About Us

About Us

WHO ARE WE? 705 Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution. Profit made goes back to our members through lower interest rates on loans, fewer fees, and free to low cost financial products and services.

WHO CAN JOIN? Our members are made up of employees of various businesses within the Acadiana area who have chosen to partner with 705 Federal Credit Union to offer the credit union as a financial benefit to their employees. Family members of our current 705 FCU members are also eligible to open an account at the credit union. Check the full list of who can join our credit union.

WHY IS BELONGING TO A CREDIT UNION CONSIDERED A MEMBERSHIP? The term “member” in the credit union world stems from the ownership those that belong have within the organization. Our members own a “share” in the company with their savings account. Each individual must keep $25 in their savings account at all times to remain a member.

History

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HOW DID 705 FCU BEGIN? 705 Federal Credit Union began in 1968 in Crowley, LA. It was led by a group of Postal Employees seeking to fill a void in their financial affairs. This group charted 705 FCU to serve postal employees in the 705 zip code area. Through the years this charter was expanded to include federal government employees in the same area and has since added businesses that have similar needs to the members we serve.

HOW IS A CREDIT UNION ORGANIZED? Credit union decisions are approved by our Board of Directors. The Board is a group of unpaid volunteers that are members of the credit union. This group is elected at 705 FCU’s Annual Meeting each year. This gives members a real say in the decisions made at the credit union. Any member can run to become a Board Director or volunteer to give back in other aspects of the credit union.

OUR MISSION: Our mission at the credit union is “Serving the 705 Zip code since 1968.” If we can meet your financial needs with the best possible service, we are doing our job right.

CDFI

Certified CDFI U.S. Department of the TreasuryDid you know that 705 FCU is a Community Development Financial Institution (or CDFI)? CDFI financial institutions have the mission to help offer financial services to those economically disadvantaged within our communities who are typically underserved at financial institutions. This means that we are very intentional with the types of products and services offered and have this mission in mind when serving Acadiana. 

CDFIs are certified by the U.S.  Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (or the CDFI Fund.) To receive certification, the financial institution must fulfill the below requirements:

  • Has a primary mission of promoting community development
  • Provides financial products and services
  • Serve one or more defined low-income target market
  • Maintain accountability to the community it is serving
  • Is a legal non-governmental entity

The overarching mission for CDFIs is to serve low-income communities. Most CDFIs are typically loan funds, credit unions, community banks, or venture capital funds.

By becoming a certified CDFI, 705 FCU is a part of a national network that promotes economic growth in America’s underserved communities through financing businesses, creating jobs, and rebuilding neighborhoods. 

The CDFI principles are ingrained in the work we do each day to better our community through the products and services we offer, financial literacy efforts, and to help Acadiana continue to thrive! 

Resources
www.cdfifund.gov
Department of the Treasury Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance Poster

Member Stories

Member Stories

One of the main reasons we work at credit unions is to give back. Money is something Americans need and use every day. It can be extremely stressful when unexpected financial hardships happen. It’s at these times that we hope you turn to us for guidance on the next step. Here are some stories from members who have been there and gotten through it.

How has the credit union helped you financially? Share your story.

“I am honored to be the first member story for the new website.  I first joined the credit union in 1978, when I got out of the military.  We found our professional family at the Postal Service and in 1986 I volunteered for the Credit Committee and soon found myself immersed in the credit union movement.  The people helping people concept drew me into the movement because I felt the effect of personal service and the desire for the credit union to say yes; which was very important to a young family getting started.  I eventually became a Board member and over the years became President of the Board, where I continue to serve.  My entire family and I belong to the credit union and consider the credit union our primary financial institution.  As a board member, I have had the opportunity to continue the tradition of people helping people, while helping the credit union institute more products and services. With today’s technology it is more challenging than ever.  I encourage everyone to join me in meeting these challenges by allowing us to meet your financial needs.  Please, feel free to volunteer at any level, you will never regret it.” – Tom Colley, Former Board Chairman

“The credit union was a life saver for me! I was worried about being able to pay my car note with how high it was. 705 FCU was able to save me $100 a month and took a year off my auto loan by refinancing. The staff is always so friendly. I love to go over there!” – Dakari Robertson, Member 

This sweet member wanted to share her story to give others hope. This is what perseverance, patience, and faith looks like! Debra rode the bus for two years in order to save up enough to buy her first car on her own. Through financial counseling with Cassie for those two years, she was able to slowly build up her credit to make her dreams a reality. We are so proud of the hard work you put into making this happen! – Debra Sonnier, Member

NOTICE: Although we happily provide secure on-line applications to protect your privacy, please remember that any e-mail that you send and receive to anyone at any time is not secure. This is true for all e-mail, not only on our website. You should refrain from sending your account number(s), credit card number(s) or other sensitive data to anyone in an e-mail format.







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    705 FCU Bylaws

    Below are 705 FCU’s bylaws. 

    Federal Credit Union, Charter No. 18749
    (A corporation chartered under the laws of the United States)

    Article I. Name Purposes

    Section 1. Name: The name of this credit union is as stated in Section 1 of its charter (approved organization certificate).

    Section 2. Purposes: This credit union is a member-owned, democratically operated, not-for-profit organization managed by a volunteer board of directors. Its stated mission is to meet the credit and savings needs of members, especially individuals of modest means. The purpose of this credit union is to promote thrift among its members by affording them an opportunity to accumulate their savings and to create a source of credit for provident, business or productive purposes.

    Article II. Qualifications for Membership

    Section 1. Field of membership: The field of membership of this credit union is limited to that stated in Section 5 of its charter.

    Section 2. Membership application procedures: Persons eligible for membership under Section 5 of the charter must sign a membership application on approved forms. The applicant becomes a member upon approval of the application by a membership officer, after subscription to at least one share, payment of the initial installment, and payment of a uniform entrance fee if required by the board. If the membership officer denies a person’s membership application, the credit union must explain the reasons for the denial in writing upon written request.

    Section 3. Maintenance of membership share required: A member who withdraws all shareholdings or fails to comply with the time requirements for restoring his or her account balance to par value in Article III, Section 3, ceases to be a member. By resolution, the board may require persons readmitted to membership to pay another entrance fee.

    Section 4. Continuation of membership:

    • Once a member, always a member. Once a member, always a member until the person or organization chooses to withdraw its membership or is expelled under the Act and Article XIV of these bylaws.
    • Limitation of Notwithstanding any provision of these bylaws, the board of directors may adopt a policy that limits credit union services to any member not in good standing.

    Section 5. Member in good standing: A member in good standing retains all their rights and privileges in the credit union. A member in good standing is a member who maintains at least the minimum share set forth in Article III, Section 1 of these bylaws; who is not significantly delinquent on any credit union loan; who has not had any account with this credit union closed due to abuse or negligent behavior; who has not caused a financial loss to this credit union; and who has not engaged in violent, belligerent, disruptive, or abusive activities, such as:

    • Violence, intimidation, threats, harassment, or physical or verbal abuse of duly elected or appointed officials or employees of the credit union, members, or agents of the credit union. This includes actions while on credit union premises and through use of telephone, mail, email or other electronic method.
    • Causes or threatens damage to credit union
    • Unauthorized use or access of credit union
    • Knowingly disseminating incorrect, misleading, confidential, or proprietary information regarding the credit union.
    • Any actions that may cause material risk or financial harm to the credit

    A credit union may limit services for violent, belligerent, disruptive, or abusive activities only if there is a logical relationship between the objectionable activities and the services to be suspended. In the event of a suspension of service, the member will be notified of what accounts or services have been discontinued.

    Subject to Article XIV of these bylaws and any applicable limitation of services policy approved by the board, members not in good standing retain their right to attend, participate, and vote at the annual and special meetings of the members and maintain a share account.

    Article III. Shares of Members

    Section 1. Par value: The par value of each share is $ 25. 00 . Subscriptions to shares are payable at the time of subscription, or in installments of at least $25. 00 per month.

