Nutrition and Dietetics Alumni Society Awards: Constitution
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CONSTITUTION
OF THE
PENN STATE NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
AFFILIATE PROGRAM GROUP
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
ADOPTED FEBRUARY 3, 1998
Select the section you wish to read:
- Name
- Officers
- Purpose
- Duties of Officers
- Membership
- Committees
- Finances
- Meetings
- Board of Directors
- Amendments and Bylaws
- Election of Directors
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Penn State Nutrition and Dietetics Affiliate Program Group of The Pennsylvania State University, hereinafter referred to as "Nutrition and Dietetics APG." It is an Affiliate Program of the Penn State Alumni Association and the College of Health and Human Development Alumni Society.
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
The purpose of the Nutrition and Dietetics APG is to unite alumni from the Nutritional Sciences Department of the College of Health and Human Development by providing a means whereby alumni may join together in a network to achieve closer alliance among its alumni, faculty and students, while enhancing the stature and effectiveness of the Nutrition program. More specifically, the objectives of this APG include:
- Program Support - To provide advice and support to the Department, College and University.
- Educational Support - Work to enhance the Program learning experience and increase the opportunities for ongoing learning experiences for all who desire.
- Networking - To provide business, alumni, faculty, and students a formal system which provides a vehicle for networking.
- Communication - Provide a mechanism for enhanced communication between alumni, university administrators, faculty, and students.
- Mentor Program - Implement and maintain a formal program to provide students with counsel and coaching from alumni.
- Ideals & Ethics - To foster and encourage the highest ideals and ethics in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
- Scholarships - To encourage the contribution of funds for academic scholarships and activities for students in the Nutritional Sciences Department.
- Honor & Award - Recognize individuals for outstanding achievements, such as outstanding undergraduate senior, graduate student, or alumnus.
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. ALUMNI MEMBERSHIP
**Membership in the Nutrition and Dietetics APG shall not be representative of any type of certification.
All persons who have graduated from the University Nutritional Sciences Department (or its University predecessors, or related programs) shall automatically be admitted as “Alumni Members” with full membership privileges.
SECTION 2. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
Faculty members (past and present), currently registered students in the Nutritional Sciences Department, parents of nutrition students or alumni, and friends of the Nutritional Sciences Department shall be eligible for admission as an “Associate Member” in the APG. Associate Members may not vote, hold office nor have a voice in the management of the affairs of the Nutrition and Dietetics APG, except in matters pertaining to social events.
SECTION 3. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
Honorary Members shall be chosen from outstanding men and women within the field of nutrition or an allied field or individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Nutrition and Dietetics APG.
The number of Honorary Members and their individual terms of service will be based on individual recommendations and a majority approval of a quorum of the Board of Directors, hereinafter referred to as the “Board.” These individuals may be recommended by any Nutrition and Dietetics APG member and must be approved by a majority of a quorum of the Board.
SECTION 4. MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY
The Board of Directors shall decide in all cases membership eligibility.
ARTICLE IV: FINANCES
SECTION 1. FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Nutrition and Dietetics APG shall be the period from July 1 through June 30.
SECTION 2. EXPENSES
The operating and other expenses of the Nutrition and Dietetics APG will be met with the funds collected, solicited and maintained by the APG.
SECTION 3. ACCOUNTING
The funds of the Nutrition and Dietetics APG shall be held with an accounting system to be used by the APG and administered by the Treasurer of the APG with final approval of the President of the APG. The Treasurer shall render a statement of receipts and expenditures at each meeting and an annual report at the end of the fiscal year.
ARTICLE V: BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board shall be the governing body of the Nutrition and Dietetics APG. It shall be the duty of the Board to carry out the purpose, policies and will of the Nutrition and Dietetics APG, including the appointment of any representatives of and for the society on any outside boards, councils, or committees to which the society may have invitation and occasion to have representation.
SECTION 2. MEMBERSHIP
The Board shall consist of a total of thirteen (13) members (8 voting and 5 non-voting).
Section 2.1 Elected Members - 7 People
The Board shall consist of seven (7) Elected Members. The members shall consist of. (1) the President, (2) Vice President, (3) Secretary, (4) Treasurer, and (5,6 & 7) three At-Large Members.
Section 2.2 Immediate Past-President - 1 Person
The most recently Retired Past President of the Nutrition and Dietetics APG shall serve as a voting member for two (2) years.
Section 2.3 Ex-Officio Members - 5 People
One (1) will be the Head of the Nutritional Sciences Department (or an appointee) and One (1) will be the Alumni Coordinator for Health and Human Development. The following three (3) shall be appointed by the Head of the Nutritional Sciences Department: One (1) currently enrolled graduate student, One (1) currently enrolled undergraduate student majoring in Nutritional Sciences, and One (1) faculty liaison.
SECTION 3. VOTING RIGHTS
Elected Members and the Immediate Past President shall serve with a vote. Ex-Officio Members shall serve without a vote.
SECTION 4. ABSENCES
Two (2) consecutive unexplained absences from Board meetings may be deemed a resignation. Any Director missing two (2) successive Board meetings shall, at the discretion of a quorum of the Board, be relieved of their Board responsibility.
SECTION 5. VACANCIES OF UNEXPIRED TERMS
The Board shall be empowered to fill any unexpired terms of Board Members of the Nutrition and Dietetics APG.
ARTICLE VI: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. TERM OF OFFICE
The seven (7) Elected Members of the Board shall be elected for terms of two (2) years. Election shall be once a year. Ex-Officio Members can serve indefinitely.
Section 1.1 Consecutive Terms
Elected Members may serve two (2) consecutive terms. After serving the second consecutive term, Elected Members may not serve again in the same capacity for at least one (1) year. Ex-Officio Members may serve unlimited consecutive terms, as long as they continue to be eligible to serve, and within the guidelines indicated.
