WVSPS Bylaws

(Appendix I)

State Association Relations with the

West Virginia State Board of Examiners of Land Surveyors

Summary

Basic Considerations

The State Association, in considering its own position in this relationship, must remember that the Licensing Board is appointed by the State Governor, is a part of the State Government, and its members are pledged by a public or notarized oath to administer the existing law.

The Board is restricted by the law of its state.  This law is similar among the different states, but is not identical.  Variations exist in these laws, the method of administration, the policies of the Board, and their philosophy of the function of registration.  Thus each state is an individual situation.  The Association has no governmental function.  While the Association's constitutional objective are normally consistent, its successive annual goals may vary widely with each new set of officers.  For these reasons of basic differences, the maintaining of good relationships between the Board and the Association is essential and must receive constant attention.  The burden of free action is this area for the benefit of the overall Land Surveying Profession rests with the Association.  Likewise, the provision of assistance to the State Board is a mandatory burden of the State Association.  The nature of the Board dictates that any approach to it must be friendly and cooperative.

The excellent relations in many states between the Board and the Association are caused by many factors, but are based on mutual trust in the good will of each other.  Representatives attend each other's meetings.  They discuss mutual problems and cooperate in taking action for solving them.  The Association, by its legal status, is in the prime position to take the lead in legislative contacts to obtain desired revisions in the law and/or getting it reinstated after an upset.

It is reemphasized that the responsibility and initiative belongs to the State Association for achieving and maintaining good  relationships with the State Board, and for providing friendly, comprehensive assistance wherever desired.

Composition of Committee

In view of the vital nature of this "relationship" committee, it should be composed of senior, leading members of the Association.  Continuity over the years of purpose and action should be maintained by having rotating over-lapping terms of several years for the members of this committee.

Assistance to the Board

Nearly all areas of the State Board's responsibilities and activities should be considered relative to the provision of assistance by the State Association.

The following tabulation gives more various activities of the Board, including some responsibilities which must be carried out solely by them. In these latter areas, the Association should remain at a proper ethical distance.

Licensing Law

The scrutiny of individual state laws to ascertain whether these are up-to-date is obviously a concern of the entire Land Surveying Profession within the state, whether licensed or not.  The Board can provide specific comments about details of the law and its administration.

Examinations

The overall profession is requesting professional examinations in more technical disciplines to take care of those surveyors now practicing in the new technologies of land surveying.  Assistance to the State Board must be arranged to provide them with adequate criteria for professional qualifications in these new fields, and with suitable examinations.

Appointments

Appointments to the Licensing Board should be among the leaders of the Association.  The State Association should recommend several names for each vacancy with a minimum of three (3) names not to exceed five (5) names. Each recommendation shall have been actively engaged in the practice of land surveying for at least ten (10) years and shall be the holder of a license. The State Association's Board shall submit the appointments.