Bylaws, Codes & Regulations

NJSPE Bylaws

Adopted in November 2018

Preamble

Concerned with the Public well being, and in order to safeguard life, health, and property of the citizens of New Jersey by restricting the practice of Engineering to properly qualified persons; and

To maintain and observe the highest ethical standards of conduct; and

To ensure the existence and enforcement of adequate laws and regulations for licensure; and

To place the control of the practice of Engineering within the scope of such laws and regulations; and

To focus the attention of the Public on the professional standing, functions, and requirements of Professional Engineers; and

To sponsor and promote honorable procedures tending toward recognition commensurate with the dignity and responsibility of the Professional Engineer;

A body of Professional engineers, licensed by the State of New Jersey, has organized and to such ends these Bylaws, of which this Preamble is a part, are herewith set forth.

Bylaw 1 Name and Affiliation

Section 1. Name of Corporation

The name of this not-for-profit professional association shall be the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers, Inc., hereinafter referred to as NJSPE.

Section 2. Affiliation

NJSPE shall be an Integrated Affiliated State Society of the National Society of Professional Engineers, Inc., hereinafter referred to as NSPE.

Bylaw 2 Articles of Incorporation

Section 1. Authority

Any changes to the Articles of Incorporation must be approved by the NJSPE membership.  Such changes may be recommended by NJSPE’s governing body to ensure compliance with applicable law, direction from NSPE, or any other exterior influence deemed significant.

Bylaw 3 Vision and Goals

Section 1. Vision

NJSPE is an association dedicated to Professional Engineers who live and/or work in New Jersey or those engineering graduates on the licensure path.  To ensure a growing membership of these professionals, there will be emphasis on activities that attract more students to pursue engineering careers and a PE license; a Value Package that emphasizes educational opportunities, safe guarding the value of the PE license, and other appropriate services; and guidelines by which subordinate entities within NJSPE conduct their business.

Section 2. Goals

The overarching goals of NJSPE shall be the following:

a/ To safeguard and enhance the value of the Professional Engineer license in New Jersey;

b/ To provide educational opportunities for NJSPE members – and others, as appropriate – by which they can maintain and improve professional skills, highest ethical standards, and related business and leadership capabilities;

c/ To achieve a positive net membership and a financially viable status for the association.

Bylaw 4 Bylaws and Operating Procedures

Section 1. Bylaws

These Bylaws shall be the governing document for NJSPE and may be revised only in accordance with the Amendments Bylaw.

Section 2. Operating Procedures

The NJSPE governing body shall promulgate, maintain, and observe appropriate Operating Procedures to ensure adherence to these Bylaws and to policy that it so sets.

Bylaw 5 Administrative and Fiscal Year

Section 1. Administrative Year

The Administrative Year of NJSPE shall be from July 1 to June 30.

Section 2. Fiscal Year

The Fiscal Year of NJSPE shall be from July 1 to June 30.

Bylaw 6 Headquarters

Section 1.

The headquarters of NJSPE shall be as determined by the NJSPE governing body, which shall be the Board of Directors, hereinafter referred to as the Board, and shall be the business address and the location where all permanent files and records of NJSPE shall be maintained.

Section 2.

The Board may retain the services of appropriate support staff, which shall perform such services as assigned by the Board and/or the Executive Committee.

Section 3.

Interim records and other temporary documents may be maintained by the officers and committee chairs at locations convenient to each, but ultimately shall be made available to the headquarters staff.

Bylaw 7 Membership

Section 1. Licensed Member

A Licensed Member shall be defined as a person holding a valid license or certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer, issued under the laws of any state, territory, possession, or district of the United States, or a province or territory of Canada, or an international equivalent, or a retired engineer who obtained and retained a valid license or certificate while in active practice in the profession until retirement, and who is also a member of NSPE.

A Licensed Member shall have voting privileges, the right to serve on any NJSPE committee, and the authority to hold any NJSPE office.

Section 2. Member

A Member shall be defined as a person holding a valid Engineer-In-Training or Engineering Intern certification, issued under the laws of any state, territory, possession or district of the United States, or the equivalent under the laws of any other country, and who is also a member of NSPE.

A Member shall have voting privileges, the right to serve on any NJSPE committee, and the authority to hold any NJSPE office except for President, Vice President, President-elect, and NSPE Delegate.

A Member shall automatically advance to the Licensed Member grade as eligible by licensure.

Section 3. Graduate Member

A person who has graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an engineering curriculum, accredited by ABET, shall be granted provisional status as a Graduate Member for up to two years to achieve the full requirements for the Member grade [or the New Jersey member grade]

A Graduate Member may serve on any NJSPE committee but shall not have voting privileges or authority to hold any NJSPE office.

A Graduate Member shall become a full Member immediately upon meeting the requirements for Member grade [or shall have the option to become a New Jersey Member at that time].

Section 4. Student Member

A Student Member is a person who is enrolled full-time in an ABET-accredited engineering program.  A student enrolled in a full-time graduate level engineering program may choose any grade for which eligible.

A Student Member shall not have voting privileges beyond participation in a student chapter or other entity related directly to the engineering educational program and shall not be authorized to hold office nor participate on any NJSPE committee.  A Student Member shall be authorized to become associated with an Interest Group as an adjunct participant and not counting toward minimum membership criteria of the Interest Group.

Section 5. Grandfathered Member

A current member who has maintained NJSPE and NSPE membership, but is no longer eligible for membership due to changes in membership criteria, shall be allowed to maintain membership in good standing.  If such person’s membership lapses, that person may only re-join NJSPE by satisfying a current membership requirement.

A Grandfathered Member shall have the same privileges and authorities as one in the Member grade.

