Clinical Nurse Leader Student Organization 1 College of Nursing Student Organization Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Program Bylaws Georgia Regents University DEVELOPED: August 2014 REVISED: July 2015 The CNL program was removed from the Graduate School so references related to the Graduate School were removed. Additional organizational names changes were updated. APPROVED: August 2014, July 2015 LOCATION: CON Intranet Page under Student Resources
Clinical Nurse Leader Student Organization 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS ARTICLE I. NAME, PURPOSE, STRUCTURE Section I. Name Section II. Purpose Section III. Structure ARTICLE II. EXECUTIVE CABINET Section I. Purpose Section II. Composition Section III. Term of Office Section IV. Eligibility and Qualifications Section V. Duties of the Presidents Section VI. Duties of the First and Second Vice-Presidents Section VII. Duties of the Secretaries Section VIII. Duties of the Treasurers Section IX. Duties of the CNL Graduate Program SGA Representative Section X. Duties of CNL Philanthropic / Fundraising Liaison(s) Section XI. Duties of the CNL Social Chair Section XII. Duties of the Members at Large ARTICLE III. CON FACULTY ADVISORS Section I. Appointment and Term Section II. Duties of the CON Faculty Advisors ARTICLE IV. COMMITTEES Section I. Appointment Section II. Standing and ad Hoc Committees Section III. Standing Committees ARTICLE IV. MEETINGS Section I. Robert s Rules of Order Section II. Chair Section III. Frequency Section IV. Quorum Section V. Voting ARTICLE V. GENERAL ELECTIONS Section I. Purpose Section II. Procedure ARTICLE VI. REMOVAL and VACANCIES ARTICLE VII. REVENUE ARTICLE VIII. DUES ARTICLE IX: ESTABLISHMENT OF BYLAWS
Clinical Nurse Leader Student Organization 3 PREAMBLE AND MISSION STATEMENT Acting as a voice for the Masters of Science Nursing (MSN) Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) students enrolled at Georgia Regents University, the CNL-Student Organization (SO) shall actively work to improve the quality of life for the CNL Student Body, in collaboration with the university and community as a whole. Believing in the right of self-governance, all students in the MSN CNL program shall be a member of the CNL-SO and be entitled the rights, privileges, and protections thereof. ARTICLE I. Section 1. Name NAME, PURPOSE, STRUCTURE A. The name of this organization shall be the known as the Georgia Regents University (GRU) Clinical Nurse Leader Student Organization (CNL-SO). The organization is subdivided into the 1 st year Class Student Organization (1 st Years) and the 2 nd year Student Organization (2 nd Years). Each shall be named respectively to the year of graduation. The Augusta campus and Athens campus will each have Class Officers subdivided as above with the same bylaws and will serve as the Executive Cabinet. Section II. Purpose A. The CNL-SO shall serve as a liaison between students, faculty, staff and the administration in order to represent student opinions, needs and interests to the administration and faculty; to disseminate and promote the exchange of information from the administration and faculty to students; B. The CNL-SO shall promote and facilitate the exchange of information and ideas between the CNL students and the GRU Student Government Association (SGA); C. The CNL-SO shall elect and/or appoint representatives to the assigned CON and GRU Enterprise Committees to increase the quality of student services, academic programs, and the GRU / CON environment, in order to further enhance the education of GRU students; D. The CNL-SO shall support a variety of social, cultural, intellectual, and recreational events to promote fellowship, personal growth, and involvement of GRU/CON students; E. The CNL-SO will support and exemplify the philosophy and values of the GRU/CON and work for the betterment of GRU/CON by affecting close student, faculty and administrative relations; F. The CNL-SO will actively participate in philanthropic and recruitment activities for the CON and GRU; G. Regulate and allocate funds as necessary for student activities, interests, convocation, open house, graduation, and other events as outlined by the CNL-SO. Section III. Structure The structure of the CNL-SO shall be comprised of the Executive Cabinet Officers, the student class members, one CNL-SO Faculty Advisors per campus, the CNL Program Director and Assistant Director, and the CON Assistant Dean for Student Services. ARTICLE II. EXECUTIVE CABINET Section I. Purpose A. The Executive Cabinet is the leadership body for the CNL-SO;
