What is I-O?

Still in its infancy, the Ad Hoc Committee on Relations with APA and APS was busy this past year submitting a record-setting number of SIOP nominations to the governing groups of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Psychological Society (APS). The ad hoc committee was formally approved by the SIOP Executive Committee during the spring meeting in April 2000, and members were appointed later that summer. Membership is comprised of a chair who has expertise on the APA or APS processes, the APA Council Representatives, 45 SIOP members who are currently on APA or APS committees or boards, 12 additional experts on APA or APS processes, and the president, past-president, and president-elect of SIOP (ex officio). 

Nominations to APA and APS Governance

The general goal of this ad hoc committee is to coordinate with APA and APS representatives, conference chairs and committee chairs to explore areas of mutual interest, and capitalize on the synergies of different areas around common issues of research and/or practice. One of the specific tasks necessary to meet this goal is to increase the level of involvement of SIOP members on the various boards, committees, and task forces that govern the associations. Mind you, this is no easy task. Most of the boards and committees have specific slates to be filled that they anticipate will meet their upcoming expertise needs, and they receive nominations from dozens of divisions, other governing groups, and individuals throughout the association. It is very competitive. It is quite common for someone to be nominated to a particular group multiple times across many years before being appointed to a board or committee. And, of course, it is important to note that there are many who may continue to wait indefinitely. Nevertheless, the ad hoc committee intends to work with the current SIOP president on an ongoing basis to increase the number of names submitted for the various groups, and we will celebrate every appointment.

Here is where I enlist your help to self-identify your interest as a potential nominee to an APA or APS governing group. As you know, much of the work of these professional organizations is done on a volunteer basis by the members of the boards and committees. The committees carry out a wide variety of tasks as indicated by some of their titles: ethics, membership, convention, and so forth. Some boards and committees have specific responsibility for monitoring major programs such as the directorates, the journals, and international affairs. In the course of their work, committees often generate proposals for new policy or new activities, particularly at APA. Ordinarily, these proposals are submitted for review by the Board of Directors and referred by the Board to the Council for final determination. It is important that I-O psychologists have their voices heard in the development and approval of such policies and new activities. Therefore, involvement and participation in our professional organizations is key.

On the opposite page, I have listed the names of the APA and APS governing groups. Descriptions of the APA boards and committees, as well as current rosters, can be found on the APA Web site at www.apa.org/governance.rules/ and www.apa.org/governance/bdcmte00/, respectively. Typically, individuals new to the governance system gain entry by becoming candidates for the continuing committees; whereas, those individuals with considerable experience in governance are stronger candidates for the standing boards and committees. Descriptions of the APS committees can be found on the APS Web site at www.psychologicalscience.org/aboutaps/bylaws.html.

The SIOP Ad Hoc Committee on Relations with APA and APS would like to create a database of names that we can use as a resource for future nominations. To be considered in the next round of potential nominations, we must have your information by January 1, 2002. If you are interested in having your name included in this database, please send the following information via mail, e-mail, or fax to Heather Fox, Psychology Department, Towson University, 8000 York Rd., Towson, MD 21252; hfox@towson.edu; fax (410) 704-3588. 

• Name, Job Title, Affiliation
• Office Address, Phone, E-mail
• Highest Degree, Year Granted, Institution
• Membership Status in SIOP, APA and/or APS (Associate, Member, Fellow, International Affiliate, Student Affiliate)
• Committee Preference (list up to fivemake sure to identify if they are APA or APS)
• Prior APA/APS Service (list board or committee and years served)
• Areas of expertise (list up to five)

APA Standing Boards and Committees

(Standing boards and committees are established by the APA Bylaws and report to Council through the Board of Directors) 

Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest
Board of Convention Affairs
Board of Educational Affairs
Board of Professional Affairs
Board of Scientific Affairs
Publications and Communications Board
Election Committee
Ethics Committee
Finance Committee
Membership Committee

APA Continuing Committees

(Continuing committees are established by the Council of Representatives and are described in the Association Rules)

Agenda Planning Group
College of Professional Psychology
Commission for the Recognition of Specialties and Proficiencies in Professional Psychology
Committee for the Advancement of Professional Practice
Committee for the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students
Committee on Accreditation
Committee on Aging
Committee on Animal Research and Ethics
Committee on Children, Youth, and Families
Committee on Disability Issues in Psychology
Committee on Division/APA Relations
Committee on Ethnic Minority Affairs
Committee on International Relations in Psychology
Committee on Legal Issues
Committee on Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Concerns
Committee on Professional Practice and Standards
Committee on Psychological Tests and Assessment
Committee on Rural Health
Committee on Scientific Awards
Committee on Urban Initiatives
Committee on Women in Psychology
Continuing Professional Education Committee
Education and Training Awards Committee
Investment Committee
Teachers of Psychology in the Secondary Schools

APS Standing Boards and Committees

(Standing committees are provided by the APS Bylaws and special committees that may be established by the Board of Directors)

Awards Committee
Convention Committee
Elections Committee
Finance Committee
Membership Committee
Publications Committee