Delaware Student Nurses' Association Bylaws
ARTICLE I. NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION
The name of the organization shall be the Delaware Student Nurses' Association (DSNA).
ARTICLE II. PRINCIPAL OFFICE
The principal office of the association in Delaware shall be located at 120 North State Street Dover, DE 19901, and the resident agent in charge shall be Margie McElligott. M.S.N., RN and Faculty Advisor of DSNA.
ARTICLE III. PURPOSE AND FUNCTION
Section I. Purpose
a) To assume responsibility for contributing to nursing education in order to provide for the quality of health care.
b) To provide programs representative of fundamental interests and concerns to nursing students.
c) To aid in development of the whole person, his/her professional role, his/her responsibilities for holistic health care of people in all walks of life.
Section II. Function
a) To have direct input into standards of nursing education and influence the education process.
b) To influence health care, nursing education, and practice through legislative as appropriate.
c ) To promote and encourage participation in community affairs and activities toward health care and the resolution of related social issues.
d) To represent nursing students to the consumer, to institutions, and other organizations.
e) To promote and encourage recruitment efforts, participation in student activities, and educational opportunities regardless of a person's race, color, creed, sex, lifestyle, national origin, or economic status.
f) To promote and encourage students' participation in interdisciplinary activities.
g) To promote and encourage collaborative relationships with nursing and health related organizations.
h) Communication - To develop and establish a continuous communication mechanism with all levels of the association; Develop guidelines and evaluation tools; produce and distribute publications; Promote benefits and services offered by NSNA and the associations.
i) Education - Liaison with appropriate state and national associations, State Board of Nursing, and schools of nursing; Consultation services to school chapters.
j) Finances - Fiduciary responsibility for state association funds and fundraising.
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERS
Section I. Constituent Associations:
a) Any school chapter or state association whose membership is composed of active or associate NSNA members and who has submitted the Official Application for NSNA Constituency Status (the Application) containing the areas of conformity, and upon meeting such other policies as the Board of Directors may determine, shall be recognized as a constituent. The Application must be submitted annually and can be submitted at the Annual Convention site during the delegate credentialing process for the Annual House of Delegates meeting. The Application may be sent to the NSNA on a date postmarked no later than 10 working days after the close of the House of Delegates meeting of the same year. The application will need be emailed to nsna@nsna.org
b) Recognized Constituents shall be composed of at least 10 members from a school, or the total school enrollment of less than 10. This requirement of 10 or more members must be met on a date eight weeks prior to the Annual House of Delegates Meeting. There shall be only one chapter in each school campus.
c) All individuals interested in running for a DSNA board position will need to complete and submit the official DSNA consent form. The consent form will be distributed to those interested in running at the Annual DSNA Spring Convention, along with being distributed through email.
d) The Official NSNA State Board of Directors Roster Form will need to be submitted to NSNA immediately following the annual state board elections. The form will need to be emailed to nsna@nsna.org
http://www.nsna.org/Portals/0/Skins/NSNA/pdf/State%20Roster%20Form%20Interactive%20Refill9112015.pdf
e) A state association shall be composed of at least two school chapters in any State or only one school chapter if there is only one nursing school in the state. There shall be only one state association in any state. School chapters shall belong to their state association when one exists. The term "state" in these bylaws shall be understood to apply equally to any state in the United States of America, to the District of Columbia, or to any territory, possession, or dependency of the United States of America.
f) For yearly recognition as a constituent, constituent associations shall be required to submit annually the Application which shall include the following areas of conformity: purpose and functions, membership, dues, and representation. The Official Application for Constituency Status will be completed at the Annual DSNA Spring Convention.
http://www.nsna.org/Portals/0/Skins/NSNA/pdf/Official%20Application%20for%20Constituency.pdf
g) The DSNA President is responsible for completing and submitting State Dues Reimbursement Policy, along with the State Convention Information, annually to NSNA. Failure to do so may delay DSNA from receiving state dues reimbursements and NSNA email files in a timely manner. The form will need to be emailed to nsna@nsna.org
h) The State Membership Data Request Form must be completed and submitted annually and/or when a new board of directors takes state office. The current state board roster must be attached when submitting the form. All state associations are required to provide NSNA with a current roster of the state board of directors as per NSNA policy. Current rosters are for the current academic year. When the state association wishes to receive Reports and E-Files, the form must be completed, signed and submitted by the state president. If the state president is not the person completing the State Membership Data Request Form, the state president must co-sign the form. This form must be completed annually.
i) A constituent association which fails to comply with the bylaws and policies of NSNA shall have its status as a constituent revoked by 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors, provided that written notice of the proposed revocation has been given at least two months prior to the vote and the constituent association is given an opportunity to be heard. School chapters and state associations are entities separate and apart from NSNA in their administration of activities, with NSNA exercising no supervision, or control over these immediate daily and regular activities. NSNA has no liability for any loss, damages, or injuries sustained by third parties as a result of the negligence or acts of school chapters or state association, or the members thereof. In the event any legal proceeding is brought against NSNA as a result of such acts of omission or commission by a school chapter or state association, said school chapter or state association will indemnify and hold harmless the NSNA from any liability.