Section 1.2 Board Officers
Board Officers shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer and they shall serve office for a term of two (2) years.
SECTION 2. NOMINATION PROCEDURE
The Board Members at large shall be nominated by a nominating committee appointed by the president. Additional nominations will be accepted by the committee from the general membership if a minimum of three members sponsor the nomination and it is accepted by the nominee. Solicitation of at large nominations shall be announced in the APG newsletter.
SECTION 3. ELECTION
Election of directors shall be conducted by ballot to the general membership.
ARTICLE VII: OFFICERS
SECTION 1. OFFICERS
Officers shall serve for two (2) years and be elected from among, and by, the Elected Members of the Board. Elected Officers of the APG shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
SECTION 2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The Board shall elect their officers at any meeting of the APG.
SECTION 3. TERMS OF OFFICE
No Elected Officer may hold office for more than two (2) successive terms. Officers elected while serving their last year on the Board shall serve only one year.
SECTION 4. OFFICE VACANCIES
A vacancy occurring in the Presidency shall be filled by the Vice-President. Should a vacancy occur in the office of Vice-President, or the vacancy of the President should occur when there is no Vice-President, the President and Vice-President positions shall be filled by a vote of the Board. Should any other office be vacant, the Board shall hold a special election to fill the office for the remaining time of the term of the office.
ARTICLE VIII: OFFICERS
SECTION 1. IMMEDIATE PAST-PRESIDENT
The Immediate Past-President is filled by the most recently retired President for the two (2) year period following the installation of the new President. The responsibilities of this position include providing assistance as needed for all APG Officers, assisting the President in the transitional period and in setting APG guidelines, policy and direction.
SECTION 2. PRESIDENT
The President shall preside at all meetings and social activities of the APG and report all activities to the Board. The President shall perform duties commonly incidental to such office including authorization of all expenditures, appointment of all committees, and serving as an Ex-Officio member of all committees. The President shall serve as representative to the Alumni Board of the College.
SECTION 3. VICE-PRESIDENT
The Vice-President shall perform such duties as may be designated by the President and the Board. In the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall preside at meetings. If the Treasurer is incapable of conducting the financial transactions of the APG, the Vice-President shall be authorized to disburse said funds in accordance with stated procedure. The Vice-President shall be Chair of the Nominating committee.
SECTION 4. SECRETARY
The minutes of the APG and Board meetings shall be kept by the Secretary. The Secretary shall send the minutes, immediately after the meeting, to the President for review and distribution to the members of the Board. The Secretary will also be responsible for coordinating all general correspondence and for providing information to APG and Department newsletters and other publications.
SECTION 5. TREASURER
The Treasurer will be responsible for APG expenditures and receipts, and maintenance of financial transactions related to the APG. The Treasurer will be responsible to manage the receipt of donations and other income and deposit all money collected in a University account or in an authorized financial institution in the name of the APG, to be designated by the Board; disburse the APG's funds in accordance with normal accounting procedures duly authorized by the President; prepare and submit financial statements on a quarterly basis to the President for review; and on an annual basis, prepare and submit a budget and year-end financial statements to the Board for review and approval.
ARTICLE IX: COMMITTEES
SECTION 1. STANDING COMMITTEES
There shall be three (3) Standing Committees which are listed below.
Section 1. 1 Executive Committee
The members of the Committee shall be all Board Officers. The Executive Committee shall be empowered to create the agenda for Board Meetings, have emergency decision making powers, and carry on the business of the Board whenever necessary between Regular or Special meetings of the Board; however, all decisions of the Executive Committee regarding unbudgeted expenditures of funds in excess of $750 must have prior approval by a majority vote of the Board.
Section 1.2 Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee, whose members are appointed by the President and which is chaired by the Vice-President, shall consist of three (3) appointed Alumni Members.
Section 1.3 Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is directed by the Membership Chair and reports to the Board through the Vice-President. The purpose of the Membership Committee is to determine what services should be offered to members. Any member of the APG may serve on this committee.
SECTION 2. SPECIAL COMMITTEES
The President of the Board shall create such special committees from time to time as may be necessary for the proper Functioning of the APG. Any member of the APG may serve as a member of a Special Committee when appointed by the President.
ARTICLE X: MEETINGS
SECTION 1. REGULAR MEETINGS
The Board shall meet at least twice a year to control the affairs of the APG. Meetings may be held by conference or held at a conference/meeting that members might be attending.
SECTION 2. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
There shall be at least one General Membership Meeting held each year. The President may convene additional meetings as required or as appropriate.
SECTION 3. SPECIAL MEETINGS
Special Meetings may be held at such time and place as determined by the Board. Written notice must be made to the voting members of the APG at least four (4) weeks in advance of the date of the meetings.
SECTION 4. QUORUM
Over one-half of the voting members of the Board shall constitute a Quorum.
SECTION 5. PROXY VOTING
There shall be no proxy voting.
ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS AND BYLAWS
SECTION 1. VOTING ON AMENDMENTS AND BYLAWS
Amendments and Bylaws to this constitution may originate with the Board or by written petition of twenty-five (25) or more voting members of the APG. These By-laws may be amended by a favorable two-thirds vote of the APG members who vote provided (1) the amendment(s) shall have been placed before the Board of Directors prior to distribution to the full membership; and (2) the amendment(s) adopted shall, previous to their distribution, have been acted upon favorably by a majority of the Board.
SECTION 2. NO CONFLICT
These Bylaws or their amendments must not be in conflict with the Bylaws of the Alumni Society of the College, or the rules and regulations for constituent societies as established by the Executive Board of the Penn State Alumni Council.
Ratified: February 20, 1998