Over the last few months, ACVS has highlighted necessary and suggested Constitution and Bylaws amendments that support the proposed governance change. The following proposed updates and additions to the membership section of the bylaws facilitate the separation of certification from membership and aim to provide additional operational flexibility in the new governance structure.
Defining membership eligibility
As part of the proposed bylaws, ACVS is taking a streamlined and consistent approach to defining membership eligibility. The intent is to make the definitions as clear and straightforward as possible, while aligning voting membership categories directly with certification status.
Under the proposed bylaws, eligibility for Diplomate or Emeritus Diplomate membership is defined simply by meeting the certification requirements for Diplomate or Emeritus Diplomate status. Rather than restating detailed certification criteria within the membership bylaws, this approach relies on the established certification standards that already govern Diplomate or Emeritus Diplomate status. This ensures clarity and reduces redundancy.
Removing the annual dues cap
As mentioned in previous communications, in addition to defining certification independent of membership, ACVS must also separate certification-related fees from membership dues. As membership dues are redefined, a proposed amendment would remove the current 3.5 percent annual dues increase cap. The removal is intended to support ACVS’s long-term financial stability by giving the Board of Regents (BOR) greater flexibility to align membership dues with actual operating costs.
In the new governance structure, the 3.5 percent annual cap could limit the BOR’s ability to respond to evolving organizational needs. This change does not reduce transparency, but instead allows for more responsible, data-informed financial planning. It also supports the broader governance transition of separating certification functions and membership activities, helping ensure ACVS remains sustainable and well-positioned for the future.
Allowing the board to create non-voting membership categories
As part of the broader governance updates, new recommended content would grant the BOR the authority to establish non-voting membership categories. This change reflects an important structural shift for ACVS: with the separation of certification and membership, the College now has the flexibility to think more expansively about who can engage with our professional community—beyond those who hold certification.
Historically, membership has been synonymous with Diplomate or Emeritus Diplomate certification status. While that model has served the College well, it limits ACVS formally including individuals who are actively taking part in the profession but are not yet eligible for certification. Allowing the BOR to create non-voting membership categories creates a clear, appropriate pathway to welcome these individuals without altering governance, voting rights, or the role of Diplomates in leading the College.
A resident membership option is an excellent example. Residents are future Diplomates who would benefit greatly from increased connection to ACVS and access to educational resources, professional development, and community engagement. A non-voting resident membership category would provide a more robust opportunity for residents to participate in ACVS activities while preserving voting and governance authority for Diplomate members.
Importantly, this bylaw change does not create new membership categories on its own. It simply provides the governance framework needed for the BOR to thoughtfully evaluate, design, and implement non-voting membership options when they align with the College’s mission and long-term goals. This flexibility positions ACVS to support the profession across the full career continuum while maintaining a clear and consistent governance structure.
Overall, these changes help make the bylaws easier to understand, easier to maintain, and better suited to support ACVS’s long-term governance needs.
ACVS will continue to provide regular updates as the College moves through the governance change process. Diplomates are encouraged to visit the governance change page on the website to stay informed. Questions and comments are encouraged and should be sent to ACVS Membership Director Adam Seery at aseery@acvs.org or posted in the new Governance Updates and Questions discussion group in ACVS Connect.
