BYLAWS OF THE
TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Adopted January 30, 1982
(Amended August 1995)
(Amended February 1997)
(Amended October 2003)
(Amended September 2004)
(Amended March 2005)
(Amended September 2005)
(Amended February 2006)
(Amended September 2006)
(Amended March 2007)
(Amended February 2008)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES
September 2009 TVMA BOD Minutes (Pending Approval)
ARTICLE I. NAME AND LOCATION
The name of this organization shall be the TEXAS VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, a non-profit corporation, incorporated in the State of Texas, hereinafter referred to as TVMA.
ARTICLE II. PURPOSES AND MISSION
The purposes of TVMA shall be:
A. To create a community of veterinary practice in Texas;
B. To build a better profession;
C. To serve society.
The mission of TVMA is to preserve, promote and protect the veterinary medical profession and to advance animal health for the well being of animals and humans.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
Section l. Qualifications
Membership in TVMA shall consist of veterinarians (except for Special Membership classes as specified by these Bylaws) who:
A. Are a graduate veterinarian.
B. Have duly applied and been accepted to Membership as prescribed by these Bylaws.
C. Agree to comply with TVMA Bylaws and the AVMA Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics.
Section 2. Tenure
Members of the TVMA shall retain their membership only so long as they comply with the provisions of the TVMA Bylaws and the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the AVMA. Removal from membership shall be on recommendation of the Executive Committee and with a three-quarters (3/4) majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Classes of Membership
The classes of voting membership in TVMA shall be:
A. Active Membership
Active Membership in TVMA shall be limited to veterinarians in the State of Texas. Active Members shall be voting members, eligible to hold office, and shall be entitled to all benefits and services of TVMA.
B. New Graduate Membership
New Graduate Membership may be extended to veterinarians who are Texas graduates or other new graduates who are residing in Texas. They shall be exempt from dues from the date of their graduation until June 30 of the following calendar year and shall pay one-half (1/2) the amount of annual dues for Active Members the next succeeding TVMA fiscal year. New Graduate Members shall be voting members with all rights and privileges of Active Membership.
C. Associate Membership
Associate Membership may be conferred, upon written application, to veterinarians who are full-time interns, residents, or graduate students at a recognized institution of higher learning. Associate Members shall be voting members, have all rights and privileges of Active Membership, and shall pay one-half (1/2) the amount of annual dues for Active Members.
D. New Resident Membership
Complimentary membership may be extended to veterinarians during their first year of residence in Texas who were members in good standing of the veterinary association in the state from which they moved. They shall be exempt from dues from the date of application until the following June 30. New resident members will have all rights and privileges of Active Membership.
E. Retired Membership
Retired Membership may be extended, upon written application and Executive Committee approval, to any TVMA member, age sixty-five (65) or over, who has been a member for twenty‑five (25) years of any state veterinary medical association, and has retired from the full time practice of veterinary medicine. Retired Members shall pay one-fourth (1/4) of the amount of annual dues for Active Members, and shall have all rights and privileges of Active Membership.
F. Life Membership
Life Membership may upon application to, and approval by, the Executive Committee, be conferred upon any TVMA member, age 65 or over, who has been a TVMA member in good standing for twenty-five (25) consecutive years. Life members shall be exempt from payment of dues and shall have all rights and privileges of Active Membership.
G. Distinguished Membership
Distinguished Membership shall be limited to TVMA members and former members who have distinguished themselves by their dedication and meritorious service to TVMA. Distinguished Membership shall be conferred only upon written nomination by two TVMA members in good standing, Executive Committee approval, and election by a three-quarter (3/4) majority vote of the Board of Directors. Distinguished Members shall be exempt from payment of dues, and shall have all rights and privileges of Active Membership.
H. Lifetime Membership
Lifetime membership in TVMA shall be granted to any person who meets all qualifications for active membership and who remits the one-time lifetime membership fee as currently established by the TVMA Executive Committee. The Lifetime Member will have all rights and privileges of Active Membership and shall be exempt from all annual membership dues to the Association.
Section 4. Classes of Non-voting Membership
The classes of non-voting membership in TVMA shall be:
A. Out-of-State Membership
Out-of-State membership shall consist of veterinarians who neither reside nor practice in the State of Texas. Out-of-State Members shall be non-voting members, ineligible to hold office, and shall pay one half (1/2) the amount of annual dues for Active members
B. Disability Membership
Disability Membership may be extended, upon Executive Committee approval, to deserving TVMA members and former members who, because of illness, accident or other mishap, are disabled. Disabled members shall be non-voting members, ineligible to hold office, and shall be exempt from payment of dues.
C. Allied Industry Membership
(1) Allied Industry Membership may, upon written application and Executive Committee approval, be extended to non-veterinarian representatives of allied industries, subject to the qualifications outlined in subsection (2) below. Allied industry members shall be non-voting members of TVMA, ineligible to hold office in TVMA and shall pay dues each year equal in value to the annual dues for Active Members.
(2) Qualifications: Allied Industry members shall agree to comply with the purpose and objectives as stated in Article II and with the bylaws and ethical principles as stated in Article III, Section 1c.
Section 5. Classes of Special Membership
The classes of special membership in TVMA shall be:
A. Student Membership
All students in the professional curriculum of veterinary medicine at Texas A&M University shall be eligible for Student Membership. Student Members shall be non-voting members, ineligible to hold office, and exempt from payment of dues.
B. Affiliate Membership
Affiliate Membership may be extended to non-veterinary (non-DVM) faculty of the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and professional staff members of the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. Affiliate members shall be non-voting members, ineligible to hold office and shall pay one-half (1/2) the amount of annual dues for Active Members.
C. Honorary Membership
Honorary Membership may be extended to persons or organizations who have risen to prominence in the veterinary sciences and/or have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of veterinary medicine. Honorary Membership shall be conferred only upon written nomination by two (2) TVMA members in good standing, Executive Committee approval, and election by a three-quarter (3/4) majority vote of the Board of Directors. Honorary members shall be exempt from payment of dues and may not vote or hold office.
D. Inactive Status Membership
Inactive status membership may be extended upon written application and Executive Committee approval, to any veterinarian with the following qualifications: (1) previously an active member for five (5) years of any state veterinary medical association immediately preceding application, (2) no longer practices any discipline of veterinary medicine, (3) maintains an inactive status with the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and/or other State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, and (4) resides in the state of Texas. Inactive status members shall pay one-quarter (1/4) the amount of annual dues for active members, and shall be non-voting members and ineligible to hold office.
