Stony Brook Student Nurses Association

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Last updated: 6/29/2014

Bylaws

Preamble:
We, students of nursing preparing for initial licensure as registered nurses, as well as
those nurses enrolled in baccalaureate completion programs, believe there is a common
need to organize, to represent ourselves to the consumer and other health disciplines,
and to assume our rightful place in the profession of nursing.
We believe every citizen has a right to the highest quality of health care.
We believe in the development of the whole person toward his/her professional role with
its rights, responsibilities and ideals.
We believe every right bears inherent responsibility.
We believe responsibilities are participatory, not purely philosophical or ideological, and
We believe the quality and quantity of participation are not exclusive, but bear the
responsibility of participation.

Rights/Responsibilities:
Students have a right to and a responsibility for having a creative sound education opportunity;
having the highest quality practitioner-teacher;
achieving input into curriculum planning;
achieving self-directed learning;
achieving equal participation in all areas of clinical practice;
participating in interdisciplinary activities;
due process;
insuring peer review and self-evaluation;
the privileges of internal governance;
organizing and participating in an organization directed toward achieving professional
goals;
facilitating change in health care delivery through various channels;
assembling and exploring fundamental and current professional
issues and concerns;
organizing in a flexible structure to encompass and represent the diversities within
nursing and be representative of the fundamental and current professional issues and
concerns;
fostering a better correlation between nursing education and practice.

ARTICLE I - NAME OF ORGANIZATION

The name of this organization shall be the Stony Brook Student Nurses Association, a
constituent of the National Student Nurses Association, Incorporated, hereafter referred to
SBSNA and NSNA.



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ARTICLE II PURPOSE AND FUNCTIONS

Section 1. The purpose of the SBSNA is:
a) To transition nursing students into the professional role of nursing
b) To assume responsibility for contributing to nursing education in order to provide for the
highest quality of health care.
c) To provide programs representative of fundamental interests and concerns to nursing
students.
d) To aid in the development of the whole person, including his/her professional role,
his/her responsibility for health care of people in all walks of life.

Section 2. The function of the SBSNA shall indicate the following:
a) To have direct input into standards of nursing education and influence the education
process.
b) To influence health care, nursing education and practice through legislative activities as
appropriate.
c) To promote and encourage participation in community affairs and activities towards
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 students' participation in interdisciplinary activities.
f) To promote and encourage recruitment efforts, participation in student activities, and
educational opportunities regardless of a person's race, color, creed, national origin,
ethnicity, age, gender, marital status, lifestyle, disability or economic status.
g) To promote and encourage collaborative relationships with nursing and health related
organizations.

ARTICLE III MEMBERS AND DUES

Section 1. School Constituent
a) School constituent membership is composed of active or associate members who are
members of the NSNA and the state association when one exists.
b) SBSNA shall be composed of at least 10 members from Stony Brook University or the
total school enrollment if less than 10. There shall be only one chapter on this school
campus.
c) For yearly recognition as a constituent, an officer of the SBSNA shall submit annually
the Official Application for NSNA Constituency Status which shall include the following
areas of conformity: purpose and functions, membership, dues, and representation.
d) A constituent association that fails to comply with the bylaws and policies of NSNA shall
have its status as a constituent revoked by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors, provided
that written notice of the proposed revocation has been given at least two months prior to
the vote and the constituent association is given an opportunity to be heard.
e) SBSNA is an entity separate and apart from NSNA and its administration of activities,
with NSNA and SBSNA exercising no supervision or control over these immediate daily
and regular activities. NSNA and New York have no liability for any loss, damages, or


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injuries sustained by third parties as a result of the negligence or acts of SBSNA or the
members thereof. In the event any legal proceedings are brought against NSNA and
NSANYS (state association), SBSNA will indemnify and hold harmless the NSNA and
NSANYS from any liability.

Section 2. Categories of Constituent Membership
Members of the constituent associations shall be:
1. Active members:
a) Students enrolled in state approved programs leading to licensure as a registered nurse.
b) Registered nurses enrolled in programs leading a baccalaureate degree with a major in
nursing.
c) To be considered an active member, students must be an official NSNA member and
complete 8 service credits throughout the academic year.
d) Active members shall have all the privileges of membership and receive a graduation
cord as well as a recognition certificate upon completion of requirements.
e) Students enrolled in a two-year program must be active for both years or pay a late
membership fee of $5 to SBSNA if joining past NSNA membership deadline set by the
Executive Board to receive a graduation cord and recognition certificate.
f) Students enrolled in a one-year program must be active for one year or pay a late
membership fee of $5 to SBSNA if joining past NSNA membership deadline set by the
Executive Board to receive a graduation cord and recognition certificate.
2. Associate members:
a) Pre-nursing students, including registered nurses, enrolled in college or university
programs designed as preparation for entrance into a program leading to an associate
degree, diploma or baccalaureate degree in nursing.
b) Associate members shall have all of the privileges of membership except the right to hold
office.
3. Individual members:
a) Individual membership shall be open at the national level to any eligible student when
membership in a constituent association is not available. Individual members shall have
the privileges of membership as prescribed in NSNA bylaws.
4. Active and associate membership shall be renewable annually.

