Proposed 2015-2017 Bylaws Amendments

PROPOSED 2015-2017 INTERNATIONAL BYLAWS AMENDMENTS Amendment #1a

Terminology Updates

Current Bylaws Wording c. Regular Member 1) Students in Basic Program 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 in basic programs shall be eligible for membership if they have achieved excellence according to the standards approved by the Society. c. Rank in class – Basic students who are elected 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. b. Academic Achievement – Students in graduate programs 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.

Article III. Membership Section 2. Qualifications for Membership

Proposed Changes

Wording If Adopted

c. Regular Member

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 in basic programs shall be eligible for membership if they have achieved excellence according to the standards approved by the Society. c. Rank in class – Basic students who are elected 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.

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. b. Academic Achievement – Students in graduate programs 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.

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. b. 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.

Rationale:

Removing the selected text removes repetitive text and streamlines the wording in these bylaws sections.

Impact on Chapters:

These changes will also be made to the chapter bylaws document. Removal of this text has no impact on the member selection process or criteria that must be met.

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Amendment #1b

Terminology Updates

Current Bylaws Wording

Article IV. Chapters Section 1. Definition of Chapter

Proposed Changes

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 schools that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. All chapters shall have regular members.

Wording If Adopted

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 schools institutions of higher education that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. All chapters shall have regular members.

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 that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. All chapters shall have regular members.

Rationale:

The change from “school” to “institution of higher education” is made in order to be consistent with other areas of the STTI bylaws where the term is already used. This terminology is also more global in nature.

Impact on Chapters:

None. This is a change in terminology only and is already used in other portions of the bylaws.

Conforming amendments: If the above amendment is adopted, the following conforming amendment (#1c) will also be adopted.

Amendment #1c

Terminology Updates

Current Bylaws Wording b. Chapter Models 1) One (1) school without a chapter One school meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a. establishes an honor society under the Society’s guidelines.

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

3) Amending an established chapter’s charter: a) An existing chapter may form an at-large chapter by adding one or more honor societies that were formed under Society guidelines. b) Two or more established chapters may merge to form an at-large chapter following established guidelines. c) An existing at-large chapter may split into separate chapters following established guidelines.

Article IV. Chapters Section 2. Organization of a Chapter

Proposed Changes

Wording If Adopted

b. Chapter Models

b. Chapter Models

1) One (1) school institution of higher education without a chapter One school institution of higher education meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a. establishes an honor society under the Society’s guidelines.

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

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 under the Society’s guidelines. The at-large honor society will apply to become an at-large chapter.

3) Amending an established chapter’s charter: a) An existing chapter may form an at-large chapter by adding one or more honor societies that were formed under Society guidelines. b) Two or more established chapters may merge to form an at-large chapter following established guidelines. c) An existing at-large chapter may split into separate chapters following established guidelines.

3) Amending an established chapter’s charter: a) An existing chapter may form an at-large chapter by adding one or more honor societies that were formed under Society guidelines. b) Two or more established chapters may merge to form an at-large chapter following established guidelines. c) An existing at-large chapter may split into separate chapters following established guidelines.

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Amendment #1d

Terminology Updates

Current Bylaws Wording

Article IV. Chapters Section 9. Probation, Revocation, Dissolution

Proposed Changes

d. 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 treasury of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Incorporated, or any other appropriate non-profit organization approved by the chapter Board of Directors.

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.

Wording If Adopted

d. 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 treasury of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Incorporated Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing, or any other appropriate non-profit organization approved by the chapter Board of Directors.

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.

d. 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. 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.

Rationale:

The Foundation was established in 1993 and this section has not been updated to represent the Foundation’s existence. When such funds are received from chapters, it is the Foundation that receives them.

Impact on Chapters:

Article XV. Dissolution, Section 3. Disposition of Chapter Funds of the Chapter Bylaws will also be updated to reflect this change.

Amendment #1e

Terminology Updates

Current Bylaws Wording

Article IV. Chapters Section 5. Chapter Officers

Proposed Changes

a. Each chapter elects at least a chapter president, a vice president, a secretary, a treasurer and a faculty 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.

Wording If Adopted

a. Each chapter elects at least a chapter president, a vice president, a secretary, a treasurer and a faculty 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.

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.

Rationale:

The removal of the word “faculty” is made to make the International Bylaws congruent with the existing Chapter Bylaws.

