LGBTQ+ CSD Student Association, Inc. Bylaws

Last Revised June of 2022


ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of the organization shall be the LGBTQ+ Communication Sciences and Disorders Student Association, Inc., abbreviated as “LGBTQ+CSDSA” and hereafter referred to as “the Association.”

ARTICLE II – PURPOSES

Section 1. IRC Section 501(c)(3) Purposes. 

This corporation is organized exclusively for one or more of the purposes as specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Section 2. Specific Objectives and Purposes. 

The specific objectives and purposes of this corporation shall be to govern the LGBTQ+ CSD Student Commission and assist the Commission in carrying out its objectives.

ARTICLE III – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Powers of the Board

The Board of Directors shall manage the business, property, and affairs of the Association, and may exercise and delegate any and all of the powers of the Association as it sees fit, subject only to restrictions imposed by statute, the Association Articles of Incorporation and these Bylaws. 

Section 2. Duties of the Board

The Board of Directors shall establish corporate and administrative policies; establish the LGBTQ+ CSD Student Commission, authorize operational goals and objectives; authorize agreements and contracts; adopt the budget; approve committee appointments; provide for the maintenance of headquarters; employ, direct and discharge executive personnel; authorize meetings; review committee reports; and determine action to be taken. 

The Chair of the Board’s primary responsibility will be to govern the Board and the Board’s responsibilities. 

The Treasurer of the Board’s responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: collecting all membership dues that are established by the Association, receiving and providing receipts for monies due and payable to the Association from all sources, depositing such funds in such banks or other organizations as selected by the Board, and making disbursements as authorized by the Chair of the Board, Executive Committee or membership in accordance with the budget adopted by the Board. The fiscal year will begin on July 1st annually. 

The Secretary of the Board’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: keeping the minutes of the proceedings of the Board, keeping a log of the meetings, and performing other duties as assigned by the Chair of the Board.

Section 3. Number of Directors and Compensation

The Board shall have up to 10, but not fewer than three members. The Board receives no compensation other than reimbursement for reasonable expenses.

Section 4. Term

Board members shall be elected to three-year terms and are eligible for election for up to three consecutive terms. Directors may be re-nominated for service on the Board following a one-year absence from the Board. Lifetime service to the Association is limited to ten years.

Section 5. Elections

The initial Board of Directors will consist of the three founding members of the Association. Thereafter, the Board of Directors will nominate one person for each of the available seats to be filled on the Board of Directors. New Directors shall be elected by a majority of Directors present at such a meeting, provided there is a quorum. Directors so elected shall serve a term beginning on the first day of the next appointment year.

Section 6. Quorum

A quorum will consist of a simple majority (51%) of the Board of Directors.  A quorum of the Board of Directors must be present to conduct business.  

Section 7. Meetings

Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held as determined by the Board.  Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any time upon 24-hour notice, oral or written, by the Chair or by two other members of the Board of Directors. Members of the Board of Directors or any committee designated by the Board may participate in a meeting of such Board or committee by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by which all persons participating in the meeting can communicate with one another. Participation in a meeting pursuant to this section shall constitute presence at such meeting.

Section 8. Notice of Meetings

Written notice stating the place, date, and hour of any regular meeting of the Board of Directors shall be delivered personally, electronically, or by mail to each Director with a minimum notice of 7 days. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any time upon 24-hour notice, oral or written, by the Chair or by two other members of the Board of Directors. 

Section 9. Resignations, Termination and Absences

Resignation from the Board must be in writing and received by the Chair or another Director. Board members may be excused from attendance upon notification to the Chair prior to the scheduled meeting. Board members shall be terminated from the Board due to more than two unexcused absences from Board meetings in a year. A Board member may be removed for other reasons by a two-thirds vote of the remaining Directors.

Section 10. Vacancies

Vacancies occurring on the Board of Directors may be filled at any time by appointment of the Chair with approval of two-thirds vote from the Board of Directors. The appointment will be for the unexpired term of the position. Fulfillment of appointed partial terms shall not count toward a Director’s term; appointed Directors may serve additional full terms subject to term limitations addressed in Section 4.

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERS

The members of the Board of Directors comprise the membership of the Association. The founding member shall serve as the initial Chair of the Board. Thereafter, the members shall elect the Chair of the Board from among the Directors. The Treasurer of the Board will be self-nominated from the original founding members of the Board and thereafter elected from among the Directors. Other Board members serve as Directors of the Board.

ARTICLE V – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Robert’s Revised Rules of Order shall constitute the parliamentary authority in all matters not covered by the Association bylaws.

ARTICLE VI  – AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

These bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed and new bylaws may be adopted by the members at any regular or special meeting.

