IANS

INDIANA ASSOCIATION OF
NURSING STUDENTS
BYLAWS

REASON FOR BEING

Preamble:

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 citizen has a right to the highest quality of health care.

We believe in the development of the whole person toward his/her professional role with its rights, responsibilities, and ideals.

We believe every right bears inherent responsibilities.

We believe responsibilities are participatory, not purely philosophical or ideological, and

We believe the quality and quantity of participation are not exclusive, but bear the responsibilities of participation.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Students have a right to a sound education.

Students have a right to, and responsibility for:

Students have a right to due process.

Students have a right and responsibility for insuring peer review and self-evaluation.

Students have all rights and privileges on internal governance.

Students have a right and responsibility to organize and participate in an organization directed toward achieving professional goals.

Students have a right and responsibility for:

 

ARTICLE I

The name of this organization shall be the Indiana Association of Nursing Students, a constituent of the National Student Nurses’ Association, Inc., hereinafter referred to as IANS and NSNA respectively.

ARTICLE II

Section 1. Principal Office

Due to the transient nature of an organization whose Board Member locations change yearly, IANS does not maintain a principal office. Current contact information can always be found on the IANS website at http://www.IndianaStudentNurses.org.

ARTICLE III

Section 1. The purpose of IANS is:

A. To assume responsibility for contributing to nursing education in order to provide for the highest quality of health care.

B. To provide programs representative of fundamental and current professional interests and concerns; and

C. To aid in the development of the whole person, his/her professional role, and his/her responsibility for the health care of all people in all walks of life.

Section 2. The function of the IANS shall include the following:

A. To have direct input into standards on nursing education and influence the educational 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 towards improved health care and the resolution of related social issues;

D. To represent nursing students to the consumer, to institutions, and other organizations; and

E. To promote and encourage collaborative relationships with the ISNA, and Indiana League for Nursing, as well as other nursing and related health organizations.

ARTICLE IV

CONSTITUENT ASSOCIATIONS

Section 1. Local nursing student associations, composed of students from a particular school of nursing, shall be recognized as a constituent association, hereinafter referred to as Locals, provided;

A. Local bylaws have been approved by the Board of Directors of IANS;

B. Members have paid the dues established for membership in the IANS and NSNA;

C. The local shall be composed of at least ten (10) members;

D. There shall be only one (1) Local per branch school;

E. IANS bylaws shall include the areas of conformity for active and associated membership, dues and representation to NSNA meetings.

Section 2. Locals are required to submit their bylaws and subsequent amendments at a yearly date, as set by the Board of Directors of IANS and NSNA.

Section 3. Bylaws of a local student nursing association in the process of becoming a Local of IANS, may be accepted prior to the annual session with the approval of the Board of Directors of IANS.

Section 4. A Local not complying with the requirements of these bylaws may be disqualified by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors provided at least thirty (30) days notice of the anticipated actions has been given before such a vote is taken.


Section 5. A Local which has been disqualified may be reinstated by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE V

MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

Section 1. Members of the NSNA shall constitute the membership of the IANS.

Section 2. Membership of the locals shall be:

A. Active Members

1.     Undergraduates enrolled in state approved programs leading to a licensure as a registered nurse.

2.     Registered nurses enrolled in undergraduate programs leading to a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing.

3.     Active members shall have all the privileges of membership.

B. Associate Membership

1.     Pre-nursing students, including registered nurses enrolled in college or university programs designed as preparation for entrance into an associate degree or baccalaureate degree in nursing.

2.     Associate members shall have all the privileges of membership except the right to hold office of president or vice president at the state or national level.

C. Individual Members

1.     Individual membership shall be open to any eligible student when membership in a constituent association is not available.

2.     Individual members shall have the privileges of membership as prescribed in Article V, Section 2, A and 2, B.

D. Honorary Members

1.     Honorary membership may be conferred by a vote of two-thirds of the House of Delegates upon recommendation by the Board of Directors of persons who have rendered distinguished service of valuable assistance to IANS.

2.     Honorary members shall have none of the obligations or privileges of membership.

C. Sustaining Members

1.     Sustaining membership shall be open at the state level to any individual or organization interested in furthering the development and growth of IANS, upon approval of the Board of Directors.

