This Area Under Construction until approval and ratification of ByLaws on November 14, 2011
Article I – Felician College Student Nursing Association
Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the Felician College Student Nurses Association (hereby referred to as FCSNA).
Article II – Purpose and Function
Section 1. Purpose
A. To model professionalism in all endeavors, through charitable involvement in the promotion of health related initiatives.
B. Assume the responsibility for contributing to nursing education within the Felician Community in order to provide for the highest quality of health care.
C. To provide programs representative of fundamental interests and concerns to nursing students.
D. To aid in the development of the whole person and his/her responsibility for healthcare of people in all walks of life.
Section 2. 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 activities as appropriate.
C. To promote and encourage participation in community affairs and activities directed towards health care and the resolution of related social issues.
D. To represent nursing students to the consumer, institutions, and other organizations as deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.
E. To promote and encourage students’ participation in interdisciplinary activities and involvement in Felician College Student Government (SGO).
F. To promote and encourage recruitment efforts, participation in student activities, and educational opportunities regardless of a person’s race, color, creed, gender, lifestyle, national origin, age, economic status, disability or religion.
G. To promote and encourage collaborative relationships with nursing and health related organizations.
Article III – Members
Section 1. School Constituent
A. FCSNA shall belong to NSNA as long as the national association exists.
B. FCSNA shall maintain affiliate membership in NJNS Inc., through NSNA, as long as NJNS, Inc. exists.
C. FCSNA shall be recognized as a school constituent, composed exclusively of NSNA members (active, associate and individual) in good standing.
D. FCSNA shall be composed of at least 10 active FCSNA members. Representatives from each class from Felician College or the total school enrollment if less than 10. There shall be only one chapter on this school campus.
E. For yearly recognition as a constituent, an officer (the secretary under the advisement of the President with final approval of the FCSNA faculty advisor and FCSNA SGO officer) of the FCSNA shall submit annually the Official Application for the NSNA Constituency status which shall include the following areas of conformity: purpose and functions, membership, dues, and representation.
F. If FCSNA fails to comply with the bylaws and policies of NSNA, its status as a constituent shall be revoked by a 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 FCSNA is given an opportunity to be heard.
G. FCSNA is an entity separate and apart from NSNA and its administration of activities, with NSNA and its administration of activities, with NSNA and NJNS Inc. exercising no supervision or control over these immediate daily and regular activities. NSNA and NJNS Inc. have no liability for any loss, damages, or injuries sustained by third parties as a result of the negligence or acts of FCSNA or the members thereof. In the event any legal proceedings are brought against the NSNA and NJNS Inc., FCSNA will identify and hold harmless the NSNA and NJNS Inc. from any liability.
Section 2. Categories of Constituent Membership
Members of the FCSNA shall be:
A. Active members:
a. Students enrolled in state approved programs leading to licensure as a registered nurse.
b. Registered nurses enrolled in programs leading to a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing.
c. Active members shall have all the privileges of membership including the right to hold office.
B. Associate members:
a. 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.
b. Associate members shall have all of the privileges of membership except the right to hold office as president or vice president at state and national levels.
C. Individual members:
a. Individual membership shall be open at the national level to any eligible student when membership in a constituent association is not available. Individual members shall have the privileges of membership as prescribed in NSNA bylaws.
Section 3
E. Active and associate NSNA 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. Active and associate membership shall be renewable annually.
Article IV – Dues
Section 1.
A. The annual NSNA dues for active and associate members shall be set by NSNA, payable for the appropriate dues year. The dues year for membership shall be a period of twelve consecutive months.
B. The annual NSNA dues for active and associate members, joining for two years shall be set by NSNA, payable for the appropriate dues years. The dues years for the members shall be a period of twenty-four consecutive months.
C. FCSNA shall collect membership dues in the amount of $1.00 per semester. The school association board of directors shall have the authority to change membership dues, providing such does not exceed the amounts set in these bylaws.
D. National and state dues shall be payable directly to the NSNA. NSNA shall remit to each state constituent the dues received on behalf of the constituent. NSNA shall not collect or remit school chapter dues.
E. NSNA board of directors shall have the authority to change membership dues as they see fit.
F. Any member who fails to pay current dues shall forfeit all privileges of membership. Membership of NSNA must be renewed within two months after expiration date in order to maintain privileges of FCSNA membership.
Article V – Board of Directors
Section 1. Composition
A. The Board of Directors will consist of: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Event Scheduler and Media Coordinator.
