ASIH Procedures Manual, draft v4.1

I. Introduction *
A. Title *

II. Procedures Manual *

A. Contents *

B. Charge to LRPP Committee *

C. Implementation, Use and Amendment of ASIH Procedures Manual *

1. Implementation and Amendment *

2. Use: Abbreviations and Terms *

D. ASIH Constitution *

1. Name of Society *

2. Officers *

3. Board of Governors *

4. Annual Meeting *

5. SE Division *

6. Quorum *

7. Changes in Constitution *

E. ASIH Bylaws *

1. Dues *

2. President *

3. Secretary *

4. Treasurer *

5. Editorial Offices *

6. Editorial Board *

7. Meetings *

8. Committees *

9. Nominating Committee *

10. Long Range Planning and Policy Committee *

11. Endowment and Finance Committee *

12. Funds *

13. Restrictions *

14. Honorary Foreign Members *

15. Bound Sets *

16. Committees *

17. Procedures *

III. Officers *

A. ECOL Ecology and Ethology Editor *

1. History of Office *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Description of Functions *

B. EDIT Editor *

1. History of Office *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Description of Functions *

C. GENE Genetics, Development and Morphology Editor *

1. History of Office *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Description of Functions *

D. GHER General Herpetology Editor *

1. History of Office *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Description of Functions *

E. GICH General Ichthyology Editor *

1. History of Office *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Description of Functions *

F. INDE Index Editor *

1. History of Office *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Operations of the Office of INDE *

G. PHYS Physiology and Physiological Ecology Editor *

1. History of Office *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Description of Functions *

H. PPRE Past President *

1. History of Office *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Functions *

I. PREE President-Elect *

1. History of Office *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Duties *

J. PRES President *

1. History of Office *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Description of Functions *

4. Operations of the Office of PRES *

K. REVH Book Review Editor: Herpetology *

1. History of Office *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Description of Functions *

L. REVI Book Review Editor: Ichthyology *

1. History of Office *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Description of Functions *

M. SECR Secretary *

1. History of Office *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Description of Functions *

N. TREA Treasurer *

1. History of Office *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Description of Functions *

O. Support of Society Officers / Office Functions *

1. Support of Section Editors *

2. Support of President *

3. Support of Secretary *

4. Support of Other ASIH Officers *

5. Support of Society Representatives *

6. Support for Graduate Student Attendance at Meetings *

7. Support of RHGC Activities *

P. Southeastern Division *

1. History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Description *

IV. Standing Committees *

A. Definition *

B. Appointment and Tenure: General Features *

1. Bylaws *

C. ANBM Annual Business Meeting *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the ANBM *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

D. BOFG Board of Governors *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the BOFG *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

E. EDBD Editorial Board *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the EDBD *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

F. EDPC Editorial Policy Committee *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the EDPC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

G. ENFC Endowment and Finance Committee *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the ENFC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

H. EXEC Executive Committee *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the EXEC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

I. GFAC Gaige Fund Award Committee *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the GFAC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

J. GSPC Committee on Graduate Student Participation *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the GSPC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

K. LOCL Local Committee for the Annual Meeting *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the LOCL *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

L. LRPP Long Range Planning and Policy Committee *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the LRPP *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

M. NOMC Nominating Committee *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the NOMC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

N. RFAC Raney Fund Award Committee *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the RFAC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

O. RHGC Robert H. Gibbs, Jr., Memorial Award Committee *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the RHGC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

P. STAC Student Awards Committee *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the STAC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

Q. TPPC Time Place and Program Committee *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the TPPC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

V. Continuing Committees *

A. Definition *

B. Appointment and Tenure: General Features *

1. Bylaws *

C. AASR Representative to the AAAS *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the AASR *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

D. ABSR Representative to ABS *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to ABSR *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

E. AESR Representative to AES *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the AESR *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

F. AFSR Representative to AFS *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the AFSR *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

G. ASCR Representative to ASC *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the ASCR *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

H. ELHR Representative to AFS-ELHS *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the ELHR *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

I. ENQC Environmental Quality Committee *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the ENQC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

J. EPPC Equal Participation Committee *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the EPPC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

K. HFMH New Foreign Member (Herpetology) *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the HFMH *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

L. HFMI New Foreign Member (Ichthyology) *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the HFMI *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

M. HSOC Representative to SSAR and HL *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the HSOC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

N. IHCC Ichthyological & Herpetological Collections *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the IHCC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

O. IUCN Representative to IUCN *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the IUCN *

5. Calendar *

P. NFJC Joint ASIH-AFS Committee on Names of Fishes *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the NFJC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

Q. PNHC Representative to SPNHC *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the PNHC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

R. SPUC Committee on Special Publications *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the SPUC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

S. RESC Resolutions Committee *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Charge to the RESC *

4. Ancillary Documents *

VI. Recurring Committees *

A. Definition *

B. Appointment and Tenure: General Features *

1. Bylaws *

C. CHEP Careers in Herpetology *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the CHEP *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

D. CHIP Careers in Ichthyology *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Composition *

4. Charge to the CHIP *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

E. HACC Herpetological Animal Care *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the HACC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

F. HINC Herpetological Information Coordinator *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Composition *

4. Charge to the HINC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

G. HIST Society Historian *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the HIST *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

H. IACC Ichthyological Animal Care *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the IACC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

I. IINC Ichthyological Information Coordinator *

1. Description and History *

2. Constitutional Mandate *

3. Committee Appointment and Tenure *

4. Charge to the IINC *

5. Calendar *

6. Ancillary Document(s) *

VII. Special Purpose Committees *

A. Definition *

B. Appointment and Tenure: General Features *

1. Bylaws *

C. Recent Special Purpose Committees *

VIII. Directory of Current Society Officers and Committees *

A. Officers *

B. Standing Committees *

C. Continuing Committees *

D. Recurring Committees *

IX. Appendices and Ancillary Documents *

A. ASIH Mission and Goals for the 21rst Century (ENFC) *

1. Mission Statement The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists is dedicated to *

1. the scientific study of fishes, amphibians and reptiles. The primary emphases of the Society are to increase knowledge about these organisms, to disseminate that knowledge through publications, conferences, symposia, and other means, and to encourage and support young scientists who will make future advances in these fields. The programs of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists are part of a global effort to interpret, understand, and conserve the Earth's natural diversity and to contribute to the wise use of natural resources for the long-term benefit of humankind. *

2. Beginnings In 1913 John Treadwell Nichols, perceiving the need for a publication devoted to scientific papers on fishes, amphibians and reptiles, established the journal COPEIA, named in honor of one of the most distinguished American scientists of the 19th Century, Edward Drinker Cope. The first COPEIA was four pages in length and contained five short articles. It and the next 124 issues were financed by Nichols from personal funds. Slightly over two years later Nichols, Henry W. Fowler and Dwight Franklin at a meeting in New York City created the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH.) to increase communication among ichthyologists and herpetologists and to oversee editing of COPEIA. Inspired by Nichols' vision, the infant Society gradually increased in size and influence. By 1923 ASIH had a membership approaching 50, while COPEIA, then issued as 10 or 12 individual numbers per year, ran to a total of 120 pages. In 1924 ASIH assumed the responsibility for editing and publishing COPEIA to make it the official organ of the Society. From these modest beginnings ASIH has become the premier organization dedicated to the scientific study of fishes, amphibians and reptiles, and their conservation and role in the environment. Similarly COPEIA is internationally recognized as one of the most prestigious scientific journals of its kind. *

3. ASIH Programs *

B. TPPC Guide to Hosting An ASIH Annual Meeting *

C. EDIT Manual for the Conduct of the COPEIA Editorial Sections *

1. Charge to Divisional Editors *

D. RESC Review of the ASIH Monograph Series *

1. History *

2. Resolution *

E. SPUC Guidelines on Special Publications of ASIH *

1. Introduction *

2. Guidelines on Special Publications *

F. STAC Manual for The Student Awards Committee *

1. Need for A Revised Manual *

2. Collected Materials for Possible Use in Manual *

3. Description of Activities of Chair of STAC from a Recent Incumbent *

G. LOCL, STAC Announcement of Student ASIH Awards *

1. Stoye and Storer Awards Eligibility and Judging *

H. Career Pamphlets *

1. CHEP Careers in Herpetology Pamphlet *

2. CHIP Careers in Ichthyology Pamphlet *

I. HIST History of ASIH Through 1982 *

1. Citation *

2. Introduction *

3. Chronology *

J. Recommendations on Use and Care of Animals in Research *

1. HACC Herpetological Animal Care *

2. IACC Ichthyological Animal Care *

X. Items for Discussion by LRPP, EXEC & BOFG *

A. Sunset Rule for Rules *

B. Implications of Recent Constitutional / Bylaws Changes *

1. RE: Treasurer An Ex officio Member of ENFC *

2. RE: Circulation of Proposed Amendments *

3. RE: Change in Committee Category for Two Committees *

C. Succession to BOFG Membership *

D. Henry Fitch Award Committee *

E. Established Award Committees *

1. RE: Continuity, Composition of Award Committees (STAC, GFAC, RFAC) *

2. RE: Stoye Award Conservation Biology Category *

3. RE: Minimum Award Competition Criteria *

4. RE: Number and Size of Raney Awards *

5. RE: Support of RHGC Activities *

F. ASIH Representatives to Other Societies *

1. Support of Society Representatives *

2. Comments on ASIH Representative to AAAS (AASR) *

G. Proposed Resolutions of the Society: Various Sources *

1. RE: Substantive Resolutions *

2. RE: Floating Quorum *

3. RE: Late Fee Charge *

4. RE: Simultaneous Nomination *

5. RE: New Spending Initiatives *

6. RE: Honorary Foreign Members - Invitation to Plenary Session *

7. RE: Appointment of STAC Chair *

8. RE: New Manuals Needed for TPPC / STAC *

9. RE: Need for Review of Guidelines on Special Publications *

H. Changes in Bylaws *

1. Membership of Editor on SPUC *

XI. Index *

Introduction

Title

ASIH PROCEDURES MANUAL

Title Page

American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists

Guidelines and Procedures for the Conduct of Society Business

Promulgated By Direction of the ASIH Executive Committee

Compiled by the Long Range Planning and Policy Committee

May 1, 1998

Draft 4.0

Procedures Manual

Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction

Charge to LRPP

Purpose of This Document

Implementation, Use and Amendment of Procedures Manual

Mission Statement

ASIH Constitution

ASIH Bylaws

Officers

Definition

ECOL: Ecology and Ethology Editor

EDIT: Editor

GENE: Genetics, Development and Morphology Editor

GHER: General Herpetology Editor

GICH: General Ichthyology Editor

INDE: Index Editor, Co-Editor

PHYS: Physiology and Physiological Ecology Editor

PPRE: Past-President

PREE: President-Elect

PRES: President

REVH: Book Review Editor - Herpetology

REVI: Book Review Editor - Ichthyology

SECR: Secretary

TREA: Treasurer

Standing Committees

Definition

ANBM: Annual Business Meeting

BOFG: Board of Governors

EDBD: Editorial Board

EDPC: Editorial Policy Committee (includes PUPC, Publications Policy Committee)

ENFC: Endowment and Finance Committee

EXEC: Executive Committee

GFAC: Gaige Fund Award Committee

GSPC: Committee on Graduate Student Participation

LOCL: Local Committee(s)

LRPP: Long Range Planning and Policy Committee

NOMC: Nominating Committee

RFAC: Raney Fund Award Committee

RHGC: Robert H. Gibbs, Jr., Memorial Award Committee

STAC: Student Awards Committee

TPPC: Time, Place and Program Committee

Continuing Committees

Definition

AASR: Representative to the American Association for the Advancement of Science

ABSR: Representative to the Animal Behavior Society

AESR: Representative to the American Elasmobranch Society

AFSR: Representative to the American Fisheries Society

ASCR: Representative to the Association of Systematics Collections

ELHR: Representative to the Early Life History Section of the American Fisheries

Society

ENQC: Environmental Quality Committee

EPPC: Equal Participation Committee

HFMH: Committee to Nominate a New Honorary Foreign Member

(Herpetology)

HFMI: Committee to Nominate a New Honorary Foreign Member

(Ichthyology)

HSOC: Representative to the SSAR and HL

IHCC: Ichthyological and Herpetological Collections

Committee

IUCN: Representative to the International Union

for the Conservation of Nature

NFJC: Joint ASIH-AFS Committee on Names of Fishes

PNHC: Representative to the Society for the

Preservation of Natural History Collections

SPUC: Committee on Special Publications

RESC: Resolutions Committee

Recurring Committees

Definition

CHEP: Committee to Revise the Careers in Herpetology Pamphlet

CHIP: Committee to Revise the Careers in Ichthyology Pamphlet

HACC: Committee to Revise the Herpetological Animal Care Leaflet

HINC: Herpetological Information Coordinator

HIST: Society Historian

IACC: Committee to Revise the Ichthyological Animal Care Leaflet

IINC: Ichthyological Information Coordinator

Southeastern Division of ASIH

SEPR: President, Southeastern Division

SEST: Secretary-Treasurer, Southeastern Division

SEVP: Vice-President, Southeastern Division

Charge to LRPP Committee

The Executive Committee of ASIH charged the Long Range Planning and Policy Committee to develop an ASIH Policy and Procedures Manual that will clearly outline the responsibilities of each officer and committee in the Society and provide detailed information on term of appointments and operating procedures. Although the Constitution and By-laws define the officers, Board of Governors, and (in part) the standing committee structure of the Society, the specifics relating to duties, timing of transitions of office and function exists largely as oral tradition. Whereas this has worked fairly well in the past, the Society and its volunteer bureaucracy have grown sufficiently large that it is now appropriate to establish a written procedure statement.

This document shall address these specific issues:

For all ASIH committees, to develop a statement that clearly outlines the purposes of each committee, operating procedures and specific time lines.

For all ASIH officers, to develop a statement that clearly outlines operating procedures and specific time lines for their office.

To develop a synoptic history of constitutional and bylaws changes in the last 20 years related to duties and timing of actions of officers and committees. (Unless otherwise stated, any historical review in this document extends to 1980 but not before).

To develop a detailed recommendation on terms of officers and committee members and the timing of transitions functions relevant to the calendar year, the Society fiscal year, and the annual meeting.

To review the committee structure of ASIH and as appropriate make recommendations for change, including the consideration of "sunset" rules for ad hoc committees.

To develop a detailed recommendation to the Executive Committee on matters that should be handled as they occur vs. matters that should await BOFG consideration

We expect this document to be evolutionary, as Society functions change to reflect circumstances, opportunities and technologies. Therefore we, and future, members of LRPP will continue to depend upon suggestions from all members to make this Manual most useful.

Submitted for the Long Range Planning and Policy Committee by

Robert Karl Johnson

Grice Marine Laboratory

University of Charleston, SC

205 Fort Johnson Road

Charleston, SC 29412

Telephone: 843-406-4017

Fax: 843-406-4001

Email: johnsonr@cofc.edu

Members of the Long Range Planning and Policy Committee:

Larry G. Allen (1996-1999)

Kassi Cole (1998-2000)

Maureen A. Donnelly (1998-2000)

David Greenfield (1998-2000)

Robert K. Johnson (1995-1998, Chair)

Deanna J. Stouder (1995-1998)

Joseph Travis (1995-1998)

Implementation, Use and Amendment of ASIH Procedures Manual

Implementation and Amendment

The approval of this Manual shall be by majority vote of EXEC and the BOFG. If approved, the Manual shall go into effect six months after the date of approval.

The Manual includes three classes of items:

(1) Procedures and policies mandated by the ASIH Constitution and/or Bylaws. An attempt has been made to clearly identify policies that are established as "code" and therefore binding.

(2) Procedures and policies that have been adopted as standard operating procedure by the various cognizant ASIH officers and committees, by the Executive Committee, and/or the Board of Governors, but which are not explicitly mandated by the Constitution or Bylaws. If the manual is approved, the bulk of the manual falls into this category.

(3) Procedures and policies that are presented as recommendations, not code, but for the most part reflect current and often long-standing practice. An attempt has been made to clearly identify procedures that are to be regarded as recommendations. Any officer or committee may choose to act in a manner different from that recommended but it is strongly suggested that contact be made with the SECR if this involves substantive departure. In most cases the SECR will alert EXEC of the proposed variance. Clearly any action on behalf of ASIH is ultimately subject to review by the BOFG.

This Manual may be amended by recommendation of any officer or committee subject to review by EXEC and approval by simple majority vote of BOFG. Amendments may also be initiated by individual members through the EXEC and BOFG review and approval process. Minor editorial changes not involving changed meaning or added function require only approval by EXEC or the SECR. A record of such changes shall be accumulated by the SECR and made available to the BOFG for review.

Once approved, maintenance and emendation of the Manual are charged to the SECR. It is anticipated that current "hard" copy will be maintained by the SECR and by the Chair of the LRPP. It is recommended that a current electronic copy be maintained by the SECR on the ASIH website for access by all interested persons.

Sunset Rule for Rules: Six months after the adoption of this Manual by the BOFG, should such adoption occur, any previously adopted resolution or rule or procedure not treated in or at variance with this Manual shall be null and void. Resurrection after the six month period shall be treated as consideration of a new proposal. This "Sunset Rule" does not apply to items specified in the Constitution or Bylaws of the Society. The purpose of this "Sunset Rule" is to ameliorate debate over priority for "rules" that may best be treated as "leges oblita". During the six month period any individual member may forward to EXEC items for possible inclusion or revision in the Manual. Items not approved for inclusion by EXEC on this basis shall be treated as new proposals if the sender so wishes, and will be subject to the normal approval process. Please note that this is not a backdoor route for new items or for substitution for established procedure, only items that have received documented BOFG approval will be considered.

Use: Abbreviations and Terms

Use of abbreviations: All society offices and committees are identified by four letter abbreviations (e.g. EDIT for Editor; RFAC for Raney Fund Award Committee). These abbreviations are defined in the Table of Contents and throughout the Manual. In the interest of saving space, these abbreviations have been used in reference to a given office, committee or representative, throughout the Manual.

Ex officio, proxy: Use of the term ex officio in this Manual means membership by virtue of office. In each case the membership indicated is full membership, with voting and all other privileges and responsibilities of membership included. Restricted membership is specifically indicated, as in "non-voting." In most cases parliamentary rules (Robert's Rules) forbid voting by proxy and that is the assumption made in this Manual. The rationale for this denial is that those who vote should have been present and privy to all substantive discussion of an issue.

ASIH Constitution

Name of Society

ASIH Constitution

COPEIA CONSTITUTION 1994(4) Constitution

Article I: Name

The name of this Society shall be ``THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ICHTHYOLOGISTS AND HERPETOLOGISTS. The Society is incorporated in the District of Columbia (22 November 1949).

Object

Article II: Object

Section 1. The object of this Society shall be to advance the science of the study of fishes, amphibians, and reptiles.

Section 2. The Society shall be operated as a nonprofit corporation.

Membership

Article III: Membership

Section 1. Membership shall be open to persons interested in the object of the Society.

Section 2. The membership of the Society shall consist of the following classes:

a. Active members who pay annual dues in the following categories: Student, Foreign, Regular, Associate, and Sustaining.

b. Honorary Foreign Members shall be elected by the Board of Governors from among the ichthyologists and herpetologists located outside of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, who have attained distinction as investigators. The Honorary Foreign Members shall be equally divided between ichthyologists and herpetologists.

Section 3. Nomination to membership shall be upon recommendation of one member.

Section 4. a. Distinguished Fellows shall be elected by the Board of Governors from among North American members of the Society who have attained distinction as investigators and/or have made noteworthy contributions to the Society.

b. Nominees for Distinguished Fellows shall have been a member of the Society for a period of 20 years or more.

c. The number of Distinguished Fellows shall not exceed 20 at any one time and not more than six shall be elected in any one year. They shall be equally divided among ichthyologists and herpetologists.

d. Distinguished Fellows shall be nominated by petition which shall be signed by ten or more members of the Society. This petition shall list the scientific achievements and services rendered by the nominee. The petition shall be addressed to the Secretary at least two months before the annual meeting.

e. Distinguished Fellows shall be listed on the inside front cover of COPEIA.

Officers

Listing

Article IV: Officers

Section 1. The officers of the Society shall be: A President, who shall assume the duties of this office for a one-year term immediately following a term as President-Elect. A President-Elect, who shall serve a one-year term; the office shall alternate annually between an ichthyologist and herpetologist; the President-Elect shall be ineligible for another term until two years shall have elapsed from the end of a term as President. A Treasurer, and a Secretary, who shall be elected annually but who may serve unlimited consecutive terms. A Managing Editor, five Divisional Editors, an Index Editor, and two Book Review Editors (one in ichthyology and one in herpetology).

Election

Section 2. The Officers shall be elected at the annual general meeting from among regular, associate, sustaining, and life members. The slate of nominees shall be furnished by the Nominating Committee at the Board of Governors meeting. Additional nominations may be presented from the floor at the annual business meeting. All nominations shall be accompanied by a brief statement of qualifications and a written statement of willingness to serve from the nominee. The term of office shall commence on 1 January following the annual meeting at which the officers were elected. In the event of a tie in election for any office, the Executive Committee shall determine the winner.

Duties

Section 3. The officers named in Section 1 shall discharge the duties usually assigned to their respective offices (see Bylaws).

Vacancies

Section 4. In the event of death or incapacitation of the President during the term of office, the President-Elect will become President. If the position of President-Elect becomes vacant, the person who received the second highest number of votes in the election will become President-Elect. If necessary, the Executive Committee shall make the determination that a President or President-Elect is incapacitated to the extent that required duties of the office are not likely to be performed.

Section 5. A vacancy in either the Secretaryship or Treasurership occurring in the interval of the meetings of the Society may be filled, until the next annual meeting, by appointment by the President.

Executive Committee

Section 6. a. The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, President-Elect, immediate Past-President, prior Past-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Editor, Chair of the Long Range Planning and Policy Committee, and Chair of the Endowment and Finance Committee.

b. Each ASIH President will serve a total of four years on the Executive Committee, as President-Elect, President, immediate Past-President, and prior Past-President, in that sequence.

Section 7. Between the annual meetings the business of the Society shall be conducted by the officers, acting within their individual responsibilities, and the Executive Committee.

Board of Governors

Membership

Article V: Board of Governors

Section 1. At the time of the annual meeting the business of the Society shall be conducted by the Board of Governors. The Board shall include not more than 50 elective members, each elected from among regular, associate, sustaining, and life members for a term of five years. Elective members of the Board shall not be eligible for reelection until the annual meeting following the expiration of their terms. The incumbent officers of the Society shall be members of the Board. Former Presidents of the Society shall be members of the Board for life. All meetings of the Board of Governors shall be open to all members of the Society.

Election

Section 2. Ten vacancies in the elective membership of the Board of Governors shall be filled through election at the business meeting from nominations provided by the Nominating Committee and/or from the floor. All nominations shall be accompanied by a brief statement of qualifications and a written statement of willingness to serve from the nominee. Five of the elected Governors shall be herpetologists and five shall be ichthyologists. Each member shall vote for a maximum of five candidates. It is recommended that members vote for candidates in their own discipline only, but a member whose activities spread across the two disciplines may vote across the two disciplines. The term of office shall commence on 1 January following the annual meeting at which the Governor was elected. An additional vacancy shall occur if the President-Elect is a member of a class. No other officer shall be replaced if a member of a class at the time of election as an officer.

Section 3. The Board shall conduct business during the period between annual meetings only upon call by the Executive Committee.

Annual Meeting

Article VI: Meeting of the Society

Section 1. This Society shall hold an annual meeting. A general business session open to all classes of members shall be held for the purposes of hearing a report on the transactions of the Board of Governors and of acting upon such business as may properly be considered by the membership at large.

Section 2. The Time, Place and Program Committee shall solicit and receive invitations from prospective host institutions for the Annual Meetings, shall evaluate such invitations, and shall report its recommendation(s) to the Board of Governors.

Section 3. The place of the annual meeting of the Society shall be determined by the Board of Governors. Notice of the meeting shall be mailed to all members of the Society at least three months before the date set for the meeting.

SE Division

Article VII: Southeastern Division

Section 1. Membership in the Southeastern Division is open to ASIH members in good standing residing in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Active membership status within the Southeastern Division shall be determined by the Bylaws of the Division currently in force.

Section 2. The Southeastern Division shall elect a President, Vice-President, and Secretary-Treasurer.

Section 3. Annual meetings of the Southeastern Division shall be held concurrently with the ASIH Annual Meetings when the latter occur in one of the states identified as within the Southeastern Division in Section 1 of this Article.

Quorum

Article VIII: Quorum

At the Annual Meeting, one hundred members shall constitute a quorum of the Society and thirty a quorum of the Board of Governors.

Changes in Constitution

Article IX: Changes in the Constitution and Bylaws

Section 1. Amendments to this Constitution and Bylaws may be proposed: (a) by majority vote of the Executive Committee, or (b) by written and signed petition from at least twenty-five (25) members in good standing of ASIH.

Section 2. Proposed amendments must be circulated to all members at least three (3) months prior to the scheduled Annual Meeting of the Society.

Section 3. Proposed amendments of this Constitution and Bylaws may be adopted at any meeting of the Society if approved by two-thirds of the members of the Board of Governors voting and two-thirds of the members voting at the annual general meeting.

Section 4. Dissolution of the society shall require two-thirds assent from members of the Board of Governors voting and ratification by mail ballot of two-thirds of the membership voting in response.

Section 5. In case of the dissolution of the Society, its assets shall be transferred to a successor non-profit society organized for educational, professional, or scientific purposes, or if no successor society is designated by the members of this Society, then the assets shall be transferred to some other non-profit organization of like character as determined by the members of this Society by response in mail ballot.

ASIH Bylaws

Dues

Bylaws

Article I: Dues

Section 1. Annual dues shall be payable 1 January, in advance. COPEIA shall not be sent to those in arrears for dues. Upon payment of arrearage, plus a late fee calculated as 10% of the annual dues, the former member shall be reinstated.

