Bylaws

of the
Duquesne University Student Nurses’ Association
Revised December 1, 2018

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Duquesne University Student Nurses’ Association Bylaws
ARTICLE I. NAME OF ORGANIZATION

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the Duquesne University Student
Nurses Association, a branch of the Student Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania, a
branch of the National Student Nurses’ Association, Inc., here in after referred to as
DUSNA, SNAP, and NSNA, respectively.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

Section 1. The purpose of DUSNA is:

A. To assume responsibility for contributing to nursing education in order to provide for

the highest quality of health care.
B. To provide programs representative of fundamental interests and concerns to nursing
students.
C. To aid in the development of the whole person, including his/her professional role and
his/her responsibility for health care of people in all walks of life.

Section 2. The function of DUSNA shall include 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 to 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.
H. To inform and advise the nursing student of his/her rights and responsibilities.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERS

Section 1. School Constituent

A. School constituent membership is composed of active or associate members who are

members of the NSNA and SNAP.
B. DUSNA shall be composed of at least 10 members from Duquesne University. There
shall be only one chapter on this school campus.

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C. For yearly recognition as a constituent, the Vice President of DUSNA 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. DUSNA is an entity separate and apart from NSNA and its administration of activities,
with NSNA and SNAP exercising no supervision or control over these immediate daily
and regular activities. NSNA and SNAP have no liability for any loss, damages, or
injuries sustained by third parties as a result of the negligence or acts of DUSNA or the
members thereof. In the event any legal proceedings are brought against NSNA and
SNAP, DUSNA will indemnify and hold harmless the NSNA and DUSNA from any
liability.

Section 2. Categories of Constituent Membership

Members of the constituent associations shall be:

A. Active members:
1. Students enrolled in state approved programs leading to licensure as a registered
nurse.
2. Registered nurses enrolled in programs leading a baccalaureate degree with a
major in nursing.
3. Active members shall have all the privileges of membership.
B. Associate members:
1. 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.
2. Associate members shall have all of the privileges of membership except the right
to hold office as president or vice president at state and national levels.
C. Individual members:
1. 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.
D. Active and associate membership shall be renewable annually.

Section 3. Membership Extension

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. Membership Requirements

A. In order to obtain a certificate of participation in DUSNA one must:

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 1. Pay dues for DUSNA and NSNA
2. Participate in the predetermined activities deemed necessary by the
Board of Directors.
B. Beginning with the Class of 2023, in order to obtain graduation cords for
DUSNA:
1. One must join each subsequent year following initial membership.
2. Members who join their senior year are still eligible for the certificate of
participation.

ARTICLE IV. DUES

Section 1.

A. The Annual NSNA dues for active and associate members shall be $25 per member
($20 per new member), plus $20 state ($15 for new member) and $25 (2 semesters) $20
(one semester) school dues, 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 $50 per member, plus $30 state and $50 school dues, payable for the appropriate dues
years. The dues years for these members shall be a period of twenty-four consecutive
months.
C. The DUSNA 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 school dues shall forfeit all privileges of
membership.

ARTICLE V. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Composition

A. The Board of Directors will consist of: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer,
Legislative Coordinator, Service Chair, Social Chair, Publicity Chair, Fundraising Chair,
and Recruitment/Webmaster Chair.

Section 2. Responsibilities

A. The Board of Directors shall be responsible for:

1. Transacting business of the association between membership meetings and shall
report such transactions at the next regularly scheduled membership meeting.
2. Filling vacancies in any office by two-thirds majority vote of Board of Directors.
3. Reviewing monetary disbursements, acquisitions and fundraising activities and
shall be responsible for procuring persons for audit of all accounts as they see fit.

Section 3. Eligibility
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 . Any active member shall be eligible to serve as an officer.