Clinical Nurse Leader Student Organization 4 B. The Executive Cabinet shall represent the entire CNL student body in all matters affecting student interest and provide communication of the interests of the CNL-SO to the faculty and the administration; C. The Executive Cabinet shall attend all CNL-SO business meetings; D. The Executive Cabinet in collaboration with Administration will provide general supervision over all student activities, and maintain an effective student organization; E. The Executive Cabinet shall have the power of granting and approving revisions to the bylaws; F. The Executive Cabinet is responsible for impeachment proceedings within the CNL-SO. Section II. Composition A. The Augusta and Athens CNL Class Presidents shall serve as Co-Chairs of the Executive Cabinet. B. The Executive Cabinet officers shall be the Class Presidents, Vice Presidents, Secretaries, CNL Program SGA Representatives, Philanthropic/Fundraising Liaisons, and Social Chairs from both Campuses. C. Member-At-Large positions are available by appointment to ensure that all CON committees have student representatives. Section III. Term of Office A. The newly elected officers of the CNL-SO shall assume their duties after their election in the fall semester and shall serve a two (2) year term. Section IV. Eligibility and Qualifications A. Only GRU CNL MSN Students are eligible to run for or hold office as a member of the CNL Executive Cabinet. Candidates and elected officers must be enrolled full time, in good academic standing, which is defined as no student conduct code violations and an Institutional GPA of 3.0 or better at time of election and sustained throughout tenure in program; B. The CON Assistant Dean for Student Services shall check the status of all students running for an officer position prior to the election and at the end of each semester; C. Any officer who during their tenure, falls below a 3.0 grade point average or comes into unfavorable standing within the CON, GRU, or community, shall forfeit his/her respective seat. Section V. Duties of the CNL-SO Presidents The Presidents Shall: A. Serve as the official representative from the CNL-SO to administration and the faculty; B. Represent the CNL Student Body in all student government affairs and in student relations with the CON/GRU administration; C. Be responsible for early recognition of faculty and student concerns and ensure communication and quick resolution; D. Have the power to conduct routine business which is in the best interest of the CNL Student Body; E. Call, preside over, and chair all respective CNL-SO meetings in accordance with the adopted version of parliamentary procedural rules and the guidelines set forth within these bylaws; F. Appoint, along with the members of the Executive Board, with the consent of the majority of the Governing Board, ad hoc and other committee representatives as needed;
Clinical Nurse Leader Student Organization 5 G. Remove or sanction CNL-SO Cabinet Officers who have exceeded their maximum allowances of absences; H. Shall share the power of signature with the Treasurer in matters of finance; I. Have the right to vote. In the event of a tie, the President s vote shall prevail; J. Keep members of the Executive Board informed of issues affecting them; K. Serve as ex officio members of all standing committees and as a resource person for these committees; L. Serve as a member of the CON Student Affairs and Scholarship Committees; M. Serve as Georgia Board of Regents Student Advisory Council (SAC) representatives to represent the GRU CNL-SO; N. Serve as standing member of the Mandatory Student Fee Committee of GRU; O. The President shall temporarily assume the role of Vice President in the event of a vacancy; P. Submit annual report to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for the CON record regarding activities and outcomes of the CNL-SO. Q. Attend monthly meetings with the CNL Program Director and Assistant Director, CON Dean of Student Affairs, and Presidents of both the Athens campus and the BSN Student Body. This meeting will be held to keep each attendee informed of the progress and concerns of both the CNL MSN Student Body and the BSN Student Body. Section VI. Duties of the First and Second Vice-Presidents * The each campus may elect to have one Vice-President. If one Vice-President is elected, the one Vice President will assume the duties outlined below for both the First and Second Vice-President. The First Vice -Presidents Shall: A. Assume all duties and responsibilities of the President in the absence, disability, or inability to fulfill their duties and responsibilities; B. Accede to the Office of the President in the case of a vacancy in the office; C. Serve as Chair of the Bylaws Committee responsible for annual review of bylaws; D. Serve as parliamentarian for all meetings (Roberts Rules of Order); E. Serve as a member of the CON Student Affairs and Scholarship Committees; F. Perform other duties as assigned by the President. The Second Vice -Presidents Shall: A. Assume all duties and responsibilities of the First Vice-President in the absence, disability, or inability to fulfill their duties and responsibilities; B. Accede to the Office of First Vice-President in the case of a vacancy in the office; C. Chair the Election Committee for the incoming 1 st year CNL Student Government Executive Cabinet; D. Plan, organize, and implement orientation of new CNL-SO Executive Cabinet; E. Assist the CNL Program Director, Co-Director, Student Affairs Committee Representative, Undergraduate Programs Committee Representative, and the Georgia Regents University Association of Nursing Students (GRANS) Officers with planning the incoming Junior Class Open House Event, and new student orientation; F. Perform other duties as assigned by the President and First Vice-President.
