Delegate Information Guide | Convention 2019

WASHINGTON, DC, USA | 16-20 November 2019

DELEGATE INFORMATION GUIDE Please bring this guide with you to the 45 TH Biennial Convention.

Welcome Thank you for representing your chapter of Sigma at the 45th Biennial Convention, where you’ll gather with colleagues from around the world to conduct the business of the society. It is vital that every chapter is represented and has a voice, so your time and dedication are truly appreciated!

This guide is designed to help you prepare for and fulfill your delegate duties during the House of Delegates sessions on 19-20 November. Within this guide you’ll find an explanation of your role as delegate, a schedule of events, the complete ballot for the international elections, and an outline of proposed bylaws changes.

Prior to the convention, please familiarize yourself with the issues to be addressed and communicate with your chapter membership to determine how the chapter would like you to cast its votes. Should you need further clarification about any of the proposed bylaws changes or have questions related to the election, please post your question to the Convention Delegate Community for a prompt response.

The community and additional information can be found online on The Circle by visiting https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups and then clicking on “Convention Delegates”.

Please remember to bring this guide with you, as it will be referenced during the House of Delegates. We look forward to seeing you in Washington, DC, USA!

HOUSE OF DELEGATES DATES AND TIMES Session I and Delegate Briefing

Tuesday, 19 November

Session II

Wednesday, 20 November

Located in Prince George’s Exhibit Hall AB

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10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

(1030-1530) 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

(0830-1500)

TABLE OF CONTENTS Important Delegate Information........................................................4 Standing Rules of the House of Delegates.........................................9 Ballot Information.............................................................................10 Candidates.........................................................................................11 Voting Instructions............................................................................19 House of Delegates Agenda..............................................................20 2019 Proposed Resolutions..............................................................26 2017-2019 (Current) International Bylaws.......................................29 Additional Information for Delegates...............................................35 Notes...................................................................................................36 Proposed Bylaws Amendments................................................. Insert

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IMPORTANT DELEGATE INFORMATION The House of Delegates is the body of Sigma that holds legislative and judicial powers. According to Article V. of the 2017-2019 Bylaws, chapters must send delegates to represent their voice and act on their behalf in the House of Delegates for items of business before the organization. Each chapter has two votes which can either be cast by two delegates or one delegate whose vote will count twice. A delegate is certified, obligated, and responsible to vote; carry out particular instructions of the chapter; complete assigned delegate duties; and report to the chapter on actions during the House of Delegates.

During the House of Delegates, the following business will take place: • • • •

Adoption of standing rules and order of business Election Reporting session and state-of-the-society address Presentation of newly chartered chapters and charter amendments • Declaration of the election

• • • • •

Action on bylaws amendments Presentation and adoption of resolutions Departure and recognition ceremony Installation and transition ceremony Presidential call to action

BEFORE

• Register for biennial convention and make plans to attend both sessions of the House of Delegates.

• Familiarize yourself with the contents of this guide, particularly the proposed bylaws amendments.

• Participate in the Convention Delegate Community on The Circle, where you can find and review the complete candidate information by visiting https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups.

• Communicate with your chapter members to discuss issues to be considered at convention and determine how the chapter would like their vote to be cast.

• View the online Delegate Education Video before the event.

DURING

• Attend House of Delegates Session I and Delegate Briefing on Tuesday, 19 November, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Delegates will receive voting instructions and can ask questions about proposed bylaws amendments. This will be the only time delegates can make nominations for candidates from the floor and cast the chapter’s votes for elected candidates. A quorum of chapters must be present to conduct business of Sigma.

• Attend House of Delegates Session II on Wednesday, 20 November, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (or until business has concluded). This will be the only opportunity for chapter delegates to cast votes on the proposed bylaws amendments and resolutions.

• Vote on all motions that come before the House of Delegates.

AFTER

DUTIES OF DELEGATES

• Prepare a complete report for the chapter that includes work conducted during the business meetings, results of the election, workshops attended, the content of special presentations, and social events.

• Complete the event survey and share feedback about your experience as a delegate.

NOTE: If an authorized delegate cannot attend the convention and the House of Delegates, it is the delegate’s responsibility to: 1) notify his/her chapter and Sigma; and 2) transfer all materials concerning convention and the House of Delegates to an alternate.

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PARTICIPATE IN THE ONLINE COMMUNITY Located on The Circle, Sigma’s online member community, delegates can find and access the Convention Delegate Community. Use this community to ask questions about convention and your role, the ballot, and proposed bylaws changes. Log in to familiarize yourself with this important hub where you can read candidate statements, talk to other delegates, learn more about the schedule of events, and more.

• Visit https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups • Scroll to find the community called “Convention Delegates”

CERTIFICATION OF DELEGATES Delegate designation: To be identified as a chapter delegate, the person’s name is required to appear on the Officer and Committee Chair Report located in the Chapter Management System (Management.SigmaNursing.org). Each chapter must submit this information prior to convention. In order to be added to the report, delegates must be active, dues-paying members of the chapter(s) they represent. Also, delegates must be registered event attendees.

Chapters can add two (2) delegates to the report. If only one person from the chapter is serving as delegate, please indicate that by entering the individual as Convention Delegate 1 and Convention Delegate 2 on the report.

Substitutes or alternates: Members attending convention as a substitute for previously named delegates or as delegates not previously submitted must be individually certified at the Delegate Information Desk.

Delegate education: All members of the House of Delegates are asked to view the online Delegate Education Video prior to House of Delegates Session I on Tuesday, 19 November, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

To access the Delegate Education Video, please visit the Convention Delegate Community located on The Circle.

Delegate check-in: Delegate credentialing is automatically complete when you check in to register for the event. Should questions arise, please visit the Delegate Information Desk for assistance.

Delegate Information Desk: Sigma staff will be available to answer questions about the House of Delegates at these specified times.

DELEGATE INFORMATION DESK FRIDAY, 15 November: SATURDAY, 16 November: SUNDAY, 17 November: MONDAY, 18 November:

HOURS 6:00-8:00 p.m. (1800-2000) 7:00-10:00 a.m. (0700-1000) 2:00-6:00 p.m. (1400-1800) 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.(0800-1530) 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (0800-1700)

Located in Potomac Ballroom Foyer.

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ELECTIONS (FROM ARTICLE V. AND ARTICLE IX. OF 2017-2019 BYLAWS) 1. Voting is by members of the House of Delegates. Membership in the House of Delegates shall be composed of two (2) delegates from each chapter, the members of the Board of Directors, chairs of standing committees, the regional chapter coordinators, and the past presidents of the society.

2. Each member of the House of Delegates has the right to cast one vote. If any chapter has only one delegate attending, that delegate shall have two votes.

3. Elected positions shall be the officer and non-officer members of the Board of Directors, the chair of the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee, the regional coordinators of the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee, and members of the Leadership Succession Committee and Governance Committee.

4. A majority vote shall elect officers.

5. A plurality vote shall elect the non-officer members of the Board of Directors and elected committee members.

6. In the event of a tie, the election shall be determined by lot.

VOTING INFORMATION • • • • •

All voting for the election will occur at the time designated on the convention schedule. Voting at other times will not be permitted.

Delegates who are not present during voting times may not vote. There is no voting by proxy.

Each delegate will vote electronically using the provided device.

Only certified delegates may vote.

Instructions for the voting process will be reviewed during the House of Delegates sessions.

DOWNLOAD THE EVENT APP!

During the event, any important information for delegates and attendees will be communicated through the event app. Be sure to download the free app to ensure any and all updates get to you!

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TO GET THE APP: Search for Sigma Theta Tau International in the App Store or Google Play, download, and install. Open the app, search for Convention 2019, and tap Download.

HOUSE OF DELEGATES PARTICIPANTS • • • • • •

Chair – The president of the Sigma Board of Directors is the chair of the convention House of Delegates.

Tellers – Volunteers in charge of the election of Sigma officials. These individuals assist delegates during voting and confirm official voting results.

Voter expeditor – Sigma staff person available for delegate changes after the House of Delegates comes into session; assists with questions about the electronic voting mechanism.

Microphone monitors – Sigma staff in charge of assisting delegates who wish to speak during the House of Delegates.

Runner – Sigma staff who will take motions and other items to the parliamentarian after they have been presented by a delegate to the House of Delegates.

Head timer – Individual who tracks the time that a motion has been discussed and ensures that the chair is aware when the 15-minute discussion time is ending.

ROLE OF THE PARLIAMENTARIAN A parliamentarian is an expert in Robert’s Rules of Order and the proper procedures for the conduct of meetings of deliberative assemblies. Parliamentarians assist organizations in drafting and interpreting bylaws and rules of order and planning and conducting meetings.

Chapter delegates have opportunities to speak with the parliamentarian, Colette Collier Trohan, MS, PRP, CPP-T, CAE, before each House of Delegates session. This is particularly helpful for groups that have questions about motions or making nominations from the floor.

MONDAY, 18 November TUESDAY, 19 November

PARLIAMENTARIAN OFFICE HOURS Level 3, National Harbor 15

Level 3, National Harbor 15

11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (1100-1300) 4:00-5:30 p.m. (1600-1730) Available for 90 minutes starting 30 minutes after the close of the house of delegates

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PREPARING TO SPEAK •

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Delegates wishing to make a nomination or motion are encouraged to speak with the parliamentarian prior to the House of Delegates session to ensure motions are appropriate and required paperwork is ready for submission.

