Download: Policies and Procedures
Bylaws
As amended October 2010
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Georgia Association of Nursing Students, herein after referred to as GANS, a constituent of National Student Nurses’ Association, Inc.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE AND FUNCTION
SECTION 1. The Purpose of GANS
A. To assume responsibility for contributing to nursing education to provide for the highest
quality of health care.
B. To provide programs representative of fundamental and current professional interest and
concerns; and
C. To aid in the development of the whole person, including and understanding of the
professional role of a nurse, and his/her responsibility for the health care of all people.
SECTION 2. The function of GANS shall include the following:
A. To have direct input into standards of 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;
E. To promote and encourage student’s participation in interdisciplinary activities;
F. To promote and encourage recruitment efforts, participation in student activities and
educational opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, sex, lifestyle, national origin, age,
or economic status;
G. To promote and encourage collaborative relationships with the Georgia Association for
Nursing Education, Georgia Nurses Association, as well as other nursing and related
organizations.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERS
SECTION 1. Constituent Associations
A. Any school chapter whose membership is composed of NSNA active or associate members
and who have submitted the Official Application for NSNA Constituency Status containing
the areas of conformity and an application for GANS Constituency status, and upon
meeting such other policies as the Board of Directors may determine, shall be recognized as
a constituent. By submitting these applications, schools agree to abide by these areas of
conformity and to use them as their own bylaws. Constituency status will be renewable
each year by resubmission of the applications. Schools must submit their own individual
bylaws to GANS but are not required to submit their bylaws to NSNA.
B. A school may obtain Restricted Constituent Status by submitting only the application for
GANS constituency status. By submitting this application, delegate representation will be
determined as outlined in Article VI, Section 3 Paragraph D.
C. Any school chapter whose membership is composed of NSNA active or associate members
and who have submitted an Official Application for GANS Constituency Status containing
the areas of conformity, and upon meeting such other policies as the executive board
determined, shall be recognized as a limited constituent. By submitting this application
each year, schools agree to abide by these areas of conformity and to use them as their
own bylaws. Limited Constituency status will be renewable each year by resubmission of
the application. Limited Constituent Associations shall have delegate representation as
outlined in Article VI, Section 3 Paragraph D. Schools should submit their own bylaws to
GANS.
D. A school chapter shall be composed of all students who are in good standing with NSNA.
This shall apply only on the state level, not to affect the NSNA requirements of
constituency status. There shall be only one chapter at each school campus.
E. A constituent who fails to comply with the bylaws and policies of GANS and NSNA shall
have its status revoked by a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board, provided that written notice
to the proposed revocation has been given at least two (2) months prior to the vote and
the constituent association is given and opportunity to be heard.
F. A limited constituent which fails to comply with the bylaws and policies of GANS shall have
its statutes revoked by a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board, provided that written notice to
the proposed revocation has been given at least two (2) months prior to vote and the
limited constituent association is given an opportunity to be heard.
G. A state association shall be composed of at least two schools chapters in the state. School
chapters shall belong to the state association.
SECTION 2. Categories of Constituent Membership
Members of the constituent association shall be:
A. Active Members:
1. Undergraduate students 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 privileges of membership.
B. Associate Members
1. Pre-nursing students, including registered nurses enrolled in college or university
programs leading to an associate, diploma, or baccalaureate degree in nursing.
2. Associate members shall have all the privileges of membership, except the right to hold
office as the President, 1st Vice President and 2nd Vice President at state and national
levels.
SECTION 3. Categories of Non-Constituent Membership
A. Sustaining Organization Members:
1. Sustaining Organization membership shall be open in GANS to any organization, upon
approval of the Executive Board, interested in furthering the development and growth in
GANS. Sustaining Organization Membership shall be granted for an annual fee of $50.00.
B. Honorary Members:
1. Honorary membership may be conferred by 2/3 vote of the House of Delegates with
recommendation of the Executive Board upon persons who have tendered distinguished
service or valuable assistance to GANS. Honorary members shall have none of the
obligations or privileges of membership.
SECTION 4. Active and Associate Membership Term:
Active and Associate membership may be extended six (6) months beyond the completion of a student’s program in nursing. Sustaining membership shall be renewable annually.
SECTION 5. Dues:
A. Annual dues:
1. The total annual dues shall include dues for NSNA, GANS, and school (if any) for any
member. The dues year shall be for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months.
2. Payment of NSNA, GANS, and school dues (if any) is a prerequisite for membership.
3. NSNA and GANS dues shall be payable directly to NSNA. NSNA shall remit to each state
constituent the dues received on behalf of the constituent. School dues shall not be
submitted to NSNA.
4. NSNA dues shall be $35.00 per member per membership year with GANS receiving
$10.00 per member per membership year for state dues. NSNA Renewal dues shall be
$40.00 per member with GANS receiving $10.00 per member per year for state dues.
School dues (if any) shall be decided according to each school’s bylaws.
B. The annual dues for sustaining members shall be established by the GANS Executive Board.
C. Any member who fails to pay current dues shall forfeit all privileges of membership.
ARTICLE IV
SECTION 1. Officers of GANS shall be a President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
SECTION 2. There shall be nine (9) Directors.
A. One Director shall be the GANS Publications Director, one shall be the Legislative Director,
one shall be the Breakthrough to Nursing Director, one shall be the Community Health
Director, one shall be the Public Relations Director, and there shall be one (1) Director for
each of the following districts; North Georgia, West Georgia, East Georgia, and South
Georgia.
B. Each nursing school campus in Georgia will be assigned to a district as follows:
1. North Georgia:Brenau University, Georgia Highlands College, Georgia Perimeter
College, Gwinett Technical College, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing/Emory
University, Kennesaw State University, North Georgia College & State University, North
Western Technical College, and Piedmont College.
2. West Georgia: Clayton State University, Columbus State University, Columbus
Technical College, Georgia Baptist College of Nursing/Mercer University, Byrdine F. Lewis
School of Nursing/Georgia State University, Gordon College, LaGrange College, University
of West Georgia, West Central Technical College.
3. East Georgia: Athens Area Technical Institute, Augusta State University, Georgia
College & State University-Macon, Georgia College & State University-Milledgeville,
Georgia Southern University, Macon State College, Medical College of Georgia-Athens,
Medical College of Georgia-Augusta, Middle Georgia College.
4. South Georgia:Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College, Albany State College, Armstrong
State University, Bainbridge College, Coastal Georgia Community College, Darton
College, South Georgia College, Southwest Georgia Technical College, Valdosta State
University, Waycross College.
C. New schools will be appointed to a district by the Executive Board of GANS.
D. The entire House of Delegates shall be eligible to vote for each director. The director must
be enrolled in a school within the district he/she represents.
E. Only members who shall be nursing students throughout the full term in office, with a six
(6) month leeway and have privileges of active membership, shall be eligible for the offices
of President, First Vice President, Second Vice President
F. Only members who shall be nursing or pre-nursing students throughout the full term in
office, with a six (6) month leeway and have privileges of active or associate membership,
shall be eligible for the offices of Secretary, Treasurer, District Directors, Director of
Legislation, Publications Director, Director of Breakthrough to Nursing, and Community
Health Director.
