Bylaws
Bylaws of the Oregon Student Nurses’ Association revised & updated 2/4/2012
PREAMBLE
REASONS FOR BEING
We, students of nursing, believe there is a common need to organize, to represent
ourselves to the consumer and other health disciplines, and to assume our rightful place in the profession of nursing.
We believe every individual has a right to the highest quality of health care.
We believe in the development of the whole person towards his/her professional role with
its rights, responsibilities and ideals.
We believe every right bears inherent responsibility.
We believe responsibilities are participatory, not purely philosophical or ideological.
Rights/Responsibilities
Students have the right and responsibility to
• a sound education:
• a right to and a responsibility for having a creative educational opportunity;
• having the highest quality practitioner teacher;
• to an objective faculty advisor for all educational, pre-professional, and professional activities;
• achieving input into curriculum planning;
• achieving self-directed learning;
• achieving equal participation in all areas of clinical practice;
• participating in interdisciplinary activities;
• due process:
• insuring peer review and self-evaluation;
• self-governance;
• to organize and participate in an organization directed towards achieving professional goals;
• facilitating change in health care delivery through various channels;
• assembling and exploring professional issues and concerns;
• organizing a flexible structure to encompass and represent the diversities within nursing and be representative of the fundamental and current professional issues and concerns;
• fostering a better correlation between nursing education and practice.
ARTICLE I
Name
The name of this organization shall be the Oregon Student Nurses’ Association, hereinafter referred to as the OSNA.
ARTICLE II
Purpose and Function
Section I. Purpose of the OSNA
A. To assume responsibility for contributing to nursing education in order to provide the highest-quality health care.
B. To provide programs representative of fundamental and current professional interests and concerns.
C. To aid in the development of the whole person, his/her professional role, and his/her responsibility for the health care of people in all walks of life.
Section II. Functions of the OSNA
A. To have direct input into standards of nursing education and influence the educational process.
B. To promote and encourage participation in community affairs and activities towards improved health care and the resolution of related social issues.
C. Represent nursing students to the consumer, institutions and other organizations.
D. Promote and encourage students’ participation in interdisciplinary activities.
E. Promote and encourage recruitment, participation in student activities, and education opportunities regardless of a person’s race, color, creed, sex, age, lifestyle, national origin or economic status.
F. Promote and encourage collaborative relationships with professional nursing and related health organizations.
ARTICLE III
Members
Section I. Membership Classification and Rights
There shall be five classes of membership: active, associate, individual, sustaining and honorary.
A. Constituent Membership
1. Active Members
a. Students enrolled in Oregon State Board of nursing approved programs leading to licensure as a registered nurse (ADN, BSN).
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 and shall:
1) Be eligible for appointed or elected office.
2) Be eligible to serve in the OSNA House of Delegates as representatives
3) Be eligible for affiliate student membership with the Oregon Nurses’ Association
4) Students have the right to opt out of affiliate student membership with the Oregon Nurses’ Association
2. Associate Members
a. Pre-nursing students, including registered nurses, enrolled in a college or university program designed as preparation for entrance into a program leading to an associates degree, diploma or baccalaureate degree in nursing.
b. Associate members shall have all privileges of membership, except the right to hold the offices of state or national president or vice-president.
3. Individual members
a. Individual membership shall be open at the state and national level to any student eligible for active membership when membership in a constituent association is not available.
b. Individual members shall have all the privileges of active membership.
B. Non-Constituent Members
1. Sustaining Members
a. Sustaining membership in the OSNA shall be open to any individual interested in furthering the development and growth of the OSNA.
b. Sustaining members shall have all privileges of membership, except they shall not be eligible to be appointed or elected to office nor can they serve in the OSNA House of Delegates as representatives.
2. Honorary members
a. Honorary membership lasting one year may be conferred by a two-thirds vote of the OSNA House of Delegates, with the recommendation of the OSNA Board of Directors, upon persons who have rendered distinguished service or valuable assistance to the OSNA.
b. Honorary members shall have the following privileges:
1) Sustaining members shall have all privileges of membership, except they shall not be eligible to be appointed or elected to office.
2) They may attend and speak at the OSNA House of Delegates meeting though they cannot serve as a representative delegate.