You must wait to be recognized by the presiding officer before speaking.

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To speak about a motion, come to one of the microphones and take the appropriate card:

If you are nominating a candidate, you must have a completed, legible Candidate Consent Form. These can be obtained from the parliamentarian prior to the meetings and can also be found at each microphone monitor’s station.

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If you are making a motion, you must have a legible Motion Form completed before the motion is stated.

These forms are available from the parliamentarian prior to the meetings and can also be found at each microphone monitor’s station. Please print and sign your name on the Motion Form.

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Discussion of any motion is limited to 15 minutes. The discussion may be extended by a vote called by the chair and completed by the House of Delegates.

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Each delegate may speak only twice about an issue and may speak only for two (2) minutes each time.

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Red card = Delegate would like to speak against a motion/issue.

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Green card = Delegate would like to speak for a motion/issue.

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White card = Interrupting motions have the right to use the white card. Interruption motions are: Appeal the decision of the chair, call for orders of the day, move for a counted vote, parliamentary inquiry, point of order (meaning that the rules have been broken), or to raise a question of privilege.

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Delegates are recognized in alternating order: for, against, for, against.

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When you speak, please be sure to state your name and chapter name.

If your travel plans are on Wednesday, you should plan to check out of your room before the beginning of the House of Delegates session. Once the session starts, you should not leave until it is recessed. Depending on how quickly business is conducted, the sessions may conclude prior to the scheduled end time.

Hotel staff will be available to store your luggage in a secured area. More information about luggage drop-off will be posted in the Convention Delegate Community.

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STANDING RULES OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES RULE 1. The voting body shall be composed of certified delegates to the convention. All participants shall be registered before being admitted to the convention and House of Delegates.

RULE 2. Delegates shall be seated in the section reserved for voting members during the business meeting.

RULE 3. All certified delegates are expected to attend all sessions of the House of Delegates. A person whose religious obligations prevent his or her participation on the day of the House of Delegates may designate in writing another delegate to exercise his or her vote on his or her behalf.

RULE 4. Each verbal report given during the reporting session shall be followed by a question-and-answer session of up to five (5) minutes.

RULE 5. Debate shall be limited to fifteen (15) minutes for each main motion and two (2) minutes for each speaker.

No member of the House of Delegates may speak more than twice to the same question except by a two-thirds vote.

If there are delegates wishing to speak when the time expires for consideration of the main motion, the chair will take an automatic vote to extend debate five (5) minutes. Additional time extensions shall be in five (5)-minute increments, and all time extensions shall require a two-thirds vote.

RULE 6. When no delegate is seeking the floor, the House of Delegates may grant a non-delegate permission to speak.

RULE 7. All motions shall be submitted in writing at the time they are made.

RULE 8. Only certified delegates may make motions; voting may occur only during the hours designated.

RULE 9. When addressing the chairperson, the speaker shall rise, address, be recognized, and state his or her name and chapter(s).

RULE 10. The Board of Directors shall approve the minutes of the House of Delegates.

RULE 11. A summary of actions shall be provided to all chapters.

RULE 12. Campaign and voting violations shall be initially investigated by the president or his or her designee(s). If more than admonishment is required, the matter will be brought before the House of Delegates for a discussion.

RULE 13. The individual vote totals for elections shall remain confidential.

RULE 14. Delegates who are unable to rise when a standing vote is called may vote while remaining seated by raising their hand.

RULE 15. All electronic devices shall be silenced or turned off during the House of Delegates.

RULE 16. Electronic voting may be used at the discretion of the chairperson.

RULE 17. These rules may be suspended by a majority vote, but if suspended, the rules in the parliamentary authority shall apply, if applicable.

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BALLOT INFORMATION Electing the leadership of Sigma is one of the most important responsibilities of chapter delegates.

A ballot of distinguished candidates has been prepared by the Leadership Succession Committee, employing a rigorous review and interview process. The goal of the presentation of candidates is to enable you, the convention delegates, to vote on the basis of candidates’ leadership qualities, their demonstrated understanding of Sigma’s mission and goals, and their organizational involvement.

ELECTED OFFICES, ELIGIBILITY, AND TERMS OF OFFICE •

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Active members are eligible for positions on the ballot. Members shall hold no more than one elected office at a time.

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Current Leadership Succession Committee members and Sigma employees are excluded from the current ballot.

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All elected persons shall begin their terms of office at the close of the meeting at which they are elected.

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Officer directors: The president-elect will be elected for a term of two years and then succeed to a two-year term as president. The vice president will be elected for a term of two years. The treasurer and the secretary are each elected for a term of four years. A maximum of four years may be served unless running next for president-elect.

•

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Elected positions shall be the officers and nonofficer directors of the Sigma Board of Directors, Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair, Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee members, Leadership Succession Committee members, and Governance Committee members.

Non-officer directors: Non-officer directors will be elected in alternating biennia: three in one biennium and two in the next biennium. The term of a non-officer director is four years. Non-officer directors may serve a maximum of four consecutive years (one term) on the board unless

running next for the president-elect position. The Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair will serve a two-year term and may not serve more than two consecutive terms on the board in this position.

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Committees: A committee member may not serve longer than six consecutive years.

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Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee: The term of office shall be two years.

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Governance Committee: Two members of the Governance Committee shall be elected each biennium for a four-year (4-year) term, and three (3) members of the Governance Committee shall be elected each biennium for a two-year (2-year) term. The two members elected in the previous biennia for a four-year (4-year) term shall continue their service on the committee.

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Leadership Succession Committee: Three members of the Leadership Succession Committee shall be elected for a 4-year term, and four (4) members of the Leadership Succession Committee shall be elected for a two-year (2-year) term. The three members elected in the previous biennia for a four-year (4-year) term shall continue their service on the committee.

CANDIDATES PRESIDENT-ELECT

VICE PRESIDENT

TREASURER

Kenneth Dion

Karen Gorton

Jose Alejandro

Thรณra Hafsteinsdรณttir

Anna McDaniel

Scott Emory Moore

Janice Agazio

Irmajean Bajnok

Cynthia Diefenbeck

Debra Anderson

Rachel Choudhury

Sara Horton-Deutsch

Myrna Doumit

Debra Kramlich

Amanda Veesart

Trina Embrey

Keondra Rustan

Elizabeth Weathers

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE (elect 3)

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE 2-year term (elect 3)

4-year term (elect 2) Debbie Anglade

Steven Palazzo

Rita Munley Gallagher

Jenny Sauls

To view candidate statements, visit the Convention Delegate Community on The Circle at https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups.

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CANDIDATES (CONTINUED) LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE 2-year term (elect 4) Pauline Anderson-Johnson

Teresa Hultquist

Tina Antill Keener

Laly Joseph

Diana-Lyn Baptiste

Beverly Reigle

Sheila Burke

Tara Whitmire

4-year term (elect 3) Li-Chi Chiang

Peggy Jenkins

Karen Grigsby

Sara Kaylor

Monina Hernandez

Elizabeth Rosser

REGIONAL CHAPTERS COORDINATING COMMITTEE CHAIR Ellen Buckner

Carole Liske

To view candidate statements, visit the Convention Delegate Community on The Circle at https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups.

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CANDIDATES (CONTINUED) SIGMA GLOBAL REGIONAL COORDINATORS (elect only the representative for your region) AFRICA Fhumulani Mavis Mulaudzi

Stanley Rungua

Sally Chan

Janet Wong

ASIA

EUROPE Marie-Louise Luiking

LATIN AMERICA/CARIBBEAN Roxana De las salas

Luz Patricia Díaz Heredia

MIDDLE EAST Yasmin Nadeem Parpio

OCEANIA Elizabeth Halcomb

Eleanor Horton

To view candidate statements, visit the Convention Delegate Community on The Circle at https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups.

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CANDIDATES (CONTINUED) SIGMA GLOBAL REGIONAL COORDINATORS (elect only the representative for your region) NORTH AMERICA REGION 1 Wanda Borges

Sujatha Shanmugasundaram

NORTH AMERICA REGION 2 Pamela Fuller

Susan Opas

NORTH AMERICA REGION 3 Karen Maxwell

Dylan Severson

NORTH AMERICA REGION 4 Stephanie Bruce NORTH AMERICA REGION 5 Lynda Bartlett

Susan McReynolds

NORTH AMERICA REGION 6 Stacey Knight

Kimberly Lewis

NORTH AMERICA REGION 7 Shena Gazaway NORTH AMERICA REGION 8 Pamela Johnson

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D’Ann Somerall

To view candidate statements, visit the Convention Delegate Community on The Circle at https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups.

CANDIDATES (CONTINUED) SIGMA GLOBAL REGIONAL COORDINATORS (elect only the representative for your region) NORTH AMERICA REGION 9 Kady Martini

Angela Opsahl

NORTH AMERICA REGION 10 Shannon Brunt

Donald Rose

NORTH AMERICA REGION 11 Janice Jones

Rebecca Norman-Eck

NORTH AMERICA REGION 12 Joanne August

Jennifer Graber

NORTH AMERICA REGION 13 Tamatha Arms

Deanna Mulvihill

NORTH AMERICA REGION 14 Amita Avadhani

Selena Gilles

NORTH AMERICA REGION 15 Patricia Bartzak

To view candidate statements, visit the Convention Delegate Community on The Circle at https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups.