Section 2. A service charge calculated by the Secretary to recover actual costs may be billed subscribers requiring special billing procedures.

Section 3. The following is the schedule for dues and subscriptions to be paid in United States dollars or equivalent:

Student Members: $25.00 annually

Regular Members (United States, Mexico, and Canada): $50.00 annually

Associate Members: $10.00 annually

Foreign Members: $50.00 annually

Regular Subscribers (institutional) (United States and Mexico): $90.00 annually

Foreign Subscribers (institutional) (including Canada): $90.00 annually

Sustaining Members: $65.00 annually

Life Members: 25 x regular annual membership in a single payment or in four equal consecutive annual installments

President

Article II: President

Section 1. The President shall preside at sessions of the Board of Governors and at the general business meeting.

Section 2. The President shall also appoint the committees prescribed by the Constitution and Bylaws, and such other representatives or committees as may prove necessary. The President and President-Elect shall be ex officio members of all committees.

Secretary

Article III: Secretary

Section 1. The Secretary shall keep the records of the Society and report at the annual meeting.

Section 2. The Secretary shall be responsible for sending out notices announcing the annual meeting and for arranging the agenda for the Board of Governors and general business meetings at the annual meeting.

Section 3. The Secretary shall be reimbursed out of the monies of the Society for expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Society.

Section 4. The Secretary shall make such purchases and employ such assistance as is necessary to conduct the business of the Society. The Secretary shall be responsible for authorizing disbursement of funds for the expenses of society offices within limits to be set annually by the Executive Committee. All such expenditures will be reported to and are subject to review and ratification by the Board of Governors.

Section 5. Unless other appointments are made by the President, the Secretary shall act as delegate or representative of this Society at meetings of related societies covering matters of mutual interest.

Section 6. The Secretary shall arrange for an annual professional audit of the financial record and statement of the Treasurer and shall transmit the auditor's report to the annual meeting of the Board of Governors.

Section 7. Any copyright requests or copyright-related issues and the associated records-keeping shall be handled by the Secretary in consultation with the Managing Editor.

Section 8. (A). The Secretary shall be charged with the responsibility of ensuring safe storage, sale, and other disposal of back numbers of COPEIA and other Society publications. (B). The Secretary may employ such assistance including outside contractual assistance as may be necessary to discharge these functions. (C). The Secretary will report annually to the Board of Governors on the status and disposal of backlogged items.

Treasurer

Article IV: Treasurer

Section 1. The Treasurer shall be in charge of the funds and securities of the Society.

Section 2. At the annual meetings of the Society, the Treasurer shall present a statement of the funds and monies of the Society, the statement to cover the calendar year.

Editorial Offices

Article V: Editorial Offices

Editor

Section 1. Editor

a. The Editor shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer for the journal COPEIA. The Editor shall bear the final responsibility and authority for all materials published in COPEIA.

b. In the processing of manuscripts submitted for publication in COPEIA, the Editor shall allocate manuscript workload among the Sectional Editors, and shall receive their recommendations on manuscripts that have cleared the review process.

c. The Editor shall report through the ASIH Executive Committee to the Board of Governors, and shall seek Executive Committee and Board of Governor approval for any substantive change in ASIH publishing product or practice, especially where new or unanticipated expenditures of ASIH funds are involved.

d. The Editor serves on the ASIH Executive Committee, and the Committee on Special Publications and serves as Chair, Editorial Policy Committee.

e. In situations that may arise between annual meetings, the Editor (upon consultation with and approval by the Executive Committee) may appoint a substitute (or co-participant) for a given editorial office.

Sectional, Book Review, Index Editors

Section 2. Sectional, Book Review, and Index Editors

a. The five divisional sections of COPEIA shall be General Herpetology; General Ichthyology; Ecology and Ethology; Physiology and Physiological Ecology; and Genetics, Development, and Morphology. Sectional Editors shall serve as Chief Operating Officers for their respective sections, shall select reviewers and solicit manuscript reviews, and shall make recommendations regarding acceptability for publication in COPEIA to the Editor.

b. Two Book Review Editors shall promote the announcement and critical review of important new works in Herpetology and Ichthyology, respectively.

c. An Index Editor shall be responsible for production of the annual index to COPEIA. The Index Editor shall archive materials for periodic multi-year indices to be prepared as deemed necessary.

d. Any editorial office, except that of Editor, may be held by two persons if approved by election to office by members of the Society.

Editorial Board

Article VI: Editorial Board

An Editorial Board representing the five divisional disciplines of COPEIA, shall be nominated annually by the Divisional Editors, up to six board members each, for service in that disciplinary area, and appointed by the President in consultation with the Editor..

Meetings

Article VII: Meetings

Section 1. The Chair of the Local Committee shall be appointed by the President, if possible, at least six months before the time of the meeting.

Section 2. The Chair of the Local Committee shall be responsible for all local arrangements, including the arrangements for printing the program.

Committees

Article VIII: Committees

Section 1. Committees of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists are categorized as Standing Committees, Continuing Committees, Recurring Committees and Special Purpose Committees.

Section 2. Except as provided for separately in the CONSTITUTION and BYLAWS all committee appointments are made by the President and carry a tenure of appointment of one year. By arrangement between the President and the incoming Committee Chair Subcommittees may be appointed and delegated to specific functions. Subcommittees are not listed separately and exist at the discretion of the President and the full Committee.

Section 3. Committee service, including that of Committee Chairs, is upon a calendar year basis, commencing January 1 and ending December 31. Committees are appointed by the President at or soon after the annual meeting of the year preceding service. The report of a Committee Chair is submitted through the Secretary for presentation at the annual meeting immediately after the termination of the calendar year of service. Except where provided for separately, continuation of appointment of a Committee Chair or Committee member is at the discretion of the cognizant President and the member in service.

Section 4. The charge to and purview of the Committee shall normally follow that listed in the ASIH Procedures Manual, subject to modification, individually or separately, by the President, Executive Committee and/or Board of Governors, except as provided for separately in the CONSTITUTION or BYLAWS.

Section 5. Standing Committees are provided for separately in the CONSTITUTION and/or BYLAWS, and/or are those which must be renewed yearly to conduct society business. Standing Committees are as follows:

ANBM Annual Business Meeting

BOFG Board of Governors

EDBD Editorial Board

EDPC Editorial Policy Committee

ENFC Endowment and Finance Committee

EXEC Executive Committee

GFAC Gaige Fund Award Committee

GSPC Committee on Graduate Student Participation

LOCL Local Committee for the Annual Meeting

LRPP Long Range Planning and Policy Committee

NOMC Nominating Committee

RFAC Raney Fund Award Committee

RHGC Robert H. Gibbs, Jr., Memorial Award Committee

STAC Student Awards Committee

TPPC Time, Place and Program Committee

Section 6. Continuing Committees are provided for separately in the CONSTITUTION and/or BYLAWS, and/or are those which are normally renewed yearly to conduct society business. In years where no action by the Committee or Representative is anticipated, appointment or not is at the discretion of the President. Continuing Committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Section 7. Recurring Committees are those which are appointed on an episodic basis, as need occurs. In years where no action by the Committee or Representative is anticipated, appointment or not is at the discretion of the President. Recurring Committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Section 8. Special Purpose Committees are those which are appointed normally on a one-time basis, as need occurs. Appointment or not is at the discretion of the President. The President shall define the charge to each Special Purpose Committee upon appointment. Unless renewed by the succeeding president each such Committee shall cease to exist after a period of time up to one calendar year, commencing January 1 after date of appointment.

Nominating Committee

Article IX: Nominating Committee

Section 1. The Nominating Committee shall consist of five members; three in the discipline of the President-Elect to be elected, and two in the alternate discipline. Five ASIH members in good standing shall comprise the Nominating Committee: (a) One of the two members of the outgoing Nominating Committee who is in the discipline of the President-Elect to be elected. This person shall be elected and serve as chair of the new committee. (b) The immediate Past-President of the Society. This position shall be filled automatically. (c) One person in the discipline of the President-Elect to be elected, chosen from at least two persons nominated by the Board of Governors. (d) Two persons in the alternate discipline chosen from at least four persons nominated by the Board of Governors.

Section 2. If only one of the two persons from the outgoing Nominating Committee is available for election as chair of the new committee, this person shall receive the chairship automatically. If neither person from the outgoing Nominating Committee is available for election as chair, the Past-President shall assume the chairship and the President shall nominate two additional persons in the appropriate discipline. If the Board of Governors fails to nominate the number of persons listed above for positions (c) and (d), the President shall provide the balance of the nominations.

Section 3. The election of the Nominating Committee shall be at the business meeting of the Society. All nominees, including additional nominations from the floor at the business meeting for positions (c) and (d), must provide a written agreement to serve on the committee, which would include the possibility of a second year of service as chair.

Long Range Planning and Policy Committee

Article X: Long Range Planning and Policy Committee

Section 1. The Chair of the Long Range Planning and Policy Committee shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Executive Committee and such others as the President may feel desirable. The Chair shall serve for a period of three years and may be reappointed. Six other members shall be similarly appointed and the expiration dates of the terms of their service shall be staggered in order to provide continuity. Tenure of appointment shall be on a calendar year basis.

Section 2. The Committee shall identify desirable Society policies and activities and shall advise the Board of Governors and Membership on the best way to carry out and fund Society activities.

Section 3. The Committee is responsible for the development and updating, to reflect current practice, of the ASIH Procedures Manual, and from time to time make suggestions for improvements and best response to available technologies and opportunities.

Section 4. The Committee shall maintain close liaison with the Endowment and Finance Committee. The Committee Chairs shall serve as consulting (nonvoting) members of the corresponding Committee and shall keep each Committee informed, as appropriate, of mutually relevant activities.

Endowment and Finance Committee

Article XI: Endowment and Finance Committee

Section 1. The Endowment and Finance Committee shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Executive Committee and shall consist of five members, including the Chair. To provide continuity, members of the Committee will have staggered, five-year terms. One member should be a business person or someone with considerable experience in investing. Tenure of appointment shall be on a calendar year basis.

Section 2. The Chair-Elect of the Endowment and Finance Committee shall be appointed by the President. The Chair-Elect shall succeed the Chair, each of whom will serve one year in their respective positions. The Chair may be reappointed as Chair-Elect. The Chair and the Chair-Elect will work closely together in planning and organizing the activities of the Endowment Committee.

Section 3. The Committee shall be in charge of fund-raising and investment of the endowment.

Section 4. The Committee shall advise the Society on all matters pertaining to the General Endowment Fund and the Life Membership Fund.

Section 5. The Committee shall maintain close liaison with the Treasurer and other members of the Executive Committee and shall advise officials of the Society in the management of all funds and moneys of the Society.

Section 6. The Committee shall maintain close liaison with the Long Range Planning and Policy Committee. The Committee Chairs shall serve as consulting (nonvoting) members of the corresponding Committee and shall keep each Committee informed, as appropriate, of mutually relevant activities.

Funds

Description

Article XII: Funds

Section 1. Society Funds and income derived therefrom shall be used only for tax-exempt purposes.

Section 2. Funds of the Society shall be as follows:

Stoye

a. The Frederick H. Stoye Fund shall be invested and used to offer awards for meritorious papers presented by student members at the annual National Meeting. The awards will be known as the Frederick H. Stoye Awards. The basis for award decisions shall be determined by a Student Awards Committee. The Student Awards Committee shall be appointed by the President-elect for service prior to and in the subsequent Annual Meeting.

Storer

b. The Tracy Storer Fund shall be invested and used to offer awards to students judged to have prepared the best posters in ichthyology and herpetology at the National Meeting. The basis for award decisions shall be determined by a Student Awards Committee. The Student Awards Committee shall be appointed by the President-elect for service prior to and in the subsequent Annual Meeting..

Gibbs

c. The Robert H. Gibbs, Jr. Memorial Fund shall be invested and used to award a yearly prize, as determined by a selected panel of judges, based on an outstanding published body of work in systematic ichthyology by a citizen of a Western Hemisphere nation who has not been a previous recipient of the award. The basis for an award decision shall be determined by a Robert H. Gibbs, Jr., Memorial Fund Committee. The Robert H. Gibbs, Jr., Memorial Fund Committee shall consist of three ichthyologists, each serving a three-year term. Each year one member is replaced by an individual elected by the Board of Governors among nominees submitted by the Nominating Committee or nominated from the floor. The Senior member of the Committee serves as its Chair.

Raney

d. The Edward C. and Charlotte E. Raney Fund shall be invested and used to provide support for young ichthyologists in such a way as to enhance their professional careers and their contributions to the science of ichthyology. The basis for award decisions shall be determined by a Edward C. and Charlotte E. Raney Fund Committee. The Edward C. and Charlotte E. Raney Fund Committee shall be appointed by the President for service prior to the subsequent Annual Meeting.

Gaige

e. The Helen T. and Frederick M. Gaige Fund shall be invested and used to provide support for young herpetologists in such a way as to enhance their professional careers and their contributions to the science of herpetology. The basis for award decisions shall be determined by a Helen T. and Frederick M. Gaige Fund Committee. The Helen T. and Frederick M. Gaige Fund Committee shall be appointed by the President for service prior to the subsequent Annual Meeting.

Life Membership

f. The Life Membership Fund shall consist of dues received from Life Members. The interest from this Fund shall be added to the principal. When this Fund exceeds by $1000 or more the sum computed as adequate to pay costs of fulfilling Society obligations to Life Members, the excess shall be transferred to the Endowment Fund.

General Endowment

g. The General Endowment Fund shall be an unrestricted fund to receive money from a variety of sources. Major and minor donations to the Society without any restrictions will be placed in the principal of this Fund.

After the Fund grows large enough to be handled by a professional money manager, the Board of Governors will appoint an Investing Trustee(s) to handle the investments. The number of trustees will be determined by the Board of Governors, as well as their qualifications and responsibilities to the Society. The Endowment Committee will advise the Board of Governors on these matters and monitor the activities of the trustee(s).

The General Endowment Fund initially will be invested in a cash or income instrument fund to be approved by a majority of the Executive Committee. After the Fund is invested in a broad range of securities, a percentage of the net asset value will be dispersed annually by the Board of Governors for specified activities of the Society based on recommendations of the Executive Committee.

Restrictions

Conditions of Acceptance

Section 3. All money, stocks, bonds, or other property offered to the Society for purposes other than application to the publication expenses or other operating expenses of the Society can

be accepted only by a majority of the Board of Governors, except that the acceptance of any such funds donated for use by any duly constituted activity of the Society, including the General Endowment Fund, can be approved by the Executive Committee. Acceptance of such money, stocks, bonds, or other property by the Board of Governors shall be only with the establishment by the Board of procedures to implement its use. All proposed funds shall be accompanied by a proffered gift or proposed funding source.

Donor Recognition

Section 4. The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists may formally recognize major donors to the General Endowment Fund. Four levels of major donors are: Supporter, $1000--2999; Sponsor, $3000--9999; Patron, $10,000--24,999; Benefactor, $25,000 or higher. No benefits will be provided to donors.

Honorary Foreign Members

Article XIII: Honorary Foreign Members

The number of Honorary Foreign Members shall not exceed 30.

Bound Sets

Article XIV: Society Sets of COPEIA

Official bound sets of COPEIA shall be maintained in the offices of the Managing Editor and the Secretary.

Committees

Article XV: Committees

Such committees as the President shall deem necessary shall be appointed by the President or by the presiding officer at the annual meeting, unless the composition and function of committees be otherwise set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws or in motions passed by the Board of Governors or by the membership at large at the annual meeting.

Procedures

Article XVI: Procedures

Procedures and other items, not specified in the Constitution or Bylaws of this Society or by action at the annual meeting, shall be in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order.

Officers

ECOL Ecology and Ethology Editor

History of Office

Position founded in 1971. Position extant in 1980, then called Ecology, Ethology, and Environmental Physiology Editor. Name of section changed to Ecology and Ethology in 1990 with creation of section for Physiology and Physiological Ecology (see below). Editorial abbreviation: CE. See Copeia 1987(4): 1092 for a review of the history of Copeia editorial offices to that date.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(IV-1) designated officer

Bylaws

(V-2-a) Chief Operating Officer (COO) for ECOL section; selects reviewers, notifies author(s) of rejected papers, recommends acceptance of papers to EDIT

Description of Functions

Summary of Responsibilities

ECOL serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Ecology and Ethology Section; receives submitted manuscripts from EDIT, selects reviewers, notifies author(s) of rejected papers, recommends acceptance of papers to EDIT, and performs such other duties as described below (ECOL, EDIT).

ECOL section takes manuscripts dealing with higher-level ecological processes, such as evaluation of competition, population estimation, community and ecosystem studies, quantitative biogeography, etc.

Tenure:

While there is not a fixed period of office, the term of editorship is understood to be at least three years. Based on the period 1994-1997, the job requires 10-15 h per week and involves processing approximately 50 new submissions per year.

Operations of the Office of ECOL

Annual Duties:

March-April -- poll current editorial board members to see if they are willing to continue for another year.

June -- send in 6-7 nominations to the EDIT for the editorial board

Quarterly Duties:

Update the EDIT on the status of all manuscripts. This is done on a form supplied by the EDIT.

Weekly Duties:

1. Log in new manuscripts received from the EDIT---This involves creating a file, entering the manuscript in a computer data base (set up and designed by the editor), and filing out the manuscript flow sheet. The flow sheet is used to record all steps of the review process and is supplied by the EDIT.

2. Send out new manuscripts for review (normally to three reviewers)--- All manuscripts are read for general agreement with Copeia format, reasonable grammar, proper spelling, and for determination of suitable reviewers. Manuscripts deemed unsuitable are returned to the author for revision before being sent out for review, or rejected outright. After reviewers are decided upon, packets are prepared for each reviewer. Each packet includes the manuscript, a review form, and a cover letter. A notice is affixed to the envelope showing that the package is a Copeia manuscript for review and that it should be returned immediately if the addressee is unavailable. Reviewers are not contacted before being sent the manuscript, but the cover letter stresses the importance of a timely review and asks reviewers to return the manuscript promptly if they are unable to review it. Suggestions for other reviewers are also requested. Maintaining a data base of reviewers that includes keywords describing their expertise is helpful; the data base also includes the dates of their previous reviews of Copeia manuscripts. Unless a reviewer is on the editorial board of Copeia, he/she is usually not sent more than two papers to review per year.

3. Track manuscripts previously sent out for review--- Once a manuscript has been out for more than one month, the reviewer is reminded with a letter (or E-mail) that a review is still needed and to inform the editor whether or not he/she intends to review the manuscript. Authors are informed of problems with getting timely reviews if manuscripts are not processed within about a 3 mo. period.

4. Log in manuscripts received back from reviewers--- Reviewed manuscripts are logged into the computer data base and the date and recommendation are also noted on the flow sheet. Once all three reviews are received, the manuscript is placed in a queue for processing. The date is based on the time that all reviews were complete. Normally this queue contains fewer than six manuscripts and the time from when a manuscript is ready to be processed to when it is actually processed is normally 1-2 weeks.

5. Evaluate reviewed manuscripts--- The editor reads the manuscript then considers all comments from the reviewers. Based on the reading and on the recommendation of the reviewers, a decision is reached on the manuscript. The options are to either reject the manuscript outright, reject the manuscript but encourage resubmission to Copeia after major revision, or accept with major or minor revision. During 1994-1996, no manuscripts have been accepted without revision.

6. Notify authors and reviewers--- Once a decision is reached, the author is notified and is sent the marked copies of the manuscript and comments from the reviewers. The initial decision on a manuscript, based on 1995-1996 data, is usually reached in 3-4 months.

Accepted papers-- A checklist of details to attend is sent to authors of accepted papers. The cover letter from the editor also includes comments on ways to improve the paper. Authors are requested to respond specifically to each of the major comments/suggestions from the editor and from the reviewers. If the paper is accepted pending minor revision, guidelines for electronic submission are also sent to the author. For papers accepted with revision, final acceptance usually occurs in 7-10 months (based on 1995-1996 data). The longer periods are due to delays by the author and/or to numerous revisions being required.

Rejected papers-- Authors are sent the reviewers' comments, marked copies of the manuscript, and a cover letter indicating briefly why the manuscript was rejected. The manuscript flow sheet is returned to the EDIT.

All papers-- In all cases, reviewers are thanked. Each reviewer receives a copy of the cover letter sent to the author, and anonymous copies of the comments from the other reviewers.

7. Track manuscripts returned to authors for revision--- If a manuscript returned to the author for revision is not received after about 5 months, authors are reminded that it is Copeia policy to treat a manuscript as a new submission if it is not returned within six months.

8. Evaluate revised manuscripts--- Once an author returns the paper, the date of receipt is logged into a computer data base and onto the manuscript flow sheet. The paper is placed in a queue for processing based on the date of receipt (see item #4 for processing time). The revised manuscript is carefully read, and all changes compared with the major comments/suggestions. There are two options at this point. The paper may be recommended for publication and forwarded to the EDIT, and the author so informed, or the paper may be returned to the author for additional changes. The latter option is more often the case.

9. Forward accepted manuscripts to the EDIT--- A letter of acceptance is sent to the author. The letter states that the manuscript has been "recommended by the Ecology/Ethology Editor, for publication in Copeia." The EDIT receives a copy of the acceptance letter sent to the author, and the manuscript, the diskette supplied by the author with both ASCII and word processing files of the manuscript, and the manuscript flow sheet.

10. Respond to requests for information from authors--- With the advent of widespread use of E-mail, this is becoming increasingly common and requires responding to several requests per week.

EDIT Editor

History of Office

Position renamed Managing Editor in 1960. Position extant in 1980, then called Managing Editor, not yet a designated member of EXEC. The Managing Editor became a member of EXEC in 1981. The position of Managing Editor was renamed Editor effective January 1, 1998. Editorial abbreviation: ED. See Copeia 1987(4): 1092 for a review of the history of Copeia editorial offices to that date.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(III-2-e) responsible for listing of Distinguished Fellows in COPEIA

(IV-1) designated officer

Bylaws

(V-1-a) CEO for COPEIA

(V-1-b) allocates workload among sections; receives section editor recommendations on publication; only manuscripts recommended for acceptance are transmitted back to EDIT; rejected manuscripts are returned to authors.

(V-1-c) reports annually to EXEC and BOFG; seeks EXEC and BOFG approval for any substantial change in ASIH publication policy, product or expenditure

(V-1-d) serves on EXEC, on SPUC, and as Chair, EDPC

(V-1-e) between annual meetings, as need occurs, appoints substitute or co-participant for any given editorial office (subject to approval by EXEC)

(XIV) EDIT maintains one of two official bound sets of COPEIA (Note: to my (RKJ) knowledge this has not been done in the last 15 or more years)

Description of Functions

Summary of Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer for Copeia, bears final responsibility for contents of Copeia.Allocates workload among sections; receives section editor recommendations on publication; only manuscripts recommended for acceptance are transmitted back to EDIT; rejected manuscripts are returned to authors. Reports annually to EXEC and BOFG; seeks EXEC and BOFG approval for any substantial change in ASIH publication policy, product or expenditure. Serves on EXEC, on SPUC, and as Chair, EDPC

Tenure

Although election is from year to year, the expected commitment is for a minimum of five years of service.

Operations of the Office of EDIT

Managing Editor's Report

Timing

The Editor shall report annually to the Board of Governors on the status of COPEIA. Included in the report will be summary statistics describing submission rate, allocation of workload among sections, proportionate acceptance/rejection rates by section; and estimated time from submission to (a) initial decision, (b) final decision, (c) publication. The Editor shall also highlight any major changes in dealings with Allen Press, as well as noting any predictable problems or changes in manuscript processing.

At the close of each calendar year, the Managing Editor prepares a report for the Society's Board of Governors, which convenes at the forthcoming annual meeting. This report is most easily prepared during the holiday period of early January, for data (and time) are then available at close of calendar year to complete various computations and compilations. By completing the report at this time, the late rush is avoided in April when societal committees are asked to submit reports to the ASIH secretary.

Contents

The report should contain the following sections:

1. Date each issue was published and its pagination.

2. Number of pages (and %) that comprised major articles, shorter contributions, book reviews, obituaries, news and notes, books received, volume content and index, summary of meeting, instructions to authors, and any other published material.

3. Number of pages (and %) of major articles that were either ichthyological or herpetological. Same statistics for shorter contributions, and both together.

4. The number of manuscripts submitted to the journal that year, with number (and %) difference from preceeding year.

5. Number (and %) submittals by state and by foreign country.

6. Number (and %) submittals allocated to each section. Rejection rates by section (the latter compiled as number of rejects per section divided by the total number per section for which a decision had been made). Overall rejection rate for the journal should similarly be compiled, along with the number of submittals still in review at time the statistic was compiled.

7. The average time an issue was in-train (which is an estimate of the backlog for the journal).

8. Update on electronic publishing.

9. Any other pertinent information that the Managing Editor can provide.

Executive Committee

Role of the Editor

The Editor serves as the voice for Copeia management on the Executive Committee and on the Board of Governors, reflecting the role of editor as CEO for Copeia and Chair of the Editorial Policy Committee.

Editorial Policy Committee (EDPC)

Role of the Editor

Each year, the Editorial Policy Committee (EDPC) (comprised of the Editor, sectional, book review, and index editors, as well as the secretary of the society) meet collectively on the day preceding the first day of the annual meeting to discuss editorial problems and procedures. In the months preceding the meeting date, the Editor solicits the committee for discussion topics. These are then posted to the committee via e-mail before the annual meeting and are discussed when the committee convenes. A report of this meeting is then prepared by the Editor (who serves as chair of the committee) for the Board of Governors. This report is submitted to the secretary in April of the following year for inclusion in the annual report.

Committee on Special Publications (SPUC)

Role of the Editor

EDIT serves ex officio on SPUC. EDIT is not automatically (nor usually) Chair of SPUC. Neither EDIT nor other Copeia editors are automatically (nor usually) in service as editors for any ASIH special publications.

