ByLaws Amended

By Ryan L. Kopf - Mar. 26, 2009

The By-Laws of ARH have been amended at our recent senate meeting. We have changed the section related to the election to make the election process easier and run more smoothly. You can read the entirety of the motion passed below:

Main Motion A


Whereas, the Election Guidelines for the Board of Directors of Associated Residence Halls are currently unclear


Whereas, Associated Residence Halls understands that clarity in the rules is important for holding a fair and valid election


Therefore, be it resolved that, the Election Guidelines for the Board of Directors of Associated Residence Halls will be changed to use an election packet


Therefore, be it further resolved that, the Election Guidelines for the Board of Directors of Associated Residence Halls will no longer require an election petition


Therefore, be it further resolved that, the Election Guidelines for the Board of Directors of Associated Residence Halls will be made more clear


Therefore, be it further resolved that, the voting representatives will include the Senate of Associated Residence Halls and any members of the Board of Directors of Associated Residence Halls who are not candidates in this election


Therefore, be it further resolved that, the By-Laws of Associated Residence Halls shall reflect these changes in the following way:


Section X: Board of Director Election Guidelines

  1. An election packet shall be made available to prospective candidates three weeks prior to deadline.

  2. Candidates must be a current resident of and live in the University of Iowa's residence halls during the term of office to qualify.

  3. Each candidate must complete one election packet.

    1. Completed election packet shall be returned to the Election Committee Chair prior to the ARH Senate Meeting’s election night.

    2. The Election Packet shall consist of the following:

        1. One letter of support that is a full, typed page and signed by the supporter.

        2. The letter of support must be written by a member of the following groups:

          1. ARH Board of Directors

          2. Any Hall Association Executive Board

          3. Resident Assistants

          4. Professional Staff Members from University Housing

        3. Contact Sheet with the minimum of name, campus address, email address, phone number, and listing of the ARH Board of Directors positions that are of interest.

  4. Campaigning

    1. Each candidate will be allowed three minutes for a speech at the time of the elections

    2. Following the speeches by candidates for each individual office, there will be a time allowed for a question/answer session not to exceed fifteen minutes, which may be extended upon by a majority vote of the senate present.

    3. Other regulations may be added by the Elections Committee if they see fit with the approval of the Senate members present.

  5. Election Procedures

    1. The Election Committee shall be comprised of the one member of the ARH Board of Directors, who is not seeking office in the new term and serve as the chair; and the ARH Advisor, and will be non-voting members in the elections.

    2. The voting and speaking rights shall be given to the ARH Senators and the ARH Board of Directors.

    3. Election of all candidates shall require a simple majority of all votes cast in the assembly by the members present.

    4. The voting process shall take place by secret ballot, and the ballots shall be tabulated by the Elections Committee on election nights. All votes cast shall be kept for a period of one-week following the election to allow for the possibility of senate examination and oversight.

    5. A voting representative may vote for any one of the candidates eligible for the position, abstain, or vote for none of the candidates (vote of no confidence). If the votes of no confidence are the majority of counted votes, then the position shall remain unfilled until otherwise filled. If a candidate receives such a vote of no confidence they will thusly be rendered ineligible for appointment to that position for the current term.

    6. And, in the event of multiple candidates running for specific office, and none of whom receives a majority vote, then a run-off election between the two highest voted candidates shall decide the election.

    7. If a tie occurs in the vote, then the voting body will reenter discussion and vote for a second time. If a tie occurs after the revote, then the decision will go to the Executive Director.

    8. Members of the Board of Directors may run for reelection.

  1. Special Election (Officer Vacancies)

    1. A special election or appointment shall be held in case of a vacancy on the ARH Board of Directors

    2. A special Election Committee shall be formed

    3. Executive Director is responsible for interviewing and finding a replacement for that position. The Senate must vote to approve that position by majority vote at the next Senate Meeting.

  2. Election Deadline

    1. ARH Board of Directors elections shall take place no later than four academic weeks prior to the end of the spring semester.

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