Impact on Chapters:

None. This position is already referred to simply as “counselor” in the Chapter Bylaws.

Amendment #2a

Article VII. Board of Directors Section 4. Functions

Chapter Charters

Current Bylaws Wording

Proposed Changes

The functions of the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International include: a. Reviewing applications for the establishment of the new chapters and making recommendations to the House of Delegates. b. Granting a chapter charter:

The functions of the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International include: a. Reviewing applications for the establishment of the new chapters and making recommendations to the House of Delegates. b. Granting a chapter charter:

1) following a three-fourths “yes” vote by the House of Delegates, or

1) following a three-fourths “yes” vote by the House of Delegates, or

2) following a three-fourths “yes” electronic vote by the chapter delegates representing three-fourths of the chapters c. Granting approval for charter amendments.

Wording If Adopted 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.

2) following a three-fourths “yes” electronic vote by the chapter delegates representing three-fourths of the chapters c. Granting approval for chapter charters and charter amendments.

Amendment #2 continued on page 4

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Amendment #2 continued Amendment #2a

Chapter Charters

Article VII. Board of Directors Section 4. Functions

Rationale:

The current chapter charter application process is a lengthy and thorough process wherein prospective chapters work closely with headquarters staff to develop their chapter according to the policies and procedures set forth by STTI, which takes at least one year, but often is longer. Once headquarters staff deem chapters ready for chartering, prospective chapter then embark on a lengthy review process which includes 1) review by two member volunteer reviewers serving on the Charter Review Task Force; 2) review and vote by the entire Charter Review Task Force (which reports the International Governance Committee); 3) review and vote by the International Governance Committee; 4) review and vote by the STTI Board of Directors; and ultimately 5) review and vote by the Electronic House of Delegates. The formal review process after reaching a state of chapter readiness takes about 8 months to complete. This process extends the length of time that interested honor societies (that have formed according the guidelines and bylaws set forth by STTI) must wait in order to charter as an official chapter of STTI. By shortening this waiting period, approved groups that have met all requirements could charter much sooner, allowing their members to become STTI members in a much more timely manner. This gives them full access to STTI member benefits up to 5 months sooner than the current process. Since the inception of the Electronic House of Delegates, no petitioning honor society has ever been denied. The recommendation of the Board of Directors has always been upheld. Of the 15 voting sessions conducted, the average approval rate of the 45 applications considered has been 97.5 percent. It is also important to note that the Board of Directors already approves all chapter charter amendment applications serving as the final vote in that process. It is thereby requested that chapter charter applications be handled in the same manner.

Impact on Chapters:

In addition to this advantage for petitioning groups, chapters would also benefit by having one less administrative function to fulfill. Currently chapters not participating in the Electronic House of Delegates are considered to be bylaws incompliant, putting them at potential risk for probation. Chapters that do not participate are also not eligible to apply for the Chapter Key Award. On average, 33 chapters do not participate in Electronic House of Delegates voting.

Conforming amendments: If the above amendment is adopted, the following conforming amendments (#2b and #2c) will also be adopted.

Amendment #2b

Chapter Charters

Current Bylaws Wording 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:

Article V. House of Delegates Section 3: Powers

Proposed Changes 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:

Word Wording If Adopted 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.

1) Revise and amend the bylaws.

1) Revise and amend the bylaws.

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

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

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

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

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

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

4) Approve by a three-fourths vote such applications for charters as are recommended to the House of Delegates by the Board of Directors.

4) Approve by a three-fourths vote such applications for charters as are recommended to the House of Delegates by the Board of Directors.

4) Approve by a three-fourths vote the revocation of a charter when such action has been recommended by the Board of Directors.

5) Approve by a three-fourths vote the revocation of a charter when such action has been recommended by the Board of Directors.

5) Approve by a three-fourths vote the revocation of a charter when such action has been recommended by the Board of Directors.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10) Amend and repeal the Articles of Incorporation.

10) Amend and repeal the Articles of Incorporation.

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

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

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

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

9) Amend and repeal the Articles of Incorporation.

Amendment #2 continued on page 5

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Amendment #2 continued Amendment #2c

Chapter Charters

Current Bylaws Wording a. Chapter delegates may vote electronically on Articles of Incorporation and chapter charter applications and revocations. b. The procedures and time limitations for electronic voting shall be set by the Board of Directors.