Copeia - Role of the Editor

Submitted Manuscripts

Initial Review

Determine whether manuscript is of sufficient quality to review. Some foreign submits (especially those from countries in which there may be difficulties in accessing a variety of bibliographic resources) suffer from language, format, content and other severe difficulties and should not be sent out. Return manuscript to corresponding author with cover letter. Likewise, student submittals (especially those that represent thesis research) are often overwritten. Here, an e-mail should be sent to author with admonition to resubmit as a shorter contribution (if appropriate). Do not return manuscript unless it contains half-tones.

Decide on section.

General Ichthyology and General Herpetology take manuscripts dealing with species descriptions or revisions, nomenclatural problems, taxon-specific ecology and natural history (i.e., food habits of species X), and those dealing with fishery management. Ecology and Behavior section takes manuscripts dealing with higher-level ecological processes, such as evaluation of competition, population estimation, community and ecosystem studies, quantitative biogeography, etc. Genetics, Development, and Morphology should receive manuscripts dealing with genetic markers, multivariate morphometrics, and developmental assays. Physiology and Physiological Ecology takes manuscripts in its field, plus (since it receives on average fewest manuscripts) any of a remotely physiological nature (i.e., digestive or reproductive themes, for example). Manuscripts dealing with microtechnique or microanatomy are also sent to this section. An attempt should be made to keep sections roughly equal in numbers of processed papers (although this will fluctuate through the year). For example, when a submitted manuscript falls in the interstices between two sections, then it should be send to the one with fewer submits to date. It is also good to play to the strengths of the sectional editors. One GDM editor, for example, was an elasmobranch biologist. It was appropriate to funnel this individual most elasmobranch manuscripts, because he had more expertise (and thus colleagues to serve as reviewers) than (say) General Ichthyology. Likewise, a GH editor was an expert on radiotracking, and consequently received manuscripts dealing with this topic. This procedure not only helps equilibrate the load, but it often makes the review process a bit more enjoyable for sectional editors.

Initiate Record Set

Log manuscript into database of appropriate sectional editor.

Check membership status of author(s). Send ASIH membership application to corresponding author if at least one author is a nonmember (It is a requirement of current editorial practice that one or more authors of a paper to be published in COPEIA be a member in good standing of ASIH. The alternative is mandatory payment of page charges, currently assessed at $100 per page. The Editor shall enforce this requirement. Current practice is ascertain membership status of any contributing author, and, where not a member, to encourage enrollment in ASIH.)

Examine manuscript for Copeia format using checklist and reject if it is grossly out-of-line. Do not return manuscript unless it contains half-tones. Instead, inform corresponding author by e-mail that if manuscript is to be considered by our journal, then it must be resubmitted in Copeia format. Xerox one copy of author's cover letter and two of checklist. Send these with manuscript to sectional editor. Sectional editor will file one checklist for future reference and send the second to the corresponding author along with reviews. Send letter of receipt to corresponding author and membership application (if applicable).

Quarterly reports.

Each sectional editor is posted a quarterly report (March, June, September, and end of December) which lists each submitted manuscript currently active in their particular section. The list is sorted by Copeia manuscript number and contain title, author(s), and if major or shorter contribution. Four categories are listed in the report (i.e., Accepted, Rejected, In Review, In Revision) along with a blank line for comments. The first two categories would accommodate manuscripts that have been either accepted or rejected by a sectional editor but not recorded as such in the Editor's database (if these had been so recorded then they wouldn't appear in the report). Also, manuscripts sent to but not received by a sectional editor will be noted. Manuscripts should not be in revision longer than six months. Sectional editors must notify authors that, if revisions takes longer than six months, then the manuscript must be submitted anew.

Editorial board and list of reviewers.

Each sectional editor must nominate six individuals to serve as members of Copeia's Editorial Board. These individuals must have agreed to review approximately 10 manuscripts per year, and must also be members of the society. The Editorial Board will be listed on the inside back cover of the journal. Names (last, first, middle initial) of others who served as reviewers must be sent by each sectional editor (via e-mail or floppy disk) to the editor's office during the first week of January. Each name should be followed by the number (in parentheses) of reviews greater than one. A list of reviewers (less those serving on the Editorial Board) will be published in the second issue of the year.

Rejected manuscripts

Enter reject and date of its receipt into sectional editor's database.

Accepted manuscripts

Locate Records

Locate manuscript in sectional editor's database and check title, author(s), address, pagination, figures, tables, half-tones, etc., for corrections. Copy database information into "Accept" database. Generate query letter [which includes page charge invoice and copyright waiver(s) (one per author)] and save into separate database. Query correspondence is then completed after copy editor produces queries (below).

Copy Editing and Query Letters

Call up query file and add those queries that result from copymarking manuscript. Send query letter, page charge invoice, copyright waiver(s) (one per author) to corresponding author along with xeroxes of reduced figures. Note that most figures should fit within a one-column format. Exceptions are made for those plates or drawings of species being described. These are always published at two-column width. However, many figures and plates can effectively be cropped such that they best fit available space. Allen Press can do this when figures are photographed for publication. The open space surrounding original plates should be marked with a blue pencil to indicate how much and where these should be cropped. Do not mark the plate itself. However, graphs, maps and other such line-art must often be modified by the author such that these more effectively fit into a one-column format. Here, modifications are marked onto the xerox of the figure and instructions given there and within the appropriate section of the query letter.

Preparing accepted manuscript for publication

Issue File

After each accepted manuscript has been logged in, a file is created. This includes a file label and folder for the filing cabinet and an envelope to hold the manuscript and all of its parts (text, tables, figures, disk, etc.).

Disk-based Copy

The Editor enforces COPEIA policy on Electronic Publishing by ensuring compliance with the following (a copy of which is sent to the corresponding author, either by the Editor or cognizant section editor): "During the 1993 ASIH meeting in Austin, TX, the Board of Governors approved a recommendation that COPEIA convert to electronic publishing. With this in mind, you are now requested to provide me with a single copy of your ORIGINAL accepted manuscript (in Courier 12-point font) on a DOS-formatted floppy disk (either 5.25" or 3.5"). Those authors who use Apple computers should first format a new disk in DOS (using their Apple smartdrive) or employ a DOS-formatted disk, then dump a DOS version of their manuscript to the disk using their word processing package. Floppy disks sent to the Copeia editorial office will not be returned to authors. Dump the manuscript as is, using your native word processing software (be sure to identify this in your cover letter). All character attributes should thus appear in the file just they appear in the final printed article. However, be sure the following conventions are employed (by using appropriate word processing keyboard commands): (a) "tab" commands (5-space) rather than spaces for paragraphs indents; (b) "caps and small caps" rather than "all caps" for author names in Literature Cited; (c) italics rather than underlining; (d) sub- or superscripts. Also (e) use two hyphens (or an actual "en" dash) for page and other ranges (e.g. Copeia 1994 (1): 9--19), and three hyphens (or an actual "em" dash) after third-level headings [such as those which occur within a given section (e. g., "Study sites.---" within "Methods and Materials") or as a section itself in shorter communications (e. g., "Results.---")]. Be especially careful when entering numbers, such that "one" and "zero" are used rather than lower-case "el" and upper-case "oh." After you dump the file to disk, retrieve it again via your word processing package to ensure that it was dumped properly."

The computer disk for each manuscript is checked for virus and usability.

Figure Storage

Xerox reductions (two copies at 1-column width) are made of all figures (one set to remain with manuscript, the other to be sent to author with query letter).

Copy Editing

Each hard-copy manuscript is copy edited twice, making notes of queries. Coding can be done at this time or later (as long as coding is done before the disk is edited).

Transmittal Information

The transmittal sheet accompanying each manuscript is checked for correct information (in case changes have been made to the information generated by the computer when the manuscript was logged in). Special instructions are added at this time (e.g., a notation to send complimentary proofs to section editors in the case of a foreign author, any pickups noted within the manuscript, etc.).

Query Information

Query letters, including copyright waiver forms, the page charge invoice, and membership application (when applicable), are sent to the corresponding editor.

When responses are returned, corrections are made to the manuscript, and the disk copy of the manuscript is edited. A copy of the edited version of the manuscript is printed out and read for a final time. Each disk file for each manuscript is put on a master disk to be sent to Allen Press and also included in a directory on the hard drive.

Issue Completion

When the correct number of pages has been accumulated (issues 1-3 = 270 pages; issue 4 = 200 pages), the issue is closed.

Preparing issue for publication

Determine Manuscript Order

(Method of determining order involves ancient and arcane rites passed from Editor to Editor and inscrutable to all others). After an order has been determined for manuscripts in the issue, they are numbered accordingly. This number is referred to as the Allen Press manuscript number and appears on the transmittal sheet and on the outside envelope for each manuscript. There are also three locations on the disk file where this number must be inserted. Issues one and three have lead articles that are herpetological in content, whereas issues two and four have lead articles that are ichthyological. Lead articles of shorter contributions follow the same arrangement as major articles.

Table of Contents

A Table of Contents is created and added to the master disk that will be sent to Allen Press.

Information Sent to Allen Press

A label file (names and addresses of each corresponding author) is created to be printed on the grid sheets supplied by Allen Press. These sheets will be used by Allen Press to send out proofs. The file does not go to Allen Press, just the grid sheets.

A cover letter is generated, once again indicating any special instructions or problems.

MSS Involving Foreign Authors

One xerox copy is made of those accepted manuscripts which have corresponding authors that reside in foreign countries. These are sent to the appropriate sectional editor, in case the latter are called upon to mark proof (see below).

Mailing of Issue

When the issue deadline arrives, the hard-copy manuscripts are boxed together with the master disk (containing all manuscripts), the Table of Contents, the address grid, and the cover letter. For tracking purposes, the shipment is sent 2nd-day Airborne Express. (Some other method may be used as long as there is a tracking feature included.) At present the deadlines are as follows: issue 1--September 1; issue 2--December 1; issue 3--March 1; issue 4--June 1.

Preparing Editorial Notes and News, Reviews, etc.

Tracking

Basically the same procedure is followed as for regular manuscripts. However, a separate master disk and directory is maintained for the back matter. This is not to be included with the other manuscripts because the deadlines are different for the two categories. Seldom are queries necessary, and the transmittal sheets are not computer-generated because the back matter is not logged into the database. Therefore, the queries (when necessary) and the transmittal sheets have to be manually created.

File Format

The Notes and News file is created as a single manuscript because the proofs are sent to the editorial office for checking. The other parts of the back matter are treated as separate manuscripts.

Deadlines

Once the deadline approaches, the back matter for the issue is considered closed. At present, deadlines are as follows: issue 1--November 15; issue 2--February 15; issue 3--May 15; issue 4--August 15.

Mailing to Allen Press

After an order has been determined, the manuscripts are numbered accordingly, continuing in sequence from the last shorter contribution manuscript (which has already been sent to Allen Press). This number appears on the transmittal sheet and on the front of each manuscript. There are also three locations on the disk file where this number must be inserted.

A continuation of Table of Contents is created and added to the disk that will be sent to Allen Press.

An address grid (names and addresses of each corresponding author) is created to be used by Allen Press to send out the proofs.

A cover letter is generated, once again indicating any special instructions or problems.

The manuscripts are boxed together with the master disk (containing all manuscripts), the Table of Contents, the address grid, and the cover letter. For tracking purposes, the shipment is sent 2nd-day Airborne Express.

Handling proofs

Receipt from Allen Press

Approximately one month after Allen Press receives the manuscripts from the editorial office, proofs are sent to authors, and two complete sets are sent to the editorial office. Complimentary proofs of those manuscripts for which the author resides in a foreign country are sent by Allen Press to the appropriate sectional editor.

Return by Authors

When authors return their proofs to the editorial office, the authors' corrections are transferred to the master set, and the authors' sets are placed in the file created when the manuscript was accepted.

If a foreign author fails to return proofs by a predetermined date, then the appropriate sectional editor who handled the manuscript is asked to mark the set of complimentary proofs against a copy of the manuscript previously sent to them by the editor's office.

Enter Corrections

Once all proofs have been returned by the authors, the corrections on the master set of proofs are transferred to the second set and sent to Allen Press.

Second Proofs

Several weeks later, Allen Press sends the "1st Revised Proofs" to the editorial office. There are again two complete sets plus the original set with the corrections. The revised proofs are checked to be sure all corrections were in fact made and made correctly. Any additional corrections are marked on both revised sets of proofs. These corrections are telephoned to Allen Press. Then one set of the revised proofs with the additional corrections is returned to Allen Press.

Final Proofs

Several days later, Allen Press sends the "Final Proofs" to the editorial office. There are again two complete sets plus the original set with the corrections. The final proofs are checked to be sure all corrections were in fact made and made correctly. If there are any additional corrections, they are marked on both sets of proofs. These corrections are called into Allen Press. Then one set of the final proofs with the additional corrections is returned to Allen Press. At this point, the issue is considered "dead."

Mailing

All mailing is sent 2nd-day Airborne Express for tracking purposes, and all sets of proofs are filed with the other material for the issue.

Issue Storage

Retention

At any given time, the three most recent issues are maintained in the filing cabinet.

The four issues that precede those are kept in storage boxes.

Recycling

Each time a new issue is sent to Allen Press, the oldest storage box is emptied and the contents recycled. The files in the oldest filing cabinet drawer are transferred to the storage box, and the files from new issue are transferred to the filing drawer.

Result

Consequently, at any given time, there might be one active on-going issue; one closed issue; one dead issue in proof stage; two recently stored dead issues; and four old stored issues.

GENE Genetics, Development and Morphology Editor

History of Office

Position founded in 1971. Position extant in 1980, then, as now, called Genetics, Development and Morphology Editor. Editorial abbreviation: CG. See Copeia 1987(4): 1092 for a review of the history of Copeia editorial offices to that date.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(IV-1) designated officer

Bylaws

(V-2-a) COO for GENE section; selects reviewers, notifies author(s) of rejected papers, recommends acceptance of papers to EDIT

Description of Functions

Summary of Responsibilities

GENE serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Genetics, Development and Morphology Section; receives submitted manuscripts from EDIT, selects reviewers, notifies author(s) of rejected papers, recommends acceptance of papers to EDIT, and performs such other duties as described below (GENE, EDIT).

GENE should receive manuscripts dealing with genetic markers, multivariate morphometrics, and developmental assays.

Tenure:

Operations of the Office of GENE

Annual Duties:

March-April -- poll current editorial board members to see if they are willing to continue for another year.

June -- send in 6-7 nominations to the EDIT for the editorial board

Quarterly Duties:

Update the EDIT on the status of all manuscripts. This is done on a form supplied by the EDIT.

Weekly Duties:

All papers-- In all cases, reviewers are thanked. Each reviewer receives a copy of the cover letter sent to the author, and anonymous copies of the comments from the other reviewers.

9. Forward accepted manuscripts to the EDIT--- A letter of acceptance is sent to the author. The letter states that the manuscript has been "recommended by the Genetics, Development and Morphology Editor, for publication in Copeia." The EDIT receives a copy of the acceptance letter sent to the author, and the manuscript, the diskette supplied by the author with both ASCII and word processing files of the manuscript, and the manuscript flow sheet.

10. Respond to requests for information from authors--- With the advent of widespread use of E-mail, this is becoming increasingly common and requires responding to several requests per week.

GHER General Herpetology Editor

History of Office

Position re-established in 1959 Position extant in 1980, then, as now, called General Herpetology Editor. Editorial abbreviation: CH. See Copeia 1987(4): 1092 for a review of the history of Copeia editorial offices to that date.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(IV-1) designated officer

Bylaws

(V-2-a) COO for GHER section; selects reviewers, notifies author(s) of rejected papers, recommends acceptance of papers to EDIT

Description of Functions

Summary of Responsibilities

GHER serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the General Herpetology Section; receives submitted manuscripts from EDIT, selects reviewers, notifies author(s) of rejected papers, recommends acceptance of papers to EDIT, and performs such other duties as described below (GHER, EDIT).

GHER takes herpetological manuscripts dealing with species descriptions or revisions, nomenclatural problems, taxon-specific ecology and natural history (i.e., food habits of species X).

Tenure:

Operations of the Office of GHER

Annual Duties:

March-April -- poll current editorial board members to see if they are willing to continue for another year.

June -- send in 6-7 nominations to the EDIT for the editorial board

Quarterly Duties:

Update the EDIT on the status of all manuscripts. This is done on a form supplied by the EDIT.

Weekly Duties:

2. Send out new manuscripts for review (normally to two reviewers)--- All manuscripts are read for general agreement with Copeia format, reasonable grammar, proper spelling, and for determination of suitable reviewers. Manuscripts deemed unsuitable are returned to the author for revision before being sent out for review, or rejected outright. After reviewers are decided upon, packets are prepared for each reviewer. Each packet includes the manuscript, a review form, and a cover letter. A notice is affixed to the envelope showing that the package is a Copeia manuscript for review and that it should be returned immediately if the addressee is unavailable. Reviewers are not contacted before being sent the manuscript, but the cover letter stresses the importance of a timely review and asks reviewers to return the manuscript promptly if they are unable to review it. Suggestions for other reviewers are also requested. Maintaining a data base of reviewers that includes keywords describing their expertise is helpful; the data base also includes the dates of their previous reviews of Copeia manuscripts. Unless a reviewer is on the editorial board of Copeia, he/she is usually not sent more than two papers to review per year.

All papers-- In all cases, reviewers are thanked. Each reviewer receives a copy of the cover letter sent to the author, and anonymous copies of the comments from the other reviewers.

9. Forward accepted manuscripts to the EDIT--- A letter of acceptance is sent to the author. The letter states that the manuscript has been "recommended by the General Herpetology Editor, for publication in Copeia." The EDIT receives a copy of the acceptance letter sent to the author, and the manuscript, the diskette supplied by the author with both ASCII and word processing files of the manuscript, and the manuscript flow sheet.

10. Respond to requests for information from authors--- With the advent of widespread use of E-mail, this is becoming increasingly common and requires responding to several requests per week.

GICH General Ichthyology Editor

History of Office

Position re-established in 1959. Position extant in 1980, then, as now called General Ichthyology Editor. Editorial abbreviation: CI. See Copeia 1987(4): 1092 for a review of the history of Copeia editorial offices to that date.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(IV-1) designated officer

Bylaws

(V-2-a) COO for GICH section; selects reviewers, notifies author(s) of rejected papers, recommends acceptance of papers to EDIT

Description of Functions

Summary of Responsibilities

GICH serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the General Ichthyology Section; receives submitted manuscripts from EDIT, selects reviewers, notifies author(s) of rejected papers, recommends acceptance of papers to EDIT, and performs such other duties as described below (GICH, EDIT).

GICH takes ichthyological manuscripts dealing with species descriptions or revisions, nomenclatural problems, taxon-specific ecology and natural history (i.e., food habits of species X).

Tenure:

Operations of the Office of GICH

Annual Duties:

March-April -- poll current editorial board members to see if they are willing to continue for another year.

June -- send in 6-7 nominations to the EDIT for the editorial board

Quarterly Duties:

Update the EDIT on the status of all manuscripts. This is done on a form supplied by the EDIT.

Weekly Duties:

All papers-- In all cases, reviewers are thanked. Each reviewer receives a copy of the cover letter sent to the author, and anonymous copies of the comments from the other reviewers.

9. Forward accepted manuscripts to the EDIT--- A letter of acceptance is sent to the author. The letter states that the manuscript has been "recommended by the General Ichthyology Editor, for publication in Copeia." The EDIT receives a copy of the acceptance letter sent to the author, and the manuscript, the diskette supplied by the author with both ASCII and word processing files of the manuscript, and the manuscript flow sheet.

10. Respond to requests for information from authors--- With the advent of widespread use of E-mail, this is becoming increasingly common and requires responding to several requests per week.

INDE Index Editor

History of Office

Position established in 1957. Position extant in 1980, then called Index Editor. The Bylaws provide for the election of a single index editor. Note, however, that any editorial office, excepting Editor, may be held by two persons. In practice in recent years the office of Index Editor has been shared by two persons, one designated as Subject Editor, the other as Taxonomic Editor. It is the recommendation of this Manual that this practice be continued. Ultimately continuance depends upon the availability of persons willing to serve, agreement through nomination by the NOMC, and confirmation through election as specified in the Constitution and Bylaws.

In 1987, Index Co-editors were elected to share the duties of providing taxonomic and subject indices and preparing the Table of Contents for the fourth number for the year. Separate duties of the co-editors were not specified for an individual until 1995, when Taxonomic and Subject positions were created. The elected officer or officers serve on the ASIH BOFG as elected officers not otherwise included on the EXEC and as members of the EDPC.

Editorial abbreviation: none. See Copeia 1987(4): 1092 for a review of the history of Copeia editorial offices to that date.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(IV-1) designated officer

Bylaws

(V-2-c) produces annual index to COPEIA; archives materials for periodic production of multiyear indices

Operations of the Office of INDE

Summary of Responsibilities

Prepares the annual index to Copeia, position now divided between taxonomic and subject index editors (see below). The responsibilities of the Index Editor (Co-editors) as mandated by the By-Laws include the production of an annual index to Copeia and archiving materials for periodic multiyear indices to be prepared as deemed necessary. In practice the preparation of the Table of Contents is also part of the editor’s duties. When there are co-editors, each year the Taxonomic Index Editor has the responsibility of preparing the Table of Contents for Copeia , number 4.

Tenure

While there is not a fixed period of office, the term of editorship is understood to be at least three years.

Co-Index Editor (Subject )

Purpose of Position:

The Co-Index Editor (Subject) prepares the annual Subject index for publication in the final issue of Copeia

Procedures:

1) Receives a copy of the first three issues and page proofs of the fourth issue of Copeia for use in indexing.

2) Prepares the subject index in accord with a standardized list of topics and categories maintained and updated yearly by the incumbent..

3) Maintains an electronic master list of subject index entries for Copeia since 1987.

4) Compiles the Subject index in the manuscript format of Copeia for submission to Allen Press

5) Reviews page proofs of Subject index and returns to Allen Press.

Calendar:

Tenure: Elected annually, may be re-elected.

February: Receives first issue of Copeia and begins indexing.

May: Receives second issue of Copeia and continues indexing.

July: Receives third issue of Copeia and continues indexing.

September: Receives page proofs of fourth issue of Copeia to complete index.

October 15: Submits completed manuscript of Subject Index to Allen Press.

November: Receives and reviews page proofs of Index and returns to Allen Press.

Comments: Start early! Highlight subjects/topics in the extra copies of Copeia before keyboarding. Use a copy of the Master Subject/Topic List to enter names and page numbers. After the current year has been entered, save a copy of the file to be used as the current Master List.

Co-Index Editor (Taxonomic)

Purpose of Position:

The Co-Index Editor (Taxonomic) prepares the annual Taxonomic, Author, and Title indexes for publication in the final issue of Copeia.

Procedures:

1) Receives a copy of the first three issues and page proofs of the fourth issue of Copeia for use in indexing.

2) Prepares the scientific name index by noting each scientific name used in any section of each issue, including all formal biological taxonomic entities.

3) Maintains an electronic master list of names used in Copeia since 1987.

4) Compiles the Author and Titles indexes.

5) Prepares all indexes in the manuscript format of Copeia for submission to Allen Press.

6) Reviews page proofs of indexes and returns to Allen Press.

Calendar:

Tenure: Elected annually, may be re-elected.

February: Receives first issue of Copeia and begins indexing.

May: Receives second issue of Copeia and continues indexing.

July: Receives third issue of Copeia and continues indexing.

September: Receives page proofs of fourth issue of Copeia to complete index.

October 15: Submits completed manuscripts of Taxonomic, Authors, and Titles Indexes to Allen Press.

November: Receives and reviews page proofs of all Indexes and returns to Allen Press.

Comments: Start early! Highlight names in the extra copies of Copeia before keyboarding. Use a copy of the Master List to enter names and page numbers. Remember to maintain a "New Names" section and "Established Names" section; in both sections, new names should be in bold type. After the current year has been entered, save a copy of the file to be used as the current Master List. In the other copy, delete all names without page numbers.

PHYS Physiology and Physiological Ecology Editor

History of Office

Position extant in 1980, then called Ecology, Ethology, and Environmental Physiology Editor. This section was divided into two sections: ECOL (Ecology and Ethology) and PHYS (Physiology and Physiological Ecology) in 1990. Editorial abbreviation: CP. See Copeia 1987(4): 1092 for a review of the history of Copeia editorial offices to that date.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(IV-1) designated officer

Bylaws

(V-2-a) COO for PHYS section; selects reviewers, notifies author(s) of rejected papers, recommends acceptance of papers to EDIT

Description of Functions

Summary of Responsibilities

PHYS serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Physiology and Physiological Ecology Section; receives submitted manuscripts from EDIT, selects reviewers, notifies author(s) of rejected papers, recommends acceptance of papers to EDIT, and performs such other duties as described below (PHYS, EDIT).

PHYS takes manuscripts in its field, plus (since it receives on average fewest manuscripts) any of a remotely physiological nature (i.e., digestive or reproductive themes, for example). Manuscripts dealing with microtechnique or microanatomy are also sent to this section.

Tenure:

Operations of the Office of PHYS

Annual Duties:

March-April -- poll current editorial board members to see if they are willing to continue for another year.

June -- send in 6-7 nominations to the EDIT for the editorial board

Quarterly Duties:

Update the EDIT on the status of all manuscripts. This is done on a form supplied by the EDIT.

Weekly Duties:

All papers-- In all cases, reviewers are thanked. Each reviewer receives a copy of the cover letter sent to the author, and anonymous copies of the comments from the other reviewers.

9. Forward accepted manuscripts to the EDIT--- A letter of acceptance is sent to the author. The letter states that the manuscript has been "recommended by the Physiology and Physiological Ecology Editor, for publication in Copeia." The EDIT receives a copy of the acceptance letter sent to the author, and the manuscript, the diskette supplied by the author with both ASCII and word processing files of the manuscript, and the manuscript flow sheet.

10. Respond to requests for information from authors--- With the advent of widespread use of E-mail, this is becoming increasingly common and requires responding to several requests per week.