2.     Sustaining members will receive literature and other information from the national and state offices.

Section 3. Membership may be extended beyond completion of a student’s undergraduate program for a period not to exceed six (6) months providing membership was renewed while the student was enrolled in a nursing program.

Section 4. Active, associate, and individual membership shall be renewable annually or biannually depending on expiration date. Sustaining membership shall be renewable annually.

Section 5. Dues

A. Annual dues for IANS shall be ten (10) dollars per member plus the current dues for membership in the NSNA.

B. The annual dues shall cover membership for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months from the date NSNA receives membership payment.

C. NSNA and IANS dues shall be payable directly to NSNA. NSNA will remit IANS the dues received on behalf of the constituent. Local dues shall be decided upon and submitted to the local chapter and not submitted to NSNA.

D. Any member who does not pay current dues shall forfeit all privileges of membership.

E. Dues are delinquent if payment is not received by NSNA prior to your expiration date.

ARTICLE VI

OFFICERS

Section 1. The officers of the IANS shall be: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Section 2. The immediate past officers shall serve as consultants to the new officers for one (1) month after end of term of office. The immediate past president shall be a consultant for the next term.

Section 3. The President shall:

A. Serve as principal officer of the association and preside at all meetings of the IANS and the Board of Directors;

B. Appoint special committees with the approval of the Board of Directors;

C. Shall oversee the negation of the five (5) elected Directors, Editor, Co-editor, and Staff to their respected committee chair person;

D. Approve expenditures as submitted by the Treasurer;

E. Be an ex-officio member of all committees;

F. Represent this association in all matters relating to the IANS and perform all other duties pertaining to this office;

G. Shall be responsible for seeing that the line of direction given by the House of Delegates, and the actions of the Board are carried into effect, and for reporting to the membership and the Board of Directors on the conduct of affairs of IANS;

H. Have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors; and

I. Shall attend the NSNA Convention as the IANS Delegate.

Section 5. The Vice President Shall:

A. Assume the duties of the President in the absence of the President.

B. In the event of a vacancy occurring in the office of President, becomes the President; and

C. Performs all other duties assigned by the President.

Section 6. The Secretary shall:

A. Record the minutes of the IANS and its Board of Directors and provide for the sending of copies of such minutes to the board, its consultants, personal records, and NSNA;

B. Conduct and preserve the general correspondence of IANS;

C. Call roll by Locals to determine quorum at each meeting of the IANS sessions;

D. Send NSNA the names and addresses of all newly elected officials and notify NSNA and IANS of changes in address;

E. Perform all other duties assigned by the President.

Section 7. The Treasurer shall:

A. Act as custodian or organizational funds and deposit these funds in the bank approved by the Board of Directors;

B. Be chairperson of the Finance Committee consulting with special interests committees and aid in presenting budgets one (1) month after the annual session;

C. Prepare a budget and make monetary disbursements (by check) with approval of the President, and authorization of the Board of Directors;

D. See that an annual fiscal year financial statement is prepared in accordance with the standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. This statement must be compiled by November 1st, and presented to the IANS Board for review and acceptance annually;

E. See that annual state and national tax exemption forms are filed before the appropriate deadline – unless otherwise decided by IANS Board of Directors.

F. Perform all other duties assigned by the President.

Section 8. Term of Office

The term of office shall be one (1) year from adjournment of the annual meeting in which officers and directors are elected, to adjournment of the annual meeting at which their successors are elected.

Section 9. Vacancies

A. A vacancy in office or on the Board of Directors, other than President, shall be filled, if deemed essential, by the Board of Directors. In any case, when the Board of Directors receives a letter of resignation, a written explanation shall be provided to all the local presidents as soon as the Board of Directors has reached a decision.

B. The candidate for a vacant office must meet all the eligibility requirements; and

C. Providing a vacancy shall be filled, it shall require a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VII

NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

Section 1. The Nominating and Elections Committee, hereinafter, referred to as N/E C;

A. N/E C shall be composed of three (3) members representing three (3) different Locals. They shall be elected at the annual meeting to serve for a term of one (1) year. All members shall be nursing students for at least three quarters of their term of office. The chairperson shall be the member who receives the largest number of votes on the slate ballot.

B. A vacancy on the N/E C shall be filled by the Board of Directors with a nominee recommended by the N/E C. In the case of a member not performing his/her duties, the Board of Directors shall declare the position vacant and shall fill the vacancy with a nominee recommended by the N/E C.