Section II. State Constituent
a) State constituent membership is composed of active or associate members of school chapters and NSNA membership is required.
b) National and State dues shall be payable directly to NSNA. NSNA shall remit to each state constituent the dues received on behalf of the individual.
c) Students enrolled in distance nursing education programs shall be members of the state association where student resides. All others shall be members of the state association in the state where the student is enrolled in nursing school.
Section III. Categories of Constituent Membership
a) Active Members:
I) Students enrolled in state approved programs leading to licensure as a registered nurse.
2) Registered nurses enrolled in programs leading to a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing.
3) Active members shall have all the privileges of membership.
b) Associate Members:
1) Pre-nursing students, including registered nurses, enrolled in college or university programs designed as preparation for entrance into a program leading to an associate degree, diploma, or baccalaureate degree in nursing.
2) Associate members shall have all of the privileges of membership except the right to hold office as President or Vice President at the state and national levels.
c) Individual Members:
1) Individual membership shall be open at the national level to any eligible student when membership in a constituent association is not available.
2) Individual members shall have the privileges of membership as prescribed in Article IV, Section n, items a and b.
d) Honorary Members:
1) May be bestowed upon any former member, who left the association in good standing, upon written request.
2) Any individual who has made an outstanding contribution to DSNA may be nominated for honorary membership.
3) The names of all persons considered for honorary membership shall be posted in the DSNA Minutes for 30 days. And may be voted into membership at the next scheduled DSNA meeting with 2/3 of those present voting for acceptance.
Section IV. Active, associate, and individual membership may be extended six months beyond graduation from a student's program in nursing, providing membership was renewed while the student was enrolled in a nursing program. Sustaining membership shall be renewable annually.
Section V. Dues
a) The annual NSNA dues for active, associate, and individual members shall be $30 per member, plus $5 state dues, payable for the appropriate dues year. The dues year for members shall be a period of twelve consecutive months.
b) The annual NSNA dues for active, associate, and individual members joining for two years shall be $50 per member, plus $10 state dues, payable for the appropriate dues years. The dues years for these members shall be a period of twenty-four consecutive months.
c) The NSNA Board of Directors shall have the authority to change membership dues, providing such dues do not exceed the amounts set in these bylaws. National and state dues shall be payable to NSNA. NSNA shall remit to each state constituent the dues received on behalf of the constituent.
d) The Executive Board for the State DSNA shall have the authority to change membership dues with motion and vote of the state Board for DSNA with 2/3 vote for acceptance of all members in attendance.
e) Any member who fails to pay current dues shall forfeit all privileges of membership.
ARTICLE V. OFFICERS
Section I. Officers of DSNA shall consist of president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and event coordinator
Section II. Eligibility
a) Members who shall be nursing students until at least one month prior to the NSNA annual meeting and have the privileges of active membership shall be eligible for all of the above mentioned offices.
b) Members who shall be nursing students until at least one month prior to the NSNA annual meeting and have the privileges of an associate member may be eligible for the offices of secretary and treasurer.
c) No member shall hold more than one elected office at one time.
d) Those members holding a state office who are then elected to a national office must resign form one of these offices prior to the Board of Directors meeting at the Mid-Year Conference, or a vacancy will be declared in the National position.
e) No member may hold the same elected office for a term greater than two years.
f) All members and the Executive Board may nominate and vote for new officers except the ex-officio members (Faculty Advisor and Consultants).
Section III. Term of Office
The term of office shall be one year from the adjournment of the annual meeting of elections held in the Spring of each year, until the adjournment of the meeting at which their successors are elected.
Section IV. Duties of Officers
a) The president shall:
1) Serve as the principal officer of the association and preside at all meetings of the association with the exception of committee meetings.
2) Shall be responsible for seeing that lines of direction voted by the Executive Board are carried into effect and for reporting to the membership and the Executive Board on the conduct of the affairs of the association.
3) Appoint committees and their chairpersons and make other appointments as necessary.