Section 6. Fellow Member

If awarded this ceremonial grade of membership by NSPE, any such member shall be recognized in NJSPE with all the honor and recognition accorded thereto by NSPE.

Bylaw 8 Voting Privileges

Section 1. Privileges for Membership Categories

The privilege to vote in NJSPE shall be in accordance with that shown in the Membership Bylaw.

Bylaw 9 Dues

Section 1. Integrated Structure

The dues for members of NJSPE shall include both the component to fund state-level activities and the component to fund activities of the Chapters and Interest Groups.  These dues shall be billed and collected by NSPE and forwarded to NJSPE. Funding for the Chapters and Interest Groups shall be based on budgets submitted by each entity that seeks such support and reviewed by the Executive and Budget Committees and approved by the Board.  Funds allocated by NJSPE to a Chapter or Interest Group shall be deposited into a financial account established and maintained by that Entity.

Section 2 Dues Amounts

As an Integrated Affiliated State Society, the annual dues for each membership grade shall be in accordance with the annual amount set by NSPE. The division of collected dues between NSPE and NJSPE shall be in accordance with the NSPE service tier agreed upon by NJSPE with NSPE, and shall become due on the member’s anniversary date.

Section 3. Supplemental Funds

Each chartered Chapter or Interest Group may establish a process for collecting monies above and beyond the NJSPE integrated dues.  These funds shall be collected directly by the billing entity and shall not be a part of the NSPE/NJSPE billing and collection process for each’s dues.

Section 4. Waiver of Dues

Dues shall be waived for Life Members as defined by NSPE.  Dues also may be waived or deferred due to circumstances of disability or hardship condition.  Reduced dues shall apply to those members who satisfy NSPE’s criteria for retired status.

Section 5. Good Standing

A member is in good standing whose dues are currently paid or who is a Life Member or who has been granted a special waiver of dues.  If the dues of any member remain unpaid on the due date, that member shall be listed as “delinquent.” If the dues of any member remain unpaid three months after due date, that member shall be dropped from the rolls. The request of such person for readmission must be accompanied by dues for the current year.

 

Only members in good standing shall be eligible for the privileges defined in the Membership Bylaw as pertains to voting, holding office, or serving on a committee. Under special circumstances, the Executive Committee may approve a non-member as a non-voting consultant to a committee or task force.

 

Bylaw 10 Board of Directors

Section 1. Business of the Board of Directors

The general business of this Society shall be conducted by a Board of Directors.  Subject to restrictions imposed by the membership of NJSPE as a whole in meeting assembled, the Board shall act upon and dispose of all business that pertains to NJSPE and set general policy.

Section 2. Membership of the Board

The Board shall consist of the President, the President-Elect, the Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the NSPE Delegate, the Past President serving on the Executive Committee, one (1) Director from each Chapter and one (1) Director from each Interest Group with a minimum of twenty-five (25) members, and one (1) Director to represent all NJSPE members who are not affiliated with either a Chapter or an Interest Group.

Section 3. Alternate Representation to the Board

The Chapters and Interest Groups may choose an Alternate Director who is eligible to take the place of the chosen Director in the event that the primary Director cannot attend a Board meeting.

Section 4. Authority for Observers and Alternates

Each Interest Group with less than 25 members may designate an Observer, who shall be authorized to attend all Board meetings and participate in discussion but without voting authority.  This provision shall apply also to all Alternate Directors.

Section 5. Quorum for the Board

Business of the Board may be conducted only if a quorum of at least seven voting Board members is in attendance.  A minimum of two participants must represent other entities or interest groups authorized by the Bylaws excluding the Executive Committee.  A simple majority of authorized participants is required to enact any decisions of the Board unless another provision within these Bylaws stipulates a different majority.

Section 6. Legend

Where the phrase “general policy” is used, the phrase means the general overall manner in which that particular item of business should be handled.

Where the phrase “study and recommend” is used, the phrase means to study a particular item of business and to recommend the manner in which that particular business should be disposed.

Section 7. Liability of Directors, alternate Directors, and Observers

No trustee or officer (including committee chairpersons and committee members) of the corporation shall be personally liable to this corporation or to any member of this corporation for breach of any duty owed to the corporation or its members, provided, however, that this provision shall not relieve a Director or officer from liability based upon an act or omission (1) in breach of such person’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its members; (2) not in good faith or involving a knowing violation of law, or (3) resulting in receipt by such person of an improper personal benefit.

Bylaw 11 Officers

Section 1. Identification of Officers

The Officers of this Society shall be a President, a President-Elect, a Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and a representative to the NSPE House of Delegates, herein referred to as the NSPE Delegate.

Section 2. Duties of the President

The President shall preside at all meetings of the Society, appoint all committees with the advice of the Vice President for selected Standing Committees  in accordance with Section 4, and perform such other duties as the Board may from time to time direct. In the absence of the President, it shall become the duty of the President-Elect or Vice President, in this order, to perform the duties of the office of President.

 

Section 3. Duties of the President-Elect

The President-Elect shall automatically assume the office of president upon the completion of the incumbent’s term; be the primary interface to the chapters and interest groups and be responsible for overseeing Operating Procedure 101; serve as the primary representative to the NSPE Northeast Region; and perform the duties of the President when not available to discharge the responsibilities of that office.  Every attempt should be made to visit a meeting of each chapter and interest group.

Section 4. Duties of the Vice President

The Vice President shall perform such duties as directed by the Board; shall perform the duties of the President when neither the incumbent or the President-Elect  is available to discharge the responsibilities of that office; and shall oversee the functions of each standing committee in the Committee Bylaw, Section 1, except the Executive, Budget and Finance, and Nominations Committees.  This oversight shall include ensuring that chapters and interest groups provide representatives as needed for standing committees and recommending chairs and members for standing committees except as defined in these Bylaws. The Vice President may serve either as a voting or ex officio member of each standing committee other than the three listed above.