B. Senior nursing students are ineligible for the office of President.
C. Senior nursing students are ineligible for the office of Event Scheduler.
D. Senior nursing students are ineligible for the office of Media Coordinator.
Section 2. Responsibilities
A. The Board of Directors shall be responsible for:
a. Transacting business of the association between membership meetings and shall report such transactions at the next regularly scheduled membership meeting.
b. Filling vacancies in any office by two-thirds majority vote of Board of Directors except the office of President.
c. Reviewing monetary disbursements, acquisitions and fund raising activities and shall be responsible for procuring persons for audit of all accounts on an annual basis.
d. Behaving in a professional manner; conduct becoming of a nursing professional; demonstration of the Felician honor code in all matters pertaining to the FCSNA and its interactions with others.
e. Maintaining clear, direct communications in and among the FCSNA membership through the avoidance of triangulation.
Section 3. Quorum. A quorum for the Board meeting shall be the president, vice president, two board members, one faculty advisor and an SGO officer.
Section 4. Duties of the Board of Directors shall consist of:
Attendance at SGO monthly meetings, submission of one article for publication, 1 community project.
A. President
a. Shall preside at all meetings of this association, appoint special committees as needed, perform all other duties pertaining to any office and represent the association in all matters to the local, state nursing association, the local league association, National Student Nurses’ Association and other professional and student organizations.
b. Shall serve as chairperson of the Board of Directors.
c. Shall serve no more than 2 consecutive terms.
d. Shall represent FCSNA through attendance at SGO meetings.
e. Shall meet monthly with the Dean and Associate Dean of the Felician College nursing division.
f. Shall initiate the creation of the budget at the start of the position’s active term and ensure its completion and approval no later than one month into the active term.
g. Shall act as the liaison between the SGO and Felician College Administration for all matters pertaining to the organizations function and operations.
h. Shall submit one article for publication to a professional nursing organization, association or institution.
B. Vice President
a. Shall assume responsibility of the office of President in the event of the vacancy occurring in the office until the next regular election.
b. Shall preside at meetings in the absence of the President.
c. Shall assist the President as delegated and act as advisor to the President.
d. Shall represent FCSNA through attendance at SGO meetings.
e. Shall be responsible for and accountable to the membership for the notification and communication of information regarding externship opportunities.
f. Shall submit one article for publication to a professional nursing organization, association or institution.
C. Secretary
a. Shall record and distribute the minutes of all meetings of this association to the Board of Directors for approval within 48 hours after each open meeting; to the SGO office within 24 hours of approval by the Board of Directors.
b. Shall keep a file as a permanent record all reports, papers and documents submitted to and generated by the FCSNA.
c. Refer to the dully-appointed committees the necessary records for the completion of business.
d. Shall represent FCSNA through attendance at SGO meetings.
e. Forward minutes to the state nursing association board as well as the names and addresses of all of the officers and committee chairpersons after their election or appointment.
f. Shall maintain documentation of all activities proposed and occurred.
g. Deliver to the newly elected Secretary all association papers.
h. Shall submit one article for publication to a professional nursing organization, association or institution.
D. Treasurer
a. Shall serve as chair person of the budget committee.
b. Shall coordinate and document the budget process at the start of the active term.
c. Shall submit monthly P & L statements to the President and advisors one week prior to the FCSNA monthly meeting.
d. Submit financial reports to the membership as directed by the President.
e. Prepare financial reports submitted at the monthly Board of Directors Meeting.
f. Keep permanent record of all dues received from members and any other income and disbursements. Provide Secretary with copies of all permanent records.
g. Remit payment for approved debits according to the following:
1. Disbursements of funds
a. Requests for disbursement of funds shall be made in writing to the Board of Directors.
b. Upon approval the Faculty Advisor shall complete a reimbursement form for processing by SGO. SGO will issue checks for those requests approved.
c. No funds will be disbursed without prior approval from FCSNA and SGO.
E. Event Scheduler
a. Shall be responsible for scheduling meeting rooms for all FCSNA open meetings.
b. Shall be responsible for scheduling physical resources and rooms for all FCSNA campus events.
b. Shall be responsible for scheduling all transportation and lodging (bus and hotel rooms) for FCSNA representatives at the annual NJNS Inc. convention.
F. Media Coordinator
a. Shall be responsible for ensuring up-to-date and constant communication between FCSNA and it membership through management of email, website, bulletin board, flyers and twitter.
b. Shall be responsible for ensuring website access for all Board members to facilitate their ability to publish.
c. Shall coordinate and respond to (with the Board) all content updates, article submissions and web and email inquiries.
G. Class Representatives
a. Two 2 representatives from each class (Traditional, ADS and RN to BSN) will be nominated.
b. Act as a liaison between Felician College FCSNA council and the student body.
c. Attend and participate in all FCSNA board meetings.
d. Shall represent FCSNA through attendance at SGO meetings.
e. Shall be responsible for and accountable to the membership for the notification and communication of information regarding scholarship opportunities. Become an expert on programs and scholarships offered by the NSNA and FCSNA so that students will have a greater chance of becoming involved in current happenings and opportunities.
