Policy and By-Law Committee Meeting July 11th 2011

1. Introductions 2. Overview of the Committee Review Section 3.12.3 of the SFUO Constitution Reminder that this committee is not to discuss or comment on submitted motions, but to ensure that motions are in order and follow our by-laws as well as other necessary laws or regulations.

3. Motions for Consideration 3.1 Bilinguism Whereas the University of Ottawa proclaims itself as a bilingual University; and Whereas the University of Ottawa markets itself to potential students as such; and Whereas students of the University of Ottawa are promised a wide range of courses in their preferred language and many courses are not offered; and Whereas students are provided textbooks in a different language than that of their course; and Whereas language shouldn't be a barrier to a students' access to post-secondary education Therefore Be it resolved that the following policy be added to the SFUO constitution: Policy 41 The SFUO is in favour of equal access to all students to study in either of Canada s official languages at the University of Ottawa. The SFUO is in favour of working with professors, both full and part-time, in advocacy work on this issue.

The SFUO is not in favour of courses that assign textbooks that are not in the language in which the course is taught in, particularly when an alternative is available. MOTION BIRT the Policy and By-Law Committee rules this motion in order; and BIFRT the committee recommends that the mover of the motion adds a title to the policy. Mover: Amalia Savva, President Seconder: Nicole Desnoyers, CARRIED 3.2 Federated bodies Whereas the Undergraduate English Students Association and the Undergraduate Philosophy Students Association both held successful and valid referendums for the creation of their Federated Bodies during the winter semester of 2011; Therefore Be It Resolved That the following sections be added to the SFUO Constitution: 3.10.1 y. Undergraduate English Students Association z. Undergraduate Philosophy Students Association MOTION BIRT the Policy and By-Law Committee rules this motion in order; and BIFRT that the committee recommends that the mover of the motion consult with the Federated Bodies in question to ensure the proper translation into French. Mover: Amalia Savva, President Seconder: Adam Gilani, CARRIED 3.3 Constitution Committee Whereas a clear and consistent constitution is important to the smooth running of an organization; and

Whereas there are many inconsistencies between the French and English translations of the constitution; and Whereas there are many inconsistencies in the by-laws; and Whereas these inconsistencies have led to confusion in the past; Therefore Be it resolved that an ad-hoc Constitutional Committee be struck; and Be it further resolved that the committee consist of one member of the executive committee as chair and two members of the Board of Administration; and Be it further resolved that the committee look at areas in which the constitution requires updating and revision; and Be it further resolved that the committee be tasked with presenting a series of recommendations to the Board of Administration at the October meeting.

MOTION BIRT the Policy and By-Law Committee rules this motion in order. Mover: Nicole Desnoyers Seconder: Adam Gilani CARRIED 3.4 Affiliations WHEREAS the SFUO should strive to have an election process that is clearly defined and accessible to all students; WHEREAS individuals should be free to affiliate with candidates who are presenting common ideas; WHEREAS affiliations between candidates are common in elections processes of other students unions; and WHEREAS affiliations promote fair, inclusive, and open elections; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT article 4.7 of the SFUO Constitution be rescinded

and replaced by the following: 4.7 Affiliations 4.7.1 Candidates must declare any affiliation with other candidates prior to the start of the campaign. To this effect, candidates must s: a. Submit a list of the names and signatures of any candidates they are affiliated with to the CEO prior to the official start of the campaign. 4.7.2 Candidates shall appear on the ballot individually. 4.7.3 Affiliation with other candidates is optional. 4.7.4 All campaign expenses must be filed individually by all candidates; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that article 4.13.3 of the SFUO Constitution be rescinded. MOTION BIRT the Policy and By-Law Committee rules this motion in order. Mover: Amalia Savva Seconder: Nicole Desnoyers CARRIED

3.5 Federated Body Referendums

WHEREAS the SFUO Constitution does not specify the referendum question by which a Federated Body may withdraw from the Federation; WHEREAS misleading and ambiguous questions rendered past referenda invalid; WHEREAS the SFUO Constitution outlines the wording that must be used for a referendum on the creation of a Federated Body; and

WHEREAS clear wording for referendum questions to determine the status of a Federated Body will allow for greater clarity and fairness within the referendum process; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following section be added to the SFUO Constitution: 2.5.3. The referendum question must have the following form: Are you in favour of "name of federated body" ending its status as a Federated Body of the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa? YES/NO MOTION BIRT the Policy and By-Law Committee rules this motion in order; and BIFRT the committee recommends that the mover of the motion changes body to Federated Body X ; name of federated

BIFRT the committee recommends that the mover of the motion changes YES/NO to or No ; and

Yes

BIFRT the committee recommends that the mover of the motion add an amendment that clarifies that Section 14.19.3 does not apply to the current motion. Mover: Amalia Savva Seconder: Adam Gilani CARRIED 3.6 Accessibility Committee Whereas the SFUO s Accessibility Fund Committee does not have the mandate to promote accessibility on campus; Whereas The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act was implemented in Ontario and should be followed by the SFUO and the University of Ottawa; Whereas Ontario Legislation now requires all corporations to work towards becoming accessible; and Whereas the Center for Students with Disabilities should not be the only place that works on accessibility issues for the SFUO. Therefore,

Be it resolved that an ad-hoc Accessibility Committee be created for the 2011-2012 academic year; Be it further resolved that the functions of the Accessibility Committee are as follows: a. To promote awareness about accessibility issues on our campus; b. To work towards implementing the provincial legislation within all SFUO spaces; c. To hold accessibility round tables, once during the fall semester and once during the winter semester; and d. To bring any recommendations to the BOA as necessary; and Be it further resolved that the composition of the Accessibility Committee is as follows: a. The SFUO President (chairs and has the right to vote only to break a tie); b. Three (3) directors of the Board of Administration, selected by the Board; and c. One (1) staff member from the Center for Students with Disabilities (has the right to vote), selected by the Vice-President of Student Affairs. MOTION BIRT the Policy and By-Law Committee rules this motion in order. Mover: Nicole Desnoyers Seconder: Adam Gilani CARRIED 3.7 Fair Trade Campus
Whereas earlier this year, the fair trade campus campaign was adopted by the SFUO's Campaign Committee; Whereas the SFUO is currently advocating for the University to become the second Fair Trade certified university campus in Canada; and Whereas it is the policy of the federation to engage in and support the practice of ethical purchasing and business operations [...] that have consideration for environmental and community impacts (Policy Manual section 3). Therefore

Be it resolved that all SFUO businesses comply with Fair Trade Canada s requirements for Fair Trade Certification of our Campus.

MOTION BIRT the Policy and By-Law Committee rules this motion in order. Mover: Amalia Savva Seconder: Adam Gilani CARRIED 4. Scheduling and Availabilities All members of the Policy and By-Law Committee to send Amalia their availabilities for the summer and fall.