the 1996 student council consttitution

8/20/2019 The 1996 Student Council Consttitution

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West Visayas State University

LA PAZ, ILOILO CITY

` THE 1996 STUDENT COUNCIL CONSTTITUTION

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REVISED STUDENT COUNCIL CONSTTITUTION

(As Amended)

We, the students of the West Visayas State University imploring the aid of the Almighty God,and adhering to the principles and ideal of democracy, academic freedom, and a dynamicsociety, in order to establish a truly independent Student Council to maintain the laws of goodorder; maintain high standards of cooperation and unity among the student sector that shall

promote and protect students’ rights and welfare, and to serve as an instrument for thearticulation of our ideals and sentiments and to encourage and support all forms of worthwhilestudent activities, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

Article INAME

Section 1. The Constitution shall be known as the West Visayas State University RevisedStudent Council Constitution.

Article IIDECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES

Section 1. Principles

a) The Student Council believes that access to academic freedom in tertiary level of alleducational institutions should be guaranteed to everyone;

b) Education should be provided to every student for his self-actualization and the developmentof his capacity for the service of society;

c) Education should develop man’s physical, mental, emotional, social, cultural and spiritualpotential to the fullest;

d) Education should enhance reflective, critical thinking in order to make informed judgmentfree of dogmas and myths;

e) Education should promote general awareness through mass interactions and other means ofcommunication out of divergence for the attainment of truth and justice;

f) Educational institutions should foster greater involvement in community life, since both the

university and the community are concerned with the welfare of the youth; and

g) Educational institution should provide s tudents’ representation in the formulation of policiesconcerning them.

Section 2. Objectives

a) To foster and facilitate students needs and interests;

b) To promote and defend academic freedom;

c) To safeguard and promote the rights and general welfare of the students;




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d) To develop the spirit of unity among students;e) To develop and create a responsible studentry who will put educational opportunity tooptimal use;

f) To serve as a vital forum for the articulation of ideas and sentiments that should lead to thematters affecting the activities of the institution in particular and the nation in general;

g) To attain an educational reform among humane, nationalist, and scientific methods of fulldevelopment of human potential;

h) To promote unity among the various sectors of society in the pursuit of common interest forthe establishment of a just and humane society; and

i) To develop social awareness and instill national consciousness among students.

Article IIIMEMBERSHIP

The West Visayas State University Student Council shall be composed of the entire studentbody of the University.

Student body refers to all high school, undergraduate and graduate students of the Universityexcept elementary pupils duly enrolled on the current semester/school year. It shall be calledupon to ratify this Constitution submitted to it by the Constitutional Committee as defined inthis Constitution.

Article IVSTUDENTS’ RIGHTS

Section 1. Subject to the limitations prescribed by law, University policies and Regulations,

every student of WVSU;

a) Has the right to receive quality education in line with national goals, educational objectivesand standards of the University;

b) Is entitled to advisement and guidance to enable him to understand himself, make intelligentdecisions and select from the alternatives in line with his potentials;

c) Shall have the right to participate in the formulation of the policies of the university affectingthem;

d) Shall have the right to the enjoyment of the constitutional guarantees of free speech andpress, the right to express and pursue his opinion on any subject, provided that suchexpression shall not disrupt the normal operations of the university;

e) Shall have the right to establish, join and participate in organizations and societies notcontrary to the law;

f) Shall have the right to avail of all student services – medical, dental, libraries, etc., as well asof reasonable protection within the University premises;

g) Shall have the right to be informed of the rules and regulations affecting them;




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h) Shall have the right to participate in curricular and co-curricular activities subject to theexisting University rules and regulations;

i) Shall be entitled to respect as a person with human dignity, full physical, social, moral, andintellectual development and humane and healthful conditions of learning;

j) In the tertiary and higher level, shall enjoy academic freedom;

k) Shall have the right to seek redress of grievances against any wrong or injustice committedagainst him by any member of the University community in accordance with the definedchannels of authority;

l) Shall not be subjected to disciplinary actions without due process;

m) Shall have the right to access to his records for the purpose of determining his academicperformance;

n) Shall have the right to pursue his course of study therein up to graduation except in casesof academic deficiency or violation of disciplinary regulations;

o) Shall be entitled to expeditious issuance of certificates, diplomas, transcript of records,grades and transfer credentials;

p) Shall have the right to free expression and information to publish school newspaper or othersimilar publications in accordance with the Campus Journalism Act of 1991;

q) Shall be free from any form of unreasonable search and seizure except when made at thepoint of ingress or egress by authorized personnel of the University. Articles, illegal or violativeof University rules and regulations, discovered by duly authorized personnel shall subject thestudent to administrative discipline. Searches can be made by duly authorized personnel evenwithout search warrant when the student is committing or has just committed a crime or anyserious infarction on University rules and regulations; and

r) Shall have the right to peaceful assembly subject to the regulations of the University andexisting Laws.

Article VSTUDENTS’ DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Section 1. Every student, regardless of circumstances of birth, shall have the following dutiesand responsibilities:

a) Abide the University rules and regulations;

b) Know the history and philosophy of the University and the official University songs;

c) Help keep the University buildings and campus clean;

d) Uphold the good name of the University by practicing personal discipline; honesty, patience,fortitude, and emotional stability, self-control and positive attitudes and values;

e) Strive to live an upright, virtuous, and productive life;




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f) Exert his utmost to develop his potentials for service, particularly by undergoing an educationsuited to his abilities, in order that he may become an asset to himself and society;

g) Respect the customs and tradition of the Filipino people, the duly, constituted authorities,the laws of the land and the principles of democracy;

h) Participate actively in civic affairs and the promotion of general welfare;

i) Exercise his rights responsibly with due regard for the rights of others;

j) Respect and cooperate with teachers, fellow students and school authorities in the

attainment and preservation of peace and order in the University and society; and

k) Help in the observance of individual and social rights, the strengthening of freedom, and thefostering of cooperation among nations in pursuit of progress, prosperity and world peace.