PPRE Past President

History of Office

Position extant in 1980.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(IV-6-a) serves on EXEC

(IV-6-b) after one year as PPRE becomes "prior" Past President and continues one additional year of service on EXEC, for a total of four years of service on EXEC

Bylaws

(IX-1) Automatically serves on NOMC

(IX-2) Under some circumstances may serve as Chair of NOMC

Functions

Past-Presidents provide continuity in Society affairs by serving a total of four years on the Executive Committee and by continuing service on the Board of Governors. Other than service on the Nominating Committee mandated by the Bylaws there are no additional specific duties assigned to this office.

PREE President-Elect

History of Office

Position extant in 1980.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(IV-1) designated officer

(IV-1) succession to PRES under normal (IV-1) or abnormal (death or incapacitation) (IV-4) circumstances

Bylaws

(II-2) serves ex officio on all society committees

(XII-2) appoints STAC for service in annual meeting at which PREE shall serve as PRES

Duties

PREE appoints STAC for service prior to and in the subsequent Annual Meeting. (Although the PRES is mandated by the Constitution and By-Laws to appoint most ASIH committees and representatives, including STAC, in recent years this task has been delegated to the PREE. It is the recommendation of this Manual that this practice be continued.)

Serves on the Executive Committee and the Board of Governors. Serves as ex officio member of all ASIH committees, although in practice this service has tended to be selective and reflective of current committee activities. It is important to attend meetings of as many committees as possible and to learn the functions and membership of committees. Talking with committee chairs is especially important. Should committee size be increased or decreased? What are goals and concerns of each committee?

Suggestions to the President-Elect for preparations for the presidency: The President -Elect should take every opportunity to learn the procedures and practices of the Society. The EXEC email "BBS" is especially useful in this context by providing a day-to-day view of the scope of duties of the PRES, the activities and concerns of EXEC, and an overview of society functions as reported to and through the SECR and the EXEC.

PRES President

History of Office

Position extant in 1980.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(IV-1) designated officer, assumption of office after service as PREE

(IV-4) incapacitation, replacement of PRES

(IV-5) vacancy in SECR or TREA to be filled by PRES appointment, for service until the next Annual Meeting

(IV-6-a) membership on EXEC

(IV-6-b) four year tenure on EXEC

Bylaws

(II-1) presides at meetings of BOFG and ANBM (Implicit: also presides at EXEC meeting)

(II-2) appoints representatives and non-elective committees and committee chairs; serves ex officio on all society committees

Description of Functions

Summary of Responsibilities

The President presides at sessions of EXEC, BOFG, and ANBM. The President also appoints the committees prescribed by the Constitution and Bylaws, and such other representatives or committees as may prove necessary. The President (and President-Elect) are ex officio members of all committees. (Although the PRES is mandated by the Constitution and By-Laws to appoint most ASIH committees and representatives, including STAC, in recent years this task has been delegated to the PREE. It is the recommendation of this Manual that this practice be continued.)

By constitutional authority appoints an individual to serve as SECR or TREA in event of vacancy. By practice and in consultation with EXEC and such others as may be appropriate, appoints replacements in event of vacancy for any office, committee position, representative, or for other society positions. The tenure of the replacement coincides with the remaining period of service of the person replaced. Election or appointment of a "permanent" replacement shall be at the normally scheduled time, typically at or just after the Annual Meeting following the occurrence of the vacancy.

Tenure

The PRES is limited to a single calendar year of service as PRES, but serves an additional three years as PREE, PPRE, and "prior" PPRE, while remaining a member of EXEC, and continues in lifetime service on BOFG. Although non-consecutive re-election is not specifically prohibited by the Constitution or By-Laws, it is commonly understood that any person shall occupy only a single term as PRES.

Operations of the Office of PRES

Prior to Assumption of Office

Suggestions to the President - Elect for preparations for the presidency: The President -Elect should take every opportunity to learn the procedures and practices of the Society. It is especially important to attend meetings of as many committees as possible and to learn the functions and membership of committees. Talking with committee chairs is especially important. What are goals and concerns of each committee?

Prior to Annual Meetings

Although under the present system, the presidential term does not begin until January 1 of the year following the annual meetings, some items of business must be addressed before the first of the year because committee activities must get underway in the fall (committees serve from one annual meeting through the next). Primary among these are: 1. Raney Award Committee (ichthyology): Appointment of Chair and committee. 2. Gaige Award Committee (herpetology): Appointment of Chair and committee. Both of these committees are charged with preparing an announcement of the competitions to appear in Copeia, No. 4, following the annual meetings. Applications are evaluated in the spring and successful applicants selected about 2 mo. before the annual meetings. The Treasurer will tell the President and the committee chairs the amount available for the awards, and each committee will make awards accordingly. All applicants(successful and unsuccessful) should be notified as early as possible, because typically, these grants are made for summer research and travel.

Each committee submits its results to the Secretary to include in the Annual Reports to the Board of Governors (BOFG).

Before the Annual Meetings (as early as possible), the President must appoint several committees:

1. Resolutions Committee. This committee is responsible for drafting the resolutions passed at the Board of Governors meeting. These are to be read by a committee member at the Annual Business Meeting and prepared for publication as a part of the meeting Summary in Copeia. Traditionally, this group also prepares a series of resolutions thanking the Local Committee and their institution for hosting the meeting. These, along with other resolutions of a more humorous nature, usually are presented at the ASIH banquet by one of the committee members. Past experience has indicated that ideally the Resolutions Committee should be composed of at least three persons. The representation should be geared to include a persons with a sense of humor, an appreciation of local meeting affairs and personnel, and a perspective on Society history, traditions, and membership. These attributes may be variously combined in the experience of one or more individual members of the Committee.

Numbers 2A and 2B below have typically been Presidential duties. For the last several years, we have delegated more of this demanding job to the President-Elect who, in conjunction with recommendations from the President, the GSPC Faculty Advisor, and chair of the Student Awards Committee and others, has appointed the judges for the Annual Meeting. We urge that a file of recommended judges be maintained and passed on to the next President-Elect. Many suitable people are willing but may not be available on any particular year. Former award winners usually make good judges, and younger members of the Society are eager to participate. These are the committees that allow more people to participate in meeting activities. Determining who is coming to the meeting is a time-consuming part of the job. See below.

2. Student Awards Committee: Chair and two members, with senior member becoming the succeeding chair. Appointments of the Chair should alternate between an ichthyologist and a herpetologist. The chair coordinates the judges at the annual meeting and should assist the President-Elect in selecting judges for the following annual meeting:

A. Stoye Awards. Judges are needed for (1) General Herpetology, (2) General Ichthyology, (3) Genetics, Development and Morphology, (4) Ecology and Ethology, and (5) Physiology and Physiological Ecology, (6) Conservation (if continued). Each section should have a chair, who is responsible for collating results, reporting them to the STAC Chair, the President and the Secretary, and, depending on the format of the banquet program, announcing the recipients. This may be done by the Chair of the Student Awards Committee In addition, the chairs are responsible for forwarding the student feedback forms to the appropriate member of the Graduate Student Participation Committee; this person then sends the forms to the competitors. Evaluation forms for the judges should be obtained from the Faculty Advisor of the Graduate Student Participation Committee. The numbers of judges in each category depends on the number of papers to be judged; consult Faculty Advisor for assistance. The local committee should be prepared to provide the President President-Elect) with a list of preregistrants and their phone numbers and e-mail addresses to aide him or her in selection of judges. It is a good idea to identify alternate judges in case of emergency. The STAC Chair based on information received from the Local Committee, and, if necessary, the SECR, should ascertain that all competitors are members of the Society.

B. Storer Awards. Judges are needed for poster presentations in the categories of (1) Ichthyology and (2)Herpetology. All else as above for Stoye Awards. In case there are too few posters (as there have been a few times), the Storer Award judges may inform participants before the banquet if they do not plan to give an award. Hard feelings may result otherwise.

Service at Annual Meetings

Presides at EXEC, BOFG, ANBM

At the Annual meetings, the President conducts the Executive Board meeting, the Board of Governors meeting, the Business Meeting, and participates in the Annual Banquet program. Subsequent to the annual business meeting, all resolutions should be forwarded to the responsible agency(ies) over the presidential signature.

Appoints Most ASIH Committees

The President is expected to appoint all ASIH standing committees plus continuing or recurring committees and representatives in addition to any new or ad hoc committees that he or she desires. In addition, the President is responsible for appointing a Faculty Advisor to the Graduate Student Participation Committee (and in conjunction with the President-Elect, the Stoye and Storer Award judges, see below).

General procedures of the President are to communicate with each committee chair or representative prior to the annual meeting and see whether the chair will continue to serve (if appropriate), which committee members will continue, and see if there are special concerns with which the President can assist. E-mail is a major facilitator for this process. Committees vary in their need for support and encouragement.

Not all committees have to be reconstituted in their entirety each year. The Secretary and the chairs or past chairs of the committees should advise the President of appointments that need to be made. The newly-developed ASIH Procedures Manual should also prove helpful in this respect. However, the President is responsible for developing charges for each of these committees in consultation with their chairs. Some committees have internal structure so that senior members move up to become chair, and a new member must be appointed. The LRPP and the ENFC (Nos. 1& 2 below) are appointed by the President in consultation with the Executive Committee.

1. LRPP (3-yr. term for chair; staggered terms for members).

2. ENFC (Chair & Chair Elect serve 1-yr. and may be reappointed; members serve staggered 5-yr. terms).

3. TPPC (this committee should include the host from past, current, and each future meeting site, representatives from associated societies (HL, AES, possibly SSAR), and a graduate student representative.

4. ENQC (this is a huge committee with representatives from other organizations and since 1995, a graduate student)

5. IHCC and subcommittees: Newsletter Subcommittee; Supplies and Resources Subcommittee; Policy and Practices Subcommittee; Data Standards Subcommittee: Ichthyology Division; Herpetology Division. The subcommittees listed are those currently active, but subcommittees may be rearranged, combined or eliminated, at the discretion of the full committee in consultation with the PRES.

6. NFJC

7. EDPC: Managing Editor, all Sectional Editors, Book Review Editors (all are listed on inside of front cover of Copeia; PRES and PREE serve ex officio) (The Editorial Board is appointed by the President in consultation with the EDIT; see inside front cover of Copeia).

8. SPUC: President appoints Chair, EDIT serves ex officio on committee.

9. GSPC and Faculty Advisor to Committee

10. EPPC

11. HACC (ASIH, HL, SSAR joint effort); IACC

12. CHEP; CHIP

13. Society Historian

14. HINC

15. IINC

16. HFMH, HFMI (as vacancies occur, a separate committee is appointed for ichthyology or herpetology; see the separate listings for these committees below)

Appoints Parliamentarian

If desired, the President may appoint a Parliamentarian to assist with proper form during the BOFG and the Business Meeting. It is the recommendation of this Manual that the President make such an appointment.

Elected Committees (ANBM)

The following committees are placed by general election at the Business Meeting:

1. Nominations Committee

2. Robert H. Gibbs, Jr. Memorial Award Committee

Appoints Society Representatives

The various Society Representatives and liaison officers must be reappointed. These include:

1. AASR: Representative to AAAS

2. ASCR: Representative to the Association of Systematics Collections

3. PNHC: Representative to the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections

4. AFSR: Representative to American Fisheries Society

5. IUCN: Representative to the IUCN

6. AFSR: Representative to the Early Life History Section of the American Fisheries Society

7. HSOC: Representative to SSAR and HL

8. AESR: Representative to American Elasmobranch Society

9. ABSR: Representative to the Animal Behavior Society

The President may appoint any Ad-Hoc Committees or Representatives

Annual Banquet

Activities at the annual banquet have traditionally been largely the responsibility of LOCL. The PRES should for the most part devote his/her efforts to promotion of ambiance.

Subsequent to Annual Meetings

Typically the ASIH Past President presents a plenary lecture at the annual meetings. As Past President the person is automatically member of the Nominations Committee for one year (under certain circumstances, see NOMC, PPRE may become Chair of NOMC). In addition, the President automatically becomes a member of the Board of Governors for life.

The Annual Meeting is the greatest opportunity to see and talk with committee chairs and members, but time is limited and there are too many individuals to see. Following the Annual Meeting, and prior to the deadline to the Editor for No. 4 issue of Copeia, the President must appoint all committees. A formal letter to committee members and chair is most appropriate. This letter can be in print or electronic format; it is anticipated that email will be the typical medium of choice. It is further anticipated that the PRES will be able to consult "standard" appointment and charge letters linked to the Manual, modify them as the PRES sees fit and as circumstances dictate, and email them as and if emended. That letter should state the charge to the committee including its functions and goals for the year. Often committees are not properly charged, or informed of what their duties are, therefore they accomplish little or nothing. Again, the new ASIH Procedures Manual should prove of help in this regard. Ideally duties should be worked out between the committee chair and the President. Since the Society functions are so large and varied, it is impossible for one person to be equally knowledgeable in all committee efforts. I suggest that a President pick a few functions where, because of interest or expertise, he or she may make the greatest contributions and concentrate on those efforts.

The PRES should forward copies of all significant correspondence to the PREE and the SECR. During the year, the President is sometimes asked to take action or speak for the Society. It is prudent to ask approval of the EXEC before taking action. E-mail makes rapid communication possible. Copies of such correspondence should be filed with the SECR.

REVH Book Review Editor: Herpetology

History of Office

From 1960 through 1984, book reviews were handled by the Managing Editor prior to 1985. In 1985 Book Review Editors for Herpetology and for Ichthyology were instituted and have been continued since. Editorial abbreviation: RH. See Copeia 1987(4): 1092 for a review of the history of Copeia editorial offices to that date.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(IV-1) designated officer

Bylaws

(V-2-b) promotes announcement and critical review of important new works in Herpetology

Description of Functions

Summary of Responsibilities

The purpose of reviewing herpetological books in COPEIA is to inform ASIH members, particularly herpetologists, of current books being published that may be useful for research, teaching, or general information.

Tenure

While there is not a fixed period of office, the term of editorship is understood to be at least three years.

Operations of the Office of REVH

Desiderata for Reviews

In general, a review should contain, where applicable, evaluations of 1) the range and nature of the volume, 2) whether it meets the author's stated purpose, 3) how it fits into a field or discipline, 4) how the volume compares with other published works on similar subjects, 5) the themes or theses developed by the author, 6) the currency and scope of the literature cited, 7) the appropriateness and quality of the illustrations, 8) typographical and grammatical errors and 9) the style and accuracy of the text, and 10) the cost. Thus, the purpose is to provide an overview and critical assessment of books related to the field of herpetology.

Operating procedures and specific time lines

The following steps are involved in the process of obtaining books and publishing reviews in COPEIA.

a. Solicit book from publisher. Some books will be received from publishers or authors without asking, but many may need to be requested. A general letter of request to a list of publishers can sometimes reduce the need for individual solicitation letters. A follow up letter to publisher about a particular book may be necessary. After book is received, the publisher should be sent an acknowledgment.

b. Ask a potential reviewer to review the book by email, letter or telephone. This part of the process may take one to three months, depending on how rapidly potential reviewers respond to requests from the book review editor.

c. Send copy of the book to the reviewer along with the letter of invitation that contains the guidelines.

d. Allow 2-3 months for a review to be completed depending on book size, reviewer location, and other factors. Remind a reviewer that his review is overdue after two months.

e. Following return of a review, routine editing and disk preparation must be completed by the Book Review editor. This process may be extended if editorial changes are extensive enough to return the manuscript to the reviewer for changes. The finalized review and disk copy are sent to the managing editor, along with the form that accompanies each review. The Book Review editor's handling of a review during this period may take up to two months if revision delays occur.

f. Inform reviewer that his review has been accepted and sent to EDIT.

g. Send two copies of the published review to the publisher.

h. Write descriptions of "Books Received." These are books received by the book review editor but that were (for various reasons) not reviewable in the usual way (e.g., too short, too general, or too multi-faceted) or because of difficulties in finding a reviewer or having a putative reviewer submit a review. This process generally takes one to three months depending on how rapidly potential reviewers turn down the option to review the book or whether the book review editor is initially undecided about whether the book is appropriate for a full review.

i. In conclusion, the typical herpetological book review process [from receipt of book to submission of review (or Books Received)] copy and disk to EDIT can take as little as one month to as many as eight. Under exceptional circumstances, a book review can be delayed for various reasons so that the process may take up to a year.

REVI Book Review Editor: Ichthyology

History of Office

From 1960 through 1984, book reviews were handled by the Managing Editor prior to 1985. In 1985 Book Review Editors for Herpetology and for Ichthyology were instituted and have been continued since. Editorial abbreviation: RI. See Copeia 1987(4): 1092 for a review of the history of Copeia editorial offices to that date.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(IV-1) designated officer

Bylaws

(V-2-b) promotes announcement and critical review of important new works in Herpetology

Description of Functions

Summary of Responsibilities

The purpose of reviewing ichthyological books in COPEIA is to inform ASIH members, particularly ichthyologists, of current books being published that may be useful for research, teaching, or general information.

Tenure

While there is not a fixed period of office, the term of editorship is understood to be at least three years.

Operations of the Office of REVI

Desiderata for Reviews

Operating procedures and specific time lines

The following steps are involved in the process of obtaining books and publishing reviews in COPEIA.

c. Send copy of the book to the reviewer along with the letter of invitation that contains the guidelines.

d. Allow 2-3 months for a review to be completed depending on book size, reviewer location, and other factors. Remind a reviewer that his review is overdue after two months.

f. Inform reviewer that his review has been accepted and sent to EDIT.

g. Send two copies of the published review to the publisher.

i. In conclusion, the typical ichthyological book review process [from receipt of book to submission of review (or Books Received)] copy and disk to EDIT can take as little as one month to as many as eight. Under exceptional circumstances, a book review can be delayed for various reasons so that the process may take up to a year.

SECR Secretary

History of Office

Office was extant in 1980.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(III-4-d) receives Distinguished Fellow petition

(IV-1) designated officer

(VI-3, implicit) sees to it that notice of Annual Meeting is mailed by LOCL at least three months prior to Annual Meeting. (Implicit, in practice: sees that meeting information is posted on ASIH website)

(IX-2, implicit) sees to it that proposed amendments to Constitution or Bylaws are distributed to all members at least three months prior to Annual Meeting (in practice this would normally have to be sent with the meeting announcement packet from LOCL; possibly website announcement might constitute "circulation")

Bylaws

(I-2) determines service charge in special billing process

(III-1) maintains records of society, reports annually to BOFG

(III-2) sees to it that notification of meeting is sent out to membership (by LOCL); arranges agendas for meetings of BOFG and ANBM

(III-3) reimbursed for costs of attending meetings

(III-4) runs the Business Office; authorizes disbursement of society funds in support of operation of society offices in line with established policy

(III-5) serves as representative of ASIH except where other provisions are made by PRES

(III-6) responsible for annual audit of society financial records and for transmission of independent auditor’s report to BOFG

(III-7) in consultation with EDIT handles all copyright-related issues

(III-8) responsible for safe storage and proper disposal of backlogged society publications, will report annually to BOFG on status of publication backlog

(XIV) SECR maintains one of two official bound sets of COPEIA.

Description of Functions

Summary of Responsibilities

The Secretary is responsible for: keeping the records of the Society and reporting at the annual meeting; sending out notices announcing the annual meeting and arranging the agenda for the Board of Governors and general business meetings at the annual meeting; making such purchases and employing such assistance as is necessary to conduct the business of the Society within limits to be set annually by the Board of Governors; acting as delegate or representative of the Society at meetings of related societies covering matters of mutual interest; arranging for an annual professional audit of the financial record and statement of the Treasurer and transmitting the auditor's report to the annual meeting of the Board of Governors; disbursement of funds for the expenses of the President and the Treasurer within limits to be set by the Board of Governors.

Tenure

Although election is from year to year, the expected commitment is for a minimum of five years of service.

Operations of the Office of SECR

Tasks done throughout the year:

Maintenance and emendation of the ASIH Procedures Manual are charged to the SECR. It is anticipated that current "hard" copy will be maintained by the SECR and by the Chair of the LRPP. It is recommended that a current electronic copy be maintained by the SECR on the ASIH website for access by all interested persons. The SECR will maintain a separate log of changes in the Manual as they occur and this file shall be available on the ASIH website to be updated and older portions archived on a periodic basis.

It is anticipated that there will be development of a set of files linked to the Manual to make more efficient the operations of several ASIH offices. For example the President must send out somewhere in excess of 100 letters of appointment to individual committee chairs, committee members, and society representatives. It is recommended that these letters be stored in standard template files, downloadable by the PRES for modification where necessary, and, when suitably emended, transmittable by electronic means to the appointees. These letters will contain standard information pertaining to committee and representative purposes, functions, and operations, to which may be added the special charges that may occur from year to year.

-Respond to general correspondence (postal, electronic, and telephone)

-Mail out career pamphlets as requested and keep a tally of those mailed for annual report -Maintain and update the Society's World Wide Web site

-Promptly reply to requests for copyright permission and keep copies on file for annual report

-Maintain all files of the Society

-Coordinate with Business Office as needed

-Provide stationery to officers and editors

-Facilitate communications among the Executive Committee and other committees -Maintain the records of officers, representatives, and committees

-Provide free mailing lists to officers, local committee, etc. or as approved by the Ex-Comm (commercial mailing lists are handled by the Business Office)

-Update records notebooks as needed

-Inform Managing Editor of deaths of Past Presidents, Honorary Foreign Members, and distinguished members in order to get obituaries printed in Copeia.

Tasks done quarterly (approx. Jan 1, April 1, July 1, Oct 1):

-Acquire membership database update from Allen Press and update database on World Wide Web

Tasks with fixed deadlines (based on mid-June meeting- should be adjusted for early/late meetings):

Jan 1: Update list of elected/appointed officers and committee chairs and members on World Wide Web and in Copeia

Jan 1: Submit request from the Business Office for all necessary data from the previous calendar year to complete the Secretary's and Business Office Reports to the BOFG

Jan 15*: Post meeting announcement on World Wide Web (may be done by local committee)

Feb 1*: Request reports to BOFG from reporting officers, committee chairs, and representatives (due April 1)

Feb 1: Submit Business Office report of previous calendar year to Treasurer for auditing

Mar 15*: Send reminder of deadline for receipt of reports to BOFG to officers, committee chairs and reps

Apr 1*: Compile report of the Secretary' s Office for BOFG report

April 1*: Request items from Executive Committee members for Ex-Comm meeting agenda

May 1*: Receive reports and compile BOFG report. Duplicate and mail to entire BOFG. Post on World Wide Web

May 1*: Produce ballots (create, print, copy, and deliver to meeting site) for ALL elections to be held at annual meeting. (General business meeting ballot needs to have space for ALL elected officers or a checkbox for blanket vote for all incumbent officers.)

May 1*: Verify student membership status for Student Awards Committee

May 1*: Obtain all necessary certificates and frames for Stoye and Storer Awards for annual meeting

May 1*: Obtain any additional certificates, gifts, or awards as may be necessary for annual meeting, including certificates for past presidents

May 1*: Arrange for calligrapher to inscribe names of winners, date, and city on award certificates (Mark Sabaj has done this in the past)

May 15*: Finalize and distribute Ex-Comm agenda

May 15: Carefully proof ballots (HFM and BOFG)

May 30*: Prepare all materials needed for Ex-Comm meeting ["the Box"] (see attached list)

June 1*: Produce, duplicate, and transport ballots for BOFG and General Business meeting to meeting site

June: See Tasks Done at Meeting (below) June 30

June 30: Update list of elected/appointed officers, honorary foreign members, BOFG, committee chairs, award winners, etc. on World Wide Web and in Copeia

June 30: Obtain complete program from local chair for publication in annual report

June 30: Assure that Business Office is prepared to mail renewal notices with Copeia(3) and periodic reminder notices

July 1: Compile annual report and have reviewed by President

July 1: Send letters of congratulation to recipients of awards, or assure that the appropriate committee chair does so. Letters should include inventory of Copeia back issues and ask that award winner place orders directly with Allen Press. Advise Allen Press that winners may be placing orders.

July 23: Deliver annual report to copy editor for publication in Copeia(4)

Aug 1: Prepare and send letters of congratulations/regret to all people on the ballot (president-elect candidates, Honorary Foreign Member nominees, BOFG, etc.)

Nov 15: Provide membership database to local committee for mailing of meeting announcement

Tasks done at annual meeting:

Certificates

-Get calligrapher to inscribe award certificates and Past President certificates

EXEC Meeting

-Have all committee members sign in

-Take minutes at EXEC meeting

-After EXEC meeting, prepare BOFG meeting agenda in conjunction with the President

-See that all Stoye/Storer and other certificates are signed by the President, award committee chairs, etc. for presentation at banquet

BOFG Meeting

-Have all governors sign in

-Take minutes at BOFG meeting

-Distribute, collect, and tally ballots

-After BOFG meeting, prepare ANBM agenda in conjunction with the President

ANBM Meeting

-Take minutes at Business Meeting

-Distribute, collect, and tally ballots

Banquet

-Take minutes at Banquet

-Announce winners of elections

-Obtain resolutions from chair of Resolutions Committee and list of all award winners from student Awards Committee chair for inclusion in meeting report

"THE BOX"

The following items need to be gathered and placed in a box (or other suitable carrying case) to be taken to the annual meeting:

-Agenda for Ex Comm meeting

-Minutes of last meeting as published in Copeia issue 4 of previous year

-Complete outline of agenda for both BOFG and General Business meetings

-Current version of Constitution (copy from file cabinet or print from WWW

-Robert's Rules of Order (book)

-Extra copies of BOFG report

-Ballots (election of Honorary Foreign Members, election of BOFG, general business)

-Outline of how to prepare Nominating Committee ballot for BOFG [Nominating committee provides candidates, but nominees are allowed from the floor during BOFG meeting, and then Secretary has to produce a ballot for Business meeting with additional spaces for even more nominees from the floor at Business meeting - details of how this election is conducted are complex] (in constitution and Manual).

