Lassonde Student Congress

New Changes in Lassonde Student Congress

31 December 2024

Commons

In this article, we will share some upcoming changes to the Congress that will impact the entire orgnization!

Over the winter break, Vincent (Alumni Senator) and Behrouz (Prime Minister) have been working hard at making significant additions to the Congress Charter and Bylaws and are looking to introduce the changes in the upcoming January meeting of the House. As elections are fast approaching, they are looking to solidify these changes that will improve the way LSC operate as an organization, as well as promote healthy debate and more opportunities for development for all active members!

Here is a summary of the significant additions and changes:

Charter

• Created the House Administration Committee, to appoint Delegates to Faculty Council and House Committees, independent from the Cabinet

• Clarified the vote of no confidence, as a "negative" procedure by absolute majority

• Set a maximum cap of 26 Delegates for the House, and implemented the use of the Huntington-Hill method of distribution to determine composition of constituencies when that cap is hit

• Defined the procedure to fill a vacant YU Senate seat to include Class Two Senators as a last resort.

• Allow Secretaries to be appointed 4 months after their election period, in line with the procedures set for filling vacancies in Congress late into a term

Bylaw 1 - Congress

• Created the Opposition Caucus, to be the leading critic of the Cabinet, with an election procedure

• Created the Independent Caucus

• Created the Faculty Council Convener (to be held by the Delegate appointed to the Executive Committee), to assist with ensuring the House is informed of all Faculty Council matters, independent from the Cabinet

Bylaw 2 - Secretariat

• Renamed the "Department of Student Success" to the "Department of Academic Services"

• Added the Cabinet Secretary as a directorship under the Office of the Secretariat

General

• Various grammatical improvements and clarifications to existing conventions

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