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MEET THE CANDIDATES OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW CANDIDATES BEFORE CONVENTION To post questions regarding the ballot for election and to learn more about the candidates, please sign in to the Convention Delegate Community on The Circle by visiting https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups.

OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET AT CONVENTION Candidate Displays

Each candidate has an opportunity to display information in Prince George’s Exhibit Hall C. VIEWING TIMES

SUNDAY, 17 NOVEMBER

8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (0800-1700)

MONDAY, 18 NOVEMBER TUESDAY, 19 NOVEMBER

9:15 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (0915-1700) 8:00-9:45 a.m. (0800-0945)

Candidate Presentations Delegates are invited to meet the candidates at their displays in Prince George’s Exhibit Hall C. VIEWING TIMES

5:45-7:00 p.m. (1745-1900) 9:30-10:30 a.m. (0930-1030)

SATURDAY, 16 NOVEMBER SUNDAY, 17 NOVEMBER

The purpose of the candidate displays and presentations is: • To share the candidates’ qualifications for the positions, their concept of the office or committee, and their potential contributions to Sigma • To promote informed decision making by convention delegates • To increase communication among potential officers/committee members, chapters, and convention delegates

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE CANDIDATES SATURDAY, 16 NOVEMBER 3:15-4:00 p.m. (1515-1600)

Treasurer/Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair

SUNDAY, 17 NOVEMBER Director-at-Large

10:45-11:30 a.m. (1045-1130) 1:45-3:00 p.m. (1345-1500)

President-elect/Vice President

3:15-4:00 p.m. (1515-1600)

Treasurer/Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair

MONDAY, 18 NOVEMBER 9:00-9:45 a.m. (0900-0945)

Director-at-Large

1:15-2:30 p.m. (1315-1430)

President-elect/Vice President

All sessions will take place in National Harbor 4 on level 3.

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REGIONAL MEETINGS

Regional Coordinator candidates will be introduced at the regional meetings on Sunday, 17 November, from 4:15-5:30 p.m. (1615-1730). Delegates should plan to attend their region’s meeting.

RESTRICTIONS FOR CANDIDATES’ CAMPAIGNING • Hosted receptions on behalf of individual candidates are prohibited.

• Candidates and persons promoting the interest of candidates can distribute candidate information only at Meet the Candidate times in Prince George’s Exhibit Hall C.

• Sigma staff and members of the Board of Directors are prohibited from assisting or supporting any individual candidate.

• Candidates are prohibited from engaging in any pre-convention campaigning.

VOTING PROCEDURE, SCHEDULE, AND RESULTS Tuesday, 19 November — House Session I • Voting instructions will be given to the delegates. The Leadership Succession Committee Chair will present the slate of candidates. Nominations from the floor may be made at this time. Prior consent is required for floor nominations.

• Only certified convention delegates will vote. All delegates vote for the Board of Directors, Governance Committee, Leadership Succession Committee, and Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair. Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee members are elected by delegates from chapters in their respective regions.

Wednesday, 20 November — House Session II • The results of the election will be presented.

• New officers will be installed.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? Sigma headquarters staff and Leadership Succession Committee members are available to answer questions regarding the election and campaigning.

Staff Contact: Bobbi Arnold (bobbi@sigmanursing.org) Phone: +1.317.634.8171 (International) or 888.634.7575 (US/Canada toll-free)

Leadership Succession Committee Chair: Gwen Sherwood, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF LSC@sigmanursing.org

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2019 SIGMA BALLOT PRESIDENT-ELECT • Kenneth Dion • Thóra Hafsteinsdóttir VICE PRESIDENT • Karen Gorton • Anna McDaniel TREASURER • Jose Alejandro • Scott Emory Moore DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE (elect 3) • Janice Agazio • Debra Anderson • Irmajean Bajnok • Rachel Choudhury • Cynthia Diefenbeck • Sara Horton-Deutsch

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE 2-year term (elect 3) • Myrna Doumit • Keondra Rustan • Trina Embrey • Amanda Veesart • Debra Kramlich • Elizabeth Weathers 4-year term (elect 2) • Debbie Anglade • Steven Palazzo • Rita Munley Gallagher • Jenny Sauls LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE 2-year term (elect 4) • Pauline Anderson-Johnson • Teresa Hultquist • Tina Antill Keener • Laly Joseph • Diana-Lyn Baptiste • Beverly Reigle • Sheila Burke • Tara Whitmire 4-year term (elect 3) • Li-Chi Chiang • Karen Grigsby • Monina Hernandez

• Peggy Jenkins • Sara Kaylor • Elizabeth Rosser

REGIONAL CHAPTERS COORDINATING COMMITTEE CHAIR • Ellen Buckner • Carole Liske

SIGMA GLOBAL REGIONAL COORDINATORS (elect only the representative for your region) AFRICA

• Fhumulani Mavis

Mulaudzi • Stanley Rungua ASIA

• Sally Chan • Janet Wong

EUROPE

• Marie-Louise Luiking

LATIN AMERICA/ CARIBBEAN

• Roxana De las salas • Luz Patricia Díaz Heredia

MIDDLE EAST

• Yasmin Nadeem Parpio

OCEANIA

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• Elizabeth Halcomb • Eleanor Horton

NORTH AMERICA REGION 1

REGION 6

REGION 11

REGION 2

REGION 7

REGION 12

• Wanda Borges • Sujatha Shanmugasundaram • Pamela Fuller • Susan Opas

REGION 3

• Karen Maxwell • Dylan Severson

REGION 4

• Stacey Knight • Kimberly Lewis • Shena Gazaway

REGION 8

• Pamela Johnson • D’Ann Somerall

REGION 9

• Stephanie Bruce

• Kady Martini • Angela Opsahl

REGION 5

REGION 10

• Lynda Bartlett • Susan McReynolds

• Shannon Brunt • Donald Rose

• Janice Jones • Rebecca Norman-Eck • Joanne August • Jennifer Graber

REGION 13

• Tamatha Arms • Deanna Mulvihill

REGION 14

• Amita Avadhani • Selena Gilles

REGION 15

• Patricia Bartzak

VOTING INSTRUCTIONS Delegates will use hand-held voting devices for election and bylaws amendment voting. A device will be issued to each delegate. If you are listed as the sole delegate for your chapter, the voting card in your device has been programmed to cast both of the chapter’s votes. If you are a delegate representing more than one chapter, you will be issued multiple devices and will cast a vote on each device.

While delegates will receive voting instructions prior to election voting during House of Delegates Session I, you may also visit the Delegate Information Desk during the dates/times listed on page 5 to learn more about these devices, obtain one-on-one training, and ask questions.

The devices will not allow you to select more than the prescribed number of choices.

Votes for Regional Coordinators will be limited to delegates from defined regions using the programmed voting cards.

MAKING A SELECTION: • • •

Use the center trackball to scroll and view your choices.

For positions with more than five candidates, keep scrolling downward to reveal all available candidates.

Press down on the trackball. An “X” will appear by the names you have selected.

CHANGING A SELECTION: •

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Clicking on a selected candidate again will clear that selection and remove the “X” next to the candidate’s name.

To clear all selections made, simply hit the RED triangle.

SUBMITTING YOUR VOTE •

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When you have made your selection and are ready to cast your vote, press the GREEN square to send.

The keypad will confirm the choices you submitted.

If you wish to change your mind, simply press the RED triangle to cancel, and reselect.

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HOUSE OF DELEGATES AGENDA SESSION I AGENDA

Tuesday, 19 November 2019, 10:30 a.m. (1030)

OPENING CEREMONY Arrivals and Introductions Daniel J. Pesut, PhD, RN, FAAN, Protocol Presider

Arrival of Past Presidents and Past CEO

Arrival of the Board of Directors

Arrival of the President

CONVENING THE DELEGATION Call to Order Beth Baldwin Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP, BC, President Welcome and Introductions Moment of Silence Credentials Report Safiya George Dalmida, PhD, APRN-BC, FAANP, Secretary Adoption of Standing Rules Adoption of Order of Business

BUSINESS SESSION Overview and Testing of Voting Devices Presentation of the Ballot Gwen Sherwood, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, Chair, Leadership Succession Committee Nominations From the Floor Instructions on Voting Jeffrey J. Doner, RN, BSN, BA, Chair of Tellers Voting

LUNCH

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REPORTING SESSION & RECOGNITION CEREMONY President’s Report Beth Baldwin Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP, BC President Board of Directors Report Safiya George Dalmida, PhD, APRN-BC, FAANP Secretary Treasurer’s Report Kenneth Dion, PhD, MSN, MBA, RN, FAAN Treasurer Headquarters Report Elizabeth Madigan, PhD, RN, FAAN Chief Executive Officer Reports & Recognition of Service of Standing Committees, Advisory Councils, Task Forces, and Subsidiaries Standing Committees Governance Committee Larry Slater, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, Chair, Governance Committee Leadership Succession Committee Gwen Sherwood, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, Chair, Leadership Succession Committee Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Karen Gorton, PhD, FNP, MS, RN, Chair, Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee

Advisory Councils and Task Forces Global Advisory Panel on the Future of Nursing & Midwifery Hester C. Klopper, PhD, MBA, RN, RMA, FANSA, FAAN, ASSAF, Chair Research & Scholarship Advisory Council Mustafa Bodrick, PhD, RN, MPH, MSc(Nsg), Chair Resolutions Advisory Council Safiya George Dalmida, PhD, APRN-BC, FAANP, Chair Conference Planning Task Force Megan Pfitzinger Lippe, PhD, MSN, RN Digital Transformation & Engagement Task Force Carole Liske, PhD, MS, RN Next Generation Leaders Task Force Alvin Jeffery, PhD, RN-BC, CCRN-K, FNP-BC, Chair Retired Member Task Force Karen Grigsby, PhD, RN, Chair Related Subsidiaries Sigma Foundation for Nursing Patrick Palmieri, DHSc, EdS, MBA, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CPHRM, FACHE, FAAN, Chair International Honor Society of Nursing Building Corporation Suzanne Prevost, PhD, RN, FAAN, Chair Sigma Marketplace Terry Siek, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, President

ADJOURNMENT

Beth Baldwin Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP, BC, President

The Delegate Briefing will take place immediately following House of Delegates Session I business.