Section II. Length of Membership
A. Membership is renewed annually.
B. Active, associate, and individual membership may be extended six months beyond graduation from a students’ program in nursing, proving membership was renewed while the student was enrolled in a nursing program. Sustaining membership shall be renewable annually.
ARTICLE IV
Constituent Associations
Section I. National Constituent Association
A. Any school chapter or state association whose membership is composed of active or associate National Student Nurses’ Association, hereinafter referred to as the NSNA, members, and who have submitted the Official Application for NSNA Constituency Status containing the areas of conformity, and upon meeting such other policies as the NSNA Board of Directors may determine, shall be recognized as a constituent.
1. The application must be submitted annually at the annual convention site during the delegate credentialing process for the Annual House of Delegates meeting.
2. For those school and state associations unable to send representatives to 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.
B. A school chapter shall be composed of at least ten members from a school or the total school enrollment if less than ten.
1. There shall be only one chapter on each school campus.
2. Local representation as follows:
a. A school chapter recognized as an OSNA constituent chapter according to these bylaws shall be entitled to one voting delegate and alternate.
b. A voting delegate and alternate shall be allowed for each additional 50 members up to a maximum of six delegates.
c. For example: Chapters with 100 members shall have three delegates and three alternates and so on.
C. A state association shall be composed of at least two school chapters in any 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 the 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.
D. For yearly recognition as an NSNA constituent, constituent associations shall be required to submit annually the Official Application for NSNA Constituency Status which shall include the following areas of conformity: purpose and function, members, and dues.
E. A constituent association which fails to comply with bylaws and policies of the NSNA shall have its status as a constituent revoked by a two-thirds 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 has been given an opportunity to be heard.
F. School chapters and state associations are entities separate and apart from the NSNA in their administration of Activities, with the NSNA exercising no supervision or control over the immediate daily and regular activities. The 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 associations, or the members thereof. In the event any legal proceeding is brought against the 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.
G. The divisions of the OSNA shall be school chapters.
Section II. School Chapters
A. Recognition—School chapters where membership is composed of active or associate members, and whose bylaws have been approved and remain current, and upon meeting other such policy regulations as the Board of Directors have determined, shall be recognized as a constituent member.
B. Requirements—For initial recognition, a school chapter shall be composed of at least ten members from a school or the total enrollment if less than ten persons. Once a school is recognized as a constituent, membership may drop below ten as long as the school sends its bylaws to the OSNA for review every two years, and sends its constituency form to the NSNA every year. If the membership falls below ten, the school has a qualified chapter but may not have a voting delegate at the national convention. If a chapter’s constituency is revoked for any reason, it shall be necessary to file for initial recognition with ten members. There shall be only one chapter on a school campus.
C. Applications for charter of bylaws— For initial recognition as an OSNA constituent, school chapters shall be required to submit their bylaws, which shall include the following areas of conformity for active and associative members: purpose and function, membership and dues.
D. Each school chapter shall submit its bylaws every two years for review by the OSNA Board of Directors. School chapters shall submit their bylaws to the Bylaws Committee Chair no later than 60 days prior to the annual NSNA convention.
E. A school chapter which fails to comply with the bylaws and policies of the OSNA shall have its status as a constituent revoked by a two-thirds 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 school chapter is given an opportunity to be heard.
ARTICLE V
Dues and Finances
Section I. Dues
A. Annual dues will be determined by the NSNA and the OSNA Board of Directors.
B. The NSNA and the OSNA dues shall cover a period of twelve consecutive months. The OSNA dues shall cover the same concurrent twelve-month period as the NSNA dues.
C. Payment of the NSNA and the OSNA dues is a prerequisite for membership in the OSNA. School dues shall be optional and shall be collected separately, not to be included with national and state dues.
D. The NSNA and the OSNA dues shall be payable directly to the NSNA. The NSNA shall remit to each state constituent the dues received on behalf of the constituent. School dues shall be collected separately by each school.
E. Any member who fails to pay current dues shall forfeit all privileges of membership.
F. The annual dues for sustaining members shall be established by the OSNA Board of Directors, and these dues shall be payable directly to the OSNA.
