NORTH GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATION OF NURSING STUDENTS
BYLAWS
ARTICLE I
BYLAWS
ARTICLE I
NAME
The Name of this organization shall be the North Georgia College & State University Association of Nursing Students, herein after referred to as NGCANS, a constituent of the Georgia Association of Nursing Students (GANS) and the National Student Nurses Association, Inc. (NSNA).
The Name of this organization shall be the North Georgia College & State University Association of Nursing Students, herein after referred to as NGCANS, a constituent of the Georgia Association of Nursing Students (GANS) and the National Student Nurses Association, Inc. (NSNA).
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE AND FUNCTION
SECTION 1. The purpose of NGCANS
SECTION 1. The purpose of NGCANS
A. To assume responsibility for contributing to nursing education in order to provide for the highest quality health care;
B. To provide programs representative of fundamental and current professional interest and concerns; and
C. To aid in the development of the whole person and his/her ideals of holistic health care.
SECTION 2. The functions of NGCANS shall include the following:
A. To influence standards of nursing education and influence the educational process;
B. To influence health care, ,nursing education, and nursing practice through legislative activities as appropriate;
C. To promote and encourage participation in community affairs and activities directed towards improving health care and the resolution of related social issues;
D. To represent nursing students to consumers, institutions, and other organizations;
E. To promote and encourage student participation in interdisciplinary activities;
F. To engage in recruitment efforts and encourage participation in student activities and educational opportunities regardless of gender, race, religion, color, creed, lifestyle, national origin, age or economic status; and
G. To promote and encourage collaborative relationships with national, state, and local professional nursing and related organizations.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERS
SECTION 1. School chapter
SECTION 1. School chapter
A. The school chapter shall be composed of all students who are currently members of NSNA.
B. There shall be only one chapter at the North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU).
C. For yearly recognition as a constituent, an officer of NGCANS shall submit annually the Official Application for NSNA Constituency Status and the application for GANS Constituency Status which shall include the following areas of conformity: purpose and functions, membership, dues, and representation.
D. A member failing to comply with the bylaws and policies of NGCANS, GANS, and NSNA shall have their status revoked. The member shall be notified by the NGCANS Executive Board of the complaint of an infraction. The member shall be given two (2) weeks from the date of notification to schedule a session with the NGCANS Executive Board to address the complaint. Following the two (2) week deadline, the NGCANS Executive Board will reach a decision regarding the complaint. Revocation of membership status requires a 2/3 vote of the NGCANS Executive Board.
SECTION 2. Members of the association shall include:
A. Undergraduate students enrolled at NGCSU leading to licensure as a registered nurse and are current NSNA members.
B. Registered nurses enrolled in the BSN completion program at NGCSU and are current NSNA members.
C. Registered nurses enrolled in the MSN completion program at NGCSU and are current NSNA members.
SECTION 3. Dues
A. The total annual dues shall include membership in NSNA, GANS, and NGCANS for each member. The dues each year shall be for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months for NSNA, GANS, and NGCANS.
B. Payment of NSNA dues is a prerequisite for membership. Any member who fails to pay annual dues shall forfeit all privileges of membership.
C. Dues shall be payable directly to NSNA. NSNA shall remit to each state constituent the dues received on behalf of the constituent.
D. The amount of annual dues for NSNA shall be determined by NSNA. The amount of annual dues for GANS shall be determined by GANS.
ARTICLE IV
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. Officers of NGCANS shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
SECTION 2. There shall be four (4) Directors.
One Director shall be the Breakthrough to Nursing Director, one shall be the Community Service Director, one shall be the Nominating and Elections Committee Director, and one shall be the Webmaster.
SECTION 3. Term of office
SECTION 1. Officers of NGCANS shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
SECTION 2. There shall be four (4) Directors.
One Director shall be the Breakthrough to Nursing Director, one shall be the Community Service Director, one shall be the Nominating and Elections Committee Director, and one shall be the Webmaster.
SECTION 3. Term of office
A. The term of office for the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and the four (4) Directors shall be for one year. Elections will be in December for the upcoming academic year, or earlier if feasible. Officer instillation will be within four weeks of elections. New officers will assume their office at the end of the spring semester. The interim will be reserved for training of new officers.
B. Any Officer or Director who voluntarily resigns from office before their term expires shall reimburse the NGCANS Executive Board all funds paid to or for during that term within thirty (30) days of notification. Exclusions to the above include: life threatening illness of self, spouse, or child, withdrawal from the nursing program, family relocation, or any other situation approved by a 2/3 vote of the NGCANS Executive Board.
