyalty, and impartiality, integrity, efficiency, loyalty, and impartiality, and lead them academically and socially. and lead them academically and socially. Section 2. The USSC Officers may be removed from Section 2. The USSC Board shall promulgate its rules on office on impeachment for and conviction of impeachment. any culpable violation of this constitution, bribery, graft, betrayal of students trust of Section 3. The USSC Officers may be removed from his/her, and two consecutive unexcused office on impeachment for and conviction of absences from regular meetings and sessions. any culpable violation of this constitution, bribery, graft, betrayal of students trust of a) The USSC Officers and leaders of any his/her, and two unexcused absences from University Registered Student Organization regular meetings and sessions. shall have the right to submit an impeachment complaint to the USSC Board, a) The USSC Officers and leaders of any as long as they can provide substantial University Registered Student evidence against the accused USSC Officer. Organization shall have the right to b) The USSC advisers and board members, submit an impeachment complaint to except the accused officer, shall deliberate the USSC Board, as long as they can the impeachment complaint and decide provide substantial evidence against whether an impeachment trial is needed. the accused USSC Officer. c) The impeachment trial must be conducted as b) The USSC advisers and board members, soon as possible as long as the USSC advisers, except the accused officer, shall USSC Board Members, USSO representative, deliberate the impeachment complaint accused officer, and the complainants are and decide whether an impeachment present. trial is needed. d) If an accused officer failed to attend two c) The impeachment trial must be consecutive impeachment trials he/she will conducted as soon as possible as long be charged to contempt of court. as the USSC advisers, USSC Board Members, USSO representative, Section 3. Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not accused officer, and the complainants

extend further than removal from the office and disqualification from holding any office/position within the USSC and CSSC in the future.

are present. d) If an accused officer failed to attend two consecutive impeachment trials he will be charged to contempt of court.

Section 4. The USSC Board shall promulgate its rules on Section 4. Judgment in cases of impeachment may impeachment. extend further than removal from the office and disqualification from holding any office/position within the USSC and CSSC in the future. ARTICLE XII TERM OF OFFICE AND FILLING OF VACANCIES Section 1. Term of Office a) The newly elected set of officers shall assume their office first semester of the succeeding school year after officially proclaimed by the Student Election Board (SEB). b) The term of office of the USSC Board shall be one (1) year or until their successors are elected. c) No USSC Board Officer shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office. Section 2. Filling of Vacancies a) If the office vacated is that of the President, the Vice-President shall automatically assume office as President. b) If the office vacated is other than that of the President, the Vice-President of his/her respective CSSC will automatically assume the vacated office. ARTICLE XIII SYSTEM OF ELECTIONS ARTICLE XII TERM OF OFFICE AND FILLING OF VACANCIES Section 1. Term of Office d) The newly elected set of officers shall assume their office first semester of the succeeding school year after officially proclaimed by the Student Election Board (SEB). e) The term of office of the USSC Board shall be one (1) year or until their successors are elected. f) No USSC Board Officer shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office. Section 2. Filling of Vacancies c) If the office vacated is that of the President, the Vice-President shall automatically assume office as President. d) If the office vacated is other than that of the President, the Vice-President of his respective CSSC will automatically assume the vacated office. ARTICLE XIII SYSTEM OF ELECTIONS

Section 1. Election in the CSSCs shall be held on Friday Section 1. Election in the CSSCs shall be held on three weeks before the scheduled final exam of Saturday of the third week of the month of the second semester for the external campuses February for the main campus and Friday of the and Saturday for the main campus or as same week for the external campus or as scheduled by the Student Election Board in scheduled by the Student Election Board in case of fortuitous events. case of fortuitous events. Section 2. USSC election shall be held on Saturday two Section 2. USSC election shall be held during the last weeks before the scheduled final exam of the USSC Federation General Assembly. second semester.

a) Only the CSSC Presidents are allowed to vote for the USSC elections. b) The chairman of the SEB shall preside over the USSC election. Section 3. Election for the First Year representative shall be during the second week of the first semester of the succeeding school year. Section 4. There shall be a USSC Election Code, which can be amended or revised by the USSC Officers and the current SEB officials. ARTICLE XIV PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

c) Only the CSSC Presidents are allowed to vote for the USSC elections. d) The chairman of the SEB shall preside over the USSC election. Section 3. Election for the First Year representative shall be during the second week of the first semester of the succeeding school year. Section 4. There shall be a USSC Election Code, which can be amended or revised by the USSC Officers and the current SEB officials.