-Procedures Manual (present document)

-Blank certificates for all student paper awards and Past Presidents (3 of each to be safe). -Enough frames for all student paper award certificates, plus several extra

-Membership applications

-Envelopes for individual payments and applications and couple larger ones -Labels addressed to Allen Press

-Blank, formatted floppy disks

-Paper, including blank ASIH letterhead

-Stamps (just a few, in case)

-lots of aspirin

TREA Treasurer

History of Office

Position extant in 1980.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(IV-1) designated officer

Bylaws

(IV-1) has charge of all ASIH funds and securities (Implicit: serves ex officio on and/or as regular consultant to ENFC)

(IV-2) reports on finances annually to BOFG

Description of Functions

Summary of Responsibilities

The Treasurer shall be in charge of the funds and securities of the Society. At the annual meetings of the Society, the Treasurer shall present a statement of the funds and monies of the Society, the statement to cover the calendar year. The Treasurer serves ex officio on the ENFC.

Tenure

Although election is from year to year, the expected commitment is for a minimum of five years of service.

Operations of the Office of TREA

Manage Cash Flow

Revenues

Revenues to the Society come from memberships, subscriptions to Copeia, page charges for publication in Copeia, the sale of mailing lists, sales of back issues of Copeia, sales of special publications, donations to the Society, and income from investments.

Membership payments, subscriptions to Copeia, page charges for publication in Copeia, the sale of mailing lists, sales of back issues of Copeia, and the sales of special publications are all handled by Allen Press, and the money is deposited in a checking account in Lawrence, Kansas.

Donations to the Society are made directly to the Treasurer or through Allen Press on the membership/subscription application form. Money received by the Treasurer is acknowledged by a receipt and deposited in an appropriate account.

Income from investments is distributed to various funds as described below.

Cash Flow

Checking/savings accounts are maintained by the Treasurer to facilitate cash flow as needed by the Society and to maximize interest earned.

Disbursements

Expenses related to the publication of Copeia and to the operation of all offices of the Society are paid through checking accounts maintained by the Treasurer. For some offices (e.g., Secretary) an annual advance is given at the beginning of the year, and an annual summary of expenses is submitted to the Treasurer, for others (e.g., Sectional Editors), vouchers are submitted to the Treasurer and paid as received,

Manage Investments

Oversight

The Treasurer manages the investments of the Society with direction and advice from the Board of Governors(BOFG), the Executive Committee(EXEC), and the Endowment and Finance Committee (ENFC). Investments include money in the Current (Operating) Fund, Board-Designated Funds, and Restricted Funds.

Fund Categories

Unrestricted

Board-Designated Funds are the General Endowment Fund and the Life Membership Fund.

The General Endowment Fund consists of unrestricted donations and earnings on these donations. Donations are received by the Treasurer and invested in mutual funds as directed by the ENFC. When the Fund is large enough, a percentage of the net asset value will be disbursed for activities specified by the BOFG.

The Life Membership Fund consists of dues received from life members. The dues are invested in mutual funds specified by the EXEC and interest is retained in the Fund.

Restricted

Restricted Funds are the Gaige, Gibbs, Raney, Storer, and Stoye Funds. Each was established by a gift to the Society to enable the Society to present awards to its memos for their scientific endeavors.

The Society has combined resources of the Gaige, Gibbs, Raney, and Storer Funds into a common investment pool (also containing the Current Fund). The pool consists of government securities, certificates of deposit, and mutual funds. The amount of annual income earned annually by each Fund is determined by the return on the investments, and is apportioned according to the percentage of the total investment held by each Fund or as directed by the EXEC. The Stoye Fund is invested wholly in a single mutual fund.

Arrange for Annual Audit

The Treasurer annually submits all necessary paperwork, including deposit records, receipts for bills paid, and a spreadsheet showing cash flow of the Society, to an independent accounting firm. The firm reviews the material submitted, prepares financial statements, and expresses a written opinion as to whether the financial statements accurately reflect the assets, liabilities, and fund balances of the Society.

Submit Annual Financial Statement

The results of the independent audit, plus comments on the general financial condition of the Society, are submitted annually by the Treasurer in the form of a written report to the BOFG. The Treasurer also provides additional information on the finances of the Society as requested by the BOFG or at the Annual Business Meeting.

Support of Society Officers / Office Functions

Support of Section Editors

Expectation of Institutional Support

ASIH POLICY ON SUPPORT OF COPEIA SECTIONAL EDITORS

COPEIA, the official journal of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, is operated through volunteers from the membership serving in various editorial positions. This method of operation has allowed the Society to continue to offer COPEIA to its members at a very reasonable cost compared to many other journals. In keeping with this philosophy, the Society generally expects the associate editor's institution to help support the activity, recognizing that most universities, colleges, museums, and research institutions believe that they benefit from having one of their members, and their institution, listed as an editor in the journal.

Candidate's Responsibilities

When considering accepting an editorship, a member should first check with his or her institution to ensure that related costs such as postage, copying and phone charges will be assumed by the institution. Most members have computers and printers available in their offices that can be used for editorial activity, but the Society realizes that in some situations it may be necessary to provide assistance in purchasing a quality printer, etc.

ASIH Support

The Executive Committee of the Society will entertain requests from sectional editors for such support if that person agrees to hold the position for at least three years. Generally such requests should be made at the time a member is considering accepting an editorship, but later requests resulting from emergencies will be considered. The Society generally does not provide secretarial or clerical support for sectional editors, and persons considering accepting an editorship should not expect such support. If unusual situations develop, such as a major increase in manuscripts received, etc., a sectional editor may request temporary assistance from the Society, but permission from the EXEC must be obtained in advance of hiring temporary personnel.

Support of President

No special fiscal privileges accrue to the Presidency, although reimbursement of communication costs borne by the President's institution may be negotiated with the Treasurer of the Society. Also, there is a precedent that the Society will cover the costs of the President's attending the meetings on one occasion, usually the meeting at which the PRES presides, although precedence exists for support at the meeting at which the Presidential address is given. In either case, The Treasurer should be consulted to determine the amount available for presidential expenses.

Support of Secretary

The Secretary shall be reimbursed out of the monies of the Society for expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Society. The Secretary shall make such purchases and employ such assistance as is necessary to conduct the business of the Society.

The Secretary shall be responsible for authorizing disbursement of funds for the expenses of society offices within limits to be set annually by the Executive Committee. All such expenditures will be reported to and are subject to review and ratification by the Board of Governors.

Support of Other ASIH Officers

The Secretary shall be responsible for authorizing disbursement of funds for the expenses of society offices within limits to be set annually by the Executive Committee. The SECR may consult with the PRES and TREA prior to making such disbursements. It is expected that the EXEC will review from time to time the level of funding available to support the activities of Society offices and the categories of expenditure to be covered. All such expenditures will be reported to and are subject to review and ratification by the Board of Governors.

Support of Society Representatives

From time to time the Society has through EXEC been able to partially defray the costs of certain society representatives to attend meetings of the stipulated groups. This support is to be regarded as ad hoc and on a one-time basis and can be guaranteed to no representative, rather it is more likely that a given representative will be chosen who attends the stipulated meetings on a regular basis utilizing non-ASIH funds to pay costs.

Support for Graduate Student Attendance at Meetings

From time to time the EXEC and/or particular LOCL have contributed funds to the graduate student travel fund. This has taken the form of direct grants as well as challenge grants. In addition requests have been issued for donations for this purpose by individuals. ASIH strongly supports participation by graduate students in all aspects of society function, but at present society contributions are to be regarded as an ad hoc, one-time action, bearing no implications of society ability to continue such contributions on a regular and predictable basis. Clearly this function is an issue under ongoing consideration by the Endowment and Finance Committee which may be expected to make recommendations to EXEC and BOFG on an episodic basis.

Support of RHGC Activities

(from Copeia 1988: 1133) Reasonable expenses of the award committee will be allowed and derived from the accrued interest to the award endowment fund, and may include such items as: transportation costs of the award recipient and committee chair from home to the annual meeting; cost of preparation of the award plaque; nominal expenses for a working meeting of the committee members to assist the members in arriving at a decision concerning an award; and cost of telephone calls, postage, etc., relating to committee functions. [Recommended addition: It is expected that as much of this as possible will be done electronically, via email, fax, etc].

Southeastern Division

History

The Southeastern Division of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (SEASIH) was organized in 1954.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(VII-1) establishment, composition, membership

(VII-2) officers

(VII-3) annual meetings; concurrence with ASIH general meeting

Bylaws

Description

Function

The mission of the division is to provide an opportunity for members in the region to attend a meeting in the Southeast on an annual basis. The SEASIH meets with the Association of Southeastern Biologists (ASB) in years when ASIH is held out of the Southeastern region, and with the parent society (ASIH) when it meets in the region. The SEASIH also provides mechanisms for encouraging student participation by providing travel grants and paper awards to student members. The student paper award competition is not held when SEASIH meets with the parent society. The division averages 100 active members who pay voluntary dues on an annual basis. Revenue from dues and contributions is used for student travel grants and paper awards.

Calendar

Fall

Dues solicitation mailed to membership

Spring

Applications for student travel grants and paper competition received

Spring or Summer

Annual meeting with ASB (spring) or ASIH(summer), depending on location of ASIH meeting. New secretary-treasurer elected. Former secretary-treasurer becomes vice-president; former vice-president becomes president.

Duties of Officers

President

1. Writes annual dues solicitation and student paper award/travel grant notice

2. Receives applications for student travel

3. Sends notification to student travel grant recipients

4. Coordinates student paper competition

5. Acts as ASB and ASIH liaison; notifies ASIH secretary of officer changes

6. Prepares an agenda for and presides over the annual business meeting.

Vice-President

1. Solicits nominations for Secretary-Treasurer

2. Presides over the annual business meeting if the President is absent.

Secretary-Treasurer

1. Uses membership database to generate mailing labels and send out dues solicitation and student paper award/travel grant notice

2. Opens bank account for SEASIH transactions

3. Collects dues and contributions and enters into database

4. Prepares treasury report for business meeting, reads minutes of previous meeting, records current meeting minutes

5. Sends minutes of meeting to ASIH secretary

Standing Committees

Definition

Standing Committees are provided for separately in the CONSTITUTION and/or BYLAWS, and/or are those which must be renewed yearly to conduct society business. Standing Committees and their abbreviations are as follows:

ANBM Annual Business Meeting

BOFG Board of Governors

EDBD Editorial Board

EDPC Editorial Policy Committee

ENFC Endowment Fund Committee

EXEC Executive Committee

GFAC Gaige Fund Award Committee

GSPC Committee on Graduate Student Participation

LOCL Local Committee for the Annual Meeting

LRPF Long Range Planning and Finance Committee

NOMC Nominating Committee

RFAC Raney Fund Award Committee

RHGC Robert H. Gibbs, Jr., Memorial Award Committee

STAC Student Awards Committee

TPPC Time, Place and Program Committee

Appointment and Tenure: General Features

Bylaws

(VIII-2) Except where further defined or restricted in Constitution and/or Bylaws, committee appointments are made by PRES, and carry a tenure of one year. Subcommittees may be designated.

(VIII-3) Committee service begins January 1 and ends December 31 of year succeeding appointment. Committee reports are submitted through the SECR for presentation at the annual meeting after the termination of service.

(VIII-4) Committee charge and purview in general shall follow that listed in this Procedures Manual, subject to modification by PRES, EXEC, and/or BOFG, except where restricted by Constitution and/or Bylaws.

ANBM Annual Business Meeting

Description and History

ANBM an established ASIH function in 1980. The ANBM exists to provide the general ASIH membership a direct voice in certain society affairs, particularly the election of officers of the Society and the approval of substantive resolutions.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(IV-2) election of officers; floor nominations

(V-2) role in election of BOFG

(VI-1) meeting a required function; receive report of meeting of BOFG

(VIII-) quorum is 100 members

(IX-3) subsequent to approval by BOFG must approve by 2/3 majority changes to Constitution and Bylaws

Bylaws

(VIII-5) Established as a Standing Committee

(IX-3) Elects NOMC except where appointment is automatic

Committee Appointment and Tenure

ANBM is open to all members of ASIH in attendance at the Annual Meeting. As a group the ANBM exists only at the annual meeting of the Society. Any functions or issues which might be brought before the ANBM are handled by EXEC during the rest of the year - those requiring BOFG and/or ANBM action are held for the next annual meeting.

Charge to the ANBM

Reviews and may discuss actions taken by BOFG.

Responsible for election of officers (see NOMC, BOFG)

The following committees are elected at the ANBM: 1. Elects members of BOFG based on nominations filed by NOMC (with the possibility of nominations from the floor); 2. Nominations Committee;

Ratifies BOFG approval of changes in Constitution and Bylaws

Approves certain categories of resolutions of the Society

Calendar

Meets once at the annual meeting of the society. ANBM must fall after BOFG meeting but before annual banquet - detailed timing is left to LOCL.

Ancillary Document(s)

None

BOFG Board of Governors

Description and History

BOFG extant as a Society governing board in 1980. The BOFG serves as the Board of Directors of the Society, ultimately responsible for the approval of virtually all actions taken on behalf of the Society by its officers, committees and representatives. Although ASIH has always sought broad representation across any of a variety of category discriminators on the BOFG, the trend in the last 20 years has been to ensure the perpetuation of this trend by broadening the base of suffrage, including election of the BOFG at the ANBM.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(III-2-b) elects Honorary Foreign Members

(III-4-a) elects Distinguished Fellows

(IV-2) receives report of NOMC

(V-1) conducts business of society; composition

(V-2) method of election of BOFG

(VI-3) takes action on annual meeting invitations

(VIII-) quorum is 30 members

(IX-3) must approve, by 2/3 majority, amendments to Constitution and Bylaws

(IX-4) must approve by 2/3 majority dissolution of society; such dissolution must subsequently be approved by 2/3 of membership voting in response to mail ballot

Bylaws

(III-4) reviews and approves, from time to time, funds expended in support of society functions and offices

(VIII-5) Established as a Standing Committee

(IX-1) Nominates a portion of the NOMC.

(XII-2-g) Oversight authority for General Endowment Fund

(XII-3) Approves acceptance of donations for any new or restricted purpose other than restriction to a previously approved society function.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

Composition of the Board

The Board shall include not more than 50 elective members, each elected from among regular, associate, sustaining, and life members for a term of five years. Elective members of the Board shall not be eligible for reelection until the annual meeting following the expiration of their terms. The incumbent officers of the Society shall be members of the Board. Former Presidents of the Society shall be members of the Board for life. All meetings of the Board of Governors shall be open to all members of the Society.

Method of Election

Ten vacancies in the elective membership of the Board of Governors shall be filled through election at the business meeting from nominations provided by the Nominating Committee and/or from the floor. All nominations shall be accompanied by a brief statement of qualifications and a written statement of willingness to serve from the nominee. Five of the elected Governors shall be herpetologists and five shall be ichthyologists. Each member shall vote for a maximum of five candidates. It is recommended that members vote for candidates in their own discipline only, but a member whose activities spread across the two disciplines may vote across the two disciplines. The term of office shall commence on 1 January following the annual meeting at which the Governor was elected. An additional vacancy shall occur if the President-Elect is a member of a class. No other officer shall be replaced if a member of a class at the time of election as an officer.

Charge to the BOFG

Functions and Purview

Ultimate authority, fiscal and policy; responsible for conduct of all society business except those functions explicitly delegated to ANBM, EXEC, officers, and/or committees; conditions of delegation subject to review and change by BOFG except procedures or policies requiring constitutional amendment which must also be approved by ANBM.

Elects Honorary Foreign Members, Distinguished Fellows

Elects Robert H. Gibbs, Jr., Memorial Award Committee (see below, RHGC)

Evaluates recommendations of TPPC and determines location of annual meetings.

Approves changes in Constitution and Bylaws (subject to ANBM ratification)

Approves dissolution of society (subject to ratification by membership)

The Board shall conduct business during the period between annual meetings only upon call by the Executive Committee.

Meetings of the BOFG

Role of the President

Presides.

Role of the Secretary

Tells the President what to do.

Parliamentarian

The PRES may appoint a Parliamentarian for service at the annual meeting of the BOFG. The charge to the Parliamentarian is to ensure adherence to Article XVI of the By-Laws, to wit: "Procedures and other items, not specified in the Constitution or Bylaws of this Society or by action at the annual meeting, shall be in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order." The PRES may ask that the Parliamentarian continue in service at the ANBM, although that appears to be uncommon. It is recommended that the prospective Parliamentarian affirm to the PRES a good working knowledge of parliamentary procedure and Robert's Rules in advance of appointment.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

Meets once at the annual meeting of the society. BOFG must fall after EXEC meeting but before ANBM. It is expected that BOFG will meet in the afternoon of the day before the Plenary Opening Session, with the EXEC meeting in the morning of the day of the BOFG meeting. Normally the ANBM comes 2 or 3 days later, allowing the PRES and SECR time to summarize and respond to events of the BOFG, to attempt to finalize at least certain committee appointments, and to allow the RESC time to gather materials to be presented before the ANBM.

Ancillary Document(s)

None.

EDBD Editorial Board

Description and History

Extant in 1980 as a group of 16 persons with four nominees suggested by each of the four sectional editors. Sometime prior to 1980 election of the Editorial Board took place at the BOFG, basically by nomination from the floor. At this time board members were elected "at-large" and not preallocated by section. By 1980 the board became a group of persons willing to serve the society by accepting a 2 - 3 times higher than average manuscript review load in exchange for being listed as a member of the board. No other duties were assigned to this position.

Constitutional Mandate

Bylaws

(VI) up to six board members in the service of each editorial section, appointed by PRES (in consultation with EDIT) (Implicit: board members nominated by respective sectional editors; agree to bear a larger than normal manuscript review load in that section)

(VIII-5) Established as a Standing Committee

Committee Appointment and Tenure

Charge to the EDBD

The requirement for membership on the EDBD is a willingness to undertake a manuscript review load for COPEIA 2 - 3 times in excess of what would normally be asked of a COPEIA reviewer. Members of EDBD are normally associated with a particularly editorial section of Copeia.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

Determined entirely by manuscript review load, controlled in part of EDIT and cognizant sectional editor.

Ancillary Document(s)

None

EDPC Editorial Policy Committee

Description and History

Each year, the Editorial Policy committee (comprised of the Editor (EDIT), sectional (ECOL, GENE, GHER, GICH, PHYS), book review (REVH, REVI), and index editors (INDE), as well as the secretary (SECR) of the society) meet collectively on the day preceding the first day of the annual meeting to discuss editorial problems and procedures. Either or both the President and President-elect often sit in on this meeting. In the months preceding the meeting date, the Editor solicits the committee for discussion topics. These are then posted to the committee via e-mail before the annual meeting and are discussed when the committee convenes. A report of this meeting is then prepared by the Editor (who serves as chair of the committee) for the Board of Governors. This report is submitted to the secretary in April of the following year for inclusion in the annual report. This Committee includes the former Publications Policy Committee (PUPC).

This Committee did not exist in 1980. In 1981 an Ad Hoc Publications Committee was appointed by the President which in that same year became the Publications Policy Committee (including the Managing Editor, Four Section Editors, and the Publications Secretary (an office eliminated in constitutional and bylaws changes enacted in 1997)). The clear charge to this group has always been to discuss, recommend, and implement Copeia editorial policy. In this the PUPC and EDPC are clearly different than the SPUC (see below) which deals with non-Copeia ASIH publications. Under the new managing editor in 1985 the name of the PUPC was changed to the Editorial Policy Committee (EDPC), and subsequent reports from the editorial office use that name, although elsewhere in the annual summary of the meetings PUPC and EDPC are used synonymously and interchangeably.

In 1997 EDPC was established as a Standing Committee of the Society. This Manual now affirms that PUPC is included in EDPC (and therefore no longer exists) whilst the SPUC (Committee on Special Publications) is the non-Copeia counterpart of EDPC (see below).

Constitutional Mandate

Bylaws

(VIII-5) Established as a Standing Committee

Committee Appointment and Tenure

The Editorial Policy Committee comprises all holders of editorial office: Managing Editor, the five Section Editors, Book Review Editors, and Index Co-Editors. The SECR often attends EDPC meetings. The PRES and PREE serve on the committee ex officio, but have generally been in attendance at need. Tenure of office for each of these society office holders is defined under each named office.

Charge to the EDPC

This Committee is concerned solely with Copeia, any other publications of the Society fall under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Special Publications (SPUC), listed below. The basic charge to the Editorial Policy Committee is to review all aspects of Copeia operation, including, but not limited to manuscript review and acceptance policies, workload, content, format, backlog, electronic publishing enhancements, working relationships with Allen Press, and the like. The Committee identifies and makes ameliorative recommendations on any problems. Acceptance and execution of those recommendations is charged to the Editor, subject, as required, to review by the Executive Committee, and in the case of substantive change, confirmation by the Board of Governors.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

The Committee normally meets as a body once annually, on the day preceding the Plenary Session of the Annual Meetings. Issues are raised and discussed appropriately throughout the year as they arise.

Ancillary Document(s)

None, but see relevant sections of this Manual for Copeia operating procedures and policies.

ENFC Endowment and Finance Committee

Description and History

The history of this committee begins with the temporary subdivision of the Long Range Planning and Finance Committee into two subcommittees in 1992, one to deal with publications, the other with endowments. The benefits of establishing an endowment fund for ASIH were discussed at the BOFG in 1992 and the summary of that discussion may be found in Copeia 1992(4): 1162 - 1163. The Endowment Committee was established as a standing committee of ASIH by action of BOFG in 1992, through enactment of a new Article XI to the Bylaws. The main charge to the committee as established was to provide oversight of the Endowment Fund through recommendations to be made to EXEC and the BOFG. The General Endowment Fund is an unrestricted fund to receive monies from a variety of sources. At the recommendation of the EXEC, the BOFG modified the bylaws in 1997 to redefine and expand the scope of the Endowment Committee, to be renamed the Endowment and Finance Committee. Specifically the financial charge to the former Long Range Planning and Finance Committee (now LRPP) was transferred to the ENFC, such that ENFC has the obligation to work with the TREA and other society officers to provide planning for the financial future of ASIH as expressed through all society general and restricted funds and from time to time to make recommendations through the EXEC to the BOFG reflecting such planning.

Constitutional Mandate

Bylaws

(VIII-5) Established as a Standing Committee

(XI-1) Appointment and tenure of committee

(XI-2) Appointment of Chair and Chair-elect

(XI-3) Responsibility for fund raising and investment of endowment

(XI-4) Shall offer recommendations on investment and usage of Endowment and Life Membership funds

(XI-5) Shall maintain close liaison with TREA

(XI-6) Shall maintain close liaison with LRPP; Chair shall serve as ex officio (nonvoting) member of LRPP

Committee Appointment and Tenure

The Endowment and Finance Committee shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Executive Committee and shall consist of five members, including the Chair. To provide continuity, members of the Committee will have staggered, five-year terms. One member should be a business person or someone with considerable experience in investing. Tenure of appointment shall be on a calendar year basis. The Chair-Elect of the Endowment and Finance Committee shall be appointed by the President. The Chair-Elect shall succeed the Chair, each of whom will serve one year in their respective positions. The Chair may be reappointed as Chair-Elect. The Chair and the Chair-Elect will work closely together in planning and organizing the activities of the Endowment Committee.

Charge to the ENFC

The Chair-Elect of the Endowment and Finance Committee shall be appointed by the President. The Chair-Elect shall succeed the Chair, each of whom will serve one year in their respective positions. The Chair may be reappointed as Chair-Elect. The Chair and the Chair-Elect will work closely together in planning and organizing the activities of the Endowment Committee.

The Committee shall be in charge of fund-raising and investment of the endowment.

The Committee shall advise the Society on all matters pertaining to the General Endowment Fund and the Life Membership Fund.

The Committee shall maintain close liaison with the Treasurer and other members of the Executive Committee and shall advise officials of the Society in the management of all funds and moneys of the Society.

The Committee shall maintain close liaison with the Long Range Planning and Policy Committee. The Committee Chairs shall serve as consulting (nonvoting) members of the corresponding Committee and shall keep each Committee informed, as appropriate, of mutually relevant activities.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

ENFC shall determine its cycle of activities on a year by year basis as opportunity exists. The only established dates are (1) a March deadline for submission of the Annual Report to the SECR for inclusion with the BOFG packet, (2) the Chair of ENFC should plan on attending the EXEC meeting at the annual meeting - if the Chair cannot be present, the Chair should arrange for a member of the Committee to serve as alternate.

Ancillary Document(s)

ENFC Goals for 21rst Century Statement

EXEC Executive Committee

Description and History

This committee was extant in 1980 and functioned as it does at present.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(IV-2) selects winning candidate for office in event of tie

(IV-4) if necessary, makes determination that PRES or PREE is incapacitated

(IV-6a) Composition of EXEC: PRES, PREE, PPRE, prior PPRE, SECR, TREA, EDIT, Chair of LRPP, Chair of ENFC

(IX-1) may initiate amendments to Constitution, Bylaws

Bylaws

(III-4) annually reviews and establishes support levels available to society offices (subject to review and ratification by BOFG)

(VIII-5) Established as a Standing Committee

(XII-2-g) Investment of General Endowment subject to ratification by a majority of EXEC.

(XII-3) EXEC may accept donations for use in any approved society activity.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

Membership on EXEC is ex officio and includes: PRES, PREE, PPRE, prior PPRE, SECR, TREA, EDIT, Chair of LRPP, Chair of ENFC

Charge to the EXEC

Conducts society business not specifically delegated to individual officers during period between Annual Meetings.

Responsible for receiving initiatives from individual officers, members, committees or any other source seeking to improve society function, considers these initiatives, seeks such counsel as appropriate, and, reports any recommendations to the BOFG, individual office holders, committees, or other society bodies.

In the event of tied results in balloting for office selects the winning candidate.

By constitutional authority must make the determination that PRES or PREE is incapacitated. By practice makes this determination for any ASIH office or committee chairship and shall take such steps as may be available to ameliorate and resolve any resulting impairment of society function.