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SESSION II AGENDA

Wednesday, 20 November 2019, 8:30 a.m. (0830)

RECONVENING THE DELEGATION Call to Order Beth Baldwin Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP, BC, President Revised Credentials Report Safiya George Dalmida, PhD, APRN-BC, FAANP, Secretary

ELECTION RESULTS Report of the Tellers Jeffrey J. Doner, RN, BSN, BA, Chair of Tellers Declaration of Election Beth Baldwin Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP, BC, President

BUSINESS SESSION Action on Proposed Bylaws Amendments Larry Slater, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, Chair, Governance Committee Presentation and Adoption of Resolutions Safiya George Dalmida, PhD, APRN-BC, FAANP, Secretary

BREAK RECOGNITION OF CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES Beth Baldwin Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP, BC, President

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF NEW CHAPTERS Larry Slater, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, Chair, Governance Committee Psi Chi Chapter St. Luke’s College Kansas City, Missouri, USA Psi Psi Chapter Georgian Court University Lakewood, New Jersey, USA

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Psi Omega at-Large Chapter The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences and The Christ Hospital Health Network Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Omega Alpha Chapter Touro University California Vallejo, California, USA

Omega Theta Chapter Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, Pennsylvania, USA

Omega Beta Chapter University of South Dakota Vermillion, South Dakota, USA

Omega Iota Chapter Arkansas Tech University Russellville, Arkansas, USA

Omega Gamma Chapter Capella University Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Omega Kappa Chapter University of the West Indies Kingston, Jamaica

Omega Delta Chapter Pace University Pleasantville, New York, USA

Omega Lambda Chapter University of Haifa Haifa, Israel

Omega Epsilon at-Large Chapter Institute of Technology Tralee, University College Cork, and Waterford Institute of Technology Tralee, Cork, and Waterford, Ireland

Omega Mu at-Large Chapter Norwich University and Vermont Technical College Northfield and Randolph, Vermont, USA

Omega Zeta Chapter James Madison University Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA

Omega Nu Chapter Long Island University - Brooklyn Brooklyn, New York, USA

Omega Eta Chapter Wilson University Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, USA

Omega Xi Chapter Queen Margaret University Edinburgh, Scotland

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF CHARTER AMENDMENTS Larry Slater, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, Chair, Governance Committee Iota Delta Chapter added Utica College Utica, New York, USA

Omicron Iota Chapter added Mercy Hospital St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Upsilon Mu Chapter added Wingate University Wingate, North Carolina, USA

Delta Psi Chapter added Campbellsville University and Berea College Campbellsville and Berea, Kentucky, USA

Omicron at-Large Chapter merged with Omicron Alpha Chapter Syracuse, New York, USA

Lambda Pi at-Large Chapter added York University Ontario, Canada

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Omicron Sigma Chapter added Maria College Albany, New York, USA Mu Gamma Chapter added Northwest Nazarene University Nampa, Idaho, USA Theta Lambda Chapter added College of the Ozarks Point Lookout, Missouri, USA Nu Beta Chapter added Johns Hopkins Hospital System Baltimore, Bethesda and Columbia, Maryland; Washington, DC; and St. Petersburg, Florida, USA Xi Kappa at-Large Chapter added Mayville State University Mayville, North Dakota, USA Iota Xi Chapter added Broward College and Palm Beach State College Lake Worth and Miramar, Florida, USA Theta Psi Chapter added Rochester College Rochester Hills, Michigan, USA

Psi Zeta at-Large Chapter added Deakin University and Latrobe University Victoria, Australia Delta Upsilon at-Large Chapter added New England Institute of Technology East Greenwich, Rhode Island, USA Beta Rho Chapter merged with Upsilon Gamma Chapter Anderson, Indiana, USA Gamma Tau at-Large Chapter added California State University Channel Islands Camarillo, California, USA Iota Alpha Chapter added Bloomfield College Bloomfield, New Jersey Mu Phi Chapter added WellStar Douglas Hospital, Douglasville WellStar Pauling Hospital, Hiram WellStar Kennestone Hospital, Marietta WellStar Atlantic Medical Center, Atlanta WellStar Cobb Hospital, Austell Georgia, USA

BREAK DEPARTURE AND RECOGNITION CEREMONY Beth Baldwin Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP, BC, President

Standing Committee Chairpersons Regional Coordinators Board of Directors 24

STAND AT EASE INSTALLATION AND TRANSITION CEREMONY Daniel J. Pesut, PhD, RN, FAAN, Protocol Presider Beth Baldwin Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP, BC, President Elizabeth Madigan, PhD, RN, FAAN, Chief Executive Officer

Arrival of Elected Committee Designates Governance Committee Leadership Succession Committee Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Arrival of Board and Officer Designates Administration of Oath of Office Investiture of the New President Transfer of the Presidential Chain and Gavel Departure of Outgoing President Outgoing President’s Video Introduction of New President Presidential Video Presentation of President-elect Chain

PRESIDENTIAL CALL TO ACTION

Richard Ricciardi, PhD, CRNP, FAANP, FAAN, 2019-2021 President

CLOSING REMARKS AND ADJOURNMENT Richard Ricciardi, PhD, CRNP, FAANP, FAAN, 2019-2021 President

DISMISSAL/RECESSIONAL

Daniel J. Pesut, PhD, RN, FAAN, Protocol Presider

GREETINGS TO OUTGOING AND INCOMING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Delegates will have the opportunity to congratulate and thank the 2017-2019 and 2019-2021 board members immediately following dismissal of the House of Delegates.

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2019 PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS 1. Proposed Resolution in Appreciation for the Leadership and Stewardship of President Beth Baldwin Tigges, the Board of Directors, and Subsidiary Boards Whereas, Beth Baldwin Tigges, the 32nd President of The Society, called members to build on our extraordinary success and rich heritage by developing new ways to connect with our members and other nurses worldwide, and collaborate with diverse partners to catalyze change for advancing world health and global nursing excellence; and

Whereas, the Board of Directors upheld the vision, mission, and values of Sigma Theta Tau International through their leadership and sense of organizational purpose; and

Whereas, boards of the International Honor Society of Nursing Building Corporation, the Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing, and Sigma Marketplace ensure the sustainability, viability, and visibility of the Society; and

Whereas, their efforts support and safeguard the organizational assets and human resources through the intelligent collection and dissemination of both funds and knowledge services; therefore, be it

Resolved, that this House of Delegates expresses sincere appreciation to President Beth Baldwin Tigges, the Board of Directors; and Sigma’s subsidiary boards, for their dedicated leadership and commitment to the mission, values and goals of the Society.

2. Proposed Resolution in Appreciation for all Chairs and Members of Committees, Advisory Councils and Task Forces Whereas, Chairs and members of committees, advisory councils, and task forces enacted the president’s call to action and upheld the vision, mission and values of Sigma Theta Tau International through their leadership and sense of organizational purpose; and

Whereas, the society leaders gave their time and energy to support nurses who provide health services to individuals, groups and populations worldwide and to enhance the relevancy and meaningfulness of the Society to the global community of nurse scholars; and

Whereas, the editors of the Society’s publications embraced excellence in scholarship and disseminated information that seeks to improve the health of the world’s people; and

Whereas, the regional coordinators facilitated and enhanced the work of chapters and members; and

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Whereas, convention volunteers created an environment favorable to the dissemination of knowledge, conduction of the Society’s business, and connectedness among the global community of nurse scholars; therefore, be it

Resolved, that this House of Delegates expresses sincere appreciation to the chairs and members of committees, advisory councils, and task forces; regional coordinators, and convention volunteers for their dedicated leadership and commitment to the vision, mission, values and goals of the Society.