Section 5. Duties of the Secretary

The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings of NJSPE.  The Secretary shall ensure the timely delivery of the annual ballot in conjunction with NJSPE Elections and shall perform such duties as are normally attendant upon the office of Secretary as directed.

Section6. Duties of the Treasurer

The Treasurer shall receive all monies and properties of the Society, keeping accurate records of the same; make disbursements as approved and directed by the Board; render an annual report of all receipts and disbursements and shall perform such other duties as are normally attendant upon the office of Treasurer and as directed by the Board.

Section7. Officer Vacancy

Should a vacancy occur in the office of the President, the unexpired term shall be filled by the President-Elect, who shall be eligible to serve one full term as President in the immediate succeeding year.  In the event that the President-elect is unable to serve as President, this office and any other vacancy created in any office at any time shall be filled at a meeting of the Board to be conducted as quickly as practicable after the vacancy occurs by a majority vote of the members present except that only the Vice President, the Secretary, or the Treasurer may fill a vacancy in the office of President.  Such election shall be for the unexpired term of the office to be filled.

Bylaw 12 Executive Committee

Section 1. Business of the Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall carry to a conclusion all matters where the general policy has been established by either the general membership of the Society in meeting assembled or by the Board in meeting assembled.  Where the general policy has not been established, the Executive Committee shall study and recommend to the Board.  A majority of members of the Executive Committee four (4) shall constitute a quorum, and the affirmative vote of the majority of the quorum (minimum three) shall be necessary to transact business.  The Executive Committee shall give a summary report of its activities at each meeting of the Board.

The chairperson of the Executive Committee, who shall be the President of the Society, shall serve as presiding officer of the Executive Committee and shall call meetings throughout the year as deemed necessary in the best interests of the Society.  In the absence of the President, the President-Elect shall preside at its meeting.

Section 2. Members of the Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall be comprised of the President, the President-Elect, the Vice President, the NSPE Delegate, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the most immediate Past President, who shall indicate her/his availability and willingness to serve on the Executive Committee to the Nominations Committee at the time nominees are being selected for the next election.

Bylaw 13 Representation to the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and to the Northeast Region

Section 1. NSPE Delegate

In compliance with NSPE Bylaw 13 – House of Delegates, the NSPE Delegate shall be the representative to the NSPE House of Delegates, who shall be eligible to be re-elected for one additional, consecutive term.  This individual should be familiar with member needs and be interested in helping shape the direction of NSPE and foster an effective partnership between State Societies and National.

Section 2. NSPE Delegate as NSPE Board Member

The NSPE Delegate shall be eligible to serve also on the NSPE Board of Directors, if s/he is nominated in accordance with the Operating Procedures of the Northeast Region and elected in accordance with NSPE Bylaw 14.

Section 3. Other NJSPE Member as NSPE Board Member

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2, any other current Licensed Member of NJSPE may seek to serve on the NSPE Board of Directors by complying with the relevant provisions of the Northeast Region Operating Procedures.

Section 4. Representation to Northeast Region

The primary representative to the NSPE Northeast Region shall be the President-Elect.  In the event the President-Elect is unavailable, the alternate representative to the NSPE Northeast Region shall be the President, or the most immediate Past President who is serving on the Executive Committee, or the Vice President, or the NSPE Delegate, or the Secretary [(if also a member of NSPE)], or the Treasurer, in that order.

Section 5. Service to NSPE and Northeast Region

Subject to the Bylaws of NSPE and the Operating Procedures of the Northeast Region, nothing shall preclude a member of NJSPE from serving in any elected or appointed position in either of these organizations.

NJSPE members are encouraged to offer their services to NSPE and/or the Northeast Region.

Bylaw 14 Terms and Duration of Elected NJSPE Officials

Section 1. Terms of Officers and Other Board Members, Alternates, and Observers

The term of office of all Officers – except the NSPE Delegate – and Directors, Alternate Directors, and Observers representing the Chapters and Interest Groups, shall be for one (1) year. The term of office for the Past President on the Executive Committee shall be for one (1) year. The term of office of the Director representing the members unaffiliated with either a Chapter or an Interest Group shall be one year.  Only the Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Directors for unaffiliated NJSPE members may serve one additional consecutive term.

Section 2. Effective Date of Position

All members of the Executive Committee – except the NSPE Delegate – and the Directors, Alternate Directors, and Observers shall assume each’s duties on July 1st next following their selection and shall continue such duties until the following July 1st or until each’s successor has been duly selected and available to assume one’s duties.

Section 3. Effective Date for NSPE Delegate

The NSPE Delegate shall take office immediately following the Assembly of the NSPE House of Delegates next following her/his election and shall hold office for two years up to the adjournment of the Assembly of the NSPE House of Delegates in the second following year.

Section 4. Selection of Chapter and Interest Group Representatives to the Board

Each Chapter and Interest Group that is chartered to exist within the NJSPE structure shall determine the method by which each’s Director and Alternate Director or Observer is selected and include this process as a part of each’s governance document.

Notification shall be provided to NJSPE no later than June 15th of the names and contact information for these individuals.

Bylaw 15 Nominations

Section 1. NSPE Delegate

Any Licensed Member, who wishes to be considered to serve as the NSPE Delegate, shall notify in writing the Chair of the Nominations Committee no later than January 15 of the year in which such election is to be held.  This notification shall include an explanation as to why the individual is qualified for the position. The Nominations Committee shall review each such application to determine whether the individual is deemed to have adequate qualifications in accordance with NSPE and NJSPE Bylaws. The Nominations Committee shall submit for appearance on the ballot as a candidate for NSPE Delegate the name of each such individual deemed qualified.

