UPM CAS Student Council Constitution

CAS Student Council Constitution 2010

I. Table of ContentsII. Preamble

I. Nature and SymbolII. General ProvisionsIII. Declaration of Principles and ObjectivesIV. Membership in the CASSCV. Powers and Duties of the CASSCVI. Bill of Rights of CAS StudentsVII. Duties and Obligations of CAS StudentsVIII. Composition and Election of CASSCIX. CASSC StructureX. The General AssemblyXI. The Executive CouncilXII. The Standing CASSC CommitteessXIII. Publicity and DocumentationXIV. Rules on AppointmentsXV. Powers and Duties of Officers and MembersXVI. Resignations and VacanciesXVII. Disciplinary Measures for Council Officers

and MembersXVIII. Funds of the CouncilXIX. The College RepresentativeXX. AmendmentsXXI. EffectivityXXII. Transitory Provisions

PREAMBLE

WE, the students of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) of the University of the Philippines Manila, binding ourselves in order to establish a student council that shall represent the democratic interests of the CAS students, maximize all avenues of student activity to promote and protect students’ rights and welfare, catalyze students’ awareness and potentials into a potent nationalist force, unite with the Filipino people in struggling for the realization of a truly just, sovereign and democratic society, do hereby ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

ARTICLE INATURE AND SYMBOL

Sec 1. This student council shall be called the University of the Philippines Manila College of Arts and Sciences Student Council (UPM CASSC).

Sec 2. The CASSC shall adopt as its official logo the words “College of Arts and Sciences Student Council UP Manila” printed on the outer circle of the logo. The inner circle of the logo shall contain the colors red on its left side and green on its right side symbolizing the College’s adherence to the principles of the University. It shall have white stars with yellow outline representing the degree programs in the College which uphold academic excellence. It shall also have the Oblation which signifies the College’s commitment to uphold nationalism, democracy and service to the University and the Filipino people. It shall also contain pillars that symbolize the role of the College in laying the foundation of every student in the University.

Sec 3. The official colors of the CASSC shall be red, green, yellow and white.

Sec 4. The official media of communication shall be Filipino and English, prioritizing the former in order to assert the primacy of the national language.

ARTICLE IIGENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec 1. This Constitution shall be known as the Constitution of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council.

Sec 2. This Constitution shall govern the CASSC.

Sec 3. For purposes of this Constitution, unless otherwise indicated:

CASSC Constitution Page 1


Sec 3.1. “College” signifies the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) of the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM).

Sec 3.2. “College Student Council,” ”Student Council,” “Council” or “CASSC” refers to the CAS Student Council.

Sec 3.3. “College/ University authorities” signifies the duly constituted authorities or officials of the CAS and the UP System in so far as UP Manila is concerned.

Sec 3.4. “Chairperson”, “Vice-Chairperson”, “Representative to the USC”, “College Councilors” and “Batch Representatives” refer respectively, to the officers and members of the CASSC. They may also be termed as “Council members” or “members of the Council.”

Sec 3.5. “College Councilor” or “Councilor” refers to any of the representatives elected at-large as distinguished from the Batch Representatives.

Sec 3.6. “Batch Representative” or “Batch Rep” means a representative of the student constituents of a year level to the CASSC.

Sec 3.7. “Permanent vacancy” exists when the office of a Council officer or member has been vacated for reason of resignation, impeachment, and expulsion from UP, permanent illness preventing him or her from performing the functions of his or her office or death.

Sec 3.8. “Temporary vacancy” exists when the office of a Council officer or a member has been vacated by reason of temporary mental or physical incapacity, official temporary leave of absence, suspension or any reason that leaves the possibility of the resumption of his or her duties before the expiration of his or her term of office in the CASSC.

Sec 4. To firmly establish a college identity, the college shall henceforth be called either as the Kolehiyo ng Agham at Sining (KAS) or College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).

ARTICLE IIIDECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES

Sec 1. The CASSC believes:

Sec 1.1. That education is a right and should be made accessible to everyone;

Sec 1.2. That education should develop the student’s physical, mental, social, cultural and spiritual potential to the full, in order to realize the vision of a just and humane way of life;

Sec 1.3. That education should enhance critical thinking;

Sec 1.4. That education should be free in order to advance the realization of a progressive Filipino society free from the shackles of neo-colonialism;

Sec 1.5. That CAS is a community of different sectors- students, academic, non-academic and administrative personnel and that College issues and problems are best addressed by forging of multi-sectoral unity in the College;

Sec 1.6. That CAS is part of the University; hence, an integral part of society and as much, the issues and problems of the Filipino people are of direct concern to the CASSC and the CAS student body;

Sec 2. The CASSC shall at all times and at all costs strive to:

Sec 2.1. Advance and defend the rights and general welfare of the CAS students and the Filipino people;

Sec 2.2. Serve as an effective forum for the expression of student ideas and sentiments;

Sec 2.3. Uphold the ideals of the CAS and the University geared towards ensuring the holistic development of every CAS student;

Sec 2.4. Develop social awareness and instill national consciousness among the students of the College;

Sec 2.5. Unite with the various sectors of the College and of the society in the pursuit of common interests, particularly in the establishment of a just, humane, sovereign and democratic society;

Sec 2.6. Develop the willingness and desire to serve among the CAS student body for the welfare of society;



Sec 3. The CASSC shall promote and support the policies of the CAS Administration if such, in the CASSC’s opinion based on democratic consultation with the students, and are in the interests of the CAS student body and the Filipino people.