By majority vote may initiate changes to the Constitution and Bylaws.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

Generally meets only once yearly, in the morning of the day before the opening Plenary Session of the annual meetings and before the BOFG meetings later that afternoon. In recent years has been in weekly, even daily contact via email, to discuss society-related issues and to conduct appropriate society business during the year. It has become effectively mandatory that each member of EXEC have email access.

Ancillary Document(s)

None.

GFAC Gaige Fund Award Committee

Description and History

The Gaige Award is presented annually in honor of Frederick and Helen Gaige (1890--1976). Helen Gaige was a herpetologist and was particularly interested in Neotropical frogs. She served as the herpetology editor of Copeia (1930--37) and the editor in chief from 1937--50. Helen Gaige was named the Honorary ASIH President for Herpetology in 1946 because of her unsurpassed editorial service. Frederick Gaige was an entomologist by training and the director of the Museum of Zoology at the University of Michigan from 1928--45. In addition to his interests in insects, Dick was an avid collector of amphibians and reptiles. The Gaiges were incredibly supportive of their colleagues and students and were a major influence on biology and herpetology. The monies awarded from the Gaige Fund are used to provide support to young herpetologists (= students) for museum or laboratory study, travel, fieldwork, or any activity that will enhance their professional careers and contributions to the field of herpetology.

Constitutional Mandate

Bylaws

(VIII-5) Established as a Standing Committee

(XII-2-e) Responsibility for Gaige Awards

Committee Appointment and Tenure

Applications for fund support are submitted to a committee of three herpetologists appointed by the ASIH president. One member of the committee must be replaced annually. Each member of the committee serves for three years (meeting to meeting). In the first two years of service, the herpetologists are members of the committee and in the third year they assume the chairpersonship of the committee. The chair rotates off the committee after the third year.

Charge to the GFAC

The chair of the committee shall:

(1) Provide the Managing Editor information for the announcement of the competition (see Copeia number 4 for the text of the announcement) in the fourth number of Copeia of the year proceeding the year of competition, i.e., in 1995(4) for awards made in 1996.

(2) Receive applications and respond to questions from prospective proposal authors.

(3) Ensure that all proposals complete as described in the printed instructions. Applicants must be members of ASIH and they have to be enrolled in an advanced degree.

(4) Copy all letters of recommendation and distribute them and the proposals to the other members of the committee. Request that committee members rank the proposals and combine the three ranks

(5) Consult with the ASIH Treasurer or President to determine the amount of funding available for disbursement. Inform the committee members of this amount and come to a decision on the number of awards that will be made in that year.

(6) Based on the combined ranks, inform the members of the committee and the ASIH treasurer of the winners of the awards for that year. Provide the treasurer with award amounts, names, addresses, and social security numbers of the winners.

(7) Inform applicants of the decision by mail.

(8) Prepare the annual report for the ASIH secretary for inclusion in the BOFG packet.

(9) Make the announcement of the winners of the competition at the annual awards banquet or find a member of the committee to make the announcement.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

June-July: The ASIH President appoints a member to replace the chair that has just rotated off the committee.

July: The new Chair communicates with the Managing Editor to include the relevant information in the fourth number of Copeia

December: Publication in Copeia of announcement of competition

February: Contact ASIH Treasurer to determine the amount of funds available. Decide on the number and size of awards with committee members.

March: Copy letters of recommendation, attach to proposal, contact individuals with incomplete applications. Once applications are complete, mail a complete set out to the other two committee members and inform them of the deadline for rankings. Rank applicants, combine rankings, decide on winners. Inform committee members of decision, contact treasurer and send information, send letters to applicants.

April: Send final report to the ASIH secretary for inclusion in the BOFG packet. Include the names, addresses, and titles of proposals of the winners.

June: Announcement of results of the competition at the ASIH annual banquet. Award of a certificate at the banquet (or by mail) at option of Chair.

Ancillary Document(s)

Gaige Award Announcement

Gaige Fund Award Announcement, for publication in fourth issue of Copeia in year preceding award decision. Text follows:

GAIGE FUND AWARD

The Gaige Award is presented annually in honor of Frederick (Dick) and Helen Gaige, both of whom lived during the years 1890-1976. Dick Gaige, an entomologist, was also an avid herpetological collector and was director of the Museum of Zoology at the University of Michigan from 1928-1945. Helen Gaige was a herpetologist with an interest in Neotropical frogs. She served as herpetological editor of Copeia from 1930-1937 and as editor in chief from 1937-1950. This unsurpassed editorial service earned Helen the title of Honorary ASIH President for Herpetology in 1946. The Gaiges showed a lively interest and encouragement toward their colleagues and students and, through their helpfulness to others, were a major influence on biology in this country and on herpetology in particular.

Applications are solicited for grants to be awarded from the Gaige Fund. These funds are used to provide support to young herpetologists for museum or laboratory study, travel, field-work, or any other activity that will effectively enhance their professional careers and their contributions to the science of herpetology.

Applicants should be members of ASIH and should be enrolled for an advanced degree. Individual awards are typically in the range of $300-500, and will be awarded on the basis of both merit and need.

Committee members are <list>. Applications for the Gaige Award and letters of recommendation should be sent to the Gaige Award chairperson: <list: chair, mailing address, telephone, fax, email>.

The original and two copies of each application should be submitted. The application should consist of no more than two single-spaced, typewritten pages and must include the following: (1) name, address, social security and telephone numbers of the applicant; (2) institutional affiliation; (3) academic degree being sought and the year of its expected completion, or highest degree and its date of award; (4) name of the applicant's current or most recent major professor; (5) names, addresses and telephone numbers of two persons who have agreed to recommend the proposal (see below); (6) title of the proposed research; (7) a concise description of the general research objectives pertinent to this application; (8) sources of partial support for the research and pending applications for support from other funds; (9) an outline budget; and (10) a short statement of the way in which the award would be used to enhance research. A Literature Cited section should be appended.

Budget items should be listed as nearly as possible in order of priority. Applicants should attempt to keep the budget within the amount of available funds.

Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant and his or her research must be solicited by the applicant. One of these should be a letter from the current major professor. Both letters should be from reputable scientists, preferably herpetologists, and should include statements concerning the following: (1) the competence of the applicant; (2) the significance of the applicant's research; and (3) the desirability of and need for the funds being requested by the applicant. The applicant should request that the letters be sent directly to the Gaige Award Chairperson.

The application and letters of recommendation should reach the committee chairperson no later than 1 March <year>. It is expected that awards will be made by 1 May <year>.

GSPC Committee on Graduate Student Participation

Description and History

GSPC established 1984 at the Norman meetings. Initial charge was "to think broadly about graduate student participation, not just the annual meeting but all aspects of ASIH function." After an initial report (1985) and several "lean" years, during which nonreappointment was considered by BOFG, the committee was revitalized (1988, Michigan), and was instrumental in obtaining changes in the student award competitions (feedback forms, more than one judge per category) and instituting the (now traditional) student meeting and social.

In 1990, the BOFG made the GSPC a standing committee of the society. This was reaffirmed by Constitutional / By-Law Change in 1997, as reflected in this Manual.

Accomplishments attributable, at least in part to GSPC action: (1) Changes in Stoye Award Competition leading ultimately to the present STAC structure; (2) graduate student meeting/social, now an established event; (3) recognition of GSPC input through establishment as society standing committee (1997); (4) some success in organizing student-oriented workshops.

GSPC still seeking: (1) ways and means of augmenting student travel fund, largely to date funding has been episodic and ad hoc (ASIH as a society function, Individual contributions, and LOCL (where possible) contributions have helped, but more is needed as is predictability, possibly a future ENFC issue; (2) reduced housing costs at meetings (has happened, but not often).

Constitutional Mandate

Bylaws

(VIII-5) Established as a Standing Committee

Committee Appointment and Tenure

The PRES appoints about eight current graduate students in herpetology and ichthyology as committee members and appoints as well a "faculty advisor" for service on the committee. In consultation with the current or outgoing chair, the faculty advisor, and such others as may seem appropriate, the PRES appoints the Chair (may be dual) of GSPC. Service is for one year, commencing January 1 after date of appointment.

Charge to the GSPC

The basic charge to GSPC is to seek to promote graduate student participation in ASIH both at the annual meeting and in the general activities of the Society. Common venues have included: (1) special workshops and social events, (2) ways and means to decrease costs to graduate students of meetings attendance, (3) find ways of providing additional travel support for graduate students, (4) continued monitoring of the society awards programs in an effort to funnel graduate student ideas and suggestions to STAC, (5) provision of graduate student input to society affairs as available and where appropriate.

GSPC should be in contact with each LOCL to schedule any graduate student events in which GSPC is playing a role. These may include but are not limited to: (1) meeting of GSPC, (2) graduate student social, (3) GSPC-sponsored special workshops.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

GSPC sets its own agenda which varies from year to year reflecting interest and opportunity. The only fixed date is submission of the Annual Report to the SECR in March for reporting to the BOFG.

Ancillary Document(s)

None.

LOCL Local Committee for the Annual Meeting

Description and History

The concept, a separate local committee for each meeting, was extant in 1980, operating much as it does currently.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(VI-3, implicit) mails meeting notice, call for papers, and other information to membership at least three months prior to annual meeting. Comment: Although three months is the minimum specified by the constitution, it is recommended that announcement of the meeting and the call for papers go out as soon after January 1 as may be practical. Four or even five months advance notice is strongly suggested.

Bylaws

(VII-1) Chair appointed by PRES (Implicit: after acceptance of meeting site by BOFG)

(VII-2) Chair ultimately responsible for composition of LOCL and for all meeting arrangements; will report in advance to BOFG and ANBM about forthcoming meetings

(VIII-5) Established as a Standing Committee (Implicit: with one LOCL per meeting site, more than one LOCL will likely be in operation at any one time)

Committee Appointment and Tenure

Committee usually self-initiated by prospective LOCL Chair and others; prepares documents leading to official invitation from sponsoring institution(s) for submission to BOFG through the TPPC and EXEC. The TPPC may be called upon to make its recommendation regarding acceptance of a proposal from a prospective host site.

After BOFG acceptance, LOCL Chair appointed by PRES. (In practice LOCL and LOCL Chair are self-appointed with confirmation by PRES after BOFG approval). LOCL Chair responsible for composition of remainder of LOCL.

Charge to the LOCL

LOCL should obtain a copy of the Guide to Hosting An ASIH Annual Meeting from SECR or from Chair of the TPPC, and, adapting to local conditions and needs, should attempt to follow the procedures and traditions recommended therein as closely as possible. LOCL should pay particular attention to recommendations regarding availability of solid and liquid sustenance at society social functions.

LOCL Chair should prepare a detailed summary report (for submission to TPPC) of arrangements, difficulties encountered and overcome, financial summary, and such other matters as may help future LOCL.

LOCL Chair should arrange to send one copy of Program (including abstracts) to SECR and one copy to Chair of TPPC for permanent archival and reference purposes.

Often LOCL Chair (or delegate) will be asked to serve on TPPC for a period of time leading up to and beyond the meetings.

Calendar

Development of a detailed project calendar is critical in planning for hosting an ASIH annual meeting (see Guide to Hosting An ASIH Annual Meeting). In terms of pre-meeting requirements, LOCL is called upon at BOFG and ANBM to make reports upon the forthcoming meetings, providing as much detail and local boosterism as LOCL sees fit.

Ancillary Document(s)

See TPPC Guide to Hosting An ASIH Annual Meeting.

LRPP Long Range Planning and Policy Committee

Description and History

The Long Range Planning and Policy Committee was created to consider issues potentially impacting society governance and operations over the intermediate and long range future. The LRRP normally identifies options and a menu of recommendations for consideration and possible implementation by EXEC and BOFG. The role of LRRP is therefore consultative rather than executive. Not infrequently its recommendations have been altered, delayed or rejected, but they have been discussed, and that is the LRRP raison d'être.

Constitutional Mandate

Bylaws

(VIII-5) Established as a Standing Committee

(X-1) Appointment and tenure of Chair; appointment and tenure of other committee members

(X-2) Shall identify desirable policies and activities and shall (Implicit: through EXEC) advise BOFG and membership of same

(X-3) Responsible for preparation and currency of Procedures Manual

(X-4) Shall maintain close liaison with ENFC; Chair to serve ex officio (nonvoting) on ENFC

Committee Appointment and Tenure

The Chair of the Long Range Planning and Policy Committee shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Executive Committee and such others as the President may feel desirable. The Chair shall serve for a period of three years and may be reappointed. Six other members shall be similarly appointed and the expiration dates of the terms of their service shall be staggered in order to provide continuity. Tenure of appointment shall be on a calendar year basis.

Charge to the LRPP

The Committee shall identify desirable Society policies and activities and shall advise the Board of Governors and Membership on the best way to carry out and fund Society activities.

The Committee from time to time shall examine issues involving society governance.

The Committee from time to time shall examine Annual Meeting attendance patterns and recommend such steps as may lead to well-balanced attendance by discipline, career-stage, and other appropriate categories of identification.

The Committee is responsible for the development and updating, to reflect current practice, of the ASIH Procedures Manual, and from time to time make suggestions for improvements and best response to available technologies and opportunities. [Maintenance and emendation of the ASIH Procedures Manual are charged to the SECR (see above). It is anticipated that current "hard" copy will be maintained by the SECR and by the Chair of the LRPP. It is recommended that a current electronic copy be maintained by the SECR on the ASIH website for access by all interested persons.] The Committee shall review ancillary documentation, such as the Manual for the Organization of the Annual Meeting and Procedures for Student Awards, and, as it considers appropriate, establish liaison with those ASIH committees charged with developing these procedures and supporting documents to offer consultation and recommendations.

The Committee shall maintain close liaison with the Endowment and Finance Committee. The Committee Chairs shall serve as consulting (nonvoting) members of the corresponding Committee and shall keep each Committee informed, as appropriate, of mutually relevant activities.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

Issues before the LRRP are generated within the Committee, by EXEC, by BOFG and by individual members. Discussion of these issues by LRPP by email occurs throughout the year. Any recommendations of the LRPP involving recommended changes in society operations are normally circulated among EXEC members (and, as appropriate, others) before finalization in written form.

The Chair of LRPP is a member of EXEC and responds to issues placed before EXEC throughout the year.

An Annual Report from the LRPP to the BOFG is filed through the office of the SECR in March of each year.

The LRPP meets at the ASIH Annual Meeting, normally during the luncheon break period, on a day soon after the Plenary Session.

Ancillary Document(s)

ASIH Procedures Manual (present document)

With respect to abbreviations (LRPP, NOMC, etc.) used in the Manual, the LRPP wishes to record the following, paraphrased from the Summary of the Annual Meetings published in Copeia 1981(4): In response to a report from the Managing Editor (then Clark Hubbs), William Eschmeyer noted his confusion over the use of the symbols used in the report to denote Copeia editorial sections (CE, CG, CH, CI), with Dr. Eschmeyer's commentary affirmed by a "murmur of assent from several governors." The authors of the Manual must sadly report that they have not availed themselves of the opportunity to query Dr. Eschmeyer on his thoughts on the use of "symbols" in the present document.

NOMC Nominating Committee

Description and History

The Nominating Committee (NOMC) is responsible for putting together a slate of persons willing to serve in society office for the coming year (The SECR, TREA and EDIT are expected to accept a minimum five year commitment of service; minimum expectation of service tenure for section and other editors is three years; President serves for one year, as PRES, but serves four years on EXEC); other officers serve by mutual agreement and election, but all are re-elected (or not) annually. NOMC also provides a slate of nominees for the RHGC (see below).

Various mechanisms were employed for nomination prior to 1992, but largely involved a BOFG-elected nominating committee that provided a slate of nominees that could be supplemented by nomination from the floor (BOFG). The procedure was regularized by the delightfully named Ad Hoc Committee on Nominating the Nominating Committee in 1992. The procedure this Committee proposed, with some emendation during the approval process, is that embodied in Article IX of the By-Laws and listed below.

Constitutional Mandate

Bylaws

(VIII-5) Established as a Standing Committee

(IX-1) Composition, nomination to, election of, and designation of Chair (see below)

(IX-2) More complexity on designation of Chair (see below)

(IX-3) Election at ANBM

Nowhere in all of this is defined what it is that the NOMC does and how it does it – both are defined below.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

Composition

The Nominating Committee shall consist of five members; three in the discipline of the President-Elect to be elected, and two in the alternate discipline. Five ASIH members in good standing shall comprise the Nominating Committee: (a) One of the two members of the outgoing Nominating Committee who is in the discipline of the President-Elect to be elected. This person shall be elected and serve as chair of the new committee. (b) The immediate Past-President of the Society. This position shall be filled automatically. (c) One person in the discipline of the President-Elect to be elected, chosen from at least two persons nominated by the Board of Governors. (d) Two persons in the alternate discipline chosen from at least four persons nominated by the Board of Governors.

Chair

If only one of the two persons from the outgoing Nominating Committee is available for election as chair of the new committee, this person shall receive the chairship automatically. If neither person from the outgoing Nominating Committee is available for election as chair, the Past-President shall assume the chairship and the President shall nominate two additional persons in the appropriate discipline. If the Board of Governors fails to nominate the number of persons listed above for positions (c) and (d), the President shall provide the balance of the nominations.

Election at ANBM

The election of the Nominating Committee shall be at the business meeting (ANBM) of the Society. All nominees, including additional nominations from the floor at the business meeting for positions (c) and (d), must provide a written agreement to serve on the committee, which would include the possibility of a second year of service as chair.

Tenure of Appointment

The committee members serve for 12 months. If they become the committee chair they serve for 24 months.

Charge to the NOMC

The chair of the committee shall:

(1) Contact the previous chair of the Nominating committee and get any guidance you can. Ask for a copy of the ballot for the preceding nomination. Obtain a list of the BOFG from the ASIH secretary so you can determine who is eligible for election to the BOFG.

(2) Contact the chair of the local committee for the coming meeting to determine when they need to receive the candidate information sheet so that it can be included with the registration packet.

(3) Contact the secretary and president of ASIH to determine which offices need to be filled in the coming election.

(4) Contact the members of the committee and inform them of the charge to the committee. Set the deadline for submission of names for the vacancies and inform the committee members of that date. Determine the best avenue for communicating with committee members (email, FAX, snail mail).

(5) Collate all the names received by the members of the committee. Send the information out to the members of the committee and ask them to rank the names. Tally the ranks to come up with a composite rank. Prepare a second ballot for the committee.

(6) Tally the scores from the second round of balloting and come up potential slate of candidates. At this point the potential candidates need to be contacted and indicate their willingness to serve if elected. Information is also obtained to put on the candidate information sheet and ballot.

(7) Inform potential candidates of ASIH expectations of institutional support for the conduct of their office per current ASIH policy (see Manual, )

(8) Obtain a signed letter from candidates that they are willing to serve if elected and send them to the ASIH secretary. This letter needs to include: present position (including rank) and institution, previous service to ASIH, research interests, and other relevant information. This information provides the basis for the candidate information sheet and ballot.

(9) Stay in close contact with the ASIH secretary and president to learn about last minute vacancies that need to be filled.

(10) Send the candidate information sheet to the chair of the local committee so that it can be included with the registration packet .

(11) Submit the report for the BOFG to the ASIH secretary.

(12) Inform the committee of the completion of the tasks.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

June: Contact the previous chair of the committee to get appropriate guidance and a copy of the previous ballot. Get a list of new BOFG members to determine who is eligible for election to the BOFG.

July: Contact ASIH secretary to get the charge for the committee. Chair must remain in contact with the secretary during the year to learn of vacancies as they arise. Contact the chair of the local committee for the coming meeting and inquire about deadline for materials. Contact members of the committee. Inform committee members of the charge to the committee, your deadlines (early fall for the first list of names), preferred medium of communication, and solicit names of nominees for vacant positions. Include a list of society officers and indicate which members of the BOFG are eligible for election.

October: Circulate the first ballot to members of the committee and ask them to rank and return the ballots to you. Tally scores and generate a second ballot to be circulated to the members of the committee. Once the results from the second ballot are completed, begin contacting nominees. Determine if nominees are willing to serve if elected and then solicit: a signed letter stating willingness to serve, and information for the candidate information sheet and ballot.

November: Inform committee members of the state of affairs.

December: Inform committee members of the state of affairs.

January: Compile candidate information sheet (and ballot)

April: Send candidate information sheet to the chair of the local committee, send the ballot to the ASIH secretary, submit the report of the committee to the ASIH secretary for the BOFG, inform committee members that the job is complete.

Ancillary Document(s)

None.

RFAC Raney Fund Award Committee

Description and History

Constitutional Mandate

Bylaws

(VIII-5) Established as a Standing Committee

(XII-2-d) Responsibility for Raney Awards

Committee Appointment and Tenure

Applications for fund support are submitted for consideration to a committee of three ichthyologists appointed annually by the ASIH president . The Chair of the committee is appointed by the ASIH President. The committee serves 12 months, from annual meeting to annual meeting.

Charge to the RFAC

The committee shall:

(1) Arrange with the Managing Editor for publication of the announcement of the competition (text of announcement appended as Ancillary Document)in fourth number of Copeia of the year proceeding the year of competition, i.e. in 1995(4) for awards to be made in 1996.

(2) Receive applications and respond to questions from prospective proposal authors.

(3) Ensure that all proposals are fully documented as required in the printed instructions, that a letter has been received from the student's major advisor, and that the student is a member of ASIH or is aware of this requirement.

(4) Review and rank, individually and collectively, the proposals on the basis of scientific merit.

(5) Consult with the ASIH Treasurer to determine the amount of funding available for disbursement.

(6) Make the funding determination and inform all applicants of the success or not of their proposal.

(7) Notify the ASIH Treasurer of the recipients and amounts of the awards.

(8) File a final report with the ASIH Secretary for inclusion in the BOFG packet.

(9) Assure that due announcement of the competition and the results are made before the assembled membership at the Annual ASIH banquet.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

May: ASIH President contacts prospective Committee Chair to determine willingness to serve. ASIH President may request that Chair nominate additional Committee members.

June (variable): Appointment of the Committee and Committee Chair by the ASIH President. Announcement at annual meeting.

July: Committee Chair communicates notification of competition to Managing Editor for inclusion in fourth number of Copeia.

December: Publication in Copeia of announcement of competition.

February: Receipt and compilation of proposals. Communication with proposal authors as necessary to ensure compliance with documentation and membership certification requirements

March 1: Deadline for receipt of proposals. Committee begins proposal review and consideration. Chair contacts ASIH Treasurer to

determine funding available for awards.

April 1: Committee completes deliberations. Award decisions finalized. Chair contacts proposal authors. Successful authors informed of how to receive funds. Notification to ASIH Treasurer. Submission of Final Report to ASIH Secretary.

June: Announcement of results of competition at ASIH annual banquet.

Ancillary Document(s)

Raney Award Announcement

Raney Fund Award Announcement, for publication in fourth issue of Copeia in year preceding award decision. Text follows:

RANEY FUND AWARD

The Raney Award is presented annually in honor of Edward C. Raney (1909-1984). Raney was a leader among ichthyologists. He possessed a broad knowledge of the fishes of the world, and his particular area of expertise was the fishes of the eastern United States. A member of the faculty of Cornell University, Dr. Raney authored over 75 papers dealing with the systematics, behavior and ecology of fishes. He was an expert on aquatic environmental problems and served on numerous environmental advisory committees. He was a member of over 30 professional societies, and he served as secretary (1948-1951) and president (1955-1956)of ASIH. The students of Ed Raney were and are among the leaders in modern ichthyology in no small part because of his mentorship and enthusiasm in the study of fishes. Applications are solicited for grants to be awarded from the Raney Fund for Ichthyology. These funds are used to provide support for young ichthyologists for museum or library study, travel, fieldwork, or any other activity that will effectively enhance their professional careers and their contributions to the science of ichthyology. Applicants should be members of ASIH and should be enrolled for an advanced degree. Applicants who do not meet these basic requirements may be considered for the award under exceptional circumstances if their careers are judged to be in a developmental stage. Individual awards are typically in the $300 - $500 range and will be awarded on the basis of both merit and need. Applications for the Raney Award and a letter of recommendation (normally from the applicant's major advisor) should be sent to <Committee Chair, Contact Information>. The original and three copies of each application should consist of no more than two single-spaced, typewritten pages and must include the following: (1) name, address, social security number, telephone number, fax number, and email address of the applicant; (2) institutional affiliation; (3) academic degree being sought and the year of its expected completion, or the highest degree and its date of award; (4) name of applicant's current or most recent major professor; (5) title of the proposed research; (6) a concise description of research objectives (including broad questions being addressed), methods and/or experimental design; (7) sources of partial support for the research and pending applications for support from other funds; (8) an outline budget; and (9) a short statement of the way in which the award would be used to enhance research. A Literature Cited section should be appended. Budget items should be listed as nearly as possible in order of priority. Applicants should attempt to keep the budget within the amount of available funds. In case the award must be less than the requested budget, the impact of eliminating part or all of any of the items should be clearly given. An original plus three copies of a letter of recommendation from the applicant's current major professor are required. The letter should include statements concerning the following: (1) the competence of the applicant; (2) the significance of the applicant's research; (3) the desirability of and need for the funds being requested by the applicant. The applicant should request that the letter be sent directly to the Raney Award Committee Chairperson. The application and letter of recommendation should reach the committee chairperson no later than March 1, <year>. It is expected that awards will be made by 15 April <year>.

RHGC Robert H. Gibbs, Jr., Memorial Award Committee

Description and History

Established in 1988 by action of the Board of Governors (Copeia 1988(4): 1132).

Constitutional Mandate

Bylaws

(VIII-5) Established as a Standing Committee

(XII-2-c) Appointment; responsibility for Gibbs award

Committee Appointment and Tenure

The Robert H. Gibbs, Jr., Memorial Fund Committee shall consist of three ichthyologists, each serving a three-year term. Each year one member is replaced by an individual elected by the Board of Governors among nominees submitted by the Nominating Committee or nominated from the floor. The Senior member of the Committee serves as its Chair.

