ACS Governing Documents and Petitions
The ACS Governing Documents ("ACSGovDocs") include the Constitution, Bylaws, Standing Rules, Schedule of Membership, and Regulations of the American Chemical Society. The online version of the ACSGovDocs is the authoritative version because it is updated throughout the year as needed.
The Introduction to the May 1, 2023 edition of the ACSGovDocs contains a summary of the changes.
Petition to Amend the Constitution, Bylaws, and the Standing Rules
Council may make amendments to ACS Bylaws and Standing Rules by following procedures outlined in the ACS Governing Documents.
Next Deadline for petitions to amend the Constitution or Bylaws: November 29, 2023.
Following is a list of current proposed amendments and links to petitioning procedures:
- The Petitions link above includes copies, summaries, and the status of petitions. Below are links to other useful information about petitions:
- Guidelines to prepare a petition to amend the Constitution and Bylaws (PDF, 147KB) (also in the ACSGovDocs)
- Guidelines to prepare a petition to amend the Standing Rules (PDF, 1.1MB)
- Signatures page (DOC, 26KB) (example, if needed)
Unit Bylaws
The Committee on Constitution and Bylaws (C&B) certifies bylaws on behalf of Council for Divisions, Local Sections, and International Chemical Sciences Chapters. The certified bylaws (noted with their dates of certification) are available at the links below. If you plan to update your bylaws, click on the link for Model bylaws:
- Division bylaws
- Local Section bylaws
- International Chemical Sciences Chapters bylaws
- Model bylaws and other options to amend your bylaws
- C&B Summary Report: (PDF, 55KB) bylaws and petitions
- FAQ (PDF, 176KB)
Key Guidelines, Procedures, and Codes of Conduct
- CPC's guidelines and policies: go to the Council page
- Volunteer/National Meeting Attendee Conduct Policy (PDF, 85KB) - also in the ACSGovDocs
- The Chemical Professional's Code of Conduct
- Professional Employment Guidelines
- Academic Professional Guidelines
C&B Information
If you have any questions or need assistance in updating your bylaws or questions about petitions to amend the ACS Governing Documents, please contact us:
- bylaws@acs.org
- 202-872-4071 or 800-227-5558, ext. 4071
