UCF SNA By-Laws I - last updated on 10/10/2010

 

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

STUDENT NURSE’S ASSOCIATION

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I- NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Student Nurses Association (SNA) at the College of Nursing Orlando Campus, University of Central Florida (UCF), a constituent of the Florida Nursing Students’ Association (FNSA) and the National Student Nurse’s Association, Inc. (NSNA), here-in-after to be referred to as the SNA at UCF.

ARTICLE II- PURPOSE AND FUNCTIONS

The purpose of the SNA at UCF:

  1. To assume responsibility for contributing to nursing education in order to provide for the highest quality health care,
  2. To provide programs representative of fundamental and current professional interest and concerns, and
  3. To aid in the development of the whole person and his/her professional responsibility for the health care of people in all walks of life.

The function of the SNA at UCF shall include the following:

  1. To have direct input into the standards of nursing education and influence the education process.
  2. To influence health care, nursing education and practice through legislative activities as appropriate.
  3. To promote and encourage participation in community affairs and activities towards improved health care and the resolution of related social issues.
  4. To represent nursing students to the consumer, to institutions, and other organizations.
  5. To promote and encourage students’ participation in interdisciplinary activities.
  6. To promote and encourage recruitment efforts, participation in student activities, and educational opportunities regardless of person’s race, color, creed, sex, lifestyle, national origin, ago, or economic status.
  7. To promote and encourage collaborative relationships with nursing and related health organizations.

ARTICLE III- MEMBERS

Section 1-Constituent Associations:

  1. 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 ten working days after the close of the House of Delegates meeting of the same year.
  2. Recognized Constituents shall be composed of at least 15 members from a school, or the total school enrollment if less than 15. This requirement of at least 15 members from a school or more members must be met on a date eight weeks prior to the Annual House of Delegate Meeting. There shall only be one chapter from each school campus.
  3. A state association shall be composed of at least two schools in any one state, or only one school chapter in there is only one nursing school in the state. There shall only be one state association in any one state. School chapters shall belong to their state association when one exists. The term “state” in these by-laws shall be understood to apply any state in the United States of America.
  4. 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, memberships, dues, and representation. In order to be eligible to send a delegate to the NSNA Annual Convention, each constituent association (state of school) must sign and return the Official Application for Constituency Status by the annual deadline as specified in Article III, Section 1 (a) of these by-laws.
  5. A constituent association which fails to comply with the by-laws and policies of NSNA shall have its status as a constituent revoked by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors, provided written notice of the proposed revocation has been given two months prior to the vote and the constituent association is given an opportunity to be heard.
  6. School chapters and state associations are entities separate and apart from the 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 a loss, damages, or injuries sustained by third parties as a result of the negligence 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 2- Categories of Constituent Membership:
Members of the constituent associations shall be:

  1. Active Members:
    1. Students enrolled in state approved nursing programs leading to licensure as a registered nurse.
    2. Registered nurses enrolled programs leading to a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing.
    3. Active members shall have all the privileges of membership.
  2. 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 the privileges of membership, with the exception of the right to hold office.
  1. 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 privilege as described in Article III, Section 2, Items 1 and 2.
  1. Active, Associate, and Individual memberships shall be renewable annually.

Section 3- Membership Extension

  1. Active, associate, and individual memberships 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.
  2. Sustaining membership shall be renewable annually.

Section 4- Dues:

  1. The annual dues for active, associate, and individual members shall be $35.00 per member, per year, payable to for the appropriate dues. The dues year for members shall be a period of twelve consecutive months.
  2. The annual NSNA dues for active, associate, and individual members joining for two years shall be $70.00 per member, payable for the appropriate dues years. The dues years for members shall be a period of twenty-four consecutive months.
  3. The NSNA Board of Directors shall have the authority to change membership dues, providing such dues do not exceed the amounts set in these by-laws.
  4. National dues shall be payable directly to NSNA. NSNA shall remit to each state constituent the dues received on behalf of the constituent.
  5. Any member who fails to pay current dues shall forfeit all privileges of membership.
  6. Changes concerning SNA at UCF dues may be initiated by a ¾ majority vote of the active members present and voting.

