Bylaws of CNSA, CSU Chico Chapter

CONSTITUTION OF CALIFORNIA NURSING STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION, CHICO CHAPTER

California State University, Chico

August 16th, 2026

ARTICLE I — NAME AND AFFILIATION

Section 1. Name

The name of this organization shall be the California Nursing Students’ Association, Chico State Chapter, hereinafter referred to as CNSA Chico or the Chapter.

Section 2. University Affiliation

CNSA Chico shall operate as a recognized student organization at California State University, Chico, in accordance with applicable University and California State University policies.

Section 3. State and National Affiliation

CNSA Chico shall maintain affiliation with the California Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA) and the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) in accordance with applicable state and national requirements.

Section 4. Constituency

The Chapter shall seek to maintain official NSNA constituent school chapter status by meeting applicable CNSA and NSNA membership, application, and constituency requirements.

ARTICLE II — PURPOSE

Section 1. Purpose

The purpose of CNSA Chico shall be to support the academic, professional, leadership, and personal development of nursing students at California State University, Chico.

The Chapter shall seek to:

a. Promote professional development and career preparation for nursing students;

b. Provide opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, networking, and peer support;

c. Facilitate educational programming related to nursing specialties, career pathways, transition to practice, professional organizations, and other topics relevant to nursing students;

d. Encourage community service, advocacy, civic engagement, and involvement in issues affecting nursing students and the nursing profession;

e. Connect nursing students with faculty, alumni, healthcare professionals, employers, professional organizations, and community partners;

f. Promote participation in CNSA and NSNA programs, conventions, leadership opportunities, resolutions, and professional activities;

g. Strengthen connection and collaboration among students throughout the Chico State Nursing Program; and

h. Promote professionalism and the values of the nursing profession.

ARTICLE III — MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. General Participation

CNSA Chico meetings, events, programs, and activities may be open to Chico State nursing students and other invited participants as determined by the Executive Board.

Participation in Chapter activities alone shall not constitute official CNSA/NSNA membership.

Section 2. Official Membership

An individual shall be considered an official member of CNSA Chico when the individual:

a. Is currently enrolled at California State University, Chico;

b. Is a current student admitted to and enrolled in the Chico State Nursing Program; and

c. Maintains current membership in the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA), which includes membership in the California Nursing Students’ Association.

Section 3. Chapter Dues

CNSA Chico shall not require separate local chapter membership dues unless such dues are later authorized in accordance with these bylaws and applicable University policies.

Any individual membership fees required by NSNA shall be the responsibility of the individual member.

Section 4. Voting Membership

Voting privileges shall be granted to any official CNSA Chico member who:

a. Is a currently enrolled Chico State student;

b. Is currently enrolled in the Chico State Nursing Program; and

c. Maintains active NSNA/CNSA membership.

Attendance at a minimum number of Chapter meetings or events shall not be required to exercise voting privileges.

Section 5. Graduation Cord Eligibility

Beginning with students entering the Chico State Nursing Program in Fall 2026, official CNSA Chico members may earn a CNSA graduation cord provided by the Chapter by satisfying the graduation recognition requirements established below.

A. Membership Requirement

To qualify for a CNSA graduation cord, a student must maintain active NSNA/CNSA membership during each semester being used to satisfy the participation requirement.

Participation completed during a semester in which the student does not maintain active NSNA/CNSA membership shall not count toward graduation cord eligibility.

B. Participation Requirement

A member shall:

1. Attend at least two (2) qualifying CNSA Chico meetings, events, or approved activities per semester; and

2. Satisfy this requirement during at least two (2) semesters while enrolled in the Chico State Nursing Program.

C. Officer Service Alternative

A member who successfully completes one full academic-year term as a CNSA Chico officer in good standing shall satisfy the Chapter participation requirement for graduation cord eligibility.

Officer service does not waive the NSNA/CNSA membership requirement. Officers must maintain active NSNA/CNSA membership during the applicable academic year to qualify for a graduation cord.

D. Cord Cost

Students who satisfy all graduation cord eligibility requirements shall receive one CNSA graduation cord funded and provided by CNSA Chico.

