Michigan Association of Veterinary Technicians

Constitution and Bylaws.docx

Constitution and Bylaws

Jan 1, 2023 Version

Table of Contents

Constitution

Article I. Title of Organization
Article II. Objectives
Article III. Membership
Article IV. Definition of officers
Article V. Amendments and Voting
Article VI. New Member Agreement

Bylaws

Article I. Membership
Article II. Officers and Duties of Officers
Article III. Election of Officers
Article IV Dismissal of an Executive Board Member
Article V. Meetings
Article VI. Committees
Article VII. Reimbursement to Officers
Article VIII Dissolution Clause

CONSTITUTION

Article I.

The association shall be known as the Michigan Association of Veterinary Technicians, hereinafter referred to as MAVT.

Article II.

The objectives of the MAVT shall be as follows:

To promote the professional and educational advancements of veterinary technicians through continuing education and a scholarship program;
To promote the professional and personal interests of Licensed Veterinary Technicians;
To establish and maintain a code of high ethical standards among Licensed Veterinary Technicians;
To educate the general public in animal health and welfare;
To promote the science and skills of veterinary medicine and its related branches.

Article III.

The membership of the MAVT shall consist of any person licensed by the State of Michigan as a Licensed Veterinary Technician, or others as specified by the bylaws, who applies for and is eligible for membership.

Article IV.

Section 1.

Officers of the MAVT shall be Past President, President, President Elect, Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Member-at-Large and other officers as the bylaws specify.

Section 2.

The Executive Board shall be the administrative body of the MAVT and shall consist of the officers as specified in the bylaws. It shall conduct all business of the MAVT between regular meetings and other duties as the bylaws prescribe.

Article V.

Section 1.

Any eligible member of the MAVT may propose an amendment of this constitution.
A proposed amendment shall be submitted to the Executive Board at least (90) days before a regular meeting.
Copies of the amendment shall be distributed to all members by the corresponding secretary at least (60) days prior to a regular meeting.

Section 2.

All ballots returned and postmarked or electronically submitted no later than thirty (30) days preceding the date of the regular meeting shall be counted.
An affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the eligible membership, who cast ballots, will be required to amend the constitution.

Section 3.

The following Bylaws may be amended, modified or repealed in part or as a whole by vote of the membership. Approved amendments will be formally adopted at the next regular meeting and be in effect at the close of the meeting, unless otherwise stipulated in the amendment.

Article VI.

Section 1.

A single board member is not to represent him or herself as conducting executive board business to another organization, committee, etc under the pretense of MAVT board representation unless agreed or elected to do so by the Executive Board.

Section 2.

Each newly elected officer shall review these MAVT Bylaws and sign off prior to sitting on the board, acknowledging they have done so and agree to follow the Bylaws to the best of their ability.

BYLAWS:

Article I. Membership

Section 1. - Classes of Membership
CREDENTIALED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN MEMBERSHIP: Credentialed veterinary technician members in MAVT shall be those persons who are credentialed by the State of Michigan as Licensed Veterinary Technicians, except those who are under revocation for professional misconduct in any state. Credentialed veterinary technician members will be able to serve as officers and have voting privileges.
NON-LICENSED VETERINARY PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP: Non-licensed veterinary professional members in MAVT shall include those persons not eligible for credentialed veterinary technician membership or sponsorship, who are interested in supporting MAVT. They shall include individuals who are not licensed by the State of Michigan and who are not current students in a veterinary technician program.They shall neither be eligible to vote in MAVT affairs nor to serve as officers, but may serve on committees at the discretion of the Executive Board.
STUDENT MEMBERSHIP: Student members in MAVT shall be those persons who are currently enrolled students of veterinary technology training programs. Student members shall neither be eligible to vote in MAVT affairs, nor to serve as officers. A student committee may be formed at the discretion of the Executive Board. A veterinary technician who has graduated and become licensed by the State of Michigan must apply for Credentialed Veterinary Technician Membership and be eligible for the privileges of such membership.Credentialed Veterinary Technician Membership status will be in effect for the remainder of the fiscal year, in which the upgrade was attained.
HOSPITAL MEMBERSHIP: Hospital members shall include any and all veterinary practices interested in supporting/promoting the veterinary technology profession. A member veterinary practice shall be entitled to name up to five (5) hospital representatives, who shall have the rights and privileges according to Credentialed Veterinary Technician or Non-licensed veterinary professional members respectively (according to individual eligibility).
SPONSORSHIPS: Sponsors shall include all companies interested in supporting/promoting the veterinary technology profession.Sponsors shall not be eligible to serve as officers of the MAVT nor to vote in association matters, but may serve on committees at the discretion of the Executive Board. Categories for corporate sponsorships shall be: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
Section 2.- Obtaining Membership

Membership may be obtained after formal application to MAVT with the approval of the Executive Board, and payment of dues.