ARTICLE XIV PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Section 1. The USSC may adopt the rules contained in Section 1. The USSC shall adopt the rules contained in the Roberts Rule of Order (Newly Revised) in all the Roberts Rule of Order (Newly Revised) in all cases which they are applicable. It may adopt cases which they are applicable. It may adopt any special rules of order in cases where rules any special rules of order in cases where rules contained in the said book are not consistent contained in the said book are not consistent with this constitution. with this constitution. ARTICLE XV CSSC CONSTITUTIONS ARTICLE XV CSSC CONSTITUTIONS

Section 1. Each CSSC shall have the free hand to Section 1. Each CSSC shall have the free hand to formulate and ratify its own constitution formulate and ratify its own constitution provided that its contents shall not be contrary provided that its contents shall not be contrary to this constitution. to this constitution. Section 2. The CSSC constitution shall be reviewed and Section 2. The CSSC constitution shall be reviewed and amended if necessary by means of amended if necessary by means of Constitutional Convention right after the Constitutional Convention right after the ratification of the USSC Constitution and By ratification of the USSC Constitution and By Laws. Laws. ARTICLE XVI CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSIONS Section 1. General Provisions a) All Commissions formed under this Constitution shall be independent from the USSC. It shall be free from the influence of the latter but shall be supported by the USSC in the performance of their duties, execution of their passed resolutions, and funds. b) Heads and members of these Constitutional

Commissions shall be appointed by the USSC from among its student members and shall serve for one (1) academic year. c) Constitutional Bodies shall be composed of a Chairman and at least four (4) members coming from the different organizations under its jurisdiction. d) Constitutional Bodies shall perform their duties with utmost integrity and shall secure always the rights of the students and the protection of the Constitution. e) The Constitutional Bodies shall have the right to make their own constitution, rules and regulations and to determine the programs and activities appropriate to their nature. f) The Committees shall submit their proposed Annual Budget Allocation to the Council in which the latter after its approval shall procure such as soon as possible.

g) The constitutions of the Constitutional Bodies shall be consistent with this Constitution. This Constitution shall supersede in cases of inconsistencies and the Council shall have the power to nullify such at its disposal. h) All Constitutional bodies shall remain functional until there are changes in this Constitution. Thus, no bills or resolutions shall be passed abridging the existence of these bodies. Section 2. Student Election Board a) There shall be an Election Board known as the Student Election Board (SEB) which will administer the elections for the USSC. b) The SEB shall be independent from USSC and shall be created during the last meeting of the Student Council for the academic year. c) The funds of the SEB shall come from the USSC Funds and other sources as provided by the SEB Code. Section 3. Committee On Student Recognition

a) The committee shall promote and enhance students involvement in the activities of the USSC by recognizing the efforts of the individual students and organizations serving for the benefit of the members and the organization. b) The USSC shall make the guidelines governing the function of the committee through an approve resolution. ARTICLE XVI AMENDMENTS OR REVISIONS ARTICLE XVII AMENDMENTS OR REVISIONS