G. One member, who ran for, but was not elected to, the Executive Board or the Nominations
and Elections Committee of GANS, shall be appointed to the board as an alternate board
member. The appointment shall take place within 24 hours of the elections at the annual
meeting and be based on a majority vote of the Executive Board. If the position becomes
vacant at a later time, a new alternate board member will be appointed by the executive
board. The alternate member shall fill any GANS position that becomes vacant with the
exception of the President or First Vice President or Second Vice President, and any Director
of any district or Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC) that they are not from. The
alternate member will not have voting rights unless they fill a position with voting rights.
SECTION 3. Term of Office:
A. The term of office shall be for one year from the adjournment of the annual meeting at
which officers and directors are elected to adjournment of the annual meeting at which
their successors are elected.
B. Any Executive Board Member who voluntarily resigns from their term of office, or becomes
ineligible for office according to GANS bylaws, Article III, Section 2, Paragraphs A and B, or
in the case of the office being declared vacant according to Article VII, Section 4, Paragraph
E before their term expires, or whose office becomes terminated according to Article IV,
Section 3, Paragraph C, shall reimburse the GANS treasury all funds paid to or for them,
other than travel to and from Executive Board Meetings, within sixty (60) days of
notification by GANS treasurer, of the amount owed. Appeal to exclude from
reimbursement documented costs of fulfilling the duties of the office may be approved by a
2/3 vote of the Executive Board within that sixty (60) day period.
1. Exclusions to this include: life endangering illness of self, spouse, parent or child, family
relocation, physician order explaining the extent of the illness/injury and how it prohibits
the performance of duties, or any other situation approved by a 2/3 Board decision.
2. GANS Executive Board will retain the right to decide reimbursement when special
circumstances not otherwise addressed in the bylaws exist.
C. Two unexcused absences will result in termination from office. The Executive Board will
determine whether an absence is excused or unexcused.
D. No member of the Executive Board shall be allowed to have more than three absences,
excused or unexcused, to GANS board meetings.
SECTION 4. Duties of Officers and Directors: The officers shall perform the duties prescribed by the parliamentary authority, and more specifically shall include:
A. The President shall:
1. Preside at all meetings of the association of the Executive Board.
2. Appoint special committees with the approval of the Executive Board.
3. Serve as ex-officio members of all committees except nominations and elections.
4. Represent GANS in matters relating to the association and perform all other duties
pertaining to the office.
5. Shall attend or designate an Executive Board member to attend the Georgia Council of
Nursing Organization meetings and meetings of other organizations deemed appropriate,
and report back to the Executive Board and state constituents.
6. Oversee the annual review and revision of the strategic plan, which should be completed
by the annual meeting.
7. Provide a monthly written report to Executive Board members at board meetings.
B. The First Vice President shall:
1. Assume the duties of the President in the absence or disability of the President.
2. Accede to the office of President in the case of a vacancy in the office.
3. Be responsible for the program at meetings of the association.
4. Provide a monthly written report to Executive Board members at board meetings.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by the President.
C. The Second Vice President shall:
1. Assume the duties of the First Vice President in the absence or disability of the First Vice
President.
2. Accede to the office of the First Vice President in case of a vacancy in the office.
3. Be responsible for review and recommendation for change in the bylaws and policies.
4. Be familiar with parliamentary procedure. Assure that parliamentary procedure is
followed at all Board Meetings and at the state convention.
5. Submit resolutions from the state Executive Board to the House of Delegates at the
annual state convention. Work in conjunction with the Director of Legislation in
submitting Georgia-drafted resolutions to the House of Delegates at the NSNA Annual
Convention.
6. Be responsible for upkeep and maintenance of GANS archives.
7. Provide a monthly written report to Executive Board members at board meetings.
8. Perform other duties assigned by the President.
D. The Secretary shall:
1. Prepare the minutes of all business meetings of the association and Executive Board.
2. Obtain Board reports from Executive Board members prior to monthly meetings and
include in minutes.
3. Record minutes at all business meetings of association and Executive Board
4. Prepare and disseminate minutes to Executive Board and post to yahoo groups page ten
days after meeting for review
5. Within ten (10) days of approval of minutes: submit official minutes to NSNA, post
corrected minutes (as necessary) to yahoo groups page, and submit to Publications
Director for publication on the GANS website.
6. Obtain and provide up-to-date contact information of Executive Board members
7. Obtain and provide up-to-date names and contact information for local school chapter
officers
8. Ensure upcoming events are posted to GANS website calendar each month.
9. Prepare yearly Chapter Resource Book (CRB).
10. Perform other duties as assigned by the President.
E. The Treasurer shall:
1. Act as custodian of the organization’s funds and see that a detailed annual financial
report (i.e. previous year and year-to-date) be prepared and presented in writing to all
constituent association at the state convention.
2. Be bonded and have treasurer’s books audited at the end of the fiscal year, when
deemed necessary by the Executive Board.
3. Serve as chairperson of the finance committee when such a committee is established by
the Executive Board.
4. Furnish to the chairman of the tellers, not less than two (2) hours before the opening of
the polls, a list of delegates entitled to vote at the annual meeting.
5. Monitor funds and inform the Executive board of allocated funds and expenditures
related to the budget at monthly board meetings.
6. Provide a monthly written report to Executive Board members at board meetings.
7. Perform other duties as assigned by the President.
8. Shall submit a proposed budget for the upcoming year to the House of Delegates at the
annual meeting.
F. The District Directors shall:
1. Serve as a communication link between their district and the Executive Board.
2. Act as resource person for schools in their district.
3. Contact each school in their district at least once per month during the school year by
telephone, email, or in person.
4. Have their duties defined by the Executive Board according to needs and priorities.
5. Provide a monthly written report to the Executive Board members at board meetings.
6. Perform other duties assigned by the President.
G. The Public Relations Director shall:
1. Solicit and communicate with potential exhibitors and advertisers for the purpose of
convention and EKG/website financing.
2. Handle invoicing of all advertising and exhibiting of GANS functions.
3. Organizing exhibit hall during GANS state convention.
4. Coordinate GANS press releases to nursing publications in Georgia.
5. Shall coordinate the annual IMAGE OF NURSING AWARD.
6. Provide a monthly written report at board meetings.
7. Perform other duties assigned by the President.
H. The Publications Director shall:
1. Be responsible for the publication of GANS EKG.
2. Be responsible for the publication of the annual GANS convention booklet.
3. Be responsible for submitting article biannually to NSNA for publication for the
“Happenings” column.
4. Shall coordinate the annual CHAPTER NEWSLETTER AWARD.
5. Provide a monthly written report to Executive Board members at board meetings.
6. Update and maintain GANS website on a monthly basis.
7. Perform other duties assigned by the President.
I. The Legislative Director shall:
1. Stay informed concerning legislation in Georgia affecting nurses and nursing students.
2. Keep the Executive Board and GANS constituents informed concerning nursing
legislation in the state and nation.