ARTICLE IVMEMBERSHIP IN THE CASSC

The qualifications needed to be a member of the CASSC are the following:

Sec 1. S/he must be a bonafide student of the CAS;

Sec 2. S/he must not have committed any act against the College or University rules and regulations whose penalty exceeds a five-day suspension or graver to be eligible for induction in the event of his/her election, subject to appeal to the College Electoral Board;

Sec 3. S/he must have also conformed to the qualifications for candidacy in the CASSC elections specified by the College Electoral Board provided that the qualifications specified in this Constitution shall take precedence in cases of conflict with the College Electoral Code;

ARTICLE VPOWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CASSC

The CASSC shall have the power to:

Sec 1. Adopt its own internal rules of governance and organizational structure subject to the provisions of this Constitution;

Sec 2. Organize and coordinate student activities designed to promote and protect their rights and general welfare in line with the provisions of this Constitution;

Sec 3. Represent the CAS student body in all policy-making bodies of the College when so provided by laws, rules and regulations of the CAS Administration subject to Article III, Section 3;

Sec 4. Advise and make recommendations to the College Dean and the appropriate College officials regarding student matters, affairs, projects and activities;

Sec 5. Represent the College in external student activities;

Sec 6. Draft the College Student Electoral Code, in coordination with the College Electoral Board, which shall specify the rules and regulations of the general elections of the CASSC;

Sec 7. Have such other powers and duties as the College authorities may, from time to time, grant or delegate to it, consistent with the provisions of this Constitution;

Sec 8. To utilize CAS equipment and facilities free from any charges and with highest priority.

ARTICLE VIBILL OF RIGHTS OF CAS STUDENTS

Every CAS student shall have the right:

Sec 1. To enroll in the College regardless of his/her physical appearance or handicap, socio-economic status, political or religious beliefs or membership in student organization subject to CAS and UP academic requirements;

Sec 2. To freely choose his/her field of study within the College subject to existing curricula and to continue his/her course until graduation from CollegeSec 3. To be given priority for a speedy process in case of any infringement to the University academic disciplinary rules and regulations;

Sec 4. To have his/her transcript of records and clearances speedily processed;

Sec 5. To have access to and confidentiality of his/her academic records;

Sec 6. To have competent instruction and quality education relevant to his/her personal, academic and social development and that of the nation;

Sec 7. To have adequate academic facilities;

Sec 8. To form, assist or join student organizations, alliances or federations for his/her academic, spiritual, cultural, physical, civic, or political interests. This right cannot be impaired without due process of law. The signing of waivers or documents that he/she is not a member of or will not join a specified organization before being allowed to enroll into the College is prohibited;



Sec 9. To have no unreasonable requirements imposed upon his/her student organization/s seeking recognition from the College. This right shall be consistently monitored by the CASSC;

Sec 10. To not be discriminated in the assignment of CAS facilities granting of other privileges to his/her organization/s;

Sec 11. To be free from the use of force in his/her initiation to a CAS organization and from the payment of excessive fees to his/her organization;

Sec 12. To be represented, through the CASSC, in the College Assembly and in other policy-making bodies of the College which directly affect the CAS students’ welfare especially in curriculum review, student discipline, campus regulations, academic standards and external accreditations; Sec 13. To establish student newspapers and other publications, whether the CAS official student paper, CASSC newsletter, or of the CAS student organizations’ in the pursuit of academic freedom and the freedom of expression without any outside censorship or interference;

Sec 14. To have academic freedom and conduct activities in line with this right;

Sec 15. To due process in disciplinary cases against him/her subject to the following rights:

Sec 15.1. To have his/her grievances heard and speedily redressed;

Sec 15.2. The right to be considered innocent until proven guilty;

Sec 15.3. To be informed, in writing, of the disciplinary charges against him/her;

Sec 15.4. To confront witnesses against him/her and to full access to the evidence in the case;

Sec 15.5. To defend him/her and be defended by a counsel of his/her choice with adequate time being given for the preparation of his/her defense;

Sec 15.6. To a hearing before an impartial body which shall include student members;

Sec 15.7. To not bear false witnesses against him/herself;

Sec 15.8. To appeal to clearly designated College and University authorities the decision of the disciplinary proceeding;

Sec 15.9. To be informed of the decision and the facts and reasons for the decision of the disciplinary proceeding.

Sec 16. To be free from involuntary contributions imposed by College authorities or by his/her organization unless approved by the CASSC in the former and the mass membership of his/her organization in the latter;

Sec 17. To have no military or police detachments or units stationed in the College campus;

Sec 18. To non-interference by military, police or school security elements of legitimate student activities within the College campus, in particular, peaceful mass actions;

Sec 19. To have a tambayan for his/her CAS-based organization/s at a location within the College grounds provided by the CAS Administration, through the CASSC, and agreed to by the organization concerned:

Sec 19.1. There shall be no eviction from, demolition or clearance of such tambayan unless concurred in by the organization concerned;

Sec 19.2. In the event of an inevitable eviction and demolition of an organization/s tambayan, the CAS Administration, through the CASSC, must ensure that a new location for a tambayan shall have been located and provided for and agreed to by the organization concerned.

ARTICLE VIIDUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF CAS STUDENTS

Every CAS student has the following duties and obligations:

Sec 1. Develop his/her potential to the utmost so as to be of service to his/her family, community and the society in general;

Sec 2. Strive for academic and extra-curricular excellence in UP tradition in response to his/her social responsibility as Iskolar ng Bayan;

Sec 3. Observe, at all times, the laws of the Republic of the Philippines and the rules and regulations of the College and



the University regarding disciplinary and academic responsibilities;

Sec 4. Forge a close and harmonious relationship with the other sectors of the College;

Sec 5. Participate actively in College and University activities and be involved in civic and socially relevant activities geared towards the development of his/her community and the nation;

Sec 6. Work for the betterment of the Filipino masses in any capacity and way he/she is capable of;

Sec 7. Exercise the rights enumerated in Article VI above responsibly.

