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USC Constitution
Preamble
ARTICLE I - GENERAL PROVISIONS
ARTICLE II - DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES
ARTICLE III - CONSTITUENTS, RIGHTS AND DUTIES
ARTICLE IV - THE UNIVERSITY STUDENT COUNCIL
ARTICLE V - COLLEGE STUDENT COUNCIL
ARTICLE VI - THE STUDENT LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER
ARTICLE VII - ELECTIONS AND INSTALLATION
ARTICLE VIII - DISCIPLINARY MEASURES
ARTICLE IX - FUNDS OF THE STUDENT COUNCIL
ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS
Article XI - EFFECTIVITY
PREAMBLE
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We, the students of the University of the Philippines at Los Baños, cognizant of the vital role of the youth in nation building, and conscious of its historical role in contributing to the task of social transformation, desirous of establishing an autonomous representative and democratic Student Council that will unite the whole UPLB Studentry, promote closer relationship with other sectors of the society in order to instill nationalist consciousness for the advancement of the Filipino people, bind ourselves in commitment to these ends do hereby ordain, and promulgate this constitution.
ARTICLE I - GENERAL PROVISIONS
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Sec. 1 This constitution shall be known as the “Constitution of the UPLB Student Council”.
Sec. 2 This constitution shall govern the University Student Council and the various College Student Councils at the UP at Los Baños.
S ec. 3 For purposes of this constitution, unless the context indicates otherwise:
• “University” signifies the UP at Los Baños;
• “University of the Philippines at Los Baños” or “UPLB” includes all colleges, institutes, departments and units located in the Los Baños campus of UP.
• "UPLB Student Council” or “ Student Council” refers to the University Student Council in the UP at Los Baños campus of UP.
• “University Student Council” or “Student Council” refers to the University Student Council as distinguished from any College Student Council in the UP at Los Baños campus.
• “College Student Council” means the duly constituted central student organization of a college or unit that offers at least a bachelor's degree program.
• “University Administrators” signifies the duly constituted authorities or officials of the UP at Los Baños in so far as the UP at Los Baños is concerned or affected.
• “Chairman”, “Vice-Chairman”, “University Councilors”, and “College Representatives” refer, respectively, to the officers and members of the University Student Council ( USC ) so designated; as distinguished from the set of officers of the College Student Council ( CSC ).
• “Council Members” or “Members of the Council” means the duly elected members of the University Student Council including its officers.
• “ University Councilors” or “Councilors” refers to any of the University Councilors as distinguished from the College Representatives.
• “College Representatives” means the duly elected representatives of the constituents of a college to the University Student Council.
• “College Councilors” refers to the councilors of the College Student Council elected by the constituents of the College.
• “Permanent Vacancy” exists when the Office of an Officer or member has been vacated by reasons of death, resignation, impeachment, permanent illness, or any other reason preventing him from performing the functions of his office on the remaining period of his term.
• “Temporary Vacancy” exists when the office of an officer or member has been vacated by reasons of temporary mental or physical incapacity, or any other reason that leaves the possibility of his resuming his duties before the expiration of his term.
• “Majority Vote” refers to fifty percent plus one (50% + 1) of the total number of votes cast by voting members during the voting process provided that a quorum exists.
ARTICLE II - DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES
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Sec. 1 The UPLB Student Council subscribes to the following principles:
• That education is a right and not a privilege and it should be afforded to everyone;
• That education should develop man's physical, mental, social and cultural potentials in order to realize his part in social change;
• That education should enhance critical thought and ability to make informed judgement, free of dogma and myths;
• That UP, as a state university , is an educational institution, supported by the wealth of the Filipino people, and therefore it should carry out its foremost obligation to promote and advance a humane Filipino Society;
• That UPLB, as part of the UP system pursuing its thrust for rural development should carry out its responsibility towards the genuine upliftment of the people's condition in the countryside;
• That in pursuing the tasks of the UP system in general, and in UPLB in particular, the university community should first and foremost uphold a meaningful education that is nationalist, scientific and pro-people in orientation;
• Nationalist because it must liberate our thinking and values from the bonds of colonial mentality and advance the genuine aspiration of the Filipino people;
• Scientific because it must develop and enhance critical and objective thought responsive to actual conditions in the present Philippine condition, and;
• Pro-people because it must promote an education attuned to the real needs and interest of the majority of the society.
• That through effort and cooperation, we can effectively work for the fulfillment of our goals, of the educational sector particularly and the large society in general.
Sec. 2 The UPLB Student Council shall, at all times, strive:
• To uphold a truly representative, autonomous and democratic Student Council;
• To serve as an active forum for student ideas and sentiments;
• To uphold and ensure democratic participation and representation in policy-making body which directly affect student rights and welfare particularly in the university;
• To promote and safeguard the rights and welfare of the UPLB in particular and the Filipino people in general;
• To uphold the ideals and principles of the university that are geared towards ensuring a well-rounded intellectual, social, cultural and physical development for every students;
• To develop social awareness and responsibility geared towards the development of a nationalistic spirit bounded on democratic principles;
• To seek and engender educational reform for the full development of human potentials that responds to social realities and promote academic freedom;
• To forge unity with other sector of the university and society towards the fulfillment of these objectives.
ARTICLE III - CONSTITUENTS, RIGHTS AND DUTIES
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Sec. 1 All bonafide graduate and undergraduate students of the University of the Philippines at Los Baños, duly enrolled and pursuing any of the degree/certificate /program offered by the university shall be the constituents of the UPLB Student Council.
Sec. 2 The constituents shall have the following rights:
• To enjoy freedom of expression;
• To elect the officers of the University Student Council and cast his vote in the UPLB- USC plebiscite, referenda initiated by the Student Council.
• To file candidacy fir any position contested in the USC or CSC election installation (Article VII ) Sec. 6 of this constitution;
• To have their grievances heard and speedily redressed;
• To have their academic records and clearances speedily processed and confidentiality of such records maintained;
• To organize and assemble for purposes related to the promotion and advancement of people's and student's rights and welfare;
• To present their views to appropriate bodies before any policy or decision affecting their rights, interests and welfare;
• To be free from exploitation, involuntary servitude and cruel or unjust punishments; and
• To be accorded due process of law.
Sec. 3 It is the duty of every student and other constituents to:
• support and participate in the activities and projects of the Student Council, cast his vote in Plebiscites, referenda and elections initiated by the Student Council;
• exercise his rights responsibly;
• pay necessary dues and fees;
• abide by all the provisions of the constitution.
ARTICLE IV - THE UNIVERSITY STUDENT COUNCIL
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Sec. 1 The University Student Council shall be the highest governing body of all UPLB students.
Sec. 2 It shall be composed of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, ten (10) University Councilors and one College Representative for every five hundred (500) students or less for each college or degree-granting unit provided that each college or unit with a population greater than 500 student shall be entitled to an additional college representative for every 500 students in excess of the first 500. The chairman or any duly recognized representatives of the Freshman Block Assembly, the Text Book Exchange and Rental Central Board (TBERCB) , the UPLB Samahan ng mga GIA at TFD Grantees (UPLB SAGISAG), Alliance of Dorm Association and student Alliances shall be ex-officio members of the USC .
Sec. 3 The college representative to the University Student Council shall serve as liaison between the College Student Councils. They shall, at all the times be free from the control of the College Student Councils with regards to the performance of their duties, functions and activities as members of the USC .
Sec. 4 All officers of the University Student Council shall compose the Executive Council. It shall be the duty of the Executive Council to :
• make decision on matters requiring immediate actions.
• Make recommendations regarding policies rules and management.
• Coordinate the program of the council.
• Form Ad Hoc committees and Task Forces and appoint the chairmen there of as it deems necessary.
Sec. 5 The officers of the Council shall be the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Chairman of the Committees to be formed by the general assembly of the council from time to time. All University Councilors are eligible to become officers of the USC , should this not be practicable, college representatives may be elected as committee head.
Sec. 6 The Chairman shall be the chief executive officer of the council. It shall be his duty to:
• Head the Executive Council
• Sign all resolutions, communications and papers of the council;
• Preside over all the meeting of the council, provided that in case he desires to take part in the debate or discussion he may name the Vice Chairman, or in the absence of the latter, any member of the council to take the chair;
• Represent the council in his official capacity as Chairman on occasions and events where the organization needs the representation;
• Perform such duties that may be necessary or incidental to the discharge and performance of the functions of his office.
