Current Members

Bylaws

Mission Statement

MnACC is a non-profit organization that promotes educational opportunities for students of color in Minnesota and supports professionals of color working in higher education. The organization’s primary goal is to increase the number of college-bound students of color.

Identity

The organizational structure of MnACC includes members, officers, bylaws and a code of ethics. MnACC’s charge is to provide information and services on higher education so students of color can make informed choices about post-secondary opportunities.The end goal is that students of color find the right “fit” to serve their educational needs. MnACC seeks to empower all students and communities of color. MnACC’s philosophy is COLLABORATION, not COMPETITION, among its members and the institutions they represent.

Membership

Member: An institution or organization that wishes to be involved with MnACC must become a member of MnACC. Involvement includes participation in meetings, college fairs, retreats and other activities. Membership dues cover the institution or organization, which will include any number of persons, and will receive only one vote per institution or organization.

The newly adopted MnACC membership definition (effective as of 8/7/07 ) is as follows:
Any institution of higher education, public, private and non-profit, that is regionally accredited or an organization operating within a college or university setting that provides higher educational services to students and supports the mission of MnACC. Organizations must be approved for membership by the executive board.

Benefits of Membership:

  1. Receive one (1) vote (regardless of the number of persons present from member organization or institution)
  2. Each person will receive minutes from all MnACC meetings
  3. Be featured in all program flyers and/or brochures or other publications
  4. Individuals from member institutions or organizations will be eligible to hold office and/or serve on committees if they meet the specific requirements.
  5. One table/spot per membership will be available at the college fairs and other programs.
  6. Participate and be recognized in the MnACC scholarship program.

Membership Dues - Fiscal Year: July 1st - June 30th - The deadline for dues is September 15, of each year. Dues must be paid in order to be a member and participate in events.

There is one set fee for ANY and ALL interested parties looking to be involved with the MnACC organization. For those looking to be in front of students; recruiting for their institution or scholarship recipients or high school enrichment purposes, etc.

Returning Members $300 by September 15th

$350 if posted after September 15th

New Members $300 at any time (to encourage new membership)

Meeting Attendance

  • Attendance at 2 meetings per member per year is expected
  • Fall meeting for general membership will be held during fair week during fall (July-December).
  • Spring meeting for general membership will be held during fair week during spring (January-June).
  • MNACC Meetings will be held the 3rd Thursday of each month (mandatory for Executive Board Members)
  • Individual Committee meetings will take place as needed, to be determined by each committee

MnACC Code of Ethics

All individuals of member institutions or organizations of MnACC, shall agree to the following code of ethics:

  1. Agree to the “Statement of Principles of Good Practice” in the National Association of College Admission Counselors. This policy and statement is available at: http://www.nacac.com/downloads/policy_spgp.pdf.
  2. Agree to participate in MnACC scheduled college fairs, attend MnACC general meetings, and other events coordinated through MnACC.
  3. Agree to provide nonbiased educational counseling to all prospective students.
  4. Agree to professionally represent MnACC in local, regional and national events if possible.
  5. Agree to promote MnACC membership.
  6. Agree to seek professional and financial opportunities to promote MnACC.

Organizational Structure

Provision for elections : President-elect, Secretary, and Treasurer will be elected as required by the position. A special election will occur if any of these positions are vacated. If the position of President is vacated, the President-elect will move into this position. An official call for nominations will come in the spring of each year with election and results to be announced during the annual planning meeting.

OFFICERS: voting is different for officers. Each officer, not member institution or organization, will have one vote.

President

  • Current or former (within the last year)member.
  • Only votes in the case of a tie.
  • All committee chairs report to the President.
  • Serves on the Communication Committee. If President so wishes, he or she may sit on an additional committee.
  • One-year term.
  • Must have a minimum of 2 years involvement in MnACC.
  • Serves on the Honorary Committee/Advisory Board.

President -Elect

  • Current or former (within the last year)member.
  • Has one vote.
  • Serves on committee of choice.
  • One-year term; automatically becomes President after one year service.
  • Must have a minimum of 1 year of involvement in MnACC.

Secretary

  • Has one vote.
  • Records all MnACC meeting notes and distributes notes to the members.
  • Informs members of scheduled meetings.
  • Serves on the Communications Committee. If Secretary so wishes, he or she may sit on an additional committee.
  • One-year term; may be re-elected.
  • Maintains official copies of the by-laws and any changes made to them.

Treasurer

  • Has one vote.
  • Maintains MnACC financial accounts and budget.
  • Executes and records all MnACC financial transactions.
  • Serves on committee of his or her choice.
  • Two-year term; may be re-elected. Elected on the even calendar year. (ie. 2004 Spring to serve 2004-05 and 2005-2006)
  • Assists committees with fiscal responsibilities if necessary.

Past-President

  • The prior President serves in this position.
  • Has one vote.
  • Provides guidance and assistance for board members.
  • Serves on the Advisory Board Committee. If Past President so wishes, he or she may sit on an additional committee.

Committees

  • All committee chairs report to the President. Chairs are to be voted on by current members each spring. All chairs serve a 1-year term. Can be re-elected.

Communications

This committee will develop a communication cycle plan and coordinate public relations. Responsible for proofing all printed materials that are distributed in the name of MNACC and the maintenance and upkeep of the MNACC website.

Development Committee

This committee will develop a financal plan for MnACC, including fundraising. Treasurer will sit on this committee.

Programs Committee

This committee will develop a plan of action for MnACC. Responsible for planning the fair schedule for fall and spring, spring retreat, and various other MnACC sponsored events.

Advisory Board

An Ex Officer, seven-member committee/board made up of community members. The committee/board must have at least one representative from each ethnic community MnACC serves.

Membership Committee

This committee oversees membership of current MnACC members and communication with prospective members. Membership Chair is responsible for collecting dues and maintaining membership database and public directory.

Scholarship Committee

This committee oversees the application process for the annual Spring MNACC Scholarship. They are responsible for the selection and award notification for the applicants.