APPIC Bylaws

Article I. Name

The name of this association shall be the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC).

Article II. Purpose

The Association is organized and operated to:

• Promote high quality training in health service psychology (also known as professional psychology).
   
• Provide a forum for exchanging views; recognizing differences; establishing policies, procedures and contingencies on training matters; and resolving issues for which common agreement is either essential or desirable.
   
• Represent the views of APPIC members to groups and organizations whose functions, objectives and/or actions impact our membership.
   
• Facilitate exchange of information between psychology trainees and institutions and/or agencies offering doctoral internships and/or postdoctoral training in health service psychology.
   
• Establish and monitor policies and procedures for matching trainees seeking internships or postdoctoral training with sites providing such training.
   
• Establish and monitor a standardized online application to be used in the internship and postdoctoral selection and matching processes.
   
• Provide informal and formal problem consultation, related to APPIC services, for doctoral programs, internships, postdoctoral programs, and the trainees training in those programs.
   
• Produce and disseminate information related to education and training in health service psychology.

Article III. Offices

The principal office of the Association and such other offices as it may establish shall be located at such place or places as may be designated by the Board of Directors.

Article IV. Legislative Powers

Section 1. Vested Powers.

The legislative powers of the Association, including the power to amend the Articles of Incorporation and the bylaws and to specify methods of voting, are vested in the delegates of the member agencies and institutions present and voting at an annual or special meeting or in such manner as the Board shall determine.

Section 2.General Functions.

1. The Association so voting may promulgate policies and recommend procedures relative to standards of internship and postdoctoral levels of training.
   
   
2. The Association so voting may instruct its officers and the Board of Directors; authorize the raising of funds and appropriate available monies; create committees or authorize the appointment thereof; and initiate investigations and studies of such problems as it may designate.
    
3. The Association so voting may take such other actions not in conflict with these bylaws as it deems necessary, expedient or desirable to fulfill and implement its stated purpose.
   
   

Article V. Membership

Section 1. Categories and Eligibility.

The Association shall have two categories of members: Full Membership: Doctoral internships and postdoctoral training programs in health service psychology under the direction of a licensed psychologist that are in accordance with standards and regulations as determined by APPIC; Provisional Membership: Doctoral internship training programs in health service psychology under the direction of a licensed psychologist that are deemed in accordance with all APPIC membership standards and regulations other than having a cohort of at least two interns on site and in training.

Section 2. Membership.

All members shall be duly elected dues paying programs in good standing. Each member program shall be represented by its Training Director or his/her designee. Such a designee shall be a licensed psychologist actively involved in the administrative or clinical conduct of the member program by whom she/he has been designated. All applicants for membership shall file with the Secretary, or designee, a written application in such form as the Board of Directors shall from time to time determine.

Section 3. Voting Rights.

Each Full member shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the members.

Section 4. Termination of Membership.

The Board of Directors may (a) by a majority vote of those present at any regular constituted meeting, terminate the membership of any member who becomes ineligible for membership or suspend or expel any member who shall be in default in the payment of dues for the period fixed in Article XIV, Section 3 of these bylaws; and (b) by a two-thirds vote of the members of the Board suspend or expel a member for cause after an appropriate hearing. Provisional Membership status expires on the date specified by APPIC after a maximum of three consecutive Match cycles; Provisional Member programs wishing to maintain APPIC membership must progress to Full Membership status prior to Provisional Membership expiration.

Section 5. Resignation.

Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with the Secretary, or designee, but such resignation shall not relieve the member so resigning of the obligation to pay any dues, assessments or other charges theretofore accrued and unpaid.

Section 6. Reinstatement.

Upon written request signed by a former member and filed with the Secretary, or designee, the Board of Directors, may, by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the Board, reinstate such former member to membership upon such terms as the Board of Directors may deem appropriate if the former member has been inactive for one year or less. If a former member has been inactive for greater than one year, the program must reapply through the formal application process.

Section 7. Transfer of Membership.
Membership in this Association is not transferable or assignable.

Article VI. Membership Meetings

Section 1. Annual Meeting.

An annual meeting of the members shall be held at a time and place designated by the Board of Directors and announced to the membership at least three months in advance for the transaction of such business as may come before the meeting.

Section 2. Special Meeting.

Special meetings of the members may be called by the Chair of the Board of Directors, the Board, or not less than one-tenth of the members having voting rights.

Section 3. Place of Meeting.

The Board of Directors may designate any place as the place of meeting for any annual meeting or for any special meeting called by the Board. If no designation is made or if a special meeting be otherwise called, the place of meeting shall be the registered office of the Association; but if the members shall meet at any time and place and consent to the holding of a meeting, such meeting shall be valid without call or notice, and at such meeting any association action may be taken.

Section 4. Notice of Meetings.

Written notice, including in electronic formats, stating the place, day and hour of any meeting of members shall be sent to each Full member entitled to vote at such meeting, not less than ten nor more than one hundred and fifty days before the date of such meeting, by or at the direction of the Chair, or the Secretary, or the officers or persons calling the meeting. In case of a special meeting or when required by statute or by these bylaws, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be stated in the notice

Section 5. Informal Action by Members.