Section 2. Other NJSPE Executive Committee Members

The Nominations Committee shall canvass all Chapters and Interest Groups to identify potential candidates for the Officer positions other than the President and the NSPE Delegate.  Concerted effort should be made to nominate Officer candidates from the broadest cross-section of these entities. Only Licensed Members shall be eligible to be nominated for the positions of President-Elect and Vice President.

Section 3. At-Large Director[s]

Any NJSPE member may make known to the Chair of the Nominations Committee no later than January 15 her/his interest in being a candidate to serve as an At-Large Director to represent unaffiliated NJSPE members.  The Nominations Committee shall entertain all such candidates to assess each’s worthiness to be a candidate. Unless disqualified for cause by the Nominations Committee, each such candidate shall be included in its report.

Section 4. Notification to Chapters and Interest Groups

The report of the Nominations Committee shall be in the hands of the Secretary not later than February 15th of each year, and the Secretary shall forward not later than February 20th a copy of the list of nominees and each’s entity(ies) affiliation to the presiding officer of each Chapter and Interest Group.

Section 5. Nominations by Petition

Additional nominations for the positions of Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer may be made through the petition of twenty-five (25) members, all of whom must be in good standing, addressed to the Secretary.  Nominations through petition shall be in the possession of the Secretary not later than April 11th or the first business day thereafter if the 11th is a non-business day in that year.

Bylaw 16 Elections

Section 1. Delivery of Ballot

A ballot shall be delivered to each member in good standing by the Secretary not later than April 30th of each year.  Electronic delivery is considered the preferred option.  A hard copy will be delivered to each NJSPE member who has informed Headquarters no later than April 15 that s/he is unable to receive an electronic ballot.  It is the responsibility of each member to ensure that her/his electronic delivery information is current in the records of NSPE and NJSPE.

Section 2. Content of Ballot

The ballot shall provide the names of each candidate put forward by the Nominations Committee – including all qualified candidates for the Director-at-Large position and for the NSPE Delegate position, when this position is being filled – and all candidates for whom a valid petition was received.

In addition to the name of each candidate, the ballot shall identify her/his affiliation with Chapter and/or Interest Group(s) when such affiliation exists.  Also, a short biographical sketch about each candidate shall be provided.

When a proposal that requires a vote by the full membership has been put forth by the Board or as petitioned in the Amendments Bylaw by the requisite number of NJSPE members, it may also be included in this annual ballot.

Section 3. Receipt of Ballots cast

Executed ballots shall be received by Headquarters no later than May 21st.  The ballot must be accompanied by adequate identification of the voting member to validate the ballot’s legitimacy, but such identification shall not be provided to the Tellers Committee.

Section 4. Tellers Committee

A committee consisting of at least three NJSPE members – appointed by the President – none of whose names appear on the ballot shall convene at headquarters no later than June 1st to tally the ballots cast.  Its report shall be provided to the Secretary with all due haste.

The candidate for each contested position who receives the highest number of votes shall be considered elected.

Bylaw 17 Meetings and Conferences

Section 1. Standard for Member Attendance

All meetings of NJSPE shall be open to any member in good standing with the proviso that any meeting dealing with governance may adjourn to an executive session for cause.  It is the responsibility of each member to take such action to be made aware of a scheduled meeting and to bear any incremental cost for the member to participate.

Section 2. Meeting of the Full Membership

At the direction of the Board or upon petition of 10% of members in good standing, the President shall direct the Secretary to schedule a meeting of the full membership at which each member in good standing shall be eligible to vote on matters coming before the membership.

Section 3. Meeting of Delegates

At the direction of the Board, or upon petition by a minimum of five Chapters and/or Interest Groups with a minimum of 25 members, or upon petition by a minimum of 50 members, the President shall direct the Secretary to schedule a meeting of Delegates who represent each of the Chapters and Interest Groups with a minimum of 25 members.

Each Chapter and Interest Group with a minimum of 25 members shall be authorized a minimum of one Delegate plus one Delegate for each 25 members or part thereof.  Delegates shall be registered in accordance with guidelines determined by the Executive Committee.

Section 4. Meeting of the Board

The President shall convene periodic meetings with a minimum of four per Administrative Year.  A meeting of the Board shall be convened if petitioned by a minimum of five Board members other than members of the Executive Committee.

Section 5. Meeting of the Executive Committee

The President shall convene periodic meetings with a minimum of six per Administrative Year.  A meeting of the Executive Committee shall be convened upon petition by a minimum of three members of the Committee other than the President.

Section 6 Special Meeting

A special meeting may be called by the President at any time.  Such meetings shall be one or more specified purposes and for which business related only to those purpose(s) may be conducted.

Depending on the body to convene, notices of the special meeting and its agenda shall be delivered  to all eligible attendees not less than ten (10) days prior to the date of such meeting; and the notices shall specify the date, time, and place of the meeting.

Section 7. Electronic Ballots

Nothing shall preclude the President – or his designee – from conducting an electronic ballot for one or more issues that may come before a meeting of the Delegates, the Board, or the Executive Committee.

Such electronic ballots shall be conducted in accordance with procedures promulgated by the Executive Committee and available for inspection by any member in good standing.

Section 8. Conference, Seminar, or Other Event

Such activities may be held at such time and place as determined by the Executive Committee subject to available funds authorized by the Board.

 

Bylaw 18 Subordinate Entities

Section 1. Availability to Members

Each member of NJSPE shall have the opportunity to belong to at least one Chapter, one or more Interest Groups, and/or one or more NJSPE Committees.  Such participation is optional.