Section 1. Any amendment to or revision of this Section 1. Any amendment to or revision of this constitution may be proposed by the USSC constitution may be proposed by the USSC Board, acting as the consultant assembly, by Board, acting as the consultant assembly, by two thirds (2/3) vote. two thirds (2/3) vote or a constitutional convention. Section 2. Any amendments to this constitution may likewise be directly proposed by the USSC Section 2. Any amendments to this constitution may constitutions through initiative upon a petition likewise be directly proposed by the USSC of at least thirty (30) per centum of the total constitutions through initiative upon a petition number of the undergraduates enrollees , of at least thirty (30) per centum of the total wherein each CSSCs must represented by at number of the undergraduates enrollees , least three(3) per centum of its total wherein each CSSCs must represented by at population. least three(3) per centum of its total population. Section 3. Any amendment to or revision of this constitution may likewise be made by a Section 3. Any amendment to or revision of this Constitutional Convention. constitution may likewise be made by a Constitutional Convention. a) The USSC Board shall appoint the delegates of the Constitutional Convention through a a) The USSC Board shall appoint eighteen (18) resolution. capable delegates from the different sectors of the university student body for the b) Under representation and misrepresentation of Constitutional Convention through a resolution. the delegates for the Constitutional Convention shall make it null and void. b) Under representation and misrepresentation of the delegates for the Constitutional Convention Section 4. Any amendment to or revision of this shall make it null and void. constitution proposed by the USSC Officers or a Constitutional Convention shall be valid when Section 4. Any amendment to or revision of this ratified by a fourteen (14) days not later than constitution proposed by the USSC Officers or a twenty-one (21) days after the approval of such Constitutional Convention shall be valid when amendments or revisions. ratified by a fourteen (14) days not later than twenty-one (21) days after the approval of such Section 5. Any amendment to or revision of this amendments or revisions. constitution directly proposed by the majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite which shall be Section 5. Any amendment to or revision of this held not earlier than fourteen (14) days not constitution directly proposed by the majority

later than twenty-one (21) days after the certification of the sufficiency of such petition by the Student Election Board.

Section 6. Any amendment to or revision of this constitution which exceeds the allotted time shall not be honored. Section 6. Any amendment to or revision of this constitution which exceeds the allotted time Section 7. No revision of this Constitution shall be shall not be honored. authorized within one (1) year following the ratification of this constitution, unless there are Section 7. No revision of this Constitution shall be changes in the name or the structure of the authorized within five (5) year following the colleges of the Visayas State University System. ratification of this constitution, unless there are changes in the name or the structure of the colleges of the Visayas State University System. ARTICLE XVII ADVISERS Section 1. There shall be a Board of Advisers of the USSC consisting of three members coming from the Faculty. Section 2. The USSC Board of Advisers shall be selected by the newly elected USSC Board with the approval from the faculty/ies they have chosen. Section 3. The Advisers have no part in the USSC Policy Law Making. Section 4. Duties and Functions of the USSC Advisers. a) To give advices to the USSC Officers on the area of appointments, planning, budgeting, implementing and executing the USSC programs and projects. b) To help settle internal disputes between and among USSC Officers. c) To countersign any pertinent document when needed. ARTICLE XVIII ADVISERS Section 1. There shall be a Board of Advisers of the USSC consisting of three members coming from the Faculty. Section 2. The USSC Board of Advisers shall be selected by the newly elected USSC Board with the approval from the faculty members concerned. Section 3. The Advisers have no part in the USSC Policy Law Making. Section 4. Duties and Functions of the USSC Advisers. d) To give advices to the USSC Officers on the area of appointments, planning, budgeting, implementing and executing the USSC programs and projects. e) To help settle internal disputes between and among USSC Officers. f) To countersign any pertinent document when needed. ARTICLE XIX GENERAL PROVISIONS Section 1. All resolutions of the CSSC shall be reviewed and approved by the USSC Board except resolutions to withdraw. ARTICLE XVIII TRANSITORY PROVISIONS ARTICLE XIX TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

of the votes cast in a plebiscite which shall be held not earlier than fourteen (14) days not later than twenty-one (21) days after the certification of the sufficiency of such petition by the Student Election Board.

Section 1. The President and other elected officers shall Section 1. The President and other elected officers shall commence their term of office first semester of commence their term of office first semester of the succeeding school year as stated in Article the succeeding school year as stated in Article XII, Sec. 1a. XII, Sec. 1a. Section 2. All existing laws, decrees, executive orders, Section 2. Article II Section 2 shall be duly amended proclamations, letter of instructions, and other when the USSC Board has presented a new USSC executive issuance consistent with this logo through a resolution approved by constitution shall remain operative unless Constitutional Convention. amended. Section 3. All existing laws, decrees, executive orders, Section 3. The Provisions of this constitution shall take proclamations, letter of instructions, and other effect on the first semester of the school year executive issuance consistent with this 2011-2012 after its ratification and therefore constitution shall remain operative unless shall remain effective unless amended. amended. Section 4. The Provisions of this constitution shall take effect on the first semester of the school year 2013-2014 after its ratification and therefore shall remain effective unless amended. Section 5. The SEB shall revise the SEB Code after the ratification of this constitution.