ARTICLE IV. DUES
Section l. Dues Structure
Annual dues shall be payable on July l of each fiscal year. The amount of annual dues shall be set by the Executive Committee upon recommendation of the Budget and Finance Committee and shall be ratified by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Members of TVMA shall be notified in a TVMA publication of general circulation sixty (60) days in advance of any action by the Board of Directors to change the amount of dues. The payment schedule for annual dues shall be set by the Executive Committee.
Section 2. Delinquency
Non-payment of dues within ninety (90) days of the date payable shall result in the suspension of the member's benefits. Membership benefits may be reinstated by payment of dues. No member shall be permitted to exercise any privilege of membership while dues are delinquent.
ARTICLE V. CORPORATE STRUCTURE
The members of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors as described and established by these Bylaws shall constitute the membership of TVMA in its corporate capacity.
ARTICLE VI. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section l. Composition
The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Treasurer and four (4) Council Chairs.
Section 2. Duties
The Executive Committee shall:
A. Be the administrative body of TVMA and shall have complete charge of its property and financial affairs
B. Be charged with carrying out the provisions of TVMA Bylaws
C. Be charged with the appointment, employment and termination of an Executive Director
D. Report at each regular session of the Board of Directors
E. Meet at least twice annually, having one (1) meeting in conjunction with the Southwest Veterinary Symposium (SWVS), and one (1) meeting held approximately six (6) months before or after the SWVS. It shall also meet in additional sessions as deemed necessary and called by the President or any three (3) members of the Executive Committee
F. Have closed meetings. However, the Executive Committee shall have the right to call in any other persons as deemed necessary by the President
G. Advise or instruct the AVMA Delegate or Alternate Delegate
H. Act on membership categories as needed
I. Select a certified public accountant firm to conduct the annual audit
Section 3. Quorum
Five (5) members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum.
Section 4. Qualifications
A. To qualify for the office of President-Elect, the candidate must have been a TVMA member for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of candidacy and must have met one of the following qualifications: (1) either one year of service in the office of Chairman of the Board, or (2) receive nomination to the office of President-Elect as prescribed in Section 5 (A)(2), below.
B. To qualify for the office of Chairman of the Board, the candidate must have served at least one year as Council Chair and must currently be serving as Council Chair or as District Director.
C. To qualify for the office of Council Chair, the candidate must have served at least two years as a District Director and must be a current member of the Council to which he/she seeks election as Chair.
Section 5. Nominations and Elections
A. The offices of President and Immediate Past-President are non-elected positions due to succession privileges. The other officers are nominated and elected as follows:
(1) The Chairman of the Board of Directors is automatically nominated to the office of President-Elect upon the completion of one year of service in the office of Chairman.
(2) Any veterinarian who is a member in good standing of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association may seek election to the office of President-Elect by submitting written nominations from at least 25 voting members of TVMA with the requirement that those individuals making the nominations must have residence in at least thirteen (13) of the twenty-one (21) TVMA districts.
(3) Nominations shall be submitted to the TVMA office address and must be received by the TVMA Office no later than September 30 of the calendar year in which the election is held.
(4) In the event there are no nominations submitted by the voting membership for the office of President-Elect, and the person who has just completed a term as Chairman of the Board refuses to serve or is otherwise disqualified from seeking the office of President-Elect, the Nominating Committee shall name one or more nominees for that office as prescribed by these Bylaws.
(5) All nominees to the office of President-Elect must furnish their acceptance of the nomination in writing to the Executive Director in order for their names to be placed on the ballot. In the event an individual is nominated for more than one office, only one nomination may be accepted. The nominee's acceptance will determine for which office the nominee is a candidate.
(6) If no one is nominated for the office of President-Elect as prescribed by Section 5 (A)(2), above, the member who has just completed a term of office as Chairman of the Board of Directors shall be seated as President-Elect without election.
(7) If required, election ballots, so constituted, shall be mailed to all voting members in November.
(8) Voting shall be accomplished by marking the ballot according to voting instructions printed on the ballot. In order to be valid, ballots must be received by the TVMA Office postmarked no later than twenty one (21) days after the date they were mailed by TVMA to the member. The ballot must be received in the official ballot envelope, and the envelope must be signed by the voting member.
(9) Ballots will be tabulated within twenty (20) days after the deadline by an Election Committee composed of two (2) voting members of the TVMA, appointed by the TVMA President and assisted by TVMA staff.
(10) The incumbent Executive Committee shall certify the election results and the propriety of the nominating and election procedures.
(11) The nominee receiving the highest number of votes for each office shall be certified to that office.
(12) Following certification, all nominees shall be notified of the election results as soon as possible, and the election results shall be published in the next issue of a TVMA publication of general circulation.
B. The Treasurer shall be nominated by the President-Elect and ratified by the Board of Directors at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors.
C. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall be nominated and elected by and from the Board of Directors at its annual meeting.
D. The Council Chairs shall be nominated, elected and ratified by the process described in Article XII, Section 5.
Section 6. Installation, Term of Office
Officers shall be installed at the annual meeting of the association, except for Council Chairs with staggered terms of office (see Article XII, Section 5). All officers shall serve until their successors are installed at the annual meeting of the association.
Section 7. Re-election
Council Chairs serve two (2) year terms of office; all other officers serve one (1) year terms in accordance with these Bylaws and are not eligible for re-election to the same office until at least one (1) year has elapsed after the term of office.
Section 8. Removal
The Board of Directors, by a three-quarters (3/4) vote of all its members, may remove any officer from office with or without cause.
Section 9. Filling Vacancies
If vacancies should occur on the Executive Committee for any reason, the vacancies shall be filled by a special election called by the President, using the election method prescribed in these by-laws for filling the vacant position.