C. No member shall hold more than one (1) elected State position at any time.

Section 2. Nominations

A. Once nominated and written consent obtained by IANS, candidates shall obtain and submit the written support of their nursing program director or an explanation of why the support was withheld;

B. All nominees shall be nursing students for at least three quarters of their term of office;

C. Nominations may be made from the floor at the annual meeting of the association provided that the eligibility of the individual so nominated, as determined by the bylaws, has been established and the written consent of such individual secured and submitted prior to such meeting; and

D. No member shall hold more than one (1) elected State position during the same term office.

Section 3. Elections

A. The Officers, five (5) Directors, N/E C, Editor, and Co-editor, shall be elected at each annual meeting by the House of Delegates;

B. The election shall be by ballot. A plurality vote shall elect. A tie vote shall be decided first by a re-vote, and, if necessary, then by casting a vote.

Section 4. Term of Office

A. Elections are held at the Annual Convention. Term of office for newly elected officers is May 1st following the Convention through April 30th of the following year.

ARTICLE VIII

MEETINGS

Section 1. There shall be an annual meeting to be referred to as the IANS State Convention Annual Session, at such time and place as shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 2. The annual meeting shall be for the purpose of electing Officers, Directors, Editors, and receiving reports and conducting other business as may properly come before the House of Delegates.

Section 3. Special meetings may be called by the Board of Directors or President upon written request of two-thirds of the Locals. Notice of time, place, and purpose of the meeting shall be given to all Locals not less than five (5) days prior to the meeting.

Section 4. All meetings of the IANS shall be open unless voted otherwise by the IANS voting body. Student members, other than voting delegates, may attend the annual meeting but shall not be seated with the delegate body and may speak once on each issue before the House.

Section 5. The voting body of the House of Delegates shall consist of Officers, Directors, Editors, and Delegates of the Locals.

Section 6. Each Local constituent shall be entitled to delegates accordingly; for ten (10) or more members in good standing, the Local shall be entitled to one (1) voting delegate with one (1) additional delegate for each ten (10) members in good standing after the first ten (10). Delegates shall be computed on the basis of the number of members in each Local as evidenced by the annual dues received on the date one (1) week before the annual meeting of IANS.

Section 7. The privileges of making motions and voting shall be limited to the voting body. A voting member shall have one (1) vote in any election or on any question. This vote must be exercised in person by the delegate or alternate, and in their absence, may not be assigned to or exercised by any other delegate or individual by means of a proxy or other written or oral assignment.

Section 8. The IANS, constituent of the NSNA (provided that IANS consists of at least two (2) Locals with ten (10) members each) shall be entitled to representation at the NSNA annual convention in accordance with the NSNA bylaws. This delegate shall be the State President. If the President cannot serve, a designated representative shall be elected at a state meeting or by the State Board of Directors.


Section 9. Two officers, one (1) of which shall be the President, Vide President, and one-third of the registered delegates shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the IANS.

ARTICLE IX

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. There shall be a Board of Directors consisting of the Officers, five (5) Directors, Editor and Co-Editor.

Section 2. Consultants shall serve as ex-officio members of the Board of Directors without a vote, as well as, appointed IANS staff.

Section 3. The Editor shall:

A. Be responsible for publishing and distributing the State Newsletter at a minimum of four (4) issues per term;

B. Work closely with the Convention Planning Director to prepare publicly for state workshops, and annual convention and pre-convention mailing;

C. Provide for effective means of communication with local membership;

D. Be chairperson for the Publications Committee of which the Editor will appoint those said members as staff with approval by the IANS Board of Directors;

E. Serve as consultant to newly elected Editor for a period of six (6) months immediately after term, and as needed; and

F. Perform all other duties assigned by the President.

Section 4. The five (5) Directors, as defined as the Northern Outreach Director, the Central Outreach Director, Convention Director, and the Breakthrough to Nursing Director shall each:

A. Serve as chairperson for their standing committees, as appointed or negotiated by the Board of Directors.

B. Serve as consultant for one (1) month after the election of new officers, and as needed; and

C. Perform all other duties as assigned by the President.

Section 5. The Board of Directors shall:

A. Be required to attend all meetings of the IANS Board of Directors:

1.     Four (4) approved excused absences will be granted to the Board of Directors only if the President has been notified prior to the meeting or at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

2.     Four (4) unexcused absences will result in immediate termination of the individual’s term of office.

B. Manage affairs of the IANS between the annual convention sessions of the membership; and

C. Select the time and place of all meetings of IANS; and

D. Have authority to declare an office vacant if the duties of the office have not been fulfilled in a reasonable time by the Board of Directors; and

E. Fill vacancies occurring in any office except the office of President or Vice President;

1.     A vacancy on the Board of Directors other than President or Vice President shall be filled, if deemed essential by the Board of Directors.