Section 3 - Dues

Annual dues, the sum of which shall be determined by the Executive Board under the guidance of the financial committee, shall be accepted any time throughout the year for new members. Annual membership expires 365 days, or one year, from the date of payment. Renewal memberships must be paid within 30 days to remain on the current membership list. The executive board reserves the right to alter dues on an annual basis, to ensure solvency of the MAVT.

Article II. Duties of Offices and Officers

Section 1.

The offices of MAVT shall be Past President, President, President Elect, Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer and Member-at-Large.

Section 2.

Officers shall be elected by ballot and installed in January of each year. Vacancies in offices shall be filled as necessary, in accordance with the Bylaws Article III, Section 3.

Section 3.

No officer shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms in the same office unless otherwise decided by the Executive Board. The offices of President Elect, President and Past President shall be the exception, who shall remain on the board for (3) consecutive years.

Section 4.

All officers are required to attend, and participate in the Executive Board meetings. There shall be a minimum of eight (8) meetings per year. All of these meetings must be held in-person or virtually. Required meetings will include, but not be limited to, the annual Mock VTNE Exam and MAVT Fall Conference. If more than one (1) meeting is missed without notice to the board, the officer will be up for review by the Executive Board, and subject to removal from their position on the Executive Board.

Section 5.

Officers shall promote the interest and active participation in MAVT on the part of membership and report activities of MAVT to the members by means of publications, presentations and written communication.

Section 6.

All current Executive Board members shall provide formal training in the form of at least one in person meeting or as agreed upon by the Executive Board for the newly elected officers in December or January, after elections are held. The meeting is determined by current and newly elected officers and must be reported to the remainder of the executive board. Current Executive Board members will also make available to newly elected officers all materials relating to said position, including access to email, digital files, account passwords, stored files, and any paper documents or materials. There shall be a transitioning period of up to (2) months where exiting Executive Board members shall attend or be available to new Executive Board members.

Section 7.

Any elected officer who was an active member during the year prior to taking office will be exempt from paid membership dues during their term, as long as they remain in good standing during the term.

Section 8.

Past President: One (1) Year Term
The Past President of MAVT shall:
1. Serve as chairperson of the Advisory Committee.
2. Automatically succeed to this office at the conclusion of the term in office as President.
3. Abstain from voting in Executive Board decisions, except when a vote is required to break a tie.
4. Update and maintain the MAVT website.
5. Assume other duties as assigned by the Executive Board.

Section 9.

President: One (1) Year Term
The President of MAVT shall:
1. Serve as chairperson of the Executive Board.
2. Preside at all meetings of MAVT and conduct them with formal order of business.
3. Deliver the annual address at the Fall conference and perform all duties of this office responsibly.
4. Write a quarterly letter to the membership for publication in the newsletter.
5. Act as the public face of the Association.
6. Appoint chairpersons of standing and ad hoc committees (Bylaws, Article V) with the approval of the Executive Board.
7. Assume other duties as assigned by the Executive Board.

Section 10.

President Elect: One (1) Year Term
The President Elect of MAVT shall:
1. Automatically succeed to the office of President after conclusion of the term in office as

President Elect.

Serve as the President in temporary absence of the President.
Serve as President in the event of a vacancy occurring in the office of President until the

adjournment of the next annual meeting, when they would automatically succeed to the

office of the President (Bylaws, Article III Section 3.)

Assist the Member at Large with social media articles and interests in order to generate interest in MAVT.
Assume other duties as assigned by the Executive Board.

Section 11.

Vice President: Two (2) Year Term
The Vice President of MAVT shall:
1. Serve as President Elect in the absence of the President Elect.
2. Serve as chairperson of the Continuing Education Program Committee.
3. Work with the Treasurer to provide a projected conference budget to the Executive Board no later than 90 days prior to the event.
4. In conjunction with the Treasurer, provide the Executive Board with a final financial report from any conference produced by the MAVT within 90 days of said conference conclusion.
5. Act as Sponsorship Chair and Conference Coordinator as decided by the currently elected executive board members.
6. Assume other duties as assigned by the Executive Board.