Section 2. Definition of Chapter

A Chapter is defined as an organization of a group of NJSPE members within a specific geographical area, which shall be at a minimum one of New Jersey’s 21 counties or a grouping of contiguous counties.

Each chapter shall have a governance document that describes the means by which it shall conduct business, providing such document is not in conflict with NSPE or NJSPE.  This document, when approved by the Board, shall be considered its Charter to exist and which can be withdrawn by the Board for cause. Unless covered under the provisions of Section 7 herein, an application must be made for a Conditional Charter in accordance with that Bylaw below.

Each chapter’s members shall elect leaders on an annual basis in accordance with its governance procedures.

Section 3. Definition of Interest Group

An Interest Group is defined as an organization of NJSPE whose members have a common interest, common concern, common goals, or any combination thereof.  This commonality may pertain to an engineering practice area, lifestyle, educational purposes, activities for potential engineers, member demographics, or other appropriate similarity.

Each Interest Group shall have a governance document that describes the means by which it shall conduct business, providing such document is not in conflict with NSPE or NJSPE.  This document, when approved by the Board, shall be considered its Charter to exist and which can be withdrawn by the Board for cause. Unless covered under the provisions of Section 7 herein, an application must be made for a Conditional Charter in accordance with that Bylaw below.

Each Interest Group’s members shall elect leaders on an annual basis in accordance with its governance procedures.

Section 4. Definition of Committee

An NJSPE Committee is a group of NJSPE members that exists to perform defined services for the benefit of the membership and/or to ensure ongoing, orderly business of NJSPE.

Unless prescribed otherwise in these Bylaws, all members of Committees shall be appointed by the President but with the recommendation of the Vice President.

The duties of NJSPE Committees are defined in the Committees Bylaw.

Section 5. Funding for Subordinate Entities

Each such entity shall prepare an annual budget request for consideration by the Budget and Finance Committee in accordance with a schedule determined by the Executive Committee.  The source of funds for these budget requests shall be the annual dues receipts of NJSPE.

Nothing shall preclude a Chapter or Interest Group from establishing a process for supplementing funds allocated by NJSPE.  Such process shall be outside the process for billing and collecting NSPE/NJSPE dues.

Section 6. Authorization for Financial Accounts

Each Chapter and Interest Group shall have the authority to maintain one or more financial accounts, one of which shall be identified as the depository for funds provided by NJSPE in accordance with an approved budget for the Subordinate Entity.

Section 7. Dissolution of Subordinate Entity

In the event that the Board withdraws approval of a Chapter or Interest Group with a permanent Charter, the assets of same shall revert to the general fund of NJSPE and/or one or more of the accounts of its Educational Foundation, as determined by the Board at the time of dissolution.

Bylaw 19 Performance Guidelines for Chapters & Interest Groups

Section 1. Definition of Guidelines

Each Chapter and Interest Group shall strive vigorously to satisfy performance conditions, which shall be enumerated in the NJSPE Operating Procedures, on an annual basis coincident with the Fiscal Year to maintain its Charter.

Section 2. Satisfaction of Guidelines and Remedial Action

Evaluation of performance by each Chapter and Interest Group and determination of possible remedial action as appropriate shall be in accordance with the Operating Procedures.

Section 3. Withdrawal of Charter

As stipulated in the Operating Procedures, the permanent Charter of a Chapter or Interest Group may be withdrawn.

Bylaw 20 Conditional Charter

Section 1. Opportunity to Form New Subordinate Entity

Any group of NJSPE members may petition to receive a Conditional Charter to form within NJSPE a Chapter or Interest Group, based on the definition of each such Entity in the Subordinate Entities Bylaw.  If the process prescribed in the Operating Procedures is confirmed by the Executive Committee upon the recommendation of the President-elect to satisfy minimum requirements, a Conditional Charter shall be issued by the Board.

Section 2. Issuance of Permanent Charter

If a Subordinate Entity, which is operating under a Conditional Charter, substantially satisfies the provisions in the Operating Procedures, it shall be awarded a permanent Charter subject to meeting the Performance Guidelines for Chapters and Interest Groups.  It shall also be eligible to receive funding from NJSPE on the basis of a budget reviewed by the Budget and Finance Committee and incorporated into the annual NJSPE Budget by the Budget and Finance Committee and ultimately approved by the Board.

Bylaw 21 Committees

Section 1. Standing Committees

These Standing Committees are those Entities that are so vital to the value proposition of NJSPE and its viability that they shall be populated each Administrative Year.

a/ The Executive Committee whose duties shall be as described in the Executive Committee Bylaw.

b/ The Nominations Committee whose duty shall be to perform the responsibilities described in the Nominations Bylaw.  The immediate Past President shall be the Chair – unless unable to serve – in which case the next available Past President with fewest years since her/his Presidency shall be the Chair.

