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.