ARTICLE IV- OFFICERS: THEIR QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES

Section 1

  1. Officers of this association shall consist of the following Senior Executive Board members: President, Vice-President, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Nominations Coordinator, Public Relations Coordinator, Lifeline Newsletter Editor, Historian, Webmaster, Fundraising Chairperson, Break Through to Nursing Chairperson, Community Health Chairperson, Student Liaison to the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee and Student Liaison to the Student Government Association.
  2. Officers of this association shall consist of the following Junior Executive Board members: Second Vice President, Junior Recording Secretary, Junior Treasurer, Assistant Fundraising Chairperson, Junior Historian, and Assistant Community Health Chairperson
  3. Officers of this association shall consist of the following Accelerated Executive Board member: Accelerated Program Liaison(s).
    1. Total number of elected Accelerated Program Liaisons (not to exceed 3 elected officials per class) to be determined and initiated by a ¾ majority vote at the time of election.
    2. Term of office from first semester through fourth semester of Accelerated curriculum.

Section 2
Only active members who shall be nursing students throughout the full term of office applicable to his/her nursing program, and have the privilege of active membership and maintain good academic standing with a GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale of the nursing curriculum, shall be eligible for the offices listed in Article IV, Section 1.

Section 3

  1. Offices of the Senior Executive Board, as listed in Article IV; Section 1(a), shall be held by eligible incoming senior nursing students and be elected on or before the last SNA at UCF meeting of the spring semester.
  2. Offices of the Junior Executive Board, as listed in Article IV; Section 1(b), shall be held by eligible junior nursing students and be elected on or before the third week of September.
  3. Office(s) of the Accelerated Program Liaison, as listed in Article IV; Section 1(c), shall be held by eligible Accelerated Students and be elected on or before the third week in June.

Section 4
Officers shall deliver to their successors all records, papers, and/or other property belonging to the association at the end of their term.

