2009 Membership Committee Report
Undergraduate Membership: An increasing number of undergraduate
students attend EB. The creation of an undergraduate membership category was
an attempt to capture this clientele.
Emeritus Membership: The Council approved the tenure requirement for
emeritus membership.
International Membership: The Committee discussed the idea of
offering free or reduced memberships to those living in emerging nations.
The benefits proposed are electronic only but they would be able to register
for the EB meetings with a member rate. The Committee chair will work with
the chair of the APS International Membership Committee to determine what
would be most appropriate in attracting and retaining international members.
Membership Statistics: The membership growth is flat, but the
Committee believes that in light of the current economic climate, the
numbers are actually positive. Secondary appointments in physiology
departments have doubled. Linda Allen (APS) will work with Melinda Lowy,
Administrator for the ACDP, to determine if a list can be obtained so that
it can be checked against the membership list and market APS membership to
the nonmembers.
Student Membership: The Committee suggested to Council that APS
market the importance of membership as a professional development tool,
especially to graduate student members. Many students may not understand the
importance membership and service in a national organization plays in their
careers. APS should also advertise to professors the importance this has
with their students.
Transition from Student to Regular Membership: Currently, in order to
transition from a student member to a regular member, the member must
complete a application for regular membership, including obtaining a
sponsor. The Committee would like to have a more seamless process. The
Committee is recommending that student members be allowed to become regular
members upon graduation without having to complete an application form or
obtain sponsors.
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