G. Dues for sustaining members shall be $5 per year.
Section II. Fees
A. Advertising fees for the official publication of the OSNA shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
B. Convention advertising fees, registration fees, and exhibitor fees shall be determined by the Convention Director and President and approved by the Board of Directors.
Section III. Budget
A. A proposed budget for the general account shall be prepared by the outgoing treasurer and presented to the newly elected treasurer and the Board of Directors for their approval at the post-convention Board of Directors’ meeting.
Section IV. Approval to Sign Checks
A. Three individuals shall be authorized to sign checks.
B. Two of the three authorized individuals shall be President and the Treasurer.
ARTICLE VI
Board of Directors
Section I. Composition
A. The Board of Directors shall consist of: President, Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer, Media Director, Membership Director, Legislative Education Director, Professional Development Director, Breakthrough to Nursing Director, and Nominating and Elections Director, Convention Director and Community Outreach Director.
B. The non-voting members shall be Chapter Representatives.
Section II. Duties
A. Perform the duties as prescribed in these bylaws and as mandated by the delegates of this association.
B. To have power and authority of the affairs of this organization when action of the House of Delegates is deemed not feasible.
Section III. Meetings
A. There shall be a minimum of five meetings of the Board of Directors annually.
B. All meetings of the Board of Directors shall be open to all members of the OSNA.
C. The quorum shall be a majority of the voting members of the Board of Directors.
D. Except in the case of an emergency, in the event that a Director can not be present at a meeting, a written report of the month’s activities shall be sent to the President prior to the meeting.
E. The Former Board of Directors will commit to two additional months after the Annual Convention to transition the Newly Elected Board of Directors
F. Transition meetings for the new board elect will be facilitated in the following chronological order following the Convention:
1. First meeting - Newly elected Board observes meeting
2. Second meeting after Convention - Newly elected Board conducts meeting, former Board of Directors observes and facilitates
3. Third meeting after Convention - Newly elected Board conducts meetings without former Board
ARTICLE VII
Officers
Section I. Duties and Responsibilities of individual Board of Directors officers
A. The President shall:
1. Be a member of the Board of Directors.
2. Preside over all general meetings of the Oregon Student Nurses’ Association.
3. Preside at and conduct Board of Directors meetings.
4. Serve as an ex-officio member to the committees except the Nominations and Elections Committee.
5. Serve as the official representative of the OSNA.
6. Serve as one of the authorized signers on the OSNA bank accounts.
7. Attend the NSNA Mid-Year Conference and Annual Convention.
8. Perform other such functions as may be deemed proper activity for an officer of this association by the Board of Directors.
9. Prepare a year’s end summary to be presented to the incoming Board of Directors as directed by the policies and procedures.
10. Serve as an advisor for the succeeding President.
B. The Vice-President shall:
1. Be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
2. Serve as temporary President of the Association at any time the president cannot serve.
3. Serve as interim President of the Association at any time the President cannot permanently serve until the Board of Directors can appoint a permanent replacement.
4. Perform other such functions as may be deemed proper activity for an officer of this association by the Board of Directors.
5. Prepare a year-end summary to be presented to the incoming Board of Directors as directed by the policies and procedures.
6. Serve as an advisor for the succeeding Vice President.
C. The Secretary shall:
1. Be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
2. Record the proceedings of all OSNA meetings.
3. Distribute the minutes from those meetings prior to the next scheduled OSNA meeting.
4. With 10 days of approval of minutes: submit official minutes to the NSNA, and submit to Media Director for publication on the OSNA website.
5. Maintain a current roster of the names, addresses, and phone numbers of members of the OSNA Board of Directors and distribute the roster to the following; the OSNA Board of Directors, consultants, committee members, chapter representatives, the NSNA, and the ONA.
6. Notify Board of Directors of time and place of all meetings.
7. Conduct the general correspondence of the Association as requested by the President or Board of Directors.
8. Notify all schools of their state constituency status, the number of voting delegates, and the date, time and place of the annual meeting at least 30 days prior to the meeting.
9. Review, maintain and ensure compliance with the bylaws and submit as required to the NSNA.
10. Perform other such functions as may be deemed proper activity for an officer of this association by the Board of Directors.
11. Deliver to the newly elected Secretary all records, papers, and other property belonging to the Association within one month after the annual convention.