Section 4. Absences
A. Members of the Board of Directors who have missed more than two regularly scheduled meetings of any current term year without prior notification to the Board of Directors and who offer no valid reason for such absences may be removed from office by a plurality vote of the current membership present at the next scheduled meeting. The officer in question will be notified in advance of the meeting.
B. Any officer may also be removed from office by plurality vote of the members of the Board of Directors present at a meeting called for that purpose if that officer is deemed negligent in the function of that office as stated by these bylaws.
C. Prior notification of two weeks shall be given to the individual in question and a special Board of Directors meeting shall be held to review the circumstances.
Article VI – Elections
Section 1. Election of Board of Directors
A. Elections shall be held in January.
B. All elections shall be by secret ballot; all completed ballots will be collected by class representatives and supplied to the SGO office for election result processing.
C. A plurality vote of active FCSNA registered members shall constitute an official election.
D. In the event of a tie, a revote shall be held.
E. All nominations shall be made from the floor.
F. Newly appointed officers will shadow current term officers for the semester (no less than 2 months, no more than 3 months) preceding their active term.
Article VII – Meetings
Section 1. Membership Meetings
A. FCSNA will meet monthly. Meeting dates will be set by the Board Chairperson and Faculty Advisor.
B. Meeting location and time will be voted on and approved by a plurality vote of members present and voting at each previous meeting.
C. The President shall have the authority to convene a special meeting as such time as is deemed necessary and shall notify the general membership of such meeting, location, and time.
Article VIII – FCSNA Representation at Felician School Organizations, Clubs and Committees. Representation shall be made by board appointment (the FCSNA Board Chairperson and Faculty Advisor) of active FCSNA members in good standing to all scheduled and impromptu meetings. Representation will be on a volunteer basis.
Section 1. School Organizations and Clubs.
A. Division of Health Sciences Meetings.
B. SGO Meetings.
C. ADN Department Meetings.
Section 2. Committees.
A. Committee chair appointments shall be made by the Board of Directors and shall be deemed standing committees unless otherwise stated at time of appointment.
B. Committee members shall be appointed by the committee chairperson or selected by the Board of Directors from a group of volunteers.
C. Library Committee.
D. Academic Standing Committee.
E. Curriculum Committee.
F. Student Affairs Committee.
Section 3. Responsibility
A. All committees shall be responsible to the Board of Directors for reporting committee activities on a regular basis and shall, upon direction of the Board of Directors, report same to the general membership.
Article IX - Delegates
Section 1. Purpose and Function
A. To serve as spokesperson for the FCSNA at the annual NJNSINC state and NSNA national conventions.
B. Present to the NJNS Inc. (state) and NSNA (national organizations) all proposed resolutions or amendments to bylaws or policies proposed by this association.
C. Keep informed as to all current and proposed resolutions at the state and national levels and report information to the association’s membership at regularly scheduled membership meetings.
D. Make available to members updates, explanations, and copies of current and proposed state and national resolutions.
Section 2. Qualifications and Appointment
A. Any member maintaining a GPA of 2.75 or above, who is active in FCSNA projects and is nominated by current membership at a regularly scheduled meeting is eligible to hold the position to delegate.
B. Appointment shall be for one (1) year and shall be made by nomination of those members eligible and voted on by the current membership eligible to vote. The nominee receiving the majority of votes cast shall be awarded the position.
Section 3. Delegate Representation
A. School constituents:
a. FCSNA when recognized as an official NSNA constituent, shall be entitled to one voting delegate and alternate at the NSNA House of Delegates, and in addition, shall be entitled to one voting delegate and alternate for every 50 members.
b. The FCSNA delegate(s) and the alternate shall be a member(s) in good standing in the chapter and shall be selected and/or elected by member of the school chapter at a proper meeting according to chapter bylaws. The school association may designate an alternate delegate for each delegate by one of the following two mechanism:
i. Selection and/or election by members of the school chapter according to chapter bylaws; or
ii. Written authorization to the State Board of Directors requesting them to appoint a member of the State Board to act as a state-appointed alternate for their school chapter.
1. School chapters shall approve the appointment.
2. The NJNS Inc. State Board of Directors shall verify that any state appointed alternate is a member in good standing of the NSNA and the state association.
3. 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.
4. All alternates, whether school selected or state appointed, shall have the same privileges as an elected delegate when seated in the House.
5. The school association 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 of members in each constituent as evidenced by NSNA on a date eight weeks prior to the annual meeting.
Article X – Amendments
Amendments to the Bylaws may be made with 5/7 vote (2 officers, 2 class representatives and 1 SGO Officer) and voting at a membership meeting provided that notice of proposed amendments has been sent to members at least one week prior to the meeting. Only proper amendments submitted in writing and carrying the proponent’s signature will be considered.
Article XI - Parliamentary Authority
All meetings of this association shall be conducted according to the parliamentary law as set forth in Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR) where the rules apply and are not in conflict with these bylaws.