 

c/ The Budget and Finance Committee which shall be chaired by the Treasurer, include the President-elect as a voting member, and perform the following duties at a minimum plus any others assigned by either the Board or the Executive Committee:

1/ Periodically review the financial well-being of NJSPE and make recommendations to the Board consistent with recognized association financial practices;

2/ Prepare an annual budget for review by the Board for use of NJSPE receipts – including member dues, taking into account plans submitted by Subordinate Entities through the  President-elect;

3/ Review the income and expenditures of NJSPE on a quarterly basis and make recommendations to the Board when remedial action is warranted.

d/ The Legislative and Government Affairs Committee which shall perform the following duties at a minimum plus any others assigned by either the Board or the Executive Committee:

1/ Review all legislation and regulations proposed within the New Jersey government that may impact the practice of engineering and/or the well-being of New Jersey Professional Engineers and/or Engineers-In-Training and make recommendations as appropriate for effective strategies to influence same;

2/ Develop means of communicating important issues to the members and to receive input from the members; and

3/ Develop means of communicating with members of the Executive and Legislative Branches of New Jersey Government for the well-being of New Jersey Professional Engineers and Engineers-In-Training.

e/ The Membership Committee which shall develop and implement effective programs for the recruitment and retention of NJSPE members to ensure positive net growth in NJSPE membership.

f/ The Professional Conduct Committee whose duties shall be as described in the Professional Conduct Committee Bylaw.

g/ The Education Committee which shall perform the following duties at a minimum plus any others assigned by either the Board or the Executive Committee:

1/ Plan and deliver continuing education courses by which NJSPE members can maintain the currency of each’s knowledge in her/his field of engineering practice and satisfy New Jersey requirements for continuing professional competency credits for license renewal, be motivated to practice with the highest ethical standards, and acquire supplemental knowledge by which to be a better leader, manager, and citizen; and

2/ Conduct activities that convey to students the value of acquiring a Professional Engineers license in consort with pursuit of an engineering curriculum.

h/ The Awards Committee whose duties shall be described in an NJSPE Operating Procedure.


Section 2. Other Committees

The Board may create other committees for defined purpose(s), which shall be appointed by the President.  An Operating Procedure for any such committee shall be promulgated by the Board.

Section 3. Ad Hoc Committees

The President with the consent of the Executive Committee may create an Ad Hoc Committee to accomplish specific charge(s) within her/his Administrative Year.


Bylaw 22 Professional Conduct Committee

Section 1. Purpose

The Professional Conduct Committee shall endeavor to educate engineers, whether or not they are members of the Society, on ethical matters pertaining to the practice of engineering and the engineering profession.

Section 2. Responsibilities

The Committee shall monitor enforcement actions of the N.J. State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (NJ Board).  The Committee shall consider complaints arising from alleged violations of the Code of Ethics for Engineers, and complaints that result from the NJ Board’s action against a member of the Society.  The Committee’s activities are not an alternative nor shall they be a substitute for the activities of the NJ Board. Complaints directed to the Society or the Committee may come from the public, members of the engineering profession, or anyone having knowledge of a purported unethical or unprofessional matter.  Complaints that are based on alleged violations of the N.J. Engineering Law shall be referred to the NJ Board.

Section 3. Meetings

The Committee shall meet as needed, but not less than twice per administrative year. Any actions or positions taken relative to a member of NJSPE shall be conducted in strict conformity with the following Bylaw.  All decisions of the Committee shall be by simple majority vote unless provided otherwise in these Bylaws.

 

Section 4. Action Pertaining to Other Than Members

In the event complaints or allegations are received against persons who are not NJSPE members, and whether or not such persons are licensed Professional Engineers, the Committee may secure and consider evidence related to such allegations and, when merited, refer such matters to the NJ Board for action.  Such action shall require a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Committee members present.

Section 5. Action Pertaining to Members

The Committee may review cases where NJSPE members have been the subject of disciplinary action by the NJ Board or by the Courts or by self-admission of guilt and to recommend appropriate action in these cases using procedures established in the following Bylaw.

 

Section 6. Make-up

The members of this Committee shall be a Chair appointed by the President and a minimum of four other members.  No business may be conducted without the presence of a quorum. A quorum shall consist of three members of the Committee.  The President and the Executive Director of NJSPE shall be Ex Officio members of the Committee.

Bylaw 23 Discipline of Members

Section 1. Types of Discipline

The Board may expel, suspend for a stated period of time, or censure a member.

Section 2. Process for Taking Action

Any disciplinary action to be contemplated by the Board shall be undertaken in accordance with the process defined in the Operating Procedures.

Bylaw 24 Authority and Order

Section 1. New Jersey Statutes and Regulations

As a New Jersey corporation, NJSPE shall conduct its business in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey.

Section 2. Order of Business

All meetings and related matters of NJSPE shall be conducted in accordance with the latest version of Roberts Rules Revised unless provisions of these Bylaws supersede same.

Bylaw 25 Amendments

Section 1. Proposing Amendments

Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed by: (a) a majority vote of the Board: (b) any organized Chapter or Interest Group with a minimum of 25 members; or (c) a petition signed by not less than fifteen percent (15 %) of the voting members in good standing.

Section 2. Methods for Deciding Proposed Amendments

The Board shall by resolution either (1) call a meeting of the Delegates to act on such proposed amendments, or (2) submit such proposed amendments to a vote of the entire membership.


Section 3. Notification to Chapters and Interest Group

When proposed amendments to these Bylaws are to be considered at a meeting of the Delegates, such proposed amendments shall be delivered by the Secretary to each Chapter and Interest Group not less than forty-five (45) days prior to the meeting at which the vote is to be canvassed.

Section 4. Decision at a Delegates Meeting

An amendment to these Bylaws shall become effective only upon receiving affirmative votes of at least two thirds (2/3) of the votes cast by Delegates present having voting power at a meeting called by the Board.

Section 5. Delegates Participating via Electronic Media

To be considered “present” a delegate must be physically in attendance at the meeting or have registered at least one business day prior to the meeting with NJSPE headquarters to indicate that s/he will be participating electronically.  Those who are participating electronically, i.e. not physically in attendance at the meeting, must have the approved means (1) to hear what is said by any participant in the meeting; (2) to be able to be recognized and communicate with all of those participating; (3) to view any material presented as a visual aid; and (4) to cast her/his vote to be identifiable as having been cast by that registered delegate.