12. Prepare a year-end summary to be presented to the incoming Board of Directors as directed by the policies and procedures.
13. Serve as an advisor for the succeeding Secetary.
D. The Treasurer shall:
1. Be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
2. Serve as chairperson of the Finance Committee.
3. Appoint a secretary for the Finance Committee who will be responsible for developing and maintaining records and files for that academic year.
4. Present written financial report to the Board of Directors at each OSNA meeting.
5. Organize fundraising efforts in collaboration with other Board of Director members.
6. Coordinate with various organizations to increase fundraising.
7. Work with the Media Director to coordinate advertising sales.
8. Act as custodian of all OSNA funds, deposit such funds in the OSNA bank accounts, and serve as one of the authorized signers on the OSNA checking and savings accounts.
9. Maintain files of all financial statements and make available upon request.
10. Review financial status of the OSNA monthly to assess if the OSNA is staying within the budget.
11. When directed by the Board of Directors, shall be responsible for an outside audit of the association’s financial records.
12. Shall be responsible yearly to comply with current IRS requirements.
13. Perform other such functions as may be deemed proper for an officer of this association by the Board of Directors.
14. The outgoing Treasurer shall, within one month after the close of the convention, deliver to the newly elected Treasurer all money vouchers, books, and papers of the Association held in custody.
15. Prepare a year-end summary, financial report and proposed budget to be presented to the incoming Board of Directors as directed by the policies and procedures.
16. Serve as an advisor for the succeeding Treasurer.
E. The Media Director shall:
1. Be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
2. Serve as chairperson of the Communications Committee.
3. Appoint a secretary for the Communications Committee who will be responsible for developing and maintaining records and files for that academic year.
4. Be responsible for coordination, editing, printing, proofing and distribution of the official OSNA publications.
5. Solicit various organizations for advertising possibilities.
6. Solicit nursing students and others to submit articles for the official OSNA publications.
7. Assist with designing and proofing the OSNA Convention program and any other fliers, letters, posters, or other printings representing the OSNA.
8. Be responsible for developing advertising policies subject to Board of Directors’ approval.
9. Be responsible for developing, updating and maintaining the OSNA Websites.
10. Submit an estimated expense budget for the OSNA publication and website to the Treasurer within ninety days of taking office.
11. Be responsible for maintaining the professional integrity of the association by screening written material that is not representative of the OSNA and present discrepancies to the Board of Directors for final screening.
12. Perform other such functions as may be deemed proper activity for an officer of this association by the Board of Directors.
13. Prepare a year-end summary to be presented to the incoming Board of Directors as directed by the policies and procedures.
14. Serve as an advisor for the succeeding Media Director.
E. The Membership Director shall:
1. Be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
2. Serve as chair of the Membership Committee.
3. Appoint a secretary for the Membership Committee who will be responsible for developing and maintaining records and files for that academic year.
4. Maintain and distribute accurate and current listings of all OSNA members at each Board of Directors meeting as needed.
5. Contact Oregon nursing schools regarding total enrollment programs.
6. In collaboration with the Membership Committee, visit Oregon schools to encourage membership with the OSNA.
7. Develop recruitment activities for presentation during OSNA events.
8. Coordinate recruitment efforts in each nursing school of Oregon.
9. Maintain a roster of faculty and student contacts within each nursing school of Oregon.
10. Inform the Board of Directors at each OSNA meeting of statewide membership status and recruitment activities.
11. Serve as a resource person to all nursing schools regarding membership recruitment and/or chapter development.
12. Remind schools through regular correspondence to submit the Official Application for NSNA Constituency Status to the NSNA by the cutoff date.
13. Perform other such functions as may be deemed proper activity for an officer of this association by the Board of Directors.
14. Prepare year-end summary to be presented to the incoming Board of Directors as directed by the policies and procedures.
15. Serve as an advisor for the succeeding Membership Director.
F. The Legislative Education Director shall:
1. Be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
2. Serve as Chair of the Legislative Education Committee.
3. Appoint a secretary for the Legislative Education Committee who will be responsible for developing and maintaining records and files for that academic year.
4. Maintain current, accurate information regarding legislative health care initiatives and inform the Board of Directors and the NSNA of these.
