Proposed Amendments: Shaping the Future of HESA and Celebrating Our New Societies
The HESA Board is excited to present a series of proposed amendments to our Constitution, designed to enhance the HESA experience for our members and improve overall governance. These amendments are the result of dedicated collaboration among current and future HESA Executive Leadership, and reflect our commitment to ensuring that the Constitution remains a living document that adapts to the evolving needs of our community.
A significant and historical aspect of these amendments is the formal incorporation of the new HES Student Societies into the Constitution. These Societies represent the first student groups to be created at the Harvard Extension School in a decade, and their inclusion is a testament to the growth and vibrancy of our community.
We invite you to join us at the upcoming General Assembly on Saturday, May 13, where these amendments will be put to a vote. Your participation in the decision-making process is vital, as it helps shape the future of HESA and ensures that our organization continues to grow and adapt in line with the best interests of our members.
Please take a moment to review the proposed amendments detailed below, including the exciting addition of HES Student Societies, and we look forward to your valuable input and support at the General Assembly. Together, let's continue to make HESA a thriving and inclusive community for all.
Integrating Societies and Clarifying Club Involvement
- What: Updating the Constitution to incorporate Societies, along with revising the language concerning Clubs, in order to clearly delineate HESA's involvement with both Societies and existing Clubs.
- Why: This amendment aims to accurately represent the operational aspects of our new Societies, ensuring that future boards and HESA members have access to clear guidelines that foster effective collaboration between HESA, Clubs, and Societies.
Lowering the Threshold for Student Referendums
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What: We are lowering the threshold for members to present a referendum from the previous requirement of 10% of all HESA Membership, to a more accessible 50 signatures for presentation, and 150 signatures for binding.
- Why: Our primary goal is to ensure that all HESA members feel heard, and that their concerns are addressed efficiently. With the amendment to the referendum threshold, we aim to strike a balance between maintaining a reasonable requirement and providing an achievable target that reflects our current engagement levels. The updated threshold enables any member with a serious concern to present their case without being hindered by an excessive signature requirement.
Streamlining Elected Member Recall Process
- What: Revised recall proceedings language now requires a two-thirds majority of HESA Board, Presidents/VPs of Societies, and members in attendance at the recall meeting, lowering the threshold from the previous requirement of a two-thirds majority of all degree candidates at HES.
- Why: This update aims to ensure that students have a more effective means of addressing serious concerns about board members, and to involve Society leadership in the process, acknowledging their vested interest in maintaining a responsible and reliable HESA Board.
Amendment to Membership, Voting, and Right to Hold Office
- What: Removed "certificate candidate" from membership, voting, and the right to hold elected office, as per the Harvard Extension School administration's decision.
- Why: To maintain compliance with the administration's directives and ensure that the Constitution reflects current rules for participation in HESA governance.
Clarifying Election Procedures
- What: Updated language on election procedures to accurately represent how elections are conducted, taking into account the role of the Office of the Dean.
- Why: In light of the limited control HESA presently has over the election process, this amendment more accurately defines the responsibilities shared between HESA and the Office of the Dean.
Expulsion Policy Update
- What: Removed exception for President and Vice President from the section on expulsion for misconduct and absenteeism.
- Why: To create a more equitable system of accountability, ensuring that all elected officials, including the President and Vice President, are held to the same standards for conduct and attendance.
To view the full proposed amended version of the Constitution, log into your Harvard Google Account and click here.
We encourage you to join us at the General Assembly and participate in the decision-making process, as your voice is essential to our community's continued growth and progress!!