3. Submit resolutions from the state Executive Board to the House of Delegates at the
annual convention. Work in conjunction with the Second Vice President in writing the
resolutions. Have approved resolutions selected during the GANS Annual State
Convention to be submitted at the NSNA Annual Convention.
4. Write a legislative update for each issue of the EKG.
5. Shall coordinate the annual POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT AWARD.
6. Provide a monthly written report to the Executive Board members at board meetings.
7. Perform other duties assigned by the President.
J. The Breakthrough to Nursing Director shall:
1. Submit BTN Project to District Directors to disperse to school chapters by the third
month in office and keep the Executive Board informed of the goals and progress of the
project.
2. Maintain communication with the local school BTN directors.
3. Work to develop nursing school recruitment materials and guidelines for recruiters
appropriate to the state’s recruitment needs.
4. Assist local chapters in developing recruitment materials and guidelines for recruitment
in the area.
5. Write a BTN update article for each issue for the EKG.
6. Identify and compile a listing of state and national financial aid sources for nursing
students.
7. Shall coordinate the annual CHAPTER BTN AWARD.
8. Responsible for GANS membership and recruitment and retention.
9. Provide a monthly report to Executive Board members at board meetings.
10. Perform other duties as assigned by the President.
K. The Community Health Director shall:
1. Submit Community service projects to the District Directors to disperse to school
chapters by the third month in office and keep the Executive Board informed of the
goals and progress of the projects.
2. Work to develop or participate in statewide, national, or inter-national community
service projects.
3. Assist local chapters in developing or participating in statewide, national, or international
community service projects.
4. Shall coordinate the annual CHAPTER COMMUNITY PROJECT AWARD.
5. Update and maintain the Community Health page of the GANS website and submit
articles for publication in the EKG
6. Provide a monthly report to the Executive Board at each Board meeting.
7. Perform other duties assigned by the President.
L. The Alternate Board Member shall:
1. Fill any GANS position that becomes vacant with the exception of President, First Vice-
President, Second Vice-President, or any Director of any District or NEC they are not
from.
2. Must attend all monthly meetings of the GANS Executive Board in accordance with the
GANS bylaws Articles IV, Section #.
3. Participate in GANS committees
4. Assist other members of the GANS Board
5. Perform other duties assigned by the President.
M. Council of School Presidents (COSP) Chair/Co-Chairs:
1. Act as ex-officio Board Member, Attend monthly meetings as necessary
2. Plan and run Council of School Presidents meetings at least bi-annually; at COSL and
GANS Convention
3. Plan and run additional COSP meetings if possible; suggest NSNA Annual Convention/
Feb-March.
4. Maintain and manage COSP Yahoo Groups.
5. Serve 6 month term with elections held at COSL and GANS Convention COSP sessions.
SECTION 5. Vacancies:
A. The Alternate Board Member shall fill vacancy on the Executive Board or NEC, unless the
Alternate Board member will be unable to fill the vacancy, due to bylaw constraints.
1. If the vacancy is unable to be filled by the Alternate Board Member, then a letter of
notification shall be sent out to all non-elected candidates from the previous State
Convention and all Chapter Presidents.
2. A 2/3 vote by the Executive Board must be obtained to approve the prospective
candidate.
B. In the case of vacancy of an office, all materials of office are to be turned in to the
President within 30 days from the Executive Board meeting at which the office was
declared vacant.
SECTION 6.
No GANS Executive Board Member shall hold an officer position in a professional Nursing Association.
SECTION 7.
All materials of office are to be turned over to the new officer by the second Executive Board meeting following election to office.
ARTICLE V
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
SECTION 1. Nomination and Elections Committee:
A. One (1) member from each district shall be elected by ballot at the annual meeting. In the
event that no one is elected from a district, the Executive Board shall appoint the
remaining positions.
B. Candidates shall be chosen from members who shall be nursing students throughout the
full term in office with a seven-month leeway.
C. A plurality vote shall elect, and the newly elected NEC shall appoint a chairperson from
within the newly elected group.
D. No member shall serve two (2) consecutive terms on the committee, and no two (2)
members shall belong to the same district.
E. If more than one (1) member from the same district receives sufficient votes to be elected,
the one receiving the most votes shall be elected.
F. The NEC Chairperson shall be required to attend GANS Executive Board meetings as
specified by the current GANS Executive Board.
G. NEC members, excluding the NEC Chair, shall not have GANS Executive Board voting
privileges.
H. The NEC members shall have expenses reimbursed according to GANS Executive Board
policy.
SECTION 2. Duties of the NEC Chair:
A. Supply ballots for the annual election of officers.
B. Conduct mandatory candidate review meetings as stated in “Candidate and Campaign
Regulations”.
C. Have voting privileges during the monthly GANS Board Meetings with suspended voting
privileges during the Annual State Convention.
D. Attend monthly GANS Executive board meetings as specified by the current GANS
Executive Board with absences dictated according to Article IV, Section 3, C-D.
SECTION 3. Duties of the NEC:
A. Receive nominations for GANS officers.
B. Assist with the mandatory candidate review meetings as stated in “Candidate
and Campaign Regulations”.
C. Accept the board meeting monthly minutes.
D. Attend monthly board meetings from May to October.
E. One unexcused absence during the May to October months will result in
termination from office. The Executive Board will determine whether or not the
absence is excused or unexcused. Two absences, excused or unexcused, during
the months from May to October, shall be grounds for termination from office.
SECTION 4. Report
A. The NEC shall endeavor to submit one (1) or more names for each office to be filled.
B. The report of the committee shall be printed in the convention handbook and read on the
first day of the convention. Future nominations may be made from the floor at this time.
Candidates nominated from the floor shall immediately present their credentials and
written consent to serve.
C. No one shall be nominated without consent of the nominee and verification of
qualifications by the NEC.
SECTION 5. Support for National Convention:
No GANS Executive Board 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 GANS Executive Board.
SECTION 6. Elections
The elections will be determined by a plurality vote. In the event of a tie, each member of COSP (Council of School Presidents), in attendance at the annual meeting, shall re-cast a ballot vote. If still necessary, the tie vote shall then be determined by casting a lot by the entirety of delegates present.
ARTICLE VI
MEETINGS
SECTION 1. Annual and Mid-Year Meeting:
A. The annual meeting of the association shall be held at such time and place as shall be
determined by the Executive Board. The annual meeting shall be for the purpose of
holding elections, receiving reports, and conducting such other business as may properly
come before the House of Delegates sent to the President of each constituent and other
members of the voting body.
B. The mid-year meeting of the association shall be held at such time and place as shall be
determined by the Executive Board. The mid-year meeting shall be for the purpose of
offering our members educational seminars, information about NSNA and GANS,
accessibility to exhibitors, as well as promote cohesiveness throughout the state’s
constituents.
C. The GANS State Convention shall be scheduled for a fall convention date.
SECTION 2. 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
Executive Board. The business of the annual meeting shall be conducted by the House of
Delegates.
SECTION 3. 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 ten (10) members from a school, or
the total school enrollment if less than ten (10). This requirement of ten (10) or more
members must be met on a date set by the GANS Executive Board prior to the Annual
House of Delegates. There shall be only one chapter from each school campus.