5. Collaborate with the ONA for legislative efforts.
6. Serve as the legislative liaison between the OSNA and the ONA.
7. Shall serve on the Convention committee.
8. Organize, recruit and train delegates for at the annual convention.
9. Solicit and review resolutions from school constituent chapters.
10. Perform other such functions as may be deemed proper activity for an officer by the Board of Directors.
11. Prepare a year-end summary to be presented to the incoming Board of Directors as directed by the policies and procedures.
12. Serve as an advisor for the succeeding Legislative Director.
G. The Professional Development shall:
1. Be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
2. Serve as Chair of the Professional Development Committee.
3. Appoint a secretary for the Professional Development Committee who will be responsible for developing and maintaining records and files for that academic year.
4. Serve as the liaison for any community professional nursing development events.
5. Organize, mentor, and represent students preparing for initial licensure as registered nurses.
6. Create projects that promote the development of skills needed to be responsible, accountable members of the nursing profession.
7. Develop peer support systems to enhance recruitment and retention within the nursing profession at the state level.
8. Perform other such functions as may be deemed proper activity for an officer of this association by the Board of Directors.
9. Prepare a year-end summary to be presented to the incoming Board of Directors as directed by the policies and procedures.
10. Serve as an advisor for the succeeding Professional Development.
H. Breakthrough to Nursing Director shall:
1. Be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
2. Serve as Chair of the Breakthrough to Nursing Committee.
3. Appoint a secretary for the Breakthrough to Nursing Committee who will be responsible for developing and maintaining records and files for that academic year.
4. Coordinate Breakthrough to Nursing efforts in constituent chapters.
5. Maintain a roster of contacts for each school or organization for use for Breakthrough to Nursing development.
6. Serve as a resource person to all chapters for Breakthrough to Nursing activities and development.
7. Perform other such functions as may be deemed proper activity for an officer of this association by the Board of Directors.
8. Prepare a year-end summary to be presented to the incoming Board of Directors as directed by the policies and procedures.
9. Serve as an advisor for the succeeding Breakthrough to Nursing Director.
I. The Nominations and Elections Director shall:
1. Be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
2. Serve as Chair of the Nominations and Elections Committee.
3. Appoint a secretary for the Nominations and Elections Committee who will be responsible for developing and maintaining records and files for that academic year.
4. Serve on the Membership and Legislative committees.
5. Receive official applications of proposed candidates submitted by OSNA members.
6. Prepare a ballot of qualified candidates.
7. Assist with the mandatory candidate review meetings as stated in the NSNA’s “Candidate and Campaign Regulations”.
8. Encourage individuals to become active members of the NSNA and to run for state and national office.
9. Is ineligible to run for state office in the year that he/she serves as the Nominations and Elections Director.
10. Perform other such functions as may be deemed proper activity for an officer of this association by the Board of Directors.
11. Prepare a year-end summary to be presented to the incoming Board of Directors as directed by the policies and procedures.
12. Serve as an advisor for the succeeding Nominations and Elections Director.
J. The Convention Director shall:
1. Be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
2. Serve as the chair of the Convention Committee.
3. Appoint a secretary for the Convention Committee whose duties include developing and maintaining records and files related to community outreach efforts of the OSNA for their term of service.
4. Prepare and organize annual convention including but not limited to finding speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and venue.
5. Perform other such functions as may be deemed proper activity for an officer of this association by the Board of Directors.
6. Prepare a year-end summary to be presented to the incoming Board of Directors as directed by the policies and procedures.
7. Serve as an advisor for the succeeding Convention Director.
K. The Community Outreach Director shall:
1. Be a voting member of the Board of Directors.
2. Serve as the chair of the Community Health Committee.
3. Appoint a secretary for the Community Health Committee whose duties include developing and maintaining records and files related to community outreach efforts of the OSNA for their term of service.
4. Maintain a roster of contacts of community organizations interested in working with the OSNA on community activities.
5. Coordinate health fairs in the community, as needed, and recruit volunteers to assist with these activities.
6. Inform the OSNA Board of Directors of community activities at school chapters and throughout Oregon that will be posted on the OSNA websites, or for which we could provide volunteers.
7. Collaborate with school constituent chapters to encourage and recruit nursing students to become involved in their local communities.