3. Proposed Resolution in Appreciation for Elizabeth A. Madigan, CEO, and All Sigma Theta Tau International Staff Members Whereas, Elizabeth (Liz) Madigan continues to provide outstanding leadership and service as the Chief Executive Officer of Sigma Theta Tau International; and

Whereas, her guidance, stewardship, and oversight of the Society’s corporate operations has ensured sustainability, enriched constituent services and programming, and promoted the Society’s globalization endeavors; and

Whereas, the many staff members in all service areas and subsidiaries, including Constituent Services; Development and Awards; Educational Resources; Financial Administration; Global Initiatives; Human Resources and Risk Management; Information Technology; Marketing and Communications; Scholarship Resources; International Honor Society of Nursing Building Corporation; Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing; and Sigma Marketplace have provided exceptional service to Sigma and its members; and

Whereas, staff members have provided outstanding leadership and superior service, individually and collectively, to active members, current chapters, and developing honor societies in countries, regions, and chapters as well as developing honor societies; and

Whereas, the staff have upheld the Society’s values as they developed creative programming and facilitated exemplary educational and training opportunities to over 135,000 active members in more than 90 countries, over 530 chapters, and numerous developing honor societies throughout the world; therefore, be it

Resolved, that this House of Delegates expresses sincere appreciation to Chief Executive Officer Liz Madigan and the Sigma staff for their commitment to providing exemplary services to the Society’s global constituents and for their diligence in translating into action the vision and mission of the Society.

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4. Proposed Resolution in Commitment to Developing Next Generation Leaders Whereas, ensuring an ongoing succession of well-equipped leaders is essential to the vision and mission of Sigma; and

Whereas, all Sigma members have the potential to grow their leadership skills within the organization and in their practice settings; and

Whereas, a “Next Generation Leader� can include any Sigma member who is moving into a new role and has the potential to assume a leadership position within the next few years; and

Whereas, the Next Generation Leaders Task Force has created several resources to assist chapter leaders in developing the next generation of leaders, including but not limited to presentations and electronic resources for organizing events, developing mentorship programs, and engaging in social media; therefore, be it

Resolved, that we, as an entire organization and as individual members, commit to developing the next generation of leaders.

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Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc.

2017-2019 Bylaws TABLE OF CONTENTS

Article I. Name, Key, Seal and Headquarters ………………...…1

Article X. Committees…………………………………….5

Article II. Purposes…………………………………………………..1

Article XI. Finance…………………………………………6

Article III. Membership……………………………………………….1

Article XII. Official Publications…………………………...6

Article IV. Chapters…………………………………………………..2

Article XIII. Parliamentary Authority……………………….6

Article V. House of Delegates………………………………………3

Article XIV. Amendments to Bylaws………………………6

Article VI. Annual Meeting of Members…………………………….4

Article XV. Amendments to Articles of Incorporation…..6

Article VII. Board of Directors………………………………………..4

Article XVI. Dissolution…………………………………….6

Article VIII. Officers……………………………………………………4

Article XVII. General Provisions……………………….…..6

Article IX. Elections………………………………………………….4 Article I. Name, Key, Seal and Headquarters The name of this organization shall be the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc. (Sigma Theta Tau International), and it shall have an official key and corporate seal.

The Headquarters of the organization and the management of the organization shall be located at the Center for Nursing Scholarship in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Article II. Purposes The purposes of this Society shall be to: 1. Recognize superior achievement.

2. Recognize the development of leadership qualities.

3. Foster high professional standards.

4. Encourage creative work.

5. Strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession.

6. Provide support, including funding, to other organizations exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

7. Assist and engage in any other activities which are permitted to be carried on by organizations exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Article III. Membership Section 1. Categories of Membership a. Regular Member b. Honorary Member

© 2018 Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc. As amended by the House of Delegates at the 44th Biennial Convention 1 November 2017 Changes were ratified by the Board of Directors 8 February 2018

Section 2: Qualifications for Membership a. Sigma Theta Tau International does not discriminate.

Candidates are qualified for membership so long as eligibility requirements are met. b. Student candidates shall have demonstrated superior academic achievement, academic integrity and professional leadership potential. c. Regular Member 1) Students in Basic Programs a) Definition – Basic program is defined as an accredited baccalaureate or equivalent nursing degree program that leads to the first professional nursing degree. b) Academic Achievement – Students shall be eligible for membership if they have achieved excellence according to the standards approved by the Society. c) Rank in class – Students shall rank not lower than the highest 35 percent of their class in scholarship. d) Curriculum – Students shall have completed at least one-half of the required nursing curriculum. e) Exceptions – Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the chapter’s governance committee following the guidelines adopted by the International Board of Directors.

2) Students in Graduate Programs a) Definition – Graduate program is defined as an accredited program of graduate study in nursing including master, post-master, doctoral and post-doctoral.

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d.

Academic Achievement – Students shall be eligible for membership if they have achieved excellence according to the standards approved by the Society. c) Curriculum – Students shall have completed a minimum of one-quarter of the required graduate curriculum. d) Students in graduate programs who are registered nurses, legally recognized to practice in their country and have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent in any field, shall be eligible to be considered as a nurse leader at any point in the program. e) Exceptions – Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the chapter’s governance committee following the guidelines adopted by the International Board of Directors.

3) Nurse Leader A nurse leader, who is a registered nurse, legally recognized to practice in his/her country with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent in any field, and who has demonstrated achievement in nursing, shall be eligible for membership.

Honorary Member An honorary member is any person who is not eligible for regular membership in Sigma Theta Tau International but who has gained national and/or international recognition in the field of nursing or in any field contributing to nursing.

4)

b)

Section 3. Selection of Members a. Regular Members: 1) Student member candidates are required to be enrolled in an institution of higher education where the chapter is located to be considered for membership in that chapter. If there is no chapter at the institution of higher education in which the student attends, student member candidates may be considered for membership in another chapter.

2) The nurse leader candidate may be selected for membership by any chapter. b. Honorary Members: 1) Honorary membership is awarded only by the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International.

2) Any active member, through a chapter or the Board of Directors may nominate persons for honorary membership.

3) Each member of the Board of Directors shall have one vote for each nominee based on established criteria. A favorable vote of three-fourths of the Board of Directors shall be necessary for election to honorary membership.

Section 4. Membership Status Members may be designated as honorary, active or inactive.

Members may also formally request to discontinue membership. Active members pay annual chapter and international fees. Honorary members are designated as active without payment of fees. Inactive members have not paid annual chapter and international fees but shall become active at any time by paying current renewal fees.

Section 5. Rights and Responsibilities of Active Members a. Regular Members 1) Active regular members shall make a commitment to the purposes of the Society.

2) Active regular members shall receive: a) official Society publications; b) priority for education programs; and c) priority for research funding.

3) Active regular members are eligible: a) to vote (as outlined in the Sigma Theta Tau International Bylaws and Chapter Bylaws); and b) to hold elective and appointive office.

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© 2018 Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc.

b.

Active regular members may hold membership in more than one chapter by remitting multiple chapter fees and the Society fee annually.

5) Active regular members may transfer from one chapter to another.

Honorary Members 1) Honorary members shall: a) be inducted and awarded the official key in locations and times decided upon by the International Board of Directors; b) receive the Society’s publications; and c) be responsible for promoting and supporting the purposes of Sigma Theta Tau International.

Section 6. Revocation of Membership Membership in the Society may be revoked at any time by a chapter to which the member belongs for just cause and after due process. Revocation of membership shall be determined at a meeting of the chapter, at which a quorum is present, by at least three-fourths vote for revocation by those present.

Article IV. Chapters Section 1. Definition of Chapter A chapter is an organized division of nurse scholars and leaders that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. An at-large chapter is an organized division of nurse scholars and leaders from two or more institutions of higher education or institutions of higher education and practice settings that have met all of the requirements for establishment and have been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. All chapters shall have regular members.

Section 2. Organization of a Chapter a. Criteria for Chapter Development A chapter may be established in an educational unit that is an integral part of an institution of higher education and that grants a basic degree, which leads to the first professional nursing degree, and/or a graduate nursing degree. The basic or graduate degree nursing program within the institution of higher education shall be accredited by a recognized accrediting body. In the event there is no nursing education accreditation system in place in the potential chapter’s country, evidence confirming the program’s quality shall be provided by the developing honor society. The group desiring a chapter shall petition the Sigma Theta Tau International Board of Directors and comply with approved policies and regulations. b. Chapter Models 1) One (1) institution of higher education without a chapter One institution of higher education meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a. establishes an honor society under the Society’s guidelines.

2) Two (2) or more institutions of higher education without a chapter Two or more institutions of higher education, each meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a., establish an at-large honor society chapter under the Society’s guidelines. The at-large honor society will apply to become an at-large chapter.

3) One (1) or more institutions of higher education and one (1) or more practice settings One or more institutions of higher education meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a. and one or more practice settings establish an at-large honor society under the Society’s guidelines. The at-large honor society will apply to become an at-large chapter.

4) Amending an established chapter’s charter: a) An existing chapter may form an at-large chapter by adding one or more institutions of higher education or practice settings.

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b)

5)

6)

Two or more established chapters may merge to form an at-large chapter following established guidelines. c) An established at-large chapter may further amend its charter to add one or more institutions of higher education or practice settings. d) An existing at-large chapter may split into separate chapters following established guidelines.

Alumni Chapter An established chapter may become an alumni chapter when an institution of higher education no longer offers an eligible degree. Active members must agree to meet all of the requirements for a chapter in good standing with the exception of inducting members a minimum of one time annually.

Other models may be considered by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. Definition of Region Sigma Theta Tau International shall be organized into areas called regions. a. Each region shall be composed of chapters. b. Each region has a Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee chaired by the elected Regional Chapters Coordinator and composed of at least three (3) members focusing on activities identified by the Regional Coordinator.