Section 3. Length of Membership
a) Active and associate NSNA membership may be extended six months beyond graduation
from a student's program in nursing, providing membership was renewed while the
student was enrolled in a nursing program.

Section 4. Dues
a) The annual NSNA dues for active and associate members shall be $40 per member, plus
$5 school dues in the case of late NSNA registration past deadline set by the Executive
Board, payable for the appropriate dues year. The dues year for membership shall be a
period of twelve consecutive months.
b) The annual NSNA dues for active and associate members joining for two years shall be
$80 per member, plus $5 school dues in the case of late NSNA registration past deadline

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set by the Executive Board, payable for the appropriate dues years. The dues years for
these members shall be a period of twenty-four consecutive months.
c) The school association board of directors shall have the authority to change membership
dues, providing such dues do not exceed the amounts set in these bylaws.
d) National and state dues shall be payable directly to NSNA. NSNA shall remit to each
state constituent the dues received on behalf of the constituent. NSNA shall not collect
nor remit school chapter dues.
e) Any member who fails to pay current dues shall forfeit all privileges of membership.
f) Tardy NSNA registration results in a $5 school dues.

ARTICLE V. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Composition
a) The Board of Directors will consist of: President, First Vice President, Second Vice
President, Secretary, Treasurer, Communications Director, Community Health Director,
Breakthrough to Nursing Director, Policy/Education Director, and Membership Director.
b) The Executive Board of Directors will consist of: President, First Vice President, Second
Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Section 2. Responsibilities
1. The Board of Directors shall be responsible for:
a) Transacting business of the association between membership meetings and shall report
such transactions at the next regularly scheduled membership meeting.
b) Filling vacancies in any office by two-thirds majority vote of Board of Directors except
the office of President.
c) Reviewing monetary disbursements, acquisitions and fund raising activities and shall be
responsible for procuring persons for audit of all accounts on an annual basis.

Section 3. Duties of the Board of Directors:
1. The President:
a) Shall preside at all meetings of this association, appoint special committee as needed,
perform all other duties pertaining to the office and represent this association in all
matters to the local state nurses association, the local league for nursing, state nursing
student association, National Student Nurses' Association, and other professional and
student organizations.
b) Shall serve as chairperson of the Board of Directors.
2. The First Vice President:
a) Shall assume responsibility of the office of President in the event of the vacancy
occurring in the office until the next regular election.
b) Shall preside at meetings in the absence of the President.
c) Shall assist the President as delegated and act as advisor to the President.
3. The Second Vice President:
a) Serve as assistant to the First Vice President.
b) Perform all other duties as designated.


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c) Assume either the duties of the President or the First Vice President when needed.
4. The Secretary:
a) Shall record and distribute the minutes of all meetings of this association as directed by
the President.
b) Shall keep on file as a permanent record all reports, papers and documents submitted to
the Secretary.
c) Refer to dully appointed committees the necessary records for the completion of
business.
d) Forward minutes to the state nursing student association board as well as the names and
addresses of all officers and committee chairpersons after their election or appointment.
e) Deliver to the newly elected Secretary all association papers.
5. The Treasurer:
a) Shall serve as chairperson of the Fundraising Committee.
b) Submit financial reports to the membership as directed by President.
c) Prepare financial reports submitted at the Board of Directors Meetings.
d) Keep a permanent record of all dues received from members and any other income and
expenses.
e) Remit payment for approved debits according to the following:
1. Disbursement of Funds
a) Requests for disbursement of funds shall be made in writing to the Board of
Directors.
b) Upon approval the treasurer will issue checks for those requests approved.
c) No funds will be disbursed without prior approval.
6. The Communications Director:
a) Be responsible for the update and design of the SBSNA website.
b) Assist with all advertising, such as emails and flyers, to be posted to social networking
websites, the SBSNA website, SB Life page, and other like avenues of advertising
SBSNA events.
c) Perform all other duties as assigned.
7. The Community Health Director:
a) Shall serve as chairperson of the Community Health Committee.
b) Be responsible for the promotion and implementation of local community health projects.
8. The Breakthrough to Nursing Director:
a) Shall serve as chairperson of the Breakthrough to Nursing Committee.
b) Be responsible for the promotion of career opportunities in nursing.
c) Be responsible for coordinating and implementing projects and events in relation to
Breakthrough to Nursing.
d) Focus substantially upon increasing the number of students from groups who traditionally
have been underrepresented in American Nursing.
e) Encourage the nursing education system to be responsive of the needs of the above
students.
f) Perform all other duties designated.
9. The Policy/Education Director:
a) Shall serve as chairperson of the Policy/Education Committee.