8. Inform the OSNA of activities of nursing students throughout the community, such as health fairs and volunteer projects, and coordinate efforts between the OSNA and the school chapters.
9. Perform other such functions as may be deemed proper activity for an officer of this association by the Board of Directors.
10. Prepare a year-end summary to be presented to the incoming Board of Directors as directed by the policies and procedures.
11. Serve as an advisor for the succeeding Community Outreach Director.
Section II. Duties and Responsibilities of Chapter Representatives
A. Chapter Representatives of this association shall:
1. Be a non-voting member of the Board of Directors.
2. Be responsible for providing ongoing communication between the OSNA Board of Directors and the school chapters they represent.
3. Perform other such functions as may be deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.
4. Be a voting member of the Recall Committee.
Section III. Recall of Directors
A. Any officer of the association is subject to recall from office.
B. Recall proceedings can be implemented if said officer does not maintain concurrent enrollment status in a nursing school.
C. Any officer that is absent unannounced two or more meetings may be considered for recall.
D. Any officer that fails to fulfill his or her responsibilities as defined by these bylaws is subject to recall.
E. A Recall Committee comprised of the Board of Directors will send a written letter of dismissal will be sent to said officer. The officer has 14 working days to appeal the decision of the Recall Committee. Any actions of dismissal shall require a two-thirds vote by the Recall Committee.
Section IV. Selection of the Board of Directors
A. The association President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasure, Media Director, Membership Director, Legislative Education Director, Professional Development Director, Breakthrough to Nursing Director, Nominations and Election Director, Convention Director and Community Outreach Director shall be elected by the members of the OSNA with a majority vote in the House of Delegates during the annual convention, or appointed by the Board of Directors with a two-thirds vote.
B. Board members may not simultaneously fulfill positions on both the state (OSNA) and national (NSNA) boards.
C. One chapter representative per school shall be selected from their respective chapters.
Section V. Vacancies
A. A vacancy on the Board of Directors shall be filled, if deemed essential, by appointment and two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors.
B. The candidates for a vacant office must meet all qualification requirements.
C. Any resignation from a position on the Board of Directors shall be in writing and shall and shall be effective immediately upon delivery to the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VIII
Committees
Section I. Standings Committees
A. There shall be the following standing committees as designated by the Board of Directors:
1. Finance
2. Convention
3. Membership
4. Breakthrough to Nursing
5. Professional Development
6. Communications
7. Legislative Education
8. Nominations and Elections
9. Community Outreach
B. The standing committees shall be composed of members and shall assume such duties as in accordance with the purpose of OSNA.
Section I. Other Committees
A. The Board of Directors may establish other such committees as it deems necessary and desirable. Such committees may exercise functions of the Board of Directors or may be advisory committees.
ARTICLE IX
Elections
Section I. Nominations for the OSNA State Board Officers
A. The Nominations and Election Committee shall solicit and review nominations.
B. Candidates will be responsible for the completion and return of election materials to the Nominating and Elections Committee by the deadline.
C. The Nominating and Elections Committee will validate and compile candidate applications.
D. No one shall be nominated without consent of the nominee by the Nominations and Election Committee.
E. No nominee may simultaneously be a candidate for position on the national Board of Directors for the NSNA.
Section II. Election Guidelines
A. Write-in candidates will be accepted, subject to qualification requirements.
B. The elections will be determined by a majority vote of delegates in the OSNA House of Delegates during the annual convention. In the event that one candidate does not receive a majority vote of delegates, a second vote will be taken. If a majority is still not reached, the Board of Directors shall determine by a 2/3 vote the winner. If a 2/3 vote is still not achieved, the vote shall then be determined by casting of lots with a quorum of delegates present.
C. Elected Officers will be announced by the Board of Directors and/or Nominations and Elections Committee as deemed most appropriate.
Section III. Support for National Convention:
A. No OSNA Board of Director member shall, in their individual or official capacity, write any letter expressing backing and/or support for any NSNA national candidate unless so directed by the OSNA Board of Directors.