Amendment #3a

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

Chapter Charters

Current Bylaws Wording Section 9. Probation, Revocation, Dissolution 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. Upon recommendation of the Board of Directors, the House of Delegates may revoke the charter of a chapter. c. Any chapter may vote to dissolve itself. d. 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 treasury of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Incorporated, or any other appropriate non-profit organization approved by the chapter Board of Directors. 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.

Section 10. Removal from Probation and Reinstatement of a Chapter a. A chapter may be removed from probation by action of the Sigma Theta Tau International Board of Directors. b. 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 4. Electronic Voting Wording If Adopted a. Chapter delegates may vote electronically on Articles of Incorporation and chapter charter revocations. b. The procedures and time limitations for electronic voting shall be set by the Board of Directors.

Article IV. Chapters Section 9. Probation, Revocation, Dissolution Section 10. Removal from Probation and Reinstatement of a Chapter

Proposed Changes 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, Upon recommendation of the Board of Directors, the House of Delegates 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 treasury of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Incorporated, or any other appropriate non-profit organization approved by the chapter Board of Directors. 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.

(Section 10 is incorporated into Section 9 above) Section 10. Removal from Probation and Reinstatement of a Chapter a. A chapter may be removed from probation by action of the Sigma Theta Tau International Board of Directors. b. 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.

Wording If Adopted 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 treasury of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Incorporated, or any other appropriate non-profit organization approved by the chapter Board of Directors. 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.

Amendment #3 continued on page 6

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Amendment #3 continued Amendment #3a Rationale:

Article IV. Chapters Section 9. Probation, Revocation, Dissolution Section 10. Removal from Probation and Reinstatement of a Chapter

Chapter Charters

While a vote of the House of Delegates to revoke the charter of a chapter has not been needed in the past, the possibility that such action could be required in the future remains. Given the sensitive nature of what may cause a chapter to find itself at risk of revocation, it is recommended that such review, consideration, and vote remain with the International Governance Committee and the STTI Board of Directors and be considered final. For chapters facing revocation, the issues and details surrounding their revocation would be held more private than under the current process, which would place details before the House. This is a protection for both the chapter and STTI. This amendment also collapses Article IV. Chapters, Sections 9 and 10, streamlining this section for improved clarity. Conforming amendments 3d and 3c reflects removal of HOD responsibilities related to revocation if Amendment 3a passes.

NOTE: Upon passage of amendment #1e, the term “treasury of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Incorporated” will be changed to “Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing” within this section of the bylaws.

Impact on Chapters:

Removing this from the list of responsibilities of the House of Delegates will mean that chapters will not be required to have their delegates participate in an Electronic House of Delegates for these considerations. This would also remove an area where chapters themselves could be found to be bylaws incompliant if their delegates did not vote. For those chapters facing revocation, the issues and details surrounding their revocation would be held more private than under the current process.

Conforming amendments: If the above amendment is adopted, the following conforming amendments (#3b, #3c, and #3d) will also be adopted.

Amendment #3b

Article V. House of Delegates Section 3. Powers

Chapter Charters

Current Bylaws Wording 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:

Proposed Changes 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:

Wording If Adopted 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.

1) Revise and amend the bylaws.

1) Revise and amend the bylaws.

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

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

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

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

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

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

4) Approve by a three-fourths vote such applications for charters as are recommended to the House of Delegates by the Board of Directors.

4) Approve by a three-fourths vote such applications for charters as are recommended to the House of Delegates by the Board of Directors.

4) Approve by a three-fourths vote such applications for charters as are recommended to the House of Delegates by the Board of Directors.

5) Approve by a three-fourths vote the revocation of a charter when such action has been recommended by the Board of Directors.

5) Approve by a three-fourths vote the revocation of a charter when such action has been recommended by the Board of Directors.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10) Amend and repeal the Articles of Incorporation.

10) Amend and repeal the Articles of Incorporation.

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

9) Amend and repeal the Articles of Incorporation.

Amendment #3 continued on page 7

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Amendment #3 continued Amendment #3c Current Bylaws Wording

Proposed Changes

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

Amendment #3d

Wording If Adopted

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

Proposed Changes

The functions of the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International include: i. Revoking the charter of a chapter upon a “yes” vote of three-fourths of the House of Delegates.

b. Chapter Models

Wording If Adopted

The functions of the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International include: i. Revoking the charter of a chapter upon a “yes” vote of three-fourths of the House of Delegates.

The functions of the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International include: i. Revoking the charter of a chapter.