SECTION 4. Duties of Officers and Directors
The Officers and Directors shall perform the duties prescribed by parliamentary authority, and more specifically shall include:
A. The President shall:
1. Preside at all meetings of the association and of the NGCANS Executive Board;
2. Appoint special committees with the approval of the Executive Board;
3. Serve as ex-officio member of all committees, except Nominating and Elections Committee;
4. Appoint the Nominating and Elections Committee;
5. Prepare an annual report;
6. Provide a written monthly report to the Executive Board at the monthly Executive Board meetings; and
7. Represent NGCANS in matters related to GANS and perform all other duties pertaining to the office.
B. The Vice President shall:
1. Assume the duties of the President in his/her absence;
2. Accede to the office of President in case of a vacancy in the office;
3. Be responsible for the program at monthly meetings of the association;
4. Post notices of all meetings and confirm the time and place for the meetings with the appropriate resources;
5. Be responsible for the coordination of the NGCANS community projects;
6. Provide a written monthly report to the Executive Board at the monthly Executive Board meetings; and
7. Perform all other duties as assigned by the President.
C. The Secretary shall:
1. Prepare minutes of all business meetings of the association and the Executive Board;
2. Submit monthly minutes to the Webmaster and to the GANS Secretary only after the minutes have been approved by the Executive Board;
3. Inform NGCANS membership of all current programs and activities and provide up-to-date names and addresses of state and local officers;
4. Correspond with the GANS Executive Board when necessary;
5. Coordinate NGCANS membership registration at the GANS annual convention and the NSNA mid-year and annual conventions; and
6. Perform all other duties assigned by the President.
D. The Treasurer shall:
1. Be responsible for coordination of all NGCANS fundraising activities;
2. Act as custodian of the organization’s funds and see that an annual financial report is prepared;
3. Develop and manage the organization’s budget under the direction of the President;
4. Pay all expenses incurred by NGCANS under the direction of the President;
5. Deposit all monies into the NGCANS account within five (5) business days of receipt;
6. Provide a written monthly report to the Executive Board at the monthly Executive Board meetings; and
7. Perform all other duties assigned by the President.
E. The Breakthrough to Nursing (BTN) Director shall:
1. Be responsible for recruiting and retaining NGCANS members;
2. Be responsible for obtaining and distributing recruitment tools;
3. Promote opportunities within the community for education about the nursing profession and career options;
4. Provide a written monthly report to the Executive Board at the monthly Executive Board meetings; and
5. Perform all other duties assigned by the President.
F. The Community Service Director shall:
1. Collaborate with the First Vice President to coordinate NGCANS community service projects;
2. Organize and assist committees in planning community service projects and keep the Executive Board informed of the progress of these projects;
3. Provide a written monthly report to the Executive Board at the monthly Executive Board meetings; and
4. Perform all other duties assigned by the President.
G. The Nominating and Elections (NEC) Director shall:
1. Serve as Chair of the NEC;
2. Carry out all functions and responsibilities as described in Article V of these bylaws;
3. Perform all other duties assigned by the President.
H. The Webmaster shall:
1. Be responsible for maintaining the NGCANS web site and publication of the NGCANS Newsletter via Internet and hardcopy;
2. Be responsible for submitting articles for GANS and NSNA publications;
3. Be responsible for writing, soliciting, and editing articles for the NGCANS Newsletter and information to be posted on the web site;
4. Provide a written monthly report to the Executive Board at the monthly Executive Board meetings; and
5. Perform all other duties assigned by the President.
SECTION 5. Vacancies
A vacancy on the Executive Board, other than the President, shall be filled, if deemed essential, by the Executive Board, and shall be filled as specified in these bylaws. Providing a vacancy shall be filled, it shall require a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board.
A vacancy on the Executive Board, other than the President, shall be filled, if deemed essential, by the Executive Board, and shall be filled as specified in these bylaws. Providing a vacancy shall be filled, it shall require a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board.
SECTION 6. Change in duties
Any change in duties set forth in these bylaws must have the approval of 2/3 vote of the NGCANS membership. Any change shall be in effect until a new vote is taken.
SECTION 7. Absences
Any change in duties set forth in these bylaws must have the approval of 2/3 vote of the NGCANS membership. Any change shall be in effect until a new vote is taken.
SECTION 7. Absences
A. Two unexcused absences will result in termination from office. The Executive Board will determine by 2/3 vote if an absence is excused or unexcused.
B. Three absences, excused or unexcused, will be grounds for termination.
SECTION 8. Termination
Failure of any member of the Executive Board to fulfill their duties as outlined in these bylaws, shall be grounds for termination and shall be determined by a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board.
ARTICLE V
NOMINATION AND ELECTIONS
SECTION 1. Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC)
SECTION 1. Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC)
A. Elections shall be held in December, or earlier if feasible, of the Executive Board’s upcoming school year.
B. The NEC shall receive the names of proposed candidates. It shall be the responsibility of this committee to obtain the consent of all proposed candidates in writing.
C. The NEC will schedule voting times and shall prepare the ballot and distribute the numbered ballot to the membership for voting during the scheduled voting times. The ballot box will be placed in a specified location. Decided at the time of voting, and shall be locked up between voting times as not to allow the membership access to the ballots.
D. The committee will count the votes and announce and post the election results on the NGCANS bulletin board and web site within seven (7) days of the election.
E. The committee will be appointed by the President with the NEC Director serving as the committee chair.
F. One Faculty Advisor will serve as ex officio member of the committee, monitoring the counting of the ballots.
G. Committee members shall not have their names placed in nomination.
ARTICLE VI
MEETINGS
Section 1. Membership meetings
Section 1. Membership meetings
A. The monthly meetings of the association shall be held at such time and place for the purpose of holding elections, receiving reports and conducting such other business as may properly come before the Executive Board.