Section 4. Powers, Duties, Responsibilities a. Each chapter shall function under bylaws, policies and regulations that are not in conflict with these bylaws, policies and regulations. b. Chapters are independent, autonomous organizations affiliated with the Society. Chapters determine the amounts of their fees and assessments. Chapters have control of their income, expenses, contracts, accounting systems and internal reports.

Section 5. Chapter Officers a. Each chapter elects at least a chapter president, a vice president, a secretary, a treasurer and a counselor.

Duties and terms of office shall be outlined in the chapter bylaws. b. Officers shall assume their duties at a date determined by the chapter bylaws in the year in which they are elected.

Section 6. Chapter Committees Each chapter shall have the following standing committees: an elected/appointed Governance Committee and an elected Leadership Succession Committee.

Section 7. Chapter Meetings Each chapter shall have at least one (1) business meeting each year. Each chapter will also sponsor at least two (2) events or programs supporting the purposes and goals of the Society.

Section 8. Chapter Responsibilities Chapters shall fulfill the following requirements: a. Support the purposes of this Society. b. Observe the provisions of these bylaws and comply with the Society's policies and regulations. c. Participate in the biennial convention House of Delegates and other business brought forth before the House of Delegates during the term. d. Select and induct eligible members a minimum of one time annually. e. Meet all financial obligations. f.

File required reports according to established guidelines.

© 2018 Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc.

Section 9. Probation, Revocation, Dissolution and Reinstatement of a Chapter a. A chapter may be placed on probation by the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International for failure to comply with these bylaws or policies and regulations. b. A chapter may be removed from probation by action of the Board of Directors. c. If a chapter fails to be removed from probation, the Board of Directors may revoke the charter of a chapter. d. Any chapter may vote to dissolve itself. e. Upon revocation of a charter, or dissolution of a chapter, all cash and other assets remaining after the chapter’s outstanding debts are paid should be returned to the Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing, or any other appropriate non-profit organization approved by the chapter Board of Directors. Or, if a majority of the dissolved chapter’s members transfer to the same chapter, remaining funds may be contributed to that chapter. The chapter’s charter and coat-of-arms shall be returned to Headquarters. All members of the chapter have the opportunity to transfer their membership to a chapter of their choice. f.

A chapter may be reinstated following revocation of its charter by meeting all the requirements of a newly organizing chapter. If approved, the chapter shall receive a new charter but retain its original name.

Article V. House of Delegates Section 1. Membership a. Membership of the House of Delegates shall be composed of two (2) delegates from each chapter, the members of the Board of Directors, chairs of standing committees, the Regional Chapters Coordinators and the past presidents of the Society. b. The term of the delegates shall be from the opening of the convention for which the delegate is selected to serve until the opening of the next convention.

Section 2. Meetings a. The House of Delegates shall hold biennial conventions at a time and place determined by the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International. b. The Board of Directors may call the House of Delegates into special sessions. c. Each member of the House of Delegates has the right to cast one (1) vote; or, if any chapter has only one (1) delegate attending, that delegate shall have two (2) votes. d. Three (3) members of the Board of Directors who are not officers, together with four (4) members of the Board of Directors who are officers of the Society and delegate representation from three-fourths of the chapters constitute a quorum.

Section 3. Powers a. The legislative and judicial powers of the Society shall be vested in the House of Delegates. b. The House of Delegates shall be vested with the following powers in addition to such other powers as may be given in these bylaws to: 1) Revise and amend the bylaws.

2) Elect officers and other members of the Board of Directors and elected committees.

3) Make nominations from the floor for officers and committees.

4) Adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its proceedings as may be determined by a twothirds vote of the House of Delegates at biennial convention.

5) Receive and act upon recommendations and matters referred to it.

6) Receive reports and the Board of Directors’ approved biennial budget.

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7) 8)

Levy special assessments when approved by a three-fourths vote.

Amend and repeal the Articles of Incorporation.

Section 4. Electronic Voting a. Chapter delegates may vote electronically on Articles of Incorporation. b. The procedures and time limitations for electronic voting shall be set by the Board of Directors.

Article VI. Annual Meeting of Members Section 1. Annual meetings of members shall be on a date and at a place set by the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International.

Section 2. The agenda of the annual meeting is the presentation of annual reports and other appropriate items.

Section 3. Active members shall receive notice of annual meetings through publications and may register their intent to attend.

Section 4. In odd-numbered years, the annual meeting is the reporting session of the House of Delegates.

Section 5. In even-numbered years, the annual meeting is the reporting session of the Board of Directors and committee chairs’ meeting.

Article VII. Board of Directors Section 1. Membership The Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International shall consist of the president, president-elect, vice president, secretary and treasurer comprising the five (5) elected officer directors, five (5) elected non-officer directors, the elected Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair and the chief executive officer who is a non-voting director.

Section 2. Focus The Board of Directors’ predominant focus is goal-setting, planning, policy development, resource development, corporate oversight, evaluation and decision-making.

Section 3. Administration The property, business and corporate affairs of the Society shall be managed by the Board of Directors. The executive and administrative powers of the Society shall be vested in the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall supervise and manage the Society and its committees and publications; shall determine its policies or changes therein; shall carry forward its objectives and monitor the disbursements of its funds. The Board of Directors adopts such policies for the conduct of its business as shall be deemed advisable.

Section 4. Functions The functions of the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International include: a. Reviewing applications for the establishment of new chapters. b. Granting approval for chapter charters and charter amendments. c. Transacting necessary business of this Society between meetings of the House of Delegates. d. Making and enforcing rules and regulations for its own actions. e. Filling any vacancy on the Board of Directors or on a committee occurring between meetings of the House of Delegates, except for the office of president. These appointments terminate at the following meeting of the House of Delegates. f.

Overseeing elected committees, board advisory councils and board task forces. g. Ratifying changes in the bylaws of the Society when approved by the House of Delegates, as provided in Article XIV. Amendments to Bylaws.

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© 2018 Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc.

h. i. j. k. l. m. n. o. p.

Revoking the charter of a chapter.

Adjusting the fees of the Society in accordance with Article XI. Finance, Section 8.

Exercising fiduciary responsibilities including adopting a budget, setting the appropriate bonding level and selecting the auditor.

Investigating and recommending to the House of Delegates any matter pertaining to the welfare of this Society.

Electing persons for honorary membership.

Appointing a chief executive officer.

Submitting an annual report to chapters and a biennial report to the House of Delegates.

Deciding appeals concerning revocation of membership.

Providing criteria for affiliate relationships and granting affiliation to legally organized groups.

Section 5. Meetings a. The Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International shall meet as necessary to conduct the business of the Society between meetings of the House of Delegates. b. Three (3) members of the Board of Directors who are non-officers together with four (4) members of the Board of Directors who are officers shall constitute a quorum.

Section 6. Removing an International Board of Directors Member from Office A member of the Board of Directors who demonstrates behavior, as determined by the Board of Directors, that is not consistent with the mission, values or expectations of the honor society may be removed by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the remaining members of the board, provided that notice of the intent to take such action is given to all board members at least 30 days in advance of the regular or special meeting at which the motion to remove is introduced. Such board member shall have the right to be present and to speak on his/her behalf, but shall not be allowed to be present during deliberation nor to vote. Voting shall be by ballot, which may be delivered electronically if a face-to-face meeting is not possible.

Article VIII. Officers Section 1. Titles The officers of this Society are required to be regular members of Sigma Theta Tau International. The elected officers of the Society shall be: the president, the presidentelect, the vice president, the secretary and the treasurer.

Section 2. Duties The duties of the officers shall be as follows: a. The officers of the Society constitute the executive committee. b. The executive committee shall conduct essential business of the organization in the interim between Board of Directors meetings as authorized by the Board of Directors. c. The president shall be the presiding officer and shall administer all business of the Society as provided for by the bylaws. d. The vice president shall perform the duties of the president in the president’s absence. In the event of the president vacating office during the term, the vice president shall succeed into the presidency until the president-elect takes office at the next meeting of the House of Delegates. e. The secretary shall serve as the corporate secretary for the Society and fulfill all duties authorized by the Board of Directors. f.

The treasurer shall be the corporate treasurer and fulfill all duties authorized by the Board of Directors.

Article IX. Elections Section 1. Elections Elections shall take place at biennial House of Delegates meetings.

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Section 2. Positions Elected positions shall be the five (5) officer directors; five (5) non-officer directors; the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair; and members of Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee, the Governance Committee and Leadership Succession Committee.

Section 3. Vote a. A majority vote shall elect officers. b. A plurality vote shall elect the non-officer members of the Board of Directors and elected committee members. c. In the event of a tie, the election shall be determined by lot.

Section 4. Terms Members shall hold no more than one elected office at a time.

A member holding an elected position who has served more than half a term in that position is considered to have served a full term. a.

b.

c.

Officer Directors 1) The president-elect will be elected for a term of two (2) years or until a successor is elected and assumes office, and after which shall succeed to a two-year (2year) term as president.

2) The vice president will be elected for a term of two (2) years or until a successor is elected and assumes office.

3) The secretary and treasurer will each be elected for a term of four (4) years or until their successors are elected and assume office. Terms shall be staggered so that the secretary is elected in the same biennium as two non-officer directors and treasurer is elected in the same biennium as three non-officer directors.

4) The terms of office shall begin at the close of the meeting at which the elections take place. The vice president may serve a maximum of two (2) consecutive two-year (2-year) terms and the secretary and treasurer may serve a maximum of one (1) fouryear (4-year) term after which they may not be consecutively re-elected as an officer director except as president-elect.