 

Section 6. Preclusion of Electronic Participation

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5, the Board of Trustees shall have the authority to stipulate that a particular Delegates Meeting shall be conducted without electronic participation by any of the registered delegates.

Section 7. Decision by a Vote of the Full Membership

Proposed amendments may also be submitted by the Board to the entire membership. They shall be delivered by the Secretary to each member in good standing together with a ballot not less than forty-five (45) days prior to the deadline by which the vote is to be canvassed.  To become effective, the amendment must receive affirmative votes of two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast by members having voting power, provided that not less than ten percent (10%) of the members having voting power cast a ballot.

 

END

Licensed Site Remediation Professional Regulations

A Licensed Site Remediation Professional is a professional who will have the responsibility for oversight of environmental investigation and cleanup. LSRP professionals must adhere to a strict code of ethics and are governed by a Board that issues licenses only to qualified individuals. For more on this, visit: Licensed Remediation Professional Regulations Site

General Regulation Resources

Laws and Regulations governing Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

Preamble

Engineering is an important and learned profession. As members of this profession, engineers are expected to exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people. Accordingly, the services provided by engineers require honesty, impartiality, fairness, and equity, and must be dedicated to the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. Engineers must perform under a standard of professional behavior that requires adherence to the highest principles of ethical conduct.

I. Fundamental Canons

Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall:

  1. Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
  2. Perform services only in areas of their competence.
  3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
  4. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.
  5. Avoid deceptive acts.
  6. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.

II. Rules of Practice

  1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
    1. If engineers’ judgment is overruled under circumstances that endanger life or property, they shall notify their employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate.
    2. Engineers shall approve only those engineering documents that are in conformity with applicable standards.
    3. Engineers shall not reveal facts, data, or information without the prior consent of the client or employer except as authorized or required by law or this Code.
    4. Engineers shall not permit the use of their name or associate in business ventures with any person or firm that they believe is engaged in fraudulent or dishonest enterprise.
    5. Engineers shall not aid or abet the unlawful practice of engineering by a person or firm.
    6. Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code shall report thereon to appropriate professional bodies and, when relevant, also to public authorities, and cooperate with the proper authorities in furnishing such information or assistance as may be required.
  2. Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their competence.
    1. Engineers shall undertake assignments only when qualified by education or experience in the specific technical fields involved.
    2. Engineers shall not affix their signatures to any plans or documents dealing with subject matter in which they lack competence, nor to any plan or document not prepared under their direction and control.
    3. Engineers may accept assignments and assume responsibility for coordination of an entire project and sign and seal the engineering documents for the entire project, provided that each technical segment is signed and sealed only by the qualified engineers who prepared the segment.
  3. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
    1. Engineers shall be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements, or testimony. They shall include all relevant and pertinent information in such reports, statements, or testimony, which should bear the date indicating when it was current.
    2. Engineers may express publicly technical opinions that are founded upon knowledge of the facts and competence in the subject matter.
    3. Engineers shall issue no statements, criticisms, or arguments on technical matters that are inspired or paid for by interested parties, unless they have prefaced their comments by explicitly identifying the interested parties on whose behalf they are speaking, and by revealing the existence of any interest the engineers may have in the matters.
  4. Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.
    1. Engineers shall disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest that could influence or appear to influence their judgment or the quality of their services.
    2. Engineers shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for services on the same project, or for services pertaining to the same project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed to by all interested parties.
    3. Engineers shall not solicit or accept financial or other valuable consideration, directly or indirectly, from outside agents in connection with the work for which they are responsible.
    4. Engineers in public service as members, advisors, or employees of a governmental or quasi-governmental body or department shall not participate in decisions with respect to services solicited or provided by them or their organizations in private or public engineering practice.
    5. Engineers shall not solicit or accept a contract from a governmental body on which a principal or officer of their organization serves as a member.
  5. Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts.
    1. Engineers shall not falsify their qualifications or permit misrepresentation of their or their associates’ qualifications. They shall not misrepresent or exaggerate their responsibility in or for the subject matter of prior assignments. Brochures or other presentations incident to the solicitation of employment shall not misrepresent pertinent facts concerning employers, employees, associates, joint venturers, or past accomplishments.
    2. Engineers shall not offer, give, solicit, or receive, either directly or indirectly, any contribution to influence the award of a contract by public authority, or which may be reasonably construed by the public as having the effect or intent of influencing the awarding of a contract. They shall not offer any gift or other valuable consideration in order to secure work. They shall not pay a commission, percentage, or brokerage fee in order to secure work, except to a bona fide employee or bona fide established commercial or marketing agencies retained by them.