2.     The candidates for a vacant office must meet all eligibility requirements.

3.     Providing a vacancy shall be filled, it shall require a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors.

F. Provide for such work of the officers and committee as may be deemed expedient, provide for proper care of the material, equipment, and funds of IANS; and

G. Approve the annual budget and provide for the annual audit of accounts by a Certified Public Accountant at the close of the fiscal year; and

H. Appoint one (1) delegate to the NSNA convention in accordance with the Bylaws of IANS and NSNA; and

I. Negotiate and approve contract for secretarial and publishing services; and

J. Appoint members to standing committees.

Section 6. All Board members must renew their membership if it expires while in office. Failure to do so within one (1) month falls under Article V, Section 5, E.

Section 7. 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 or modify any action taken by the House of Delegates in convention, and subject to the provisions of these bylaws.

Section 8. 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, member, or constituents, unless the same was duly authorized in writing by the Board of Directors.

Section 9. The Board of Directors shall meet at least four (4) times between the annual sessions or at such other times as may be deemed advisable by the President or any three (3) members of the Board of Directors.


Section 10. In the interval between the meeting of the Board of Directors, the President of IANS may refer and submit questions by mail or telephone to the members of the Board of Directors, definite questions relating to the affairs of IANS which in the opinion of the President requires immediate action on the part of the Board of Directors. The results of such referendum, which requires a majority vote, provided such action is not inconsistent with the action taken by the voting body of the IANS in its annual session, shall be entered into the minutes of the next Board of Directors.

Section 11. A quorum of the Board of Directors shall consist of a majority of the voting members of the Board, one (1) of which shall be the President or Vice President.

Section 12. Those members holding state office whose state term extends for more than seven (7) months from the day of election to a national position, must resign from one (1) of these offices at least three (3) weeks prior to the next Board of Directors meeting or a vacancy will be declared in the state position.

ARTICLE X

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1. There shall be an executive committee of the Board of Directors composed of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and a consultant. This committee shall have the power to transact business only of an emergency nature which cannot wait until the next scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors. All transactions of this committee shall be reported in full at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors. The executive committee may conduct such emergency business by telephone, mail or e-mail.

ARTICLE XI

CONSULTANTS

Section 1. In addition to the immediate past officers and the immediate past directors who serve as short-term consultants, there shall be three (3) consultants to IANS. One (1) shall be appointed by each of the Board of Directors of ISNA and ILN in consultation with the IANS Board of Directors. The third consultant shall be the immediate past president of the IANS. The IANS Board has the right to accept and/or reject suggested appointees on an annual basis and within three (3) months of appointment of a new Board of Directors/IANS Consultant, whichever is applicable. These consultants shall be responsible for providing interchange of information between the Board of Directors of the ISNA, ILN, and IANS. These three (3) consultants shall be evaluated annually by the IANS Board.

Section 2. The outgoing Board of Directors, except for the Editor, Treasurer, and President, shall serve as consultants for one (1) month after the end of term of office and as needed. The Editor and Treasurer shall serve as consultant for six (6) months and the President shall serve as a consultant for twelve (12) months.

ARTICLE XII

COMMITTEES

Section 1. The Board of Directors, at its discretion, shall establish committees deemed necessary to carry on the work of the association and determine the functions, terms, and membership of the committees. A quorum for committees meetings shall be a majority of the members.

Section 2. The standing committees shall be composed of members of the IANS and shall assume such duties as are assigned by the President. Standing committees shall report to the Board of Directors and the membership when requested to do so. Each standing committee chairman shall submit a written report of the activities of the committees to the Secretary one (1) month prior to the annual session. The elected committee members are not required to attend IANS Board of Directors meetings but must attend the Fall Conference and the State Convention.