Section 12.

Recording Secretary: Two (2) Year Term
The Recording Secretary of MAVT shall:
1. Keep the minutes of all meetings of MAVT and the Executive Board.
2. Conduct the general correspondence of MAVT and the Executive Board.
3. Keep accurate and current records of the names and addresses of MAVT members and Executive Board.
4. Provide a report of all current membership and the membership growth at each Executive Board meeting.
5. Serve as chairperson of the Membership Committee and appoint members to that committee.
6. Chair the planning of the yearly Mock Exam for veterinary technician students.
7. Manage any and all event attendee registration and coordinate with the Treasurer regarding payments.
8. Assist the Corresponding Secretary when necessary.
9. Assume other duties as assigned by the Executive Board.

Section 13.

Corresponding Secretary: Two (2) Year Term
The Corresponding Secretary of MAVT shall:
1. Send notices of the time and place of all general and special meetings to all members of MAVT via the publication and distribution of the MAVT Newsletter.
2. Solicit and/or write articles for the newsletter.
3. As editor of the Association's newsletter, send out quarterly newsletters in the months of March, June, September, and December; allow for review of the newsletter, by and at the discretion of the Executive Board, prior to printing and distribution to the members of MAVT.
4. Serve as chairperson of the Newsletter/Publication Committee and appoint members to that committee.
5. Assist the Recording Secretary of MAVT as necessary.
6. Assume other duties as assigned by the Executive Board.

Section 14.

Treasurer: Two (2) Year Term
The Treasurer of MAVT shall:
1. Receive and have charge of the funds of MAVT; deposit funds in a bank designated by MAVT Executive Board; and provide for expenditures of funds.
2. Keep an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements and give a written account to the Executive Board.
3. Provide a monthly brief statement of account during each executive board meeting, or when requested. A projected financial report will be filed quarterly in conjunction with an Executive Board meeting.
4. Work with the Vice President to provide a projected conference budget no later than 90 days prior to any event.
5. In conjunction with the Vice President, provide the Executive Board with a final financial report from any conference produced by the MAVT within 90 days of said conference conclusion.
6. Serve as chairperson of the Financial Committee, which the Executive Board will oversee.
7. Assume other duties as assigned by the Executive Board.

Section 15.

Member-at-Large: Two (2) Year Term
The Member-at-Large of MAVT shall:
1. Assist in management of the MAVT social media, as requested by the President Elect.
2. Take direction and make recommendations from all Executive Board Members.
3. Perform any task deemed necessary to support the daily function of MAVT, per the Executive Board.

Section 16.

Expiration of Terms of Office

All officers will return all property to the new officer within thirty (30) days of expiration of that office. Terms of office will expire upon completion of the January meeting of the year that the officer’s term ends.

Article III. Election of Officers

Section 1. - Nominations

The President shall appoint a Nominations Committee consisting of no fewer than two (2) credentialed veterinary technician members. Nominations Committee members are ineligible to run for any office while serving on this committee. The committee shall solicit nominations for all offices to be filled from eligible active members of MAVT and prepare a ballot of candidates' names for each office. No name shall be presented to the Nominations Committee unless a nominee has consented to serve if elected.

Section 2. - Election Procedures

By November 1st, the Corresponding Secretary and Recording Secretary shall distribute, to the eligible membership, a ballot containing the candidates' names as prepared by the Nominations Committee.
All ballots returned and postmarked or electronically submitted no later than thirty (30) days preceding the end of the Association's fiscal year (i.e. by December 1st) will be counted.
Election to office will be by plurality vote.off ballot, unless one of the candidates chooses to concede to the other.
In the event of a tie vote in one or more offices, election to the office will be decided by a runoff ballot, unless one of the candidates chooses to concede to the other. Tie-breaking ballots must be distributed as efficiently as possible to permit conclusion of elections by the end of the fiscal year.

Section 3. - Succession to Office

All newly elected officers will be officially appointed to their office by January 31st.
Elected officers are required to sign a service agreement.This agreement will declare that all officers are aware of the office's duties and responsibilities.
All new members will agree to and sign a statement provided on their service agreement that they have read and understand the complete Standard Operating Procedures and By-Laws and all amendments associated with the MAVT, by which they must abide by as an executive board member.