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 additional, shall be entitled to one
voting delegate and alternate for every ten (10) members. Delegates shall be computed on
the basis of the number of members in each constituency as evidenced by the annual dues
received by GANS on a date set by the GANS Executive Board prior to the Annual House of
Delegates.
D. Each school chapter that is a Limited Constituent as determined by these bylaws shall be
entitled to one voting delegate and alternate only.
SECTION 4. 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 5. Open Meetings:
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.
A. The voting body at other meetings, except the Executive Board meeting, shall consist of
the elected state officers, directors, and all GANS members present.
SECTION 6. Quorum:
A quorum at meetings of GANS shall consist of at least one (1) representative from each of 1/3 of the constituent associations and at least four (4) members of the Executive Board, including the President or First Vice President.
SECTION 7. Special Meetings:
A. A special meeting may be called by the Executive Board and shall be called by the President
upon written request of 1/3 or more of the constituent associations. Notice of time, place,
and purpose of the meeting shall be sent to all constituent associations not less than five
(5) days prior to the meeting.
B. The voting body shall be the same, insofar as possible, as that in the annual meeting.
Other members may attend and shall have only the privileges to speak to each issue.
C. The quorum shall be 1/3 of the constituent associations and at least four (4) members of
the Executive Board, including the President and First Vice President.
ARTICLE VII
EXECUTIVE BOARD
SECTION 1. Members:
The Executive Board shall consist of the elected officers and the directors. The consultants shall serve as ex-officio members without vote.
SECTION 2. Powers:
All of the powers of the association are vested in and shall be exercised by the Executive Board 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 the annual meeting and subject to the provisions of these bylaws.
SECTION 3. Responsibility:
The Executive Board shall not be responsible for any contract, claim, or obligation of any kind incurred or for any position taken by any officer or member of a constituent unless the same was authorized in writing by the Executive Board.
SECTION 4. Management by the Executive Board shall include the Following Duties:
A. Review and approve the term of official relationships established with other organizations
singly or in coalition.
B. Approve any commitment in form of action, statement of policy or position, or financial
obligations involved in GANS relationships with other organizations.
C. Approve the budget to be submitted to the House of Delegates, authorize all monetary
disbursements, and provide for the annual audit of accounts at the close of the fiscal year
when deemed necessary by the Executive Board.
D. Have the power to fill vacancies for the unexpired term unless otherwise specified in these
bylaws.
E. Have the power by 2/3 vote to declare an office vacant.
F. In case of an emergency, votes may be taken by current communication practices. The
result of such an action shall control the actions of the association, the Executive Board,
and the committees. The result of such a vote shall be duly verified by the Executive
Board and recorded in the minutes of the next meeting.
G. Perform all other duties as may be specified in these bylaws.
SECTION 5.Delegate to NSNA Convention:
A. The GANS Executive Delegate to the annual NSNA convention shall be the GANS President
or a delegate representative and an alternate elected by the Executive Board from among
the Executive Board.
B. School Constituents
1. If a constituent school is unable to fill their delegation, said school should provide written
authorization to the GANS Executive Board requesting them to appoint one member of
the GANS Board to act as a state-appointed delegate for their school chapter.
a. School chapter shall approve of the appointment.
b. The GANS Executive Board shall verify that any state-appointed delegate is a
member in good standing of the NSNA.
c. A school chapter must have at least one selected and/or elected delegate present
at the NSNA Convention in order to have a state-appointed delegate seated in the
House of Delegates.
SECTION 6. Meetings:
A. Regular meetings of the Executive Board shall be held immediately before and after the
annual meeting and such times as deemed necessary by a majority of the Board. The
President shall determine the date and place of meetings.
B. The quorum shall be a majority of the voting members of the Board, including the
President or First Vice President.
C. The voting body at Executive Board meetings shall consist of elected Officers of the state
and the Directors. All GANS members may speak to any issue, but may not vote.
ARTICLE VIII
CONSULTANTS
SECTION 1. Number and Term:
There shall be four (4) consultants. One consultant shall be appointed by each of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Nurses’ Association and the Georgia Association of Nursing Education in consultation with the GANS Executive Board. The consultant shall be appointed to serve for a two (2) year term, or until they-re respective successors are appointed. The third consultant shall be a retiring board member of the Executive Board. This person shall be elected by the GANS Executive Board to serve for one year or the remaining term of the existing board. The fourth consultant shall be appointed by the President, with the approval of the Executive Board. This person shall be active in the same geographical area as the President, so to be readily available for consultation. This consultant shall have a one (1) year term of office to conform to the term of the President.
SECTION 2. The consultants shall:
A. Be responsible for providing for interchange of information between the Boards of Directors
of GNA, GANE, and GANS.
B. Serve as a resource persons consulting with the Executive Board members and
committees.
C. Attend meetings of GANS and the GANS Executive Board.
SECTION 3. Vacancies:
In the event that a vacancy occurs in a consultant position between elections, the board may invite a temporary consultant to serve until an official appointment can be made.
ARTICLE IX
COMMITTEES
The Executive Board, at its discretion, shall establish committees deemed necessary to carry on the work of the association and determine the functions, terms, and membership of such committees. A quorum for committee meetings shall be a majority of the members present.
ARTICLE X
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
The EKG shall be the official publication of GANS and shall be distributed to members as one of the benefits of membership.
ARTICLE XI
FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the association shall be from one annual meeting to the next annual meeting.
ARTICLE XII
FINANCE
SECTION 1. Budget:
A. The Executive Board shall submit to the House of Delegates at the annual meeting, a
proposed itemized budget for the coming fiscal year.
B. The Executive Board shall organize a Finance Committee of three, including the Treasurer,
who shall be responsible for developing the budget and submitting the accounts for review.
ARTICLE XIII
PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
SECTION 1. All meetings of this association shall be conducted according to parliamentary laws as set forth in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised where the rules apply and are not in conflict with these bylaws.
SECTION 2.
A parliamentarian, other than an Executive Board member, will be present at all House of Delegates proceedings.
ARTICLE XIV
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. Proposed amendments:
Proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing carrying proponent’s signature, to the Executive Board for review at least ten (10) weeks prior to the annual meeting. Proposed amendments may be submitted only by the Executive Board, GANS bylaws committee, or a constituent association.
SECTION 2. Voting
These bylaws may be amended at the annual meeting by a 2/3 vote, provided notice shall have been given at an earlier meeting of the same session. If adopted, an amendment shall go into effect immediately unless otherwise noted in the amendment.
SECTION 3. Bylaws of NSNA:
Amendments to the bylaws of NSNA, adopted at the annual meeting, which directly relates to the business of GANS in the areas of conformity shall automatically and immediately affect the necessary amendments to the bylaws of GANS and shall be incorporated into these bylaws.
ARTICLE XV
DISSOLUTION
In the event that GANS is dissolved, all monies remaining in the treasury, after all debts and liabilities are satisfied, will be donated to a non-profit organization as selected by the GANS Executive Board and acceptable under IRS Code 401.03 and any amendments attached thereto.