ARTICLE VII – NAME OF COMMISSION

The name of the Commission shall be the LGBTQ+ Communication Sciences and Disorders Student Association Commission, abbreviated as “LGBTQ+CSDSAC”, and hereafter referred to as “the Commission.”

ARTICLE VIII – PURPOSES

The purposes of the Commission are:

● To aid students who identify as allies or members of the LGBTQ+ community by providing support to:

  • Build community among LGBTQ+ college and university students and their allies interested in the study of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
  • Advocate for and advance the interests of LGBTQ+ students in the academic and clinical settings and provide a vehicle for student representation in matters of professional concern. 
  • Provide a platform for disseminating assessments of campus and workplace safety for LGBTQ+ individuals as well as anti-discrimination information.
  • Establish support services including, but not limited to, mentorship.

ARTICLE IX – MEMBERS

Section 1.  Qualifications

Any full- and/or part-time undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students interested in the study of Communication Sciences and Disorders who identify as allies or members of the LGBTQ+ community shall be eligible for membership in the Commission. Additionally, any undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student may participate within one year of completing their degree (e.g., clinical fellow, students taking a gap year, etc.) 

Section 2.      Commission Membership 

  1. Status: For a Commission member to be considered “active,” the member must attend at least one “regular” Commission meeting per academic semester (Spring and Fall), unless granted special permission by the Membership Chair. Only “active” Commission members shall hold voting rights within the Commission. Active members will receive the status of “in-active” if the member does not attend “regular” Commission meetings for two consecutive semesters. “In-active” members may restore “active” membership by attending at least one “regular” Commission meeting for two consecutive semesters.
  2. Privileges: A Commission member current in their payment of Commission dues shall be eligible to vote, hold office, and serve on committees. 
  3. Dues: Suggested annual dues for Commission members shall be determined by the Commission Executive Committee. The Commission shall authorize and collect membership dues to be used for the operation of the Commission. Any change in the dues amount shall be approved by a vote of the members.
    1. Financial Hardship: No regular member shall be denied the right to participate in the activities of the Commission or to become a member due to financial hardship. Dues will be a suggested donation to the Commission and will not affect a member’s ability to vote, hold office, serve on committees, or participate in any activities of the Commission.
    2. Additional Dues: The Commission reserves the right to charge dues for additional services such as the mentorship program, special events, etc. These dues will be determined by the Commission and be approved with a majority vote of the Commission.
    3. Termination of Membership: Commission membership eligibility shall be terminated if a member loses student status as determined by the school or engages in discriminatory behavior. 

ARTICLE X – COMMISSION STRUCTURE

Section 1. General Powers


A. Affiliation: The Commission is a Commission of the LGBTQ+ Communication Sciences and Disorders Student Association, Inc., and is subject to the authority, supervision, and control of that Association.

B. Executive Committee: The Commission Executive Committee will manage the affairs, activities, and operation of the Commission. During the intervals between Commission meetings, the Commission Executive Committee shall transact necessary business. It may create Standing and Special Committees, approve the plans and work of Standing and Special Committees, present reports and recommendations at the meetings of the membership, prepare and submit a budget to the membership for approval and, in general, conduct the business and activities of the Commission. 

Section 2. Officers & Duties

Commission Executive Committee shall consist of:

  1. President: The President shall be the principal executive officer of the Commission. The President of the Commission must be an active L’GASP member. The President’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: supervising and controlling all activities of the Commission, presiding over all meetings of the Commission Executive Committee and/or membership, selecting and appointing the chairpersons of all Standing and Special Committees and serving as an ex-officio member of all Committees of the Commission. The President shall vote only in the case of a tie.           
  2. Vice-President: The Vice-President, in the absence of the President, shall perform the duties of the President. The Vice-President shall perform such other duties as are assigned by the President or the Commission Executive Committee.
  3. Secretary: The Secretary’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: keeping the minutes of the proceedings of the Commission Executive Committee and/or membership, receiving and documenting the active and non-active members from the Membership Chair, preparing the official list of members eligible to vote and performing other duties as are assigned by the President or Executive Committee.
  4. Student Treasurer: The Student Treasurer’s responsibilities include assisting the Board Treasurer in their responsibilities. Additionally, the Student Treasurer shall present a written financial report at each General Membership Meeting of the membership and at other times as requested by the Commission Executive Committee.

Section 3. Committee Chairs

  1. Communications Chair: The Communications Chair shall be responsible for publicity for all events of the Commission and shall act as a liaison between the Commission and the media. The Communications Chair shall keep the official history of the Commission and shall keep an annual record of all Commission activities. The Communications Chair shall organize and publish resources and information that fulfill the purposes of the Commission. The Communications Chair shall take an active role in the management and promotion of advocacy and outreach initiatives. 
  2. Mentorship Faculty-Clinician Chair: The Mentorship Faculty-Clinician Chair shall be responsible for coordination of the Commission’s mentorship program, including recruitment, mentor/mentee pairing, resolution of issues between mentors and mentees, and other responsibilities as they arise. The Mentorship Chair of the Commission must be an active ASHA member and be affiliated at a university as an adjunct, part-time, or full-time instructor or a practicing clinician. 
  3. Practicing Clinician or Faculty Mentor: Mentors must hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology from the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (for Practicing Clinicians) or hold a faculty position at an accredited college or university. Active mentors will abide by these bylaws and the Mentorship Contract.
  4. Mentorship Student Chair: The Mentorship Student Chair shall assist the Mentorship Faculty Chair for coordination of the Commission’s mentorship program, including recruitment, mentor/mentee pairing, resolution of issues between mentors and mentees, and other responsibilities as they arise. 
  5. Membership Chair: The Membership Chair shall be responsible for collecting suggested annual dues from active and non-active members and keeping record of monies received for membership, determining status of all student members based on attendance of Commission meetings, and providing the Secretary with a list of non-active and active members prior to each General Commission meeting. The Membership Chair will collaborate with the Treasurer for accurate documentation of finances.
  6. Event Chair: The Event Chair shall be responsible for the coordination of Commission events, defined as any planned gathering excluding meetings of the Commission Executive Committee or general body meetings. 
  7. Affinity Group Coordinator: The Affinity Group Coordinator shall be responsible for approving and overseeing affinity groups of the Commission. If affinity groups oppose the purpose of the Commission or engage in discriminatory behaviors, it will immediately be dissolved by the Affinity Group Coordinator, President, or other Executive Committee Members. 
  8. Commission Advisor: The Commission shall have at least one advisor who is an L’GASP and ASHA member in good standing. The Commission Advisor shall assist the group in the execution of roles and responsibilities, provide feedback to the Commission regarding its operation and functioning, serve as a resource, and share knowledge and expertise as needed. The Commission Advisor is a nonvoting member of the Commission.
  9. Commission Co-Advisor: The Commission Advisor may designate a Commission Co-Advisor, subject to the approval of the Commission Executive Committee.
  10. Historian: The Historian shall oversee keeping record of major accomplishments of the Commission and Commission members including but not limited to the following: regional, national, and international conference presentation/posters; publications; and events regarding LGBTQ+ awareness, advocacy, and activities. 
  11. Diversity and Inclusion Officer: The Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Officer will work with the Commission Executive Committee to ensure that the Commission promotes diversity, inclusion, and equity in the activities, events, policies, and procedures of the Commission. The D&I Officer must self-identify as a part of an underrepresented group within academia or Communication Sciences and Disorders. 

Section 3. Elections
Elected individuals shall be given all of the rights and responsibilities of the office. Officers can only serve one role per term. 

  1. Procedure: The election of Commission officers shall take place during the last general membership meeting each academic year. All members in good standing may participate in the election. Nominations will be sought by the Executive Committee a minimum of two weeks in advance of the meeting during which voting will take place. Further nominations may be received from the floor at the time of the meeting. The election, if non-contested, may be by voice vote. Election of contested positions shall be by written or electronic ballot. The Commission may endorse up to 2 people per open position during the election. Endorsements will be approved by a majority vote of the Commission and/or approval from the President. 
  2. Selection: A majority of the votes cast by members shall be necessary for election. Should no person receive a majority of the votes cast, a run-off between the two individuals who received the largest number of votes shall immediately be held. 

Section 4. Terms of Office
The term of each officer shall be one calendar year. Except for the offices of President and Vice-President, a person may be elected to the same or other office for more than one term with no more than two terms for any position.

Section 5. Vacancies
Any vacancy in office because of death, resignation, or inability to serve shall be filled by the Commission Executive Committee for the unexpired portion of the term. However, should a vacancy occur in the office of the President, the Vice-President shall immediately assume the office. Should a vacancy occur in the office of Vice-President for any reason, the vacancy shall be filled by election at the next regular meeting of the membership, consistent with the procedures established herein.

Section 6. Resignation, Terminations, and Absences

Resignation from the Commission must be in writing and received by the President or Vice President. Commission members may be excused from attendance upon notification to the Chair prior to a scheduled meeting. Commission members shall be terminated from the Commission due to more than two unexcused absences from Executive Committee meetings in a year. A Commission member may be removed for other reasons by a two-thirds vote of the remaining Commission members.