4) Represent DSNA in all matters relating to the association and perform all other duties pertaining to the office.
5) Have such powers and perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Board.
6) Ensure that all necessary annual NSNA and state forms are completed and submitted on time. The President is accountable for completing and submitting the State Board of Directors Roster Form, State Dues Reimbursement Policy, and the State Membership Data Request Form.
7) Review and approve through signature the meeting minutes of each state meeting.
8) Record minutes for each meeting.
9) Maintain adequate communication among all state board members, state board advisors, state members, and all Delaware state nursing schools.
b) The vice-president shall:
1) Assume all the duties of the president in the absence or disability of the president.
2) Acceded to the office of president in case of vacancy in the office.
3) Perform other duties as assigned by the president.
4) Record meetings for each meeting.
5) Maintain adequate communication among all state board members, state board, advisors, state members, and all Delaware state nursing schools.
c) The secretary shall:
1) Record and review all minutes of all business meetings of the association and the Executive Board. Insure accuracy prior to distribution to the Executive board and members at each meeting.
2) Generate and disseminate all association correspondence within the organization and communications with other associations and organizations during the term of office.
3) Generate and maintain an accurate and up-to-date list of DSNA members, along with contact information of each SNA advisor and SNA board member form all participating Delaware nursing schools. The information must be made available as necessary, and be updated annually.
4) Ensure that all meeting minutes are reviewed approved by all DSNA board members before submitting to NSNA. Meeting minutes must also be posted onto the DSNA website following each meeting.
5) Maintain adequate communication among all stat board members, state board advisors, state members, and all Delaware state nursing schools.
6) Ensure that all required forms for DSNA and NSNA are completed, signed, and submitted on time.
d) The treasurer shall:
1) Assist with the custodial acts of the organizational funds.
2) See that a yearly report is generated and a monthly verbal report is given to the Executive Board.
3) Provide guidance to members and the Executive Board with regard to the investment of resources and acquisition of fixed assets.
4) Review and approve through signature the meeting minutes of each state meeting.
5) Record minutes for each meeting.
6) Maintain adequate communication among all stat board members, state board advisors, state members, and all Delaware state nursing schools.
e) The event coordinator shall:
1) Coordinate fundraisers and DSNA events annually. The event coordinator is encouraged to delegate specific tasks to each board member to enhance the success of each event.
2) Create flyers for each event planned, and ensure that all flyers are successfully sent to each participating Delaware nursing school.
3) Update and maintain the DSNA website monthly
3) Review and approve through signature the meeting minutes of each state meeting.
4) Record minutes for each meeting.
5) Maintain adequate communication among all state board members, state board advisors, state members, and all Delaware state nursing schools.
Section V. Vacancies
a) A vacancy on the Executive Board, other than the president, shall be filled, if deemed essential, by the Executive Board with a vote of 2/3 acceptance with the exception of the ex-officio members. In any case a written explanation must be provided to all members of the association once a new officer has been elected.
b) The candidates for a vacant office must meet all eligibility requirements as set forth in these bylaws.
c) Any resignation from a position on the Executive Board shall be in writing and shall be effective immediately upon receipt of the same by the association.
d) In the event that a verbal resignation is tendered without written confirmation as stated in item c. above, then the Executive Board shall consider the removal of the individual by declaring the office vacant by a 2/3 vote.
e) Verbal resignations shall be tendered to the President and another Executive Board member. In the case that the President is verbally resigning, the President shall tender the resignation to the Vice President and another board member.
f) Any officer that is absent two or more consecutive meetings is subject to removal from office by vote of the Executive Board with an acceptance of 2/3 vote. The officer being removed from office will be notified verbally or written prior to the next meeting of the Executive Board. The officer removed may continue to function in an active, associate, or individual member.
ARTICLE VI. EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section I. The Executive Board shall consist of elected officers, consultants, and the faculty advisor. The consultants and faculty advisor shall serve as ex-officio members without a vote.
Section ll. All the powers of the association are vested in and shall be exercised by the Executive Board during the interim between meetings of the association, except that the Board shall not nullify nor modify any action taken or voted on during meetings and the Board are subject to act within these bylaws.
Section III. The Executive Board shall not be responsible for any contract, claim, or obligation of any kind incurred, or for any position taken by any officer or member or constituent unless the same was duly authorized in writing by the Executive Board.
Section IV. Members of the Executive Board
a) All elected officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) shall be members of the Executive Board. These members shall have all nomination and voting rights as mentioned in these bylaws
b) Faculty Advisor and Consultants shall be ex-officio members of the Executive Board. The ex-officio members have the right to make motions, but not to second the motion or cast a vote on the action.
c) Faculty Advisor shall:
1) Be a Nursing Instructor of a Delaware based nursing program.