No separate payment for the graduation cord shall be required from an eligible graduating member.

E. Prior Cohorts

The requirements established in this Section shall apply beginning with students entering the Chico State Nursing Program in Fall 2026.

Students who entered the Chico State Nursing Program prior to Fall 2026 shall not be retroactively subject to these requirements and shall instead follow any applicable prior or grandfathered Chapter graduation recognition policy.

Section 6. Verification and Records

This part wasn't in your old bylaws at all, but I think you need it if you're giving out free cords.

The Chapter shall maintain reasonable records necessary to verify:

a. NSNA/CNSA membership;

b. Attendance at qualifying CNSA meetings and events;

c. Officer service; and

d. Graduation cord eligibility.

The Executive Board may establish procedures for attendance verification and record keeping consistent with these bylaws.

Section 7. Good Standing

An official member shall be considered in good standing when the member:

a. Continues to meet the eligibility requirements for membership;

b. Maintains required NSNA/CNSA membership; and

c. Has not been subject to disciplinary action resulting in loss or suspension of Chapter privileges pursuant to these bylaws or applicable University policy.

ARTICLE IV — EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1. Composition of the Executive Board

The Executive Board of the California Nursing Students’ Association, Chico State Chapter shall consist of the following positions:

a. President
b. Vice President
c. Treasurer
d. Secretary
e. Mentorship Coordinator
f. Public Relations Officer
g. Merchandise Coordinator
h. Assistant Merchandise Coordinator(s)
i. Special Events Coordinator
j. Media Correspondent
k. Nigeria Trip Coordinator
l. Senior Officer(s)

Each Executive Board member shall be entitled to one vote on Executive Board matters.

When more than one individual holds the title of Assistant Merchandise Coordinator or Senior Officer, each individual shall have one independent vote.

Section 2. Eligibility for Elected Office

To seek election to the CNSA Chico Executive Board, a candidate must:

a. Be currently enrolled in the California State University, Chico Nursing Program;

b. Be an official CNSA Chico member and maintain active NSNA/CNSA membership;

c. Be in good academic and disciplinary standing with California State University, Chico;

d. Meet all applicable University eligibility requirements for student organization officers;

e. Be a first-, second-, or third-semester nursing student at the time of election;

f. Have at least two academic semesters remaining in the Chico State Nursing Program following the election;

g. Be capable of completing the full two-semester officer commitment; and

h. Not have previously completed an elected CNSA Chico Executive Board term.

i. May not simultaneously hold an executive board position in another nursing student organization during the CNSA Chico term of office.

Students in their fourth or fifth semester of the Nursing Program shall not be eligible to seek election because they do not have the required two semesters remaining to complete the term of office.

Section 3. One-Term Limit

An individual may be elected to the CNSA Chico Executive Board only once during enrollment in the Chico State Nursing Program.

An officer may not complete one elected term and subsequently seek election to another Executive Board position.

Participation as a Senior Officer following completion of an elected term shall not constitute a second elected term, because the Senior Officer role is a voluntary transition and advisory position rather than an elected office.

Section 4. Elections

A. Election Schedule

Executive Board elections shall be held annually near the end of the Spring semester.

The current Executive Board shall establish and communicate the election timeline sufficiently in advance to allow eligible members to apply, learn about available positions, and participate in the election.

B. Candidate Application

Students seeking an elected Executive Board position shall complete the Chapter's designated officer application or nomination process by the established deadline.

Eligibility shall be verified before a candidate is placed on the ballot.

C. Voting Eligibility

All voting members meeting the requirements established in Article III shall be eligible to participate in Executive Board elections.

D. Voting

Each eligible voting member may cast one vote for each elected position appearing on the ballot.

Executive Board officers shall be elected by a simple majority of votes cast unless otherwise required by applicable University policy.

E. Election Procedures

The Executive Board may establish reasonable election procedures concerning:

• Candidate applications;

• Candidate statements or introductions;

• Election timelines;

• Electronic or in-person voting;

• Ballot administration;

• Vote verification;

• Tie-breaking procedures; and

• Announcement of results.

