Representative Roles & Responsibilities
As RIC is primarily a legislative body, the role of Representatives is the most crucial in the organization. Although executives need to be dedicated and competent in their tasks, the real work is accomplished by the Representatives that produce and pass bills. Below are roles through which Representatives serve their constituency.
Rep’s Role as an RSO member:
RIC is a Registered Student Organization; as with any organization, RIC needs dedicated, active members in order to fulfill its purpose. A Representative needs to know the rules of RIC (constitution and applicable code), attend its meetings (with rudimentary knowledge of parliamentary procedure), and serve on its committees. Without this knowledge and dedication, RIC cannot adequately represent the on-campus student.
Rep’s Role as a leader for their hall:
Representatives are elected by their hall and must be faithful to the special needs of that particular hall. If a Representative does not attend hall meetings and associate with residents of their hall, they cannot accurately represent the hall. If Representatives do not faithfully attend RIC House meetings, they cheat themselves and the residents of their hall out of just representation and funds.
Rep’s Role as a committee member:
Committees are an integral part of RIC. Committee membership is a requirement of the RIC Code. A committee either serves as an intimate working group between members of RIC, or it can be a powerful tool in protecting and expanding the rights and privileges of on-campus students. Representatives need to faithfully participate in the committee of their choice.
Rep’s Role as a leader on campus:
All RIC decisions either spend the money of on-campus students, or, in some way, affect their lifestyle. For this reason, students must always be at the forefront of every Representative’s mind when acting in RIC. Representatives must sometimes put personal, hall-related, or committee-oriented feelings aside in order to best benefit the on-campus student.
Rep’s Role as a representation of RIC and of themselves:
House Representatives must always vote the way they feel no matter what others want them to do. If a Representative truly feels that a committee’s decision or legislation will have a negative effect, they must vote their conscience. Representatives need to conduct themselves in a manner that encourages the sharing of opinions and possible disagreements without becoming personally abusive.
Expectations of an RIC Representative
- Attend all RIC House meetings or send a proxy
- Talk to your constituents. Give reports to your Lead Hogs and get feedback to better serve your residence hall.
- Read legislation before the meeting. Only vote to forgo the reading of legislation IF you have already read the legislation.
- Question parts of legislation that are not understood.
- Expect people to write clear and concise legislation.
- Challenge legislation that wouldn’t be in the best interest of your constituents.
- Debate legislation and issues with civility.
- Participate on committees.
This is where the real work of RIC is done. Legislation is empty without action to back it up. Serving your constituents is more than coming to RIC once a week. If you have any further questions about the roles of representatives within RIC, please email ricsoh@uark.edu.