Section 4. Duties of the Board of Directors shall consist of:

President
1. Shall preside at all meetings of this association, represent DUSNA in all matters
relating to the association, perform all other duties pertaining to the office and
represent this association in all matters to the CAUSP, SNAP, PSNA, NSNA, and
other professional and student organizations.
2. Shall serve as chairperson of the Board of Directors.
3. Shall be a junior or senior in the Duquesne School of Nursing.
4. Appoint committees and their chairpersons, subject to the approval of the Board
of Directors, and make other appointments as necessary
5. Shall serve as ex-officio member of all DUSNA committees.
6. Shall facilitate collaborative efforts between NSNA Director responsible for our
region, SNAP Regional Coordinator responsible for our region, and amongst
other SNAP chapters.
7. Shall serve on the finance committee alongside the Vice President and Treasurer.
B. Vice President
1. Shall assume responsibility of the office of President in the event of the vacancy
occurring in the office until the next regular election.
2. Shall preside at meetings in the absence of the President.
3. Shall assist the President as delegated and act as advisor to the President.
4. Shall be a junior or senior in the Duquesne School of Nursing.
5. Shall organize convention plans and serve as a representative at conventions.
6. Shall be responsible for maintaining and improving upon the DUSNA mentorship
program.
7. Shall be responsible for submitting and delegating award applications to the
Board of Directors as well as submitting annual NSNA constituency application.
8. Shall serve on the finance committee alongside the President and Treasurer.
C. Secretary
1. Shall record, distribute, and keep a permanent record of minutes from all meetings
as directed by the President.
2. Shall forward minutes to SNAP board as well as the names and addresses of all
officers and committee chairpersons after their election or appointment.
3. Shall create and update a DUSNA membership list.
4. Shall take attendance at every DUSNA meeting and activity.
5. Shall convey all announcements through e-mail regarding meetings and activities.
D. Treasurer
1. Shall formulate an annual budget of DUSNA’s expected income and
expenditures.
2. Shall prepare financial reports submitted at the monthly Board of Directors
Meeting.
3. Shall keep a permanent record of all dues received from members and any other
income and expenses.
4. Shall act as a liaison to the Student Government Association for financial issues.
5. Shall coordinate funds for all SNAP and NSNA conventions and activities.
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 6. Shall remit payment for approved debits according to the following:
a) Disbursement of Funds
1. Requests for disbursement of funds shall be made in writing to
the Board of Directors.
2. Upon approval the treasurer will issue checks for those requests
approved.
3. No funds will be disbursed without prior approval.
4. No funds will be disbursed without prior approval.
7. Shall serve as the chair of the finance committee alongside the President and Vice
President.
a) Committee Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
1. Allocation of DUSNA’s funds.
2. Approval of emergent decisions regarding all finances.
3. Proposal of all new expenditures, travel expenses,
and changes to budget.
E. Legislative Coordinator
1. Shall inform DUSNA members about the resolution process and current political
and legislative issues that affect nursing students and the nursing profession.
2. Shall oversee the resolution writing process and chair the resolutions committee.
3. Shall organize plans for SNAP’s Step-by-Step Capitol Hill Day.
4. Shall be responsible for amending DUSNA’s bylaws and policies.
F. Service Chair
1. Shall be responsible for coordinating community and volunteer projects for the
membership to take part in.
2. Shall be responsible for all communications with service project coordinators and
representatives.
3. Shall encourage membership to take part in community service activities.
4. Shall record members that participate in service events.
G. Social Chair
1. Shall be responsible for coordinating all social activities for the membership to
take part in.
2. Shall be responsible for coordinating any arrangements needed for the planned
activity.
3. Shall encourage membership to take part in social activities.
4. Shall record members that participate in social events.
H. Publicity Chair
1. Shall take pictures at various DUSNA, SNAP, and NSNA activities.
2. Shall create flyers for DUSNA meetings and activities.
3. Shall be responsible for creating/updating the DUSNA scrapbook and bulletin
board.
I. Fundraising Chair
1. Shall be responsible for coordinating with all vendors and sales representatives.
2. Shall present ideas and design options to the membership for fundraisers.
3. Shall be responsible for keeping inventory of all current DUSNA merchandise.
4. Shall be responsible for keeping a record of, ordering, and distributing all
fundraising materials to membership.
J. Recruitment/Webmaster Chair.
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 1. Shall work with the web manager of the School of Nursing to update the DUSNA
website.
2. Shall be responsible for maintaining any webpages related to DUSNA, i.e.
Campuslink
3. Shall encourage nursing students to join DUSNA through means that they see fit,
i.e. Tabling, speaking in classes, attending freshmore meeting.