ARTICLE VIIICOMPOSITION AND ELECTION OF CASSC

Sec 1. The CASSC shall be composed of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, a CAS Representative to the University Student Council (USC), five (5) College Councilors and a Batch Representative per year level. All CASSC members shall be elected at large except with the Batch Representatives which shall be elected by the CAS student constituents of their respective year level.

Sec 2. Election for the CASSC shall take place not later than one (1) month before the official end of classes of the second semester of every academic year.

Sec 3. Should there be unfilled positions after the regular elections have been conducted, the College Electoral Board shall, upon the request of the newly-elected Council members, conduct special elections only for the unfilled Council seats within one (1) month after its receipt of the request. All provisions and qualifications for candidacies applied for the regular elections shall be applicable in the special elections.

Sec 4. Induction of the newly elected CASSC shall take place three weeks after their proclamation by the College Electoral Board. The CAS Dean or his/her authorized representative shall administer the oath of office to the new CASSC. The UPM Chancellor may as well conduct the oath taking of the new CASSC with the elected members of the other college student councils and the USC.

Sec 5. Every Council member shall hold office for one year, provided that the members of the College who will fill vacant

seats during the course of the term shall be in office only for the remainder of the unexpired term of his/her predecessor.

Sec 6. Selection of the First Year Batch Representative shall be conducted not later than two (2) months after the start of classes of the first semester of every academic year. The CASSC shall have the power to set the rules and guidelines for the nomination and the selection process.

Sec 7. The officially selected First Year Batch Rep, having gone through a screening and selection process, shall officially be a part of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council.

ARTICLE IXCASSC STRUCTURE

Sec 1. The different units of the CASSC shall be as follows:

Sec 1.1. The General Assembly (GA) shall be the highest policy-making body of the CASSC;

Sec 1.2. The Executive Council (EC) shall be the highest executive and implementing arm of the CASSC and shall serve as the highest policy-making body of the CASSC in between sessions of the GA. It shall be composed of the officers of the CASSC, which includes a President, Secretary, Treasure and Auditor. It shall be convened by the Chairperson being its President;

Sec 1.3. The various CASSC Standing Committees shall serve as the implementing arms of the various programs and policies laid down by the GA;

Sec 1.4. Standing Committees are as follows: Students’ Rights, Welfare, and Basic Services (STRAWBS), National and Local Issues (NatLoc), Culture and Sports (CS), Health and Environment (HE), Legal and Corporate Affairs (LCA), Organizations and Community Welfare (OCW), Seniors and Commencement Affairs (SCA);

Sec 1.5. Organizations and Community Welfare (OCW) shall be automatically designated to the Vice-Chairperson and the Seniors and Commencement Affairs (SCA) shall be automatically designated to the Fourth Year Batch Representative. Other Standing Committees shall be headed by the five (5) Councilors;



Sec 1.6. All Councilors shall become head of one Standing Committee only and a member of not more than two Standing Committees;

Sec 1.7. All Batch Representatives shall not head any Standing Committee; however, shall become member of not more than two Standing Committees. The committee in which the First Year Batch Representative will become a member will be decided on the first GA after his/her selection;

Sec 1.8. The CASSC Volunteer Corps shall be known as the CASSC Oblation Corps (CASSC-OC). It shall be an auxiliary service and support unit of the CASSC with its own set of officers and shall serve as the service arm of the CASSC. Its members shall be composed of the mass membership of the Council’s committees.

Sec 2. The CASSC Chairperson may also, on his/her own authority and with the majority concurrence of the EC, create other or merge these committees as s/he may deem fit provided that the functions of these specified committees will still be carried out. Provided however that such creation and merger of committees shall be submitted for approval to the GA immediately following such action.

Sec 3. The various committee heads may also subdivide their committees into sub-committees as they see fit subject to availability of personnel to man sub-committees and provided that the main functions of the committee are not neglected.

ARTICLE XTHE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Sec 1. The General Assembly (GA) shall be the highest policy-making body of the CASSC.

Sec 2. It shall be composed of all the members of the CASSC and the Oblation Corps President. The OC President shall be given no voting power; however shall be free to participate in all deliberations.

Sec 3. Unless otherwise declared by the CASSC for specific occasions, all GA’s shall be open to all students.

Sec 4. The GA shall have the following powers and functions:

Sec 4.1. Study and suggest amendments and revisions to the CASSC Constitution subject to final ratification by the CAS student body in a constitutional plebiscite for the purpose;

Sec 4.2. Receive the reports of the various committee heads, EC Officers, CAS Rep to the USC and the Chairperson and act upon the recommendations of the same;

Sec 4.3. Formulate, approve and enforce decisions, policies, resolutions, stands on issues and programs of action of the CASSC.

Sec 4.4. Act and decide upon all cases of expulsion of and impeachment/removal from the office of Council members subject to the provisions concerning expulsion and impeachment in this Constitution;

Sec 4.5. Approve the creation or merger of committees as proposed by the CASSC Chairperson and concurred in by the EC;

Sec 4.6. Do such other duties and functions as it may deem necessary.

Sec 5. Unless otherwise provided in this Constitution, a majority or fifty percent plus one (50%+1) of all the Council members shall be deemed as constituting a quorum. A regular GA must attain this quorum to be deemed in session.

Sec 6. The regular GA shall convene twice a month during the term of the Council, excluding semestral breaks and Christmas holidays. The Council may, however, convene a regular GA on the excluded dates on reasonable grounds.