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b) Stay informed concerning legislation in New York as well as on a National level,
concerning nursing students and nurses.
c) Keep the Executive Board and SBSNA constituents informed concerning nursing
legislation in the state and nation.
d) Be responsible for developing and submitting a resolution to be presented at the annual
NSNA convention.
e) Perform all other duties as designated.
10. The Membership Director:
a) Be responsible for the promotion and record of the schools membership, required
credits, and recruitment.
b) Implement activities to increase constituency status among the three nursing classes.
c) Perform all other duties as designated.
Section 5. Board and Transition
All officers and members of the Board of Directors at the end of their term of office shall be
required to:
a) Arrange a transition meeting or contact and provide the following.
b) Submit all original records including digital records with end of year summary report to
Secretary. All board members at first transition meeting will provide copies along with
end of year summary report to their successor.
c) Submit to the original records to secretary who shall be responsible to maintain all past
and current information as prescribe in Duties and responsibilities of Secretary Article
5 Section 3. Subsection 4.
d) Ensure that secretary provides copies of all SBSNA information from past
administrations to all officers, advisors and NSNA at end of term. Secretary will also
provide digital copies of SBSNA information to all elected officers, board members,
advisors, NSNA, and upon approval of the board to any member or outside party.
e) Explain to the board Elect purpose of transition meeting or contact along with rights
and privileges.
f) Not permit the Board Elect to vote on current years business.
g) Permit Board Elect to vote on issues pertaining to transition including but not excluding
financial audit arrangements.
Section 6. Absences
a) Members of the Board of Directors who have missed more than two regularly scheduled
meetings of any current term year without prior notification to the Board of Directors and
who offer no valid reason for such absences may be removed from office by a plurality
vote of the current membership present at the next scheduled meeting. The officer in
question will be notified in advance of the meeting.
b) An officer may also be removed from office by a plurality vote of the members of the
Board of Directors present at a meeting called for that purpose if that officer is deemed
negligent in the functions of that office as stated in these bylaws.
c) Prior notification of two weeks shall be given to the individual in question and a special
Board of Directors meeting shall be held to review the circumstances.
Section 7. Board Vacancy
a) A vacancy on the Board of Directors, other than the President, shall be filled by the
Board of Directors by a simple majority vote. The Board shall fill such vacancies with a

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nominee provided by any Board of Director.
b) A vacancy on the Board of Directors will be offered to the Board Elects before searching
externally to fill the vacant position(s).
Section 8. Removal of Board Members
The Board of Directors may remove a Board Member in the following cases:
a) A Board Member has accumulated more than 3 unexcused absences.
b) In the case of a Board Member failing to perform his/her duties as outlined in these
bylaws.

ARTICLE VI. ADVISORS

Section 1. Composition
a) There shall be three-four Board Advisors to the Board of Directors: One consultant shall be the
Faculty Advisor, a faculty member of Stony Brook University, School of Nursing. One
consultant shall be a Presidential Advisor, a Stony Brook Student Nurses Association Executive
Board Alumni, to be appointed each year by the new President Elect with the consent of the
Board of Directors. And at least one, but not more than two advisors shall the Alumni Liaison(s),
a Stony Brook Student Nurses Association Executive Board Alumni, to represent and maintain
SBSNA Alumni relations.
b) The Faculty Advisor shall serve a term of two years from June 1st to May 31st of the second
year. The Presidential Advisor and Alumni Liaison(s) shall serve for one year from June 1st to
May 31st of the following year.
c) On the year that the Faculty Advisor consultants term is expiring, the current presiding
President shall invite the Faculty Advisor consultant back to SBSNA or send out a letter to
Faculty of Stony Brook University, School of Nursing in order to solicit applications for the
position. This is to be done with the adoption of these bylaws, and be conducted by May 31st of
each the year of term expiration.
d) On the year that the Presidential Advisor and Alumni Liaison consultants terms are expiring, the
current presiding President shall invite the Presidential Advisor consultant back to SBSNA or
send out a letter to the Stony Brook Student Nurses Association Executive Board Alumni in
order to solicit applications for the consultants positions. This is to be done with the adoption of
these bylaws, and be conducted by May 31st of each the year of term expiration.
e) Applicants will be interviewed by the Executive Board Elects, with consultation from the current
Board of Directors, during the month of May.
f) All consultants will be approved by the Board of Directors immediately following their taking
office on June 1st.
g) Consultants may serve multiple consecutive or non-consecutive terms, if mutually agreed upon
between the consultants and the SBSNA Executive Board.
Section 2. The Consultants
a) Serve as a resource person(s) through consultation and council with officers, committees, and
members.
b) Be welcome to attend all SBSNA and NSNA meetings; however this provision is not mandatory
to attend.
c) Provide guidance to the Board of Directors on matters concerning parliamentary procedures,
conducting effective meetings.