Clinical Nurse Leader Student Organization 6 Section VII. Secretaries The Secretaries Shall: A. In collaboration with the President, prepare the agenda for all meetings and distribute electronic copies to respective members before the next meeting and have a hard copy available at the meeting if in question; B. Prepare the minutes and deliver in the same manner as the agenda; C. Take roll call, keep track of the attendance record and maintain a list of each voting member; D. Notify the President of attendance and any Cabinet member who has exceeded their maximum allowance of absences; E. Keep an accurate record of the proceedings of all meetings and maintain a file of all valuable documents and records for the CNL-SO; F. Prepare and submit an annual report of year-end committee reports to the President for his/her inclusion in the annual report for the CON Assistant Dean of Student Services; G. Tabulate votes of any election; H. Assist the Cabinet Officers and Assistant Dean in disseminating information to the 1 st year/2 nd year student body; I. Responsible for collaborating with the Assistant Dean in updating and maintaining the CON/SGA website. Section VIII. Treasurers The Treasurers Shall: A. Be the official financial agents of the CNL-SO; B. Follow the GRU policies on student activity fees and other Bursar policies; C. In collaboration with the Executive Cabinet submit budget for approval and vote to the CNL-SO respective class no later than the end of the fall semester; D. Serve as Chair of the budget committee; E. Complete all financial transactions and maintain accurate records of all financial transactions made year-to-date as well as those still outstanding and present at each Executive Cabinet and CNL-SO meetings; F. Oversee all funding request submitted by members or committees and route to the Executive Cabinet for review and approval; G. Serve as member of the Mandatory Student Fee Committee with the President: H. Ensure closure of account at the end of class term and any remaining funds are dispersed according to the approved budget. Section IX. CNL SGA Representative The Representatives Shall: A. Representatives will include two junior class students, one from Augusta and one from Athens, and two senior class students, one from Augusta and one from Athens; B. Attend and represent the CON CNL respective junior/senior student body class at the CNL Program Committee; C. Negotiate with the CNL Program Committee Chair on a time for the meeting when students can attend;
Clinical Nurse Leader Student Organization 7 D. If unable to attend meeting, ask the President or Vice President to attend in your absence and notify the Chair of the Committee; E. Inform the respective class in a timely manner on all issues affecting them and obtain their feedback to take back to the committee meeting and/or where a vote will be taken; F. Provide orientation to new members to the Committee when elected by the next CNL class. Section X. CON Student Affairs Committee and Scholarship Committee Representatives The Representatives Shall: A. Representatives will include two junior class students, one from Augusta and one from Athens, and two senior class students, one from Augusta and one from Athens; B. Attend and represent the CON CNL respective junior/senior student body class at the CON Student Affairs Committee and the Scholarship Committee; C. Negotiate with the Committee Chairs on a time for the meeting when students can attend; D. If unable to attend meeting, ask the President or Vice President to attend in your absence and notify the Chair of the Committee; E. Inform the respective class in a timely manner on all student affairs issues affecting them and obtain their feedback to take back to the committee meeting and/or where a vote will be taken; F. Provide orientation to new members to the Committee when elected by the next CNL class; G. Announce and promote scholarship applications; H. Promote unity by planning events that bring the CON student body together and faculty and promoting attendance at identified CON and GRU functions; I. Serve as an Ambassador for the CON in recruitment activities such as college night, closer look tours, and CON / Campus visits. Participate and solicit class participation for the various events. Section XI. Philanthropic / Fundraising Liaison(s) The Liaison Shall: A. Collaborate with the Faculty Advisors and Assistant Dean on all fundraising and philanthropic events; B. Serve as Chair of all CNL-SO fundraising and philanthropic events; C. Inform student body about opportunities to serve