Sec 7. A Special Assembly can be called by any Council member as may deem fit provided such request shall be approved by the Chairperson before convened; while, an Emergency Assembly can be determined only by the Chairperson as such and can only be called as the Chairperson may deem fit and necessary.

Sec 8. A Special or Emergency Assembly does not require that a quorum be reached for it to be deemed in session. Sec 9. Regular GA sessions that do not reach the required quorum, upon the decision of the Chairperson with the



concurrence of a majority of the Council members voting and present, may be adjourned and automatically converted into an Emergency or Special Assembly.

Sec 10. Every decision of at least a majority of the members voting and present at regular, special or emergency GA shall be valid as an act of the Council.

ARTICLE XITHE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Sec 1. The Executive Council (EC) of the CASSC shall serve as the highest executive and implementing arm of the CASSC. It shall also be the highest policy-making body when the GA is not in session.

Sec 2. It shall exercise general supervision and responsibility over the committees of the EC which are the following: Secretariat Committee and Finance Committee.

Sec 3. It shall be composed of the President (Pres), the Secretary(Sec), the appointed Treasurer (Treas) and Auditor (Aud).

Sec 4. The Chairperson shall be the Pres and the Vice-Chairperson shall be the Sec. The Councilor with the highest number of votes shall be the Treas. The Aud shall be appointed by the Chairperson.

Sec. 5. The Sec and the OC Secretary-General shall constitute the EC Secretariat Committee which shall be in charge of online matters of the Council and as the safe keeper of the general files of the Council and all transactions made by the Council in pen and paper. The EC Sec shall be its head.

Sec. 6. The Treas, Aud and the OC Secretary for Finance shall constitute the EC Finance Committee which shall have custody to all cash and properties of the Council. The EC Treas and EC Aud shak be its co-heads.

Sec. 7. The Chairperson being the Pres shall head the EC and oversee the Secretariat and Finance Committees.

Sec 8. The EC shall have the following powers and functions:

Sec 8.1. Be responsible for the administrative and day-to-day functions of the CASSC;

Sec 8.2. Ensure, monitor, direct and coordinate the plans, decisions and programs of the CASSC;

Sec 8.3. Make recommendations to the GA on matters concerning the CASSC and the CAS student body in general;

Sec 8.4. Concur in or disapprove the suggestion of the Chairperson to create other or merge the standing committees of the CASSC subject to the final approval of the GA;

Sec 8.5. Coordinate the plans, programs and actions of the committees with each other;

Sec 8.6. Ensure the integration of the CASSC with the mass student body of the CAS;

Sec 8.7. Formulate, approve, and enforce decisions, policies, resolutions, stands on issues and programs of action for the CASSC subject to the final approval of the GA;

Sec 8.8. Perform other functions and duties as may be delegated by the GA;

Sec 9. The EC shall meet once a week and in special or emergency sessions. No quorum is required. Absence of an EC member shall be deemed as forfeiture of his/her vote for that particular EC session.

ARTICLE XIITHE STANDING CASSC COMMITTEES

Sec 1. The Standing CASSC Committees are those created by the Council to perform functions during the entire course of the Council’s term.

Sec 2. Sub-committees are those created by the Standing Committees for temporary or permanent purposes provided that these sub-committees shall be automatically dissolved with the expiration of the term of office of the concerned standing committee head.

Sec 3. Ad-Hoc Committees are temporary committees formed by the Chairperson or the CASSC, at any time during the course of the Council’s term, to perform specific functions for a specific, limited period of time.



Sec 4. The Chairperson shall be ex-officio member of all formed committees.

Sec 5. The heads of the Standing Committees shall be filled through any of the following methods as the GA may deem fit:

Sec 5.1. The Chairperson may appoint any council member as committee head;

Sec 5.2. A council member may express desire to head a particular Standing Committee and concurred by the Chairperson;

Sec 5.3. The CASSC may conduct an election to determine the heads of the Standing Committees in a GA called for such a purpose.

Sec 6. The EC and the Standing Committees shall decide on their internal rules and procedures. They shall submit monthly performance and planning reports to the Chairperson. Within one (1) week from the end of each committee activity or project, the committees shall submit an activity assessment report. All committees are required to meet at least twice a month.

Sec 7. The duties, functions and scope of responsibilities of each committee shall be defined by each incoming CASSC based on the following guidelines:

Sec 7.1. The Secretariat Committee of the Executive Council

Sec 7.1a. The EC Secretariat Committee shall be responsible for keeping all records, documents, files of the Council.

Sec 7.1b. It shall also ensure in coordination with the EC Finance Committee that the Council shall at all times have adequate office and publicity-making equipments and materials in stock.

Sec 7.1c. It shall also be responsible for the general order and discipline of the Council members and the Oblation Corps.

Sec 7.1d. It shall also check on the general performance of the Council members and when needed, institute or initiate, in coordination with the Chairperson, the appropriate disciplinary procedures.

Sec 7.1e. It shall devise and implement a system to ensure orderliness and cleanliness in the CASSC office.

Sec 7.2. The Finance Committee of the Executive Council

Sec 7.2a. The EC Finance Committee shall be the financial arm of the CASSC.

Sec 7.2b. It shall hold custody of all the cash and properties of the Council.

Sec 7.2c. It shall be the responsible, in coordination with the Chairperson, in the turnover of funds to the USC.

Sec 7.2d. It shall oversee all financial transactions of the Council.

Sec 7.2e. It shall keep its book of accounts and other records of the financial activities of the CASSC available for the inspection of any bonafide CAS student.

Sec 7.3. The Organizations and Community Welfare (OCW) Standing Committee

Sec 7.3a. The Organizations and Community Welfare Standing Committee shall be responsible for the consolidation of CAS-based student organizations and CAS community.