Section 4. Vacancy Procedures

In the event of a vacancy, the positions shall be filled as follows:

President - the President Elect will serve as President until the next annual meeting.
President Elect - the Vice President will serve as President Elect until the next annual meeting. In this case, the acting President Elect will not automatically succeed to the office of President.
Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer or Member-at-Large - the remaining members of the Executive Board shall appoint a substitute for the vacant position, calling for the substitute to follow the duties specified for the vacant position until the next subsequent meeting.

Section 5. Voters

Qualified voters in any election shall be those Credentialed Veterinary Technician Members of MAVT, as defined in Article 1 of the Bylaws.

Article IV. Dismissal of an Officer or Executive Board Member

If an Executive Board member fails to fulfill the responsibilities, expectations and requirements of their position, that member of the board will be asked by the President or another appointed member of the Executive Board, to step down from their appointed position.

Section 1. Dismissal Procedure

a. Each board member will submit an electronic, written statement of recommendation with their justification for the individual under review to vacate their position to the Executive Board member of the highest position.

b. The President or chosen member of the Executive Board will meet in person or via telecom with the board member to discuss openly why they are being asked to step down.

c. If the board member resigns, they will be eligible to run for an MAVT board position after the remainder of their original term expires.

d. An official resignation letter addressed to the Executive Board must be received by a date determined by the Board and sent via certified mail to the President and postmarked prior to the due date, or via email as a separate attachment (PDF, docx, etc.).

e. If the board member does not choose to step down or resign, the Executive Board will vote to officially dismiss the board member. This board member will not be allowed to serve on the MAVT board in the future.

Section 2. Procedure for Filling the Board Member Position

In the event of a sudden Executive Board Officer vacancy, the highest ranking Executive Board member shall appoint an “interim” replacement for the remainder of the term or until an election can be conducted, whichever occurs first.

Dismissed/Resigned Officer	Interim Officer to Fulfill
Past President	No appointment
President	President Elect
President Elect	Vice President
Vice President	Treasurer
Recording Secretary	Corresponding Secretary
Corresponding Secretary	Recording Secretary
Treasurer	Vice President
Member-at-Large	President Elect/President

Should the dismissal of an officer occur within 30-60 days following an election:

Presidential Officer (President or President Elect) - to which the President Elect position was part of the Ballot, the nominee with the most votes shall assume (if accepted) the vacancy and the individual with the second-most votes will assume (if accepted) the other vacancy.
1. Example: President Elect dismissed prior to succeeding to President, the newly elected President Elect will assume President, and the runner-up will assume President Elect.
2. If the elected officer or runner-up does not accept the position(s), an election shall be conducted.
Non-Presidental Officer - the president shall appoint an interim replacement until the completion of the term, allow the elected nominee to prematurely assume role early, or an election can be conducted.
Should the dismissal/resignation occur outside of the 30-60 days period post election, an election shall be conducted within 60 days of the official dismissal/resignation.

Article V. Meetings

Section 1. Regular Meetings

MAVT will hold regular meetings at a time and place designated by the Executive Board.

The annual meeting for the general membership will be held in correlation with the MAVT Conference each year. Active MAVT members are welcome to attend any Regular Meeting.

Section 2. Special Meetings

A special meeting may be called by the following:

The President of MAVT.
Petition to the President or Recording Secretary by twenty percent (20%) of the eligible

membership of MAVT.

An Executive Board member may propose a special meeting to the president, which may or may not be taken under consideration of the President or Executive Board.

Section 3. Quorum

A quorum for any regular meeting or special meeting shall consist of those eligible members present, representing at least thirty (30%) of the membership. In the absence of quorum at any regular or special meeting the executive board will decide the business of MAVT by majority vote of those eligible and present. The executive board must meet or exceed eighty (80%) attendance and a majority vote will rule on business decisions.

Section 4. - Committee Reports MAVT shall require reports from its standing and ad hoc committees at regular meetings, and special meetings. Written reports shall be required from all committees at the close of the association's fiscal year (i.e. December 1st), for publication in the next newsletter.

