BYLAWS

Bylaws of
Rutgers Student Nurses’ Association

Revised: May 09, 2018

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Reason for Being Preamble Rights

Article I Name

Article II Purpose and Functions

Article III Members and Membership

 REASONS FOR BEING
Preamble:
We, students of nursing, believe there is a common need to organize, to represent ourselves to
the consumer and other health disciplines, and to assume our rightful place in the profession of
nursing.

We further believe:
● every citizen has a right to the highest quality health care;
● in the development of whole persons toward their professional role with its rights,
responsibilities, and ideals;
● every right bears inherent responsibility;
● responsibilities are participatory, not purely philosophical or ideological; and,
● the quality and quantity of participation are not exclusive, but bear the responsibility of
participation.

Rights:
Students have a right to:
● a sound education;
● a creative educational opportunity;
● the highest quality practitioner/teacher;
● provide input into curriculum planning;
● self-directed learning;
● achieve equal participation in all areas of clinical practice;
● participate in interdisciplinary activities;
● ensure peer review and self-evaluation;
● internal governance;
● organize and participate in an organization directed toward achieving professional goals;
● facilitate change in health care delivery through various channels;
● assemble and explore fundamental and current professional issues and concerns;
● organize in a flexible structure to encompass and represent the diversities within nursing
and be representative of the fundamental and current professional issues and concerns;
and finally,
● foster better communication between nursing education and practice.

Article I
Name
SECTION 1. Name
The name of this organization shall be the Rutgers Student Nurses’ Association, hereinafter
referred to as RSNA.

SECTION 2. Constituency
RSNA is a school chapter of the National Student Nurses’ Association and New Jersey Nursing
Students, Inc., whose membership is composed of active or associate National Student Nurses’
Association members. These will be herein referred to as NSNA and NJNS respectively.
 Article II
Purpose and Functions
SECTION 1. Purpose
The purpose of RSNA is:
A. to assume responsibility for contributing to the education of Rutgers nursing students in
order to provide for the highest quality of health care; and,
B. to provide programs representative of fundamental and current professional interests and
concerns; and,
C. to aid in the development of the whole person, his/her professional role, and his/her
responsibility for the health care of people in all walks of life.

SECTION 2. Functions
The functions of RSNA shall include:
A. to have input into the standards of nursing education and influence the educational
process; and,
B. to influence healthcare, nursing education, and practice through legislative activities as
appropriate; and,
C. to promote and encourage participation in community affairs and activities towards
improved health care and the resolution of related social issues; and,
D. To represent nursing students to the consumer, to institutions, and to other organizations;
and,
E. 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; and,
F. to promote and encourage collaborative relationships with the American Nurses
Association, the National League for Nursing, the International Council of Nurses, as
well as other nursing and related health organizations.

Article III
Members and Membership
SECTION 1. Membership
Members of RSNA shall be:
A. Active members, whom are defined as:
1. any student enrolled at Rutgers University School of Nursing, hereafter referred to
as RUSON, at the Newark, New Brunswick, or Blackwood campuses, leading to
licensure as a registered nurse; and,
2. any student enrolled in the RUSON traditional undergraduate program leading to
a Baccalaureate of Science degree with a major in nursing; or,
3. any student enrolled in the RUSON accelerated program leading to Baccalaureate
of Science degree with a major in nursing; or,
 4. any student enrolled in the RUSON RN-BS in nursing program leading to a
Baccalaureate of Science degree with a major in nursing; and,
5. a member of NSNA who pays annual dues and is able to provide proof of
membership.
B. Associate members, whom are defined as:
a. any pre-nursing students actively following the nursing curriculum at Rutgers
University.

1. Associate members shall have all of the privileges of membership

except the right to run for office.

SECTION 2. Privileges
Members of RSNA shall have the following privileges:
A. Active members:
1. Active members shall have all of the privileges of membership.
2. Active members can request documents form the executive board.
3. Active members are welcome to attend any and all executive board meetings.
4. Active members may participate in executive board discussions, but will not have
a vote on any decisions.
B. Associate members:
1. Associate members shall have all of the privileges of membership except the right
to run for office.

