Elections Information

On March 2-3 of this semester, the President, Vice-President for Internal Affairs, and Vice-President for External Affairs of the Graduate Student Assembly for the 2010-2011 term will be voted into office by UT's 12,000+ graduate students through an online election. 

 
This year's candidates are: 

President: 

      Austin Carlson 

      Manuel Gonzalez 

Vice-President for Internal Affairs: 

      Alden Harris 

Vice-President for External Affairs: 

      Darren Kelly 
 
If you have any questions about the elections process or the duties of these important champions of graduate student concerns on campus and beyond, you may see the relevant information below or contact the current GSA Elections Oversight Board Chair, Ramiro Palma (palma.ramiro@gmail.com). 
 
Additionally, some basic information about what the Graduate Student Assembly does each year is available here, and information on how the organization is structured and run can be found in our new member welcome packet. 

ARTICLE III (Constitution)

Elections

• Section 1. General Provisions. Section 1. General Provisions. General elections for executive officers shall be held on two consecutive weekdays during the first week of March. General elections for departmental and alternate representatives shall be held by the second week of the fall semester.
  • 1.1. Special Elections. 1.1. Special Elections. The President shall have the power to call special elections to fill vacancies or address other emergency matters.
• Section 2. Election Oversight Board. Section 2. Election Oversight Board. Elections shall be conducted and overseen by the Election Oversight Board. This shall include all elections required by this Constitution or referred by other University policy-making boards or administrative bodies.
  • 2.1. Composition. 2.1. Composition. The members of the Election Oversight Board shall consist of a chair and two members appointed upon recommendation of the President and approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the Assembly.
  • 2.2. Vacancies. 2.2. Vacancies. In the event that a member of the Election Oversight Board is rendered unable to serve, the President shall appoint a replacement upon two-thirds (2/3) approval of the Assembly.
  • 2.3. Conflicts of Interest. 2.3. Conflicts of Interest. Members of the Election Oversight Board shall not serve as a departmental representative, alternate representative, or officer in the Graduate Student Assembly during their terms of office. Members of the Election Oversight Board of the Graduate Student Assembly shall not serve as a representative of a constituent program or organization during their terms of office.
• Section 3. Election Code. Section 3. Election Code. The Election Oversight Board shall be responsible for creating and amending an Election Code to be submitted to the Graduate Student Assembly for approval by a majority of all voting members. No election rules may be enacted within four (4) weeks prior to an election.
• Section 4. Voting. Section 4. Voting. Each graduate student may cast one (1) vote for President, one (1) vote for Vice-President for Internal Affairs, one (1) vote for Vice-President for External Affairs, one (1) vote for their respective departmental representative, and one (1) vote for their respective alternate representative in the Graduate Student Assembly.
  • 4.1. Results. 4.1. Results. The candidate for each departmental representative or alternative representative receiving the highest number of votes for the Assembly seat shall be certified in the respective position. A candidate for President or Vice-President must receive (a) a majority of the total votes cast in the general or special election and (b) a majority of the graduate student vote from at least one-half (1/2) of the colleges or schools listed in the most recent Graduate Catalog and Law School Catalog participating in the general or special election in order to be certified.
  • 4.2. Run-Off Procedures. 4.2. Run-Off Procedures. If the top candidates for a position receive a tie vote in a general or special election where more than two candidates ran for a position, a runoff election will occur. If no candidate for President or Vice-President receives both the majority of total votes cast and a majority of the graduate student vote from at least one-half (1/2) of the colleges or schools and more than two candidates ran for the position, the two candidates receiving the highest number of total votes for the respective position shall have a runoff election. The candidate receiving both the majority of total votes cast and a majority of the graduate student vote from at least one-half (1/2) of the colleges or schools in the runoff shall be certified in the position. In the case of a tie in the runoff for President, Vice-President, or departmental representative or if only two candidates ran originally for a position in the general or special election; the current and newly elected Graduate Student Assembly Representatives shall vote on the two candidates. The candidate who receives a majority of the votes of the Representatives present and voting shall be certified for the position. In the case of a tie, the current President shall cast the deciding vote.
• Section 5. Disputes. Section 5. Disputes. Election disputes and grievances shall first be heard by the Rules and Administration Committee. Decisions of the Rules and Administration Committee may be appealed and heard by the Election Oversight Board.
• Section 6. Participation. Section 6. Participation. There shall be no constitutional provision requiring a minimum number of voters participating in any general or special election in order to validate that election.
• Section 7. Term of Office. Section 7. Term of Office. All officers and members of the Election Oversight Board shall serve one-year terms, beginning at 12 noon on the first Tuesday of April of each year. All departmental representatives and alternate representatives shall serve one-year terms beginning in the fall semester.
• Section 8. Resignation. Section 8. Resignation. Any member of the Graduate Student Assembly may resign at any time through written declaration.
• Section 9. Conflicts of Interest. Section 9. Conflicts of Interest. The same person shall not hold two elective offices simultaneously, nor shall two persons simultaneously hold the same elective office. No alternate representative may serve concurrently as an officer of the Graduate Student Assembly. The Graduate Student Assembly may not make any endorsements in any elections.

