2003 Membership Committee Report
2002 has been a very successful year in terms of recruitment of new members. From April 2002 to April 2003 a total of 917 regular members have been approved (approximately 9% increase over the previous year). Of the new members there was an increase in male members by 5.7%, and a greater increase in female members by 19%, suggesting that our recruiting efforts have been successful in attracting more female members. Among respondents, there was a significant increase in Asian (190%), Hispanic (157%), Black (176%), and American Indian members (300%), indicating that the society is reaching more members of all different racial backgrounds and heritage. The Society has also been very successful in attracting members of various age groups. In the last year, there was a 6.9% increase in members 60 years of age or older. Interestingly, there was 15.7% increase in members 20 to 29 years of age, indicating that the society has been very successful in attracting young members. The vast majority of members hold the PhD and/or MD; however, members with other degrees such as DVM, DM, MBBS, MSc, MA, and EdD are also represented. The new members represent a good cross-section of all academic positions and ranks including Professors, Research Scientists, Postdoctoral Fellows, and Research Fellows, as well as Chairpersons, Vice Presidents, Associate Deans, and Teachers.
The Membership Committee met in San Diego, CA at the April EB �03 meeting. The primary topic of discussion at the meeting was how the Committee might best serve the Society in light of duties that go beyond approval of membership applications. The Committee reviewed the membership application approval process to determine if any adjustments were necessary. It was agreed that the current mechanism is working well. The APS Council has previously accepted a recommendation put forth by the Membership Committee that the APS staff be allowed to approve all straight-forward membership applications and that final approval be granted via a Council email ballot on a monthly basis. This procedure has greatly expedited the membership application review and approval process.
One of the issues raised at the meeting was related to the qualifications of the applicants, particularly with regard to whether it is necessary for regular members to hold an advanced degree. Some applicants do not have an advanced degree, but have significant research experience and several publications in peer-reviewed journals. It was suggested to continue the policy of "having an advanced degree" as a requirement for regular membership. Applicants that do not hold an advanced degree, but have significant research experience may be considered as affiliate members or members under special consideration.
During the Committee meeting, Martin Frank raised an important point regarding student members and how to retain them as regular members of APS. Under the current policy, students have a free membership for the first year, but are then asked to pay $15 membership dues from year two onward. Data suggest that students accept the first year free membership, but do not maintain their membership afterwards. It was suggested that further data analysis might be needed to determine whether there is a certain demographic pattern for the students' decision not to maintain their membership. It was also suggested that a letter be written to the chairpersons to encourage them to take a more active role in informing the students of the advantages of maintaining their membership at APS.
Two points were raised regarding the membership dues. First, it was suggested to make sure that members receive several mailing notices for the annual dues before considering ending their membership. Some members may not have the time to respond promptly. Others may not have the financial resources at the time of the first notice, but may reconsider during the following notices. In relation to this point, it was suggested that members be allowed to pay the annual dues three years in advance, using the same practice already adopted by other societies such as the American Heart Association.
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The meeting then focused on mechanisms that can be implemented to increase member involvement/retention. Below is an outline of the ideas discussed:
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Contact Chairs of Departments of Physiology at least once a year and give them a status report on APS membership and ask for their assistance in promoting the benefits of membership.
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Initiate and maintain contact with minority colleges to enhance the recruitment and the involvement of underrepresented groups in APS activities.
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Provide links on the APS web site to grants that are available for postdocs (the Society for Developmental Biology web site as an example).
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It is agreed that membership benefits provide the greatest incentive for membership. While member benefits have been increased (such as the online library of journals and free color prints) the Committee would like to see APS provide incentives for members 25 years or longer.
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Allow members to vote online.
In summary, this is a time of change for the Membership Committee. The duties related to review of applications has been streamlined, freeing up time for the Committee to focus on other important goals, especially those related to recruitment and retention. On behalf of the Committee members, I would like to say that we continue these important duties with great enthusiasm.
Raouf A. Khalil, Chair