Governing Documents
Documents Governing All Students
The Constitution of the Student Body
The Constitution of the Student Body is the “supreme law of the Student Body.” It trumps all other ‘student laws.’ (Student Const. art. I). Amendments may be proposed either in the legislative branch or by a student petition (Id. art. XIV, §§1,2). The Constitution applies to undergraduate and graduate/professional student constituencies (Id. art. IV). The Constitution mandates – for example – that all subordinate organizations comply with its Non-Discrimination Policy (Id. art. II). It also requires that Student Government maintains many independent agencies, elections requirements, and student-judicial power allocation (Id. arts. XII, XI, VII).
The Joint Code of Student Government
The Joint Code of Student Government (commonly referred to as the ‘Joint Code’) is the statutory text that governs both Undergraduate and Graduate/Professional Students. The Joint Code governs all ‘joint-governance’ matters, i.e., issues affecting both student constituencies. The Joint Code may be amended by the Joint Governance Council (J.G.C.) which includes representatives of both constituencies.
The Instrument of Student Judicial Governance
The Instrument of Student Judicial Governance (commonly referred to as ‘The Instrument’) is the origin of judicial authority at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (See Student Const. art. VII, §11). The Instrument is commonly known for setting out the procedures followed by the Honor Court and University Hearing Boards in administering disciplinary proceedings.
Bylaws of the Student Supreme Court
The Bylaws of the Student Supreme Court govern aspects of the composition, policies, and procedures of the Student Supreme Court not enumerated in the Constitution. The most recent version may be found above.
Documents Governing Undergraduate Students
The General Statutes of Undergraduate Student Government
The General Statutes of Undergraduate Student Government (commonly referred to as the ‘General Statutes’ or simply ‘the Code’ by undergraduate students) is the statutory text that governs undergraduate students at the University. The General Statutes may be amended by the Undergraduate Senate.
Documents Governing Graduate and Professional Students
The Code of the Graduate and Professional Student Government
The Graduate and Professional Code of Student Government is the statutory text that governs graduate and professional students at the University. The Graduate and Professional Student Senate may be amended by the Graduate and Professional Student Government Senate.