SECTION 3. Dues
A. Annual dues for active and associate members shall be as referenced in the NSNA
membership brochure for one and two year periods
B. National and state dues shall be made payable to NSNA.
C. Any member, including board members, who fails to pay current dues shall forfeit all
privileges of membership.
D. Payment of NSNA and NJNS dues is a prerequisite for membership in RSNA.
E. The annual dues for members will be established by the Board of Directors.

Article IV
Members of the Board

SECTION 1. Members of the Board

Elected board members shall consist of:
A. Officers
1. president
2. vice president
3. secretary
4. treasurer
B. Directors
1. two public relations co-directors
2. two community outreach co-directors
 3. resolutions director
4. fundraising director
5. membership/convention director
C. Representatives
1. Newark campus representative
2. Blackwood campus representative
3. Second-degree program representative
4. NJNS representative

SECTION 2. Qualifications of Board Members

Any member of this association, meeting the following qualifications, shall be eligible to be a
candidate for office.
A. Candidates for office shall meet the criteria for active members of RSNA, as defined in
Article III, Section 1, throughout their term of office.
B. Members holding holding state or national office may hold a position on the RSNA
board, as long as they uphold all responsibilities of said positions.

SECTION 3. Terms of Office

Upon becoming elected, all officers and directors of RSNA will have the following
responsibilities:
A. Serve for the entire term. The term is defined as a 1-year period beginning in May of the
year elected and concluding in May of the following year.
B. There is no term limit to how many times a student may run or be elected to office.
C. Attend monthly meetings after their election to enact a smooth transition from the current
board to the incoming board, referred to as the “board elect.” The “board elect” members
will not have a vote at these meetings until they begin their official term at the transition
meeting.
D. All executive board members must remain accessible for two months following the May
transition meeting for consultation and guidance of the new “board elect” members.

SECTION 4. General Duties of the Executive Board

A. All board members must attend the monthly board meetings.
B. All board members is expected to attend every event organized by the organization if
given one month’s notice of date of the event.
C. Candidates for office shall have a GPA of 2.5 or higher prior to running for office, and
must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher during their term in office.
a. Students who have not maintained a 2.5 GPA, failed a nursing class, or are in
jeopardy of failing at the beginning of any semester/quarter while on the board
will make an appointment with an advisor for counseling and possible board
intervention.
D. All board members will transact business of RSNA between meetings and report such
business at the next meeting.
E. All RSNA correspondence will be approved by an advisor before being sent.
F. All board members will revise a program of actions, implementing and augmenting, the
purposes of this organization for presentation to the membership.
 G. All board members may create special committees as the need arises and appoint student
representatives to these committees.
H. All board members will approve budget, authorize all monetary disbursements, and
provide the annual review of accounts.
I. All executive board members and RSNA representatives are reminded that they are most
importantly student nurses with scholastic responsibilities.

Expenses:

1. The executive board member’s related business expenses may be paid

for/reimbursed by RSNA upon approval of the executive board.

2. Meals that are purchased by executive board members, when food is

provided by RSNA or by another organization, are not reimbursable.

3. Any executive board member who fails to show up for an event that
RSNA has paid for must reimburse RSNA for the price of his/her seat.

Section 4: Duties of Officers and Chairs

A. President

The president shall:

1. Receive from predecessor all files, information, and supplies

with an explanation necessary for fulfilling the duties of the
president.

2. Serve as the principal officer of the association and preside at

all meetings of the association.

3. Have working knowledge of the RSNA bylaws.

4. Be responsible for seeing that lines of directions and actions of

the executive board are carried into effect.

5. Report to the membership and to the executive board the

conduct of the affairs of RSNA.

6. Appoint committees and chairpersons, subject to the approval

of the executive board.

7. Co-sign checks with the treasurer.

 8. Be responsible for the development of at least two student
projects.

9. Be responsible for organizing the trip to the NJNS, Inc. Annual

Convention.

10. Represent RSNA in matters relating to the association, and

perform all other duties pertaining to the office.

11. Maintain communication with advisor, faculty, staff, students,

and all deans.