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Georgia Association of Nursing Students, herein after referred to as GANS, a constituent of National Student Nurses’ Association, Inc.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE AND FUNCTION
SECTION 1. The Purpose of GANS
A. To assume responsibility for contributing to nursing education to provide for the highest
quality of health care.
B. To provide programs representative of fundamental and current professional interest and
concerns; and
C. To aid in the development of the whole person, including and understanding of the
professional role of a nurse, and his/her responsibility for the health care of all people.
SECTION 2. The function of GANS shall include the following:
A. To have direct input into standards of 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;
E. To promote and encourage student’s participation in interdisciplinary activities;
F. To promote and encourage recruitment efforts, participation in student activities and
educational opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, sex, lifestyle, national origin, age,
or economic status;
G. To promote and encourage collaborative relationships with the Georgia Association for
Nursing Education, Georgia Nurses Association, as well as other nursing and related
organizations.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERS
SECTION 1. Constituent Associations
A. Any school chapter whose membership is composed of NSNA active or associate members
and who have submitted the Official Application for NSNA Constituency Status containing
the areas of conformity and an application for GANS Constituency status, and upon
meeting such other policies as the Board of Directors may determine, shall be recognized as
a constituent. By submitting these applications, schools agree to abide by these areas of
conformity and to use them as their own bylaws. Constituency status will be renewable
each year by resubmission of the applications. Schools must submit their own individual
bylaws to GANS but are not required to submit their bylaws to NSNA.
B. A school may obtain Restricted Constituent Status by submitting only the application for
GANS constituency status. By submitting this application, delegate representation will be
determined as outlined in Article VI, Section 3 Paragraph D.
C. Any school chapter whose membership is composed of NSNA active or associate members
and who have submitted an Official Application for GANS Constituency Status containing
the areas of conformity, and upon meeting such other policies as the executive board
determined, shall be recognized as a limited constituent. By submitting this application
each year, schools agree to abide by these areas of conformity and to use them as their
own bylaws. Limited Constituency status will be renewable each year by resubmission of
the application. Limited Constituent Associations shall have delegate representation as
outlined in Article VI, Section 3 Paragraph D. Schools should submit their own bylaws to
GANS.
D. A school chapter shall be composed of all students who are in good standing with NSNA.
This shall apply only on the state level, not to affect the NSNA requirements of
constituency status. There shall be only one chapter at each school campus.
E. A constituent who fails to comply with the bylaws and policies of GANS and NSNA shall
have its status revoked by a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board, provided that written notice
to the proposed revocation has been given at least two (2) months prior to the vote and
the constituent association is given and opportunity to be heard.
F. A limited constituent which fails to comply with the bylaws and policies of GANS shall have
its statutes revoked by a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board, provided that written notice to
the proposed revocation has been given at least two (2) months prior to vote and the
limited constituent association is given an opportunity to be heard.
G. A state association shall be composed of at least two schools chapters in the state. School
chapters shall belong to the state association.
SECTION 2. Categories of Constituent Membership
Members of the constituent association shall be:
A. Active Members:
1. Undergraduate students 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 privileges of membership.
B. Associate Members
1. Pre-nursing students, including registered nurses enrolled in college or university
programs leading to an associate, diploma, or baccalaureate degree in nursing.
2. Associate members shall have all the privileges of membership, except the right to hold
office as the President, 1st Vice President and 2nd Vice President at state and national
levels.
SECTION 3. Categories of Non-Constituent Membership
A. Sustaining Organization Members:
1. Sustaining Organization membership shall be open in GANS to any organization, upon
approval of the Executive Board, interested in furthering the development and growth in
GANS. Sustaining Organization Membership shall be granted for an annual fee of $50.00.
B. Honorary Members:
1. Honorary membership may be conferred by 2/3 vote of the House of Delegates with
recommendation of the Executive Board upon persons who have tendered distinguished
service or valuable assistance to GANS. Honorary members shall have none of the
obligations or privileges of membership.
SECTION 4. Active and Associate Membership Term:
Active and Associate membership may be extended six (6) months beyond the completion of a student’s program in nursing. Sustaining membership shall be renewable annually.
SECTION 5. Dues:
A. Annual dues:
1. The total annual dues shall include dues for NSNA, GANS, and school (if any) for any
member. The dues year shall be for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months.
2. Payment of NSNA, GANS, and school dues (if any) is a prerequisite for membership.
3. NSNA and GANS dues shall be payable directly to NSNA. NSNA shall remit to each state
constituent the dues received on behalf of the constituent. School dues shall not be
submitted to NSNA.
4. NSNA dues shall be $35.00 per member per membership year with GANS receiving
$10.00 per member per membership year for state dues. NSNA Renewal dues shall be
$40.00 per member with GANS receiving $10.00 per member per year for state dues.
School dues (if any) shall be decided according to each school’s bylaws.
B. The annual dues for sustaining members shall be established by the GANS Executive Board.
C. Any member who fails to pay current dues shall forfeit all privileges of membership.
ARTICLE IV
SECTION 1. Officers of GANS shall be a President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
SECTION 2. There shall be nine (9) Directors.
A. One Director shall be the GANS Publications Director, one shall be the Legislative Director,
one shall be the Breakthrough to Nursing Director, one shall be the Community Health
Director, one shall be the Public Relations Director, and there shall be one (1) Director for
each of the following districts; North Georgia, West Georgia, East Georgia, and South
Georgia.
B. Each nursing school campus in Georgia will be assigned to a district as follows:
1. North Georgia:Brenau University, Georgia Highlands College, Georgia Perimeter
College, Gwinett Technical College, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing/Emory
University, Kennesaw State University, North Georgia College & State University, North
Western Technical College, and Piedmont College.
2. West Georgia: Clayton State University, Columbus State University, Columbus
Technical College, Georgia Baptist College of Nursing/Mercer University, Byrdine F. Lewis
School of Nursing/Georgia State University, Gordon College, LaGrange College, University
of West Georgia, West Central Technical College.
3. East Georgia: Athens Area Technical Institute, Augusta State University, Georgia
College & State University-Macon, Georgia College & State University-Milledgeville,
Georgia Southern University, Macon State College, Medical College of Georgia-Athens,
Medical College of Georgia-Augusta, Middle Georgia College.
4. South Georgia:Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College, Albany State College, Armstrong
State University, Bainbridge College, Coastal Georgia Community College, Darton
College, South Georgia College, Southwest Georgia Technical College, Valdosta State
University, Waycross College.
C. New schools will be appointed to a district by the Executive Board of GANS.
D. The entire House of Delegates shall be eligible to vote for each director. The director must
be enrolled in a school within the district he/she represents.
E. Only members who shall be nursing students throughout the full term in office, with a six
(6) month leeway and have privileges of active membership, shall be eligible for the offices
of President, First Vice President, Second Vice President
F. Only members who shall be nursing or pre-nursing students throughout the full term in
office, with a six (6) month leeway and have privileges of active or associate membership,
shall be eligible for the offices of Secretary, Treasurer, District Directors, Director of
Legislation, Publications Director, Director of Breakthrough to Nursing, and Community
Health Director.