Article VIORGANIZATION OF STUDENT COUNCIL

Student Council is the duly authorized/recognized organization of students in the University.Student Council represents the entire student body of the West Visayas State University except

the elementary pupils. The functions of the student councils should be such that through themstudents shall be able to exercise academic freedom and to apply academic means, participatein maintaining and improving the environment in which the freedom of each is not tempered byequality of all, and in the process develop their leadership potentials and values needed innation-building.

A. University Student CouncilThe University Student Council is the supreme student organization of the West Visayas

State University herein referred to as the USC. The USC shall have the jurisdiction overthe entire student body of the West Visayas State University.

Section 1. The powers of the University Student Council

1.1 Exercise legislative and executive power among the student body.1.2 Adapt its own internal rules of government.1.3 Represent the students in all policy-making bodies of the University when soprovided by the law and the University code on all occasions and events where theCouncil need representation.1.4 Organize, coordinate and direct all student activities designed to improve thestudents’ general welfare as well as to prepare students for constructive citizenship.1.5 Foster and assist the students in creating a united front and concerted action inattaining collective goals.1.6 Promote, carry-out and conduct scientific, interdisciplinary and policy-orientedresearches, studies, training programs, scholarship, and consultancy for students andhelp in the promotion and publication of worthy ideas not contrary to the law.1.7 Make recommendations and proposals to the duly constituted authority on mattersregarding student affairs and activities.




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1.8 Assume collection, budgeting, disbursement and accountability of the Student TrustFund.1.9 Exercise general supervision over College/Institute/Department Student Councils.1.10 Manage the operations of the University Student Centers that are established for

nonacademic activities for students.1.11 Have such additional powers and duties as the University Authority may from timeto time grant or delegate to it, consistent with its stated powers, responsibilities andobjectives.

Section 2. Composition

The University Student Council shall be composed of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson,and eighteen (18) Councilors elected at large in a University-wide election as officers andthe entire student body as members.

2.1 The officers of the University Student Council shall be Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson,Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, assistant Treasurer, Auditor, Assistant Auditor,Business Manager, Assistant Business Manager, P.I.O., Assistant P.I.O., and eight (8)Board Members which will function as the administrative officers of the USC.2.2 Officers other that the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson shall be elected by theeighteen (18) councilors from among themselves.Section 3. Term of Office

The University Student Council shall hold office for the term of one (1) year and thepreceding summer. This will commence on the eve of the commencement exercises.They may be elected once to the same and to a higher position on the third term.

Section 4. Structure and Functions

4.A. Administrative and Supervisory Branch The administrative and supervisory branch ofthe USC is composed of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson, the other elected officerssuch as the Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Auditor,

Assistant Auditor, Business Manager, Assistant Business Manager, P.I.O., AssistantP.I.O., and Board Members.

1. The Chairperson

a. Shall be the chief administrative and advisory officer of the USC.b. Shall have the power to issue orders or decrees subject to the approval of the 2/3vote of the legislative body.c. Shall preside over-all meeting of the administrative and supervisory branch of theUSC, and can call for an emergency meeting if necessary.d. Shall sign all resolutions, documents, and communications of the USC.e. Shall represent the council in his capacity as Chairperson on occasions and events theCouncil need representation except those provided in the constitutionf. Shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees.




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g. Shall have the power to endorse or appoint a person to related bodies of the USCsubject to the screening and approval of the Committee on Appointments.h. Has the power to summon the legislative council onto a meeting.i. Shall furnish the legislative with information concerning the needs of the USC.

j. May recommend measures to the legislative council for its considerations.k. May approve or disapprove the legislative act of the Council.l. Shall accept or reject the resignation of any member of the USC, USEC or StudentCourt.m. Shall have the power to remove any member of the University Student Council,Student Court and University Student Electoral Committee.n. May assign from time to time duties to any member of the administrative andsupervisory council.o. Shall assume powers implied by his position as Chairperson of the USC in any affair ofthe University Student Body.p. May temporarily designate a person in cases of permanent vacancy in the office of theStudent Court and USEC, until such time that a qualified person will serve the remainingterm of office of the predecessor.

2. The Vice-Chairperson shall:

a. Assist the Chairperson in all matters where his assistance is required.b. Take over the functions of the Chairperson whenever his office is vacant by reason ofdeath, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mentalincapacity;c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time;d. Be the presiding officer of the legislative assembly.

3. The Secretary shall:

a. Keep the journal of the proceedings of the council;b. Keep all papers in correspondence of the same;c. Certify all official acts of the administrative and supervisory body;d. Perform such other duties that the Council or Chairperson may assign him from timeto time

4. The Assistant Secretary shall:

a. Assist the Secretary in all matters where his assistance is required.b. Take over the functions of the Secretary whenever his office is vacant by reason ofdeath, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mentalincapacity;c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.