12. Have such other powers and perform such other duties as
agreed upon by the executive board.

B. Vice President

The vice president shall:

1. Receive from predecessor all files, information, and supplies

with an explanation necessary for fulfilling the duties of the
vice president.

2. Assume the duties of the president in the absence or disability

of the president.

3. Accede to the office of president in case of vacancy in the

office.

4. Be responsible for the development of at least two student

projects.

5. Assist the president in coordination of all RSNA activities,

including appointment of committee chairpersons and the
planning of the NJNS, Inc. Annual Convention.

6. Maintain communication with advisor, faculty, staff, students,

and all deans.

7. Perform other duties as assigned by the president.

C. Secretary

The secretary shall:

 1. Receive from predecessor all files, information, and supplies,
with an explanation necessary for fulfilling the duties of the
secretary.

2. Review minutes of all business meetings of the association and

ensure accuracy prior to distribution. Minutes shall follow an
outline to maintain continuity.

3. Maintain minutes during RSNA executive board meetings.

4. Keep a copy of all minutes on file (on RSNA’s

rutgersnursing@gmail.com Google Drive).

5. Record attendance of each board member at all meetings.

6. Maintain all records and official documents on file and up to

date.

7. Be responsible for documenting and organizing NSNA

membership form information yearly to create a membership
database for RSNA.

8. Be responsible for reservation of spaces for events, general

body meetings, etc.

9. Notify the members of the executive board of dates and times

of meetings.

10. Maintain and update the RSNA Blackboard page.

11. Perform all duties as assigned by the president.

D. Treasurer

The treasurer shall:

1. Receive from predecessor all files, information, and supplies

with an explanation necessary for fulfilling the duties of the
treasurer.

2. Act as custodian of organization funds.

3. Administer the budget and keep a written record on file of the

expenditures of RSNA.
 4. Keep a copy of all financial records.

5. Be responsible for the organization and collection of all forms

and funds from fundraisers.

6. Coordinate the distribution of fundraiser items.

7. Be required to travel between New Brunswick and Newark.

8. Present a written report twice during each semester (mid-

semester and end-of-semester) on the financial status of RSNA.

a. A written report may be requested by the president at

any time.

E. Public Relations Chair

The public relations chair shall:

1. Receive from predecessor all files, information, and supplies

with an explanation necessary for fulfilling the duties of the
public relations chair.

2. Promote RSNA to the RUSON student body.

3. Promote to the public activities of RSNA that enhance the

image of nursing, RUSON, and RSNA.

4. Update RSNA Facebook and Twitter pages in a timely fashion.

5. Create flyers and other advertisements for RSNA events and

fundraisers.

6. Be responsible for the Newark and New Brunswick public

relations representatives if applicable.

7. Maintain and update the RSNA Blackboard page.

8. Ensure that www.nursing.rutgers.edu website is updated with

current executive board information.

9. Perform all duties as assigned by the president.

F. Resolutions/Breakthrough to Nursing Chair

 The Resolutions/Breakthrough to Nursing Chair shall:

1. Be responsible for coordinating the “Resolutions Committee,”

which will be responsible for the writing of at least one
resolution to be submitted by RSNA to NSNA.

a. Be responsible for the approval of a topic selected by

the Resolutions Committee.

b. Be responsible for the timeliness of the resolution,

including creating due dates for drafts and final
submission to NSNA.

c. Maintain accurate files, information, and supplies to be

utilized by future Resolutions chairs.

d. Be responsible for the implementation of actions to be

taken as a result of the resolution.

2. Be responsible for coordinating the “Breakthrough to Nursing”

project.

a. Create a project that will allow students to

“breakthrough” the barriers of entering into the nursing
profession (e.g. race, sex, social economic status, or
disability), OR

b. Be responsible for the continuing and further

development of the alliance with Robert Wood Johnson
University Hospital and New Brunswick Health
Sciences Technology High School, on events such as
the “Future Nurses’ Club” to address the higher
education disparity of the local community.

c. Initiate communication with the RUSON laboratory

coordinator and all faculty involved in the project.

d. Coordinate RUSON student body involvement in the

project.