ARTICLE IV (Constitution)

Officers and Executive Committee

• Section 1. Executive Officers. Section 1. Executive Officers. The executive power of the Graduate Student Assembly shall be vested in the President of the Graduate Student Assembly, the Vice-President for Internal Affairs, the Vice-President for External Affairs, the Financial Director, the Programs Director, the Communications Director, and the Administrative Director.
  • 1.1. Elected Officers. 1.1. Elected Officers. The President, Vice-President for Internal Affairs, and Vice-President for External Affairs shall be elected by the graduate student body during the campus-wide elections held each spring. To be eligible for President, a graduate student must have served as a departmental representative or as an officer during the preceding year.
  • 1.2 Appointed Officers. 1.2 Appointed Officers. All other executive officers of the Graduate Student Assembly shall be appointed upon recommendation of the President-elect and approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the Assembly. All appointed officer candidates shall be entitled to address the Assembly directly regarding their qualifications for the position.
  • 1.3. Duties of Officers. 1.3. Duties of Officers. The main authority of the President and Vice-Presidents shall be specified in the Constitution. Other duties of the President and Vice-Presidents along with the duties of all other officers of the Graduate Student Assembly shall be specified in the Bylaws.
    • 1.3.1. President of the Graduate Student Assembly. 1.3.1. President of the Graduate Student Assembly. The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Graduate Student Assembly. The President shall be the representative of graduate students to the administration of the University of Texas at Austin, to the Board of Regents of the University of Texas System, to the City of Austin, and to the Texas Legislature.
    • 1.3.2. Vice-President for Internal Affairs. 1.3.2. Vice-President for Internal Affairs. The Vice-President for Internal Affairs shall monitor the internal operations of the Graduate Student Assembly as defined by the President. The Vice-President for Internal Affairs shall be the presiding officer of the Assembly.
    • 1.3.3. Vice-President for External Affairs. 1.3.3. Vice-President for External Affairs. The Vice-President for External Affairs shall monitor the external operations of the Graduate Student Assembly as defined by the President.
• Section 2. Administrative Officers. Section 2. Administrative Officers. The administrative officers of the Graduate Student Assembly shall include the directors and chairs of the standing committees of the Graduate Student Assembly and other positions designated by the President.
  • 2.1. Appointed Officers and Directors. 2.1. Appointed Officers and Directors. All administrative officers of the Graduate Student Assembly shall be appointed upon recommendation of the President-elect and approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the Assembly. All administrative officer candidates shall be entitled to address the Assembly directly regarding their qualifications for the position.
• Section 3. Executive Succession. Section 3. Executive Succession.
  • 3.1. Vacancy of the Presidency. 3.1. Vacancy of the Presidency. In the event that the President of the Graduate Student Assembly is unable to serve, the Vice-President for External Affairs shall assume that office.
  • 3.2. Vacancy of the Vice-Presidency. 3.2. Vacancy of the Vice-Presidency. In the event that the Vice-President for Internal Affairs or External Affairs is unable to serve, the President shall nominate a successor to the Vice-Presidency. This successor must be confirmed by an absolute two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Assembly.
  • 3.3. Interim President. 3.3. Interim President. In the event that the President and Vice-President for External Affairs are simultaneously rendered unable to serve, the Vice-President for Internal Affairs shall immediately become interim President of the Graduate Student Assembly. The interim President shall be charged to conduct a special student election to elect a new President and Vice-President for External Affairs in the timeliest manner possible. The interim President retains his or her membership in the Graduate Student Assembly, and is eligible to be elected President of the Graduate Student Assembly.
  • 3.4. Vacancy of Appointed Officers. 3.4. Vacancy of Appointed Officers. In the event that an appointed officer is rendered unable to serve, the President shall appoint a replacement upon two-thirds (2/3) approval of the Assembly.