Section 5- Duties of Senior Executive Board Members

  1. President
    1. Preside at all meetings of the association unless specifically delegated.
    2. Appoint special committees and their chairperson(s) with the approval of the Senior Executive Board during business meetings.
    3. Serve as ex-officio member of the committees, except the non-finations committee.
    4. Promote all nursing student activities and events.
    5. Represent this association in all matters relating to the association.
    6. Represent the association on outside committees and organizations
    7. Perform all other duties pertaining to office.
  2. Vice-President
    1. Assume duties of the President in the absence or disability of the President.
    2. In the event of vacancy occurring in the office of President, the Vice-President shall assume the duties of the President.
    3. Be responsible for coordination of program meetings of the association.
    4. Assist the Community Health Chairperson in coordinating and implementing community service oriented projects that membership agrees to pursue.
    5. Be responsible for review and recommendations for changes in by-laws.
    6. Represent the association on outside committees or organizations such as the Knights of the Round Table meetings.
    7. Perform all duties of the office as delegated by the President.
  3. Corresponding Secretary
    1. Write thank-you notes to the speakers and other contributors to SNA at UCF functions.
    2. Notify the Secretary of the NSNA and FNSA of the newly elected Board members.
    3. Notify the Deans and Directors of the election of new Board members.
    4. Send the new Board member’s addresses and phone numbers to NSNA and FNSA.
    5. Submit a current copy of the SNA at UCF By-laws to FNSA First Vice-President for review prior to submitting constituency application to NSNA.
    6. Formally submit the NSNA Constituency Status Application to NSNA prior to the deadline.
    7. Compile a current list of district addresses and officers.
    8. Maintain a current listing of local members addresses and phone numbers.
    9. Compose correspondence letters fro SNA at UCF Executive Board, as necessary with the assistance of the Public Relations Coordinator.
    10. Maintain a register of all constituent organizations for business purposes.
    11. Inform Junior and Senior advisors of their elected positions.
    12. Perform all other duties pertaining to the office as delegated by the President. 
  4. Recording Secretary
    1. Record minutes of all meetings of this association.
    2. Type the minutes of each meeting.
    3. Copy and distribute the minutes to the Board members, faculty advisors, and bulletin board within one week after the meeting.
    4. At each meeting, read the minutes of the previous meeting, unless voted to forego by a 2/3 majority vote of the Executive Board.
    5. Refer to the duly appointed committees the necessary records for proper performance of their duties.
    6. Record roll at each meeting.
    7. Maintain a permanent record of all important reports, documents, and papers submitted.
    8. Include in the minutes the date and time of the next meeting, if applicable.
    9. Perform all other duties pertaining to the office as delegated by the President.
  5. Treasurer
    1. Act as custodian of organizational funds and deposit funds in an approved financial institution as described by the Executive Board.
    2. See that the system of collecting dues is accepted.
    3. Compile and submit a proposed budget to the SGA funds office.
    4. Maintain accurate and detailed records of all accounts receivable and accounts payable; including copies of all receipts and invoices.
    5. Co-sign with the President when the need arises, all documents concerning association business finances with approval of the Executive Board.
    6. Perform all other duties pertaining to the office as delegated by the President.
  6. Nominations Coordinator
    1. Assume the responsibility of nominations, pre-election activities and voting procedures at the meetings.
    2. Utilize the Lifeline for communication to make nursing students aware of the office available for the designated date for election.
    3. Review all nomination applications to make sure students meet, and maintain, eligibility for office requirements as listed in Article IV, Section 2.
    4. Perform all other duties pertaining to the office as delegated by the office.
  7. Public Relations Coordinator
    1. Coordinate and implement activities and projects related to the recruitment of active and associate members of SNA at UCF, and NSNA/FNSA.
    2. Work with the direction of the College of Nursing Marketing and Communication Manager as it pertains to all public relation correspondence with outside organizations and media.
    3. Contact the media regarding SNA at UCF projects as deemed appropriate by membership.
    4. Serve as liaison representative between SNA at UCF and community schools and colleges, providing information as deemed appropriate per membership regarding recruitment efforts for SNA at UCF and careers in nursing.
    5. Perform all other duties pertaining to the office as delegated by the President.
  8. Lifeline Newsletter Editor
    1. Be responsible for coordinating the printing of the Lifeline Newsletter for the number of issues determined by each SNA at UCF Executive Board.
    2. Secure and edit articles, coordinate layouts, and distribute all designated Lifeline issues.
    3. Be in contact with NSNA and FNSA for relevant information to be made available to all SNA at UCF members through the Lifeline.
    4. Perform all other duties pertaining to the office as delegated by the President.
  9. Historian
    1. Collect and be custodian of memorabilia, by means of photos and video interviews, and may prepare a narrative account of the activities during his/her term of office, which, when approved by the Executive Board, will become the official Senior Video.
    2. Create video in preparation for incoming Junior class orientation.
    3. Create scrapbook for submittal at annual FNSA Convention.
    4. Coordinate composite graduation photo sessions for the Senior and Accelerated classes with the assistance of the Accelerated Program Liaison.
    5. Perform all other duties pertaining to the office as delegated by the President.
  10. Webmaster
    1. Work in collaboration with UCF College of Nursing Communication and Marketing Manager in the creation and oversight of SNA at UCF website; which is to be linked from UCF College of Nursing website.
    2. Update SNA at UCF website as deemed appropriate by the Executive Board.
    3. Perform all other duties pertaining to the office as deemed appropriate by the President
  11. Fundraising Chairperson
    1. Collaborate with the Community Health Chairperson to create and coordinate events that will raise funds on behalf of SNA at UCF.
    2. Work in conjunction with Treasurer to maintain accurate accounts of all funds raised on behalf of SNA at UCF.
    3. Maintain all ongoing fundraising projects.
    4. Assure UCF’s Student Government Association endorses all fundraising activities.
    5. Perform all other duties pertaining to the office as delegated by the President.
  12. Break Through to Nursing Chairperson
    1. Promote a positive image of nursing as a career and of nursing students.
    2. Coordinate activities for general recruitment of students into nursing as a career.
    3. Contact and visit, as deemed appropriate, middle/high schools at least twice per semester during term of office to promote nursing as a career.
    4. Perform all other duties pertaining to the office as delegated by the President.
  13. Community Health Chairperson
    1. Promote and encourage participation in community health affairs and activities toward improved health care.
    2. Organize and monitor community health projects as deemed appropriate by the Executive Board.
    3. Distribute information to membership pertaining to upcoming community health projects.
    4. Prepare an appropriate Community Health project, in conjunction with the Vice-President, for Annual Convention.
    5. Perform all other duties pertaining to the office as delegated by the President.
  14. Student Liaison to the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee
    1. Serve as student representative on the UCF College of Nursing Undergraduate Department Curriculum.
    2. Attend Undergraduate Curriculum meetings as scheduled, as allowed.
    3. Submit meeting summary report to SNA at UCF Executive Board.
    4. Perform all other duties pertaining to the office as delegated by the President.
  1. Student Liaison to the Student Government Association
    1. Serve as student liaison for Student Government Association.
    2. Attend SGA meetings as needed, as allowed.
    3. Submit meeting summary report to SNA at UCF Executive Board.
    4. Perform all other duties pertaining to the office as delegated by the President.