3. Perform all duties as assigned by the president.

G. Academic Assistance Chair

The Academic Assistance chair shall:

 1. Receive from predecessor all files, information, and supplies
with an explanation necessary for fulfilling the duties of the
academic assistance chair.

2. Be responsible for promoting and organizing the Academic

Assistance program.

3. Organize the nomination of academic assistants for each class

year with the following criteria (noun):

a. Maintenance of NSNA membership.

b. Maintenance of at least a GPA of 3.0.

4. Academic assistants are subject to approval by the executive

board.

5. Coordinate academic assistancehours that are appropriate for

each class year.

6. Coordinate group study events (e.g.“study parties”) and other

events that may encourage studying and learning.

7. Ensure that each academic assistant holds his/her weekly hours

and records attendance of students who attend academic
assistance hours.

8. Be responsible for providing a written report of attendance

upon request of the president/executive board at any time.

9. Perform all duties as assigned by the president.

H. Community Outreach Chairs

The community outreach chairs shall:

1. Receive from predecessor all files, information, and supplies

with an explanation necessary for fulfilling the duties of the
community outreach chairs.

2. Prepare community health project information from health

organizations such as the March of Dimes, the American Heart
Association, and others.
 3. Maintain an up-to-date record of all contacts with potential,
planned, and completed projects.

4. Organize and monitor volunteer opportunities on both the

Newark and New Brunswick campuses as deemed appropriate
by the executive board.

5. Perform all duties as assigned by the president.

Section 5: Other RSNA Leadership Positions
A. Public Relations Representatives

1. Answer directly to the public relations chair.

2. Are not required to attend executive board meetings.

3. Do not receive a vote in executive board decisions.

4. Make announcements in one class per class year per campus,

as written and assigned by the public relations chair.

5. Display and distribute flyers as assigned by the public relations

chair.

6. Perform other duties as assigned by the public relations chair.

B. Academic Assistants

1. Answer directly to the academic assistance chair.

2. Must hold weekly office hours for the students of their class
year.

a. If office hours are rescheduled or cancelled, academic

assistance chair must be notified at least 4 days prior to
the scheduled office hour.

b. Academic assistantswill be responsible for sending an

e-mail to notify their respectiveclass years for the
rescheduling/cancelling of theiroffice hours no less than
3 days prior to the scheduled office hours.

3. Will have e-mail correspondence with the students of their

class year.
 4. Will coordinate activities(e.g. “study parties”) for their class
year, subject to approval by the academic assistance chair and
subsequently the executive board.
Section 6: Rutgers Students on NJNS, Inc. Board
A. Any Rutgers student serving on the NJNS, Inc. board has the option to be a
member of RSNA executive board.

B. Rutgers students serving on the NJNS, Inc. board must abide by the general
duties expected of RSNA executive board members [Article 4, Section 2] to
receive the privileges of being on RSNA executive board, such as receiving a
vote in decisions made by the executive board.
Section 7: Committees
A. The president of RSNA shall appoint student leaders of committees, subject to
the approval by the RSNA executive board.

B. Each committee shall submit a verbal report of activities at each regular

meeting of RSNA.

C. A written report may be requested by the president or executive board at any

time.
Section 8: Elections
A. Nominations for RSNA executive board positions will be taken from March 1
to March 31.

B. Names of nominees must be submitted to the RSNA e-mail account

(rutgersnursing@gmail.com) by 11:59 PM on March 31. A student may run
for a maximum of two positions. If he/she is elected for both positions, he/she
shall assume the position of preference, filling in the vacancy with the runner
up candidate.

C. Eligibility

1. Members who have a minimum GPA of 2.7 are eligible for office.

2. Members who shall be nursing students throughout the entire term

of
office are eligible for any executive board position.

3. No member shall hold more than one elected position at any time.

4. Elections will be held during the first week of April via the
Internet.

5. Members may NOT be participating in a study abroad program for

the year in which they will serve on executive board.
 D. Each RSNA member is entitled to one vote per position.

E. In the instance of two or more candidates for any office, the candidate
receiving the majority of the votes cast shall be elected. In the case of a tie, a
run-off election must be held.