Any action required by law to be taken at a meeting of the members, or any action which may be taken at a meeting of members, may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the members entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereto.

Section 6. Quorum.

No less than twenty-five Full members shall constitute a quorum at any meeting. If a quorum is not present at any meeting of members, a majority of the members present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice.

Section 7. Proxies.

At any meeting of members, a member entitled to vote may vote by proxy executed in writing by the member. No proxy shall be valid after eleven months from the date of its execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxy. Proxies shall be exercised only by other members.

Section 8. Manner of Acting.

A majority of the votes entitled to be cast on a matter to be voted upon by the members present or represented by proxy at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be necessary for the adoption thereof unless a greater proportion is required by law or by these bylaws.

Section 9. Voting.
Where the Board of Directors is to be elected by Full members such election may be conducted in such manner as the Board shall determine.

Article VII. Management of the Association

Section 1. Board of Directors.

The affairs, business, government and management of the Association shall be vested in a Board of Directors (also referred to as the Executive Committee in Article VIII).

Section 2. Number, Tenure and Qualifications.

The number of Board of Directors members who are representatives of the members of the association shall be no less than seven and no more than ten, with the Board having the authority to set the exact number of Board members. Should the Board determine additional board members are needed (not to exceed ten), the membership would elect the new board member(s) through the standard election process. Each member shall hold office for three years and until his/her successor is elected and qualified, subject to restrictions found in these bylaws. Service on the Board of Directors shall be limited to two consecutive terms which must be followed by a three year interval before further terms. This section does not apply to members appointed to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors, as provided by Section 5 of this Article. In addition, there will be one member who represents the public. The term for the public member will be three years, or until her/his successor is elected and qualified, subject to restrictions found in these by-laws, and renewable at the pleasure of the Board and the public member

Section 3. Election to Board of Directors.

Board members who are representatives of the members of the Association shall be elected by Full members by ballot, in such manner as the Board shall determine, from nominations submitted by the Board prior to the annual meeting of the membership. In case of a tie vote for a single position on the Board, a run-off election shall be held by a special ballot sent to Full members in a manner as determined by the Board. Elections shall be staggered so that no less than two Board members who are representatives of the members of the Association shall be elected each year. The public member of the Board will be elected by the other Board members, after being nominated prior to the annual meeting of the membership.

Section 4. Meetings.

1. Regular Meetings. Two regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held without other notice than this bylaw. The Board may provide by resolution the time and place for the holding of additional regular meetings of the Board without other notice for such resolution.  
   


2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the Chair or any two Board members. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board may fix any place as the place for holding any special meeting of the Board called by them.  
   


3. Notice. Notice of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be sent at least two days previous to the meeting to each Board member at his/her address as shown by the records of the Association. Any Board member at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a Board member attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Board needs to be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting, unless specifically required by law or by these bylaws.
   


4. Quorum. A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board; but if less than a majority of the Board are present at said meeting, a majority of the Board present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice until a quorum is present, when any business may be transacted that may have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.
   


5. Manner of Acting. The act of a majority of the Board of Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board, unless the act of a greater number is required by law or by these bylaws.
   

Section 5. Vacancies.

Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors and any Board position to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of Board members may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Board. A Board member elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected for the unexpired term of his/her predecessor in office.

Section 6. Compensation.

Board of Directors members as such shall not receive any stated salaries for their services, but by resolution of the Board a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, may be allowed for attendance at each regular or special meeting of the Board; but nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any Board member from serving the Association in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

Section 7. Informal Action by Board of Directors.

Any action required by law to be taken at a meeting of the Board, or any action which may be taken at a meeting of the Board, may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all of the Board members.

Section 8.
The Board of Directors so voting may employ, or authorize the employment of staff.

Article VIII. Duties and Powers of the Officers and Executive Committee

Section 1. Officers.

The Officers of the Association shall be a Chair, Vice-Chair, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and/or such other officers as may be elected in accordance with the provisions of this Article. The Board of Directors shall elect from among its members the officers it shall deem advisable, such officers to have the authority and perform the duties prescribed, from time to time, by the Board. The term as officer shall be determined by the Board, as it shall deem advisable, but in no event, shall the term as officer exceed three years. It is permissible for an individual to have more than one term in office subject to the provisions of Article VII, Sections 2 and 5. No two offices may be held by the same person simultaneously.

1. Chair. The Chair shall be the principal officer of the Association and shall in general manage all of the business and affairs of the Association. He/she shall preside at all meetings of the members and of the Board of Directors. He/she shall sign, with the Treasurer or any other proper officer of the Association authorized by the Board of Directors, any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments which the Board has authorized to be executed, except in cases where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board or by these bylaws or by statute to some other officer or agent of the Association; and in general he/she shall perform all duties incident to the office of the Chair and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board from time to time.
   