ARTICLE IV (Bylaws)

Officers and Executive Committee

• Section 1. Executive Officers. Section 1. Executive Officers.
  • 1.1. President of the Graduate Student Assembly. 1.1. President of the Graduate Student Assembly.
    • 1.1.1. Duties of the President. 1.1.1. Duties of the President.
      a. The President is the Chief Executive Officer of the Graduate Student Assembly.
      b. The President shall faithfully execute all acts of the Assembly.
      c. The President shall be the representative of the graduate students to the administration of the University of Texas at Austin, to the Board of Regents of the University of Texas System, to the City of Austin, and to the Texas Legislature.
      d. The President shall serve on, or send a representative to, the committees, boards, and legislative bodies of which the President is a member.
      e. The President shall, with advice and consent of the Assembly, nominate or appoint, as appropriate, students to serve on university committees and boards.
      f. The President shall forward to the President of the University the names of students nominated to serve as members of the standing committees of the Graduate Assembly, General Faculty and the Presidential Standing committees as provided in established University policy.
      g. The President shall nominate the Chair of each Graduate Student Assembly Standing Committee. The President shall have the power to form ad hoc and other committees and shall assign the members of such a committee.
      h. The President shall, at each meeting of the Assembly, give information on the state of the University, the Graduate Student Assembly, and graduate student body, and recommend to their consideration such measures judged necessary and expedient.
      i. The President shall have the power to, on extraordinary occasions, convene the Assembly giving written notice to all representatives at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the special meeting.
      j. The President shall chair the Executive Committee.
      k. The President shall ensure the enforcement of the Constitution of the Graduate Student Assembly, and of the Bylaws, and Rules of Order.
  • 1.2. Vice-President for Internal Affairs. 1.2. Vice-President for Internal Affairs.
    • 1.2.1. Duties of the Vice-President for Internal Affairs. 1.2.1. Duties of the Vice-President for Internal Affairs.
      a. The Vice-President for Internal Affairs shall monitor all internal operations of the Graduate Student Assembly as defined by the President.
      b. The Vice-President for Internal Affairs shall preside over the Assembly, but shall have no vote unless they be equally divided.
      c. The Vice-President for Internal Affairs shall serve on the committees, boards and legislative bodies of which the Vice-President is a member.
      d. The Vice-President for Internal Affairs shall have the authority to assign Representatives to Graduate Student Assembly Standing Committees.
      e. The Vice-President for Internal Affairs shall assist the President with assigned responsibilities.
  • 1.3. Vice-President for External Affairs. 1.3. Vice-President for External Affairs.
    • 1.3.1. Duties of the Vice-President for External Affairs. 1.3.1. Duties of the Vice-President for External Affairs.
      a. The Vice-President for External Affairs shall monitor all external operations of the Graduate Student Assembly as defined by the President.
      b. The Vice-President for External Affairs shall serve on the committees, boards and legislative bodies of which the Vice-President is a member.
      c. The Vice-President for External Affairs shall have the authority to assign Representatives to Graduate Student Assembly Standing Committees.
      d. The Vice-President for External Affairs shall assist the President with assigned responsibilities.
  • 1.4. Financial Director. 1.4. Financial Director.
    