ARTICLE VII. DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section l. President
The President shall be the chief elected executive officer of the TVMA and shall:
A. Preside at all meetings of the Executive Committee, but is empowered with the authority to yield the chair to the President-Elect or another officer available for the performance of these duties
B. Serve with the Treasurer as Co-Chair of the Budget & Finance Committee
C. Be the Chairman of the Executive Committee, and shall promptly fill vacancies in the membership of committees created by any cause
D. Appoint, in consultation with the Dean of the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, a TVMA member from the faculty to serve as TVMA Liaison to the Student Chapter
E. Deliver a report at the regular sessions of the Board of Directors describing all actions and decisions considered by the Executive Committee since the most recent meeting of the Board of Directors
F. Be considered as a member of all committees with full power to supervise and direct their work. The President shall, however, not be empowered with authority to suppress committee reports, that authority being delegated to the Board of Directors
G. Serve for one year as a member of the Executive Committee at the conclusion of his/her term of office
H. Serve for one (1) year as a member of the Legislative Committee
I. Appoint Task Forces as described in Article XIII, Section 4F
Section 2. President-Elect
The President-Elect shall succeed to the office of President and shall:
A. Perform the duties of the President in the absence of the President
B. Chair the Legislative Committee (See Article XIII, Section 4A)
C. Be a voting member of the Budget & Finance Committee
D. Nominate the Treasurer for ratification by the Board of Directors
E. Appoint a representative to serve on the TVMA Nominating Committee and the Budget & Finance Committee
F. Maintain Council Structure and continuity of Board representation
G. Appoint all committee chairs and members according to Article XIII, Section 1A
H. Attend the annual convention of the American Veterinary Medical Association
I. Attend the annual Leadership Conference sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association
J. Serve as the TVMA liaison to local VMAs in Texas. This duty requires attendance at as many local VMA meetings as is practical, but no fewer than ten different local VMA meetings
K. In general, perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the President
Section 3. Council Chairs
The Council Chairs shall perform the following duties:
A. Serve as an officer of the Association and voting member of the Executive Committee
B. Serve as presiding officer over any meetings of his/her Council
C. Recommend to the President-Elect all committee appointments and committee chair appointments
D. Perform any other duty assigned by the President
Section 4. Treasurer
The Treasurer shall:
A. Be custodian of all funds of TVMA, responsible for the proper accounting of all receipts and disbursements and the maintenance of a file of all vouchers and invoices accompanying them for a period of not less than five (5) years
B. Review the financial records of TVMA monthly and make detailed reports of the financial status of TVMA at every regular session of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors and at other times as the President may request
C. Annually have the fiscal records of TVMA audited by a certified public accountant and provide a report on said audit to the Executive Committee at the annual business meeting
D. Co-sign checks with either the President or the Executive Director for legitimate expenses
E. Turn over all funds, property and records to his/her duly appointed successor
F. Meet with the certified public accountant engaged by TVMA prior to the annual Budget & Finance Committee
G. Serve as Co-Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee
H. Serve as chair of the Investment Board
Section 5. Chairman of the Board of Directors
The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall:
A. Preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors, but has the authority to yield the chair to a Council Chair of his/her choice
B. Develop agendas to guide each meeting of the Board of Directors
C. Serve as a member of the Executive Committee
D. Serve as a member of the Budget and Finance Committee and the Legislative Committee
E. Oversee the committee function of TVMA governance. This includes working with other officers and TVMA staff to facilitate committee chairs, assisting the TVMA President-Elect in formulating annual charges to each committee, communicating with committee chairs to ensure that committees are fully responsive to the duties and responsibilities outlined in their annual committee charges
F. Inform the Board of Directors on TVMA issues and initiatives
G. Attend the annual Leadership Conference sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association
Section 6. Immediate Past-President
The Immediate Past-President shall:
A. Serve as a member of the Executive Committee
B. Provide leadership to any task forces which he/she appointed as President in order to complete any unfinished business remaining from the previous year
C. Serve as chair of the past-presidents group
D. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the President
ARTICLE VIII. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DUTIES
The Executive Director shall:
A. Be the chief administrative officer of TVMA responsible for all management functions
B. Manage and direct all activities of the TVMA as prescribed by the Executive Committee and shall be responsible to the Executive Committee
C. Employ or terminate members of the staff necessary to carry on the work of the TVMA and fix their compensation within the approved budget
D. Define the duties of staff, supervise their performance, establish their titles and delegate those responsibilities of management as shall be in the best interest of TVMA
E. Present a written status report concerning TVMA activities and affairs at each regular session of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors or at any other times as directed by the President
F. Present a report to the Executive Committee monthly, or more often as needed, on the financial and operational status of TVMA
G. Act as Executive Editor of the TVMA publications of general circulation
H. Receive the cash resources of the TVMA and deposit all monies in the name of the TVMA, in a depository approved by the Executive Committee
I. Furnish the Treasurer with records providing full details on all TVMA income and expenditures at least monthly
J. Turn over all funds, property and records to his/her successor
K. Be responsible for the maintenance of membership records which shall be kept as needed to fulfill the requirements of these Bylaws. Financial records shall be maintained for a period of time designated by state and/or federal guidelines or the TVMA Record Retention Schedule, whichever is longer
L. Serve as a non-voting member of the Budget and Finance Committee and the Legislative Committee
ARTICLE IX. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section l. Composition
A. The voting members of the Board of Directors shall include forty-three (43) Directors, two of whom are duly elected by and from each of the twenty-one (21) TVMA Districts as prescribed by these Bylaws, and the TVMA Student Chapter Representative shall serve as a voting member of the Board of Directors with one (1) vote.
B. The nine (9) officers of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, including the President, President-Elect, Chairman of the Board, four (4) Council Chairs, the Treasurer and the Immediate Past-President, shall serve as non-voting members of the Board of Directors.
C. Other non-voting members of the Board of Directors shall include: The Dean, TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Executive Director, Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratories; Veterinary member of the Texas Animal Health Commission; Chief Veterinarian of the Texas Racing Commission; President of the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners; the Senior Veterinarian in the Division of Prevention and Preparedness and the Senior Veterinarian of the Division of Regulatory Services, Texas Department of State Health Services; and area Veterinarian in Charge, United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The TVMA Delegate to the AVMA and the Executive Director, Southwest Veterinary Symposium, shall also serve as non-voting members of the Board of Directors, unless he/she is a duly elected Director.
