Committee Report
Constitution and Bylaws
As Chair of the HoD Constitution and Bylaws Committee, I am pleased to present the following members of the committee and the proposed Bylaw changes:
- Terry Hollrah, Chair
- H.W. “Dub” Peace
- David Farmer
- Peter Lloyd
- Pat Gordon
- Dwight “Clint” Moore
- Paul Hoffman.
There will be at least two requested Bylaws changes put forth as a resolution from the previous Executive Committee. The changes are recommended as a result of suggestions made during the “new business” session of our last annual Delegates meeting in San Antonio, Texas. They pertain to:
Article I. Membership, Section 3. Active members
The proposed additions are shown in Italics, and the proposed deletions are shown with strikethrough
The first requested change expands and defines the term “geological sciences” to be more inclusive and will be useful to both applicants for membership and delegates who screen member applications.
Any person engaged in the practice or teaching of geology may apply for Active membership, provided the applicant holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctor’s Degree in geological sciences, including, but not limited to geology, geophysics, earth science, geological engineering or environmental geology from a college of acceptable academic standards…
The second requested change eliminates the experience requirement for Active membership and endorses the recommendation of the 2007-08 HoD leadership. A presumption is made that any “geoscientist” gainfully employed has experience, or is gaining experience through on-the-job-training, and would not otherwise be employed if not deemed qualified and competent by their employer.
…and, in addition, has had three (3) years of experience in the practice or teaching of geology. Credit for experience can be counted as follows: Master’s Degree-one (1) year; Doctor’s Degree-two (2) years. The Executive Committee may waive degree or current professional activity requirements if in its judgment an applicant has adequate professional experience and has attained standing in the profession.
The two proposals will be considered as separate recommendations.
Article XIII. DUES. SECTION 3. Dues Scheduling and Billing
This requested change will have to be considered if the experience requirement in Article I. Section 3. is deleted by House vote at our annual meeting. The additional comment regarding the dues payment of $20.00 firmly establishes that amount as the minimum dues cost for the Associate level.
(d) An Associate who has completed the degree requirements, but not the experience requirements, for Active membership shall pay one-half of the regular Active membership dues, but in no event less than $20.00, for not more than four (4) years while not having satisfied such experience requirements and shall pay regular Associate dues thereafter while an Associate.