Association of Collegiate Educators in Radiologic Technology
ACERT, Inc. is a Non-Profit Educational Organization
Constitution and Bylaws
Adopted May 3, 1975
As Revised February, 2005
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CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I NAME
This non-profit educational organization shall be known as the:
Association of Collegiate Educators in Radiologic Technology, (ACERT), hereinafter referred to as ACERT.
ARTICLE II OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES
Section 1. The objectives and purposes of this non-profit organization are to improve the educational programs of collegiate Radiologic Science programs and more specifically:
1. To annually select and investigate one important educational problem of concern to collegiate radiologic science educators that will provide colleagues with a publication of viable solutions and insights.
2. To annually publish an ACERT newsletter reflecting findings from investigations or commentary on relevant issues dealing with the collegiate radiologic science educational mission.
3. To annually provide a meeting for ACERT active, institutional and associate members for the exchange of ideas and information related to collegiate radiologic science education and health professions.
4. To cooperate effectively with all organizations in the health related professions and education for the promotion of sound educational programs and standards.
5. To recognize outstanding contributions to radiologic technology education.
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Qualifications for Membership
1. Institutional Membership
Any institution in the United States with a collegiate radiologic science program that meets the requirements for educational quality as set by ACERT is eligible for membership application.
2. Associate Membership
Associate members shall be those educators actively practicing the art and science of imaging and therapeutic modalities.
3. Life Membership
A Life Member has been either an institutional member or an associated member as defined by the qualifications for ACERET membership for at least fifteen years. A Life Member shall have reached the age of 65 or be retired. A Life Member shall have rendered outstanding meritorious service to the radiologic science profession. This service may include serving as a volunteer to this organization as committee member or chair, officer, mentor researcher, and leader.
Section 2. Application for Membership
1. Institutions or individuals eligible shall make application to ACERT for membership and shall provide all information required to support such application and shall pay all fees required for such application before such application can be accepted.
2. The Board of Directors of ACERT as specified in Article IV, Section 2, shall approve or disapprove all applications for membership by majority vote.
3. A Life Member would be recommended to the Board of Directors by an institutional member or associate members. The Life Member would be selected by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Voting
1. An institutional member shall have only one vote in all election processes and shall specify one representative for purposes of voting.
2. Associate members shall be eligible to hold an office or a chairmanship of a standing committee and vote on policy and procedure matters. They shall not be eligible to vote on constitution or bylaw changes; only institutional members will be eligible to vote on these matters.
3. A Life Member cannot vote and cannot hold an office.
Section 4. Membership Termination
Memberships may be terminated by the Board of Directors, after appropriate review, by majority vote for failure to adhere to the educational standards set by ACERT or for failure to pay the dues or fees assessed institutional members.
Section 5. Liability
No member of ACERT shall be personally liable for any debts, liabilities, or obligations of the organization.
ARTICLE IV OFFICERS OF THE ORGANIZATION
Section 1. Elected Officers
The elected officers of this organization shall be the President, President-Elect, Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer.
Section 2. Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall consist of the Immediate Past President, President, President-Elect, Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer.
Section 3. Tenure
The Immediate Past President, President, Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer shall serve a two-year term; the President-Elect shall serve a one-year term.
Section 4. Nominations, Elections and Appointments
1. Nomination and election of officers shall be at the annual meeting. Officers shall be installed at the termination of the annual meeting. Officers shall be elected by majority vote of institutional members in attendance at the annual meeting. Institutional members not in attendance may vote by written proxy. Officers shall be eligible for nomination and reelection to the same office for one additional term.
2. Chairman of standing committees shall be elected by majority vote of the committee members at the annual meeting.
3. When any office becomes vacant due to resignation or any other cause, the Board of Directors shall appoint by majority vote, a successor to fill the unexpired term of office.
4. The election of the Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer will occur on alternate years from that of the President-Elect.
Section 5. Duties
1. The duties of the elected officers shall be those usually devolving upon such officers. The President shall serve as chairman of the annual and special meetings of the organization including those of the Board of Directors. In the event of his or her absence, such duties shall automatically be delegated to the Vice-President.
2. The Board of Directors shall exercise general control of the affairs and interests of the association and shall plan the meetings of the organization and recommend for organization action the general policies to be observed by the organization. The Board of Directors may appoint an annual meeting chairman to plan and organize the annual meeting. Nothing in this section shall preclude a proposal by a member or any policy or particular matter for an organization motion thereon at the business meetings of the organization.