Such procedures must remain consistent with these bylaws.

Section 5. Term of Office

Each elected Executive Board officer shall serve a term of two consecutive academic semesters, consisting of one Fall semester and the immediately following Spring semester.

Officers elected at the end of the Spring semester shall participate in the transition process following election and shall formally assume their positions for the upcoming academic year.

Officers shall serve through the completion of the following Spring semester unless they resign, are removed, become ineligible, or are otherwise unable to complete the term.

Acceptance of an Executive Board position constitutes a commitment to serve the entire two-semester term.

Section 6. Senior Officers

A. Purpose

The Senior Officer position shall provide continuity, institutional knowledge, mentorship, and transition support to the incoming Executive Board.

B. Eligibility

Any Executive Board member who successfully completes their elected two-semester term may elect to continue serving as a Senior Officer for one additional academic semester.

Participation as a Senior Officer is optional.

C. Expression of Interest

At the end of each elected term, outgoing Executive Board members shall be provided a Senior Officer Interest Form.

Former officers wishing to serve as Senior Officers must complete the form by the deadline established by the Chapter.

Submission of the interest form shall document the former officer's willingness to fulfill the expectations of the Senior Officer position during the following semester.

D. Length of Service

A Senior Officer may serve for one semester immediately following completion of their elected Executive Board term.

The Senior Officer position may not be extended beyond that semester.

E. Voting Rights

Senior Officers shall be voting members of the Executive Board.

Each Senior Officer shall receive one individual Executive Board vote.

F. Responsibilities

Senior Officers shall:

1. Support the transition of newly elected officers;

2. Provide institutional knowledge regarding previous Chapter programs, procedures, relationships, and projects;

3. Serve as a resource to the officer who assumes their former position when appropriate;

4. Support major Chapter events and initiatives during their Senior Officer semester;

5. Participate in Executive Board discussions and decision-making;

6. Assist with continuity of long-term projects;

7. Provide guidance without unnecessarily interfering with the authority of the newly elected officer responsible for a position; and

8. Perform other transition or advisory responsibilities reasonably assigned by the President or Executive Board.

Section 7. General Responsibilities of Executive Board Members

All Executive Board members shall:

a. Understand and comply with these bylaws and applicable Chapter policies;

b. Maintain all membership and eligibility requirements applicable to their position;

c. Attend and actively participate in Executive Board meetings;

d. Fulfill the responsibilities associated with their position;

e. Communicate promptly with the President and Executive Board regarding responsibilities, deadlines, difficulties, or anticipated absences;

f. Complete assigned responsibilities within reasonable established timelines;

g. Support Chapter meetings, programs, professional development, mentorship, service, recruitment, fundraising, and member-engagement activities;

h. Maintain appropriate records associated with their position;

i. Participate in Chapter transition and continuity procedures;

j. Represent CNSA Chico professionally when communicating with students, faculty, University personnel, speakers, healthcare professionals, employers, CNSA, NSNA, community organizations, and other external partners;

k. Protect confidential or sensitive Chapter information when applicable;

l. Act in the best interest of CNSA Chico and its membership; and

m. Perform reasonable additional responsibilities necessary for the effective operation of the Chapter.

Section 8. President

The President shall:

a. Serve as the chief student officer of CNSA Chico;

b. Provide overall strategic direction, leadership, and accountability for the Chapter;

c. Preside over Executive Board and general membership meetings;

d. Coordinate the work of the Executive Board and monitor progress toward Chapter goals;

e. Prepare or coordinate meeting agendas in collaboration with the Secretary and Vice President;

f. Delegate responsibilities among officers while maintaining appropriate oversight;

g. Serve as the primary student representative of CNSA Chico to the Chico State School of Nursing, University administration, CNSA, NSNA, healthcare organizations, professional contacts, speakers, community partners, and other external parties;

h. Maintain key organizational relationships;

i. Oversee Chapter compliance with University recognition requirements and applicable CNSA/NSNA chapter requirements;

j. Review Chapter finances and proposed expenditures in collaboration with the Treasurer;

k. Establish committees, initiatives, or special projects as appropriate;

l. Serve as an ex-officio member of Chapter committees;

m. Coordinate annual Executive Board transition;

n. Maintain appropriate oversight of official Chapter accounts, records, and organizational access; and

o. Perform other duties consistent with the office of President.

Section 9. Vice President

The Vice President shall:

a. Support the President in the overall administration and operation of CNSA Chico;

b. Assume the duties of the President during the President's temporary absence or inability to serve;

c. Assist in coordinating Chapter programming, meetings, professional-development opportunities, speakers, and engagement initiatives;

d. Monitor major Executive Board projects, timelines, and operational follow-through;

e. Assist officers with coordination when projects involve multiple areas of the Executive Board;

f. Help evaluate and improve Chapter procedures and organizational systems;

g. Support external outreach, speaker relationships, and professional partnerships;

h. Lead special projects as assigned by the President or Executive Board; and

i. Perform other duties consistent with the office of Vice President.

Section 10. Treasurer

The Treasurer shall:

a. Serve as the primary officer responsible for Chapter financial administration;

b. Develop and maintain the Chapter budget in collaboration with the President and Executive Board;

c. Maintain accurate records of Chapter income and expenditures;

d. Track reimbursements, purchases, fundraising revenue, merchandise revenue, donations, and other Chapter financial activity;

e. Provide regular financial updates to the Executive Board;

f. Coordinate financial transactions and documentation in accordance with applicable University requirements;

g. Evaluate the financial feasibility of proposed events, purchases, fundraising activities, and merchandise projects;

h. Work with the Merchandise Coordinator regarding merchandise costs, revenue, inventory-related financial records, and pricing;

i. Maintain documentation necessary for annual financial transition; and

j. Perform other duties consistent with the office of Treasurer.

k. The Treasurer shall additionally satisfy all University eligibility requirements applicable specifically to the treasurer of a recognized student organization.

Section 11. Secretary

The Secretary shall:

a. Maintain accurate minutes of Executive Board and general membership meetings;

b. Maintain attendance records where appropriate;

c. Maintain official Chapter governing documents, agendas, minutes, action items, and organizational records;

d. Assist the President in preparing and distributing meeting agendas;

e. Maintain membership and participation records required for Chapter administration;

f. Maintain records used to verify CNSA graduation-cord eligibility;

g. Track major Chapter deadlines, decisions, and outstanding action items;

h. Maintain historical records necessary for organizational continuity;

i. Support annual Executive Board transition and archival procedures; and

j. Perform other duties consistent with the office of Secretary.

Section 12. Mentorship Coordinator

The Mentorship Coordinator shall:

a. Oversee the CNSA Chico mentorship program;

b. Develop and maintain systems for mentor and mentee recruitment, matching, communication, and participation;

c. Coordinate mentorship-related meetings, activities, and resources;

d. Maintain appropriate mentorship participation records;

e. Communicate regularly with mentors and mentees;

f. Identify opportunities to improve mentorship support across nursing cohorts;

g. Work with the Public Relations Officer to promote the mentorship program;

h. Work with the Media Correspondent to document and highlight mentorship initiatives when appropriate; and

i. Perform other duties consistent with mentorship programming.

Section 13. Public Relations Officer

The Public Relations Officer shall:

a. Oversee the Chapter's public-facing communications and promotional strategy;

b. Promote Chapter meetings, events, membership opportunities, mentorship, professional development, fundraising, and recruitment initiatives;

c. Maintain and update the Chapter website;

d. Maintain appropriate Chapter social-media platforms in collaboration with the Media Correspondent;

e. Develop promotional materials and member-facing announcements;

f. Support recruitment and visibility among nursing students;

g. Maintain consistent and professional Chapter branding;

h. Coordinate promotional timelines with officers responsible for upcoming programs or events;

i. Support external communication when delegated by the President; and

j. Perform other duties consistent with public relations and Chapter promotion.

Section 14. Merchandise Coordinator

The Merchandise Coordinator shall:

a. Lead Chapter merchandise planning and development;

b. Develop merchandise concepts and designs for Executive Board approval;

c. Coordinate merchandise vendors, quotes, ordering, and production;

d. Maintain merchandise inventory systems;

e. Coordinate merchandise sales and distribution;

f. Develop proposed pricing in collaboration with the Treasurer;

g. Maintain accurate merchandise-related records;

h. Supervise and delegate appropriate responsibilities to the Assistant Merchandise Coordinators; and

i. Perform other duties consistent with Chapter merchandise operations.

Section 15. Assistant Merchandise Coordinator(s)

Assistant Merchandise Coordinators shall:

a. Support the Merchandise Coordinator in carrying out merchandise operations;

b. Assist with inventory management;

c. Assist with merchandise sales, tabling, pickup, distribution, and order fulfillment;

d. Help maintain accurate records of merchandise inventory and distribution;

e. Assist with merchandise-related events and promotional activities;

f. Communicate operational issues to the Merchandise Coordinator and Treasurer as appropriate; and

g. Perform other duties consistent with merchandise operations.

Section 16. Special Events Coordinator

The Special Events Coordinator shall:

a. Lead planning and coordination of designated Chapter events;

b. Develop event concepts that advance the mission and goals of CNSA Chico;

c. Coordinate event timelines, logistics, locations, speakers, vendors, materials, and operational requirements;

d. Work with the Treasurer to develop event budgets and assess financial feasibility;

e. Work with the Public Relations Officer on event promotion;

f. Coordinate with the Vice President regarding professional-development programming and speakers when applicable;

g. Delegate event responsibilities among officers and volunteers with approval from the President or Executive Board;

h. Ensure appropriate event follow-up and documentation are completed; and

i. Perform other duties consistent with Chapter event planning.

Section 17. Media Correspondent

The Media Correspondent shall:

a. Document CNSA Chico activities, programs, events, and accomplishments;

b. Capture or coordinate photographs and other appropriate media at Chapter activities;

c. Develop event recaps, Chapter highlights, and storytelling content;

d. Collaborate with the Public Relations Officer on social-media and website content;

e. Maintain an organized digital archive of Chapter photographs, media, and significant accomplishments;

f. Assist with newsletters, annual recaps, recruitment materials, and CNSA/NSNA submissions when appropriate;

g. Obtain or respect applicable permissions and privacy requirements when creating or publishing media; and

h. Perform other duties consistent with Chapter media and documentation.

Section 18. Nigeria Trip Coordinator

The Nigeria Trip Coordinator shall:

a. Serve as the primary Executive Board coordinator for CNSA Chico activities associated with the Nigeria trip or related international nursing initiative;

b. Communicate with the President, faculty, University representatives, participating students, and other authorized partners regarding Chapter responsibilities associated with the trip;

c. Coordinate applicable CNSA-related planning, communication, fundraising, preparation, and participant information;

d. Maintain relevant timelines, planning records, and action items associated with the initiative;

e. Work with the Treasurer regarding approved fundraising, purchases, or financial matters associated with Chapter participation;

f. Work with the Public Relations Officer and Media Correspondent regarding appropriate promotion, education, and documentation of the initiative;

g. Provide regular updates to the Executive Board regarding planning progress and outstanding responsibilities;

h. Ensure that CNSA Chico activities associated with the initiative remain consistent with applicable University requirements and the direction of authorized faculty or program leadership; and

i. Perform other duties reasonably related to the Nigeria trip or associated international nursing initiative.

Section 19. Executive Board Transition

Following annual elections, outgoing and incoming Executive Board members shall participate in an organized transition process.

Outgoing officers shall provide incoming officers with applicable:

a. Position-specific records and procedures;

b. Current project information;

c. Relevant contacts;

d. Upcoming deadlines;

e. Organizational files;

f. Authorized account or platform access;

g. Budget or financial information applicable to the position;

h. Recommendations from the outgoing term; and

i. Other information reasonably necessary for continuity.

The President shall oversee the overall transition process with support from the Vice President, Secretary, and participating Senior Officers.