    To establish membership, the member must subscribe to one par value of share. The share does not have to be in a regular share account. The board may choose the best account for the characteristics of its membership.

    Option A—Regular Share account required to establish membership

    To establish membership in the credit union, the member must subscribe to one share in a regular share account.

    Option B—         account required to establish membership.

    To established members in the credit union, the member must subscribe to one share in the stated account or accounts (note the account(s) in the blank above).

    Section 2. Cap on shares held by one person: The board may establish, by resolution, the maximum amount of shares that any one member may hold.

    Section 3. Time periods for payment and maintenance of membership share: The credit union will terminate from membership a member who:

    • Fails to complete payment of one share within 30 days of admission to membership, or 
    • Fails to complete payment of one share within 30 days from the increase in the par value of shares, or
    • Reduces the share balance below the par value of one share and does not increase the balance to at least the par value of one share within 30 days of the reduction.

    Section 4. Transferability: Members may transfer shares to another member in any form approved by the board. Shares that accrue credits for unpaid dividends retain those credits when transferred.

    Section 5. Withdrawals: Members may withdraw money paid in on shares provided that:

    1. The board has the right, at any time, to require members, or a subset of members, to give up to 60 days written notice of intention to withdraw all or part of the amounts they paid in.
    2. [Reserved]
    3. A member delinquent on any loan or obligation to the credit union may not withdraw their shares below the delinquent amount without the written approval of the credit committee or loan This withdrawal restriction also applies if the member is a comaker, endorser, or guarantor of a delinquent loan. Coverage of overdrafts under an overdraft protection policy does not constitute delinquency for purposes of this paragraph. Shares issued in an irrevocable trust as provided in Section 6 of this article are not subject to withdrawal restrictions except as stated in the trust agreement.
    4. The share account of a deceased member (other than one held in joint tenancy with another member) may be continued until the close of the dividend period in which the administration of the deceased’s estate is completed.
    5. The board can impose a fee for excessive share withdrawals from regular share accounts. By resolution, the board can set the number of withdrawals not subject to a fee and the amount of the fee subject to regulations relevant to the advertising and disclosure of terms and conditions on member

    Section 6. Trusts: Shares may be issued in a revocable or irrevocable trust, subject to the following:

    Shares issued in a revocable trust—the settlor must be a member of this credit union in his or her own right.

    Shares issued in an irrevocable trust—either the settlor or the beneficiary must be a member of thiscredit union.

    Both a revocable and irrevocable trust must state the name of the beneficiary. A trust may be a member of the credit union as an entity if all parties to the trust, including all settlors, beneficiaries and trustees, are within the credit union’s field of membership.

    Shares issued through a pension plan authorized by the rules and regulations will be treated as an irrevocable trust unless otherwise indicated in the rules and regulations.

    Section 7. Joint accounts and membership requirements:

    Select one option and check the box corresponding to that option.

    Option A—Separate account not required to establish membership.

    Owners of a joint account may both be members of the credit union without opening separate accounts. For joint membership, both owners are required to fulfill all of the membership requirements including each member purchasing and maintaining at least one share in the account and filling out the membership card.

    Option B—Separate account required to establish membership.

    Each member must purchase and maintain at least one share in a share account that names the member as the sole or primary owner. Being named as a joint owner of a joint account is not sufficient to establish membership.

     

    Article IV. Meetings of Members

    Section 1. Annual meeting: The board must hold the annual meeting of the members no later than March 31, in the county in which any office of the credit union is located or within a radius of 100 miles of an office, at the time and place as the board determines and announces in the notice of the annual meeting. This credit union may permit virtual attendance and participation in the annual meeting, provided that an in-person meeting complying with the geographic requirements of this paragraph is also held.

    Section 2. Notice of meetings required:

    1. The secretary must give written notice to each member at least 30 but no more than 75 days before the date of any annual date meeting. The secretary must give written notice to each member at least 7 days before the date of any special meeting of the members and at least 45 but no more than 90 days before the date of any meeting to vote on a merger with another credit The secretary may deliver the notice in person, by mail to the member’s address, or, for members who have opted to receive statements and notices electronically, by electronic mail. The secretary must give notice of the annual meeting by posting the notice in a conspicuous place in the office of this credit union where members may read it at least 30 days before the meeting. The secretary must also prominently display the notice on the credit union’s website if such credit union maintains a website.
    2. All special meeting notices must state the purpose of the meeting. The officials and members may only transact business related to the stated purpose at the meeting.

    Section 3. Special meetings:

    1. The board chair, the board of directors by majority vote, or the supervisory committee as provided in these bylaws may call a special meeting of the The chair must call and hold a special meeting within 30 days of the receipt of a written request from 25 members or 5% of the members as of the date of the request, whichever number is larger. However, a request of no more than 750 members may be required to call a special meeting.
    2. The credit union may hold a special meeting at any location permitted for the annual

    Section 4. Items of business for annual meeting and rules of order for annual and special meetings: The suggested order of business at annual meetings of members is—

    • Ascertain that a quorum is
    • Reading and approval or correction of the minutes of the last
    • Report of directors, if there is one. For credit unions participating in the Community Development Revolving Loan Program, the directors must report on the credit union’s progress on providing needed community services, if required by NCUA Regulations.
    • Report of the financial officer or the chief management
    • Report of the credit committee, if there is
    • Report of the supervisory committee, as required by Section 115 of the
    • Unfinished
    • New business other than
    • Elections, as required by Section 111 of the

    To the extent consistent with these bylaws, the board will conduct all meetings of the members according to Robert’s Rules of Order. The order of business for the annual meeting may vary from the suggested order, provided it includes all required items and complies with the rules of procedure adopted by the credit union.

    Section 5. Quorum: Except as otherwise provided, 15 members constitute a quorum at annual or special meetings. If a quorum is not present, the board may adjourn to a date at least 7 but not more than 14days thereafter. The members present at any adjourned meeting will constitute a quorum, regardless of the number of members present. The board must give the same notice for the adjourned meeting as prescribed in Section 2 of this article for the original meeting, except that they must give notice at least 5days before the date of the meeting fixed in the adjournment.

    Article IX. Supervisory Committee

    Section 1. Appointment and membership: The board appoints the supervisory committee from members of this credit union. One of the committee members may be a director other than the financial officer or the paid officer of the board. The board determines the number of members on the committee, which may not be fewer than 3 or more than 5. No member of the credit committee, if applicable, or employee of this credit union may be appointed to the committee. Terms of committee members are for periods of 1, 2, or 3 years as decided by the board.

    However, all terms are for the same number of years and until the appointment and qualification of successors. Terms are set and staggered at the beginning, or on the increase or decrease in the number of committee members so that approximately an equal number of terms expire at each annual meeting.

    Section 2. Officers of supervisory committee: The supervisory committee members choose from their number a chair and a secretary. The secretary prepares, maintains, and has custody of all records of the committee’s actions. The same person may hold the offices of chair and secretary.

    Section 3. Duties of supervisory committee:

    1. The supervisory committee makes, or arranges for, the audits, and prepares and submits the written reports required by the Act and regulations. The committee may employ and use the clerical and auditing assistance required to carry out its responsibilities. The committee may request the board to provide compensation for this assistance. It will prepare and forward to the Administration required
    2. If all director positions become vacant at once, the supervisory committee immediately assumes the role of the board of directors. The supervisory committee acting as the board must generally call and hold a special meeting to elect a board. That board will serve until the next annual meeting. They must hold the special meeting at least 7 but no more than 14 days after all director positions became Nominations for the board at the special meeting are by petition or from the floor. However, the supervisory committee may forego the special meeting if the next annual meeting will occur within 45 days after all the director positions become vacant.
    3. The supervisory committee acting as the board may not act on policy matters. However, directors elected at a special meeting have the same powers as directors elected at the annual meeting.

    Section 4. Verification of accounts: The supervisory committee will cause the verification of the accounts of members with the records of the financial officer from time to time and not less frequently than as required by the Act and regulations. The committee must maintain a record of this verification.