2) Function as an advising member on the Executive Board.
3) Have the power to make motions, but as an ex-officio member of the Board may not second or vote on motions made.
4) Serve a term of 2 years or until their respective successor has been appointed.
5) Should conflict of interests arise, the Faculty Advisor may be voted out by a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board and association members present at the meeting.
6) Attend DSNA meeting and Committee Meetings as needed.
e) Consultant:
1) May be bestowed upon any former member who left the association in good standing by nomination of Faculty Advisor, Consultant, or Executive Board member and to be voted upon by the Executive Board with 2/3 acceptance.
2) The term of 2 years shall be served or until their respective successor has been appointed.
3) The function of a consultant is to serve as a resource person with the Executive Board and members.
4) Consultant has the authority to make nominations, but as an ex-officio member of the Executive Board may not second or vote on motions made.
5) Attend DSNA meetings and Committee Meetings as needed.
ARTICLE V. MEETINGS
Section I. Meetings shall be held on a day and time that is determined by the constituency of the association and motioned and voted upon by the constituency. Notice of the meeting date, time, and place, as well as the longevity shall be given with no less than five days’ notice.
Section II. Committee meetings shall be held on the days designated by the chairperson of said committee. Meetings for committees may be held an as needed base; meaning less than one or more than one meeting per month.
Section III. Delegate Representation:
a) School constituents:
1) Each school chapter that is recognized constituency, as determined by these bylaws, shall be entitled to one voting delegate and alternate, and in addition, shall be entitled to one voting delegate and alternate for every 50 members.
2) The school chapter delegate(s) shall be a member(s) in good standing in the chapter and shall be selected and/or elected by members of the school chapter according to chapter bylaws. The school chapter may designate an alternate delegate for each delegate, by one of the following two mechanisms:
2a- Selection and/or election by members of the school chapter according to chapter bylaws; or
2b- Written authorization to the State Executive Board requesting them to appoint a member of the Executive Board to act as a state appointed alternate for their school chapter.
i- School shall approve the appointment
ii- The State Executive Board shall verify that any state appointed alternate is a member in good standing of the NSNA and the state association.
iii- A school chapter must have a selected and/or elected delegate present at the NSNA Convention in order to have a state-appointed alternate seated in the House of Delegates.
iv- All alternates, whether school selected or state-appointed, shall have the same privileges as an elected delegate when seated in the House.
v- Each school constituent shall be entitled to delegates according to the number of members in good standing in the NSNA. Delegates shall be computed on the basis of the number of members in each constituent as evidenced by the annual dues received by NSNA on a date eight weeks prior to the annual meeting.
b) State Constituents: Each state constituent shall be entitled to one voting delegate and alternate. This delegate shall be the state president. If the state president cannot serve, a designated representative and alternate shall be elected at a state meeting or by the Executive Board.
ARTICLE VI. COMMITTEES
Section I. The Executive Board, at its discretion, shall establish committees deemed necessary to carry on the work of the association and determine the functions, terms, and membership of the committees.
Section II. Chairperson
a) The chairperson for the said committee shall be appointed by the President of the association and may be accepted or denied by the appointed party.
b) The chairperson shall:
1) Designate meeting dates as needed whether less than or more than one per month.
2) Notice of designated meeting dates must be given with no less than five days’ notice of date, time, and place as well as expected longevity of the meeting.
3) Report or designate a report person to the Executive Board on the actions of the committee during the adjournment time.
4) Generate and encourage communications among the committee members as well as insure completion of assigned tasks of the committee.
ARTICLE VII. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Section I. All meetings of this association shall be conducted according to parliamentary law as set forth in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised where the rules apply and are not in conflict with these bylaws.
ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS
Section I. These bylaws may be amended at the Fall meeting each year. Written notice of any amendments to be voted upon shall be given to each member in good standing at the annual Spring election meeting.
Section II. Proposed amendments may be submitted only by the Executive Board by a board member or on behalf of a state association member in good standing. Proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing with the proponent's signature as well as the supporting Executive Board member's signature during the October election meeting.
Section III. These bylaws may be amended at the Fall meeting by a 7/8 vote of acceptance of those present and voting, providing previous notice was given at the previous Spring meeting.
Section IV. Amendments to bylaws, adopted at the Fall meeting which directly relate to the business of the constituent association in the areas of conformity, shall automatically and immediately effect the necessary amendments to the bylaws of the constituent associations and shall promptly be incorporated into their bylaws.