G. One member, who ran for, but was not elected to, the Executive Board or the Nominations
and Elections Committee of GANS, shall be appointed to the board as an alternate board
member. The appointment shall take place within 24 hours of the elections at the annual
meeting and be based on a majority vote of the Executive Board. If the position becomes
vacant at a later time, a new alternate board member will be appointed by the executive
board. The alternate member shall fill any GANS position that becomes vacant with the
exception of the President or First Vice President or Second Vice President, and any Director
of any district or Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC) that they are not from. The
alternate member will not have voting rights unless they fill a position with voting rights.
SECTION 3. Term of Office:
A. The term of office shall be for one year from the adjournment of the annual meeting at
which officers and directors are elected to adjournment of the annual meeting at which
their successors are elected.
B. Any Executive Board Member who voluntarily resigns from their term of office, or becomes
ineligible for office according to GANS bylaws, Article III, Section 2, Paragraphs A and B, or
in the case of the office being declared vacant according to Article VII, Section 4, Paragraph
E before their term expires, or whose office becomes terminated according to Article IV,
Section 3, Paragraph C, shall reimburse the GANS treasury all funds paid to or for them,
other than travel to and from Executive Board Meetings, within sixty (60) days of
notification by GANS treasurer, of the amount owed. Appeal to exclude from
reimbursement documented costs of fulfilling the duties of the office may be approved by a
2/3 vote of the Executive Board within that sixty (60) day period.
1. Exclusions to this include: life endangering illness of self, spouse, parent or child, family
relocation, physician order explaining the extent of the illness/injury and how it prohibits
the performance of duties, or any other situation approved by a 2/3 Board decision.
2. GANS Executive Board will retain the right to decide reimbursement when special
circumstances not otherwise addressed in the bylaws exist.
C. Two unexcused absences will result in termination from office. The Executive Board will
determine whether an absence is excused or unexcused.
D. No member of the Executive Board shall be allowed to have more than three absences,
excused or unexcused, to GANS board meetings.
SECTION 4. Duties of Officers and Directors: The officers shall perform the duties prescribed by the parliamentary authority, and more specifically shall include:
A. The President shall:
1. Preside at all meetings of the association of the Executive Board.
2. Appoint special committees with the approval of the Executive Board.
3. Serve as ex-officio members of all committees except nominations and elections.
4. Represent GANS in matters relating to the association and perform all other duties
pertaining to the office.
5. Shall attend or designate an Executive Board member to attend the Georgia Council of
Nursing Organization meetings and meetings of other organizations deemed appropriate,
and report back to the Executive Board and state constituents.
6. Oversee the annual review and revision of the strategic plan, which should be completed
by the annual meeting.
7. Provide a monthly written report to Executive Board members at board meetings.
B. The First Vice President shall:
1. Assume the duties of the President in the absence or disability of the President.
2. Accede to the office of President in the case of a vacancy in the office.
3. Be responsible for the program at meetings of the association.
4. Provide a monthly written report to Executive Board members at board meetings.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by the President.
C. The Second Vice President shall:
1. Assume the duties of the First Vice President in the absence or disability of the First Vice
President.
2. Accede to the office of the First Vice President in case of a vacancy in the office.
3. Be responsible for review and recommendation for change in the bylaws and policies.
4. Be familiar with parliamentary procedure. Assure that parliamentary procedure is
followed at all Board Meetings and at the state convention.
5. Submit resolutions from the state Executive Board to the House of Delegates at the
annual state convention. Work in conjunction with the Director of Legislation in
submitting Georgia-drafted resolutions to the House of Delegates at the NSNA Annual
Convention.
6. Be responsible for upkeep and maintenance of GANS archives.
7. Provide a monthly written report to Executive Board members at board meetings.
8. Perform other duties assigned by the President.
D. The Secretary shall:
1. Prepare the minutes of all business meetings of the association and Executive Board.
2. Obtain Board reports from Executive Board members prior to monthly meetings and
include in minutes.
3. Record minutes at all business meetings of association and Executive Board
4. Prepare and disseminate minutes to Executive Board and post to yahoo groups page ten
days after meeting for review
5. Within ten (10) days of approval of minutes: submit official minutes to NSNA, post
corrected minutes (as necessary) to yahoo groups page, and submit to Publications
Director for publication on the GANS website.
6. Obtain and provide up-to-date contact information of Executive Board members
7. Obtain and provide up-to-date names and contact information for local school chapter
officers
8. Ensure upcoming events are posted to GANS website calendar each month.
9. Prepare yearly Chapter Resource Book (CRB).
10. Perform other duties as assigned by the President.
E. The Treasurer shall:
1. Act as custodian of the organization’s funds and see that a detailed annual financial
report (i.e. previous year and year-to-date) be prepared and presented in writing to all
constituent association at the state convention.
2. Be bonded and have treasurer’s books audited at the end of the fiscal year, when
deemed necessary by the Executive Board.
3. Serve as chairperson of the finance committee when such a committee is established by
the Executive Board.
4. Furnish to the chairman of the tellers, not less than two (2) hours before the opening of
the polls, a list of delegates entitled to vote at the annual meeting.
5. Monitor funds and inform the Executive board of allocated funds and expenditures
related to the budget at monthly board meetings.
6. Provide a monthly written report to Executive Board members at board meetings.
7. Perform other duties as assigned by the President.
8. Shall submit a proposed budget for the upcoming year to the House of Delegates at the
annual meeting.
F. The District Directors shall:
1. Serve as a communication link between their district and the Executive Board.
2. Act as resource person for schools in their district.
3. Contact each school in their district at least once per month during the school year by
telephone, email, or in person.
4. Have their duties defined by the Executive Board according to needs and priorities.
5. Provide a monthly written report to the Executive Board members at board meetings.
6. Perform other duties assigned by the President.
G. The Public Relations Director shall:
1. Solicit and communicate with potential exhibitors and advertisers for the purpose of
convention and EKG/website financing.
2. Handle invoicing of all advertising and exhibiting of GANS functions.
3. Organizing exhibit hall during GANS state convention.
4. Coordinate GANS press releases to nursing publications in Georgia.
5. Shall coordinate the annual IMAGE OF NURSING AWARD.
6. Provide a monthly written report at board meetings.
7. Perform other duties assigned by the President.
H. The Publications Director shall:
1. Be responsible for the publication of GANS EKG.
2. Be responsible for the publication of the annual GANS convention booklet.
3. Be responsible for submitting article biannually to NSNA for publication for the
“Happenings” column.
4. Shall coordinate the annual CHAPTER NEWSLETTER AWARD.
5. Provide a monthly written report to Executive Board members at board meetings.
6. Update and maintain GANS website on a monthly basis.
7. Perform other duties assigned by the President.
I. The Legislative Director shall:
1. Stay informed concerning legislation in Georgia affecting nurses and nursing students.
2. Keep the Executive Board and GANS constituents informed concerning nursing
legislation in the state and nation.