Section 2. Duties of the Board
The Board of Directors shall be the legislative body of the TVMA and shall, in principle, be the voice of the active members. The Board of Directors shall:
A. Elect the Chairman of the Board of Directors
B. Elect the TVMA Delegate and Alternate Delegate to the AVMA. (See also Article X)
C. Ratify the appointment of the TVMA Treasurer
D. Elect a representative to serve on the TVMA Nominating Committee
E. Elect nominees to Distinguished, Honorary, and Disability Memberships as prescribed by these Bylaws
F. Act on proposed Bylaws amendments as prescribed by these Bylaws
G. Act on matters referred by committees or the Executive Committee
H. Perform such functions as may be directed by the Chairman of the Board
I. Remove any officer from office with or without cause, as prescribed in these Bylaws
J. Select the sites of the TVMA annual meetings and continuing education seminars, as prescribed in these Bylaws
K. Advise the Executive Committee as to the instruction of the AVMA Delegate
L. Meet semi-annually, having one meeting in conjunction with the annual Southwest Veterinary Symposium (SWVS) and one meeting held approximately 6 months before or after the SWVS, or meet in special meetings as called by the Chairman of the Board
Section 3. Duties of the District Directors
TVMA District Directors shall:
A. Fully inform their constituents regarding actions pending and actions taken by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors
B. Contact non-members in their respective districts, encourage their membership, and report to the Board of Directors on the causes or reasons for non-membership of eligible veterinarians
C. Contact delinquent members, determine the reason for their delinquency and encourage their renewal
D. Contact legislators as needed and requested by the Chairman of the TVMA Legislative Committee
E. Chair a standing committee or other committee as appointed by the President-Elect
F. File with the TVMA Executive Director the name of an alternate to serve in their absence from any regular or called meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 4. Representation
A. Geographical areas shall be designated and named by the Board of Directors as official TVMA Districts. District names and/or boundaries shall be changed only by a three-quarter (3/4) majority vote of the Board of Directors.
B. Non-geographical districts shall be designated as follows: one district shall consist of all members in good standing of TVMA who have designated their employment type as industrial medicine, regulatory medicine, public health, or military service and one district shall consist of all members in good standing of TVMA who have designated their employment type as diagnostic laboratory, laboratory animal, or teaching and research.
C. Each TVMA District shall be represented by two (2) Directors, with staggered terms and equal voting strength in their district. For all motions, actions, resolutions and elections held within a Board Council, the voting strength of all Directors shall be equal, following the one‑person, one‑vote rule. For all motions, actions, resolutions and elections held when the directors are meeting as the full Board of Directors, each district shall have a weighted vote, equal to one vote for each thirty (30), or portion thereof, TVMA voting members in the district, each District Director casting one-half of the weighted votes of his/her district. The total number of votes to which each district is entitled shall be determined annually in October based on the number of TVMA members in good standing having a business address in the district.
Section 5. Quorum
A representation consisting of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board's total number of elected directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section 6. Qualifications
To qualify for the position of District Director, the candidate must have been a TVMA member in good standing for at least three (3) years immediately preceding the date of nomination. No member of the Executive Committee shall be elected to serve concurrently as a Director or be designated to serve as an Alternate Director.
Section 7. Nomination and Election
A. Nominations for District Director shall be submitted in writing to the TVMA office by two (2) voting members of the respective district. Nominations must be received by the TVMA office no later than September 30 of the calendar year in which the election is held.
B. In the event there are no nominations submitted by the voting membership for a particular district, the Nominating Committee shall name one or more nominees for that office as prescribed by these Bylaws.
C. All nominees must furnish their acceptance of the nomination in writing to the Executive Director in order for their names to be placed on the ballot.
D. In the event that there is only one nominee for any vacancy on the Board of Directors following the deadline for receipt of nominations, a non-contested election shall occur and printed election ballots shall not be mailed to the voting membership.
E. For all contested elections for District Director, election ballots, so constituted, shall be mailed to all voting members within the district in November.
F. Voting shall be accomplished by marking the ballot according to voting instructions printed on the ballot. In order to be valid, ballots must be received by the TVMA office postmarked no later than twenty one (21) days after the date they were originally mailed to the member. The ballot must be received in the official ballot envelope, and the envelope must be signed by the voting member.
G. Ballots will be tabulated within twenty (20) days after the deadline by an election committee composed of two (2) members of the TVMA, appointed by the TVMA President and assisted by the TVMA staff.
H. The nominee receiving the highest number of votes for the district shall be declared District Director. All nominees shall be notified of the election results as soon as possible.
Section 8. Tenure
District Directors shall serve for a period of three (3) years with the terms beginning at the next TVMA annual meeting following their election. Directors shall be eligible for re-election at the end of their first term. After two (2) complete consecutive terms, the director is not eligible for re-election until one year has lapsed.
Section 9. Removal
A. Any Director who is absent and not represented by a designated alternate at two (2) consecutive meetings of the Board shall be automatically removed.
B. Any Director who otherwise fails to perform the duties of Director prescribed in these Bylaws may be removed from the Board by a petition signed by twenty-five (25) percent of the voting members in the District, and approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Section 10. Filling Vacancies
A. A special election shall be conducted in the District to fill the unexpired term of the Director when a vacancy occurs for any reason.
B. Special elections to fill a vacancy in any elected position occurring between September l and October 31 shall be conducted in conjunction with the regular election for that year.
C. In elections for District Director but not in elections for Chairman of the Board, if only one nominee is named, qualified write-in candidates will be accepted, and the ballot will provide a space for this.
Section 11. Indemnification
The TVMA shall indemnify its directors to the fullest extent permitted by the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act as now in effect and as hereafter amended and may, in and to the extent authorized by the Board of Directors, so indemnify its officers and other persons whom it has the power to indemnify against liability, reasonable expense or other matter whatsoever.
ARTICLE X. TVMA DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE DELEGATE TO THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (AVMA)
Section l. Election, Tenure
The TVMA Delegate and Alternate Delegate to the AVMA shall be elected by the Board of Directors for a four-year (4) term, effective immediately upon election. Any member of the Board of Directors or any active TVMA member in good standing who is a member of AVMA is eligible for election as Delegate or Alternate Delegate.
Section 2. Duties
The Delegate to AVMA (or Alternate Delegate) shall:
A. Receive instruction from the TVMA Executive Committee, and represent TVMA accordingly, at all meetings of the AVMA House of Delegates
B. Attend all meetings of the TVMA Board of Directors
C. Inform the Board of Directors on matters to be considered by the AVMA House of Delegates
D. Report on actions of the AVMA House of Delegates at the next meeting of the Board of Directors or sooner if deemed necessary
E. Inform the Executive Committee sufficiently prior to deadlines on AVMA nominations and other matters to allow appropriate action
ARTICLE XI. ANNUAL MEETING
Section l. Time
An annual meeting shall be held in each calendar year, the exact date of which shall be fixed at least one (1) year in advance by the Executive Director with approval of the Executive Committee.
Section 2. Site
The site of the annual meeting shall be selected by the Board of Directors. In order to be eligible for consideration by the Board, the proposed city must have met the basic criteria established by the Executive Committee from recommendations of the Executive Director based on physical and economic requirements of the TVMA annual meeting.
Section 3. Duration
The duration of the annual meeting and other TVMA seminars shall be fixed by the Executive Committee.
Article XII. Board Councils
Section 1. Composition
The District Directors of TVMA shall be organized into four (4) Councils reflecting the needs of the Association and the interests of the Directors.