Sec. 7 The Vice Chairman shall:
• Assist the Chairman in all matters that his assistance is required;
• Take over the function of the Chairman whenever his office is vacant by the reason of his death, resignation, removal, suspension, illness, absence or physical or mental incapacity or his failure to qualify in his office.
Sec. 8 The Secretary shall:
• Keep a journal of the proceedings of the council;
• Keep all correspondence and papers of the same;
• Certify all official acts of the same;
• Perform such other duties as the council or the Chairman may assign him from time to time.
Sec. 9 The Treasurer shall:
• Keep the records of the funds of the Council;
• Disburse the same in accordance with an appropriation of the Council;
• Submit a financial report at the end of each semester which shall be published in the UPLB Perspective or any publication widely circulated;
• Perform such other duties as the as the council or the Chairman may assign him from time to time.
SEC . 10 There shall be a Secretariat composed of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman , Secretary and Treasurer. It shall be the duty of the Secretariat to:
• Coordinate day-to-day activities of the Council
• Prepare the agenda of the Council after consulting the different committees.
ARTICLE V - COLLEGE STUDENT COUNCIL
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Sec. 1 Each college shall have a College Student Council.
Sec. 2 The College Student Council shall:
• Serve as the highest governing body of all students in a particular College;
• Initiate, organize, and implement student activities of college-wide concern in line with the general policies of the Student Legislative Chamber;
• Coordinate with the designated college authorities regarding student matters, affairs and activities;
• Serve as a feedback information center for the mass of the studentry in their respective college;
• Adopt its own house rules for its internal government;
• Make its own budget which will become operational upon approval of the Student Legislative Chamber.
Sec. 3 The constituents of the College Student Councils shall be students duly enrolled in their respective colleges.
Sec. 4 The college Student Council shall be composed of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and a number of College Councilors relative to the actual number of college population to be determined by the Central Electoral Board.
Sec. 5 The College Student Council shall coordinate with the USC ; provided, that it shall be autonomous in the management of its own internal and implementations of its own programs and activities.
ARTICLE VI - THE STUDENT LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER
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Sec. 1 There shall be a Student Legislative Chamber to be composed of the following:
• From the University Student Council; the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and one University Councilor;
• From the College Student Councils; the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and one College Councilor for every college.
Sec. 2 The Student Legislative Chamber shall:
• Serve as the highest policy making body of the UPLB Student Council.
• Serve as a constitutional body.
• Coordinate the programs of the Student Councils.
Sec. 3 The Student Legislative Chamber shall have its Presidium to be composed of the Presiding Office ( USC Chairman), Secretary and (3) three floor leaders. The Secretary and three Floor Leaders shall be elected from among the members of the SLC . It shall be the duty of the Presidium to facilitate the discussion during the session of the SLC , to call for a special/emergency session as it deems necessary and to prepare the agenda for such session .
Sec. 4 The members of the SLC may be divided into different committees during its regular sessions for the purpose of speedy formulation of policies/rules and regulations.
Sec. 5 The Student Legislative Chamber shall convene at least two times a semester.
Sec. 6 It shall formulate its own house rules which will govern its internal operation.
Sec. 7 SLC shall publicize its proceedings.
ARTICLE VII - ELECTIONS AND INSTALLATION
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Sec. 1 Election for the University Student Council and the College Student Councils shall be held every academic year in accordance with rules promulgated by the Central Electoral Board.
Sec. 2 Elections for the USC and CSC shall be synchronized held not later than eight (8) weeks after the start of classes of the first semester.
Sec. 3 For the University Student Council:
• The Chairman, Vice Chairman, and University Councilors shall be directly elected by the whole studentry in the university.
• The College Representatives to the USC shall be elected at large in their respective college. If the student of the college fail to elect their representative to the USC , the CEB shall determine whether a special election may or should be held therein , and if it should so determine , shall take immediate steps for the holding of such election.
Sec. 4 For the College Student Councils: the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and the college councilors shall be elected at large in their respective colleges.
Sec. 5 Every member shall hold office for one academic year or until his predecessor has been duly elected, qualified and has assumed office provided that any qualified candidate who fill the vacant seats shall hold office only for the remainder of the unexpired term.
Sec. 6 Every candidate for membership in the Student Council must before the general elections:
• Have at least one semester of residence in the University of the Philippines at Los Baños.
• Must not be a graduating student at the school year of his candidacy.