F. Elected and appointed representatives shall be notified within one week of

elections.

G. The“executive board elect” will assume respective responsibilities starting on

the date of the transition meeting. This transition meeting is mandatory in
order to enact a smooth transition from the current executive board to the
executive board elect.
Section 9: Impeachment
A. If any member of the executive board fails to fulfill the responsibilities as
defined in these bylaws, the RSNA executive board will have the option of
removing the executive board member from the office. The executive board
member will be given 2 warnings about his or her responsibilities by the
president. At which point, the movement for impeachment will require a one
half plus one vote by the executive board. Vote will be performed through a
written ballot. If voted for impeachment, a certified letter of notification of
removal will be sent to the individual.

B. An appeal to this decision must be submitted in writing to the president within

one week of receipt of the impeachment letter. The appeals case will be
considered by the executive board via e-mail or executive board meeting
within one week of receipt of the appeal. The appealing officer shall be
reinstated by a majority vote of the executive board. The president will notify
the appealer of the executive board’s decision via e-mail within 24 hours of
the vote.

1. In the event that the appeal is submitted by the president, written

appeal must be submitted to the vice president.

C. A period of no longer than two weeks shall elapse between the initial appeals
meeting and the time of which voting shall take place.

D. The faculty advisor shall be present at the appeals meeting on investigation

and proceedings.
Section 10: Vacancies
A. In the event that the president of RSNA is not able to complete his/her term of
office, the vice president shall assume the office of president for the remainder
of the term.

B. In the event that any of the other executive board members are not able to
complete their term of office, the remainder of the executive board, by
 majority of votes, shall elect a student to the vacancy for the remainder of that
term.

ARTICLE 5: Faculty Advisor

Section 1: The first duty of the executive board elect will be to select a faculty advisor.
Recommendations for faculty advisor may be made by the executive board, but the ultimate
nomination will be made by majority vote of the executive board elect.
Section 2: The term of faculty advisor will be from May of spring semester to May of spring
semester of the following year.
Section 3: After nomination by the executive board elect, the faculty member of choice will
be notified within 1 week by the president and vice president of RSNA. In the event the faculty
member declines, the executive board must repeat the process, selecting a new faculty advisor
nomination, until a faculty member accepts the position.
Section 4: The faculty advisor is to be cc’d on all correspondences pertaining to RSNA and
shall be consulted routinely by all executive board members.

ARTICLE 6: MEETINGS
Section 1: Executive Board Meetings
A. Meetings of the executive board shall be held on the days and sites designated
by the president of RSNA, established at the beginning of the semester.

B. A meeting may only convene in the presence of the RSNA president or vice
president.

1. In the event that both the president and vice president cannot
attend, the president may appoint a chairperson for that meeting to
preside over the meeting.

C. All members of the RSNA executive board must attend RSNA executive
board meetings.

1. Foreseen absences must be reported by e-mail two days prior to the

meeting.

2. With the exception of extenuating circumstances, all executive

board members are only allowed to be absent from two executive
board meetings per year.

a. Absence from more than two meetings will result in the

first warning of impeachment. [Article 4, Section 9]

ARTICLE 7: AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS

Section 1: These bylaws may be amended at the end-of-year meeting (with members of the
executive board and the “executive board elect” present) by 2/3 vote of the executive board
members present, provided that notice of the proposed amendment has been sent to the executive
board members at least 1 week prior to the meeting.
Section 2: Proposed amendments may be submitted only by the faculty advisor, RSNA
executive board members, or RSNA active members.
These bylaws have been accepted and duly recorded on _______May 13,
2014___________________.

RSNA Executive Board (2014 to 2015)

President’s Signature:
__________________________________________________________________
Vice President’s Signature:
______________________________________________________________
Secretary’s Signature:
__________________________________________________________________
Treasurer’s Signature:
__________________________________________________________________
Public Relation Chair’s Signature:
_________________________________________________________
Academic Assistance Chair’s
Signature:____________________________________________________
Community Outreach Chair’s Signature:
____________________________________________________
Resolution Chair’s Signature:
____________________________________________________________