3. Submit resolutions from the state Executive Board to the House of Delegates at the
annual convention. Work in conjunction with the Second Vice President in writing the
resolutions. Have approved resolutions selected during the GANS Annual State
Convention to be submitted at the NSNA Annual Convention.
4. Write a legislative update for each issue of the EKG.
5. Shall coordinate the annual POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT AWARD.
6. Provide a monthly written report to the Executive Board members at board meetings.
7. Perform other duties assigned by the President.
J. The Breakthrough to Nursing Director shall:
1. Submit BTN Project to District Directors to disperse to school chapters by the third
month in office and keep the Executive Board informed of the goals and progress of the
project.
2. Maintain communication with the local school BTN directors.
3. Work to develop nursing school recruitment materials and guidelines for recruiters
appropriate to the state’s recruitment needs.
4. Assist local chapters in developing recruitment materials and guidelines for recruitment
in the area.
5. Write a BTN update article for each issue for the EKG.
6. Identify and compile a listing of state and national financial aid sources for nursing
students.
7. Shall coordinate the annual CHAPTER BTN AWARD.
8. Responsible for GANS membership and recruitment and retention.
9. Provide a monthly report to Executive Board members at board meetings.
10. Perform other duties as assigned by the President.
K. The Community Health Director shall:
1. Submit Community service projects to the District Directors to disperse to school
chapters by the third month in office and keep the Executive Board informed of the
goals and progress of the projects.
2. Work to develop or participate in statewide, national, or inter-national community
service projects.
3. Assist local chapters in developing or participating in statewide, national, or international
community service projects.
4. Shall coordinate the annual CHAPTER COMMUNITY PROJECT AWARD.
5. Update and maintain the Community Health page of the GANS website and submit
articles for publication in the EKG
6. Provide a monthly report to the Executive Board at each Board meeting.
7. Perform other duties assigned by the President.
L. The Alternate Board Member shall:
1. Fill any GANS position that becomes vacant with the exception of President, First Vice-
President, Second Vice-President, or any Director of any District or NEC they are not
from.
2. Must attend all monthly meetings of the GANS Executive Board in accordance with the
GANS bylaws Articles IV, Section #.
3. Participate in GANS committees
4. Assist other members of the GANS Board
5. Perform other duties assigned by the President.
M. Council of School Presidents (COSP) Chair/Co-Chairs:
1. Act as ex-officio Board Member, Attend monthly meetings as necessary
2. Plan and run Council of School Presidents meetings at least bi-annually; at COSL and
GANS Convention
3. Plan and run additional COSP meetings if possible; suggest NSNA Annual Convention/
Feb-March.
4. Maintain and manage COSP Yahoo Groups.
5. Serve 6 month term with elections held at COSL and GANS Convention COSP sessions.
SECTION 5. Vacancies:
A. The Alternate Board Member shall fill vacancy on the Executive Board or NEC, unless the
Alternate Board member will be unable to fill the vacancy, due to bylaw constraints.
1. If the vacancy is unable to be filled by the Alternate Board Member, then a letter of
notification shall be sent out to all non-elected candidates from the previous State
Convention and all Chapter Presidents.
2. A 2/3 vote by the Executive Board must be obtained to approve the prospective
candidate.
B. In the case of vacancy of an office, all materials of office are to be turned in to the
President within 30 days from the Executive Board meeting at which the office was
declared vacant.
SECTION 6.
No GANS Executive Board Member shall hold an officer position in a professional Nursing Association.
SECTION 7.
All materials of office are to be turned over to the new officer by the second Executive Board meeting following election to office.
ARTICLE V
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
SECTION 1. Nomination and Elections Committee:
A. One (1) member from each district shall be elected by ballot at the annual meeting. In the
event that no one is elected from a district, the Executive Board shall appoint the
remaining positions.
B. Candidates shall be chosen from members who shall be nursing students throughout the
full term in office with a seven-month leeway.
C. A plurality vote shall elect, and the newly elected NEC shall appoint a chairperson from
within the newly elected group.
D. No member shall serve two (2) consecutive terms on the committee, and no two (2)
members shall belong to the same district.
E. If more than one (1) member from the same district receives sufficient votes to be elected,
the one receiving the most votes shall be elected.
F. The NEC Chairperson shall be required to attend GANS Executive Board meetings as
specified by the current GANS Executive Board.
G. NEC members, excluding the NEC Chair, shall not have GANS Executive Board voting
privileges.
H. The NEC members shall have expenses reimbursed according to GANS Executive Board
policy.
SECTION 2. Duties of the NEC Chair:
A. Supply ballots for the annual election of officers.
B. Conduct mandatory candidate review meetings as stated in “Candidate and Campaign
Regulations”.
C. Have voting privileges during the monthly GANS Board Meetings with suspended voting
privileges during the Annual State Convention.
D. Attend monthly GANS Executive board meetings as specified by the current GANS
Executive Board with absences dictated according to Article IV, Section 3, C-D.
SECTION 3. Duties of the NEC:
A. Receive nominations for GANS officers.
B. Assist with the mandatory candidate review meetings as stated in “Candidate
and Campaign Regulations”.
C. Accept the board meeting monthly minutes.
D. Attend monthly board meetings from May to October.
E. One unexcused absence during the May to October months will result in
termination from office. The Executive Board will determine whether or not the
absence is excused or unexcused. Two absences, excused or unexcused, during
the months from May to October, shall be grounds for termination from office.
SECTION 4. Report
A. The NEC shall endeavor to submit one (1) or more names for each office to be filled.
B. The report of the committee shall be printed in the convention handbook and read on the
first day of the convention. Future nominations may be made from the floor at this time.
Candidates nominated from the floor shall immediately present their credentials and
written consent to serve.
C. No one shall be nominated without consent of the nominee and verification of
qualifications by the NEC.
SECTION 5. Support for National Convention:
No GANS Executive Board 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 GANS Executive Board.
SECTION 6. Elections
The elections will be determined by a plurality vote. In the event of a tie, each member of COSP (Council of School Presidents), in attendance at the annual meeting, shall re-cast a ballot vote. If still necessary, the tie vote shall then be determined by casting a lot by the entirety of delegates present.
ARTICLE VI
MEETINGS
SECTION 1. Annual and Mid-Year Meeting:
A. The annual meeting of the association shall be held at such time and place as shall be
determined by the Executive Board. The annual meeting shall be for the purpose of
holding elections, receiving reports, and conducting such other business as may properly
come before the House of Delegates sent to the President of each constituent and other
members of the voting body.
B. The mid-year meeting of the association shall be held at such time and place as shall be
determined by the Executive Board. The mid-year meeting shall be for the purpose of
offering our members educational seminars, information about NSNA and GANS,
accessibility to exhibitors, as well as promote cohesiveness throughout the state’s
constituents.
C. The GANS State Convention shall be scheduled for a fall convention date.
SECTION 2. 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
Executive Board. The business of the annual meeting shall be conducted by the House of
Delegates.
SECTION 3. 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 ten (10) members from a school, or
the total school enrollment if less than ten (10). This requirement of ten (10) or more
members must be met on a date set by the GANS Executive Board prior to the Annual
House of Delegates. There shall be only one chapter from each school campus.