5. The Treasurer shall:

a. Act as the custodian of the deposit in the bank, the funds of the Council;

b. Keep the records of the funds of the Council;




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c. Disburse the same in accordance with the appropriation of the USC;d. Submit financial statement or report which shall be published at the WVSU officialstudent publication;e. Head the standing Committee on Finance or any student loan fund;f. Sign clearance forms of students;g. Perform such other duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time totime.

6. The Assistant Treasurer shall:

a. Assist the Treasurer in all matters where his assistance is required.b. Take over the functions of the Treasurer whenever his office is vacant by reason ofdeath, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mentalincapacity;c. Coordinate in mutual aid fund;d. Be a member of the Finance Committees;e. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.

7. The Auditor shall:

a. Audit the Book of Account of the USC every semester and submit a report to theCouncil;b. Examine all disbursement of the USC;c. Perform such other duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time totime.

8. The Assistant Auditor shall:

a. Assist the Auditor in all matters where his assistance is required.b. Take over the functions of the Auditor whenever his office is vacant by reason ofdeath, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mentalincapacity;c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.

9. The Business Manager shall:

a. Keep an inventory and take charge of all USC properties;

b. Supervise all business and fund raising activities of the USC;c. Perform such other duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign to him from timeto time.

10. The Assistant Business Manager shall:

a. Assist the Business Manager in all matters where his assistance is required.b. Take over the functions of the Business Manager whenever his office is vacant byreason of death, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or

mental incapacity;




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c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.

11. The Public Information Officer shall:

a. Release all news items regarding USC activities;b. Answer all inquiries about the USC;c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.

12. The Assistant Public Information Officer shall:

a. Assist the P.I.O. in all matters where his assistance is required.b. Take over the functions of the P.I.O. whenever his office is vacant by reason of death,removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mental incapacity;c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.

13. The Board Member shall:

a. Be appointed to different colleges and curriculum councils to coordinate or monitortheir respective activities;b. Be given a specific committee to head;c. Perform such other duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time totime.

4.B. The Legislative Branch

The legislative power shall be vested on the council composed of the eighteen (18)councilors elected on a University-wide election.

The Legislative council shall:a. Have the power to pass resolutions and memoranda or exact measures;b. Have the power to pass appropriation for the USC;c. Prepare the financial statement of the USC;d. Have the power of legislative inquiry on matters that affect students’ rights andwelfare. The legislative council if deem necessary shall act immediately on matters thataffect the student body, the students’ rights and welfare and subject to the limitations ofthe law. The presiding officer shall have no voting power except in case of a tie;

e. Provide a system referendum;f. Determine its own standing committees and elect its own officers from amongthemselves.

Section 5. The USC CommitteeFor the smooth handling of activities of the students, the Standing and Ad HocCommittees are stipulated.

5.1. Standing Committee There shall be a standing committee which shall be composed

of a chairperson and four (4) members, whose duties and jurisdiction are defined.




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1. Correspondence and Documentationa. Receive all communications, letters and refer it to appropriate Committees for actions.b. Receive and formulate all resolutions of the Council.c. Take charge of all USC documents.

2. Finance Committeea. Takes charge of the Student Loan Fund.b. Prepares the Budget and Appropriations of the Council.c. Takes charge of the Mutual Aid Fund.d. Prepares, disburses and collects all vouchers and receipts.

3. Cultural Committeea. Takes charge of all cultural affairs including Literary-Musical Contest.

4. Sports Committeea. Coordinates the Hinampang activities and participation in any sports-related activity.

5. Ways and Means Committeea. Takes charge of the fund- raising and inventory of the Council’s property;b. Takes charge of the Refreshments and Reservations;c. Takes charge of the accommodation, booths, and buntings.

6. Student Learning and Education Committeea. Takes charge of the newspaper subscription;b. Coordinates academic assistantship to students;c. Coordinates symposia, lectures, trainings and conferences.

7. Information and Media Committeea. Releases all information regarding the activities of the Council;b. Distributes all communications.

8. Student Leadership Development Program(SLDP) Committeea. Coordinates symposia, lectures for leadership training, year-end conferences.

9. Committee on Rules and Disciplinea. Takes charge of all disciplinary proceedings at the USC including warning and

impeachment.b. Initiates the proceedings for the impeachment and pass it to the Student Court.

10. External affairs Committeea. Takes charge of all external transactions of the USC.

11. Project Committeea. Supervises, coordinates and plans the projects of the USC.




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5.2. The Committee on Appointments

The Committee shall be composed of a Chairperson and four (4) members as chosenfrom among the eighteen (18) elected councilors.

a. Handles all appointments of related bodies under the jurisdiction of the USC.b. Responsible for the screening and approval of the all appointments.c. May declare a person disqualified from an appointed position as prescribed by law.d. May determine its own internal rules.

5.3 The Ad Hoc CommitteeThe Council may form an Ad Hoc committee as the need arises whose composition shallbe one chairperson and four (4) members. Provided, however, the scholarshipcommittee and curriculum committee shall be among these Ad Hoc committees to beformed with prime consideration.

Section 6. Quorum and Meeting6.1 A majority of votes cast by the Council members present, provided there is a quorumsufficient to elect an officer and transact business. Any decision and resolution arrived atshall be considered a valid act of the Council. The quorum shall be consists of a simplemajority of the total number of the officers of the Council.

6.2 The University Student Council shall meet at least twice a week at a place, day, andtime designated by themselves. Special and emergency meetings may be called by theChairperson or majority of the officers anytime as it deems necessary.6.3 The USC shall use the semi-parliamentary or business-like procedure in conducting ameeting.