The name of the organization shall be the Delaware Student Nurses' Association (DSNA).
ARTICLE II. PRINCIPAL OFFICE
The principal office of the association in Delaware shall be located at 120 North State Street Dover, DE 19901, and the resident agent in charge shall be Margie McElligott. M.S.N., RN and Faculty Advisor of DSNA.
ARTICLE III. PURPOSE AND FUNCTION
Section I. Purpose
a) To assume responsibility for contributing to nursing education in order to provide for the quality of health care.
b) To provide programs representative of fundamental interests and concerns to nursing students.
c) To aid in development of the whole person, his/her professional role, his/her responsibilities for holistic health care of people in all walks of life.
Section II. Function
a) To have direct input into standards of nursing education and influence the education process.
b) To influence health care, nursing education, and practice through legislative as appropriate.
c ) To promote and encourage participation in community affairs and activities toward health care and the resolution of related social issues.
d) To represent nursing students to the consumer, to institutions, and other organizations.
e) To promote and encourage recruitment efforts, participation in student activities, and educational opportunities regardless of a person's race, color, creed, sex, lifestyle, national origin, or economic status.
f) To promote and encourage students' participation in interdisciplinary activities.
g) To promote and encourage collaborative relationships with nursing and health related organizations.
h) Communication - To develop and establish a continuous communication mechanism with all levels of the association; Develop guidelines and evaluation tools; produce and distribute publications; Promote benefits and services offered by NSNA and the associations.
i) Education - Liaison with appropriate state and national associations, State Board of Nursing, and schools of nursing; Consultation services to school chapters.
j) Finances - Fiduciary responsibility for state association funds and fundraising.
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERS
Section I. Constituent Associations:
a) Any school chapter or state association whose membership is composed of active or associate NSNA members and who has submitted the Official Application for NSNA Constituency Status (the Application) containing the areas of conformity, and upon meeting such other policies as the Board of Directors may determine, shall be recognized as a constituent. The Application must be submitted annually and can be submitted at the Annual Convention site during the delegate credentialing process for the Annual House of Delegates meeting. The Application may be sent to the NSNA on a date postmarked no later than 10 working days after the close of the House of Delegates meeting of the same year. The application will need be emailed to nsna@nsna.org
b) Recognized Constituents shall be composed of at least 10 members from a school, or the total school enrollment of less than 10. This requirement of 10 or more members must be met on a date eight weeks prior to the Annual House of Delegates Meeting. There shall be only one chapter in each school campus.
c) All individuals interested in running for a DSNA board position will need to complete and submit the official DSNA consent form. The consent form will be distributed to those interested in running at the Annual DSNA Spring Convention, along with being distributed through email.
d) The Official NSNA State Board of Directors Roster Form will need to be submitted to NSNA immediately following the annual state board elections. The form will need to be emailed to nsna@nsna.org
http://www.nsna.org/Portals/0/Skins/NSNA/pdf/State%20Roster%20Form%20Interactive%20Refill9112015.pdf
e) A state association shall be composed of at least two school chapters in any State or only one school chapter if there is only one nursing school in the state. There shall be only one state association in any state. School chapters shall belong to their state association when one exists. The term "state" in these bylaws shall be understood to apply equally to any state in the United States of America, to the District of Columbia, or to any territory, possession, or dependency of the United States of America.
f) For yearly recognition as a constituent, constituent associations shall be required to submit annually the Application which shall include the following areas of conformity: purpose and functions, membership, dues, and representation. The Official Application for Constituency Status will be completed at the Annual DSNA Spring Convention.
http://www.nsna.org/Portals/0/Skins/NSNA/pdf/Official%20Application%20for%20Constituency.pdf
g) The DSNA President is responsible for completing and submitting State Dues Reimbursement Policy, along with the State Convention Information, annually to NSNA. Failure to do so may delay DSNA from receiving state dues reimbursements and NSNA email files in a timely manner. The form will need to be emailed to nsna@nsna.org
h) The State Membership Data Request Form must be completed and submitted annually and/or when a new board of directors takes state office. The current state board roster must be attached when submitting the form. All state associations are required to provide NSNA with a current roster of the state board of directors as per NSNA policy. Current rosters are for the current academic year. When the state association wishes to receive Reports and E-Files, the form must be completed, signed and submitted by the state president. If the state president is not the person completing the State Membership Data Request Form, the state president must co-sign the form. This form must be completed annually.
i) A constituent association which fails to comply with the bylaws and policies of NSNA shall have its status as a constituent revoked by 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors, provided that written notice of the proposed revocation has been given at least two months prior to the vote and the constituent association is given an opportunity to be heard. School chapters and state associations are entities separate and apart from NSNA in their administration of activities, with NSNA exercising no supervision, or control over these immediate daily and regular activities. NSNA has no liability for any loss, damages, or injuries sustained by third parties as a result of the negligence or acts of school chapters or state association, or the members thereof. In the event any legal proceeding is brought against NSNA as a result of such acts of omission or commission by a school chapter or state association, said school chapter or state association will indemnify and hold harmless the NSNA from any liability.