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 additional, shall be entitled to one
voting delegate and alternate for every ten (10) members. Delegates shall be computed on
the basis of the number of members in each constituency as evidenced by the annual dues
received by GANS on a date set by the GANS Executive Board prior to the Annual House of
Delegates.
D. Each school chapter that is a Limited Constituent as determined by these bylaws shall be
entitled to one voting delegate and alternate only.
SECTION 4. 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 5. Open Meetings:
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.
A. The voting body at other meetings, except the Executive Board meeting, shall consist of
the elected state officers, directors, and all GANS members present.
SECTION 6. Quorum:
A quorum at meetings of GANS shall consist of at least one (1) representative from each of 1/3 of the constituent associations and at least four (4) members of the Executive Board, including the President or First Vice President.
SECTION 7. Special Meetings:
A. A special meeting may be called by the Executive Board and shall be called by the President
upon written request of 1/3 or more of the constituent associations. Notice of time, place,
and purpose of the meeting shall be sent to all constituent associations not less than five
(5) days prior to the meeting.
B. The voting body shall be the same, insofar as possible, as that in the annual meeting.
Other members may attend and shall have only the privileges to speak to each issue.
C. The quorum shall be 1/3 of the constituent associations and at least four (4) members of
the Executive Board, including the President and First Vice President.
ARTICLE VII
EXECUTIVE BOARD
SECTION 1. Members:
The Executive Board shall consist of the elected officers and the directors. The consultants shall serve as ex-officio members without vote.
SECTION 2. Powers:
All of the powers of the association are vested in and shall be exercised by the Executive Board 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 the annual meeting and subject to the provisions of these bylaws.
SECTION 3. Responsibility:
The Executive Board shall not be responsible for any contract, claim, or obligation of any kind incurred or for any position taken by any officer or member of a constituent unless the same was authorized in writing by the Executive Board.
SECTION 4. Management by the Executive Board shall include the Following Duties:
A. Review and approve the term of official relationships established with other organizations
singly or in coalition.
B. Approve any commitment in form of action, statement of policy or position, or financial
obligations involved in GANS relationships with other organizations.
C. Approve the budget to be submitted to the House of Delegates, authorize all monetary
disbursements, and provide for the annual audit of accounts at the close of the fiscal year
when deemed necessary by the Executive Board.
D. Have the power to fill vacancies for the unexpired term unless otherwise specified in these
bylaws.
E. Have the power by 2/3 vote to declare an office vacant.
F. In case of an emergency, votes may be taken by current communication practices. The
result of such an action shall control the actions of the association, the Executive Board,
and the committees. The result of such a vote shall be duly verified by the Executive
Board and recorded in the minutes of the next meeting.
G. Perform all other duties as may be specified in these bylaws.
SECTION 5.Delegate to NSNA Convention:
A. The GANS Executive Delegate to the annual NSNA convention shall be the GANS President
or a delegate representative and an alternate elected by the Executive Board from among
the Executive Board.
B. School Constituents
1. If a constituent school is unable to fill their delegation, said school should provide written
authorization to the GANS Executive Board requesting them to appoint one member of
the GANS Board to act as a state-appointed delegate for their school chapter.
a. School chapter shall approve of the appointment.
b. The GANS Executive Board shall verify that any state-appointed delegate is a
member in good standing of the NSNA.
c. A school chapter must have at least one selected and/or elected delegate present
at the NSNA Convention in order to have a state-appointed delegate seated in the
House of Delegates.
SECTION 6. Meetings:
A. Regular meetings of the Executive Board shall be held immediately before and after the
annual meeting and such times as deemed necessary by a majority of the Board. The
President shall determine the date and place of meetings.
B. The quorum shall be a majority of the voting members of the Board, including the
President or First Vice President.
C. The voting body at Executive Board meetings shall consist of elected Officers of the state
and the Directors. All GANS members may speak to any issue, but may not vote.
ARTICLE VIII
CONSULTANTS
SECTION 1. Number and Term:
There shall be four (4) consultants. One consultant shall be appointed by each of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Nurses’ Association and the Georgia Association of Nursing Education in consultation with the GANS Executive Board. The consultant shall be appointed to serve for a two (2) year term, or until they-re respective successors are appointed. The third consultant shall be a retiring board member of the Executive Board. This person shall be elected by the GANS Executive Board to serve for one year or the remaining term of the existing board. The fourth consultant shall be appointed by the President, with the approval of the Executive Board. This person shall be active in the same geographical area as the President, so to be readily available for consultation. This consultant shall have a one (1) year term of office to conform to the term of the President.
SECTION 2. The consultants shall:
A. Be responsible for providing for interchange of information between the Boards of Directors
of GNA, GANE, and GANS.
B. Serve as a resource persons consulting with the Executive Board members and
committees.
C. Attend meetings of GANS and the GANS Executive Board.
SECTION 3. Vacancies:
In the event that a vacancy occurs in a consultant position between elections, the board may invite a temporary consultant to serve until an official appointment can be made.
ARTICLE IX
COMMITTEES
The Executive Board, at its discretion, shall establish committees deemed necessary to carry on the work of the association and determine the functions, terms, and membership of such committees. A quorum for committee meetings shall be a majority of the members present.
ARTICLE X
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
The EKG shall be the official publication of GANS and shall be distributed to members as one of the benefits of membership.
ARTICLE XI
FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the association shall be from one annual meeting to the next annual meeting.
ARTICLE XII
FINANCE
SECTION 1. Budget:
A. The Executive Board shall submit to the House of Delegates at the annual meeting, a
proposed itemized budget for the coming fiscal year.
B. The Executive Board shall organize a Finance Committee of three, including the Treasurer,
who shall be responsible for developing the budget and submitting the accounts for review.
ARTICLE XIII
PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
SECTION 1. All meetings of this association shall be conducted according to parliamentary laws as set forth in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised where the rules apply and are not in conflict with these bylaws.
SECTION 2.
A parliamentarian, other than an Executive Board member, will be present at all House of Delegates proceedings.
ARTICLE XIV
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. Proposed amendments:
Proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing carrying proponent’s signature, to the Executive Board for review at least ten (10) weeks prior to the annual meeting. Proposed amendments may be submitted only by the Executive Board, GANS bylaws committee, or a constituent association.
SECTION 2. Voting
These bylaws may be amended at the annual meeting by a 2/3 vote, provided notice shall have been given at an earlier meeting of the same session. If adopted, an amendment shall go into effect immediately unless otherwise noted in the amendment.
SECTION 3. Bylaws of NSNA:
Amendments to the bylaws of NSNA, adopted at the annual meeting, which directly relates to the business of GANS in the areas of conformity shall automatically and immediately affect the necessary amendments to the bylaws of GANS and shall be incorporated into these bylaws.
ARTICLE XV
DISSOLUTION
In the event that GANS is dissolved, all monies remaining in the treasury, after all debts and liabilities are satisfied, will be donated to a non-profit organization as selected by the GANS Executive Board and acceptable under IRS Code 401.03 and any amendments attached thereto.