Section 7. Vacancy

Any vacancy in the USC shall be chosen/elected from among the representatives of thedifferent college councils called for the purpose. Only the remaining University StudentCouncil officers can vote to choose the substitute in this case. If at the judgment of theUniversity Student Council officers no one from among the representatives is qualified toit as officers of the USC as provided by Article VI Section 8 of this Constitution, theUniversity Student Council, by a vote of 2/3, may call a general special election for the

purpose of.

7.1 In case of permanent vacancy in the elected office of the Chairperson due to death,removal, expulsion, the Vice-Chairperson shall assume the office of the former and thenumber one Councilor will automatically be the Vice-Chairperson. If the Chairperson and

Vice-Chairperson be unable to perform the functions of the reasons above, the 18councilors shall elect among themselves the next chairperson and vice-chairperson.




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Section 8. Qualifications of USC OfficersNo student shall be eligible/elected member of the University Student Council unless hehas the following qualifications:

8.1. He must have at least one academic year of residence in the University.8.2. He must not have a final grade(s) of 3.0 and below and no three incomplete gradesa semester preceding the election.8.3. He must obtain a certificate of good moral character from the College Dean orInstitute Director.8.4. He must not be a member of the University Student Court.8.5. He must not be a member of the Student Electoral Committee.8.6. He must not hold any major position such as chair and vice-chair of any interestgroups, or as ROTC Corps Commander or Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, or AssociateEditor of any student Publication.8.7. He must be a natural born Filipino citizen.

A candidate is considered disqualified in running in any University Student CouncilPosition if he lacks any of the requirements. If after winning his post as officer of the

University Student Council he committed any disqualification from the above list ofqualifications, he shall undergo an impeachment proceeding as provided by Article X(Accountability of Council Officers).

Section 9. Election

The Officers of the USC shall be elected by all duly registered students of the West Visayas State University except the elementary pupils on the third week of Februaryevery year. The student Electoral Committee is in charge of all matters pertaining to

election as defined in the election code.

Section 10. The USC Adviser

The University Student Council, shall elect faculty advisers or an adviser through aresolution from among the WVSU full time faculty members who shall render technicalguidance or assistance to the USC. Three (3) days after the election, suchadviser/advisers shall be recommended in writing to the Director of the Office of StudentService, who in turn, shall recommend to the president of the University for official

designation.

B.College/Department/Institute Student Councils

There shall be one (1) Student Council in every College/Department/Institute regardlessof population who shall have jurisdiction over their respective unit. They serve asimplementing arm of the USC in their respective College/Department/Institute.




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Section 1. Officers

The College/Department/Institute Student Council shall be composed of the followingofficers: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer,assistant Treasurer, Auditor, Assistant Auditor, Business Manager, Assistant BusinessManager, P.I.O., Assistant P.I.O., and at least two representatives for every collegeregardless of population and an additional representative for every 500 students.

Section 2. The Medicine Student CouncilThe Medicine Student Council shall be composed of the following officers: Chairperson,

Vice Chairperson (Internal Affairs), Vice-Chairperson (External Affairs), and five (5)councilors elected at large, who will elect from among themselves the Secretary,Treasurer, Auditor, Business Manager and P.I.O. There shall be two (2) representativesfrom the Freshmen, Sophomore and Junior and a representative from the Senior whichwill serve as an ex-officio member of the council.

Section 3. Graduate School Student Council

3.1 The Graduate Education Student Council shall be composed of the following set ofelected officers: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, BusinessManager, P.I.O., and one representative to the USC.3.2. All GEC Officers shall hold office for one year and one summer. Class/Subjectofficers shall be elected every semester (and summer, in case of summer classes). AllGEC vacancies in view of absence, permanent incapability or death shall be elected bythe class/subject officers in a special general assembly. This does not include the case ofthe Vice-Chairperson taking place of the incapacitated Chairperson.3.3 The offices of the GEC shall be elected by the different class/subject officers fromamong themselves during a general assembly on the third week of the first month of the

first semester. Class/Subject officers shall be elected on the first week of the first monthof classes.

Section 4. Membership

4.1 The members of the College/Department/Institute Student Council shall include allbona fide students of the college/department/institute.4.2 The officers of each College/Department/Institute Student Councils shall be electedby its respective members (as in 4.1), under the independent supervision of the Student

Electoral Committee.

Sectio n 5. Officers’ Specific Duties

5.1 The Chairperson shall be the chief executive officer of eachcollege/department/institute. He shall:

a. Preside in all meetings of the College/Department/Institute.b. Sign all resolutions, communications, papers of the College/Department/Institute

Student Council.




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c. Call for an emergency meeting if necessary.d. Represent the Council in his capacity as Chairperson on occasions and events wherethe council needs representation.e. Create standing/ad hoc committees and appoint its members thereof except in thecase of existing standing committee stipulated in the constitution. The members of thead hoc committee shall elect from among themselves a Chairperson.f. Perform such duties as may be necessary or incidental to the discharge andperformance on the functions of his office.

5.2 The Vice-Chairperson shall:

a. Assist the Chairperson in all matters where his assistance is required.b. Take over the functions of the Chairperson whenever his office is vacant by reason ofdeath, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mentalincapacity;c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.