 

Section 6- Senior Executive Board Committees
The following Senior Executive Board members will be responsible for recruiting senior students of the general membership to become committee members to his/her elected office:          

        1. Public Relations coordinator
        2. Lifeline Newsletter Editor
        3. Historian
        4. Break Through to Nursing Chairperson
        5. Community Health Chairperson

Section 7- Duties of Junior Executive Board Members

  1. Second Vice-President
    1. Coordinate and implement educational awareness projects for the junior class as deemed appropriate by the Executive Board.
    2. Serve as liaison between the Junior and Senior class.
    3. Function in the role similar to that of junior Class President.
  2. Junior Recording Secretary
    1. Record minutes of all Junior Executive Board meetings of the SNA at UCF.
    2. Responsible for submitting copies of minutes to the Senior Executive and Junior Executive Boards within one week after all meetings.
    3. Maintain all junior class records and submit copies to Senior Recording Secretary.
  3. Junior Treasurer
    1. Maintain accurate and detailed records of all junior class accounts receivable and accounts payable; including copies of all receipts and invoices.
    2. Responsible for collection of all junior funds to be put in SNA account; to be listed separately from senior funds.
    3. Submit all funds and receipts to Senior Treasurer.
  4. Assistant Fundraising Chairperson
    1. Create and organize fundraising efforts for the junior class.
    2. Assist in collecting funds raised by the junior class.
    3. Attend fundraising events hosted by the junior class.
    4. Assist Senior Fundraising Chairperson as deemed necessary by the Senior Executive Board.
  5. Junior Historian
    1. Collect and be custodian of junior class memorabilia, by means of photos and video interviews, and may prepare a narrative account of the activities during his/her term of office.
    2. Solicit photos for the junior scrapbook and video.
    3. Assist Senior Historian in graduate composite photo session.
    4. Assist Senior Historian as deemed necessary by the Senior Executive Board.
  6. Assistant Community Health Chairperson
    1. Distribute information to junior class pertaining to upcoming community health projects.
    2. Coordinate recruitment and sign-ups of junior class to community activities.
    3. Coordinate and implement junior class initiatives for community health activities.
    4. Collect, store and keep record of donated items for community events.
    5. Assist Senior Community Health Chairperson as deemed necessary by the Senior Executive Board.