the community and raise funds; D. Act as a liaison between the student body, the Executive Board, and faculty concerning any information regarding the raising of funds and service to the community and ensure compliance with all GRU and CON policies. Sections XII. Social Chair This Social Coordinator will: A. Plan all class events, with the financial assistance of the Treasurer. B. Relay all invitations and event details to the Student Body. C. Assist the President to assure all GRU/CON policies and procedures are being followed at each CNL- SO sponsored event and activity, and that Student Body safety has been made the top priority; Section XIII. Members at Large A. The Member-At-Large positions are available by appointment to ensure that all CON committees have student representatives;
Clinical Nurse Leader Student Organization 8 B. The Members-At-Large shall attend all Executive Cabinet meetings and serve as ex-officio role. ARTICLE III. CNL-SO FACULTY ADVISORS Section I. Appointment and Term A. The CNL-SO with consultation of the Assistant Dean of Student Services shall elect the two Faculty Advisors no later than the end of the Fall Semester. The Assistant Dean will serve as Advisor until election; B. The Assistant Dean of Student Services will also serve as an advisor in an ex-officio role. C. Appointment shall be made by nomination of faculty and voted on by the current membership. The faculty nominee receiving the majority of votes cast shall be awarded the position. The faculty being nominated must give written permission to the Election Committee prior to the vote. D. Appointment shall be for two (2) years. Section II. Duties of the CNL-SO Faculty Advisors A. Meet with the Executive Cabinet at minimum once a semester; B. Attend all CNL-SO meetings; C. Attest to all financial transactions; and shall withhold his/her signature only in case of procedural irregularities and in cases where the welfare of the Students and CNL-SO would be placed in jeopardy; D. Review the yearly budget; E. Advise on issues of risk management, organization leadership, and CON/GRU/BOR policies; F. Advise on matters of parliamentary procedure. ARTICLE IV. COMMITTEES Section I. Appointment A. Standing committee members will be elected by the representative CNL-SO student body; B. Ad Hoc Committee members shall be appointed by the President. Section II. Standing and Ad Hoc Committees A. Standing committees shall be defined in the Bylaws; B. Ad Hoc committees shall be formed by the President as the need arises as described in the Bylaws. Section III. Standing Committees A. Bylaws Committee The (First) Vice-President from Augusta and Athens will serve as Co-Chairs; Members include Chairs, Presidents, Secretaries, one Faculty Advisor from each campus, and Assistant Dean; Bylaws will be reviewed annually. B. Budget Committee The Treasurer will serve as Chair; Members will include Chair, President, First VP, Second VP, Appointed Student Member;
Clinical Nurse Leader Student Organization 9 Responsible for generating a proposed budget to the student body, recommending amount of student dues, and ensuring all financial transactions are completed as per approval and vote by student body. C. Philanthropic / Fundraising Committee The Philanthropic / Fundraising Liaison will serve as Chair; Members will include four volunteers from the CNL respective class student body. This may include members of the Executive Cabinet; The Committee will work in collaboration student with GRANS and follow the GRU marketing policies. ARTICLE IV. MEETINGS Section 1. Robert s Rules of Order A. CNL-SO meetings shall abide by Robert s Rules of Order, except in cases where the Bylaws overrides the Rules; B. All meetings shall be open unless voted otherwise by the Executive Cabinet. Section II. Chair A. The President of the respective CNL-SO shall chair and conduct all respective SO meetings; B. In the event of the absence or inability of the President to conduct the meeting(s) the order of the command shall be as follows: the First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, CNL Program Representative, SGA Graduate Representative, and Student Affairs / Scholarship Representative. Section III. Frequency A. The Executive Cabinet shall meet at minimum two times a semester (excluding summer). Attendance is expected. These meetings may include communications via an Executive Cabinet Facebook Group; B. The respective CNL-SO shall meet at minimum once a semester; C. Additional special meetings may be called by the President or by the majority of the respective SGA. Section IV. Quorum A. A quorum is defined as 25% of the CNL-SO and is all that is necessary to conduct meetings. Section V. Order of Business A. Call to Order B. Roll Call C. Reports of Committees D. Old Business E. New Business F. Run of the Table G. Announcements H. Adjournment Section VI. Voting