Charge to the RHGC

Description

(from Copeia 1988(4): 1132) The Robert H. Gibbs, Jr., Memorial Award for Excellence in Systematic Ichthyology (Gibbs Award) honors the memory of Robert H. Gibbs, Jr., Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. The award is made possible by an endowment fund established by the Society from a gift provided by Frigga Gibbs, his wife.

Prizes are awarded for an outstanding body of published work in systematic ichthyology by a citizen of a Western Hemisphere nation who has not been a previous recipient of the Gibbs Award.

The award consists of an appropriate plaque commemorating the award and a cash sum based on available income accrued to the endowed principal of the award.

The award will be offered annually and the recipient, selected by an award committee, announced at the annual meeting of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists.

Selection Procedure

Nominations for the award may be made by any ichthyologist, including self-nominations and those proposed by the award committee. Nominations should detail the specific contributions of the nominee and their impact on systematic ichthyology. Nominations will be effective for three award periods.

The deliberations and decisions of the award committee are final and not open to challenge. In those years in which the committee elects not to make an award, the accrued interest will be added to the endowed principal of the award, thus permitting the size of the award to increase in subsequent years.

Award Committee

The award committee shall consist of three members, [the senior member of the committee serving as chair. Service on the committee shall be for three years, staggered to provide continuity and automatic assumption of the chair during the last year of service]. All three committee members shall be established, systematic ichthyologists, holding doctoral degrees. [Subsequent to initial establishment (in 1988)], members of the award committee shall be elected by the BOFG from a slate of no less than three candidates proposed by the NOMC. [The President of ASIH shall designate a replacement for any committee position left open by untimely vacancy]. No member of the award committee, including replacement members, shall serve more than three consecutive years on the committee.

Duties of the Chair

The [Chair] of the award committee is responsible for timely advertising of the award competition, setting of the closing date for receipt of nominations and associated materials, distributing copies of the materials to committee members, and announcing the award at the annual meeting of the ASIH. The Secretary of ASIH will arrange for [appropriate announcement of the award].

Support of Committee Functions

Reasonable expenses of the award committee will be allowed and derived from the accrued interest to the award endowment fund, and may include such items as: transportation costs of the award recipient and committee chair from home to the annual meeting; cost of preparation of the award plaque; nominal expenses for a working meeting of the committee members to assist the members in arriving at a decision concerning an award; and cost of telephone calls, postage, etc., relating to committee functions. [Recommended addition: It is expected that as much of this as possible will be done electronically, via email, fax, etc].

Transfer of Gibbs Endowment Fund

In the event of dissolution of ASIH, the endowment fund and accrued income of the Gibbs Award will be transferred to an appropriate nonprofit society willing to perpetuate the award in the same form and with the same emphasis as established above. […] In no case, however, will the award be directed away from the field of systematic ichthyology.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

The Committee establishes its own calendar. The one fixed date is an annual report to the Society (BOFG, ANBM, and, if an award is to be made, at the banquet)

Ancillary Document(s)

List of recipients of the Robert H. Gibbs, Jr., Memorial Award for Excellence in Systematic Ichthyology: 1989 Bruce B. Collette; 1990 John E. Randall; 1991 Stanley H. Weitzman; 1992 Gareth Nelson; 1993 Victor G. Springer; 1994 Robert R. Miller; 1995 Reeve M. Bailey; 1996 William A. Gosline; 1997 Daniel M. Cohen.

STAC Student Awards Committee

Description and History

The Student Awards Committee was first appointed in 1995 (Copeia 1995(4): 1044) although a variety of other committees as well as EXEC and BOFG have undertaken discussion of the ASIH student awards program from year to year. STAC was made a society standing committee in the revision of the Constitution/By-Laws of 1997.

Constitutional Mandate

Bylaws

(VIII-5) Established as a Standing Committee

(XII-2-a) Responsibility for Stoye Awards

(XII-2-b) Responsibility for Storer Awards

Committee Appointment and Tenure

Technically this committee consists of the chair, the chairs of the various award types, and the judges. All members of the committee are appointed by the ASIH president. This committee functions from annual meeting to annual meeting. The chair has responsibilities before and after the meeting, the other members (award chairs, judges) serve during the meeting.

In recent years the Chair of this Committee has been selected a full two years in advance. This is unique (1) because of the "wait" time and (2) because it has the potential of appointment of a Chair to serve at a meeting where the President is in the opposite discipline. Based on current practice and input from former Chairs it is the recommendation of this manual that: (1) The future Chair of the STAC be appointed by the newly-elected PREE for service at the annual meeting (two years hence) where the PREE will serve as PRES, (2) that the future Chair of the STAC shall serve as an awards judge (in an appropriate section) at the annual meeting prior to his/her service as STAC Chair.

Charge to the STAC

The committee chair shall:

(1) Obtain the names and electronic addresses of award chairs and judges from the President.

(2) Obtain a copy of the schedule from the local committee as it becomes available

(3) Prepare a schedule to distribute to the judges electronically and distribute that before the meeting.

(4) Act as a liaison between the ASIH president, the chairs of the various awards, and the judges.

(5) Prepare packets for judges and take these to the meeting(packets include a memo, judging forms, student evaluation forms and a schedule of talks that the judge is responsible for). Deliver the packets to the registration desk at the meeting. If the chair is adequately prepared, she/he could mail these packets out before the meeting.

(6) Arrange with award chairs to meet after the presentations have been made to obtain the names of the winners. Pass the names onto the ASIH treasurer so that the checks can be prepared and the award certificates can be prepared by the calligrapher.

(7) Emcee the portion of the banquet that deals with awards for student presentations. Introduce the chairs and each category judge announces the winners.

(8) Forward the names, titles, and addresses of the winners to the ASIH secretary so the information can be included with the minutes of the annual meeting.

(9) Send the student feedback forms to the representative from the Committee on Graduate Student Participation.

(10) Send the award certificates to students that did not attend the banquet.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

See above. The Committee basically serves at the annual meeting. The Chair of the Committee is actively involved with LOCL and with EXEC in preparation for the annual meeting. The Chair also interacts with GSPC, keeping that group informed of STAC activities and, from time to time, inviting their input.

Ancillary Document(s)

Manual for the Administration of Student Awards, Including Advice, Aid and Comfort to Judges (see below)

Announcement of Student Awards for Inclusion in Annual Meetings Announcement (see below)

Description of Activities of Chair of STAC from a Recent Incumbent

TPPC Time Place and Program Committee

Description and History

This committee was extant in 1980 and operated then much as it does currently.

Constitutional Mandate

Constitution

(VI-2) establishment of committee; solicits and evaluates meeting invitations; makes recommendations to BOFG

Bylaws

(VIII-5) Established as a Standing Committee

Committee Appointment and Tenure

Variable in number, the TPPC Chair and membership have usually been appointed from the roster of past, current or prospective Chairs (or members) of the LOCL for Society meetings. Appointment is by the PRES, for one year, renewable by mutual consent.

Charge to the TPPC

The Time, Place and Program Committee shall solicit and receive invitations from prospective host institutions for the Annual Meetings, shall evaluate such invitations, and shall report its recommendation(s) to the Board of Governors. The place of the annual meeting of the Society shall be determined by the Board of Governors. Notice of the meeting shall be mailed to all members of the Society at least three months before the date set for the meeting.

TPPC should develop and update as necessary a Guide to Hosting An ASIH Annual Meeting for distribution to each new LOCL as appointed.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

Only mandated deadline is submission of Annual Report to SECR in March for inclusion with BOFG packet.

Ancillary Document(s)

TPPC: Guide to Hosting An ASIH Annual Meeting.

Continuing Committees

Definition

Continuing Committees are provided for separately in the CONSTITUTION and/or BYLAWS, and/or are those which are normally renewed yearly to conduct society business. In years where no action by the Committee or Representative is anticipated, appointment or not is at the discretion of the President.

Continuing Committees and their acronyms are as follows:

AASR Representative to the AAAS

ABSR Representative to the Animal Behavior Society

AESR Representative to the American Elasmobranch Society

AFSR Representative to the American Fisheries Society

ASCR Representative to the Association of Systematics

Collections

ELHR Representative to the AFS Early Life History Section

ENQC Environmental Quality Committee

EPPC Equal Participation Committee

HFHM Committee to Nominate a New Honorary Foreign Member

(Herpetology)

HFMI Committee to Nominate a New Honorary Foreign Member

(Ichthyology)

HSOC Representative to the SSAR and HL

IHCC Ichthyological and Herpetological Collections Committee

IUCN Representative to the International Union for the

Conservation of Nature

NFJC Joint ASIH-AFS Committee on Names of Fishes

PNHC Representative to the Society for the Preservation of

Natural History Collections

SPUC Committee on Special Publications)

RESC Resolutions Committee

Appointment and Tenure: General Features

Bylaws

(VIII-2) Except where further defined or restricted in Constitution and/or Bylaws, committee appointments are made by PRES, and carry a tenure of one year. Subcommittees may be designated.

AASR Representative to the AAAS

Description and History

Founded in 1848, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the world's largest federation of scientific and engineering societies, with nearly 300 affiliate organizations. In addition, AAAS counts more than 142,000 scientists, engineers, science educators, policy makers and interested citizens among its individual members. AAAS has as its goal to: further the work of scientists; facilitate cooperation among them; foster scientific freedom and responsibility; improve the effectiveness of science in the promotion of human welfare; advance education in science and increase public understanding and appreciation of the importance and promise of the methods of science in human progress.

ASIH maintains a Representative to the AAAS. Because of the size and diversity of interests of AAAS this position is normally one of information gathering and communication to ASIH of AAAS activities and concerns of interest to ASIH members. This position was extant in 1980.

Constitutional Mandate

Continuing committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

The Representative to AAAS is appointed by the President and serves for a term of one calendar year. The Representative may be reappointed. Recently it has been the practice of the President to appoint someone to represent the ASIH who lives near the site of the forthcoming AAAS meetings.

Charge to the AASR

The Representative to AAAS:

(1) Normally be a full member of both societies.

(2) Monitor AAAS activities and report annually or more often if appropriate, items of interest to BOFG and the general membership. It is desirable that the Representative attend AAAS annual meetings, especially (a) Section on Biological Science meeting and (b) the meeting for affiliated societies, both held concurrently with the general annual meeting. It is also recommended that the Representative sit in on the meeting of the AAAS Council. The Representative should arrange to receive all AAAS mailings to the general AAAS membership.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

March: file report on AAAS activities of interest to ASIH membership with SECR for inclusion with report to BOFG.

Ancillary Document(s)

None.

ABSR Representative to ABS

Description and History

The purpose of the Animal Behavior Society (ABS) is to promote and encourage the biological study of animal behavior in the broadest sense, including studies at all levels of organization using both descriptive and experimental methods under natural and controlled conditions. Both research studies and the dissemination of knowledge about animal behavior through publications, educational programs, and activities shall be encouraged.

ASIH maintains a Representative to the ABS. In the past this position has been listed as the ASIH Representative to the Fish Behavior Group of the Animal Behavior Society (former abbreviation: RABS). The long-time incumbent in this position recommended deletion of the words "Fish Behavior Group" to reflect the fact that the representative has dealt with all groups of interest to ASIH members, fishes, amphibians, and reptiles, and the title of the position should reflect this.

This position was first listed (1987) as Representative to the Fish Behavior Society. In 1988 this became Representative to the Fish Behavior Group of the Animal Behavior Society. In this Manual we suggest a name change to Representative to the Animal Behavior Society.

Constitutional Mandate

Continuing committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

The Representative to ABSR is appointed by the President and serves for a term of one calendar year. The Representative may be reappointed. The current representative has served the society in this capacity for a long time and is an active member of both societies.

Charge to ABSR

1) to facilitate the flow of information that has interest to the membership of the two societies; 2) to provide a report to the ASIH each year, matters, relating to the ABS, of direct interest to the membership of the Society.

Recommendations to facilitate charges

1) notify the President of the ABS that the ASIH has appointed you as its representative to the ABS so as to facilitate any and all matters that may aid in informing and coordinating common interests of both societies Request that the Secretary of the ABS be informed of your appointment and that any information from that office that may be of interest to the ASIH, be communicated to you so that it can be provided to the cognizant officer(s) of the ASIH. This might include notices of meeting plans or other activities to be included as announcements in any newsletter of our society as well as in Copeia. It should also be communicated that any formal news item(s) from the ASIH of interest to the membership of the ABS be considered for distribution through its formal sources of communication.

2) The annual report to ASIH should be provided to the secretarial office of the ASIH in a timely fashion so that it can be presented to the ASIH membership at the annual meeting of the Society. A) It should include any matters that have arisen at the formal meetings of the ABS that may be of direct interest to the ASIH. B) As a matter of tradition, it should also include a tabular summary of the scientific contributions presented at the annual meeting of the ABS that dealt directly with the interests of the membership of the ASIH. This might include: the no's (%) of papers dealing with fishes, amphibians, and reptiles; no's (%) of contributions relating to major subject-areas within major taxa of the fore-mentioned groups. Such information provides insight as to present interest and/or support in the behavioral sciences regarding those animals of interest to the ASIH.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

Files report on annual activities to BOFG through SECR in March.

Ancillary Document(s)

None.

AESR Representative to AES

Description and History

The objectives of the American Elasmobranch Society (AES) are to advance the scientific study of living and fossil sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras, and the promotion of education, conservation, and wise utilization of natural resources.

ASIH maintains a Representative to the AES. The position was established to promote communication between the societies and to foster the long-standing history of cooperation between the ASIH and AES on matters of mutual interest, including the holding of joint annual meetings. This position was established in 1987.

Constitutional Mandate

Continuing committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

The Representative to AES is appointed by the President and serves for a term of one calendar year. The Representative may be reappointed.

Charge to the AESR

The Representative to AES acts as an intermediary between the societies, looking for opportunities to promote joint activities. The Representative should be as active a participant as possible in both societies and should try to remain informed on major issues facing AES. Interactions such as joint meetings and symposia, are historically important areas for cooperation.

The Representative shall:

(1) Normally be a full member of both societies.

(2) Monitor AES activities and report annually or more often if appropriate, items of interest to BOFG and the general membership. It is desirable that the Representative attend AES meetings, including business meetings. The Representative should arrange to receive all AES mailings to the general AES membership.

(3) Facilitate communication between officers of ASIH and those of the AES.

(4) Promote appropriate joint committees and other cooperative activities.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

March: file report on AES activities of interest to ASIH membership with SECR for inclusion with report to BOFG.

Ancillary Document(s)

None.

AFSR Representative to AFS

Description and History

The American Fisheries Society (AFS), founded in 1870, is the oldest and largest professional society representing fisheries scientists. AFS promotes scientific research and enlightened management of resources for optimum use and enjoyment by the public. It also encourages a comprehensive education for fisheries scientists and continuing on-the-job training. The AFS publishes some of the world's leading fisheries research journals.

ASIH maintains a Representative to the AFS. The position was established to promote communication between the societies and to foster the long-standing history of cooperation between the ASIH and AFS on matters of mutual interest, made manifest by the ELHR and the NFJC (see below). The AFSR was first appointed in 1983.

Constitutional Mandate

Continuing committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

The Representative to AFS is appointed by the President and serves for a term of one calendar year. The Representative may be reappointed.

Charge to the AFSR

The Representative to AFS acts as an intermediary between the societies, looking for opportunities to promote joint activities. The Representative should be as active a participant as possible in both societies and should try to remain informed on major issues facing AFS. Interactions such as conservation issues and joint symposia, are appropriate areas for involvement.

The Representative shall:

(1) Monitor AFS activities and report annually or more often if appropriate, items of interest to BOFG and the general membership. It is desirable that the Representative attend AFS meetings. The Representative should arrange to receive all AFS mailings to the general AFS membership.

(2) Facilitate communication between officers of ASIH and those of the AFS.

(3) Promote appropriate joint committees and other cooperative activities.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

March: file report on AFS activities of interest to ASIH membership with SECR for inclusion with report to BOFG.

Ancillary Document(s)

See NFJC. Joint Committee on Common Names of Fishes, below.

ASCR Representative to ASC

Description and History

The Association of Systematics Collections (ASC) was founded to support and enhance natural history collections, their human resources, and the institutions that house them, for the benefit of science and society.

ASIH maintains a Representative to the ASC. The position of ASIH Representative to ASC was established to promote communication between ASIH and ASC and to encourage participation in ASIH by people involved in the development and maintenance of systematics collections. This position was extant in 1980.

Constitutional Mandate

Continuing committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

The Representative to ASC is appointed by the President of ASIH and serves for a term of one calendar year. The Representative may be reappointed. Where possible, the President has sought to appoint someone to represent the ASIH who lives near the site of the forthcoming ASC meetings.

Charge to the ASCR

The Representative is to monitor ASC activities and report annually or more often if appropriate, items of interest to BOFG and the general membership. It is desirable that the Representative attend ASC meetings. The Representative should arrange to receive all ASC mailings to the general ASC membership.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

Once yearly, attend ASC meetings if possible.

March: file report on ASC activities of interest to ASIH membership with SECR for inclusion with report to BOFG.

Ancillary Document(s)

None.

ELHR Representative to AFS-ELHS

Description and History

ASIH maintains a representative to the Early Life History Section (ELHS) of the American Fisheries Society (AFS). The purpose of representation is to promote communication between workers on the biology of larval and juvenile fishes and to encourage participation in ASIH meetings by such workers. This position was created in 1987.

Constitutional Mandate

Continuing committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

The Representative is appointed by the President of ASIH for a term of one calendar year subject to reappointment by mutual agreement.

Charge to the ELHR

The primary charge to the Representative is to promote communication between workers on larval fish biology in both societies. The Representative is to monitor activities of ELHS and report annually or more often if appropriate, items of interest to BOFG and the general membership. It is desirable that the Representative attend ELHS meetings, both scientific and business. In recent years these have commonly been held in conjunction with the ASIH annual meeting. The Representative should arrange to receive all ELHS mailings to the general ELHS membership.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

March: file report on ELHS activities of interest to ASIH membership with SECR for inclusion with report to BOFG.

Ancillary Document(s)

None.

ENQC Environmental Quality Committee

Description and History

This Committee was extant and fully operational in 1980. The ASIH, for much of its existence, has been dedicated to the study and conservation of fishes, amphibians and reptiles and has a long history of involvement with conservation matters. In the mid 1950's, there was a recognition within the Society that an increasing number of lower vertebrates and other organisms, particularly in the American West, were under threat of extinction. Accordingly, the Society approved a resolution to protect these organisms. Subsequently, a vice-presidential position within the Society was formed to take charge of all conservation matters and to serve as Chair of the newly formed Conservation Committee. In 1960, in response to a federal government announcement regarding a planned fish kill in the Green River for the purposes of establishing an introduced sports fishery, the Society approved a resolution objecting this course of action, at its annual meeting. Unfortunately, this resolution was ignored by both the federal government and the effected states and, in 1961, the Society created the Committee on Fish Conservation (Carl Hubbs, Chair) and the Committee on Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (Fred Gehlbach, Chair) (mandates not currently known). In 1964, these two Committees were combined (name of new Committee not supplied) (Carl Hubbs, Chair) and, in 1971, became the Committee on Environmental Quality. At its inception, the mandate of the Committee on Environmental Quality was to lobby for protective conservation legislation for threatened and endangered fauna, particularly fishes, amphibians and reptiles. With the passing of the Endangered Species Act in 1973, the Committee's mandate expanded so as to respond to proposed listings of threatened and endangered species, and also to monitor and respond to proposed modifications of the Act. These latter activities have involved communications with various federal agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. The activities of the Committee on Environmental Quality have also involved establishing liaisons with sister committees of related professional societies, which have become formalized in recent years. The Committee on Environmental Quality now actively recruits members from the Desert Fishes Council, the American Elasmobranch Society, the Herpetologists League and the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles to serve on the Committee.

Constitutional Mandate

Continuing committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

The Chair of the Committee appointed by the President and serves for the term of one calendar year but may be reappointed. The Committee members are appointed by the President in consultation with the Committee Chair.

Charge to the ENQC

The ENQC is mandated to direct the attention of the Society to environmental matters affecting fishes, amphibians and reptiles.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

The Committee meets annually, as possible, at the ASIH meeting.

Ancillary Document(s)

Previous Chairs and Dates Served

Bob Miller 1971-197?

F. Wayne King 197?-1974

Walter Courtney 1974-1980

Herpetologist #1 1980-1981

Herpetologist #2 1981-1982

Walter Courtney 1982-1995

Melvin Warren 1995-present

EPPC Equal Participation Committee

Description and History

This committee was officially formed at the 1995 meeting in Edmonton. A resolution from the Women’s Lunch Group, first convened at the 1992 meetings in Champaign-Urbana, presented a resolution at the ANBM that would establish the EPPC with the purpose of promoting the participation of women in ASIH. This Committee would undertake responsibility for convening an annual Women’s Lunch at the Annual Meetings and would otherwise seek to foster women’s participation in the Society. This resolution was approved by the ANBM and implemented by PRES appointment of the EPPC.

The committee organizes two activities for each annual meeting, a luncheon/panel discussion and a mentoring program. At the 1996 meeting in New Orleans the discussion topic was "Interviewing and Negotiating Skills for Women in Science." In Seattle, 1997, the discussion topic was "Maternity Leave and Child Care Issues." The mentoring program is designed to match new members, who may be attending a meeting for the first time or attending the meeting alone, with established members of ASIH. Over the past years, mentors and mentorees have had many fruitful interactions regarding areas of research, graduate programs, career choices, and the like.

Constitutional Mandate

Continuing committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

The committee will be co-chaired by three persons who will divide duties as follows: One will act as chair and spokesperson for the committee, one will act as secretary/historian, and the third will serve as meeting liaison to work with meeting organizers to coordinate activities (luncheon and mentoring program) of the Equal Participation Committee with the annual meeting. Officers will be elected to serve a two year term and may be re-elected to serve two additional two-year terms. Officers will have rotating terms such that there will always be at least one member experienced in committee functions.

Charge to the EPPC

In order to ensure the equal participation of all members within the society, this committee is charged with educating members of ASIH about gender equality issues and promoting and ensuring equal participation and opportunity among members in all scientific endeavors.

Operating Procedures: Each year the Equal Participation Committee will host a luncheon and panel discussion in which a specific program will be offered regarding equality issues. Prior to the meeting, officers of the committee will develop an agenda for the luncheon. During the luncheon elections will take place and plans for the next year's meeting will be proposed. The Equal Participation Committee will also organize and facilitate the mentoring program at each ASIH meeting to match new and foreign members with established ASIH members in their field.

It is recommended that committee members should have rotating terms such that there will always be at least one member experienced in committee functions.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

Only the March report to the SECR for inclusion with the BOFG packet is required. Other functions are determined by the committee and currently include those described above.

Ancillary Document(s)

None.

HFMH New Foreign Member (Herpetology)

Description and History

This committee was extant in 1980. The By-Laws limit the number of herpetological appointments to 15.

Constitutional Mandate

Continuing committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

Four senior herpetologists are appointed by the ASIH president in years when a vacancy exists. The Chair of the committee is also appointed by the ASIH president. The committee serves 12 months, from annual meeting to annual meeting.

Charge to the HFMH

The committee shall:

(1) Provide confidential nominations to the BOFG to allow the membership to select the required number of new honorary foreign herpetologists. For each vacancy the Committee is to provide at least two nominations, and for each nominee, a curriculum vitae (if possible), a short biographical statement, and career highlights.

(2) Prepare a ballot for use at the general meeting.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

June: Appointment of the Committee and Committee Chair by the ASIH President. Announcement at annual meeting.

July: All committee members, after discussions with numerous colleagues, suggest possible nominees to the Chair.

December: From the suggestions provided by the Committee members a slate of at least two nominees per vacancies is prepared.

January: Committee completes deliberations and for each nominee the Committee Chair obtains a curriculum vitae (if possible), a short biographical statement, and a statement of career highlights.

March 1: Committee Chair prepares a ballot for use at the general meeting and submits a Final Report to ASIH Secretary.

June: Committee report is presented to the BOFG and the ballot, if accepted by the BOFG, is used for the election at the Annual Business Meeting. Announcement of the results of the election are presented at ASIH annual banquet.

Ancillary Document(s)

Criteria for Selection of Honorary Foreign Members

Partial list:

Outstanding world eminence in research, not necessarily in systematics but necessarily with the focus on animals

National representation, when other conditions are subequal, the choice should spread HFM among as many countries as possible

Interest in, helpfulness to, evidence of cooperation with colleagues in ASIH countries (Canada, Mexico, United States)

Not age but stature, should seek to honor a person with a lifetime accomplishment record of significant research (where "lifetime" is deliberately left undefined)

List of Honorary Foreign Members: Herpetology

(List covers 1980 through 1997): Alcala, A., Angel, C., Arnold, E., Battersby, J., Bellairs, A., Broadley, D., Brongersma, L., Cei, J., Cogger, H., Darevsky, I., De Witte, G., Del Pino Veintinilla, E., Grandison, A., Guibe, J., Haas, G., Kawamura, T., Littlejohn, M., Main, A., Poynton, J., Szarski, H., Vanzolini, P.

HFMI New Foreign Member (Ichthyology)

Description and History

This committee was extant in 1980. The By-Laws limit the number of ichthyological appointments to 15.

Constitutional Mandate

Continuing committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

Four senior ichthyologists are appointed by the ASIH president in years when a vacancy exists. The Chair of the committee is also appointed by the ASIH president. The committee serves 12 months, from annual meeting to annual meeting.

Charge to the HFMI

The committee shall:

(1) Provide confidential nominations to the BOFG to allow the membership to select the required number of new honorary foreign ichthyologists. For each vacancy the Committee is to provide at least two nominations, and for each nominee, a curriculum vitae (if possible), a short biographical statement, and career highlights.

(2) Prepare a ballot for use at the general meeting.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

June: Appointment of the Committee and Committee Chair by the ASIH President. Announcement at annual meeting.