Sec 7.3b. It shall ensure the protection of rights and welfare of student organizations, workers, employees and faculty members in CAS.

Sec 7.3c. It shall spearhead activities and campaigns to unite the students with the other sectors of the College.

Sec 7.3d. It shall be the representative of the CASSC to any CAS community alliance.

Sec 7.3e. It shall be the representative of the CASSC to any organization assembly.



Sec 7.4. The National and Local Issues (NatLoc) Standing Committee

Sec 7.4a. The National and Local Issues Standing Committee shall serve as the educational and training arm of the CASSC.

Sec 7.4b. It shall create, at the start of each term, an educational and training curriculum geared towards providing the CASSC, CASSC-OC and all students an in-depth knowledge on social and national issues and realities and equip them with skills that will enhance their capacities to act as students for the masses.

Sec 7.4c. It shall also be responsible for the creation, upkeep and maintenance of the CASSC Library. Based on CASSC resolutions and on stands on issues, this standing committee shall also spearhead CASSC campaigns and actions regarding social and national issues.

Sec 7.4d. It shall be the representative of the CASSC to any organized alliance meet for any national or local campaign.

Sec 7.5. The Seniors and Commencement Affairs (SCA) Standing Committee

Sec 7.5a. The Seniors and Commencement Affairs Standing Committee shall attend to matters concerning all graduating students of CAS for the academic year.

Sec 7.5b. It shall ensure the speedy process of necessary papers and documents of every graduating student.

Sec 7.5c. It shall form subcommittees to manage Seniors’ Yearbook and Graduation Ball.

Sec 7.5d. It shall organize an Editorial Board Member Selection at the start of the year and oversee all the doings of the board members after their induction.Sec 7.5e. It shall be the representative of the CASSC to any commencement-related assembly.

Sec 7.6. The Students’ Rights and Welfare, Basic Services (STRAWBS) Standing Committee

Sec 7.6a. The Students’ Rights and Welfare, Basic Services Standing Committee shall be responsible for undertaking projects and activities geared towards advancing and protecting the rights and welfare of the CAS students and as well all UP students within the territory of the College.

Sec 7.6b. It shall also be the parent committee of the Gender, Counsel and Academics subcommittees.

Sec 7.6c. It shall also initiate and sustain CASSC campaigns and actions regarding student rights and welfare issues.

Sec 7.6d. It shall organize and direct an Academic Circle geared towards the achievement of academic excellence of CAS students.

Sec 7.6e. It shall also be the representative of the CASSC to any assembly called for the purpose of curriculum review, accreditation and any academic-related matter.

Sec 7.7. The Culture and Sports (CS) Standing Committee

Sec 7.7a. The Culture and Sports Special Standing Committee shall unite the CAS students through activities enhancing their skills and talents.

Sec 7.7b. It shall spearhead activities that will promote CAS identity as a College and provide avenues for CAS students to build camaraderie, loyalty and teamwork as members of one College.

Sec 7.7c. It shall oversee the use of the Freedom Wall in CAS Parking Lot.

Sec 7.7d. It shall also be the principal arm of the CASSC in organizing the participation of



the College in the annual Buwan ng Wika, Lantern Parade and College intramurals.

Sec 7.7e. It shall also be the representative of the CASSC to the CAS Culture and Arts Committee.

Sec 7.8. The Health and Environment (HE) Standing Committee

Sec 7.8a. The Health and Environment Standing Committee shall organize activities that will raise students’ health consciousness and environment awareness.

Sec 7.8b. It shall be the principal arm of CASSC in ensuring the College compliance in all eco-friendly programs implemented by the University.

Sec 7.8c. It shall also conduct monthly inspections of food quality and sanitation in CAS.

Sec 7.8d. It shall be the representative of the CASSC to any assembly for campaigns on health and environment.

Sec 7.8e. It shall organize clean-up drives and safety drills in the College.

Sec 7.9. The Legal and Corporate Affairs (LCA) Standing Committee

Sec 7.9a. The Legal and Corporate Affairs Special Standing Committee shall be responsible for initiating committee-level revenue-generating projects to augment the CASSC general fund.

Sec 7.9b. It shall also recommend to the GA Council-level income-generating projects and present the appropriate data needed for consideration and shall serve as the coordinating committee for any Council-level income-generating project.

Sec 7.9c. It shall act as the representative of the CASSC to the UP Manila Fair and other university fund raising activities.

Sec 7.9d. It shall also be responsible for all data collection needed in table battles and negotiations as well as policy recommendations of the CASSC.

Sec 7.9e. It shall handle any complaint held against the CASSC and shall serve as the Council’s fact-finding committee on the matter.

Sec. 8. The CASSC Oblation Corps (CASSC-OC), as an auxiliary unit within the CASSC, shall have its own set of officers. The Vice-Chairperson shall be tasked with ensuring the CASSC and OC activities are coordinated.

Sec 8.1. The Vice-Chairperson shall be the Honorary President of the CASSC-OC.

Sec 8.2. Its members shall also be members of the various committees of the CASSC and as such shall be bound by the CASSC rules and regulations.

Sec 8.3. Members of the CASSC-OC may carry and use the name of the CASSC in any of their dealing provided such use shall not be inconsistent with the rules and policies of the CASSC and provisions of this Constitution. Sec. 8.4. The CASSC shall undertake a recruitment drive or any other measures to ensure that the CASSC-OC for each term is formed and organized within two (2) months immediately following the assumption of office of the new CASSC.

ARTICLE XIIIPUBLICITY AND DOCUMENTATION

Sec 1. All Standing Committees, in cooperation with the CASSC-OC, shall serve as the public information and propaganda arm of the CASSC.