Section II. State Constituent
a) State constituent membership is composed of active or associate members of school chapters and NSNA membership is required.
b) National and State dues shall be payable directly to NSNA. NSNA shall remit to each state constituent the dues received on behalf of the individual.
c) Students enrolled in distance nursing education programs shall be members of the state association where student resides. All others shall be members of the state association in the state where the student is enrolled in nursing school.
Section III. Categories of Constituent Membership
a) Active Members:
I) Students enrolled in state approved programs leading to licensure as a registered nurse.
2) Registered nurses enrolled in programs leading to a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing.
3) Active members shall have all the privileges of membership.
b) Associate Members:
1) Pre-nursing students, including registered nurses, enrolled in college or university programs designed as preparation for entrance into a program leading to an associate degree, diploma, or baccalaureate degree in nursing.
2) Associate members shall have all of the privileges of membership except the right to hold office as President or Vice President at the state and national levels.
c) Individual Members:
1) Individual membership shall be open at the national level to any eligible student when membership in a constituent association is not available.
2) Individual members shall have the privileges of membership as prescribed in Article IV, Section n, items a and b.
d) Honorary Members:
1) May be bestowed upon any former member, who left the association in good standing, upon written request.
2) Any individual who has made an outstanding contribution to DSNA may be nominated for honorary membership.
3) The names of all persons considered for honorary membership shall be posted in the DSNA Minutes for 30 days. And may be voted into membership at the next scheduled DSNA meeting with 2/3 of those present voting for acceptance.
Section IV. Active, associate, and individual membership may be extended six months beyond graduation from a student's program in nursing, providing membership was renewed while the student was enrolled in a nursing program. Sustaining membership shall be renewable annually.
Section V. Dues
a) The annual NSNA dues for active, associate, and individual members shall be $30 per member, plus $5 state dues, payable for the appropriate dues year. The dues year for members shall be a period of twelve consecutive months.
b) The annual NSNA dues for active, associate, and individual members joining for two years shall be $50 per member, plus $10 state dues, payable for the appropriate dues years. The dues years for these members shall be a period of twenty-four consecutive months.
c) The NSNA Board of Directors shall have the authority to change membership dues, providing such dues do not exceed the amounts set in these bylaws. National and state dues shall be payable to NSNA. NSNA shall remit to each state constituent the dues received on behalf of the constituent.
d) The Executive Board for the State DSNA shall have the authority to change membership dues with motion and vote of the state Board for DSNA with 2/3 vote for acceptance of all members in attendance.
e) Any member who fails to pay current dues shall forfeit all privileges of membership.
ARTICLE V. OFFICERS
Section I. Officers of DSNA shall consist of president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and event coordinator
Section II. Eligibility
a) Members who shall be nursing students until at least one month prior to the NSNA annual meeting and have the privileges of active membership shall be eligible for all of the above mentioned offices.
b) Members who shall be nursing students until at least one month prior to the NSNA annual meeting and have the privileges of an associate member may be eligible for the offices of secretary and treasurer.
c) No member shall hold more than one elected office at one time.
d) Those members holding a state office who are then elected to a national office must resign form one of these offices prior to the Board of Directors meeting at the Mid-Year Conference, or a vacancy will be declared in the National position.
e) No member may hold the same elected office for a term greater than two years.
f) All members and the Executive Board may nominate and vote for new officers except the ex-officio members (Faculty Advisor and Consultants).
Section III. Term of Office
The term of office shall be one year from the adjournment of the annual meeting of elections held in the Spring of each year, until the adjournment of the meeting at which their successors are elected.
Section IV. Duties of Officers
a) The president shall:
1) Serve as the principal officer of the association and preside at all meetings of the association with the exception of committee meetings.
2) Shall be responsible for seeing that lines of direction voted by the Executive Board are carried into effect and for reporting to the membership and the Executive Board on the conduct of the affairs of the association.
3) Appoint committees and their chairpersons and make other appointments as necessary.
4) Represent DSNA in all matters relating to the association and perform all other duties pertaining to the office.