Section 8- Duties of the Accelerated Program Liaison(s)

  1. Serve as elected member from Accelerated Nursing Program to the SNA at UCF Executive Board.
  2. Attend all SNA at UCF Executive Board meetings.
  3. Assist Senior Historian to coordinate composite graduation photo sessions for the Senior and Accelerated classes.

Section 9- Removal from Office
Any elected officer who fails to comply with the qualifications and duties within these by-laws, listed in Article IV, Sections 2 and 5-7 respectively, shall have his/her status as an officer of the Executive Board revoked by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors, provided written notice of the proposed revocation has been given four weeks prior to the vote and the officer is given an opportunity to be heard.

ARTICLE V-EXPENDITURES

  1. Expenditures in excess of fifty dollars ($50.00) shall be approved by a ¾ majority vote of the Executive Board.
  2. The SNA at UCF checking account shall have two signatures for check writing and withdrawals.
  3. A record of all expenditures related to SNA at UCF shall be maintained by the Treasurer of the Executive Board, with written authorization by the President. If the President is being reimbursed for expenditures related to SNA at UCF business, the Vice-President of the Executive Board shall provide written authorization.
  4. A reserve/savings account shall be available of no less than $750 at the beginning of each fiscal year.
  5. The SNA at UCF fiscal year shall be from the 1st day of June until the 31st day of May the following year.
  6. Accounts for designated purposes may be approved for use by either the Senior or Junior Class by a ¾ majority vote by the Executive Board.

ARTICLE VI- NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

Section 1

  1. The officers and consultants shall be elected at biannual meetings of it members.
  2. After open nominations from the floor take place, the election shall be held by secret ballot.
  3. The election date shall be determined by members of the Executive Board who are present and voting.
  4. A plurality vote shall elect.
  5. In the event that no plurality vote should exist, the votes shall be decided first by a revote until a plurality is reached without the President voting.

ARTICLE VII- MEETINGS

Section 1

  1. The general meetings of the association shall be held at such time and place as shall be determined by the Executive Board.
  2. The general meetings shall be for the purpose of holding elections, receiving reports, and conduction of other business as may properly come before the House of Delegates.
  3. Notice of the meeting shall be given to members of the voting body at least five (5) days prior to the meeting.

Section 2

  1. The House of Delegates shall be the governing voting body of this association and members of the Executive Board. The business of the general meetings shall be conducted by the House of Delegates.

Section 3

  1. The voting body at meetings of the SNA at UCF shall consist of the elected officers, and those members present and voting.
  2. Representation in the annual meeting of the FNSA shall be in accordance with the FNSA by-laws.
  3. Delegate representation to the NSNA meeting include:
    1. Each school chapter that is a recognized school constituency, as determined by these by-laws, shall be entitled to one voting delegate and alternate, and in addition, shall be entitled to one voting delegate and alternate for every fifty members.
    2. The school chapter delegate and alternate shall be members in good standing in the chapter and shall be elected and/or elected by members of the school chapter at a proper meeting.
    3. Each school constituent shall be entitled to delegates according to the number of members in good standing in NSNA. Delegates shall be computed on the basis of the number in each constituent as evidenced by the annual dues received by NSNA on a date eight (8) weeks prior to the meeting.
    4. In order to be eligible to send a delegate to the NSNA Annual Convention, each constituent association (state of school) must sign and return the Official Application for NSNA Constituency Status by the annual deadline.
    5. The school chapter delegate(s) shall be members in good standing with NSNA and shall be elected by members of the school chapter in accordance with chapter by-laws. The school chapter may designate an alternate delegate for each delegate for each by one of the following two mechanisms:
      1. Election by members of the school chapter in accordance with chapter by-laws; or
      2. Written request to FNSA Executive Board asking that a member of said Executive Board be appointed as an alternate for the school chapter. School chapters shall approve the appointment. The FNSA Executive Board shall verify that a state-appointed alternate is a member in good standing of NSNA and FNSA. A school chapter my have an elected delegate credentialed at the NSNA Annual Convention in order to have a state-appointed alternate seated in the House of Delegates. All alternates, whether state-appointed or school elected, shall have the same privileges as an elected delegate when seated in the House of Delegates.