Sec 2. All Council members shall ensure the adequate publication and dissemination of statements and other information.

Sec 3. The CASSC shall also coordinate with the Batch Representatives in notifying their respective year levels of any project or activity involving their batch.

Sec 4. The Chairperson shall appoint a Council Member and a CASSC-OC member to be responsible for the posting on



Council’s CASlendaryo (monthly activity calendar), CASSC bulletin board and CASSC website and other similar media.

Sec 5. All Standing Committees shall recommend to the GA publicity strategies on a per project basis and shall ensure documentation and accomplishment reports to be published whether in the College’s official publication or the CASSC newsletter.

ARTICLE XIVRULES ON APPOINTMENTS

Sec 1. All Council members and OC members shall be eligible for appointment.

Sec 2. The Chairperson shall have the power of appointment only if stated in the provisions of this Constitution or as deemed necessary by the GA.

Sec 3. The appointment shall form part business of the day of a regular GA and shall take effect only after an affirmative vote of a simple majority of the Council members present and voting.

ARTICLE XVPOWERS AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS

Sec. 1. The Chairperson shall be the chief executive officer of the Council. He/she has the duty to:

Sec 1.1. Sign all resolutions, communications and papers of the Council unless he/she deems otherwise in specific cases;

Sec 1.2. Preside over all meetings and GAs of the Council, unless he/she designates another Council member to be the presiding officer for a specific GA;

Sec 1.3. Create committees with the concurrence of the EC, and if the Council so decides, appoint the heads and members thereof subject to the provisions of Article XII, Section1 to 7 of this Constitution;

Sec 1.4. Be an ex-officio member of all committees;

Sec 1.5. Appoint person-in-charge for the monitoring of the publicity and documentation duties of the CASSC and CASSC-OC members provided that the appointee shall be from the CASSC and CASSC-OC members only;

Sec 1.6. Appoint person-in-charge for conducting the First Year Batch Representative Selection Process and organizing the General Assembly of First Year Blockheads provided that the appointee shall be from the CASSC and CASSC-OC members only; Sec 1.7. Appoint person-in-charge for organizing the CASSC Freshmen Orientation and Teambuilding and ensuring the publication of Freshmen Primers at the start of the academic year provided that the appointee shall be from the CASSC and CASSC-OC members only;

Sec 1.8 Represent the CSC and the College in his/her official capacity as the CASSC Chairperson on occasions and events as needed;

Sec 1.9. Represent the CSC to the UP Manila League of College Student Councils, Katipunan ng mga Sangguniang Mag-aaral sa UP (KASAMA sa UP) and National Union of Students in the Philippines (NUSP).

Sec 1.10. Convene the Executive Council and act as its President.

Sec 1.11. Perform such other duties as may be necessary or incidental to the discharge of the functions of the office.

Sec. 1.12. The Chairperson may not vote in CASSC votations unless there is a dead-lock or a tie in the votes cast in which case, the Chairperson shall cast the deciding vote.

Sec. 2. The Vice-Chairperson shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

Sec 2.1. Assist the Chairperson in all matters when and where required.

Sec 2.2. Take over the functions of the Chairperson whenever the latter office is temporarily or permanently vacant subject to the provisions stipulated in Article XV of this Constitution.

Sec 2.3. Serve as the head of the Organizations and Community Welfare Committee, the Honorary President of the OC, the Convener of the CAS Council of Student Organizations (CSO).



Sec 2.4. Act as the Secretary of the Executive Council.

Sec 2.5. Answer inquiries and be the official spokesperson of the CASSC.

Sec 2.6. Perform the duties as the GA or the Chairperson may from time to time assign to him/her.

Sec. 3. The CASSC Secretary shall:

Sec 3.1. Keep a record of all the proceedings of the Council.

Sec 3.2. Keep all records and documents of the Council.

Sec 3.3. Certify all files of the Council.

Sec 3.4. Serve as the head of the EC Secretariat Committee.

Sec 3.5. Be the disciplinary officer of the Council under the directorship of the Chairperson.

Sec 3.6. Keep an inventory, in coordination with the Treasurer, of all CASSC properties.

Sec 3.7. Perform such other tasks as the GA or the Chairperson may from time to time assign to him/her.

Sec. 4. The Treasurer shall:

Sec 4.1. Act as the keeper of all funds of the Council.

Sec 4.2. Keep a record of the finances. Sec 4.3. Disburse the same subject to the provisions of Article XVII of this Constitution.

Sec 4.4. Submit a financial report to the Council at the end of each semester and summer during the term of office which shall be made public through the official CAS paper and other means.

Sec 4.5. Co-head the EC Finance Committee.

Sec 4.6. Supervise all business and financial transactions of the Council.

Sec 4.7. Perform such other duties and functions as the GA or the Chairperson may from time to time assign to him/her.

Sec. 5. The Auditor shall:

Sec 5.1. Monitor disbursements and other financial transactions of the Treas.

Sec 5.2. Review the records made by the Treasurer prior to the certification of the Secretary.

Sec 5.3. Assist the Treasurer in all matters when and where required.

Sec 5.4. Take over the functions of the Treasurer whenever the latter office is temporarily or permanently vacant.

Sec 5.5 Co-head the EC Finance Committee.


Sec. 7. The College Representative to the USC shall:

Sec 7.1. Serve as the liaison officer between the CASSC and the USC.

Sec 7.2. Be given the mandate by the CASSC to duly represent the Council in all decision- and policy-making sessions of the USC.

Sec 7.3. Submit general plan of action and specific programs of the USC to CASSC.