5.3 The Secretary shall:

a. Keep the journal of the proceedings of the College/Department/Institute StudentCouncil.b. Keep all papers in correspondence.c. Certify all official acts of the College/Department/Institute Student Council.d. Head the checking of the Attendance Committee.e. Perform such other duties that the Council or Chairperson may assign him from timeto time. 6

5.4 The Assistant Secretary shall:

a. Assist the Secretary in all matters where his assistance is required.b. Take over the functions of the Secretary whenever his office is vacant by reason ofdeath, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mentalincapacity;c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.

5.5 The Treasurer shall:

a. Act as the custodian of the deposit in the bank, the funds of the Council.b. Keep the records of the funds of the Council.c. Disburse the same in accordance with the appropriation of the council.d. Perform such other duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time totime.

5.6 The Assistant Treasurer shall:

a. Assist the Treasurer in all matters where his assistance is required.




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b. Take over the functions of the P.I.O. whenever his office is vacant by reason of death,removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mental incapacity;c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.

5.13 The College Representatives shall:

a. Represent the interest of their respective College/Department/Institute to the USC.b. Accept tasks and responsibilities, and other duties and functions which the Council orChairperson may assign him from time to time.

Section 6. Qualifications for Members of the College/Department/Institute StudentCouncil:

No student shall be elected member of the College/Department/Institute Student Councilunless he has met the following qualifications:1. He must be a Filipino citizen.2. He must have one academic semester residence in the College/Department/Institutepreceding the election.3. He must not have a final grade of 5.0 or must not have incurred three (3) incompletegrades during the semester preceding the election/application for election/application forelection.4. Must have a good moral character as certified by the College Dean of Director of theOffice of Student Services.5. Must not be a member of the Student Court.6. Must not be a member of the Student Electoral Committee.7. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson shall not hold any major position as theChairperson/Vice-Chairperson of any interest group or as ROTC Corps Commander or asEditor-in-Chief of any student publication College/Department/Institute organ.

Section 7. Election

7.1 The officers of the College/Department/Institute Student Council shall be elected byall duly registered students of West Visayas State University.7.2 The officers shall hold office for a period of one year.7.3 The date and place of election shall be governed by the Student ElectoralCommittee.

Section 8. Vacancy

Any vacancy in the offices shall be filled by the immediate successor. In case, there is noimmediate successor for a position, a body of section and college curriculum chairpersonshall be called to elect a new successor for the vacant position. In case, nobody isqualified from among the section/curriculum chairpersons, a special election may becalled by the Council to be administered by the SEC.




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Section 9. AdvisersThe council is free to choose its own adviser/advisers from among the full time facultymembers of their respective College/department/Institute and recommend it to theCollege Dean/ Director of Student Services for approval and designation.

C. Curriculum Student Councils

There shall be one University Curriculum Council in every year level of the University(Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors), and one College/Institute StudentCouncil in every year level of the college who shall be coordinating arm of the USC andthe College/Institute Student Councils respectively.

Section 1. Officers and Members

1.1 OfficersThe University and College/Institute Curriculum Student councils shall be composed ofthe following officers: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary,Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Auditor, Assistant Auditor, Business Manager, AssistantBusiness Manager, P.I.O., and Assistant P.I.O.

a. There shall be at least one officer from each section to be elected to any of the abovepositions for the College/Institute Student Councils.b. There shall be at least one officer from each college to be elected to the position forthe University Curriculum Student Council and one officer to serve as a representative toeach College/Institute curriculum Student Council.

1.2 MembershipThe members of each College/Institute Curriculum Student Councils shall be

automatically become members of the University Curriculum Student Councils and shallinclude all bona fide students under each curriculum.

Section 2. Powers and Functions

2.1 The University Curriculum Student Councils shall coordinate with the UniversityStudent Council and the College/Institute Curriculum Councils.2.2 The University Curriculum Student Councils shall exercise authority over allCollege/Institute Curriculum Student Councils.

2.3 The University Curriculum Student Councils and the College/Institute CurriculumStudent Councils shall have the following powers and functions:

a. Hold activities i.e. programs, projects, for the benefit of all its members/constituents;b. Collect funds, fees, and contributions from its members/constituents upon approval ofthe University Student Council for the University Curriculum Student Councils and theCollege/Institute Curriculum Student Councils for the College/Institute CurriculumStudent Councils;c. Promulgate its own internal rules and regulations;




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d. Join any activities of the College/Institute Curriculum Student Councils and theUniversity Student Council.e. Manage, direct and administer its affairs and business in accordance with theConstitution; andf. Execute such other functions as prescribed from time to time by the University StudentCouncil for the University Curriculum Student Councils and the College/Institute StudentCouncils for the College/Institute Curriculum Student Councils.

Section 3. Election

3.1 The duly elected section officers shall elect from among themselves the officers forthe College/Institute Curriculum Student Council. Officers shall elect from amongthemselves the officers of the University Curriculum Student Council.3.2 An additional set of representative, one from each College/Institute CurriculumStudent Councils, shall be elected to the University Curriculum Student Council.3.3 The officers shall hold office for a period of one school year.3.4 The University Student Council for the University Curriculum Student Councils andthe College/Institute Student Councils for the College/Institute Curriculum StudentCouncils ad hoc committee shall take initiative to call and preside the election.

Section 4. Curriculum Advisers

4.1 the College/Institute and University Curriculum Student Councils are free to choosetheir own adviser/s and shall recommend him/them to the College/Institute dean for theCollege/Institute and the Director of Student Services for the University, for approval.