Section 2. Name and Purpose of the Councils
The Councils shall be designated and shall have the purposes described below:
A. Council on External Affairs. (10 Directors) Has primary responsibility for Association activities that interface with external agencies, groups and the general public. It shall work to improve the relationship of the profession to all external audiences and to make the legislative, regulatory and business climates better for veterinary medicine.
B. Council on Association Affairs. (11 Directors) Has primary responsibility for activities that focus on the internal Association function. It shall strive to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Association operations and to give TVMA members better value for their membership commitments.
C. Council on Professional Advancement. (11 Directors) Has primary responsibility for activities that focus on the profession of veterinary medicine. Its goal is to seek continuous improvements in the practice of veterinary medicine, including business management and veterinary economics.
D. Council on Veterinary Practice. (11 Directors) Has primary responsibility for activities that focus on the art and science of veterinary medicine as practiced in various subspecialty areas. Its goal is to provide a forum where veterinarians with common interests can meet for discussion, education and collective action to address common needs.
Section 3. Assignment of Directors to Council Service
The Chairman of the Board shall assign each Director to one of the four Councils annually. Whenever possible, the Chairman shall honor the Director’s service interest in making these assignments. Directors from the same District will be assigned to different Councils. Directors must serve one (1) year on the Council to which assigned and may be assigned to the same or a different Council in the subsequent year. All Council assignments are effective beginning with the annual meeting of the Association and continuing for a calendar year from that date.
Section 4. Assignment of Directors to Council Committees
District Directors are required to serve on at least one committee within the Council to which he/she is assigned. The Council Chair shall recommend and the President-Elect shall make these appointments. Whenever possible the Director’s service interest will be honored in making the committee assignment.
Section 5. Council Chairs
A Council Chair shall preside over all meetings of the Council. The term of office for the Council Chair is two (2) years. The Council Chair may serve for any number of terms; however, he/she may serve consecutively a maximum of two (2) terms in office. The terms of office of the four (4) Councils shall be staggered. The terms of the Council Chairs of the Council on External Affairs and the Council on Professional Advancement shall begin and end on odd-numbered years, while the terms of the other two Council Chairs shall begin and end on even-numbered years. The Council Chair of any Council will be nominated and elected by all members of the Council present during the Annual Meeting of the Association, including the District Directors assigned to that Council together with the Chairs and members of all committees assigned to that Council. The election of said Council Chair shall be ratified by majority vote of the Board of Directors. A candidate for Council Chair must be a member of the Council for which he/she is elected and must possess the qualifications for office listed in Article VI, Section 4C of these bylaws. Vacancies of any Council Chair will be filled by the nomination, election and ratification process described above.
ARTICLE XIII. COMMITTEES
Section l. Composition
A. Except as otherwise provided herein, the President-Elect shall appoint the chairs and the members of all committees to serve during his/her Presidency. He/she shall maintain continuity on the committees by reappointing a majority of the members. The Council Chairs shall be consulted for recommendations on all committee and committee chair appointments.
B. The President and President-elect shall be members of all committees.
C. The President shall act in accordance with Article VII, Section 1, parts (C) and (F) of these Bylaws.
D. Each committee shall be chaired by a member retained from the previous year, unless otherwise specified. Each committee should have a minimum of nine (9) members, with the maximum number of members being decided annually by each committee chair pending duty assignments and workability of the numbers. The number of members making up certain committees are specified in these Bylaws.
Section 2. Tenure
All committee appointments shall be for one (1) year terms and shall become effective immediately prior to the annual meeting.
Section 3. Committee Organization by Councils
A. Committees Organized under the Council on Association Affairs-
Association Affairs committees shall oversee TVMA activities and report recommendations to the Executive Committee and/or Board of Directors for changes needed to better serve TVMA members and guide the profession. Association Affairs committees shall be required to hold at least one (1) meeting during the year and to submit a report to the Executive Committee as needed. If an Association Affairs committee is not meeting during a meeting of the Board of Directors, then its Chair shall assign members of the committee to monitor one (1) or more committees under the Council on Veterinary Practice to gain insight into issues of concern and interest to TVMA members. Association Affairs committees and their duties are named below:
(1) Business Alliances Committee: shall (a) develop, investigate and evaluate business opportunities for TVMA to generate non-dues income; (b) report its recommendations directly to the Executive Committee for timely consideration and action, and (c) report its activities semi-annually, in accordance with TVMA Bylaws.
(2) Election Committee (2 members, none specified) shall be composed of two (2) voting members of TVMA, and shall, with the assistance of the TVMA staff, count the ballots of all elections of officers and directors. (see also Article VI, Section 5 A (6) and Article IX, Section 7 F.
(3) Ethics and Grievance Committee (20 members, Chairman, three veterinary students, 16 members-at-large) shall review cases reported to it in writing concerning ethics or grievances; shall attempt to resolve misunderstandings that may have prompted the grievance; take action as needed in accordance with the official "Ethics and Grievance Review Procedures" of TVMA as documented by the Committee and approved by the TVMA Board of Directors. All information gathered by this committee shall be confidential and original documents shall be kept in the custody of the Executive Director for not less than five (5) years. This committee may, if asked, reveal specifics of grievances to the Executive Committee, but shall not be required to reveal specifics to the Board of Directors nor any other entities or persons, except as may be required by law.
Terms of Office: Beginning with the TVMA Annual Meeting in 2007, each member of the committee may serve a maximum term of four (4) years, but may be replaced at any time at the discretion of the TVMA President-Elect. The terms of office shall be staggered so that one-fourth of the committee member terms shall expire each year. Any member of the committee, having served the full term of office, may be reappointed to the committee by the TVMA President-Elect after a period of two years from the date of last membership on the Ethics & Grievance Committee. Three (3) veterinary students may serve on this committee (2nd, 3rd, and 4th year rotate through annually).
Terms of Office: Beginning with the TVMA Annual Meeting in 2007, each member of the committee may serve a maximum term of four (4) years, but may be replaced at any time at the discrteion of the TVMA President-Elect. The terms of office shall be stagged so that one-fourth of the committee members' terms shall expire each year. Any member of the committee, having served the full term of office, may be reappointed to the committee by the TVMA President-Elect after a period of two years from the date of last membership on the Ethics & Grievance Committee. Three (3) veterinary students may serve on this committee (2nd, 3ed, and 4th year rotate through annually).
(4) Long-Range Planning Committee. The Executive Committee shall serve as the Long-Range Planning Committee for TVMA.