ARTICLE X
Annual Meeting
Section I. The OSNA Convention
A. A convention shall be held annually in the spring at such a time and place as determined by the Board of Directors.
B. The purpose of this meeting shall be to hold elections, receive reports, and conduct such other business as may properly come before the House of Delegates. In addition, the annual meeting shall be for the purpose of offering educational seminars, information about the NSNA and the OSNA, accessibility to exhibitors, as well as promoting collegiality throughout the state.
C. Cancellation of the convention—In the event of circumstances beyond the control of the Board of Directors, the convention may be cancelled by an affirmative vote of each voting member of the Board of Directors. All school chapters shall be notified of the cancellation.
Section II. Governing and Voting Body:
A. The House of Delegates shall be the governing and voting body of the association and shall be composed of the delegates from the constituent associations and members of the Board of Directors. The business of the annual meeting shall be conducted by the House of Delegates.
Section III. Delegate Representation:
A. The voting body at the annual meeting of this association shall consist of the elected officers, elected directors, and accredited delegates.
B. Recognized constituents shall be composed of at least one member from a school. The school chapter delegate(s) shall be a member in good standing in the chapter and shall be selected and/or elected by the members of the school chapter according to chapter bylaws. This requirement of one or more member(s) must be met on a date eight weeks prior to the Annual meeting of the House of Delegates. The school chapter may designate an alternate delegate for each elected school chapter delegate. All alternates shall have the same privileges as an elected delegate when seated in the House.
C. Each school chapter that is a 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 each additional ten members. Delegates shall be computed on the basis of the number of members in each constituency as evidenced by the annual dues received by the OSNA on a date eight weeks prior to the Annual House of Delegates. There shall be only one chapter from each school campus.
Section IV. Motions and Voting:
A. The privilege of making motions and voting shall be limited to the voting body. A voting member shall have but one vote in any election or on any question.
B. No proxy voting is allowed.
Section V. Open Meetings:
A. All meetings of the association shall be open unless voted otherwise by the House of Delegates. Student members, other than voting delegates, may attend the annual meeting, but shall not be seated with the delegate body, and may speak according to the convention rules.
B. The voting body at other meetings, except the Board of Directors meeting, shall consist of the elected state officers, directors, and all of the OSNA members present.
Section VI. Quorum
A. The quorum for the annual meeting shall consist of delegates from at least 51% of the total number of delegates credentialed at the annual meeting and which represent at least 2/3 of the constituent schools having delegates credentialed at the annual meeting, and at least four members of the Board of Directors, including the President or Vice President.
ARTICLE XI
Consultants
Section I. Consultants
A. There shall be at least two consultants. One consultant shall be appointed by the Board of Directors of the ONA in consultation with the OSNA Board of Directors. The second consultant shall be a graduate nurse or a graduating senior who was a member of the OSNA the previous year with experience on the state Board of Directors.
B. Consultants will apply and/or be nominated to the position and subsequently be voted on by the Board of Directors with a two-thirds vote.
C. Consultants will be elected for a two-year term and may be re-elected for one additional consecutive two-year term.
1. Terms of each consultant shall overlap, so there is one Consultant who participated in the events of the previous year, to provide consistency for the newly elected Board of Directors.
Section II. Responsibilities of the Consultants
A. To serve as resource persons consulting with the Board of Directors.
B. Attend meetings of the Board of Directors.
C. Be responsible for providing for interchange of information between the Board of Directors of the state nurses’ association and the OSNA.
D. Objectively interprets major health issues and concerns of the nursing profession and facilitates discussion leading to decision making and actvities by the board while refraining from directing the outcomes.
ARTICLE XII
Parliamentary Authority
Section I. Proceedings of the OSNA
Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern the proceedings of the OSNA in all cases not provided for in these bylaws.
ARTICLE XIII
Amendments
Section I. Guidelines for Amendments
A. These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the responding members of the OSNA.
B. Amendments shall be signed and submitted in writing to the OSNA President and/or Secretary. The Board of Directors, the OSNA committees, constituents, chapters, or individual members may submit proposed amendments. These approved amendments will be submitted to the OSNA at the Annual Convention.
C. Amendments to the bylaws of the NSNA adopted at the annual meeting, which directly relate to the business of the constituent associations in the areas of conformity, shall automatically and immediately effect the necessary changes in the bylaws of the constituent associations and shall promptly be incorporated into their bylaws.