Sec 7.4. Coordinate with the CASSC the various activities and campaigns of the USC.


Sec 8. The College Councilors shall:

Sec 7.1. Be elected-at-large by the constituents of CAS.

Sec 7.2. Serve as the heads of the various CASSC Standing Committees.



Sec 7.3. Do other duties as may be provided for in this Constitution or by the CASSC.

Sec 8. The Batch Representatives shall:

Sec 8.1. Be elected by the members of their own year level.

Sec 8.2. Serve as the liaison officers between the CASSC and their batch constituents.

Sec 8.3. Do other duties as may be provided for in this Constitution or by the CASSC.

ARTICLE XVIRESIGNATIONS AND VACANCIES

In case of vacancy in any positions of the CASSC during the term of office, the following guidelines shall be followed:

Sec 1. Any permanent vacancy in the Office of the Chairperson shall be filled by the Vice-Chairperson. In case the vacancy occurs in the Office of the Vice-Chairperson, the College Councilor with the highest number of votes shall fill the vacancy;

Sec 2. Should either or both the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson temporarily vacate their seats in the CASSC, the Councilor with the highest number of votes shall serve as the acting Chairperson and the Councilor with the second highest number of votes as the acting Vice-Chairperson of the CASSC. The OC Secretary-General shall be the acting Secretariat Committee Head. The Auditor, if not the Councilor with the second highest number of votes, shall be the acting Finance Committee Head; otherwise the OC Secretary for Finance shall fill the position. Upon return of the CASSC Chairperson and/or Vice-Chairperson to active status in the CASSC, the designated officer-in-charge shall revert to their original positions. In no case shall the CASSC be dissolved or rendered inactive;

Sec 3. If a permanent vacancy occurs in the Office of the College Councilors at any point in the term of office of the CASSC;

Sec 3.1. The candidate who obtained the next highest number of votes after the lowest ranked, in terms of votes, elected Councilor shall take the office;

Sec 3.2. He/she may be duly qualified, proclaimed and inducted into office according to the provisions of this Constitution and the College Electoral Code;

Sec 3.3. In the case of a temporary vacancy in the positions of Councilor, the posts shall not be filled up save only if the number of vacancies exceed the number of active Councilor in which case the Chairperson may use his/her authority subject to the final approval of the GA, to choose a replacement from among the OC until the absent council member/s return to duty;

Sec 3.4. Otherwise, the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson may, if they see fit, take any measures to ensure and effectuate the return to active duty of majority if not all of the absent Councilor.

Sec 4. A permanent vacancy in the positions of the Batch Representatives, as much as is practicable, be filled in the manner provided above.

Sec 4.1. Should this not be possible, then the CASSC shall conduct an election among the students of the concerned year level within two (2) weeks after the permanent vacancy has been confirmed by the Secretary and the Chairperson.

Sec 4.2. Results of the election shall be the basis for the selection of the replacement by the CASSC. The election shall be conducted according to the rules and provisions governing College Student Elections; provided, however that the counting of the ballots shall be conducted by a College Electoral Board composed of one council member, two students from the year level chosen among themselves, a faculty member chosen by the CASSC and CAS Coordinator for Student Relations who shall be the ex-officio head of the College Electoral Board.

Sec 4.3. The winner of the election shall automatically be selected by the CASSC to be the replacement Batch Representative and shall be inducted into office three (3) weeks after the results of the election have been released.

ARTICLE XVII



DISCIPLINARY MEASURES FOR COUNCIL OFFICERS AND MEMBERS

Sec. 1. Suspension shall mean temporary loss of membership. The following shall be the grounds for suspension:

Sec 1.1. Three (3) accumulated unexcused absences from Gas;

Sec 1.2. Nine (9) accumulated absences from Gas;

Sec 1.3. Negligence of duty;

Sec 1.4. Other grounds as may be determined by the GA.

Sec. 2. The EC shall decide on all cases involving suspension of Council member/s. The Chairperson may also, on his/her authority, impose a suspension order on an erring Council member subject to the majority approval of the EC voting and present within three (3) days after the imposition of the suspension.

Sec. 3. The period of suspension shall not be less than fifteen (15) but not more than forty-five (45) calendar days after which the suspension shall be automatically lifted and may not be reinstated under the old charges.

Sec. 4. Suspension may be lifted anytime after one (1) week after the concerned party reaffirms the pledge to abide by and respect this Constitution and to perform his/her duties to the best of his/her ability and the acceptance of such pledge by a majority vote of the GA, voting and present.

Sec. 5. Expulsion from the Council may be done with a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of all Council members voting and present in a GA called for the purpose. Sec. 6. The following may be grounds for expulsion:

Sec 6.1. Two suspensions in one semester;

Sec 6.2. Gross violation of this Constitution;

Sec 6.3. Gross negligence of duty;

Sec 6.4. Commission of acts deemed by the GA to be highly detrimental to the integrity, credibility or unity of the council;

Sec 6.5. Dishonesty and misconduct while in office;

Sec 6.6. Habitual tardiness and absenteeism;

Sec 6.7. Abuse of authority;

Sec 6.8. Any other grounds deemed sufficient by the GA.

Sec. 7. Petitions for expulsion, which shall also be deemed as a motion to institute impeachment proceedings, of any Council member shall be investigated by the EC or its authorized representatives.

Sec 7.1. Council member petitioners may do so through a formal written petition submitted to the Chairperson or next higher Council officer in the event the former is the defendant in the petition.

Sec 7.2. Petitions for expulsion from CAS students who are not members of the Council must be signed by at least ten percent (10%) of the total CAS student population at the time of the petition and must include signatories from all CAS Academic Departments. Such petitions shall be addressed to the Chairperson or the next higher officer as the case may be.