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d) Help arbitrate if solicited upon by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VII - ELECTIONS

Section 1. Election of Board of Directors
a) Elections shall be held prior to the first general members meeting.
b) All elections shall be by application process.
c) Applications are reviewed by the Executive Board of Directors to select Board of
Directors for incoming year.

ARTICLE VIII - MEETINGS

Section 1. Membership Meetings
a) Meeting dates shall be set by the Executive Board of Directors.
b) Meeting location and time will be established by the Secretary.
c) The President shall have the authority to convene a special meeting as such time as is
deemed necessary and shall notify the general membership of such meeting, location, and
time.

ARTICLE IX - COMMITTEES

Section 1. Appointments
a) Committee chair appointments shall be made by the Board of Directors and shall be
deemed standing committees unless otherwise stated at time of appointment.
b) Committee members shall be appointed by the committee chairperson or selected by the
Board of Directors.
c) Committee members must be active members of SBSNA.
Section 2. Responsibility
a) All committees shall be responsible to the Board of Directors for reporting committee
activities on a regular basis and shall, upon direction of the Board of Directors, report
same to the general membership.

ARTICLE X - DELEGATES

Section 1. Purpose and Function
a) To serve as spokesperson for this association at the annual state and national conventions.
b) Present to the state and national organizations all proposed resolutions or amendments to
bylaws or policies proposed by this association.
c) Keep informed as to all current and proposed resolutions at the state and national levels
and report information to this association's membership at regularly scheduled
membership meetings.
d) Make available to members updates, explanations, and copies of current and proposed
state and national resolutions.
Section 2. Qualification and Appointment
a) Any member maintaining a grade level of C+ or above, who is active in SBSNA projects

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and is nominated by current membership at a regularly scheduled meeting is eligible to
hold the position of delegate.
b) Appointment shall be for one (1) year and shall be made by nomination of those members
eligible and voted on by the current membership eligible to vote and voting. The
nominee receiving the majority of votes cast shall be awarded the position.
Section 3. Delegate Representation
a) School constituents: SBSNA, when recognized as an official NSNA constituent, shall be
entitled to one voting delegate and alternate at the NSNA House of Delegates, and in
addition, shall be entitled to one voting delegate and alternate for every 50 members.
b) The SBSNA delegate(s) and alternate shall be a member(s) in good standing in the
chapter and shall be selected and/or elected by members of the school chapter at a proper
meeting according to chapter bylaws. The school association may designate an alternate
delegate for each delegate by one of the following two mechanisms:
1. Selection and/or election by members of the school chapter according to chapter
bylaws; OR written authorization to the State Board of Directors requesting them to
appoint a member of the State Board to act as a state-appointed alternate for their
school chapter. School chapters shall approve the appointment.
2. The State Board of Directors shall verify that any state appointed alternate is a
member in good standing of the NSNA a and the state association.
3. A school chapter must have a selected and/or elected delegate present at the NSNA
Convention in order to have a state-appointed alternate seated in the House of
Delegates.
c) The school association shall be entitled to delegates according to the number of members
in good standing in NSNA. Delegates shall be computed on the basis of the number of
members in each constituent as evidenced by the annual dues received by NSNA on a
date eight weeks prior to the annual meeting.

ARTICLE XI AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be amended at the last scheduled meeting of the term preceding the bylaws
amendment by a 2/3 vote of those present and voting at a membership meeting provided that
notice of proposed amendments has been sent to members at least four weeks prior to the
meeting. Only proper amendments submitted in writing and carrying the proponent's signature
will be considered.
ARTICLE XII - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

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