5) Have such powers and perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Board.
6) Ensure that all necessary annual NSNA and state forms are completed and submitted on time. The President is accountable for completing and submitting the State Board of Directors Roster Form, State Dues Reimbursement Policy, and the State Membership Data Request Form.
7) Review and approve through signature the meeting minutes of each state meeting.
8) Record minutes for each meeting.
9) Maintain adequate communication among all state board members, state board advisors, state members, and all Delaware state nursing schools.
b) The vice-president shall:
1) Assume all the duties of the president in the absence or disability of the president.
2) Acceded to the office of president in case of vacancy in the office.
3) Perform other duties as assigned by the president.
4) Record meetings for each meeting.
5) Maintain adequate communication among all state board members, state board, advisors, state members, and all Delaware state nursing schools.
c) The secretary shall:
1) Record and review all minutes of all business meetings of the association and the Executive Board. Insure accuracy prior to distribution to the Executive board and members at each meeting.
2) Generate and disseminate all association correspondence within the organization and communications with other associations and organizations during the term of office.
3) Generate and maintain an accurate and up-to-date list of DSNA members, along with contact information of each SNA advisor and SNA board member form all participating Delaware nursing schools. The information must be made available as necessary, and be updated annually.
4) Ensure that all meeting minutes are reviewed approved by all DSNA board members before submitting to NSNA. Meeting minutes must also be posted onto the DSNA website following each meeting.
5) Maintain adequate communication among all stat board members, state board advisors, state members, and all Delaware state nursing schools.
6) Ensure that all required forms for DSNA and NSNA are completed, signed, and submitted on time.
d) The treasurer shall:
1) Assist with the custodial acts of the organizational funds.
2) See that a yearly report is generated and a monthly verbal report is given to the Executive Board.
3) Provide guidance to members and the Executive Board with regard to the investment of resources and acquisition of fixed assets.
4) Review and approve through signature the meeting minutes of each state meeting.
5) Record minutes for each meeting.
6) Maintain adequate communication among all stat board members, state board advisors, state members, and all Delaware state nursing schools.
e) The event coordinator shall:
1) Coordinate fundraisers and DSNA events annually. The event coordinator is encouraged to delegate specific tasks to each board member to enhance the success of each event.
2) Create flyers for each event planned, and ensure that all flyers are successfully sent to each participating Delaware nursing school.
3) Update and maintain the DSNA website monthly
3) Review and approve through signature the meeting minutes of each state meeting.
4) Record minutes for each meeting.
5) Maintain adequate communication among all state board members, state board advisors, state members, and all Delaware state nursing schools.
Section V. Vacancies
a) A vacancy on the Executive Board, other than the president, shall be filled, if deemed essential, by the Executive Board with a vote of 2/3 acceptance with the exception of the ex-officio members. In any case a written explanation must be provided to all members of the association once a new officer has been elected.
b) The candidates for a vacant office must meet all eligibility requirements as set forth in these bylaws.
c) Any resignation from a position on the Executive Board shall be in writing and shall be effective immediately upon receipt of the same by the association.
d) In the event that a verbal resignation is tendered without written confirmation as stated in item c. above, then the Executive Board shall consider the removal of the individual by declaring the office vacant by a 2/3 vote.
e) Verbal resignations shall be tendered to the President and another Executive Board member. In the case that the President is verbally resigning, the President shall tender the resignation to the Vice President and another board member.
f) Any officer that is absent two or more consecutive meetings is subject to removal from office by vote of the Executive Board with an acceptance of 2/3 vote. The officer being removed from office will be notified verbally or written prior to the next meeting of the Executive Board. The officer removed may continue to function in an active, associate, or individual member.
ARTICLE VI. EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section I. The Executive Board shall consist of elected officers, consultants, and the faculty advisor. The consultants and faculty advisor shall serve as ex-officio members without a vote.
Section ll. All the powers of the association are vested in and shall be exercised by the Executive Board during the interim between meetings of the association, except that the Board shall not nullify nor modify any action taken or voted on during meetings and the Board are subject to act within these bylaws.
Section III. The Executive Board shall not be responsible for any contract, claim, or obligation of any kind incurred, or for any position taken by any officer or member or constituent unless the same was duly authorized in writing by the Executive Board.
Section IV. Members of the Executive Board
a) All elected officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) shall be members of the Executive Board. These members shall have all nomination and voting rights as mentioned in these bylaws
b) Faculty Advisor and Consultants shall be ex-officio members of the Executive Board. The ex-officio members have the right to make motions, but not to second the motion or cast a vote on the action.
c) Faculty Advisor shall:
1) Be a Nursing Instructor of a Delaware based nursing program.