Sec. 7
• Any permanent vacancy in the office of the Chairman shall be filled by the Vice Chairman provided that if the permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the Vice Chairman, the Council shall elect from among the councilors a new Vice Chairman;
• should both the Chairman and the Vice Chairman of the council be temporarily incapacitated, the remaining members shall elect from among themselves an acting Chairman and an acting Vice Chairman both whom shall relinquish their positions upon return of the permanent officials. In no case shall the Student Council be dissolved or rendered in operative.
• If the vacancy occurs in the office of the university/college councilor, the candidate who obtained the next highest number of votes in the last general elections of the Student Council shall take place.
• A vacancy in the office of college representative to USC shall be filled, in so far as practicable in the manner provided above for the university councilor. Should this not be possible, then the CSC , shall expeditiously select his replacement in consultation with the USC until the students have elected their new representative.
• When the vacancy is temporary, the student council may choose replacement who shall discharge the duty of the member until he returns.
Sec. 8 The induction of members shall take place within a week after the proclamation of the Central Electoral Board the oath to be administered by the UPLB Chancellor or his duly authorized Representative.
Sec. 9 No member shall hold office as Corps Commander of the CMT, or editor-in-chief of the UPLB Perspective without forfeiting his seat in the council.
Sec. 10 There shall be a Central Electoral Board to be composed of the following:
• Director of Office of Student Affairs as ex-officio Chairman.
• Present editor-in-chief of the UPLB Perspective; Or duly authorized representative;
• Present Chairman of the University Student Council or duly recognized representative;
• Present Chairman of The College Student Councils or duly authorized representatives and;
• College Secretaries of the different colleges.
• Head of the Student Organizations and Activities Division
Sec. 11 The Central Electoral Board shall formulate an Election Code.
ARTICLE VIII - DISCIPLINARY MEASURES
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Sec. 1 The USC and CSC shall have a committee that shall take charge of its erring members.
Sec. 2 Any constituent may file an impeachment or suspension procedure against any council member to the committee.
Sec. 3 Any member may be impeached/suspended for any of the following reasons:
• Any willful violation of this Constitution and the USC / CSC formulated House Rules;
• Gross neglect of duty;
• Any disorderly behavior during any session of the USC / CSC ;
• Falsification of documents and malversation of funds;
• Any other forms of misconduct which undermine the integrity of the Student Council.
Sec. 4 Any suspension/impeachment will take effect after a 2/3 affirmative vote from the body.
Sec. 5 The respondent shall have no right to vote in any of the disciplinary proceedings.
Sec. 6 No member shall be subjected to any disciplinary measures without due process of law.
ARTICLE IX - FUNDS OF THE STUDENT COUNCIL
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Sec. 1 The general fund of the Student Council shall consists of a 10.00 semestral fee collected by the Administration during every regular registration period and shall be deposited in a special fund in accordance with the agreement of the University Administration and the Student Council for a direct collection scheme.
Sec. 2 All money collected by authority of the Student Council for a special purpose shall be treated as a special fund and shall be paid out for such purpose only. Sec. 3 The Student Council shall formulate and adopt a project which shall embody a work plan of program and projects together with estimated expenditures for the incoming year. A copy of the budgets shall be sent to the Office of the Director of the Student Affairs for notation. No money shall be paid out of the funds of the Student Council except in pursuance of an appropriation authorized by the same.
Sec. 4 All expenditures of the Student Council shall be audited by the Office of the University Auditor which shall be the ex-officio of the Student Council.
Sec. 5 The balance of the Student Council for a specific term shall be returned as the funds of the Student Council for the next or succeeding terms.
ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS
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Sec. 1 Any constituent/member has the right to propose any amendment for revision of the Constitution of the UPLB Student Council.
Sec. 2 Any proposal shall be endorsed in writing one month before the regular session of the Student Legislative Chamber for the purpose of discussions and further deliberations and to facilitate the amending/revising process.
Sec. 3 Am endment/revision will take effect after an affirmative vote of 50 % + 1 of the total number of votes cast during a University-wide plebiscite to be held for this purpose.
Article XI - EFFECTIVITY
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The Constitution of the UPLB Student Council shall take effect upon Ratification in a university-wide plebiscite called for this purpose by a majority vote of 50 % + 1 of the total number of votes cast by the constituents. It shall take precedence over all College Student Council by laws in the University.
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