Article IV. Chapters Section 2. Organization of a Chapter

Chapter Models

Current Bylaws Wording

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

Article VII. Board of Directors Section 4. Functions

Chapter Charters

Current Bylaws Wording

Amendment #4a

Article V. House of Delegates Section 4. Electronic Voting

Chapter Charters

Proposed Changes

Wording If Adopted

b. Chapter Models

b. Chapter Models

1) One (1) school without a chapter One school meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a. establishes an honor society under the Society’s guidelines.

1) One (1) school without a chapter One school meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a. establishes an honor society under the Society’s guidelines.

1) One (1) school without a chapter One school meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a. establishes an honor society under the Society’s guidelines.

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

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

2) Two (2) or more schools without a chapter Two or more schools, 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) Amending an established chapter’s charter: a) An existing chapter may form an at-large chapter by adding one or more honor societies that were formed under Society guidelines. b) Two or more established chapters may merge to form an at-large chapter following established guidelines. c) An existing at-large chapter may split into separate chapters following established guidelines.

3) One (1) or more schools and one (1) or more practice settings One or more schools 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.

3) One (1) or more schools and one (1) or more practice settings One or more schools meetings the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2.a. and one or more practice settings establish an atlarge 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 schools or practice settings honor societies that were formed under Society guidelines. b) 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 schools or practice settings. d) An existing at-large chapter may split into separate chapters following established guidelines.

4) Amending an established chapter’s charter: a) An existing chapter may form an at-large chapter by adding one or more schools or practice settings. b) 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 schools or practice settings. d) An existing at-large chapter may split into separate chapters following established guidelines.

Amendment #4 continued on page 8 7

Amendment #4 continued Amendment #4a Rationale:

Chapter Models

Article IV. Chapters Section 2. Organization of a Chapter

The combined academic-practice at-large chapter model is an innovative chapter model that accelerates STTI’s ability to meet its vision and mission. The new model allows for a chapter in a traditional academic setting to become a chapter-at-large with a practice setting.

The new model is consistent with STTI’s vision: “… to be the global organization of choice for nursing” as the majority of STTI members worldwide work in practice, rather than academic, settings. The new model is consistent with STTI’s mission: “…advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.” The academic-practice at-large model will increase the ability of STTI to realize its vision and mission with increased proximity to patients and/or clients and healthcare delivery. The requirement that chapters in practice centers be affiliated with an academic chapter (or chapters) as part of an at-large status encourages cross-collaboration and partnerships among administrators, clinicians, educators, and researchers. Both academic and practice settings can benefit from the partnership. More and more, fruitful research, clinical practice developments, and educational innovations are occurring in both settings.

The academic-practice at-large chapter model offers additional opportunities to optimize STTI member recruitment and retention. Currently more than half of STTI’s first-year members do not renew their memberships. Having an official at-large chapter presence in the workplace will assist in keeping these members actively engaged and involved in STTI. Today’s practice settings are home to expert nurse leaders, clinicians, educators and researchers who are engaging in the scholarship of discovery, teaching, application, and integration. The partnering of academic and practice settings will offer novel strategies for member recruitment and retention across the span of one’s career.

If the proposed model is adopted, the current chapter chartering and charter amendment processes will be adapted for the academic-practice at-large chapter model. Equivalent standards will be identified to ensure that academic-practice at-large chapters represent excellence in nursing scholarship, leadership, and service. Applicants will be required to participate in the chapter chartering or charter amendment application process, which requires a thorough multi-level review by qualified STTI personnel and elected bodies.

NOTE: Upon passage of amendment #1b, the term “school” will be changed to “institution of higher education” throughout this section of the bylaws.

Impact on Chapters:

Chapters will have the option to amend their charters to include practice settings to become an at-large chapter. This opportunity is not currently permitted under current bylaws.

Conforming amendment: If the above amendment is adopted, the following conforming amendment (#4b) will also be adopted.

Amendment #4b

Chapter Charters

Current Bylaws Wording 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 schools that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. All chapters shall have regular members.

Article IV. Chapters Section 1. Definition of Chapter

Proposed Changes 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 schools or schools and practice settings that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. All chapters shall have regular members.

NOTE: Upon passage of amendment #1b, the term “school” will be changed to “institution of higher education” throughout this section of the bylaws.

Wording If Adopted 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 schools or schools and practice settings that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. All chapters shall have regular members.

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