Non-Officer Directors 1) The five (5) non-officer directors will be elected for a term of four (4) years or until their successors are elected and assume office. Terms shall be staggered so that three non-officer directors are elected in one biennium and two non-officer directors in the following biennium.

2) Non-officer directors may serve a maximum of one (1) term on the Board of Directors, except in the case of a non-officer director who is elected president-elect.

3) The Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair shall be elected each biennium for a two-year (2-year) term and may not serve more than two (2) consecutive terms on the Board as Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair.

Committees A committee member may not serve longer than six (6) consecutive years.

1) The Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee members’ term of office shall be two (2) years.

2) Two (2) members of the Governance Committee shall be elected each biennium for a four-year (4-year) term, and three (3) members of the Governance Committee shall be elected each biennium for a twoyear (2-year) term.

3) Three (3) members of the Leadership Succession Committee shall be elected each biennium for a fouryear (4-year) term, and four (4) members of the Leadership Succession Committee shall be elected each biennium for a two-year (2-year) term.

© 2018 Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc.

Article X. Committees Section 1. Standing Committees a. The standing committees shall be: Governance Committee, Leadership Succession Committee and Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee. b. Each standing committee will provide consultation to chapters as congruent with its mission. c. The president and chief executive officer are non-voting, ex-officio members of all committees except the Leadership Succession Committee. d. Leadership Succession Committee and Governance Committee chairs are appointed by the president. e. Each standing committee chair shall present a biennial report to the Board of Directors and send an activity report to each Board of Directors meeting. f.

A quorum shall be a majority of members on the committee. g. A majority vote constitutes approval.

Section 2. Governance a. Mission – The Governance Committee shall oversee bylaws compliance, make recommendations for bylaws changes, and oversee member and chapter eligibility issues. b. Membership – The Governance Committee shall consist of at least seven (7) elected members.

Section 3. Leadership Succession Committee a. Mission – The Leadership Succession Committee shall develop members in organizational leadership roles across the span of their careers and mentor members to assume organizational board and officer positions at all levels of organizations. The committee shall select nominees and prepare the biennial ballot. The ballot will be sent to the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International at least two (2) months prior to the biennial meeting and to the chapters at least one (1) month prior to this meeting. b. Membership – The Leadership Succession Committee shall consist of ten (10) elected members. c. The Leadership Succession Committee members shall be ineligible for any elected office on the ballot prepared by the Committee.

Section 4. Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee a. Mission – The Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee shall facilitate the work of the chapter leaders by advancing initiatives that meet the needs of the chapters and fulfill the mission of the Society. b. Membership – The Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee shall consist of the chair and each region’s Regional Chapters Coordinator, elected by the delegates at the meeting of the House of Delegates. Delegates from each region shall elect their Regional Chapters Coordinator at the House of Delegates. Each Regional Chapters Coordinator serves as chair of the Regional Committee appointed in his/her respective region.

Section 5. Board Advisory Councils a. Mission – Board Advisory Councils shall inform the Board of current and future issues, directions and priorities of the Society. b. Membership – Board Advisory Councils shall be appointed by the Board of Directors for a term through the close of the biennial convention unless reappointed.

Section 6. Task Forces a. Mission – Task Forces are formed to complete an assigned task within a specified time frame. b. Membership – Task Forces are formed by the Board, Standing Committees, Board Advisory Councils and staff. They are made up of members who bring expertise, interest and commitment to complete an assigned task.

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Article XI. Finance Section 1. Fiscal Year The fiscal year shall be 1 July through 30 June.

Section 2. Amendments Without Notice These bylaws may be amended by unanimous vote of the House of Delegates without previous notice.

Section 2. Chapter Fees and Assessments a. The annual fee shall be collected from each chapter each fiscal year. For new chapters, fees shall be collected during the year following the granting of a charter. This fee will be based on the number of regular members excluding inactive members in the chapter for the prior membership year ending 30 June. b. The House of Delegates may levy special assessments by a three-fourths vote.

Section 3. Revisions These bylaws may be revised only upon the authority of the House of Delegates.

Section 3. Fees a. Membership Fee: Each member shall pay an annual fee to maintain active member benefits. b. Induction Fee: Each new member shall pay a Society membership fee and a chapter induction fee as described in the chapter bylaws. This fee covers the cost of induction and active membership for one (1) twelvemonth (12-month) period.

Article XV. Amendments to Articles of Incorporation These Articles may be amended or repealed by a majority vote of the House of Delegates present and voting at any annual meeting of members of the Society. Notice of such changes is required to be sent in writing to delegates at least thirty (30) days before such meeting. Articles may also be amended or repealed by a majority of affirmative votes of delegates by a thirty (30) day electronic ballot. The actions of the delegates to amend these Articles must be approved by the Board of Directors.

Section 4. Honorary Membership Fee There shall be no induction or renewal fee for an honorary member.

Section 5. Expenses – Board of Directors The expenses for the members of the International Board of Directors shall be paid by the Society treasury when they attend the meetings of the House of Delegates or the meetings of the Board of Directors.

Section 6. Expenses – Committee Authorized expenses of standing and special committees, board advisory councils and task forces shall be reimbursed by the Society treasury.

Section 7. Expenses – Chartering of Chapters The Society treasury shall pay for the charter, coat-of-arms, book in which the membership roster is recorded and installing officer’s expenses at the time of the chartering of the new chapter. The chapter shall pay a chartering fee plus the cost of inscribing the names on the charter.

Section 8. Fee Changes Adjustments to the fee schedule shall be approved by the Sigma Theta Tau International Board of Directors. Fee schedule adjustments shall not occur more than once a biennium and shall not exceed the cumulative Consumer Price Index (CPI) percentage rate. Any adjustments, accompanied by rationale, will be provided to membership sixty (60) days in advance of the effective date.

Article XII. Official Publications The Board of Directors shall authorize publication of an official journal and other publications as it deems appropriate according to policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors.

Article XIII. Parliamentary Authority The rules contained in the most recently published edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Society in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws or special rules of order of the Society.

Section 4. Amendments Any amendments to these bylaws approved by the House of Delegates or editorial changes approved by the Board of Directors that are also applicable to the chapters shall be incorporated into the chapter bylaws.

Article XVI. Dissolution A resolution for the dissolution of the Society shall be signed by a majority of active chapters entitled to vote and shall be presented at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International. The Board of Directors shall then call a special meeting of the House of Delegates for the purposes of considering and acting upon such resolution. If three-fourths of those Delegates present and voting shall vote for dissolution, the Board of Directors shall take the necessary steps to conclude the affairs of the Society in accordance with statutory requirements existing at the date such action is taken. After payment or making provision for payment of all debts and liabilities incurred by the Society, the Board of Directors shall dispose of all assets of the Society exclusively for the purposes of the Society to the American Nurses’ Foundation or other appropriate organization operated for educational or scientific purposes. The recipient organization or organizations shall at the time qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code for 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law).

Article XVII. General Provisions Officers, directors and employees shall be indemnified by the Society for any and all civil liabilities for conducting their official duties, except in circumstances and cases of conducting their duties in bad faith.

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 550 West North Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA Phone: +1.317.634.8171 Toll Free: 1.888.634.7575 (US/Canada) Fax: +1.317.634.8188 Website: www.sigmanursing.org E-mail: memserv@sigmanursing.org

Article XIV. Amendments to Bylaws Section 1. Amendments with Notice These bylaws may be amended at any meeting of the House of Delegates by a three-fourths “yes” vote of members present and voting. All proposed amendments shall be in the possession of the secretary two (2) months preceding the biennial meeting of the House of Delegates. They shall be appended to the Call to Convention, which shall be sent out at least one (1) month in advance of the meeting.

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© 2018 Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR DELEGATES Chapter Leader Sessions You’re attending convention to serve as a representative for your chapter and vote on its behalf, but another way to assist your chapter is to share information learned in Sigma’s chapter sessions.

Sigma will host several sessions about important chapter operations topics, designed specifically for chapter leaders. We hope you can attend!

Saturday, 16 November 3:15 PM-4:00 p.m. (1515-1600) – Amending Your Charter to Add a Practice Setting Sunday, 17 November 10:45 AM-11:30 a.m. (1045-1130) – Developing Future Leaders to Plan Your Chapter’s Legacy 10:45 AM-11:30 a.m. (1045-1130) – Engaging and Retaining Sigma’s Retired Members 1:45 PM-3:00 p.m. (1345-1500) – Understanding Sigma’s Membership Eligibility Criteria 3:15 PM-4:00 p.m. (1515-1600) – Developing a Successful Recruitment Plan Monday, 18 November 9:00 AM-9:45 p.m. (0900-0945) – Strategies and Resources to Increase Your Chapter’s Visibility 1:15 PM-2:30 p.m. (1315-1430) – The How, What, and Why Behind Member Communication

Biennial Report Sigma’s biennial report includes:

• President’s Report

• Board of Directors Report

• Treasurer’s Report

• Headquarters Report View the biennial report at SigmaNursing.org/OrganizationalLeadership.

This information will be referenced during the reporting session in the House of Delegates Session I. We encourage you to share this information with your chapter and guide them to the Sigma website where they can take a closer look at this report that summarizes the work of this biennium.

