{"id":16461,"date":"2025-12-23T13:51:12","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T18:51:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.acvs.org\/?p=16461"},"modified":"2025-12-23T14:00:19","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T19:00:19","slug":"strengthening-the-board-of-regents-and-officer-sections-of-the-bylaws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.acvs.org\/es\/news\/strengthening-the-board-of-regents-and-officer-sections-of-the-bylaws\/","title":{"rendered":"Strengthening the Board of Regents and Officer sections of the bylaws"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Over the last few months, ACVS has highlighted necessary and suggested Constitution and Bylaws amendments that support the proposed governance change. The amendments aim to improve clarity, strengthen governance practices, and ensure that the bylaws remain focused on essential structure and authority while operational details are managed through board-approved policy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">This article provides details on several updates to the Board of Regents and Officers sections of the bylaws: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">Updating the process for filling board vacancies<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">Removing the 10- and 13-year membership requirements<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">Streamlining election procedures<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">Adding clear processes for resignation and removal<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">Clarifying regent and officer compensation and reimbursement<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">Formally establishing the role of chief executive officer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Updating the\u00a0process for\u00a0filling\u00a0vacancies<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The current ACVS Constitution and Bylaws require a special election to fill any mid-term\u00a0regent\u00a0vacancy. The proposed change shifts the process for filling a mid-term\u00a0regent\u00a0vacancy from conducting a special election to\u00a0the Board of Regents\u00a0making an appointment for the\u00a0remainder\u00a0of the unexpired term. In this approach, the Nominating Committee would issue a call for interested applicants, conduct a structured, rubric-based evaluation, and provide a recommended candidate to the\u00a0board\u00a0for appointment. This process ensures that vacancies are filled through a fair, competency-driven review rather than a rapid election that may limit participation or candidate visibility.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Moving to an appointment process also avoids the\u00a0significant time, cost, and administrative burden of running special elections,\u00a0especially when vacancies may arise unexpectedly or close to key governance deadlines. Most importantly, this approach helps\u00a0maintain\u00a0continuity of leadership by ensuring the\u00a0board\u00a0remains\u00a0fully staffed and able to carry out its responsibilities without disruption. Appointments would apply only to the\u00a0remainder\u00a0of the existing term, preserving member control over who serves in full elected terms going forward<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The proposed language also provides a structured process for filling vacancies in officer roles, including automatic succession to\u00a0chair\u00a0and\u00a0president\u00a0and appointments for\u00a0president-elect\u00a0and\u00a0treasurer\u00a0roles based on recommendations from the Nominating Committee. These amendments ensure continuity and minimize disruption.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Removing the 10-\u00a0and 13-year\u00a0membership\u00a0requirements<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A\u00a0proposed revision\u00a0to the bylaws\u00a0eliminates\u00a0the current requirement that\u00a0regent\u00a0candidates must have been members for at least ten years,\u00a0and officer candidates\u00a0must have been members for at least thirteen years. While originally intended to ensure adequate experience, the\u00a0thresholds\u00a0are\u00a0arbitrary and restrict the pool of qualified\u00a0candidates,\u00a0particularly those who have built substantial\u00a0expertise, leadership capability, and engagement within the College in fewer than ten years.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Removing this barrier broadens access to leadership roles and allows the Nominating Committee to evaluate candidates based on\u00a0demonstrated\u00a0qualifications, contributions, and readiness rather than the length of membership. This change supports a more diverse, inclusive, and representative leadership pipeline and ensures the College can tap into strong emerging leaders who may otherwise be excluded by an unnecessarily rigid time-based requirement.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Streamlining\u00a0election\u00a0procedures<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A proposed amendment would remove highly detailed election procedures from the bylaws and, instead, place them in a\u00a0board-approved policy. This change preserves the essential governance requirements\u2014the Nominating Committee proposes a slate, the\u00a0board\u00a0approves\u00a0the slate, and members elect the\u00a0president-elect\u00a0and\u00a0regents\u00a0at a special meeting\u2014while shifting procedural steps such as proxy handling, ballot formats, voting timelines, and notification requirements into a more flexible policy document.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Moving these operational details out of the bylaws provides significant benefits. Policies can be updated more easily as technology evolves, election best practices change, or administrative needs shift, without requiring a formal bylaws amendment process. This approach\u00a0ensures\u00a0the election process\u00a0remains\u00a0transparent, consistently applied, and aligned with modern standards, while keeping the bylaws focused on core authority and structure.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Adding clear processes for resignation and removal<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">New recommended content will\u00a0formally\u00a0establish\u00a0clear, step-by-step procedures for both resigning from the Board of Regents and, when necessary, removing a\u00a0regent. By specifying how notice must be provided, when a resignation becomes effective, and under what\u00a0conditions\u00a0removal may be considered, the bylaws create a transparent and predictable framework for managing leadership transitions. This clarity helps prevent confusion, disputes, or inconsistent handling of sensitive situations.\u00a0Establishing a high threshold for removal also protects against arbitrary actions, ensuring that any decision to remove a\u00a0regent\u00a0is grounded in defined criteria and thoughtful deliberation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These additions align the College with governance best practices, promote accountability, and provide confidence,\u00a0both for those serving on the\u00a0board\u00a0and for the membership,\u00a0that leadership changes are handled responsibly, fairly, and in a manner that supports organizational stability.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clarifying\u00a0regent and\u00a0officer\u00a0compensation and\u00a0reimbursement<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">New recommended content will\u00a0explicitly affirm that both\u00a0regents and\u00a0officers serve in a volunteer capacity and are not compensated for their governance service. At the same time, the bylaws specify that reimbursement is\u00a0permitted\u00a0for eligible expenses under a formal\u00a0board-approved policy. This clarification\u00a0aligns with governance best practices and\u00a0strengthens transparency and accountability by clearly outlining the financial parameters of\u00a0board\u00a0service, preventing misunderstandings about compensation, and ensuring consistent treatment across leadership roles.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Formally\u00a0establishing\u00a0the\u00a0role of\u00a0chief\u00a0executive\u00a0officer<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">New recommended content will\u00a0formally define the\u00a0chief\u00a0executive\u00a0officer as the College\u2019s chief employed officer, responsible for managing day-to-day operations and staff under the direction of the Board of Regents. This formal recognition clarifies the\u00a0chief\u00a0executive\u00a0officer\u2019s authority, responsibilities, and reporting structure, ensuring that both leadership and staff have a clear understanding of operational oversight.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This\u00a0addition\u00a0promotes operational efficiency, allows the Board\u00a0of Regents\u00a0to focus on strategic priorities, and aligns with governance best practices by clearly separating the oversight responsibilities of the\u00a0board\u00a0from the management responsibilities of the\u00a0chief\u00a0executive\u00a0officer.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ACVS will continue to provide regular updates as the College moves through the governance change process. Questions and comments are encouraged and should be sent to ACVS Membership Director Adam Seery at\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"mailto:aseery@acvs.org\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">aseery@acvs.org<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0or posted in the new Governance Updates and Questions discussion group in\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/community.acvs.org\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">ACVS Connect<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Over the last few months, ACVS has highlighted necessary and suggested Constitution and Bylaws amendments that support the proposed governance change. The amendments aim to improve clarity, strengthen governance practices, and ensure that the bylaws remain focused on essential structure and authority while operational details are managed through board-approved policy. This article provides details on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16461","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-diplomate"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acvs.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16461","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acvs.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acvs.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acvs.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acvs.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16461"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.acvs.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16461\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16548,"href":"https:\/\/www.acvs.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16461\/revisions\/16548"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acvs.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16461"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acvs.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16461"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acvs.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16461"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}