    Section 5. Powers of supervisory committee—removal of directors and credit committee members: By unanimous vote, the supervisory committee may suspend any director, board officer, or member of the committee. In the event of a suspension, the supervisory committee must call a special meeting of the members to act on the suspension.

    They must hold the meeting at least 7 but no more than 14 days after the suspension. The chair of the committee acts as chair of the meeting unless the members select another person to act as chair.

    Section 6. Powers of supervisory committee—special meetings: By majority vote, the supervisory committee may call a special meeting of the members to: consider any violation of the provisions of the Act, the regulations, the credit union’s charter or bylaws; or to consider any practice of this credit union the committee deems to be unsafe or unauthorized.

    Article V. Elections

    • Option A1 In–Person Elections; Nominating Committee and Nominations From Floor

    Section 1. Nomination procedures: At least 30 days before each annual meeting, the chair will appoint a nominating committee of three or more members. The nominating committee will nominate at least one member for each vacancy, including any unexpired term vacancy, for which elections are being held, and determine that the members nominated are agreeable to the placing of their names in nomination and will accept office if elected. The nominating committee must widely publicize the call for nominations to all members by any medium and interview each member that meets any qualifications established by the nominating committee.

    Section 2. Election procedures: After placing the nominations of the nominating committee before the members, the chair calls for nominations from the floor. When nominations are closed, the chair appoints election tellers. The election tellers distribute the ballots, collect the ballots and tally the votes, and the chair announces the results. Except when there is only one nominee for each open office, all elections are by ballot and determined by the plurality of vote. If there is only one nominee for each open office, the chair may take a voice vote or declare the election of each nominee by general consent or acclamation.

    Section 3. Order of nominations: Nominations may be in the following order:

    • Nominations for
    • Nominations for credit committee members, if Elections may be by separate ballots following the same order as the above nominations or, if preferred, may be by one ballot for all offices.

    Section 4. Proxy and agent voting: Members cannot vote by proxy. A member other than a natural person may vote through an agent designated in writing for the purpose.

    Section 5. One vote per member: Irrespective of the number of shares, no member has more than one vote.

    Section 6. Submission of information regarding credit union officials to NCUA: The secretary must forward the names and business addresses of board members, board officers, executive committee, credit committee members, if applicable, and supervisory committee members to the Administration in accordance with the Act and regulations in the manner as required by the Administration.

    Section 7. Minimum age requirement: Members must be at least 18 years of age by the date of the meeting (or for appointed offices, the date of appointment) in order to vote at meetings of the members, hold elective or appointive office, sign nominating petitions, or sign petitions requesting special meetings.

    Article VI. Board of Directors

    Section 1. Number of members: The board consists of directors, all of whom must be members. By resolution, the board may change the number of directors to an odd number not fewer than 5 or more than 15. The board may not reduce the number of directors unless there is a corresponding vacancy as a result of a death, resignation, expiration of a term of office, or other action provided by these bylaws. The board must file a copy of the resolution covering any increase or decrease in the number of directors with the official copy of the bylaws.

    Section 2. Composition of board and committees:

    Zero director(s) may be a paid employee of the credit union. The board may appoint a management official who may not be a member of the board and one or more assistant management officials who may not be a member of the board. If the board permits the management official or assistant management official(s) to serve on the board, he or she may not serve as the chair.

    Zero immediate family members, or those persons living in the same household, of a director may be a paid employee of the credit union.

    The total number of directors serving who fall into the categories below must not constitute a majority of the board:

    • Management official plus assistant management official(s) plus other employees;
    • Immediate family members or persons in the same household as the management official, assistant management official(s), and other employees; or
    • Management official plus assistant management official(s) plus other employees, plus immediate family members or persons in the same household as management officials, assistant management officials, and other employees.

    Zero committee member(s) may be a paid employee of the

    credit union. Zero immediate family members, or those persons living in the same household, of a committee member(s) may be a paid employee of the creditunion.

    Section 3. Terms of office: Terms for directors are for periods of 2 or 3 years as decided by the board. All terms must be for the same number of years and until the election and qualification of successors. Terms are set and staggered at the first meeting, or when the number of directors changes, so that approximately an equal number of terms expire at each annual meeting.

    Section 4. Vacancies: The directors, by majority vote, will fill any vacancy on the board, credit committee, if applicable, or supervisory committee as soon as possible. If all director positions become vacant at once, the supervisory committee immediately becomes the temporary board of directors and must follow the procedures in Article IX, Section 3. Directors and credit committee members appointed to fill a vacancy hold office only until the next annual meeting. The FCU’s members then vote to selecta candidate to fill the remainder of the original director’s unexpired term. Members of the supervisory committee appointed to fill a vacancy on the supervisory committee hold office through the remainder of the unexpired term.

    Section 5. Regular and special meetings: The board must hold a regular meeting each month at the time and place fixed by resolution. The board must conduct one regular meeting each calendar year in person.

    If a quorum of the board is present at the in-person meeting, the remaining board members may participate by audio or video teleconference. The board may conduct the other regular meetings by audio or video teleconference. The chair, or in the chair’s absence the ranking vice chair, may call a special meeting of the board at any time and must do so upon written request of a majority of the directors. The chair, or in the chair’s absence the ranking vice chair, will fix the time and place of special meetings unless the board directs otherwise. The board will give notice of all meetings in the manner set by resolution. The board may conduct special meetings by audio or video teleconference. The board may take action and vote on resolutions without a meeting. The board must first obtain unanimous consent for the action in writing or by electronically recorded means.

    Section 6. Board responsibilities. The board has the general direction and control of the affairs of this credit union. The board is responsible for performing all the duties customarily done by boards of directors. This includes but is not limited to:

    1. Directing the affairs of the credit union in accordance with the Act, these bylaws, the rules and regulations and sound business practices.
    2. Establishing programs to achieve the purposes of this credit union as stated in Article I, Section 2, of these bylaws.
    3. Establishing lending policies, a loan collection program, and authorizing the charge-off of uncollectible loans.
    4. Establishing policies to address training for directors and volunteer officials in areas such as ethics and fiduciary responsibility, regulatory compliance, and accounting.
    5. Ensuring that staff and volunteers who handle the receipt, payment or custody of money or other property of this credit union; or property in its custody as collateral or otherwise, are properly bonded in accordance with the Act and regulations.
    6. Performing additional acts and exercising additional powers as required or authorized by applicable law and regulation.

    Option 2. Appointed Credit Committee.

          g. Appointing an odd number of credit committee members as provided in Article VIII of these

    Section 7. Quorum: A majority of directors, including any vacant positions, constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting. A majority of the directors holding office constitutes a quorum tofill any vacancies as stated in Section 4 of this article. Less than a quorum may adjourn from time totime until a quorum is in attendance.

    Section 8. Attendance and removal:

    1. If a director or a credit committee member, if applicable, fails to attend regular meetings of the board or credit committee, respectively, for 3 consecutive months, or 4 meetings within a calendar year or otherwise fails to perform any significant duties as a director or a credit committee member, the board may declare the office vacant and fill the vacancy as provided in the bylaws.
    2. The board may remove any board officer from office for failure to perform any significant duties as an officer. Prior to removal, the board must give the officer reasonable notice and an opportunity to respond to the issues.
    3. When any board officer, membership officer, executive committee member or investment committee member is absent, disqualified, or otherwise unable to perform the duties of the office, the board may by resolution designate another member of this credit union to fill the position temporarily. The board may also, by resolution, designate another member or members of this credit union to act on the credit committee when necessary in order to obtain a quorum.

    Section 9. Suspension of supervisory committee members: The board may suspend any member of the supervisory committee by a majority vote. In the event of a suspension, the board must hold a special meeting of the members at least 7 but no more than 14 days after any suspension. The members will decide whether to remove or to restore the suspended committee member of the supervisory committee.

    Article VII. Board Officers, Management Officials and Executive Committee

    Section 1. Board officers: The board elects the following officers from their number: a chair, one or more vice chairs, a financial officer, and a secretary. The board determines the title and rank of each board officer and records them in the addendum to this article. The board may compensate one board officer, the President/CEO, for services as they determine. If the board elects more than one vice chair, the board determines their rank as first vice chair, second vice chair, and so on. The same person may hold the offices of the financial officer and secretary. If the board permits a management official or assistant management official to serve on the board, he or she may not serve as the chair. Unless removed as provided in these bylaws, the board officers elected at the first meeting of the board hold office until the first meeting of the board following the first annual meeting of the members and until the election and qualification of their respective successors.

    Section 2. Election and term of office: The board must hold a meeting not later than 7 days after the annual meeting to elect officers. Board officers hold office for a 1–year term and until the election and qualification of their respective successors. Any person elected to fill a vacancy caused by the death, resignation, or removal of an officer is elected by the board to serve only for the unexpired term of that officer and until a successor is duly elected and qualified.

    Section 3. Duties of Chair: The chair presides at all meetings of the members and at all meetings of the board, unless disqualified through suspension by the supervisory committee. The chair also performs other duties customarily assigned to the office of the chair or duties directed to perform by resolution of the board that are not inconsistent with the Act, regulations, and these bylaws.

    Section 4. Approval required: The board must approve all individuals authorized to sign all notes, checks, drafts, and other orders for disbursement of credit union funds.

    Section 5. Vice chair: The ranking vice chair has and may exercise all the powers, authority, and duties of the chair during the chair’s absence or inability to act.

    Section 6. Duties of financial officer:

    1. The financial officer manages this credit union under the control and direction of the board unless the board has appointed a management official to act as general manager. Subject to limitations, controls and delegations the board may impose, the financial officer will:
      • Have charge over all funds, securities, valuable papers and other assets of this credit
      • Provide and maintain full and complete records of all the assets and liabilities of this credit union in accordance with prescribed law, regulation, and Administration guidance.
      • Within 20 days after the close of each month, prepare and submit to the board a financial statement showing the condition of this credit union as of the end of the month, including a summary of delinquent loans; and post a copy of the statement in a conspicuous place in the office of the credit union where it will remain until replaced by the next month’s financial
    • Ensure that financial and other reports the Administration may require are prepared and
    • Within standards and limitations set by the board, employ sufficient staff to run the credit union, and have the power to remove these employees.
    • Perform other duties customarily assigned to the office of the financial officer or duties assigned by board resolution that are not inconsistent with the Act, regulations, and these bylaws.
      1. The board may employ one or more assistant financial officers, none of whom may also hold office as chair or vice chair. The board may authorize them, under the direction of the financial officer, to perform any of the duties falling to the financial officer, including the signing of Whendesignated by the board, any assistant financial officer may also act as financial officer during the financial officer’s temporary absence or temporary inability to act.

    Section 7. Duties of management official and assistant management official: The board may appoint a management official who is under the direction and control of the board or of the financial officer as determined by the board. The board may assign any or all of the responsibilities of the financial officer described in Section 6 of this article. The board will determine the title and rank of each management official and record them in the addendum to this article. The board may employ one or more assistant management officials. The board may authorize assistant management officials under the direction of the management official, to perform any of the duties falling to the management official, including the signing of checks. When designated by the board, any assistant management official may also act as management official during the management official’s temporary absence or temporary inability to act.

    Section 8. Board powers regarding employees: The board employs, fixes the compensation, and prescribes the duties of employees as necessary, and has the power to remove employees, unless it has delegated these powers to the financial officer or management official. Management does not have the power or duty to employ, prescribe the duties of, or remove necessary clerical and auditing assistance employed or used by the supervisory committee or remove any loan officer appointed by the credit committee.

    Section 9. Duties of secretary: The secretary prepares and maintains full and correct records of all meetings of the members and of the board. The secretary will prepare a record of each respective meeting within 7 days after its completion. The secretary must promptly inform the Administration in writing of any change in the address of the office of this credit union or the location of its principal records. The secretary provides the proper notice of all meetings of the members in the manner prescribed in these bylaws. The secretary also performs other duties as directed by resolution of the board that are not inconsistent with the Act, regulation, and these bylaws. The board may employ one or more assistant secretaries, none of whom may also hold office as chair, vice chair, or financial officer, and may authorize them under direction of the secretary to perform any of the duties assigned to the secretary.

    Section 10. Executive committee: As authorized by the Act, the board may appoint an executive committee of not fewer than three directors to serve at its pleasure, to act for it with respect to the board’s specifically delegated functions. When making delegations to the executive committee, the board must be specific with regard to the committee’s authority and limitations related to the particular delegation. The board may also authorize any of the following to act upon membership applications under conditions the board and these bylaws may prescribe: an executive committee; a membership officer(s) appointed by the board from the membership, other than a board member paid as an officer; the financial officer; any assistant to the paid officer of the board or to the financial officer; or any loan officer. The board may not compensate the executive committee member or membership officer as such.

    Section 11. Investment committee: The board may appoint an investment committee composed of not less than two, to serve at its pleasure to have charge of making investments under rules and procedures established by the board. The board may not compensate any member of the investment committee as such.

    Addendum: The board must list the positions of the board officers and management officials of this credit union. They are as follows:

    Position Credit Union Title

    Board Chair

    President of the Board

    Vice Chair

    Vice President of the Board

    Treasurer

    Treasurer

    Secretary

    Secretary

    Director at Large

    Director at Large

    Other 1

    Chief Executive Officer

    Other 2

    Vice President of Operations

    Other 3

    Marketing and Business Development Director

    Other 4

    Accounting and Member Service Representative Supervisor

    Select Option 1 if the credit union has a credit committee and Option 2 if it does not have a credit committee.

    Article VIII. Option 1 Credit Committee

    Section 1. Credit committee members: The credit committee consists of 3 members. All the members of the credit committee must be members of this credit union. The board determines the number of members on the credit committee, which must be an odd number and may not be fewer than 3 and no more than 7. The board may not reduce the number of members unless there is a corresponding vacancy as a result of a death, resignation, expiration of a term of office, or other action provided by these bylaws. The board must file a copy of the resolution covering any increase or decrease in the number of committee members with the official copy of the bylaws of this credit union.

    Section 2. Terms of office: Regular terms of office for elected credit committee members are for periods of either 2 or 3 years as the board determines. All regular terms are for the same number of years and until the election and qualification of successors. The board will fix the regular terms at the beginning or upon any increase or decrease in the number of committee members so that approximately an equal number of regular terms expire at each annual meeting. The board determines the periods for the regular terms of office for appointed credit committee members and records these periods in the board’s minutes.

    Section 3. Officers of credit committee. The credit committee chooses from their number a chair and a secretary. The secretary of the committee prepares and maintains full and correct records of all actions taken by it. They must prepare those records within 3 days after the action. The same person may hold the offices of the chair and secretary.

    Section 4. Credit committee powers: The credit committee may, by majority vote of its members, appoint one or more loan officers to serve at its pleasure. The committee may delegate to them the power to approve loan applications, share withdrawals, releases and substitutions of security, within limits specified by the committee and within limits of applicable law and regulations.

    The committee may not appoint more than one of its members as a loan officer. Each loan officer must furnish to the committee a record of each approved or not approved transaction within 7 days of the date of the filing of the application or request. This record becomes a part of the committee’s records. The committee must act on all applications or requests not approved by a loan officer. No individual may disburse funds of this credit union for any application or share withdrawal that the individual has approved as a loan officer.

    Section 5. Credit committee meetings: The credit committee must hold at least one meeting a month and as frequently as required to complete the business of this credit union. The committee will give notice of meetings to its members in the manner it prescribes by resolution.

    Section 6. Credit committee duties: For each loan, the credit committee or loan officer must review the character and financial condition of the applicant and their surety, if any. The credit committee or loan officer will ascertain the applicant’s ability to fully and promptly repay the loan. The credit union may use an automated loan processing system to conduct this review, subject to the conditions set forth in Section 7, below. Where appropriate, the credit committee or loan officers should provide, or refer applicants to, financial counseling assistance.

    Section 7. Unapproved loans prohibited: The credit committee must approve all loans. If the credit union uses an automated lending system, the credit committee must review all loan applications the system has denied and review at least a sample of approved loans to screen for fraud and ensure the automated system is functioning within the lending policies the board has established.

    Section 8. Lending procedures: The credit committee, loan officer, or automated system determines the required security, if any, and the terms of repayment for each application. All lending decisions and loan terms must comply with applicable law and regulations, these bylaws, and board policy. The security furnished must be adequate in quality and character as well as consistent with sound lending practices. When the credit union does not have the funds available to make all the loans requested, the credit committee should give preference, in all cases, to the smaller applications if the need and credit factors are nearly equal.

    Article X. Organization Meeting

    Section 1. Initial meeting: When making an application for a federal credit union charter, the subscribers to the organization certificate must meet to elect a board of directors and a credit committee, if applicable. The Agency may revoke the charter for failure to start operations within 60 days after receipt of the approved organization certificate unless the Agency approves an extension of time.

    Section 2. Election of directors and credit committee: The subscribers elect a chair and a secretary for the meeting. The subscribers then elect a board of directors and a credit committee, if applicable. The elected directors or committee members will hold office until the first annual meeting of the members and until the election of their respective successors. Every person elected under this section or appointed under Section 3 of this article, must become a member within 30 days if they are not already. If any person elected as a director or committee member or appointed as a supervisory committee member does not become a member within 30 days of election or appointment, the office will automatically become vacant and be filled by the board.

    Section 3. Election of board officers: Promptly after the elections held under the provisions of Section 2 of this article, the board must meet to elect the board officers. The officers will hold office until the first meeting of the board of directors after the first annual meeting of the members and until the election of their respective successors. The board also appoints a supervisory committee at this meeting as provided in Article IX, Section 1, of these bylaws and a credit committee, if applicable. The appointed members hold office until the first regular meeting of the board after the first annual meeting of the members and until the appointment of their respective successors.

    After five years of operation, the credit union may select the following Article X of the bylaws shall be amended to read as follows:

    Reserved.

    Article XI. Loans and Lines of Credit to Members

    Section 1. Loan purposes: The credit union may make loans to members for provident, business, or productive purposes in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

    Section 2. Delinquency: Any member whose loan is delinquent may be required to pay a late charge as determined by the board of directors.

    Article XII. Dividends

    Section 1. Power of board to declare dividends: The board sets dividend periods and declares dividends as permitted by the Act and applicable law and regulation.

    Article XIII. Reserved

    Article XIV. Expulsion and Withdrawal

    Section 1. Expulsion procedure; expulsion or withdrawal does not affect members’ liability or shares. To expel a member, the credit union must:

    • Call a special meeting of the members;
    • Provide the member the opportunity to be heard; and
    • Obtain a two-thirds vote of the members present at the special

    The credit union may also expel a member under a nonparticipation policy given to each member that follows the requirements found in the Act. Expulsion or withdrawal does not relieve a member of any liability to this credit union. The credit union will pay all of their shares upon their expulsion or withdrawal less any amounts due to this credit union.

    Article XV. Minors

    Section 1. Minors permitted to own shares: The credit union may issue shares in the name of a minor. State law governs the rights of minors to transact business with this credit union.

    Article XVI. General

    Section 1. Compliance with law and regulation: The members, directors, officers, and employees of this credit union must exercise all power, authority, duties, and functions according to the provisions of these bylaws in strict conformity with the provisions of applicable law and regulations, and the credit union’s charter and bylaws.

    Section 2. Confidentiality: The officers, directors, members of committees and employees of this credit union must keep all member transactions and all information respecting their personal affairs in confidence, unless otherwise directed by state or federal law.

    Section 3. Removal of directors and committee members: Notwithstanding any other provisions in these bylaws, any director or committee member of this credit union may be removed from office by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present at a special meeting called for the purpose, but only after an opportunity has been given to be heard. If member votes at a special meeting result in the removal of all directors, the supervisory committee immediately becomes the temporary board of directors and must follow the procedures in Article IX, Section 3.

    Section 4. Conflicts of interest prohibited: No director, committee member, officer, agent, or employee of this credit union may participate in any manner, directly or indirectly, in the consideration or determination of any question affecting his or her pecuniary or personal interest or the pecuniary interest of any corporation, partnership, or association (other than this credit union) in which he or she is directly or indirectly interested.

    If the board receives a matter affecting any director’s interest, the director must withdraw from the consideration or determination of that matter. If the remaining qualified directors present at the meeting plus the disqualified director or directors constitute a quorum, the remaining qualified directors, by majority vote, may exercise with respect to this matter all the powers of the board. In the event of the disqualification of any member of the credit committee, if applicable, or the supervisory committee, that committee member must withdraw from the deliberation or determination.

    Section 5. Records: The board must preserve copies of the organization certificate of this credit union, its bylaws, any amendments to the bylaws, and any special authorizations by the Administration. The board must attach copies of the organization certificate and field of membership amendments as an appendix to these bylaws. The board must record all returns of nominations, elections, and proceedings of all regular and special meetings of the members and directors in the minutes of this credit union. The respective chair or presiding officer and the person serving as secretary of the meeting must sign all minutes of the meetings of the members, the board, and the committees. All copies and records maintained under this section may be stored physically or electronically provided that the information is readily accessible to the directors, committee members of this credit union, members, and the Administration. Moreover, signatures may be provided electronically where permissible under federal or state law.

    Section 6. Availability of credit union records: All books of account and other records of this credit union must be available upon request at all times to the directors, committee members of this credit union, and members provided they have a proper purpose for obtaining the records. If this credit union maintains a website currently or in the future, the board must post the bylaws of this credit union on the website. The board must also make the charter and bylaws of this credit union available for inspection by any member, upon request. If the member requests a copy of the charter or bylaws, the board will provide a copy to the member. The board may provide this copy to the member in physical or electronic copy. If the member requests a physical copy, the board may charge a reasonable fee for the physical copy.

    Section 7. Member contact information: Members must keep the credit union informed of their current mailing address or, if the member has elected to receive electronic communications, their current email address.

    Section 8. Indemnification:

    • Subject to the limitations in § 701.33(c)(5) through (c)(7) of the regulations, the credit union may elect to indemnify to the extent authorized by

     

    [X ] Law of the State of Louisiana:

    [ ] Model Business Corporation Act:

    The following individuals from any liability asserted against them and expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with judicial or administrative proceedings to which they are or may become parties by reason of the performance of their official duties:

    [X ] Current officials.

    [ ] Former officials.

    [X ] Current employees.

    [ ] Former employees.

    The credit union may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of the individuals indicated in paragraph

    (a) of this section against any liability asserted against them and expenses reasonably incurred by them in their official capacities and arising out of the performance of their official duties to the extent such insurance is permitted by the applicable State law or the Model Business Corporation Act.

    • The term “official” in this bylaw means a person who is a member of the board of directors, credit committee, supervisory committee, other volunteer committee (including elected or appointed loan officers or membership officers), established by the board of directors.

    Section 9. Pronouns, Singular and Plural: Unless the context requires otherwise, words denoting the singular may be construed as denoting the plural, words of the plural may be construed as denoting the singular, and words of one gender may be construed as denoting such other gender as is appropriate.

    Article XVII. Amendments of Bylaws and Charter

    Section 1. Amendment procedures: The board may adopt amendments of these bylaws by an affirmative two-thirds vote of the directors. Written NCUA approval is required for the amendment of the bylaws to become effective. After adopting amendments, the credit union will update the bylaws posted on its website (if such credit union maintains a website) and ensure that members seeking to inspect the bylaws receive the most current version of the bylaws. To adopt amendments to the credit union’s charter, board members must vote at a duly held meeting after receiving prior written notice of the meeting and a copy of the proposed amendment or amendments with the notice. Written NCUA approval is required for the amendment to the charter to become effective.

    Article XVIII. Definitions

    Section 1. General definitions: When used in these bylaws the terms: “Act” means the Federal Credit Union Act, as amended. “Administration” means the National Credit Union Administration.

    “Agency” means the Regional Director, the Director of the Office of National Examinations and Supervision, or the Director of the Office of Credit Union Resources and Expansion.

    “Applicable law and regulations” means the Federal Credit Union Act and rules and regulations issued thereunder or other applicable federal and state statutes and rules and regulations issued thereunder as the context indicates.

    “Board” means board of directors of the federal credit union. “Board officers” means:

    1. “Chair” means Presiding Board officer, President of the Board, Presiding Board Officer, or
    2. “Vice Chair” means Vice
    3. “Financial Officer” means
    4. “Secretary” means Recording
    5. “Management Official” means General Manager, Manager, President, or Chief Executive Officer. “Charter” means the approved organization certificate and field of membership issued by the National Credit Union Administration or one of its It is the document that authorizes a group to operate as a credit union, defines the fundamental limits of its operating authority, and includes the persons the credit union is permitted to accept for membership.

    “Field of membership” means the persons (including organizations and other legal entities) a credit union is permitted to accept for membership.

    “Immediate family member” means spouse, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, grandchild, stepparents, stepchildren, stepsiblings, and adoptive relationships.

    “Loans” means any type of loan product the credit union offers. This includes, but is not limited to, consumer loans, lines of credit, credit cards, member business loans, commercial loans, and real estate loans.

    “Management” means the Board, Financial Officer, and Management Official. “Member” means a person must:

    1. Be eligible for membership under Section 5 of the charter;
    2. Sign membership forms as approved by the credit union board;
    3. Subscribe to at least one share (par value) of stock;
    4. Pay the initial installment;
    5. Pay an entrance fee, if required; and
    6. Be eligible to vote upon reaching the minimum age the credit union establishes for voting and participation in the affairs of the credit union.

    “Membership Officer” means a majority of the board of directors, a majority of the members of a duly authorized executive committee, or an individual(s) appointed by the board of directors to serve as such. “NCUA Board” means the Board of the National Credit Union Administration.

    “Person in the same household” means an individual living in the same residence maintaining a single economic unit.

    “Regulation” or “regulations” means rules and regulations issued by the NCUA Board.

    “Share” or “shares” means all classes of shares and share certificates that may be held in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

    Official NCUA Commentary Federal Credit Union Bylaws

    Article II. Qualifications for Membership

    1. Entrance fee: FCUs may not vary the entrance fee among different classes of members (such as students, minors, or non-natural persons) because the Act requires a uniform fee. FCUs may, however, eliminate the entrance fee for all applicants.
    2. Membership application procedures: Under section 113 of the Act,3 the board acts upon applications for However, the board can appoint membership officers from among the members of the credit union. Such membership officers cannot be a paid officer of the board, the financial board officer, any assistant to the paid officer of the board or to the financial officer, or any loan officer. As described under section 2 of this Article, an applicant becomes a member upon approval by a membership officer and payment of at least one share (or installment) and uniform entrance fee, if applicable.

    Violent, belligerent, disruptive, or abusive members: Many credit unions have confronted the issue of handling a violent, belligerent, disruptive, or abusive individual. Doing so is not a simple matter, insofar as it requires the credit union to balance the need to preserve the safety of individual staff, other members, and the integrity of the workplace, on one hand, with the rights of the affected member on the other.

    In accordance with the Act and applicable interpretations by the NCUA’s Office of General Counsel, there is a reasonably wide range within which FCUs may fashion a policy that works in their case. Thus, an individual that has become violent, belligerent, disruptive, or abusive may be prohibited from entering the premises or making telephone contact with the credit union, and the individual may be severely restricted in terms of eligibility for products or services.

    So long as the individual is not barred from exercising the right to vote at annual meetings and is allowed to maintain a regular share account, the FCU may fashion and implement a policy that is reasonably designed to preserve the safety of its employees and the integrity of the workplace.4

    The policy need not be identical nor applied uniformly in all cases—there is room for flexibility and a customized approach to fit the particular circumstances. In fact, the NCUA anticipates that some circumstances, such as violence against another member or credit union staff in the FCU or its surrounding property, an FCU may take immediate action to restrict most, if not all, services to the violent member. In other situations, such as a member that frequently writes checks with insufficient funds, the FCU may attempt to resolve the matter with the member before limiting check writing services. Once adopted, members must receive notice.

    The FCU should disclose the policy to new members when they join and notify existing members of the policy at least 30 days before it becomes effective. The FCU’s board has the option to adopt the optional amendment addressing members in good standing. Examples of violent, belligerent, disruptive, or abusive conduct include, but are not limited to, a member threatening physical harm to employees, a member repeatedly purchasing gifts for or asking tellers on dates, a member repeatedly cursing at employees, and a member threatening to follow a loan officer home for a denying loan.

    FCUs should also make specific note of Article XIV, section 1 of the bylaws, which spells out in detail the procedure required to expel an individual from membership. This procedure is mandated by the Act.5 Furthermore, Article XVI specifies that the credit union, its powers and duties, and the functions of its members, officers and directors, are all strictly circumscribed by law and regulation. The commentary for Article XVI provides more details on members using accounts for unlawful purposes.

    Article III. Shares of Members

    1. Installments: FCUs may insert zero for the number of installments. The Act allows membership upon the payment of the initial installment of a membership share, but the NCUA no longer views this provision as requiring FCUs to offer the option of paying for the membership share in installments.
    2. Par value: FCUs may establish differing par values for different classes of members or types of accounts (such as students, minors, or non-natural persons), provided this action does not violate any federal, state or local antidiscrimination laws. For example, an FCU may want to establish a higher par value for recent credit union members, without requiring long-time members to bring their accounts upto the new par value. A differing par value may also be permissible for different types of accounts, such as requiring a higher par value for a member with only a share draft account.

    If a credit union adopts differing par values, all of the possible par values must be stated in section 1. The FCU Bylaws include several options for differing par values. The credit union may select one or more of these or establish its own.

    • Regular share account: To establish membership, the member must subscribe to one par value of share. The share does not have to be in a regular share account. The bylaws include two options. One option requires the member to have a regular share account to open membership, and one option allows them to use any other account. The board may select which option to use. If the board does not select an option, the member must have a regular share account to open an Please note, if the board selects an account other than the regular share, the requirements of Article III, section 3 still apply. The member must maintain one share to remain a member.

    Reduction in share balance below par value: When a member’s account balance falls below the par value, section 3 of this article requires FCUs to allow members a minimum time period to restore their account balance to the par value before membership is terminated. FCUs may not delete this requirement or delete references to this requirement in Article II, section 3. If the share balance falls below the par value and does not increase the balance within the time set by the board, membership is terminated.

    1. Trusts: Trusts and shares issued in trust can be a complicated For purposes of the FCU Bylaws, perhaps the main issue is the distinction between revocable and irrevocable trusts. In the case ofa revocable trust, the individual who establishes the trust is essentially still in control of the funds during his lifetime. Thus, the account owner can change the designated beneficiary at any time, and he or she can determine whether the identified beneficiary actually receives any money simply by deciding to withdraw the funds before his or her own death. Accordingly, the requirement in the case of revocable trust accounts is simply that the owner of the funds be a member of the FCU. Furthermore, provided the owner of the funds is within the field of membership and eligible for membership, he or she may use the vehicle of the payable-on-death or revocable trust account itself as the method of becoming a member. There is no requirement that the account holder first establish a regular share account to become a member. In accordance with legal opinions issued by the NCUA’s Office of General Counsel, an individual may fulfill the requirement of becoming a member by subscribing to the equivalent of the par value of one share, which can be done through the opening of any type of account the credit union offers.6

    There is no requirement that the beneficiaries be members, since they may never actually come to own the funds or have a right to them. Furthermore, in the case of a revocable trust, since it is essentially indistinguishable from the member, there is no need for the trust to have a separate account number assigned or for it to be viewed as a legal entity separate from the member who set it up.

    In the case of an irrevocable trust, the requirements are somewhat different. Membership requirements here may be met though either the settlor, who is the original owner of the funds, or the beneficiary, who obtains an equitable, beneficial interest in the funds once the trust is established. So long as one or the other is eligible for membership, the credit union may accept the account. Furthermore, as with revocable trusts, the membership obligation can be met through the opening of the trust account itself; it is not required that the beneficiary or the settlor have previously established a separate, regular share account. Most irrevocable trusts have a trustee who has administrative responsibility for the account, and so the credit union will typically deal with the trustee for purposes such as sending monthly statements and year-end tax reporting.

    However, the trustee need not actually be a member of the credit union, and the credit union need not necessarily view the trust account as a separate legal entity, with its own separate tax ID number. Instead, it need only verify and confirm the eligibility of either the settlor or the beneficiary (or all of the settlors or all of the beneficiaries in the case of multiple settlors or beneficiaries) to join the credit union.

    A trust itself, either revocable or irrevocable, may be a member of the credit union in its own right if all parties to the trust, including all settlors, beneficiaries and trustees, are within the field of membership.7 If all parties to the trust are within a credit union’s field of membership, the trust will qualify as “an organization of such persons,” which is a standard clause in FCU fields of membership.

    Article IV. Meetings of Members

    1. Annual and special meetings: FCUs are encouraged to provide a live webcast of annual and special meetings for interested members, and/or post a video of the annual meeting on the FCU’s website. The NCUA Board encourages this policy for FCUs that currently have a website.

    Article V. Elections

    1. Eligibility requirements: The Act and the FCU Bylaws contain the only eligibility requirements for membership on an FCU’s board of directors, which are as follows:
      • The individual must be a member of the FCU before distribution of ballots;
      • The individual cannot have been convicted of a crime involving dishonesty or breach of trust unless the NCUA Board has waived the prohibition for the conviction; and
      • The individual meets the minimum age requirement established under Article V, 7 of the FCU Bylaws.

    Anyone meeting the three eligibility requirements may run for a seat on the board of directors if properly nominated. It is the nominating committee’s duty to ascertain that all nominated candidates, including those nominated by petition, meet the eligibility requirements.

    1. Nomination criteria for nominating committee: The Act and the FCU Bylaws do not prohibit a board of directors from establishing reasonable criteria, in addition to the eligibility requirements, for a nominating committee to follow in making its nominations, such as financial experience, years of membership, or conflict of interest The board’s nomination criteria, however, applies only to individuals nominated by the nominating committee; they cannot be imposed on individuals who meet the eligibility requirements and are properly nominated from the floor or by petition.
    • Candidates’ names on ballots: When producing an election ballot, the FCU’s secretary may order the names of the candidates on the ballot using any method for selection provided it is random and used consistently from year to year so as to avoid manipulation or favoritism.

    Iv. Secret ballots: An FCU must establish an election process that assures members their votes remain confidential and secret from all interested parties. If the election process does not separate the member’s identity from the ballot, FCUs should use a third-party teller that has sole control over completed ballots. If the ballots are designed so that members’ identities remain secret and are not disclosed on the ballot, FCUs may use election tellers from the FCU.

    In any case, FCU employees, officials, and members must not have access to ballots identifying members or to information that links members’ votes to their identities.

    1. Plurality voting: At least one nominee must be nominated for each vacant When there are more nominees than seats open for election, the nominees who receive the greatest number of votes are elected to the vacant seats.
    • Minimum age requirement: The age the board selects may not be greater than eighteen or the age of majority under the state law applicable to the credit union, whichever is lower.
    • Electronic voting: Some members lack digital access or wish to have a choice to vote non-electronically. The FCU Bylaws protect members who cannot or choose not to vote For those members who vote electronically, credit unions have the flexibility to use as many forms of electronic voting (phone, internet, etc.) as they wish.

    Voting methods: Options A1, A2 and A3 provide for in-person voting at the annual meeting, or, for Option A3, by voting machine. Option A4 provides for remote voting by electronic device or mail ballot. The NCUA has approved several bylaw amendments for FCUs that combine in-person and remote options for member voting. The NCUA encourages FCUs using one of the first three options to consider whether they can also incorporate mail ballots or electronic voting. Likewise, the NCUA encourages FCUs using Option A4 to consider whether they can also provide a means to vote for members who come to the annual meeting but have not voted in the election, such as a paper ballot.

    1. Uncontested elections: Options A2, A3 and A4 provide for election by acclamation or consensus when the number of nominees for board positions equals the number of positions to be filled. These options do not permit nominations from the floor at the meeting, so a petition is the only way for members to nominate a candidate not on the nominating committee’s slate. Accordingly, section (1)(c)in each of these options requires the notice to members to include the fact that there are no nominations from the floor at the meeting, as well as a notice that the credit union will not conduct a vote by ballot if the number of nominees equals the number of positions to be filled. The FCU Bylaws do not require a particular procedure for uncontested elections.

    The contents of the notice to members required in section (1)(c) does not alter the basic election procedures the credit union has selected. Should the number of the nominating committee nominees fall below the number of positions to be filled after the member notice is sent, this section does not permit nominations from the floor. Only option A1 permits nominations from the floor.

    1. Nomination procedures: Under all options under this Article, the nominating committee must widely publicize the call for nominations to all members by any medium. This requirement can be satisfied by publicizing the information to a large audience, whether by newsletter, email, or any other satisfactory medium that reaches as many members as possible. The NCUA emphasizes that member participation is important during an election, and FCUs must make sure that members are aware of the nomination

    Article VI. Board of Directors

    1. Vacancies: In accordance with the Act, when a vacancy on the board of directors occurs between annual elections, the remaining directors are to appoint a This replacement will serve as a director until the next annual meeting. The vacancy is then to be filled at the next annual meeting

    through the normal membership voting process, with the newly elected director serving out the remainder of the original term.8 The number of director positions may be changed to any odd number between 5 and 15, inclusive, but a position may not be eliminated if it is currently an occupied position. As the bylaw itself specifies, no reduction in the number of director positions may be made unless there is a corresponding vacancy, caused by death, resignation, expiration of term or other action permissible under the FCU Bylaws. In other words, the FCU may not arbitrarily propose to reduce the number of director positions and terminate one or more incumbent directors.

    1. Director emeritus: As a matter of board policy, the board may establish the position of director emeritus for former directors who faithfully fulfilled their responsibilities as members of the board for at least a specified minimum number of years. The board may determine that director emeritus status confers authority to attend board meetings and to participate in discussions and other board events; however, directors emeritus may not vote on any matter before the board or exercise any official duties of a director. The position is essentially an honorary title designed to recognize and reward the good service of those designated and to retain some of their institutional knowledge for the benefit of the board and the FCU. The decision to establish a director emeritus position, as well as the selection of individuals to become directors emeritus, is solely within the discretion of the board. The board may establish a director emeritus position by adopting either the optional bylaw amendment or a board

    To assist them in providing advice, Directors emeriti have access to confidential information, including but not limited to the credit union’s examination reports and CAMEL ratings, to the same extent as members of the board. Directors emeriti are also subject to the same confidentiality and conflict of interest standards applicable to directors.

    • Associate directors: The board may also establish the position of associate director through board policy. This position is designed to provide qualified individuals with an opportunity to gain exposure to board meetings and discussions but without formal director responsibility or the right to It may be thought of as an apprenticeship position in which the incumbent receives training and knowledge about the business of the board, with the expectation that the experience will prepare him or her for an eventual election to a director position. As with the director emeritus position, the decision to establish an associate director position, as well as the selection of individuals to become associate directors, is solely within the discretion of the board.

    To assist their learning process, the board may determine to permit associate directors to have access to confidential information, including but not limited to the credit union’s examination reports and CAMEL ratings, to the same extent as members of the board. Associate directors are also subject to the same confidentiality and conflict of interest standards applicable to directors.

    1. Composition of the board: The NCUA Board encourages the composition of the board of directors to reflect the field of membership of the FCU.
    2. Notice to members of change in size of board: The NCUA encourages FCUs changing the size of their boards to post a notice of the change on the FCU’s website (if the FCU maintains a website). An FCU is not required to establish and maintain a website solely for this purpose, however. An FCU that does not maintain a website can post such a notice in a conspicuous place in the office of the FCU, such as at the teller window or on the front door of the FCU.

    Article VII. Board Officers, Management Officials and Executive Committee

    1. Board officers: As specified in this bylaw, members of the board are elected by the credit union membership to the board itself. Once on the board, the directors themselves vote to select individuals from among their number to serve as officers of the board (chair, one or more vice chairs, secretary, and financial officer). One board officer may be compensated as such for services he or she performs in that capacity. The offices of financial officer and secretary may be held by the same person.

    Members of the board must hold the vote for the specified officer positions at the first board meeting following the annual meeting of the members. This board meeting should be held not later than seven days after the annual meeting. The Act requires the credit union to file a record of the names and addresses of the executive offices, members of the supervisory committee, credit committee, and loan officers with the Administration within ten days after election or appointment.9 The NCUA’s regulations also require federally insured credit unions to file NCUA Form 4501 or its equivalent within 10 days after an election or appointment of senior management or volunteer officials.10

    Officers hold their respective officer positions for a term of one year, until the first board meeting that follows the next annual meeting of the members. At that board meeting, officer positions are again filled. Each board officer holds his or her position until the election and qualification of his or her successor. Thus, a board officer who is re-elected to the position he or she is currently holding serves for

    another year. Where another director is chosen to fill the position, he or she takes office effective as of the date of the election, assuming he or she is qualified—meaning simply that he or she was properly elected by the membership to the board in the first place and is in good standing as a director.

    As specified in this bylaw, the board chair presides at all board meetings. In the absence of the chair or his or her inability to act, the vice chair presides at the meeting. In the absence or inability to act of both the chair and the vice chair, those directors who are present may select from among their number an individual director to act as temporary chair for that particular meeting. Actions taken by the board under the direction of the temporary chair have the same validity and effect as if taken under the direction of the chair or the vice chair, provided a quorum of the board, including the temporary chair, is present. If the board secretary is absent for any reason from a meeting, the chair (or acting chair) must select another director to fulfill the secretary’s function at the meeting.

    1. Committee Membership: The NCUA encourages FCUs to publicize the names of the members of each FCU committee to FCU FCUs could provide this information either on the FCU’s publicwebsite or to the portion of the website only accessible to members after logging in. The NCUA encourages this policy for FCUs that have a website. An FCU is not required to establish and maintain a website solely for this purpose, however. Providing a short description of the committee’s duties also assists members in better understanding the leadership structure of the FCU.

    Article VIII. Credit Committee or Loan Officers

    Many FCUs now use automated systems for accepting loan applications, loan underwriting, and loan processing, as permitted by several of the NCUA Office of General Counsel’s legal opinions. The bylaws reflect that FCUs may use automated lending systems, as long as the credit committee or a loan officer:

    • reviews the loans the automated system granted for fraud and other purposes; and
    • reviews loans the automated system

    Article IX. Supervisory Committee

    1. Nominations: The Act requires that the FCU’s board appoint the members of the Supervisory Committee. It is permissible for the board to seek nominations from members before making Supervisory Committee appointments.

    Article XIV. Expulsion and Withdrawal

    1. Expulsion procedures: As noted in the commentary to Article II, there is a fairly wide range of measures available to the credit union in responding to abusive or disruptive members. However, in accordance with the Act, there are only two ways a member may be expelled:
      • A two-thirds vote of the membership present at a special meeting called for that purpose, and only after the individual is provided an opportunity to be heard; and
      • for non-participation in the affairs of the credit union, as specified in a policy adopted and enforced by the board.11 Only in-person voting is permitted in conjunction with the special meeting, so that the affected member has an opportunity to present their case and respond to the credit union’s concerns. In addition, FCUs should consider the commentary under Article XVI about members using accounts for unlawful purposes.

    Article XVI. General

    1. Special meeting requirements: To remove a director under section 3 of this Article requires a majority vote of members present at a special meeting called for the purpose of voting on removal. The bylaw requires that the affected director have the “opportunity to be heard.” NCUA interprets this provision as requiring the vote to occur at an in-person meeting rather than by mail ballot. At an in-person meeting, the director subject to the removal vote can make his or her case before the members. The director removal provisions derive from provisions of the Act, as follows:
    • The bylaws govern the conduct of special meetings;12
    • Members must have the opportunity to vote, at a meeting, on the Supervisory Committee’s suspension of a director;13 and
    • FCU members may be expelled by vote of members present at a meeting called for that 14
    1. Unlawful purposes: FCUs expressed concerns that some members may be using their accounts for unlawful Section 1 of this Article specifies that the credit union, its powers and duties, and the functions of its members, officers and directors, are all strictly circumscribed by law and regulation. Insofar as this provision is included in the bylaws, an FCU need not adopt a specific policy or requirement that members conform their use of credit union products or services to lawful purposes. Furthermore, the existence of this bylaw provides ample support should an FCU determine to impose strict limits on products and services available to any individual who is found to be using the FCU in furtherance of unlawful purposes.
    • Posting of bylaws on website: FCUs that maintain a website must post a copy of the FCU’s bylaws on the After adopting amendments, FCUs must post an updated copy of the bylaws. An FCU is not required to establish and maintain a website solely for this purpose, however.

    Footnotes

    1. http://www.ncua.gov/Legal/Pages/BylawByYear.aspx.
    2. 2. 12 S.C. 1758.
    3. 3. See 12 S.C. 1761b.
    4. 4. See OGC No. 08–0431 (Aug. 12, 2008).
    5. 5. 12 S.C. 1764.
    6. See OGC Op. No. 92–0522 (June 15, 1992).
    7. OGC Op. No. 99–1110 (Feb. 25, 2000).
    8. 12 U.S.C. 1761(a).
    9. 12 U.S.C. 1761(b).
    10. 10. 12 CFR 6.
    11. 11. See 12 S.C. 1764.
    12. 12. 12 S.C. 1760.
    13. 13. 12 S.C. 1761d.
    14. 14. 12 S.C. 1764(a).

    Advocate

    advocateOne of the amazing things about the credit union movement is that it is cause related! With so many ways to give of yourself, it is hard to choose what cause to focus your energy on. Here is an easy one. Put your money at a credit union. By making the decision to “bank” with a credit union, you are choosing a local approach to finances. This chose keeps YOUR money in YOUR community, which helps the local economy grow and the Acadiana community flourish. AND because we are a not-for-profit, you and fellow members reap the benefits with lower interest rates, fewer fees, and higher dividends on savings accounts.

    At 705, we are fired up to help you grow financially and make positive decisions for you and your family. We don’t want to keep it quiet! We want to share this with your co-workers, your family members, and your neighbors. Credit unions are often called the best kept secret. Help us change this.

    HOW CAN YOU HELP THE MOVEMENT TO CARRY ON?

    Spread the word. Credit Unions have several grassroots efforts to get the word out about credit unions and to protect the credit union movement. See the ways that you can take an active role in spreading the good news of credit unions.

    CULAC

    The Credit Union Legislative Action Committee’s primary focus is to lobby on behalf of credit unions. CULAC keeps an eye out for bills that CULACcould negatively impact credit unions and their members. Thanks to them we can worry about serving you the best we can, while they focus on protecting credit unions. Many of Section 705 employees donate a portion of their pay check to help them to continue this work.

    Mission: CULAC’s mission is to “provide the opportunity for individuals interested in the future of the credit union movement to contribute to the support of worthy candidates for federal office who believe, and have demonstrated their belief, in the principles to which the industry is dedicated.”

    See which candidates support credit unions BEFORE you vote. Thank you for your support in advance!

    Volunteer

    Still Have Questions? Email Emily or call the credit union at 337-232-8450.