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN, USA | 11-13 September 2020

LEADERSHIP CHAPTER

2020

a Sigma event

CONNECT ION

Chapter leaders – attend Sigma’s leadership conference and discover innovative practices and strategies to enhance your chapter experience. 39

PROPOSED INTERNATIONAL BYLAWS AMENDMENTS Amendment #1

Article I. Name, Key, Seal and Headquarters

Current Bylaws Wording

Proposed Changes

The name of this organization shall be the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc. (Sigma Theta Tau International), and it shall have an official key and corporate seal.

The Headquarters of the organization and the management of the organization shall be located at the Center for Nursing Scholarship in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Wording If Adopted

The name of this organization shall be the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc. (Sigma Theta Tau International), and it shall have an official key and corporate seal. The organization is a nonprofit incorporated in the state of Indiana with headquarters located of the organization and the management of the organization shall be located at the Center for Nursing Scholarship in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.

The name of this organization shall be the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc. (Sigma Theta Tau International), and it shall have an official key and corporate seal. The organization is a nonprofit incorporated in the state of Indiana with headquarters located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.

Rationale:

Revisions clarify that the organization is a nonprofit incorporated in the state of Indiana and removes unnecessary details regarding the organization’s building.

Impact on Chapters:

None. This section of the bylaws is not present in the chapter bylaws.

Article IV. Chapters Section 2. Organization of a Chapter b. Chapter Models

Amendment #2 Current Bylaws Wording

Proposed Changes

5) Alumni Chapter An established chapter may become an alumni chapter when an institution of higher education no longer offers an eligible degree.

Active members must agree to meet all of the requirements for a chapter in good standing with the exception of inducting members a minimum of one time annually.

5) Alumni Chapter An established chapter may become an alumni chapter when an institution of higher education no longer offers an eligible degree. Active members must agree to meet all of the requirements for a chapter in good standing with the exception of inducting members a minimum of one time annually.

Wording If Adopted 5) Alumni Chapter An established chapter may become an alumni chapter when an institution of higher education no longer offers an eligible degree.

Rationale:

The induction of nurse leaders by alumni chapters is essential to maintain chapter viability.

Impact on Chapters:

Alumni chapters will be required to continue to induct nurse leaders to meet the chapter responsibilities outlined in Article IV. Chapters, Section 8, which includes holding an annual induction.

1

Amendment #3

Article V. House of Delegates Section 4. Electronic Voting

Current Bylaws Wording

Proposed Changes

a. Chapter delegates may vote electronically on Articles of Incorporation. b. The procedures and time limitations for electronic voting shall be set by the Board of Directors.

Wording If Adopted

a. Chapter delegates may vote electronically on Articles of Incorporation.

a. Chapter delegates may vote electronically on Articles of Incorporation.

b. If election voting cannot occur during the scheduled House of Delegates due to emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances, chapter delegates may vote electronically.

b. If election voting cannot occur during the scheduled House of Delegates due to emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances, chapter delegates may vote electronically.

c. The procedures and time limitations for electronic voting shall be set by the Board of Directors.

c. The procedures and time limitations for electronic voting shall be set by the Board of Directors.

Rationale:

In the event that election voting cannot occur during the scheduled House of Delegates held at biennial conventions, chapter delegates may be convened via an electronic House of Delegates to vote. Convention interruptions could be due to a state of emergency (weather, terrorism, etc.) or unforeseen failures of the normal voting process. Should this be necessitated, delegates would be notified that an electronic vote will occur and voting links would be distributed via a third-party voting vendor. Voting would occur over the period of a few weeks to allow delegates adequate time to vote.

Impact on Chapters:

No impact on chapter bylaws. In the event that election voting cannot occur at a biennial convention and must be conducted electronically, chapter delegates will be immediately notified and training for how to participate in online voting will be provided.

Article IX. Elections Section 4. Terms Change section 3 to Sub-Section C, subsequent sub-sections to be renumbered.

Amendment #4 Current Bylaws Wording

Proposed Changes

b. Non-Officer Directors 1) The five (5) non-officer directors will be elected for a term of four (4) years or until their successors are elected and assume office.

Terms shall be staggered so that three non-officer directors are elected in one biennium and two non-officer directors in the following biennium.

2) Non-officer directors may serve a maximum of one (1) term on the Board of Directors, except in the case of a non-officer director who is elected president-elect.

3) The Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair shall be elected each biennium for a two-year (2-year) term and may not serve more than two (2) consecutive terms on the Board as Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair.

b. Non-Officer Directors 1) The five (5) non-officer directors will be elected for a term of four (4) years or until their successors are elected and assume office.

Terms shall be staggered so that three non-officer directors are elected in one biennium and two non-officer directors in the following biennium.

2) Non-officer directors may serve a maximum of one (1) term on the Board of Directors, except in the case of a non-officer director who is elected president-elect. c. The Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair shall be elected each biennium for a two-year (2-year) term and may not serve more than two (2) consecutive terms on the Board as Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair.

Wording If Adopted b. Non-Officer Directors 1) The five (5) non-officer directors will be elected for a term of four (4) years or until their successors are elected and assume office.

Terms shall be staggered so that three non-officer directors are elected in one biennium and two non-officer directors in the following biennium.

2) Non-officer directors may serve a maximum of one (1) term on the Board of Directors, except in the case of a non-officer director who is elected president-elect. c. The Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair shall be elected each biennium for a two-year (2-year) term and may not serve more than two (2) consecutive terms on the Board as Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair.

Rationale:

Revisions clarify that the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair is not a non-officer director. Changes are congruent with how the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair is referenced in other areas of the bylaws, such as Article VII. Board of Directors, Section 1. Membership.

Impact on Chapters:

None. This section of the bylaws is not present in the chapter bylaws.

2

Amendment #5

Article X. Committees Section 4. Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee

Current Bylaws Wording

Proposed Changes

a. Mission — The Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee shall facilitate the work of the chapter leaders by advancing initiatives that meet the needs of the chapters and fulfill the mission of the Society. b. Membership — The Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee shall consist of the chair and each region’s Regional Chapters Coordinator, elected by the delegates at the meeting of the House of Delegates.

Delegates from each region shall elect their Regional Chapters Coordinator at the House of Delegates. Each Regional Chapters Coordinator serves as chair of the Regional Committee appointed in his/her respective region.

a. Mission — The Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee shall facilitate the work of the chapter leaders by advancing initiatives that meet the needs of the chapters and fulfill the mission of the Society. b. Membership — The Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee shall consist of the chair and each region’s Regional Chapters Coordinator, elected by the delegates at the meeting of the House of Delegates.

Delegates from each region shall elect their Regional Chapters Coordinator at the House of Delegates. Each Regional Chapters Coordinator serves as chair of the Regional Committee appointed in his/her respective region. c. The committee shall be chaired by the elected Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair.

Wording If Adopted a. Mission — The Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee shall facilitate the work of the chapter leaders by advancing initiatives that meet the needs of the chapters and fulfill the mission of the Society. b. Membership — The Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee shall consist of each region’s Regional Chapters Coordinator, elected by the delegates at the meeting of the House of Delegates. Delegates from each region shall elect their Regional Chapters Coordinator at the House of Delegates. Each Regional Chapters Coordinator serves as chair of the Regional Committee appointed in his/her respective region. c. The committee shall be chaired by the elected Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair.

Rationale:

Revisions provide distinction between the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee members and the chair and further clarify that, unlike other committees, this committee’s chair is separately, and specifically, elected to the role.

Impact on Chapters:

None. This section of the bylaws is not present in the chapter bylaws.

Amendment #6 Current Bylaws Wording

Article X. Committees Newly created Section 5, subsequent sections to be renumbered.

Proposed Changes

Wording If Adopted

Section 5. Removing an Elected Standing Committee Member from Office

Section 5. Removing an Elected Standing Committee Member from Office

An elected standing committee member who demonstrates behavior, as determined by the Board of Directors, that is not consistent with the mission, values, or expectations of the honor society may be removed by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the members of the board, provided that notice of the intent to take such action is given to the elected standing committee member and all board members at least 30 days in advance of the regular or special meeting at which the motion to remove is introduced. Such elected standing committee member shall have the right to be present and to speak on his/her behalf, but shall not be allowed to be present during deliberation. Voting shall be by ballot, which may be delivered electronically if a face-to-face meeting is not possible.

An elected standing committee member who demonstrates behavior, as determined by the Board of Directors, that is not consistent with the mission, values, or expectations of the honor society may be removed by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the members of the board, provided that notice of the intent to take such action is given to the elected standing committee member and all board members at least 30 days in advance of the regular or special meeting at which the motion to remove is introduced. Such elected standing committee member shall have the right to be present and to speak on his/her behalf, but shall not be allowed to be present during deliberation. Voting shall be by ballot, which may be delivered electronically if a face-to-face meeting is not possible.

Rationale:

The Sigma International Bylaws currently address the removal of a member of the International Board of Directors from office with cause in Article VII, Section 6. However, there is no mention of how such action would occur for elected standing committee members (Governance Committee, Leadership Succession Committee, Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee). The inserted text, which mirrors Article VII, Section 6, provides a clear process for these circumstances.

Impact on Chapters:

Upon approval of this bylaws amendment, this text will be inserted into the chapter bylaws as a new Article X. Committees, Section 4.

3

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