Article VI. Committees

Section 1. - Authorization

MAVT will have standing committees as specified in the Bylaws, Article VI, Section 3, and ad hoc committees as specified by the Executive Board. Any LVT member in good standing may serve on said committees at the discretion of the Executive Board.

Section 2.- Appointments The President of MAVT, with the advice and consent of the Executive Board, shall regularly appoint the chairpersons of all committees, except as stated in the Bylaws, Article VI., Section 3.

Section 3. - Standing Committees as specified by the Executive board The following shall be the standing committees of MAVT:

a. Membership Committee - The Membership Committee will be chaired by the Recording

Secretary of MAVT, and at least one (1) other person appointed by the chairperson. The committee will be responsible for determining eligibility and approving applications of candidates for membership in the various classifications as established in the Bylaws. The committee will also be responsible for recommending changes as deemed necessary for the good of MAVT.

b. Nominations Committee – The Nominations Committee shall consist of one Executive Board Member and at least one (1) other member appointed by the Executive Board. The committee will be responsible for soliciting nominations of candidates for offices to be filled as specified in Article III., Section 1. of the Bylaws.

c. Continuing Education Program Committee - The Continuing Education Program Committee shall be chaired by the Vice President and consist of at least two (2) other persons appointed by the chairperson. The committee will be responsible for soliciting suggestions from membership as to the content of programs, as well as formulating the programs, procuring speakers, and other such matters as appropriate. This committee shall be responsible for soliciting student and LVT scholarship submissions from members.

d. Public Relations Committee - The Public Relations Committee shall consist of one Executive Board Member and at least one (1) other person appointed by the President of MAVT. The committee will be responsible for preparing and disseminating information on MAVT affairs, fund raising, and other worthwhile functions through various media, to benefit the interest of MAVT.

e. Newsletter/Publications Committee - The Newsletter/Publications Committee shall be chaired by the Corresponding Secretary and consist of other remaining officers, and at least one (1) other person appointed by the chairperson. The committee will be responsible for performing whatever duties are deemed necessary by the chairperson for the factual and timely production and distribution of the MAVT newsletter, as well as other publications deemed necessary by this committee and/or the Executive Board.

f. Financial Committee – The MAVT Executive Board will act as the Financial Committee led by the treasurer.The committee will be responsible for the formulation and proposal of a budget for each fiscal year and make recommendations to the Executive Board.

g. Advisory Committee - the Advisory Committee shall be chaired by the Past-President of MAVT and consist of at least one (1) other former officer of MAVT not currently serving as an officer. The committee shall be responsible for meeting with the Executive Board in an advisory capacity.

Article VII. Reimbursement to Officers

Section 1.

All Executive Board Members shall not receive monetary compensation for their time serving the MAVT. The Executive Board positions are served on a voluntary basis only. Some reimbursement provisions are provided to assist the advancement of the MAVT.

Section 2.

All reimbursements must follow Reimbursement Procedures highlighted in the Standard Operating Procedures Manual. All Executive Board Members are required to be fiscally responsible to the MAVT above their own personal needs. Reimbursement for personal expenses will be provided for:

● Business mileage per mile round trip from the board member's home/work to the venue and back to their home/work for mandatory meetings or MAVT hosted events only. Mileage reimbursement will be provided at the currently accepted government rate for a charitable organization.

● Parking fees incurred for attendance at mandatory meetings or MAVT hosted events.

● Necessary lodging for preparation in correlation with the MAVT hosted Conferences and one dinner meal during the preparatory meeting for said conference.

● Annual MAVT membership dues for each year the Executive Board Member complies with all items in that position's Service Agreement and Position Description.

Section 3.

In the event that an officer attends any other meeting and/or continuing education seminar as a representative of MAVT,up to forty dollars ($40.00) per year of the registration fee will be paid for by the MAVT.

Article VIII. Dissolution Clause

In the event of dissolution of the Association, the assets of the Association remaining after payment of, or provision for, all liabilities shall be distributed pursuant to a plan of distribution adopted by the Board of Directors, which plan of distribution shall be consistent with the Association’s obligations under both the Law and the U.S.Internal Revenue Code.

Adopted January 1984; Amended May 1986; Amended September 1989; Amended December 1991; Amended October 1994; Amended December 2000; Amended December 2003; Amended December 2015; Amended December 2022

MAVT Constitution & Bylaws

Last edit: 2023

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Michigan Association of Veterinary Technicians is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization.