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Article XI: Office Hours

  1. Office hours are an opportunity for elected representatives in USS to talk with constituents with the intention of informing them about USS and university matters and gain input regarding USS and the undergraduate experience. Office hours allow elected representatives to make informed voting decisions on behalf of their constituents.
  2. Activities that would be considered as an office hours include but are not limited to:
    1. Tabling in a public space on campus with the intention of interacting directly with constituents to promote and bring awareness to USS, solicit feedback on issues, or concerns pertaining to the USS charge and scope.
    2. Meeting with constituents to solicit feedback, address issues or concerns, and provide resources on matters pertaining to the USS charge and scope.
    3. Promoting and hosting public drop-in meeting opportunities for constituents to utilize.
    4. Completing relevant committee tasks outside of the designated committee meeting.
    5. Promoting USS to classes and organizations on campus with the intention of raising awareness of USS to the undergraduate student body, gaining feedback from constituents, or giving a call-to-action to constituents.
    6. Participating in select opportunities offered by members of Cabinet or Directors
  3. If a Senator does not complete all of their required office hours in one month, the Vice President and Representative to the Board of Visitors will contact them to issue a formal notice and encourage the Senator to fulfill their role requirements.
  4. If the Senator continues to not complete all of their office hours within the same academic semester, the Vice President and Representative to the Board of Visitors will elevate this to the Deputy Advisor to address the matter with the Senator.
    1. Partially completed office hours will follow the same process outlined below.
    2. It is the responsibility of the Deputy Advisor to hold conversations with the involved Senator to amend the concern or establish remedial steps with the goal of enabling the Senator to remain in office.
    3. If necessary, the Deputy Advisor upholds the right to remove them from their position with the USS.
  5. A Senator who has been removed due to failure to complete office hours may apply for an elected position within USS beginning in the next academic semester and after meeting with the Deputy Advisor.
    1. The Deputy Advisor will discuss the applicant’s ability to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the position. The Deputy Advisor’s approval is required for the applicant to be considered eligible for the position.