3. The duties of Associate Members shall be relative and restrictive to the internal workings and needs of ACERT.
ARTICLE V MEETINGS
Section 1. Annual Meeting
An annual meeting shall be called once a year at such time and place as designated by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Special Meetings
Special meetings shall be called as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors or upon petition by twenty percent of the membership or five institutional members, whichever number is greater.
Section 3. Committee Meetings
Committee meetings shall be called at the discretion of each committee chairman.
Section 4. Order of Business
The annual and special meetings shall be conducted under Robert's Rules of Order, newly Revised in which cases they are applicable and which they are not inconsistent with the Bylaws.
ARTICLE VI AMENDMENTS
Amendments to this constitution and/or bylaws shall be effected only by the following procedure:
1. Motion for amendment shall be presented in writing to the Chairperson of the Board 90 days prior to the annual meeting. Within 30 days, the Chairperson of the Board shall send copies of the proposed changes to all ACERT members of record.
2. Action on the motion shall be required at the ACERT annual meeting with passage required by a two-thirds majority vote of those present at the annual meeting. Voting shall be closed ballot with proxies from members who were not represented.
3. The effective date of any action resulting from the ballot shall be immediate.
ARTICLE VII NON-DISCRIMINATION
It shall be the policy of ACERT that no person will be excluded from participation, be denied services or benefits, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, age, religion, marital status, medical condition or disability.
BYLAWS
ARTICLE I OFFICERS/STAFF
Section 1. The President shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees. He/she shall authorize any bills of expense incurred by committees or members of the organization in the conduct of association business.
Section 2. The Secretary/Treasurer shall keep complete and accurate minutes of all meetings of the organization including those of the Board of Directors. He/she shall be responsible for proper dissemination of such minutes and for all appropriate correspondence of his/her office and for such communications as assigned by the President.
The Secretary/Treasurer will keep accurate financial records of the organization. They shall have charge of the books of account, shall collect all monies due the organization, and upon approval of bills, make payment of same. They shall maintain a current and active roster of all members of the organization. They will present all books of account to the Board of Directors annually, and/or on demand, for audit.
Section 3. The Vice-President shall assume the duties of the President in the absence of the President and assume duties as designated by the President.
Section 4. The President-Elect shall familiarize himself/herself with the activities of ACERT and shall make all preparations necessary for his/her elevation to the office of President.
ARTICLE II BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER COMMITTEES
Section 1. All bills incurred by any committee for expense shall be approved by the chairman of that committee and submitted to the President for approval.
Section 2. Members of the Board of Directors may vote by mail ballot when so requested by the President on matters requiring attention between meetings or if members are unable to attend scheduled meetings of the Board. A majority shall constitute affirmative action.
Section 3. Standing Committees
1. The standing committees shall be the: Annual Meeting, Publication, Investigation and ACERT Award.
2. Chairmanships of these committees shall be determined by majority vote of the members of the committee who may vote by mail ballot if they are unable to attend the committee meeting. The term of the Chairman of standing committees shall be for one year.
3. Duties and activities of the standing committees are to carry out the goals as stated in Article II of the constitution.
Section 4. Ad Hoc Committees
Ad Hoc Committees may be convened by the President or in his absence, by the Vice-President to study or resolve questions not within the purview of a standing committee.
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP DUES
Active institutional membership dues shall be $150.00 annually. The membership year shall be from January 1 through December 31 of the calendar year and payable by March 31.
Associate membership dues shall be $35.00 annually. The membership year shall be from January 1 through December 31 of the calendar year and payable by March 31.
ARTICLE IV ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Board of Directors shall be empowered to appoint an Advisory Committee to ACERT, composed of individuals from such bodies as state and national societies, state and federal agencies, foundations, etc. The Advisory Committee members may or may not be registered technologists, but are selected on the basis of their ability to advise on and contribute to the meeting of the objectives of ACERT. The term of office, the number and the responsibilities of the member(s) of the Advisory Committee shall be determined by the Board of Directors. The Advisory Committee shall serve ACERT in an advisory capacity only and shall have no voting privileges.
ARTICLE V DISSOLUTION
In the event of dissolution or final liquidation of the Society, all of it's assets remaining after payment of it's obligations shall have been made or provided for, shall be distributed to and among such corporations, foundations or other organizations operating exclusively for scientific or educational purposes consistent with those of ACERT, as designated by the Board of Directors.