(5) Member Services Committee (9-15 members, none specified): shall develop and, after Executive Committee approval, implement member services programs with emphasis on those which encourage the recruitment and retention of members
(6) Industry Advisory Committee (IAC). There is hereby established an Industrial Advisory Committee whose purpose is to establish and maintain formal lines of communication between TVMA and companies operating within the veterinary industry who wish to assist TVMA in achieving its stated purposes and mission within the State of Texas. The IAC shall be subject to the following guidelines: (a) members of the IAC must be Allied Industry members of TVMA in good standing who commit to attending at least two meetings annually in conjunction with TVMA business meetings; (b) members of the IAC shall nominate and elect as a governing board two of their number to represent each of the following business segments: distributors, pharmaceutical drug manufacturers, nutrition production manufacturers, business services, and specialty item manufacturers; (c) the TVMA executive director, TVMA liaison to the IAC, and the chair of the TVMA member services committee shall serve as voting members of the governing board of IAC; (d) terms of office for the governing board of the IAC shall be two years in length; (e) the IAC governing board shall be chaired by the executive director of TVMA and the TVMA liaison to the IAC shall serve as secretary of the governing board; (f) IAC functions shall include (a) identify and discuss legislative and regulatory issues affecting veterinary practice and the veterinary industry, (b) assist in TVMA’s annual membership recruitment and retention program, and (c) recommend methods and programs whereby the economics of veterinary medicine in Texas might be improved.
(7) Peer Assistance Committee: shall be responsible for overseeing the TVMA Peer Assistance Program which is operated under contract to the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. The duties of this committee shall include: (a) employ and supervise a qualified and experienced peer assistance program coordinator, and (b) identify, assist and monitor licensed veterinarians and veterinary students in Texas who have job-impairing mental health, alcohol, or drug problems so they may return to competent practice or continue in their educational program. The committee shall ensure that the program is operated solely for rehabilitative purposes and is never used in a punitive or adversarial manner.
B. Committees Organized under the Council of Veterinary Practice.
(1) The duties of the Veterinary Practice committees shall be prescribed by the President upon their appointment. Veterinary Practice committees shall meet, unless excused by the President, at the meetings of the Board of Directors to provide a forum to receive input from TVMA members and discuss issues of interest or concern. Veterinary Practice committees may meet at other times as called by their Chairs (see section (3) below).
(2) Veterinary Practice committees may include: Bovine Practice, Companion Animal Practice, Integrative Therapies Practice, Equine Practice,General Practice, Cervid Committee.
(3) The Chair of each Veterinary Practice Committee shall: (a) preside at each meeting of the committee, but be empowered to yield the chair to another member of the committee available for the performance of these duties; (b) call special meetings of the committee as needed; (c) appoint and charge subcommittees composed of members of the committee; (d) report actions and recommendations of the committee to the Board of Directors or Executive Committee; and (e) attend, or send a representative to, each of the semi-annual meetings of the Board of Directors during the times scheduled for deliberation of committee recommendations.
(4) Chairs of committees shall have a voice in the deliberations of the Board of Directors; however, they shall not have the right to vote, unless they are duly elected members of the Board of Directors.
C. Committees Organized under the Council of Professional Advancement.
These committees shall include:
(1) Awards Committee (9-15 members, 7 specified): shall establish and implement awards, and the selection criteria, to bring recognition to outstanding veterinarians and non-veterinarians who have contributed to the progress and achievements of the profession, and to the relationship of the profession to others in society. The Awards Committee shall include at least one (1) member representing each of the following areas of veterinary medicine: companion animal, food animal, equine, public health/regulatory, teaching/research, veterinary technicians, public relations and other areas as deemed appropriate by the committee.
(2) Conference and Continuing Education Committee (15, all specified): shall formulate the schedule and related activities for the TVMA annual meeting; formulate the continuing education program for all TVMA meetings, conferences and seminars, and shall be responsible for the development and coordination of continuing education activities for veterinarians of the State of Texas. The duties of the committee shall be to advise the Board of Managers of the Southwest Veterinary Symposium on matters related to symposium operations, to consider recommendations of the TVMA Meetings Planner concerning other educational and governmental meetings of the association, and to make final recommendations to the Council on Professional Advancement concerning TVMA’s program of meetings.
The membership of the Conference and Continuing Education Committee shall include:
The TVMA President
The TVMA Treasurer
The TVMA Chairman of the Board of Directors
The President of the Texas Academy of Veterinary Practice
One (1) individual from the Auxiliary to TVMA
One (1) individual from the Texas Association of Registered Veterinary Technicians
One (1) DVM from the local veterinary medical association in the city or area of the next annual meeting
Two (2) individuals from the allied industries of veterinary medicine
One (1) predominantly small animal practitioner
One (1) predominately large animal practitioner
The Continuing Education Coordinator or another person appointed by the Dean of the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine
Three (3) representatives from areas of veterinary medical activity not represented above, including non-private practice veterinarians
One (1) student from the TAMU-College of Veterinary Medicine
(3) Historical Committee: shall be responsible for the following duties: concentrate interest on the history of veterinary medicine in Texas and serve as the profession’s historical conscience to continually remind the TVMA membership of the importance of preserving our heritage; preserve historical documents and artifacts which tell the story of veterinary medicine in Texas and the role of TVMA in serving the profession; permanently house and display historical information and artifacts; maintain a written inventory of important historical documents and artifacts, (e) collect and preserve oral and video histories from Texas veterinarians; and assist TVMA leadership in planning, promoting and executing celebrations of significant historical milestones.
(4) Informatics and Telecommunication (Technology) Committee shall: serve as a source of knowledge and technical expertise in the fields of telecommunication, telemedicine and related Internet developments; support TVMA efforts to educate and inform member veterinarians in the use of informatics and telecommunications to improve veterinary medicine and the management of information; advise and assist TVMA staff in maintaining electronic and telephonic communication capabilities as a means of providing timely information to TVMA members; and provide leadership and assistance in developing and maintaining a TVMA presence on the Internet and world wide web.
(5) Practice Management Committee: shall communicate with colleagues to identify issues of concern to veterinary medicine as a business operation; maintain liaison with the Continuing Education Committee to ensure that high quality practice management programs are included in all TVMA continuing education offerings; exert leadership and influence to advance the veterinary economy within Texas.