    • 1.4.1. Duties of the Financial Director. 1.4.1. Duties of the Financial Director.
      a. The Financial Director shall manage the finances of the Graduate Student Assembly according to University rules and regulations.
      b. The Financial Director shall assist the President in developing the annual budget and fiscal reports, and shall present the annual budget to the appropriate university unit.
      c. The Financial Director shall present to the Assembly a report and recommendation based on the fiscal impact of all bills with the appropriations of funds.
      d. The Financial Director shall oversee maintenance all property owned by the Assembly including electronic hardware and software.
      e. The Financial Director shall investigate and suggest methods of acquiring additional sources of funding.
      f. The Financial Director shall maintain a history of the Assembly and develop relationships with past members.
      g. The Financial Director shall chair the Finance Committee.
      h. The Financial Director shall report directly to the Vice-President for Internal Affairs.
  • 1.5. Administrative Director. 1.5. Administrative Director.
    • 1.5.1. Duties of the Administrative Director. 1.5.1. Duties of the Administrative Director.
      a. The Administrative Director shall create and maintain a record of the activities of the Graduate Student Assembly.
      b. The Administrative Director shall record the minutes of each meeting of the Assembly and the Executive Committee, file them, and make them available for public review.
      c. The Administrative Director shall compile detailed records from each executive officer.
      d. The Administrative Director shall collect, update and distribute the time and location of Assembly meetings.
      e. The Administrative Director shall organize rosters, nametags, copy accounts, meeting agendas, monthly calendars of Graduate Student Assembly events, and other administrative affairs.
      f. The Administrative Director shall keep official attendance records and notify representatives of absences.
      g. The Administrative Director shall chair the Rules and Administration Committee.
      h. The Administrative Director shall represent the Graduate Student Assembly in any legal or judicial matters.
      i. The Administrative Director shall report directly to the Vice-President for Internal Affairs.
  • 1.6. Programs Director. 1.6. Programs Director.
    • 1.6.1. Duties of the Programs Director. 1.6.1. Duties of the Programs Director.
      a. The Programs Director shall be responsible for planning and coordinating programs and events that benefit the graduate student community including lectures, parties, the Williams S. Livingston Outstanding Graduate Student Employee Awards, and Graduate and Professional Student Week Activities.
      b. The Programs Director shall assist with travel plans for visiting speakers and coordinate room reservations, refreshments, and other logistical arrangements.
      c. The Programs Director shall chair the Programs and Events Committee.
      d. The Programs Director shall report directly to the Vice-President for External Affairs.
  • 1.7. Communications Director. 1.7. Communications Director.
    • 1.7.1. Duties of the Communications Director. 1.7.1. Duties of the Communications Director.
      a. The Communications Director shall be the official communications officer of the Graduate Student Assembly.
      b. The Communications Director shall serve as the official liaison between the Executive Committee and the media.
      c. The Communications Director shall work with the Administrative Director to keep a record of all Graduate Student Assembly events, which shall contain pictures and accounts of Graduate Student Assembly events and meetings.
      d. The Communications Director shall manage the Assembly electronic mailing lists.
      e. The Communications Director shall manage the Assembly World Wide Web website.
      f. The Communications Director shall coordinate publication of posters, brochures, advertisements, and other Assembly publicity materials.
      g. The Communications Director shall chair the Communications Committee.
      h. The Communications Director shall report directly to the Vice-President for External Affairs.
• Section 2. Administrative Officers. Section 2. Administrative Officers. The administrative officers of the Graduate Student Assembly shall include the Membership Director, the Legislative Relations Director, and the Student Affairs Director. These positions provide an opportunity for leadership to graduate students who may wish to offer their time, experience, and continued commitment to the Graduate Student Assembly. In the absence of qualified candidates for an administrative officer position, the President shall temporarily reassign the duties of the respective administrative officer to another officer subject to a two-thirds (2/3) approval of the Assembly.
  • 2.1. Membership Director. 2.1. Membership Director.
    • 2.1.1. Duties of the Membership Director. 2.1.1. Duties of the Membership Director.
      a. The Membership Director shall coordinate the recruitment and recognition of Assembly representatives, committee appointees, and the graduate student body.
      b. The Membership Director shall be responsible for keeping track of the accomplishments of the members of the Graduate Student Assembly throughout their term in office.
      c. The Membership Director shall be responsible for coordinating and organizing social and leadership development events for members.
      d. The Membership Director shall chair the Membership Committee.
      e. The Membership Director shall report directly to the Vice-President for Internal Affairs.
  • 2.2. Legislative Relations Director. 2.2. Legislative Relations Director.
    • 2.2.1. Duties of the Legislative Relations Director. 2.2.1. Duties of the Legislative Relations Director.
      a. The Legislative Relations Director is responsible for representing the interests of graduate students to the State Legislature, Governor, City Council, Mayor, White House, Department of Education, and Congress.
      b. The Legislative Relations Director is also serves as the official voice to the media on issues regarding legislation and government.
      c. The Legislative Relations Director shall chair the Legislative Committee.
      d. The Legislative Relations Director shall report directly to the Vice-President for External Affairs.
  • 2.3. Student Affairs Director. 2.3. Student Affairs Director.
    • 2.3.1. Duties of the Student Affairs Director. 2.3.1. Duties of the Student Affairs Director.
      a. The Student Affairs Director shall serve as the official liaison between the Assembly and the Offices of the Dean of Students and Associate Dean for Graduate Student Services.
      b. The Student Affairs Director shall aid the Office of the Dean of Students and Office of Graduate Studies in raising awareness of graduate student affairs issues and developing university-sponsored programs and activities for graduate students.
      c. The Student Affairs Director shall chair the Graduate Student Affairs Committee.
      d. The Student Affairs Director shall report directly to the Vice-President for External Affairs.