The Society and its members abide by the following documents.
Constitution
The Constitution is the Society’s highest governing document, followed by the Bylaws and Rules of Policy and Procedure. Each level of governing document contains more detail about Society operations than the one preceding it, from high-level organizational structure in the Constitution to regular administrative matters in the Rules. Because of this difference in focus, the way these governing documents are amended will vary. The Constitution contains elements related to the size of the Board of Direction, the membership grades and voting rights, designates Officers and their terms, etc. These are important components of the Society on which the membership should have a say, and therefore any revisions to the Constitution must be approved by the membership.
Bylaws
The
Bylaws mirror the structure of the ASCE Constitution, providing more detail. Bylaws may be amended by the Board of Direction, with advance notice to the membership.
Rules
The
Rules of Policy and Procedure provide the most detail about the Society’s structure and operations. The Rules may be amended by the Board of Direction upon 30 days notice.
Code of Ethics
Individuals who join ASCE must agree to abide by the Society’s
Code of Ethics. Under ASCE Bylaws, all ASCE members are required to comply with the Code of Ethics and to report any observed violations.
Changes to the Governing Documents
All proposed amendments to these governing documents must be reviewed by the Governing Documents Committee.
The Board of Direction convened on July 10-11, 2020 and received for first reading an amendment to the
Constitution to allow Student Members the right to vote. The amendment will be presented to the Board for second reading approval at its October 2020 meeting, and, if approved, will be presented to the membership for approval on the 2021 election ballot.