D. Section Organization

Section Organization is the organic unit of the Council. It shall be composed of studentsenrolled and assigned by the office of the registrar to a unit of a school/college.Section 1. Powers and JurisdictionThe section organization has the following powers and jurisdiction:

a. Discharge of function is limited and confined within the section.b. Act as implementing and coordinating arm of the Council.c. Promote the general welfare of the students by organizing effective effort to attaincollective goals.

d. Manage, direct and administer its affairs and businesses in accordance with theConstitution.e. Enjoy the protection of the Council from direct or indirect exploitation and unjusttreatment.f. Take necessary action when necessity arises with the approval of the Office of StudentServices.

Section 2. Officers and Members The section organization officers shall be theChairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Business Manager, and

P.I.O.




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The members of the section organization are the duly registered students of theirCollege/Department/Institute and assigned by the Office Registrar to that section.

Section 3. Specific Duties of the Officers:

3.1 The Chairperson shall:a. Represent the section in his capacity as Chairperson in occasion where the sectionneeds representation;b. Preside over all meetings and assign work to his members which are beneficial to theorganization;c. Sign all official communications and papers of the organization;d. Take proper decision in cases where an emergency meeting is impossible;e. Call emergency meetings if necessary;f. Perform such other duties as the SEC code, higher authorities, constitution andsupreme Student Council may assign.

3.2 The Vice-Chairperson shall:a. Assist the Chairperson in all matters where his assistance is requiredb. Take over the functions of the Chairperson whenever his office is vacant by reason ofdeath, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mentalincapacity;c. Perform such duties as the Chairperson may assign.

3.3 The Secretary shall:a. Keep all journals of proceedings, including official papers and correspondence of theorganization;b. Certify all official acts of the same.c. Perform such other activities as the Chairperson may assign.

3.4 The Treasurer shall:a. Keep records and disbursement of the organization;b. Have the records of the money and property of the organization;c. Submit summary of disbursement of financial status of the organization as themembers may ask;d. Perform such other duties as the Chairperson may assign.

3.5 The Auditor shall:

a. Present the book of account (if any) to the members;b. Examine and audit all disbursement of the financial transaction of the organization;c. Perform such other duties as the Chairperson may assign.

3.6 The Business Manager shall:a. Keep an inventory and take charge of the organization’s property and responsible insupervising all business and fund-raising activities of the organization;b. Perform such other duties as the Chairperson may assign.

3.9 The Public Information Officer shall:




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a. Release all information regarding the activities and answer all inquiries about theorganization; andb. Perform such other duties as the Chairperson may assign.

In addition to their specific functions and duties, they will perform other works andassignments which are beneficial to the group, as the Constitution, School policies, SECCode and the Chairperson may assign.

Section 4. Qualifications for Election Any member of the section is qualified for election provided that:

a. He/She is a bonafide student and member of the section;b. He/She is not holding any major position in the USC or CSC.

Section 5.

Adviser The adviser of every section shall be designated by the respective Dean/Principalfrom the faculty force of its college/unit. The role of the adviser must be determined anddefined by the Dean/Principal.

E. Interest Group

Section 1. Student Organization A university student organization shall be one whose members to two (2) or morecollege/units. A college student organization shall be one whose members belong to asection in any unit of college/units.

Section 2. Supervision

A university student organization shall be directly under the supervision of theCollege/Director of the corresponding unit.

Section 3. Faculty AdviserEach university and college organization shall have at least one faculty adviser chosenand recommended by the organization and approved by the Director of StudentsServices. The faculty advisers of class organizations are designated by the College dean.The role of the faculty adviser of the university and college organization is that ofintegrator and technical guidance.

Section 4. Constitution and By-lawsNo university or school/unit organization shall be recognized and allowed to functionwithout a Constitution and By-Laws which have been approved by the Director ofStudent Services.

Section 5. Recommendation and AccreditationThe USC shall participate in recognizing and accrediting university student organizations.The USC shall also participate in determining outstanding student organizations for the

school year.




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Section 6. Studen t Interest Groups shall present the group’s proposed Constitution andBy-Laws to the Office of Student services for approval.

Section 7. A minimum number of 25 founding members shall be required to establish astudent organization.

Section 8. Student organizations shall be allowed to affiliate with chapters outside theuniversity provided that, these organizations are in good standing.

Section 9. A student organization may be denied recognition, or may have its recognitionwithdrawn should it be found, to have violated certain rules and regulations of theUniversity or its unit.

Section 10. As a general rule, only students of the University are recognized to establish,to hold assembly meetings at the campus, provided that if these interest group decide toinvite other persons outside the University, they should ask permission and approvalfrom the University administration.

Section 11. All other activities such as elections and objectives of the interest group shallbe governed by their respective Constitution and By-Laws approved by the Director ofStudent Services, provided that this does not contravene the provision of thisConstitution.

Article VIIFUNDS AND DUES

Section 1. Membership Dues

a. An annual fee shall be charged for the Student Trust Fund, the amount of which shallbe fixed by the incumbent officers of the University and College/Department/InstituteStudent Councils for the college/unit, provided however, that every collection shall becorrespondingly covered by a receipt issued by the Treasurer of the USC for theUniversity and by the College/Department/Institute Student Council for theCollege/Department/Institute, and provided further that any amount that may accrue tothe council from voluntary contributions of the members or otherwise, shall be treatedand accounted for in the same manner.

b. Other amounts to be raised by the council from sources other than membership forspecific projects shall be approved by the Council and proper resolutions covering theseshould be passed by the body. Any unexpected balance shall be credited to the councilfunds for projects or any other purposes the Council may decide for the betterment ofthe studentry.