ARTICLE XI – MEETINGS

Section 1. Commission Executive Committee Meetings

Regular meetings of the Commission Executive Committee shall be held during the year, the time to be established at the first meeting of the year. Special Meetings may be called by the President or by a majority of the Commission Executive Committee. Adequate notice of all meetings shall be given to all members of the Commission Executive Committee and, in the absence of an emergency, at least seven days in advance. When possible, notice of the meetings should be announced to all Commission members. Any Commission member may attend a meeting of the Commission, but shall not be entitled to vote on matters before the body.

Section 2. Regular Meetings

At least two general membership meetings of the Commission shall be held during each academic semester (Spring and Fall). The time and place of the meetings shall be announced at least seven days prior to the meeting.

Section 3. Special Meetings

Additional meetings of the Commission may be called by the President or by majority vote of the Commission Executive Committee or by petition of a majority of the Commission members. The time and place of all Special Meetings shall be announced at least seven days prior to the meeting.

Section 4. Affinity Group Meetings

If interest is sufficient, affinity groups may be formed and meet on a basis determined by the affinity groups themselves. Meetings will be coordinated by a Committee chair appointed by the President. The purpose of affinity groups is to create smaller communities on the basis of similar identities and/or career interests. Each affinity group must self-elect an individual to serve as Affinity Group Chair whose purpose is to direct the group and communicate with the Communications Chair and other Executive Committee Officers regarding group activities and purpose. If any affinity group opposes the purpose of the Commission or engages in discriminatory behaviors, it will immediately be dissolved by the President and/or Executive Committee Members. 

Section 5. Quorum

Those persons present at a properly called Commission Executive Committee, Regular, or Special Meeting shall be designated as a quorum and shall be entitled to take action on behalf of the Commission.

Section 6. Voting

A majority vote of members present at any meeting shall be required for all action to be taken by the Commission.

ARTICLE XII – STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Section 1. Other Standing Committees

The Commission Executive Committee may establish such other Standing Committees as it deems necessary and advisable. The President shall appoint the chairpersons of all Standing Committees, who shall serve as ex-officio members of the Commission Executive Committee. The chairperson of each Committee shall recruit the members for      their Committee. Any other members may serve as a committee member. The Chairperson shall report the plans and activities of the Committee to the Commission Executive Committee, which must approve all such reports.

Section 2. Special Committees

The President and/or the Commission Executive Committee may create Special Committees. Special Committees shall be created for a specific time and/or task and shall cease to exist when that time or task has been completed. The President shall appoint the chairpersons of all Special Committees. Only active members may serve as chairpersons. Any Commission member may serve as a committee member. The chairperson shall report the plans and activities of the committee to the Commission Executive Committee, which must approve all such reports.

ARTICLE XIII – FINANCES

Section 1. Budget

The Commission Executive Committee shall present to the membership, at the first regular meeting of the year, a budget of revenue and expenses for the year. This budget shall be used to guide the activities of the Commission Executive Committee during the year. Any substantial deviation from the budget must be approved in advance by the membership.

Section 2. Commercial Paper

All checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money on behalf of the Commission shall be signed by the Treasurer or by any other person as authorized in writing by the Commission Executive Committee. The Treasurer shall deposit all funds of the Commission to the credit of the Commission in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the Commission Executive Committee may select and shall make such disbursements as authorized by the Commission Executive in accordance with the budget adopted by the membership. All deposits and/or disbursements shall be made within a maximum of thirty days from the receipt of the funds and/or orders of payment.

Section 3. Financial Report

The Treasurer shall present a financial report at each general membership meeting of the Commission and shall prepare a final report at the close of the year. The Commission Executive Committee shall have the report and the accounts examined annually by an auditor or an informal audit committee, who, if satisfied that the Treasurer’s annual report is correct, shall sign a statement of that fact at the end of the report.

ARTICLE XIV – DISCRIMINATION AND PROMOTION OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

The Commission and its members shall not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identification or expression, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, accent, dialect, or language. All programs and activities of the Commission shall be conducted in furtherance of this policy. Failure to comply with this guidance may result in termination of membership with the Commission. The Commission will work with organizations and affiliations to recruit, support, and promote the inclusion of minority students as directed and lead by the D&I Officer. 

ARTICLE XV – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Robert’s Revised Rules of Order shall constitute the parliamentary authority in all matters not covered by the Commission operating rules.

ARTICLE XVI – AMENDMENT OF OPERATING RULES

These operating rules may be altered, amended, or repealed and new operating rules may be adopted by the members at any regular or special meeting.