III. Professional Obligations

  1. Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the highest standards of honesty and integrity.
    1. Engineers shall acknowledge their errors and shall not distort or alter the facts.
    2. Engineers shall advise their clients or employers when they believe a project will not be successful.
    3. Engineers shall not accept outside employment to the detriment of their regular work or interest. Before accepting any outside engineering employment, they will notify their employers.
    4. Engineers shall not attempt to attract an engineer from another employer by false or misleading pretenses.
    5. Engineers shall not promote their own interest at the expense of the dignity and integrity of the profession.
  2. Engineers shall at all times strive to serve the public interest.
    1. Engineers shall seek opportunities to participate in civic affairs; career guidance for youths; and work for the advancement of the safety, health, and well-being of their community.
    2. Engineers shall not complete, sign, or seal plans and/or specifications that are not in conformity with applicable engineering standards. If the client or employer insists on such unprofessional conduct, they shall notify the proper authorities and withdraw from further service on the project.
    3. Engineers shall endeavor to extend public knowledge and appreciation of engineering and its achievements.
    4. Engineers shall strive to adhere to the principles of sustainable development1 in order to protect the environment for future generations.
  3. Engineers shall avoid all conduct or practice that deceives the public.
    1. Engineers shall avoid the use of statements containing a material misrepresentation of fact or omitting a material fact.
    2. Consistent with the foregoing, engineers may advertise for recruitment of personnel.
    3. Consistent with the foregoing, engineers may prepare articles for the lay or technical press, but such articles shall not imply credit to the author for work performed by others.
  4. Engineers shall not disclose, without consent, confidential information concerning the business affairs or technical processes of any present or former client or employer, or public body on which they serve.
    1. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested parties, promote or arrange for new employment or practice in connection with a specific project for which the engineer has gained particular and specialized knowledge.
    2. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested parties, participate in or represent an adversary interest in connection with a specific project or proceeding in which the engineer has gained particular specialized knowledge on behalf of a former client or employer.
  5. Engineers shall not be influenced in their professional duties by conflicting interests.
    1. Engineers shall not accept financial or other considerations, including free engineering designs, from material or equipment suppliers for specifying their product.
    2. Engineers shall not accept commissions or allowances, directly or indirectly, from contractors or other parties dealing with clients or employers of the engineer in connection with work for which the engineer is responsible.
  6. Engineers shall not attempt to obtain employment or advancement or professional engagements by untruthfully criticizing other engineers, or by other improper or questionable methods.
    1. Engineers shall not request, propose, or accept a commission on a contingent basis under circumstances in which their judgment may be compromised.
    2. Engineers in salaried positions shall accept part-time engineering work only to the extent consistent with policies of the employer and in accordance with ethical considerations.
    3. Engineers shall not, without consent, use equipment, supplies, laboratory, or office facilities of an employer to carry on outside private practice.
  7. Engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of other engineers. Engineers who believe others are guilty of unethical or illegal practice shall present such information to the proper authority for action.
    1. Engineers in private practice shall not review the work of another engineer for the same client, except with the knowledge of such engineer, or unless the connection of such engineer with the work has been terminated.
    2. Engineers in governmental, industrial, or educational employ are entitled to review and evaluate the work of other engineers when so required by their employment duties.
    3. Engineers in sales or industrial employ are entitled to make engineering comparisons of represented products with products of other suppliers.
  8. Engineers shall accept personal responsibility for their professional activities, provided, however, that engineers may seek indemnification for services arising out of their practice for other than gross negligence, where the engineer’s interests cannot otherwise be protected.
    1. Engineers shall conform with state registration laws in the practice of engineering.
    2. Engineers shall not use association with a nonengineer, a corporation, or partnership as a “cloak” for unethical acts.
  9. Engineers shall give credit for engineering work to those to whom credit is due, and will recognize the proprietary interests of others.
    1. Engineers shall, whenever possible, name the person or persons who may be individually responsible for designs, inventions, writings, or other accomplishments.
    2. Engineers using designs supplied by a client recognize that the designs remain the property of the client and may not be duplicated by the engineer for others without express permission.
    3. Engineers, before undertaking work for others in connection with which the engineer may make improvements, plans, designs, inventions, or other records that may justify copyrights or patents, should enter into a positive agreement regarding ownership.
    4. Engineers’ designs, data, records, and notes referring exclusively to an employer’s work are the employer’s property. The employer should indemnify the engineer for use of the information for any purpose other than the original purpose.
    5. Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers and should keep current in their specialty fields by engaging in professional practice, participating in continuing education courses, reading in the technical literature, and attending professional meetings and seminars.

Footnote 1 “Sustainable development” is the challenge of meeting human needs for natural resources, industrial products, energy, food, transportation, shelter, and effective waste management while conserving and protecting environmental quality and the natural resource base essential for future development.

—As Revised January 2006

“By order of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, former Section 11(c) of the NSPE Code of Ethics prohibiting competitive bidding, and all policy statements, opinions, rulings or other guidelines interpreting its scope, have been rescinded as unlawfully interfering with the legal right of engineers, protected under the antitrust laws, to provide price information to prospective clients; accordingly, nothing contained in the NSPE Code of Ethics, policy statements, opinions, rulings or other guidelines prohibits the submission of price quotations or competitive bids for engineering services at any time or in any amount.”

Statement by NSPE Executive Committee

In order to correct misunderstandings which have been indicated in some instances since the issuance of the Supreme Court decision and the entry of the Final Judgment, it is noted that in its decision of April 25, 1978, the Supreme Court of the United States declared: “The Sherman Act does not require competitive bidding.”

It is further noted that as made clear in the Supreme Court decision:

  1. Engineers and firms may individually refuse to bid for engineering services.
  2. Clients are not required to seek bids for engineering services.
  3. Federal, state, and local laws governing procedures to procure engineering services are not affected, and remain in full force and effect.
  4. State societies and local chapters are free to actively and aggressively seek legislation for professional selection and negotiation procedures by public agencies.
  5. State registration board rules of professional conduct, including rules prohibiting competitive bidding for engineering services, are not affected and remain in full force and effect. State registration boards with authority to adopt rules of professional conduct may adopt rules governing procedures to obtain engineering services.
  6. As noted by the Supreme Court, “nothing in the judgment prevents NSPE and its members from attempting to influence governmental action . . .”

NOTE: In regard to the question of application of the Code to corporations vis-à-vis real persons, business form or type should not negate nor influence conformance of individuals to the Code. The Code deals with professional services, which services must be performed by real persons. Real persons in turn establish and implement policies within business structures. The Code is clearly written to apply to the Engineer, and it is incumbent on members of NSPE to endeavor to live up to its provisions. This applies to all pertinent sections of the Code.

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