(6) Research Committee shall report to the Board of Directors semi-annually on the status of clinical research projects that have been granted funding by the TVMA; seek grant moneys to utilize for clinical veterinary research; request funding for continued TVMA sponsored research; write an annual summary of clinical research projects which have been sponsored by TVMA and publish the summary in TVMA publications and/or the TVMA website; encourage non-member veterinarians engaged in research to join TVMA; and help educate the public concerning the value of animal model research for the improvement of human and animal health.
(7) Technician Oversight Committee: shall recommend policies and rules to establish and maintain a high standard of integrity, skill and performance in the field of veterinary technology; receive reports from the Texas Association of Registered Veterinary Technicians at each meeting of the committee; receive reports from the committee’s three subcommittees at each meeting of the committee; present recommendations to the Board of Directors based on these reports; and recommend speakers and topics for the continuing education of veterinary technicians and assistants. The subcommittees, with their charges, are listed below:
(a) RVT Exam Subcommittee: shall construct, revise and review the state portion of the annual RVT examination, assisting the TVMA staff in the administration of the exam, reviewing test results from the annual examination and recommending changes for the following year.
(b) Technician Review Subcommittee: shall hear appeals from Registered Veterinary Technicians, adjudicate disputes between RVTs and TVMA staff; recommend rules and other policy language for consideration by the Technician Oversight Committee, and advise the TVMA staff on interpretation of rules and other policy issues.
(c) Veterinary Assistant Certification and Training Subcommittee: shall consist of 2-5 members and is responsible for overseeing the TVMA Certified Veterinary Assistant program. Such oversight shall include the following responsibilities: (1) assist the TVMA staff in developing, reviewing, and revising curriculum and educational materials; (2) assist the TVMA staff in developing, evaluating and revising certification examination instruments; (3) develop and/or approve policies for program administration; and (4) report to the Technician Oversight Committee on matters pertaining to the TVMA Certified Veterinary Assistant program.
D. Committees Organized under the Councilon External Affairs.
These committees shall include:
(1) Disaster Preparedness Committee: will help TVMA and the veterinary profession in Texas understand, participate and contribute to an organized approach to providing assistance to veterinary practitioners who have sustained a disaster in their communities due primarily to natural disasters of weather, and secondarily due to biohazards or other human induced disasters. The initial emphasis of this committee should be preparing for natural disasters in Texas, including tornadoes, hurricanes and floods.
(2) Public Health Committee shall have the responsibility for educating members of TVMA about public health, preventive medicine and regulatory issues so they can better inform their clients about these matters and provide information and recommendations to TVMA leadership with respect to public health, preventive medicine and regulatory issues which have potential impact on veterinarians.
(3) Public Relations Committee shall communicate with colleagues to identify issues of concern in the area of public relations and the public perception of veterinarians and veterinary medicine and provide leadership and assistance to TVMA staff in developing local and statewide programs to better inform and educate the public about veterinary medicine, animal well-being and the human-animal bond.
(4) Liaison Committees shall be responsible for representing the interests of TVMA to various groups outside the association and for representing the interests of those groups to TVMA. The duties of these committees are listed below:
(a) TVMA/CVM Liaison Committee shall build an alliance between the Texas Veterinary Medical Association and the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences for the benefit of the profession; continue to develop a liaison between TVMA and the College of Veterinary Medicine whereby practitioners evaluate student candidates; and work with the TVMA/Student Liaison Committee.
(b) The Student Liaison and Recent Graduate Committee (14, all specified): shall be charged with the following responsibilities:
i. With respect to students enrolled in the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to:
Seek methods of involving veterinary students at the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in TVMA affairs
Seek methods to help these students integrate into the Texas veterinary community
Listen to students and recommend to the Executive Committee those actions and student benefits that would strengthen their ties with TVMA
Cooperate with the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to help students understand the nature of veterinary practice and to develop a sense of ethical behavior and devotion to the veterinary profession
Work closely with the officers of the Student Chapter of the AVMA and with the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to determine how TVMA can best communicate and interact with veterinary students
Develop an annual budget for these activities and request funding for this budget through the Budget and Finance Committee
ii. With respect to veterinarians recently graduated from the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to:
Communicate with recent graduates to identify issues of concern and determine special needs of this group of veterinarians
Make recommendations on how TVMA might better meet the needs of recent graduates
Make TVMA products and services more relevant to this group
Retain a greater percentage of recent graduates as loyal members of the association
Assist TVMA in its efforts to communicate better and to involve a larger number of recent graduates in association activities and programs
The membership of the Student Liaison and Recent Graduate Committee shall include:
One (1) member of the TVMA Executive Committee
One (1) member of the TVMA Board of Directors
Two (2) veterinarians representing private practice
Two (2) veterinarians representing non-private practice
Four (4) students from the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Four (4) veterinarians who have received their veterinary degree within the past five years
(c) TVMA/AVMA Liaison Committee shall identify, monitor and advise TVMA leadership regarding openings in American Veterinary Medical Association committees and councils for which TVMA members may be qualified; recruit and recommend to the TVMA Executive Committee for nomination any TVMA member qualified to fill AVMA committee or council openings or to receive AVMA award recognitions; and communicate to the appropriate representatives of TVMA and AVMA any issues or other information of mutual interest or benefit to the two organizations.
Section 4. Committees that Report Directly to the
Executive Committee
The following committees report directly to the Executive Committee and their duties shall be:
A. Legislative Committee (9-16 members, 3 specified) should meet as needed to discuss and make recommendations on proposed legislation in state and municipal legislative bodies that may impact the aims and goals of TVMA; should act as needed to enlighten such bodies on the enactment of measures that further the aims and goals of TVMA. An additional duty shall be to select the Trustees of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association Political Action Committee (VPAC) as described in the VPAC Bylaws. The Legislative Committee shall strive for broad representation on the VPAC Board of Trustees and, in addition to past contributions to VPAC, shall consider both geographic representation and professional classification in selecting nominees for VPAC Trustee positions. The Committee shall be chaired by the President-Elect. It should include, to the maximum extent practical, representatives of the Special Interest Committees as well as the TVMA President and Chairman of the Board of Directors.
B. Committee (12 members, 11 specified): shall be composed of the President, the President-Elect, Council Chairs (4), Immediate Past President, Treasurer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, one (1) voting member appointed by the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation (TVMF), Executive Director (Ex-Officio member), and one (1) voting member of TVMA appointed by the President-Elect upon his/her installation in that office (see also Article VII, Section 2E). Its members shall:
(1) Study the financial affairs of TVMA
(2) Propose means of increasing the income
(3) Recommend methods for reducing the expenses
(4) Approve a budget for each coming fiscal year, to be submitted to the Executive Committee not later than June l of the calendar year.
