Students have a voice in the government of the University through participation in the Student Government Association (SGA). The SGA officers are elected by and represent the leadership of the student body. In addition, departmental representatives and a member-at-large are appointed by the staff to serve on the a term-to-term basis. A grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or above is mandatory for all SGA officers. Officers for each academic year are elected in the preceding spring term. Performance, participation and GPA of each SGA officer will be reviewed each term by the Dean of Student Services.
SGA is involved in student activities, scholarship nominations, monitoring the honor system and other organizations and projects. All students enrolled at the American University are encouraged to seek continual dialogue with the members of this association.
Organization and Name
The organization is and shall be operated as a voluntary, nonprofit, and non-incorporated association under the policies of the American University. Its Name is and shall be the American University In Dubai Student Government Association, also designated hereinafter as SGA.
Purposes
The purposes of the SGA are:
- To serve as a liaison between the student body and the administration, cultivating friendships and cooperation among the students, faculty and staff, thereby fostering unity in diversity and eliminating intolerance.
- To promote the general welfare of the students; to encourage personal responsibility, loyalty and a high sense of honor; and to further the principles upon which our college was founded and continues to operate.
- To sponsor, coordinate, plan and participate in student activities, as well as projects.
- To represent the student body of the American University In Dubai, and to provide a forum for expression, discussion and action concerning students rights, privileges and opinions.
- To assist in the enforcement of the Honor Code and the policies outlined in the student handbook, and to promote the highest standards of personal intergrity and honor throughout the University community.
Membership
Eligibility: All the students enrolled at the American University are invited and encouraged to be involved. All students enrolled at the American University are essentially members of the SGA, as SGA is the voice of the student body. Membership shall not be excluded to any student on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, creed or different abled.
Eligibility Requirements of Officers: All officers must maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or above. An officer's inability to maintain a 2.5 GPA will result in being placed on probation in the office. Failure to raise his/her GPA after one term will result in dismissal from office. In addition, all officers must commit to be in attendance at the Dubai campus of the University for the fall, winter and spring terms of the elected term of office.
Attendance Requirements of Officers: Officers who are absent from meetings three times in one term will be asked to resign. Dismissal must be upon unanimous agreement of all members and advisors.
Governing Board:
The Governing Board consist of the officers listed below as well as one or two staff members.
President- The president serves as the chief adminstrator of the Association. The president's responsibilities include:
- Delegating duties to other officers of the association.
- Overseeing the performance of responsibilities of othe officers.
- Scheduling officers' and open meetings.
Vice president- The Vice President's responsibilities include:
- Serving as chief administrative officer in the absence of the President.
- Assisting the President in overseeing the responsibilities delegated to other officers.
- Serving as Chairman of the Student Activities Committee.
Secretary- The responsibilities of the Secretary include:
- Maintain the minutes of all meetings and a log of all association activities.
- Recording attendance.
- Conducting correspondence when necessary.
- Maintaining an American University In Dubai scrapbook.
Treasurer- The responsibilities of the Treasurer include:
- Maintain all financial records.
- Submitting a Treasurer's report at the end of each term.
Department Representatives- Each department Program Chair will apoint a student representative from his/her area. The students will vote (during general spring SGA elections) which one of these students they would like to have represent them. The department representative will serve as a liaison between their departement and the Association.
Member-at-large- The student is appointed by the faculty advisors as administrative assistant and serves on a term-by-term basis.
Staff Advisors- The Student Government Association advisor(s) are to be full-time member(s) of the American University staff. The direct supervisor of the SGA is the student activities administrator. The Dean of Student Services will advise this staff member. Their responsibilities include:
- Porviding guidance for officers.
- Encouraging participation in student government.
- Assisting in the planning of student activities.
Elections procedures:
All students enrolled at the American University for a minimum of 2 terms and who have the required GPA are eligible to hold office.
Elections are held each Spring term. The election procedures are as follows: