DECEMBER 2003

Constitution and Bylaws Committee Update

by Ed Heath, Chair

The committee, comprised of Nilo Azambuja, Paul Britt, Paul English, Tom Ewing, Doug Patchen, Mark Rainer, and me, has been considering four issues to date, and will be proposing amendments to the Constitution & Bylaws for the delegate's consideration. Four items were described in the September issue of The Delegates' Voice that are still under consideration:

1. Member Dues
2. Membership Issues (two)
3. EC Meetings and Votes
4. EC and AC Comments on Issues

The first issue, Member Dues, addresses ceilings on various categories of membership. It is being suggested that Section 3 of Article XIII, be revised to place a ceiling of $125 on Active members, Emeritus $62.50, Student $10, and Associate $125. The fiscal year dues for 2004-05 have been raised $3 to $75, which is our current ceiling. What is anticipated are gradual increases of $2-$4 every 2-3 years.

Concerning the first of two membership issues, consideration is underway to revise the number of required AAPG references from three (3) to two (2), plus one (1) non-AAPG reference. The second membership issue involves time limitations on student members, which currently limit undergraduates to six (6) years and graduates to four (4) years before automatically becoming (Junior) Associate members. The Junior membership classification was terminated 5/17/03. It is being recommended that terms for Student membership be dropped, and replaced with That students who join while either undergraduates or graduates will be required to become Associate members upon termination of academic enrollment.

Concerning EC Meetings and Votes, it is suggested that the following be added to Section 3 of Article III; Meetings may be conducted by conference calls, e-mail, FAX, or other electronic means. Topics discussed, votes taken, and any other items of business will be recorded and resulting minutes reviewed for approval at the next formal Executive Committee meeting. Discussions involving grievance proceedings and appeals, personnel matters and other business of a sensitive nature will be restricted to formal Committee meetings. This is an attempt to permit the EC to conduct the Association's business effectively and legally.

The fourth issue, EC and AC Comments on Issues, is simply a formality of replacing the word may with shall in paragraph (c) of Section 2 of Article XIV. The Committee seeks the advice of delegates to the House, the EC, the AC and headquarters staff on these and other issues that might arise. Let us know your thoughts.