C. TVMA Investment Board shall have responsibility for supervising and monitoring the investments of the TVMA and for setting the policies, objectives, and guidelines for investing TVMA assets. The TVMA Investment Board shall consist of the following members: TVMA Treasurer; TVMA President; TVMA President-Elect; TVMA Immediate Past President; one member of the TVMA selected on the basis of investment experience and appointed by the TVMA President, after ratification of the Executive Committee, to serve a term of three (3) years; and the Executive Director of the TVMA shall serve as an ex-officio member of the TVMA Investment Board. The chairman of the TVMA Investment Board shall be the TVMA Treasurer, who shall call all meetings and serve as the presiding officer at all meetings of the board. The TVMA Investment Board shall meet at least twice annually and at other times upon call of the chairman. These meetings may be held at the TVMA offices in Austin, Texas, at other locations, or by means of electronic conferencing as determined by the chairman. The TVMA Investment Board shall have the authority to adopt such operating rules or procedures as it determines necessary for efficient and effective oversight of TVMA investments. All such rules and procedures shall be consistent with this investment policy.
D. The Business Alliance Committee shall develop, investigate and evaluate business opportuntieies to generate non-dues income for TVMA; shall serve under the Council on Association Affairs, shall report its recommendations directly to the Executive Committee for timely consideration and action; and shall reports its activity to the Board of Directors semi-annually, in accordance with these bylaws. In making its evaluation of business opportunities, the committee shall base its decisions on the following criteria: Will the proposed alliance meet an established need of, and provide a value to, the veterinary profession? Is the proposed business practice consistent with the values and standards of TVMA; and will the proposed alliance provide a reasonable source of revenue to the Association?
E. The Building Oversight Committee shall consist of the TVMA Treasurer, the TVMA Executive Director and one additional TVMA member appointed by the President-Elect to serve a three-year term. This appointee should reside within driving distance of Austin to facilitate regular meetings and building inspections. The purpose of the committee shall be to (1) work with the Director of Finance and Administration to develop the annual building operation and maintenance budget proposal, (2) oversee the implementation of the TVMA building use policy, (3) consider changes to the building use policy as needed, (4) monitor and control to the extent possible the utility costs incurred for building operations, and (5) perform other duties as directed by the TVMA president.
F. Task Forces may be appointed by the President to accomplish specific objectives of his/her administration which may be beyond the scope and purpose of any of the standing committees of TVMA. All task forces will terminate with the completion of their assigned work or within twelve (12) months of their initial appointment. The president may reappoint a task force for an additional year to accomplish important work that could not be completed during the first year. Under no circumstances will a task force remain in existence beyond the second twelve-month appointment.
Section 5. Committee Sunset Provisions
Each year, the Councils will be responsible for reviewing and evaluating one quarter (¼) of their committees and for recommending to the Board of Directors that each of these committees be either continued or discontinued.
ARTICLE XIV. STUDENT CHAPTER
Section l. Affiliation
A Student Chapter of AVMA at the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, shall be granted affiliation with TVMA provided it has the endorsement of the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Section 2. Objectives
The Student Chapter shall determine its own objectives and Bylaws provided they are not contradictory to TVMA objectives and Bylaws.
Section 3. TVMA Liaison to the Student Chapter
The TVMA President, in consultation with the Dean of the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, shall appoint a voting TVMA member from the faculty to serve as TVMA Liaison to the Student Chapter. The TVMA Liaison to the Student Chapter shall assist the Student Chapter in accomplishing its objectives and provide information to them on the programs and policies of TVMA.
ARTICLE XV. FISCAL PROCEDURES
Section l. Fiscal Year
The TVMA fiscal year shall begin July l and end June 30.
Section 2. Audit
As soon as practical after the conclusion of each fiscal year, an audit shall be conducted by a certified public accountant firm selected by the Executive Committee. The official audit report shall be presented to the Executive Committee at its next meeting.
Section 3. Protection from Fraud and Malfeasance
The TVMA Treasurer shall ensure that all recommendations of the Association’s certified public accountant for the safekeeping of assets and reporting of financial activities are carried out and placed into immediate effect, pending the approval of the Executive Committee. In addition, the Treasurer shall be responsible for maintaining appropriate insurance coverage to mitigate against loss of Association assets due to employee or officer fraud or malfeasance.
Section 4. Disbursements
All disbursements of TVMA funds shall be made by check drawn on the TVMA account. All checks shall require two (2) authorized signatures. Those authorized to sign checks shall be the Executive Director, the Treasurer and the President.
Section 5. Revenues
All TVMA revenues shall be received by the Executive Director and deposited in the name of the TVMA.
Section 6. Annual Budget
A budget for the ensuing fiscal year shall be approved annually by the Executive Committee prior to June 30. The approved budget shall not be overspent without written approval of the Executive Committee. Funds allocated for one function shall not be transferred to another function without written approval of the Executive Committee. Prior authorization by the Treasurer shall be required for purchases in excess of an amount established by the Executive Committee in the approved budget.
Section 7. Investments
Revenues in excess of current operating needs may be invested by the Treasurer until such time as needed for operating expenses. The amount, specific nature, and length of all investments shall be approved by the TVMA Executive Committee.
Section 8. Financial Transactions
The President, Treasurer and Executive Director shall be authorized to co-sign financial transactions within the confines of the approved budget.
ARTICLE XVI. CORPORATE SEAL
The emblem as depicted on the first page of these Bylaws shall be the corporate seal of the TVMA. TVMA shall have exclusive rights to use of the seal.
ARTICLE XVII. AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may be amended or repealed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the TVMA Board of Directors provided the proposed amendment has been:
A. Presented by the Executive Committee for review and opinion and presentation to the Board of Directors.
B. Published in a TVMA publication of general circulation at least two (2) months before the Board of Directors meeting at which a vote is to be taken on the proposed change. Upon passage by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board of Directors, the amendment shall be valid and effective immediately.
ARTICLE XVIII. ORDER OF BUSINESS
“Robert's Rules of Order, Revised," shall govern the TVMA in all cases to which they are not consistent with the Bylaws. If the question is not covered by either of the above, the Constitution and Bylaws of the AVMA shall be the authority.
ARTICLE XIX. SUNSET REVIEW
The President of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association shall cause the By-Laws Committee to make a complete and comprehensive review and revision of these by-laws every ten years, to be completed during the first year of each decade. Such review shall include but not be limited to comments solicited and received from all members of the association. The process of revision and period for member comments shall be published through all avenues of communication supported by the Association.