   
2. Vice-Chair. In the absence of the Chair or in event of his/her inability or refusal to act, the Vice-Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all restrictions upon the Chair. Any Vice-Chair shall perform such duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the Chair or by the Board of Directors.
   
   
3. Treasurer. If required by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer shall give a bond for the faithful discharge of his/her duties in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the Board shall determine. He/she shall have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities of the Association; receive and give receipts for monies due and payable to the corporation from any source whatsoever, and deposit all such monies in the name of the Association in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as shall be selected in accordance with the provisions of Article X of these bylaws.
   
   
4. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the members and of the Board in one or more books or an electric format provided for that purpose; see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws or as required by law; maintain, with APPIC Central Office assistance, an electronic register of the contact information of each member which shall be furnished to the Secretary by such member; and in general perform all duties incident to the Office of Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the Chair or the Board.
   
   

Section 2. Staff.

The Board may employ staff who shall provide Central Office Services under the direction of the Board.

Section 3. Removal of Board of Directors Members.
An officer or other Board member may be removed for just cause by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the membership of the Board of Directors.

Article IX. Committees

Section 1. Authorization.

Such committees as are necessary to carry out the functions of the Association may be created by the Association at any meeting, by the Board of Directors, or by the Chair.

Section 2. Committee Functions.

1. Such committees shall refer to the charge given to them by the Association, Board of Directors, or the Chair.
   
   
2. Each committee shall develop a mission statement which must be approved by the Board of Directors. The designation and appointment of such groups and delegation thereto of authority shall not operate to relieve the Board, or any individual Board member, of any responsibility imposed upon them by law.
   
   
3. Each committee shall report back to the Board of Directors upon completion of its mission, and at such other interim times as may be directed by the Chair or the Board.
   
   

Article X. Contracts, Checks, Deposits and Funds

Section 1. Contracts.

The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents of the Association, in addition to the officers so authorized by these bylaws, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Association, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

Section 2. Checks, Drafts, etc.

All checks, drafts or orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Association, shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the Association and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors. In the absence of such determination by the Board, such instrument shall be signed by the Treasurer or by the Chair or Vice-Chair of the Association.

Section 3. Deposits.

All funds of the Association shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Association at such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select.

Section 4. Gifts.
The Board of Directors may accept on behalf of the Association any contribution, gift, bequest or device for the general purposes or for any special purpose of the Association.

Article XI. Books and Records

The Association shall keep correct and complete books and records of account and shall also keep minutes of the proceedings of its membership, Board of Directors and committees having any of the authority of the Board, and shall keep a record giving the names and contact information of the members entitled to vote. In accordance with the provisions of District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act, books and records of the Association may be inspected by any member, or his/her agent or attorney, for any proper purpose at any reasonable time.

Article XII. Publications

Section 1. Authorized Publications.

There shall be two principal publications (in electronic format) of the Association:

1. An annual Directory of doctoral internship and postdoctoral training programs in health service psychology. Listing in the Directory shall be in accordance with such criteria, conditions and standards as may be determined by the membership or the Board of Directors.
   
   
2. A Newsletter containing reports of the Annual Meeting, Board of Directors meetings and actions, and other such information deemed important to the membership.
   
   
3. Other publications may be authorized, with or without a fee, as authorized by the Board.
   
   

Section 2. Copies.
All members of the Association will have access to copies of the publications in Article XII, Section 1, paragraph 1 and 2, above. Other organizations, agencies, bodies and individuals may subscribe to the publications. Fees for all publications to be determined by the Board of Directors on a periodic basis.

Article XIII. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Association shall begin on the first day of January and end on the last day of December in each year.

Article XIV. Dues

Section 1. Annual Dues.

The membership, on the recommendation of the Board of Directors, may determine from time to time the amount of annual dues payable to the Association by the members.

The membership, on the recommendation of the Board of Directors, may determine from time to time the amount of annual dues payable to the Association by the members.

Section 2. Payment of Dues.

Dues shall be payable in advance on the first day of each fiscal year. Dues of a new member shall be paid in a manner to be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. Default and Termination of Membership.

When any member shall be in default in payment of dues for a period of twelve months from the beginning of the fiscal year, the membership may thereupon be terminated by the Board of Directors in the manner provided in Article V, Section 4 of these bylaws.

Section 4. Reinstatement.
Any member that has terminated membership while in good standing or that has forfeited membership by nonpayment of dues may be reinstated by the Board of Directors of the Association in the manner provided in Article V, Section 6 of these bylaws and payment of the current year's dues and any dues in arrears.

Article XV. Waiver of Notice

Whenever any notice is required under the provisions of the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act or under the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Association, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice.

Article XVI. Amendments to Bylaws

These bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed and new bylaws may be adopted by two-thirds of the members responding by ballot in such a manner as the Board shall determine. Any Article or Section thereof contained in these bylaws may be amended to have full force and effect upon current and future members, without reservation.