Section 2. Book of Accounts. The Council must have a Book of Accounts which shallindicate all collections and disbursements properly receipted of the funds of the council.




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It may be inspected and shall be open for inspection to any member of the council whenthere is a need for inspection.

Section 3. Disbursement. Any disbursement from the funds of the council shall beaccompanied by the vouchers duly verified by the Treasurer and approved by theChairperson for payment. Withdrawals of such amount from the depository shall bemade by any officer of the Council upon written authorization issued by the Chairpersonand signed by the Treasurer. The release of such amount will be done upon presentationof a resolution of any officer.

Section 4. The fund shall be deposited in a bank of good standing in the Province/City asthe case may be. The Treasurer and the Chairperson shall be the official depository inthe bank.

Section 5. The Funds shall be appropriated by the Council by means of a resolution.

Section 6. Financial Report. The Treasurer shall prepare and impart a copy of the councilfinancial statement every semester. Such financial statement shall be approved by theChairperson, noted by the Adviser and audited by the Auditor. Copy of which shall be

given to the University/College Publication, Director of Student Services and theUniversity Student Council.

Article VIIITHE JUDICIARY

Section 1. The judicial power shall be vested in one Student Court as established by thisconstitution.

Judicial power includes the duty of the court to settle actual controversies involvingstude nts’ rights which are legally demandable and enforceable, and to determinewhether or not there have been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess

jurisdiction on the part of any branch or instrumentality of the University StudentCouncil.

Section 2. The University Student Council shall not deprive the University Student Courtof its powers and functions, and jurisdiction over cases in Section 5 hereof.

No resolutions shall be passed reorganizing the Student Court when it undermines thesecurity of tenure of its members.

Section 3. The University Student Court shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Appropriations forthe Student Court may not be reduced by the University Student Council below theamount appropriated for the previous year, and after approval shall be automatically andregularly released.




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Section 4. The University Student Court shall be composed of seven members to berecommended by the USC Chairperson subject to the approval of the Committee on Appointments. The committee shall prescribe the qualifications of judging. The basis ofqualifications are as follows:

a. A member of the Student Court must be a person of a proven competence, integrity,probity, and independence.b. Good moral behavior as certified by the Director of Student Services.c. Good academic standing such as the general average 2.0 during the semester prior tothe time of his appointment.d. Must pass the required rating in a special examination given by the committee.e. Must be a college student within two years residence at the university.f. No person shall be appointed member of the Student Court unless he is a natural borncitizen of the Philippines.g. Must not be a member of any political party nor run in an election, a semesterpreceding to their appointment.h. Not a member of SEC.

Section 5. The Student Court shall have the following powers and functions:

a. Power of judicial inquiry. The Student Court has the power to declare questionablebills, resolutions, regulations or laws unconstitutional. All cases involving the questions ofthe constitutionality of bills and resolutions shall be heard and decided by the StudentCourt en banc.b. It shall have an inherent power to punish contempt as an effective means ofprotecting their dignity and authority, and enforcing powerful orders.c. Assume jurisdiction to try over the cases involving impeachment and expulsion of allstudent officers and other disciplinary remedies for the students.

d. In the event of an emergency, eminent danger of violence of internal conflicts in thestudent community, it shall authorize the University Student Council Chairperson toassume necessary powers and functions to prevent, solve or counter such occurrence.e. Promulgate internal rule and regulations in connection with the exercise of its powersand functions.f. Deputize or appoint qualified and responsible student officers who will assist them inthe process of receiving complaints, fact-finding investigations or research in relations tothe prevailing cases presented to them.

Section 6. All decisions, after due process of hearing of the Student Count, are final,conclusive, irrevocable, and enforceable to every specified extent.

Section 7. The members of the Student Court shall hold office during good behavior untilthe end of this two-year term, and his successor duly appointed. In cases wherepermanent vacancy arises, the University Student Council shall thereafter appointqualified person to place the vacancy. The newly appointed member shall serve therema ining portion of his predecessor’s term.




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Section 8. The member of the Student Court shall elect from among themselves theChief Justice, the Clerk of Court and Treasurer.

Section 9. The member of the Student Court as established by this constitution shall notbe designated to any agency performing quasi-judicial or administrative functions or anyother functions except its own function as provided hereof.

Section 10. The student Court shall submit its year-end-report regarding its activities andoperations to the Correspondence and Documentation Committee for records and filepurposes thirty days before the end of its term.

Section 11. The Student Court shall elect faculty adviser from among the WVSU full timefaculty members who shall render technical guidance and integration.

Article IXSTUDENT ELECTORAL COMMITTEE

The Student Electoral Committee is an independent body.

Section 1. Composition.The Committee shall be composed of University Student Electoral Committee(USEC), TheChairperson and the SEC Chairperson in each College/Department/Institute as members.

After their appointment, the College/Department/Institute SEC Chairpersons shallorganize their respective members who shall automatically be a member of the StudentElectoral Committee.

Section 2. Appointment.The USEC shall be appointed by the USC Committee on Appointments.

2.1 The College/Department/Institute SEC Chairpersons shall be recommended by theirrespective Student Council Chairpersons.2.2 The College/Department/Institute Student Electoral Committee Chairpersons shallelect from among themselves the Chairperson who then be appointed by the UniversityStudent Council Committee on Appointments.2.3 The USEC shall assume office at the beginning of the school year.

Section 3. Term of OfficeThe SEC shall hold office for a term of one (1) school year and may be reappointed for

the same or higher position.

