New Mexico Association of Professional Soil Scientists Constitution
PURPOSE OF ORGANIZATION
The obligation of the professional soil scientist is to recognize that soil is a natural body and that the advancement and utilization of natural resources is important. The New Mexico Association of Professional Soil Scientists is hereby dedicated to foster the advancement of soil science and to further the knowledge pool of information concerning all phases of soil science in order to contribute to the general human welfare.
Article I – The Association
The name of this organization shall be the New Mexico Association of Professional Soil Scientists. A non profit organization hereinafter referred to as “NMAPSS”.
Article II – Objectives
Advancing the profession of soil science in the state of New Mexico by:
· Promoting the intelligent use of soils as a natural resource.
· Advancement of interests of the professional soil scientist.
· Advancing the professional interests of the soil scientist in training.
· Promoting high standards of education in soil science.
· Enhancing public knowledge and appreciation of soil science.
· Establishing high standards of ethical conduct in all professional matters.
Article III – Membership
Section 1. Membership in NMAPSS may be accepted or terminated as provided in this constitution.
Section 2. There shall be four classes of membership.
a. Professional Member
b. Associate Member
c. Student Member
d. Honorary Member
Section 3. Membership qualifications
- Professional Member – Eligibility for this type of membership consists of a BS degree from an accredited university in Soil Science or other closely related four year degree program, with 15 credit hours in soil science. All members subject to review by the committee.
- Associate Member – Eligibility for this type of membership is anyone interested in the field of Soil Science or a closely related discipline. This type of membership will be subject to approval from committee and a vote within a quorum of Professional members. Must meet 2/3 vote rate approval.
- Student Member – Eligibility for this membership is such as follows: Anyone currently pursuing a degree in Soil Science, from an accredited university, or closely related discipline that has not met the eligibility requirements of (a). Member subject to review by the committee.
- Honorary Member – An individual whom NMAPSS desires to honor because of outstanding contribution to the profession, state or country.
Section 4. Membership Privilege
- All classes of memberships are permitted to attend meetings of NMAPSS and to take part in discussion of all business matters.
- Only a Professional Member (see section 3 subpart a.) shall hold the office of President, Vice President, or Secretary / Treasurer.
- All Classes of members may serve on committees.
Section 5. Voting Privilege
Only members defined as a Professional Member (see section 3 subpart a.) shall have voting privileges on specific NMAPSS matters.
Article IV – Dues
Section 1. Dues of NMAPSS will be determined by the Executive Council and approved by a 2/3 vote of a quorum of Professional Members.
Section 2. Dues are payable to the Secretary / Treasurer at the annual meeting.
Section 3. At the time of dues payable, additional contributions for specific funds will be available to be made with payment.
Section 4. Honorary members will not be assessed dues.
Article V – Executive Council
Section 1. Definition. The membership is responsible for the management of NMAPSS. The executive council is established to manage NMAPSS between annual meetings as provided in the constitution.
Section 2. The council shall consist of: The Past President, The President, The Vice President, and The Secretary / Treasurer.
Section 3. A majority of the council shall constitute a quorum. An affirmative vote of majority of the council present at any regular or duly called meeting shall be required to pass any motion consistent with the constitution of NMAPSS.
Section 4. The council shall direct the investment and care of the funds of NMAPSS and shall make appropriations for specific purposes.
Section 5. The council shall at all times constitute the trustees of NMAPSS.
Section 6. No member shall receive a salary or compensation, except for expenses incurred in behalf of NMAPSS as approved by the council. Council members may be compensated or reimbursed for expenses to attend the Annual Meeting, however the expenses are not to exceed the federal per diem rate.
Section 7. Duties of the Executive Council.
a. The president is charged with presiding over the annual meeting, additional meetings, and ex-officio member of all committees. The president shall conduct the business of NMAPSS under the direction of the council.
b. The Vice-President shall perform all duties in the absence of the President. The vice president will inform the president and council of duties to be performed at certain times and places.
c. The Secretary / Treasurer (referred to as S/T) shall keep an accurate record of all finances of NMAPSS in an official set of books brought about for all members of NMAPSS to see. The S/T will present an annual financial report at the annual meeting. The S/T will have custody of all funds of NMAPSS and pay monies as directed by the executive council. The S/T shall work with a committee on the publication of an official newsletter either annually or bi-annually. The S/T shall perform minute taking and reading at each meeting of NMAPSS.
d. The Past President will provide guidance to the Executive Council on all official business matters.
Article VI – Election of Council
Section 1. Only professional members in good standing shall be eligible to hold the office of president, vice-president, or secretary / treasurer.
Section 2. Eligibility for retention of an elected office in NMAPSS shall be contingent upon residence in the state of New Mexico.
Section 3. Elections shall occur in December of each calendar year, and subject to election committee guidelines.
Section 4. Executive council members are expected to serve on a one year term basis beginning January 1 and ending December 31.
Section 5. Should a vacancy occur within the council, an impromptu meeting may be held by a quorum of Professional members to elect a replacement for the particular office.
Section 6. Nominations for office will be made by any member of NMAPSS pending a second of the motion, for placement on the official ballot as brought forth by the election committee.
Section 7. Elections shall take place at the annual meeting via secret ballot and counted and recorded by the secretary / treasurer
Article VII – Meetings
Section 1. NMAPSS shall hold an Annual Meeting at such time and places as directed by the Executive council
Section 2. Special or bi-annual meetings of NMAPSS may be called by the president on request by the executive council, or a petition of 25% of the membership of NMAPSS.
Section 3. The executive council shall meet quarterly. These meetings contingent upon approval of the executive council members.
Article VIII – Headquarters
The location of the headquarters of NMAPSS shall be determined by the executive council members on a yearly basis, decided at the annual meeting.
Article IX – Committees
Section 1. Committees and special committees shall be appointed by the council.
Section 2. The duties of special committees shall be defined by the council.
Section 3. Committee positions held on a yearly basis, and are subject to change as need be. Current committees shall consist of, but not limited to, the following
a. Scholarship
b. Membership
c. Public Relations
d. Election
e. Finance
f. Constitution
Article X - Amendments
This constitution may be amended on a yearly basis as approved by the executive council and by a 2/3 vote of the professional members at any annual meeting. Proposed amendments must be submitted to the executive council two weeks prior to the annual meeting, at which time it will be voted upon. Any amendment approved shall supercede the previous article in the constitution and will be effective January 1 of the following year.
Article XI – Status and Dissolution
Section 1. NMAPSS is a non-profit organization without capital stock, dedicated to the furtherance of Soil Science for the benefit of the public and not for monetary profit or gain of its members
Section 2. In the event NMAPSS is dissolved, the last council shall pay all just debts of NMAPSS from NMAPSS funds, and transfer all remaining monies into a Soil Scholarship fund.
January 7, 2005
B.J. Shoup – Author
NMAPSS President
Soil Scientist
Las Cruces, NM