Sec 7.3. Petitions for expulsion must specify the Council member/s concerned, the charges, supporting evidences and other relevant information to the case.

Sec. 8. The Council member/s concerned shall be duly informed of the case and the charges leveled not later than three (3) days after the official receipt of the petition. Upon the defendant/s’ receipt of the formal notification of charges against him/her, s/he shall be automatically excused from the exercise of his her duties and responsibilities as a member of the Council.

Sec. 9. Expulsion cases shall pass through due process. The concerned parties shall have full and unrestricted access to the CASSC files and records deemed by the EC be relevant in preparing their cases.

Sec. 10. Expulsion cases shall be tried by a GA convened for the purpose which must take place not later than two (2) weeks after the official receipt of the petition for expulsion.

Sec 10.1. The highest ranking Council officer, as the case may be, shall preside over the trial. The Council



member/s concerned shall have no voting rights in the trial.

Sec 10.2. The CAS Coordinator for Student Relations shall be an ex-officio non-voting member in the GA convened for the expulsion case. A certification from him/her validating the trial and the sentence imposed shall be necessary for the sentence to take effect.

Sec 10.3. The decision of the GA shall be final.

Sec. 11. The Chairperson, with the majority concurrence of the EC, may institute such other disciplinary measures and procedures as may be fit provided that such measures and procedures shall be null and void for the successor Council.

ARTICLE XVIIIFUNDS OF THE COUNCIL

Sec. 1. The general funds of the CASSC shall consist of the student fees collected every registration period, summer and semestral alike, and deposited in the CAS Student Fund in accordance with existing University guidelines on budgets and auditing rules and regulations.

Sec. 1.1. The student fees to be collected by the CAS Student Council from every CAS student shall in no case be lower than twenty pesos (Php 20.00) and be higher than fifty pesos (Php 50.00) per CAS student.

Sec. 2. All moneys earned by the CASSC during the course of a specific term shall be placed in a special fund and used for such purposes only. If the purposes of the special fund has been fulfilled or otherwise deemed finished, the balance, if any, shall be transferred to the general funds of the CASSC. Sec. 3. All appropriations of the Council from the general funds shall be in line with the established rules and regulations of the College and University governing such transactions. Appropriations from the special fund shall be subject to review by the EC. Only the Chairperson and the Finance Committee Members of the CASSC are authorized to appropriate moneys from the general funds.

Sec. 4. The CASSC, for each specific term, shall institute its own budgetary rules and procedures to maximize the funds available.

Sec. 5. The balance of the CASSC general funds for a specific term shall be added to the funds of the successor CASSC.

Sec. 6. As an institution, debts incurred and unpaid for by the outgoing CASSC for its projects and activities shall be assumed by the incoming CASSC.

ARTICLE XVIIITHE COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE

Sec. 1. The CAS Representative to the University Student Council (USC) of the University of the Philippines Manila shall be a voting ex-officio member of the CASSC, entitled to all rights and duties and responsibilities attached thereof and thus shall also be bound by the CASSC rules and regulations.

Sec. 2. The College Representative shall serve as the official liaison officer of the CASSC to the USC.

Sec. 3. The election of the College Representative shall be conducted together with the elections for the other members of the USC.

Sec. 4. The CASSC shall have the option to withdraw its recognition of the College Representative as the CASSC liaison officer and appoint a new one, in which case the USC shall have the options of accepting or rejecting the appointment without prejudice to the status of the elected College of Representative as decided upon by the USC.

Sec. 5. The College Representative shall be subject to and bound by the decisions of the CASSC in so far as the CAS matters are concerned.

ARTICLE XXAMENDMENTS

Sec. 1 This Constitution may be amended only by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of all the Council members, provided that the proposed amendments shall have been submitted in writing with copies of this Constitution to the members of the Council at least two (2) weeks prior to its consideration in a GA called for the purpose.

Sec. 2. Any amendment, revision, changes or alteration of this Constitution shall be valid only when the above provision has been satisfied and such changes have been ratified in the same manner as the adoption of this Constitution as stated in Article XXI, Section 1.

ARTICLE XXIEFFECTIVITY



Sec. 1. This Constitution shall take effect upon its ratification in a College-wide plebiscite called for the purpose, by a majority vote of all the votes cast by the CAS students qualified to vote under the College Electoral Code.

Sec. 2. This Constitution, with its Filipino translation, shall be stored in the Secretariat files. Sec. 3. A reading of this Constitution shall be conducted by the outgoing CASSC to the newly-elected CASSC immediately after the latter has been duly proclaimed and elected.

Sec 4. This Constitution, together with the CASSC logo flag, shall be turned over to the succeeding CASSC during the induction and turn-over rites to the latter by the outgoing CASSC.

ARTICLE XXIITRANSITORY PROVISIONS

Sec. 1. The first election of the CASSC under this Constitution (CASSC 2011-2012) shall be conducted simultaneous with the USC 2011-2012 elections. Their induction shall take place by not later than the first week of April.

Sec. 2. Due to its being a transitory term, the term of office of the CASSC 2011-2012 shall run from March 2011 to March 2012. The elections for CASSC 2012-2013 shall be held in the first week of March 2012 in accordance with Article VIII, Section 2 of this Constitution.

Sec. 3. No amendments of this Constitution may be done until after the expiration of the term of office CASSC 2012-2013 in March 2013.

Sec. 4. This Constitution shall have to be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the CASSC 2010-2011, voting and present, in a GA called for the purpose, in order for it to be submitted for ratification.

Sec. 5. This Constitution shall take effect immediately after its ratification.


Documents

UPM CAS Student Council Constitution