Clinical Nurse Leader Student Organization 10 A. Only members present will be eligible to vote; B. Each member will have one vote; C. A simple majority of the quorum present is required for adoption of all motions, resolutions or other questions requiring a vote, unless otherwise specified in the constitution or bylaws. ARTICLE V. GENERAL ELECTIONS Section 1. Purpose A. A CNL election for the incoming CNL class shall occur during the fall semester, preferably by mid- October, for the 1 st Year CNL-SO Executive Cabinet; B. The elections shall be a free and fair election conducted by the Election Committee and open to the respective student body members. Section II. Procedure A. The Second Vice-President of the 2 nd Year class will chair the CNL-SO 1 st Year Election Committee assisted by the Secretary of the 2 nd Year class. The Election Committee will be composed of not more than three students from the 2 nd Year class; B. The Election rules and time frame shall be determined by the Election Committee in advance and presented to the student body along with the qualification for the positions; C. The Committee will be responsible for accepting nominations; D. The Second Vice-President will collaborate with the Assistant Dean to ensure all nominees meet the defined criteria as outlined in the bylaws to run for office prior to preparing the ballot; E. The Committee will oversee the campaigning of 1 st Year Officers, ensuring each has an opportunity to campaign; F. All candidates will be placed on a single ballot and made available to eligible voters. Voting will occur during a defined class meeting. The Election Committee shall be accountable to ensure that a quorum of students defined as 25% is present to conduct the election; G. Candidates shall be elected by a simple majority of votes cast. Failure for any respective race to produce a candidate receiving a majority of the votes shall result in a revote within one week. Only the two candidates of the contested seat in question who have received the highest amount of votes shall be considered in the revote. ARTICLE VI. REMOVALS AND VACANCY A. Any student holding office in the CNL-SO may remove him/herself at any point in time with a letter of resignation submitted to Class President; B. Any student holding office in the CNL-SO is subject to impeachment for failure to perform the function of his/her office, for gross neglect of duty, for failure to execute assigned responsibilities, or for violation of the philosophy and values of GRU and/or the CON and/or provisions of these bylaws; C. The CON Faculty Advisors will meet with the Officer to discuss concerns and seek resolution to include voluntary resignation; D. If resolution is not obtained, the CON Faculty Advisor in collaboration with the Assistant Dean of Student Services will appoint five (5) members of the respective CNL-SO to the committee. The Assistant Dean or Faculty Advisor will preside over the hearing;
Clinical Nurse Leader Student Organization 11 E. Written notice shall be sent, at least five school days prior, to the officer and appointed committee specifying all charges, and the time, place, and date of hearing; F. A majority vote of the five appointed members will be necessary to remove the individual from office. ARTICLE VII. REVENUE A. The CNL-SO shall be fully empowered to levy dues and appropriate funds in accordance with guidelines set forth in these bylaws; B. The CNL-SO shall consult Faculty Advisors in all matters of finance; C. All CNL-SO funds shall be accounted for in a detailed financial report to the respective class at the end of Spring semester or upon graduation; D. The 2 nd Year Class shall close all accounts and will submit financial information to the class through the Faculty Advisors. ARTICLE VIII. DUES Dues will be set by the CNL-SO. Dues are non-refundable and non-transferable. ARTICLE IX ESTABLISHMENT OF BYLAWS A. The Executive Cabinet shall establish a set of rules which shall be known as the Bylaws for the CNL- SO; B. The Bylaws are to be ratified by two-thirds vote of the entire membership of the CNL-SO; C. A two-thirds vote of the entire membership shall be required to amend the Bylaws, provide notice has been given of the proposed amendment(s) at least one week prior to the vote.