Secretary's Report Apr 97

The Winter meeting of SIOP's Executive Committee and Committee Chairs was held February 8th and 9th, 1997. Some highlights of the topics discussed and the resulting decisions include:

The Executive Committee approved the investment of a portion of SIOP's assets in a balanced portfolio of mutual funds. The invested funds will represent only a portion of SIOP's total assets, and will be limited to an amount that can be safely invested for the long term.

Bill Howell and Diane Schneider reported that the complete draft of the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing will be available for comment in March, 1997.

Cathy Higgs reviewed the status of the Ethical Practice of Psychology in Organizations edited by Rod Lowman. The volume has been completed and is currently under review.

Publication of the Frontiers Series will be moved to New Lexington Press, the new scholarly imprint within Jossey-Bass. The series should benefit through increased editorial and marketing support.

Tim Judge, APA Program Chair, reported that Laura Koppes and Frank Landy will be giving presentations at the APA Convention in Chicago on topics related to the history of psychology.

The Executive Committee approved a motion to form a task force charged to address issues of visibility in our profession. Nancy Tippins has been spearheading an effort targeted at identifying the critical issues and developing corresponding strategies. The Executive Committee also approved the appointment of a Foundation Committee charged with designing and implementing procedures for establishing new awards and recognition funds. The Committee will also have the responsibility for designing and implementing plans to provide information to the membership concerning the Foundation.

The Frontiers Series, Professional Practice Series, and Conference Planning Committees were re-authorized for a period of 5 years.
The Executive Committee approved a motion authorizing the Conference Planning Committee to proceed with negotiations to hold the annual conference in Chicago in 2004.

Two new SIOP awards honoring Bill Owens and M. Scott Myers will be highlighted at the upcoming conference. Look for more details in the conference program and this issue of TIP.

The 1997 Conference Program is available on the SIOP homepage. The report authored by David Kravitz and a subcommittee of the Scientific Affairs Committee, A Review of Psychological and Behavioral Research on Affirmative Action, is also available on the homepage.

As always, if you have a question or comment, please don't hesitate to contact either me or any other member of the Executive Committee.