2) Function as an advising member on the Executive Board.
3) Have the power to make motions, but as an ex-officio member of the Board may not second or vote on motions made.
4) Serve a term of 2 years or until their respective successor has been appointed.
5) Should conflict of interests arise, the Faculty Advisor may be voted out by a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board and association members present at the meeting.
6) Attend DSNA meeting and Committee Meetings as needed.
e) Consultant:
1) May be bestowed upon any former member who left the association in good standing by nomination of Faculty Advisor, Consultant, or Executive Board member and to be voted upon by the Executive Board with 2/3 acceptance.
2) The term of 2 years shall be served or until their respective successor has been appointed.
3) The function of a consultant is to serve as a resource person with the Executive Board and members.
4) Consultant has the authority to make nominations, but as an ex-officio member of the Executive Board may not second or vote on motions made.
5) Attend DSNA meetings and Committee Meetings as needed.
ARTICLE V. MEETINGS
Section I. Meetings shall be held on a day and time that is determined by the constituency of the association and motioned and voted upon by the constituency. Notice of the meeting date, time, and place, as well as the longevity shall be given with no less than five days’ notice.
Section II. Committee meetings shall be held on the days designated by the chairperson of said committee. Meetings for committees may be held an as needed base; meaning less than one or more than one meeting per month.
Section III. Delegate Representation:
a) School constituents:
1) Each school chapter that is recognized constituency, as determined by these bylaws, shall be entitled to one voting delegate and alternate, and in addition, shall be entitled to one voting delegate and alternate for every 50 members.
2) The school chapter delegate(s) shall be a member(s) in good standing in the chapter and shall be selected and/or elected by members of the school chapter according to chapter bylaws. The school chapter may designate an alternate delegate for each delegate, by one of the following two mechanisms:
2a- Selection and/or election by members of the school chapter according to chapter bylaws; or
2b- Written authorization to the State Executive Board requesting them to appoint a member of the Executive Board to act as a state appointed alternate for their school chapter.
i- School shall approve the appointment
ii- The State Executive Board shall verify that any state appointed alternate is a member in good standing of the NSNA and the state association.
iii- A school chapter must have a selected and/or elected delegate present at the NSNA Convention in order to have a state-appointed alternate seated in the House of Delegates.
iv- All alternates, whether school selected or state-appointed, shall have the same privileges as an elected delegate when seated in the House.
v- Each school constituent shall be entitled to delegates according to the number of members in good standing in the NSNA. Delegates shall be computed on the basis of the number of members in each constituent as evidenced by the annual dues received by NSNA on a date eight weeks prior to the annual meeting.
b) State Constituents: Each state constituent shall be entitled to one voting delegate and alternate. This delegate shall be the state president. If the state president cannot serve, a designated representative and alternate shall be elected at a state meeting or by the Executive Board.
ARTICLE VI. COMMITTEES
Section I. The Executive Board, at its discretion, shall establish committees deemed necessary to carry on the work of the association and determine the functions, terms, and membership of the committees.
Section II. Chairperson
a) The chairperson for the said committee shall be appointed by the President of the association and may be accepted or denied by the appointed party.
b) The chairperson shall:
1) Designate meeting dates as needed whether less than or more than one per month.
2) Notice of designated meeting dates must be given with no less than five days’ notice of date, time, and place as well as expected longevity of the meeting.
3) Report or designate a report person to the Executive Board on the actions of the committee during the adjournment time.
4) Generate and encourage communications among the committee members as well as insure completion of assigned tasks of the committee.
ARTICLE VII. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Section I. All meetings of this association shall be conducted according to parliamentary law as set forth in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised where the rules apply and are not in conflict with these bylaws.
ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS
Section I. These bylaws may be amended at the Fall meeting each year. Written notice of any amendments to be voted upon shall be given to each member in good standing at the annual Spring election meeting.
Section II. Proposed amendments may be submitted only by the Executive Board by a board member or on behalf of a state association member in good standing. Proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing with the proponent's signature as well as the supporting Executive Board member's signature during the October election meeting.
Section III. These bylaws may be amended at the Fall meeting by a 7/8 vote of acceptance of those present and voting, providing previous notice was given at the previous Spring meeting.
Section IV. Amendments to bylaws, adopted at the Fall meeting which directly relate to the business of the constituent association in the areas of conformity, shall automatically and immediately effect the necessary amendments to the bylaws of the constituent associations and shall promptly be incorporated into their bylaws.