B. Notice of meetings will be displayed on the NGCANS bulletin board, web site, and notices put up elsewhere as permitted and deemed necessary.
C. The meeting say and time will be set each month based on the members’ schedules.
D. To conduct official business, the quorum shall be 10% of the constituent membership and at least four (4) members of the Executive Board, including the President or First Vice President.
Section 2. Executive Board meetings
Executive Board meetings shall be monthly as determined by the President.
Executive Board meetings shall be monthly as determined by the President.
ARTICLE VII
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1. Members
The Executive Board shall consist of the elected Officers and Directors. The faculty advisors shall serve as ex officio members without vote.
Section 2. Powers
All the powers of the association are vested in and shall be exercised by the Executive Board during the interims between meetings of the association.
Section 3. Responsibility
The Executive Board shall not be responsible for any contract, claim, or obligation of any kind incurred or for any position taken by an officer or member of a constituent unless the same was authorized in writing by the Executive Board.
Section 4. Management by the Executive Board shall include the following duties:
Section 1. Members
The Executive Board shall consist of the elected Officers and Directors. The faculty advisors shall serve as ex officio members without vote.
Section 2. Powers
All the powers of the association are vested in and shall be exercised by the Executive Board during the interims between meetings of the association.
Section 3. Responsibility
The Executive Board shall not be responsible for any contract, claim, or obligation of any kind incurred or for any position taken by an officer or member of a constituent unless the same was authorized in writing by the Executive Board.
Section 4. Management by the Executive Board shall include the following duties:
A. Review and approve the terms of official relationships established with other organizations singly or in coalition;
B. Approve any commitment in the form of action, statement of policy or position, or financial obligations involved in NGCANS relationships with other organizations;
C. Approve the budget, authorize all monetary disbursements, and provide for the annual audit of accounts at the close of the fiscal year when deemed necessary by the Executive Board;
D. Have the power to fill vacancies for the unexpired term unless otherwise specified in these bylaws;
E. In the case of emergency, votes by referendum may be taken by a NGCANS member appointed by the President. The result of such action shall control the actions of the association, the Executive Board, and committees. The result of such a referendum shall be duly verified by the Executive Board and recorded in the minutes of the next meeting; and
F. Perform all other duties as may be specified in these bylaws.
Section 5. Delegates
The NGCANS delegate(s) to the annual GANS and NSNA conventions shall be the NGCANS President and other delegates as appointed by the Executive Board. The expenses incurred by these delegates will be reimbursed by NGCANS as determined by the Executive Board according to available financial resources.
ARTICLE VIII
FACULTY ADVISORS
Section 1. Selection and number
Faculty advisors shall be selected by the Executive Board each year. The number selected shall not exceed four (4). The faculty advisors shall be approved by the Executive Board and the membership. All advisors will be faculty members of NGCSU.
Section 2. The faculty advisors shall:
Section 1. Selection and number
Faculty advisors shall be selected by the Executive Board each year. The number selected shall not exceed four (4). The faculty advisors shall be approved by the Executive Board and the membership. All advisors will be faculty members of NGCSU.
Section 2. The faculty advisors shall:
A. Serve as a liaison between the Executive Board and the NGCANS members, the faculty and staff of NGCSU, and other professional organizations;
B. Serve as a resource person consulting with the Executive Board and committees;
C. Attend the meetings of NGCANS membership and the Executive Board; and
D. Attend the annual GANS state convention and the annual NSNA nation convention, when possible.
ARTICLE IX
COMMITTEES
The president, at his/her discretion, shall establish committees (with the approval of the Executive Board) deemed necessary to carry out the work of the association and determine the functions, terms, and membership of such committees. A quorum for committee meetings shall be a majority of the members present.
The president, at his/her discretion, shall establish committees (with the approval of the Executive Board) deemed necessary to carry out the work of the association and determine the functions, terms, and membership of such committees. A quorum for committee meetings shall be a majority of the members present.
ARTICLE X
PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
All meetings of this association shall be conducted according to parliamentary laws as set forth in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised where the rules apply and are not in conflict with these bylaws. With a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board, the Executive Board may elect not to conduct meetings using Robert’s Rules for their term of office only.
All meetings of this association shall be conducted according to parliamentary laws as set forth in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised where the rules apply and are not in conflict with these bylaws. With a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board, the Executive Board may elect not to conduct meetings using Robert’s Rules for their term of office only.
ARTICLE XI
AMENDMENTS
Proposed amendments shall be submitted on writing carrying proponent’s signature to the Executive Board for review. Proposed amendments may be submitted only to the Executive Board. The board will review the proposed amendments and the amendments to the bylaws will be voted on by the NGCANS membership at the next meeting during that semester.
Proposed amendments shall be submitted on writing carrying proponent’s signature to the Executive Board for review. Proposed amendments may be submitted only to the Executive Board. The board will review the proposed amendments and the amendments to the bylaws will be voted on by the NGCANS membership at the next meeting during that semester.