Section 5. Dismissal of Board

A. In the event that an elected or appointed Board member has failed to perform his/her
specified duties, has failed to maintain their NSNA membership, or is in poor academic
standing, the Board of Directors shall have the power by three-quarters (3/4) vote to
declare the office of an elected or appointed position vacant. In the event that an elected
or appointed Board member misses two meetings with no excuse during term of office,
the position shall be declared vacant.
B. In the event of the vacancy in the office of both President and Vice-President, the
SNAP Board of Directors shall appoint a new President from within the Board of
Directors as soon as possible. This is the only time the Board of Directors can function as
a voting body without the presence of the President or Vice President.
C. 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.
D. 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 6. Additional Board Members

A. The President, with three-fourths vote of the Board of Directors may create board
positions with a complete job description and appoint qualified persons to those
positions as deemed necessary.

ARTICLE VI. ELECTIONS

Section 1. Election of Board of Directors

A. The criteria for candidates includes the following:

1. Candidate must be an active member of DUSNA for at least one semester.
B. Elections shall be held annually in the month of March.
C. All elections shall be by secret ballot.
D. A plurality vote of the members present and entitled to vote and voting shall constitute
an official election.
E. In the event of a tie, a revote shall be held.
F. Candidates may nominate themselves prior to elections by filling out a consent to
serve form, or they may be nominated by membership from the floor.
G. The newly elected Board of Directors will collaborate and share responsibilities with
the previous Board of Directors until the end of the spring semester to ensure that the new
Board of Directors is oriented and ready for the upcoming semester.
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ARTICLE VII. FACULTY ADVISORS

Section 1. Advisors

A. Two members of the Duquesne University School of Nursing faculty shall serve as
faculty advisor and assistant advisor to DUSNA.

Section 2. Advisor Duties

A. The faculty advisor shall:

1. Serve an undetermined term as advisor.
2. Attend DUSNA meeting and functions, but will have no vote.
3. Serve as a liaison between DUSNA and faculty regarding issues of common
concern.
4. Serve as a resource to the Board of Directors and assist with interpretation of
Duquesne University policies.
5. Encourage the democratic process.
6. Offer insight and advice to help the organization run to the best of its ability.
B. The assistant advisor shall:
1. Serve an undetermined term as assistant advisor.
2. Assist the faculty advisor.
3. Attend DUSNA meeting and functions, but will have no vote.
4. Offer insight and advice to help the organization run to the best of its ability.

ARTICLE VIII. MEETINGS

Section 1. Membership Meetings

A. Meeting dates, location, and times shall be set by the Board of Directors.
B. The President shall have the authority to convene a special meeting as is
deemed necessary and shall notify the general membership of such meeting, location,
and time.
C. The privilege of making motions and voting shall be limited to the voting body. A
voting member shall have one vote in any election or on any question.
D. All meetings of DUSNA shall be open to the public.

Section 2. Quorum

A quorum in a DUSNA Meeting shall consist of two-thirds (2/3) of members.

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.

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B. Committee members shall be appointed by the committee chairperson or selected by
the Board of Directors from a group of volunteers.

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 the
same information 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 membership at regularly scheduled 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 an active DUSNA

member and is nominated by the Board of Directors through an application process
and/or nominated by the membership is eligible to hold the position of delegate.
B. Appointment process will be completed for each convention attended, as the Board of
Directors sees fit.

Section 3. Delegate Representation

A. School constituents:
1. DUSNA, 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.
2. The DUSNA 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:
a. Selection and/or election by members of the school chapter
according to chapter bylaws; or

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 b. 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.
c. School chapters shall approve the appointment.
d. The State Board of Directors shall verify that any state appointed
alternate is a member in good standing of the NSNA 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. All alternates, whether school selected or state-appointed, shall have the
same privileges as an elected delegate when seated in the House.
4. 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

A. Amendments to the Bylaws may be made with 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.
B. Amendments to these bylaws shall be effective immediately upon approval by the
membership.
C. Amendments to the bylaws of SNAP or NSNA adopted at their respective annual meeting,
which directly relate to the business of DUSNA in the areas of conformity, shall automatically
and immediately be incorporated into the bylaws of DUSNA.

ARTICLE XII. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Section 1. 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.

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