Section 3. There shall be the following standing committees (if deemed necessary by the Board of Directors):

A. Membership Committee, chaired by a Director;

B. Legislative Committee, chaired by a Director;

C. Finance Committee, chaired by the Treasurer;

D. Fall Conference Planning Committee, chaired by a Director;

E. IANS State Convention Planning Committee, chaired by a Director;

F. Project/Breakthrough to Nursing Committee, chaired by a Director;

G. Nominations/Elections Committee, chaired by the representative elected.

Section 4. Committee duties shall include, but not to be limited to:

A. The Membership Committee shall:

1.     Communicate with NSNA about membership recruitment drives;

2.     Organize state-wide recruitment drives;

3.     Provide state secretary with complete list of members one (1) month prior to annual convention of the IANS to establish number of delegates;

4.     Distribute at least four (4) times a year membership lists to constituent schools’ presidents; and

5.     Perform all other duties as assigned by the President.

B. The Legislative Committee shall:

1.     Review the Bylaws and standing rules as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors;

2.     Keep the members of IANS informed of the progress of the state and national legislation pertaining to students of nursing;

3.     Communicate the position of IANS regarding specific legislation to the appropriate members of Congress or to the Indiana General Assembly;

4.     Prepare resolutions submitted by Locals for vote at the State Convention and be responsible to send approved resolutions to NSNA; and

5.     Perform all other duties assigned by the President.

C. The Finance Committee shall:

1.     Meet for yearly recruitment proposal including the use of special account funds; and

2.     Perform all other duties as assigned by the President.

D. The Council of School Presidents Planning Committee shall:

1.     Organize the time, place, and agenda of the Conference;

2.     Develop workshops and arrange for appropriate speakers for the Conference;

3.     Facilitate other factors regarding the Conference and planning; and

4.     Perform all other duties as assigned by the President.

E. The State Convention Planning Committee shall:

1.     Organize the time, place, and agenda for the State Convention;

2.     Develop workshops and contact speakers for the State Convention;

3.     Facilitate all other matters pertaining to the State Convention planning; and

4.     Perform all other duties as assigned by the President.

F. The Project/Breakthrough to Nursing Committee shall:

1.     Organize programs for the recruitment/retention of minorities in nursing education;

2.     Organize state-wide projects to distribute to Local Chapters of IANS;

3.     Display pamphlets and other project information at the annual IANS sessions; and

4.     Perform all other duties as assigned by the President.

G. Nominations and Elections Committee shall:

1.     Choose a slate of candidates for Officers, five (5) Directors, the Editor, and N/E members prior to the opening off the IANS annual session.

2.     Obtain written consent of all proposed candidates before placing their names on the slate;

3.     Present the N/E report and the official slate of candidates at the first business meeting of the annual convention;

4.     Run the Candidates Presentation and Presidential Debate;

5.     Monitor and investigate complaints of campaign violations;

6.     Oversee the functions of the campaign committee; and

7.     Present the new officers to the House of Delegates.

ARTICLE XIII

PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

All meetings of this association shall be conducted according to parliamentary law set forth in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, where these rules apply and are not in conflict with these Bylaws.

ARTICLE XIV

AMENDMENTS

Section 1. These Bylaws may be amended at the annual meeting of IANS by two-thirds vote, provided notice of proposed amendments have been submitted to the Locals fifteen (15) days prior to the annual meeting.

Section 2. These Bylaws may be amended without previous notice at any meeting by IANS by a unanimous vote.

Section 3. Any Local may submit proposed amendments to the Legislative Committee.

Section 4. The Legislative Committee shall submit all proposed amendments with recommendations to the Board of Directors for review prior to the annual meeting.


Section 5. Amendments to the Bylaws of NSNA, adopted at the annual meeting, which directly relate to the business of IANS in the areas of conformity, shall automatically and immediately affect the necessary amendments to the Bylaws of constituent associations and shall promptly be incorporated into the IANS Bylaws.

Section 6. Amendments to the Bylaws of IANS adopted at the annual meeting will be effective immediately, unless an effective date is specified.

STATEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH NSNA

Whereas:

The IANS Board of Directors supports NSNA’s stand on “A Smoke and Drug Free Environment”; and

We encourage all IANS members to refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco products, and illegal drugs at all NSNA/IANS scheduled activities;

Be it resolved:

The Board prohibits the use of alcohol, tobacco products, and illegal drugs from any state meeting or scheduled activities.