Section4. QualificationsThe Committee shall have the following qualifications:4.1 Must obtain a Certificate of Good Moral Character from the Director of StudentServices (College Dean.)4.2 Must not be a member of any student political party in the University.4.3 Shall not run in any elected position created by the Student Council. 4.4 Must not bea member of the Student Court.




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4.5 Must have no failing grade, not three (3) incomplete grades immediately precedinghis application.4.6 Must be a natural born Filipino citizen.4.7 Must have at least one academic year residence in the University.

Section 5. Powers and Functions5.1 The SEC shall set up the required machinery for the conduct of election.

a. Receive and approve the application of candidacy.b. Count and canvas the ballots.c. Proclaim the winning candidate.d. Shall set the schedule of election.

5.2 It shall have he solve jurisdiction in the enforcement of the election code includingreferenda and plebiscites.5.3 It shall promulgate the election code provided that it will not contravene with anyprovision of the Student Council Constitution and provided further that it will approvedby the majority of the Student Council Officers.5.4 The SEC may recommend to the Student Council a special election for any vacancywithout any immediate successor as provided by t the Article VI Section 7 of this WVSURevised Student Council Constitution.5.5 The SEC will mediate and resolve all conflicts concerning the election whose decisioncould only be appealed for legality to the Student Court.

Section 6. The SEC AdvisersThe Student Electoral Committee shall choose two advisers from among the full-timefaculty members of the University. They shall render technical guidance to thecommittee.

Article X ACCOUNTABILITY OF STUDENT COUNCIL OFFICERS

SECTION 1. Student office is a student trust. Student offices must serve with highestdegree of responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency and shall remain accountable tothe students.

Section2. The officers of the University, College/Department/Institute Curriculum

Councils and Section shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and convictionof, culpable violation of this constitution, the Student Code, bribery, other high crimes ofgraft and corruption, insubordination and negligence of duties.

Section 3.3.1 The Committee on Rules and Discipline shall have the exclusive power to initiate allcases of impeachment.3.2 A verified complaint for impeachment may be filed by any member of thecouncil/organization concerned which shall be included in the order of the business

within two meeting days and refer it to the Committee on Rules and Discipline within




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one meeting day thereafter. The committee, after hearing, and by a majority of vote ofthe members shall submit a report to the council concerned within a period of one week.Such report and decision shall be affirmed by the 2/3 of the officers of the council andshall be coursed to the Student Court for trial.

Section 4. No impeachment proceedings shall be initiated against the same official forthe same offense within a period of three months.

Section 5. The Student Court shall have the sole power to try and decide all cases ofimpeachment. When setting for that purpose, the members shall be on oath ofaffirmation.

Section6. Judgment in cases of impeachment shall be limited to removal from office anddisqualification to hold any student’s office of honor, trust or profit in this institution, butthe party convicted nevertheless shall be liable and subject to persecution, trial andpunishment in accordance with the law.

Article XIGENERAL PROVISIONS

Section1. The Constitution shall govern the West Visayas State University StudentCouncils.

Section 2. For the purpose of this constitution, unless the context is indicated otherwise.a. University – signifies the West Visayas State University created by Presidential Decree2019.b. USC – means the duly constituted student organization.c. Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, University Councilors – refers respectively to the

officers of the University Student Councild. Student Election Code – set of rules that governs the conduct of election, plebiscite,or referenda.e. Student Court – an independent body which holds judicial power concerning thestudents.f. Students – are duly registered individuals in the West Visayas State University.g. College/Department/Institute Student Council – refers to the Arts and Sciences,Education, Agriculture and Forestry, Medicine, Graduate Education, High School,Nursing, PESCAR Institute and Institute of Mass Communications respectively.

h. Duly Constituted Authorities – refer to the BOR, DECS.i. Council – refers to the administrative and supervisory branch of the USC asdistinguished from the legislative body.

j. Council – refers to the USC as a whole with its elected officers.k. Academic Year – basis of residence in the university wherein an academic year isequal to the completion of two academic semesters.




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TRANSITORY PROVISIONSSection 1. Immediately after the ratification of the Constitution, the Student Council’sincumbent officers shall: a. Call upon the existing SEC to revise the existing ElectionCode.

Section 2. The Constitution should be within the bounds of the rules and regulations ofthe University which were promulgated by the duly authorized body, the Board ofRegents.

Section 3. Immediately after the ratification of this Constitution, all student councilsshould follow all provisions of this Constitution.

Section 4. The College/Department/Institute Student Councils shall promulgate their ownby-laws and/or internal rules provided it does not contravene any provision of theConstitution.

Article XIIEFFECTIVITY AND AMMENDMENTS

Section 1. This Constitution will take effect immediately upon its ratification in aUniversity-wide plebiscite called for this purpose on February 23, 1996, by a majorityvote of all votes by the majority of students qualified to vote as stipulated by theUniversity Student Electoral Code, a copy of which shall be furnished to the UniversityPresident, Director of Instruction, and Director, Office of Student Services.

Section 2. Any amendment to or revision of this Constitution should be proposed afterfour (4) years of effectivity upon ratification of this Constitution.

Section 3. The Constitution Committee shall have the original jurisdiction and sole powerto propose an amendment or revision to this Constitution after the period stipulated inSection2 of this Article. The constitution Committee shall be composed of allCollege/Department/Institute Student Council, one permanent representative from theSEC, Vice-Chairperson as the ex-officio chairperson of the Committee.

the 1996 student council consttitution

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