AD/PN BYLAWS
ARTICLE I
Name
The name and title by which this organization shall be known is the Minnesota Association of Associate Degree/Practical Nursing Program Leaders (APPL), hereinafter known as the Association.
ARTICLE II
Purpose and Objectives
Section 1. General Purpose
The purpose of the Association shall be to serve the public by furthering the growth, development and enhancement of associate degree professional and practical nursing in the state of Minnesota.
Section 2. Objectives
1. To exchange and disseminate ideas and information relative to associate degree professional and practical nursing.
2. To advance the quality of associate degree professional and practical nursing in Minnesota.
3. To study issues which affect associate degree professional and practical nursing and make recommendations to appropriate individuals and organizations.
4. To monitor the activities of agencies and organizations which impact, directly or indirectly, upon associate degree professional and practical nursing in the state.
5. To work closely with college presidents and representatives of the Minnesota State Colleges and University System.
6. To promote associate degree professional and practical nursing education within two year transfer institutions.
7. To serve as a vehicle for communicating with other agencies and organizations in the state, regional and national levels.
8. To work cooperatively and collaboratively with other groups to further improve quality of health care.
9. To coordinate state-wide activities which promote associate degree professional and practical nursing programs in the state.
10. To work cooperatively and collaboratively with other levels of nursing education to further improve the quality of nursing education in the state.
ARTICLE III
Membership
Section 1. Class of Membership
Membership in the Association shall be institutional. All Minnesota State colleges/campuses paying annual dues offering an associate degree professional and/or practical nursing program are eligible for membership.
Section 2. Institutional Representation
Each program shall be represented by the MN Board of Nursing approved nursing program director or designee. Designee must be a registered nurse.
Section 3. Voting
1. Each program representative is entitled to one vote.
2. Programs paying dues for AD and PN programs shall have two votes
Section 4. Membership Dues
1. Annual dues may be established by a majority vote of the members.
2. Each college/campus paying annual dues shall be represented by a nursing program director or designee. (moved from section 1 above)
Section 5. Guests
Guests will be requested to executive leadership within three days of the commencement of the meeting for approval of attendance.
ARTICLE IV
The Officers
Section 1. Officers
The elected officers of the Association shall be a President (or co-presidents), Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer with representation for both the AD and PN programs.
Section 2. Term of Office
The term of the officers shall be two years. Individuals may serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office if approved by the majority vote of those present or appointed to carry out the business of the organization.
Section 3. Election of Officers
1. Officers shall be elected by the voting members at the spring meeting. The term of office shall begin July 1st
2. Should no one person volunteer to serve in the capacity of the President, the association may choose to elect co-chairs in place of the President and Vice President.
a. If co-chairs are elected the term and responsibilities are the same as that of the President and the Vice President.
b. At the end of the term the Association can choose to continue with co-chairs or elect a President and Vice President.
c. Officer representation required for both the AD and PN programs
Section 4. Duties of the President (s) or co-chairs
The President or co-chair presidents shall serve as the Director of Nursing for the Association, preside at all meetings and perform such duties as prescribed in the Bylaws.
Section 5. Duties of the Vice President (s)
The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President in the President’s absence.
The Vice President shall perform other functions in the interest of the Association as may be assigned by the President.
Section 6. Duties of the Secretary
The Secretary shall take the minutes and maintain the records of the business transacted at all meetings of the Association.
The Secretary shall distribute copies of minutes of meetings to the membership.
The Secretary shall execute all general correspondence of the Association.
A person fulfilling this role could also serve as an officer of the MN Association of Practical Nursing Program Directors.
Section 7. Duties of the Treasurer
The Treasurer shall oversee any monies of the Association and make financial reports to the membership.
A person fulfilling this role could also serve as an officer of the MN Association of Practical Nursing Program Directors.
ARTICLE V
Committees
Section 1. The Association shall be empowered to establish standing and special committees. The special committee shall be established by majority vote of those present or appointed to carry out the business of the organization.
ARTICLE VI
Meetings of Association
Section 1. Meetings
The Association shall hold at least three meetings annually—in the fall, winter and spring of each year—and at other times as determined by the President or membership. A call to meeting will be issued to all members by the President.
Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised will be used in determining questions of parliamentary procedure.
Section 2. Quorum
A quorum shall consist of 51 percent of the voting members present.
ARTICLE VII
Changes in Bylaws
Section 1. These Bylaws may be amended at any meeting by a 2/3 majority vote of those present and voting, provided one-month previous notice has been given the membership.
Section 2. These Bylaws may be amended by a 99 percent vote of those present and voting at a meeting, if no previous notice has been given.