Section 4
The privilege of making a motion and voting shall be limited to the voting body. A voting member shall have but one vote in any election or on any question.

ARTICLE VIII- BOARD OF DIRECTORS/EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1

  1. The Board of Directors shall consist of the elected officers.
  2. The consultants shall serve as ex-officio members without a vote.

Section 2
All the powers of the association are vested in and shall be exercised by the Board of Directors during the interim between meetings of the association, except that the Board shall not nullify nor modify any action taken by the House of Delegates in convention, and subject to the provisions of these by-laws.

Section 3
The Board of Directors shall not be responsible for any contract, claim, or obligation of any kind incurred or for any position taken by any officer or member of the constituent unless the same is/was duly authorized in writing by the Board of Directors.

Section 4- Management by the Board of Directors shall include the following duties:

  1. Review and approve the terms of official relationships established with other organizations singly or in coalition.
  2. Approve any commitment in the form of action, statement of policy or position, or financial obligations involved in SNA at UCF relationships with other organizations.
  3. Approve the budget and provide the annual audit at the close of the fiscal year.
  4. Have the power to fill vacancies for the expired term or unfilled position unless otherwise specified in these by-laws.
  5. Have the power by ¾ majority vote to declare an office vacant.
  6. In case of emergency, the Board of Directors may take votes by referendum, provided material is sent in the same words to each member.

Section 5- Meetings

  1. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately before and after the biannual meetings, and at such other times as deemed necessary by the Board. The President shall determine the date and place of the meetings.
  2. The quorum shall be the majority of voting members of the Board including the President or Vice-President, and one consultant.

ARTICLE IX- CONSULTANTS

Section 1
There shall be three (3) consultants: two faculty consultants and one graduate nurse who was a member of the SNA AT UCF district the previous year with experience on the Board of Directors or a school chapter committee. Faculty consultants shall be elected for a term of two years, which will not coincide, and will be elected by the first week in May each consecutive year.

Section 2- The consultant shall:

  1. Be responsible for providing the interchange of information between the Board of Directors of the SNA at UCF and the faculty.
  2. Serve as a resource person consulting with the Board of Directors and its members.
  3. Attend meetings of the SNA at UCF.

ARTICLE X—COMMITTEE
The Board of Directors, at its discretion, shall establish committees deemed necessary to carry on the work of the association and determine functions, terms, and membership of the committees. A quorum for committee meetings shall be a majority of the members.

ARTICLE XI—PARLIMENTARY AUTHORITY
All meetings of the association shall be conducted according to parliamentary law as set forth in ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER NEWLY REVISED where the rules apply and do not conflict with these by-laws.

 

ARTICLE XII—AMENDMENTS

Section 1
These by-laws may be amended at a general meeting by a 2/3 vote of those present and voting provided that notice of the proposed amendment(s) has been sent to the members at least four (4) days prior to the meeting.

Section 2
Proper amendments shall be submitted in writing, carrying proponents’ signature, to the Board of Directors for review at least ten (10) weeks prior to a biannual meeting. Only the Board of Directors, SNA at UCF committee, or a member may submit proposed amendments.

Section 3
These by-laws may be amended at the general meeting by 99% vote of those present and voting, provided previous notice shall have been given at an earlier meeting of the same session, and provided that the proposed amendment shall have been presented to the presiding officer and parliamentarian before the meeting where previous notice is given.

Section 4
Amendments to the by-laws of NSNA adopted at the annual meeting, which directly relate to the business of the constituent association in the areas of conformity of NSNA shall automatically and immediately effect the necessary amendments to the by-laws of the constituent associations and shall promptly be incorporated into their by-laws.