July: All committee members, after discussions with numerous colleagues, suggest possible nominees to the Chair.

December: From the suggestions provided by the Committee members a slate of at least two nominees per vacancies is prepared.

January: Committee completes deliberations and for each nominee the Committee Chair obtains a curriculum vitae (if possible), a short biographical statement, and a statement of career highlights.

March 1: Committee Chair prepares a ballot for use at the general meeting and submits a Final Report to ASIH Secretary.

Ancillary Document(s)

Criteria for Selection of Honorary Foreign Members

Partial list:

Outstanding world eminence in research, not necessarily in systematics but necessarily with the focus on animals

National representation, when other conditions are subequal, the choice should spread HFM among as many countries as possible

Interest in, helpfulness to, evidence of cooperation with colleagues in ASIH countries (Canada, Mexico, United States)

Not age but stature, should seek to honor a person with a lifetime accomplishment record of significant research (where "lifetime" is deliberately left undefined)

List of Honorary Foreign Members: Ichthyology

(List covers 1980 through 1997): Abe, T., Allen, G., Amaoka, K., Andriyashev, A., Banarescu, P., Bauchot, M., Bertelsen, E., Boeseman, M., Greenwood, P., Kosswig, C., Krefft, G., Lowe-McConnell, R., Marshall, N., McDowall, R., Menezes, N., Monod, T., Nielsen, J., Parin, N., Patterson, C., Paxton, J., Poll, M., Stensio, E., Svetovidov, A., Trewavas, E., Uyeno, T.

HSOC Representative to SSAR and HL

Description and History

The Herpetologists' League (HL), established in 1936, is an international organization of people devoted to studying the biology of amphibians and reptiles.

The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR) was established in 1958 to advance research, conservation, and education concerning amphibians and reptiles.

ASIH maintains a Representative to the HL and the SSAR, the other two professional herpetological societies based in North America. The position was established in 1987 by President Clark Hubbs to promote communication among the societies and to encourage participation in ASIH meetings by herpetologists through positive interactions with the other societies.

Constitutional Mandate

Continuing committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

The Representative to HL and SSAR is appointed by the President and serves for a term of one calendar year. The Representative can be reappointed.

Charge to the HSOC

The Representative to HL and SSAR acts as an intermediary between the societies, looking for opportunities to promote joint activities and attempting to intercede in potential conflicts. The Representative should be as active a participant as possible in all three societies and should try to remain informed on major issues facing HL and SSAR. Interactions regarding joint annual meetings comprise an important aspect of the Representative' s activities. However, other mutual concerns, such as conservation issues and joint symposia, are also appropriate areas for involvement.

The Representative shall:

(1) Participate in meetings of the Intersociety Liaison Committee as the official representative from ASIH. Those meetings are held annually at any one of the North American herpetological meetings.

The Inter-Society Liaison Committee (SSAR/HL/ASIH): (a) Consists of the Presidents, Presidents-elect (=Vice-President), and Secretaries of SSAR and HL, and the herpetological President or President-elect, or a designated herpetologist (HSOC) from the Board of Governors of ASIH. (b) The purpose is to provide information regarding major activities of the three herpetological societies, to interact on efforts which concern all herpetologists, and to avoid undue overlap of the societies' functions. (c) Should meet annually.

(2) Facilitate communication between officers of ASIH and those of HL and SSAR.

(3) Facilitate interactions regarding joint annual meetings.

(4) Promote appropriate joint committees and other cooperative activities.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

Prepare and file in March of each year an Annual Report for submission through the SECR to the BOFG.

Ancillary Document(s)

None.

IHCC Ichthyological & Herpetological Collections

Description and History

The history of this Committee is long and complex, in 1980 at least three different committees performed part of the present mission of IHCC. (See the following pages of Copeia (issue 4 of each year) for an introduction to the early years of this committee: 1980:968; 1981:933; 1982: 999)

The ASIH has long had a professional interest in systematic collections with many prominent members in the Society having been trained as systematists in either herpetology or ichthyology or both fields. The Collections Committees have evolved and been reorganized several times in an effort to provide input from committee members on nearly all aspects of curation activities, responsibilities, and management. The first evidence of a "collections" committee for ASIH was apparently under the directive of then ASIH President Robert F. Inger who appointed David B. Wake to chair a "Herpetological Resources Committee" and Ernest A. Lachner to chair a "Committee to Develop a National Plan for Ichthyology," during the years 1973-1974. The "National Plan for Ichthyology" received a grant in support of its development from the National Science Foundation. Both of these committees were listed as Ad-Hoc committees in 1974-1975. The report from Wake's committee (published in Copeia 1975:391-404) recommended forming a joint committee with the Herpetologists' League (HL) and the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR). Lachner's committee published its report in three sections in Copeia in 1976 (pp. 618-643). During 1976-1977 the two committees became known as the "Joint Committee on Resources in Herpetology" and the "Ichthyological Collections Committee." In 1977-1978 a subcommittee on "Curatorial Supplies and Practices" was established and the first report from that subcommittee appeared as "Current Supplies and Practices" in 1979. The first "Curation Newsletter" appeared in June 1980. In 1980-1981 President Collette elevated the Curatorial Supplies and Practices subcommittee to full-committee rank. In 1982-1983, ichthyologists and herpetologists merged to form the "Joint Ichthyological and Herpetological Collections and Resources Committee" with two subgroups. There was apparently a period of separation (at least in title) between ichthyological and herpetological collection committee members until finally all "collections" committees were merged at the suggestion of President Trueb beginning with the 1992-1993 years. The new committee was known as the "Ichthyological and Herpetological Collections and Resources and Curatorial Supplies Committee." This was shortened in 1995-1996 to the current title as listed above.

Previous Chairs of IHCC and Dates Served. H is for Herpetology and I is for Ichthyology before the variously named "collections" committees were merged.

David B. Wake (H) and Ernest A. Lachner (I) (1974-1975)

C. J. McCoy (H) and Ernest A. Lachner (I) 1975-1977

Robert Karl Johnson (I) and C. J. McCoy (H) 1977-1978

Robert Karl Johnson (I) and Harold Voris (H) 1978-1979

Robert H. Gibbs (I) and no chair listed (H) 1979-1980

Robert H. Gibbs (I) and Alan Leviton (H) 1980-1982

Karsten Hartel, Curatorial Supplies and Practices, 1981-1986

Merged Comm., Robert H. Gibbs 1982-1983

C.L. Smith (I) and Roy McDiarmid (H) 1983-1984 [separated again?]

C.L. Smith (I) and Roy McDiarmid (H) 1984-1986, co-chairs of merged Comm.

Susan L. Jewett, Curatorial Supplies and Practices, 1986-1992

C.L. Smith (I) and ??? (H) 1986-1987, co-chairs, co-chairs of merged Comm

B.B. Collette (I) and Linda Trueb (H) 1987-1988, co-chairs of merged Comm

B.B. Collette (I) and Linda Trueb (H) 1988-1990 [separated again]

Merged Comm., Stuart G. Poss 1990-1992

Super-Merged IHCC [with curatorial supplies and practices], Theodore W. Pietsch 1992-1995

Super-Merged IHCC [with curatorial supplies and practices], Brooks M. Burr 1995-1998

Constitutional Mandate

Continuing committees are listed in the Procedures Manual. By 1976-1977 it appears that "Collections" committees (whatever their titles) were considered continuing committees and have, in effect, been treated that way ever since.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

The IHCC is the largest committee in the Society and has grown in considerable numbers, especially in the past five years after the merger of the two separate committees (i.e., Curatorial Supplies and Practices and the former collections committee) into one in 1992-1993. There is no written statement available describing the total number of committee members to be appointed each year, although there have been attempts to balance the committee between herpetologists and ichthyologists. All positions on the committee are filled by the ASIH President upon recommendations from the Chair and members of the IHCC. Periods of appointment have not been established, and some members have been on the various collections committees almost since their inception. The IHCC Chair is appointed by the ASIH President and serves for one year. The Chair may be reappointed or removed at the discretion of the President. Members of the committee can be reappointed by the President, and often are. As of November 1997 there were 26 committee members with some individuals serving on more than one subcommittee.

Charge to the IHCC

The IHCC is now broken up into four subcommittees, each with its own chair and purview. Each Subcommittee Chair is responsible for summarizing the annual activities of their subcommittee which are then incorporated into a larger report of the entire IHCC by the IHCC Chair. The subcommittees as approved at the 1997 annual meeting are: (1) Supplies and Practices; (2) Newsletter; (3) Ichthyological Data Standards; and (4) Herpetological Data Standards. The duties and responsibilities of Supplies and Practices include continual research into new, better, and less expensive products for museum and field work. Long-term monitoring of product performance and consumer satisfaction is also part of the charge. This subcommittee also establishes and recommends standard practices in both museum and field work for ichthyological and herpetological collections, addressing such issues as preservation techniques, standard locality information requirements, loan packaging, realcoholing procedures, and destructive collection use (e.g., DNA, SEM). Further, this subcommittee establishes standard policies by which ichthyological and herpetological collections are encouraged to abide, including policies covering such issues as accessioning and deaccessioning collections, loans and exchanges of specimens, type collections, permits and collecting ethics, voucher collection requirements, computer database uses, and fees for services. The Newsletter subcommittee is charged with producing "Curation Newsletters" covering a variety of topics dealing with collections. Newsletters have been produced and distributed historically as paper copy. Current practice is to have all the newsletters placed on the web pages of the Society. There are currently 11 newsletters available on the web. The subcommittee also establishes editorial policies for the newsletters and considers future topics worthy of newsletter attention. The two data standards subcommittees are charged with developing computer-based collection standards and have been working with the ASC on emerging cross-discipline standards and their usefulness to Society members. A model is being developed to share data accessible under a single format. The role of the Chair of the IHCC is mostly one of preparing the annual report of activities for the Board of Governors after having received annual reports from each subcommittee Chair. The Chair also prepares an agenda and presides over the open meeting at the annual meetings. Matters of reorganization of the IHCC or specific charges to the IHCC may come from the chair, occasionally they come from the ASIH President. Most often, committee charges are self-generated by members or subcommittee Chairs wanting to accomplish specific goals for the year. In recent years the Committee or one of the Subcommittees have been involved in the organization and hosting of workshops on topics related to the purview of the Committee and it is expected that this will continue, at the Committee’s discretion, as opportunity and interest may provide.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

Calendar: the IHCC has an open meeting at every annual meeting (usually June). An agenda is put together by the IHCC chair with assistance from subcommittee chairs. Any topic relating to collections may be discussed. The ASIH president often attends this meeting and may provide general charges to the committee. The only other important date for the IHCC committee occurs in March when the call for reports is sent out by the ASIH Secretary. The Final Report of the IHCC is sent to the ASIH Secretary sometime in April.

Ancillary Document(s)

Documents and Important Publications Produced by IHCC and related committees

Collette, B. B. and E. A. Lachner. 1976. Fish collections in the United States and Canada. Copeia 1976:625-642.

Fink, W.L., K.E. Hartel, W.G. Saul, E.M. Koon, and E.O. Wiley. 1979. A report on current supplies and practices used in curation of ichthyological collections. Report of the Ad hoc Subcommittee on Curatorial Supplies and Practices of the ASIH Ichthyological Collections Committee. Mimeo., 63 pp. (available at ASIH website: )

Jenkins, R. E. 1976. A list of undescribed freshwater fish species of the continental United States and Canada with additions to the 1970 checklist. Copeia 1976:642-643.

Lachner, E. A., J. W. Atz, G. W. Barlow, B. B. Collette, R. J. Lavenberg, C. R. Robins, and R. J. Schultz. 1976. A national plan for ichthyology. Copeia 1976:618-625.

Leviton, A. E., R.H. Gibbs, E. Heal, and C. E. Dawson. 1985. Standards in herpetology and ichthyology: Part I. Standard symbolic codes for institutional resource collections in herpetology and ichthyology. Copeia 1985:802-832.

Leviton, A. E. and R.H. Gibbs. 1988. Standards in herpetology and ichthyology. Standard symbolic codes for institution resource collections in herpetology and ichthyology. Supplement No. 1: additions and corrections Copeia 1988:280-282.

Poss, S. G. and B. B. Collette. 1995. Second survey of fish collections in the United States and Canada. Copeia 1995:48-70.

Wake, D.B., R. C. Zweifel, H. C. Dessauer, G. W. Nace, E. R. Pianka, G. B. Rabb, R. Ruibal, J. W. Wright, and G. R. Zug. 1975. Report on the committee on resources in herpetology. Copeia 1975:391-404.

IUCN Representative to IUCN

Description and History

IUCN, the World Conservation Union, is a key player at the global policy level in conservation and is also important in the direction that influential agencies and mechanisms take (e.g., GEF, World Bank, and agencies). The ASIH representative to IUCN and its Species Survival Commission (SSC) is expected to represent the interests of ASIH membership in conservation to the IUCN and the SSC. The contexts of this representation are the triennial meetings of the IUCN membership (172 governments and government agencies, 659 non-governmental agencies), the regional meetings of the IUCN or its commissions; calls for expert opinions on various issues before the IUCN; opportunities for participation in advisory services provided by IUCN and SSC to international treaties and conventions such as CITES, CBD, Ramsar, Bonn, etc. and fostering initiatives to IUCN about situations that arise within the ken of the ASIH communities (e.g., disappearing amphibian populations; unrestrained taking of sharks and their relatives).

The actual participation of ASIH members in some of the Specialist Groups of the SSC is most important. However, these participants are not likely to be available at their own time and expense to represent their areas of conservation concern in the several contexts mentioned above, thus the importance of the "ASIH Representative" position. This position should be filled by someone familiar with the principal issues in conservation of living natural resources, with time available to attend at least the scheduled meetings of the IUCN, and with sufficient support to carry out these duties. Of note are the SSC Steering Committee regional and topical focal people including a person for marine issues (currently Roger McManus, head of The Center for Marine Conservation), and freshwater issues (currently Pat Foster-Turley).

IUCN is fostering the development of National and Regional Biodiversity Conservation Groups composed of local members of SSC and the World Commission on Protected Areas and local experts, and potentially the Commission on Ecosystem Management. The ASIH could potentially recommend people in various parts of the world who could bring technical strength to such groups.

IUCN and SSC are partners in the development of the Biodiversity Conservation Information System, together with the World Conservation Monitoring Centre and other bodies. Integration of such a distributed database network with other sources including museum databases will be an important on-going challenge.

The SSC has spawned the Sustainable Use Initiative in IUCN. Sustainable Use Regional Specialist networks are developing bottom-up analyses of what works and what doesn't. Fisheries management is a recurrent issue in this context and there needs to be more participation by ichthyologists involved in population biology or resource management.

This position was extant in 1980.

Constitutional Mandate

Continuing committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

Representative appointed by the President on an annual basis, appointment may be renewed by mutual agreement.

Charge to the IUCN

As above.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

Periodic reports to EXEC as appropriate. Annual report to BOFG to be made in March through SECR.

NFJC Joint ASIH-AFS Committee on Names of Fishes

Description and History

The Committee on Common and Scientific Names of Fishes prepares a list for publication of the names of fishes in Canada and the United States (Mexico has been added for future editions). The basic goal is to promote uniformity in use of common names by selecting, in general, the most widely accepted names and present the list in a currently accepted classification of fishes giving the scientific species name, family, order, and class. This is a joint committee of the American Fisheries Society (AFS) and the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH). Through the cooperative efforts of members of both societies and other agencies we have achieved a relatively stable system of common names that are widely recognized. In addition, the committee answers many questions from the public on fish names.

The Committee on Common and Scientific Names of Fishes was established as a result of a resolution passed by The American Fisheries Society in 1933. In 1938, following reorganization, the committee, under the chairmanship of Carl L. Hubbs, commenced work on a list that was published in 1948 under the chairmanship of W. H. Chute (with 570 fish names). A joint committee was formed sometime between the production of the first and second editions with the addition of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. To date, there have been five editions produced of the original names list with one edition of world fishes important to North America as follows:

Chute, W. H. (Chairman), R. M. Bailey, W. A. Clemens, J. R. Dymond, S.F. Hildebrand, G. S. Myers, and L. P. Schultz. 1948. A list of common and scientific names of the better known fishes of the United States and Canada. Spec. Public. No. 1, Amer. Fish. Soc.,

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 45 pp. (and Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 75: 355-398).

Bailey, R.M. (Chairman), E.A. Lachner, C.C. Lindsey, C.R. Robins, P.M. Roedel, W.B. Scott, and L.P. Woods. 1960. A list of common and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada. 2nd ed., Spec. Public. No. 2, Amer. Fish. Soc., Ann Arbor, 102 pp.

Bailey, R.M. (Chairman), J.E. Fitch, E.S. Herald, E.A. Lachner, C.C. Lindsey, C.R. Robins, and W.B. Scott. 1970. A list of common and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada.3rd ed., Spec. Public. No. 6, Amer. Fish. Soc., Washington, D.C., 149 pp.

Robins, C.R. (Chairman), R.M. Bailey, C.E. Bond, J.R. Brooker, E.A. Lachner, R.N. Lea, and W.B. Scott. 1980. A list of common and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada.4th ed., Spec. Public. No. 12, Amer. Fish. Soc., Bethesda, Maryland, 174 pp.

Robins, C.R. (Chairman), R.M. Bailey, C.E. Bond, J.R. Brooker, E.A. Lachner, R.N. Lea, and W.B. Scott. 1991. Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada. 5^th ed., Spec. Public. 20, Amer. Fish. Soc., Bethesda, Maryland, 183 pp.

Robins, C.R. (Chairman), R.M. Bailey, C.E. Bond, J.R. Brooker, E.A. Lachner, R.N. Lea, and W.B. Scott. 1991. World fishes important to North Americans, exclusive of species from the continental waters of the United States and Canada. Spec. Public. 21, Amer. Fish. Soc., Bethesda, Maryland, 243 pp.

This Committee includes (since 1994) the former (and long-standing) Nomenclature Committee. Both committees were extant in 1980.

Constitutional Mandate

Continuing committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

The Committee consists of seven ichthyologists. The Chair of the committee is appointed (and confirmed annually) by the Presidents of the AFS and ASIH. The other members are confirmed annually by the Presidents in consultation with the Chair. At present, the composition of the Committee is as follows: Joseph S. Nelson (Chair), Edward J. Crossman, Carter R. Gilbert, Raymond E. Hunziker, Robert N. Lea, Donald J. Stewart, and James D. Williams (changes pending). In addition, there is an active advisory subcommittee.

Charge to the NFJC

Committee members are members of both AFS and ASIH. All matters dealing with publication are dealt with by the AFS (editorial staff concerned with the names list are Beth Staehle, Books Manager, and Bob Kendall, Director of Publications). The committee charge, as stated in the AFS Bylaws, Section 8(k) (p. 44 of the 1994-95 Membership Directory and Handbook) is as follows:

(k) NAMES OF FISHES COMMITTEE deals with matters concerning common and scientific names of fishes, and prepares checklists of names to achieve uniformity and avoid confusion in nomenclature. The Committee coordinates its activities with those of other

ichthyological organizations worldwide. This is a joint committee with the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. The Chair is custodian of the master checklist.

Personnel: (1) seven outstanding specialists in systematic ichthyology and fisheries biology, one of whom shall be appointed Chair.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

February: AFS EXEC midyear report submitted by Chair upon request.

February-March: ASIH Board of Governors report submitted by Chair upon request by Secretary.

May: ASIH President contacts prospective Committee Chair to determine willingness to serve. ASIH Chair may ask for comments on any problems/concerns regarding committee activities.

June: AFS EXEC annual report submitted by Chair upon request.

June (variable): Committee and Subcommittee meet at annual ASIH meeting.

September: AFS President contacts prospective Committee Chair to determine willingness to serve. AFS Chair may ask for comments on any problems/concerns regarding committee activities.

Ancillary Document(s)

None.

PNHC Representative to SPNHC

Description and History

This position was created in 1992 as the ASIH Representative to the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections.

Constitutional Mandate

Continuing committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

Recently it has been the practice of the President to appoint someone to represent the ASIH who lives near the site of the forthcoming SPNHC meetings.

Charge to the PNHC

The representative to the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections attends the annual SPNHC meeting and reports to ASIH on aspects of the meeting, program, and other SPNHC activities that might be of interest to ASIH members, especially regarding topics such as the preservation and management of herpetological and ichthyological collections.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

PNHC should attend meetings of both societies and in March should present an Annual Report to the BOFG through the SECR.

Ancillary Document(s)

None.

SPUC Committee on Special Publications

Description and History

Overview

At least five different committee names are intertwined in the history of what this Manual now refers to as EDPC and SPUC. A minimal effort is made here to untangle this history, but the clear intent all along is to provide collective oversight of policy issues affecting Copeia (EDPC) on the one hand and other publications of the Society (SPUC) on the other. A continuing effort on the part of SPUC, in its various incarnations, has been to respond to a widespread, but not universal, suggestion that ASIH provide a venue for longer publications. At least three motions to establish an ASIH Monograph Series have failed of BOFG support, either through (apparently) considered nonaction, or remand to committee, or failure to achieve majority support. Special publications, especially of monographic length, continue to be handled on an ad hoc case by case basis. Until and if clear endowment support for such a series is at hand, and until and if BOFG decides that it wishes to establish such a series, that is where this issue remains. (A Society resolution (?) defining (?) the problems in dealing with the proposed Monograph series read at the Annual Banquet in 1995, is repeated below (Ancillary Documents)).

SPUC - First Incarnation

In a detailed 1985 report to the BOFG, the SPUC presented detailed guidelines for ASIH Special Publications. These guidelines are repeated in toto below (Ancillary Documents). Interestingly the BOFG apparently took no action on these recommendations (Copeia 1985(4): 1098) and SPUC is not listed among the committees appointed or reappointed by President Cohen (1985(4): 1111). Apparently there was no SPUC for the next seven or eight years. (The duality of EDPC and PUPC, as described above (EDPC), was maintained over these seven years, but the purview of this committee remained Copeia).

SPUC - Second Incarnation

An Ad Hoc Committee on Special Publications reported in 1993 (Copeia 1993(4): 1232) the results of its detailed research on costs and other issues associated with establishing an ASIH Monograph Series. The original report should be consulted, which, because it deals with specific costs (1993 prices) and technical approaches (in 1993), more than policy issues, is not repeated here. This report could well serve as a model for the kinds of information to be sought in any future consideration of initiation of such a series. The report of the Ad Hoc Committee was referred to a "new" Committee on Special Publications (SPUC) re-established in 1993, after a 7 year hiatus. At this time the Managing Editor was appointed Chair of SPUC, an action not recommended by this Manual. This is reflected in the distinct nature of EDPC vs. SPUC as described in this Manual.

In 1995 SPUC offered the following motion which was approved by BOFG: " An ASIH Standing Committee, named the Committee on Book-length Publications, will be created and appointments made by the PRES. The committee’s charge will be to research market issues and establish levels of financial support for each proposal for a book length publication, to create a schedule for publishing each work, and to report to the BOFG." This Committee was appointed in 1995, but was eliminated by incorporation into SPUC in 1996. As before the EDIT was named Chair of the SPUC, whereas another individual was named chair of the Committee on Book Length Publications. After elimination of the latter committee, its chair was appointed Chair of SPUC.

Constitutional Mandate

Bylaws

(V-1-d) EDIT serves ex officio on SPUC

Committee Appointment and Tenure

The Chair and membership of this Committee are appointed by the President. The EDIT serves ex officio on the Committee. It is recommended that if the expansion in charge suggested below be enacted that the SECR also serve ex officio on the Committee.

Charge to the SPUC

This Committee is concerned with formulation of Society policy on Society publications other than Copeia (which is the purview of the EDPC, see above). These principally include special publications of the Society, which are handled on a case by case basis, subject to review by EXEC and confirmation by BOFG. This Committee is also concerned with continuing discussions on possible Society publication of monographs and other materials that fall outside of the normal limits on Copeia papers.

Normally materials to be considered for special publication by the Society are prepared and forwarded by individual officers or committees of ASIH (CHEP, CHIP, HACC, HINC, HIST, IACC), or by authors or ad hoc editorial committees for materials not directly generated by ASIH-designated activities. SPUC serves as the interface between such authors or groups and EXEC and the BOFG, concerning itself with issues of suitability, publication mechanism including editing, cost and cost recovery. SPUC will generally forward the results of its discussions in the form of specific recommendations.

The LRPP recommends that consideration be given to involvement of this Committee in the development of Society web-based publication of materials that might fall within the interests of Society members but which for one reason or another are not suitable for publication in Copeia, or which may be more suitable for more ephemeral but less expensive electronic publication. This may include a variety of Society reports and documents, linkages to resources of interest, perhaps announcements, reports, and the like. Although this has traditionally been handled by the SECR, and the actual machine-based server as well as webmaster function might ideally be based at the home institution of the SECR, it may be that expected growth in this area would make it appropriate for a dedicated committee function in the sense of information collection.

One example, for discussion purposes, of something the society may wish to explore is emulation of the HL Newsletter, see: http://130.160.104.76/HL/HC997.html

Calendar

April 1 submission of report of yearly activities to SECR for inclusion in packaged report to BOFG.

Other dates episodic, depending upon circumstances.

Ancillary Document(s)

List of ASIH Special Publications:

No. 1. Moser, H. G., Richards, W. J., Cohen, D. M., Fahay, M. P., Kendall Jr., A. W., and S. L. Richardson (editors). 1984. Ontogeny and Systematics of Fishes (based on an international symposium dedicated to the memory of Elbert Halvor Alvordson). Special Publication Number 1, American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas. ISSN 0748-0539. Out of print.

No. 2. Berra, Tim M. 1984. A Chronology of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists Through 1982. Special Publication Number 2, American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas. ISSN 0748-0539.

No. 3. Pietsch, T. W., and W. D. Anderson, Jr. (editors). 1997. Collection Building in Ichthyology and Herpetology. Amer. Soc. Ichthy. Herp., Spec. Publ., 3.

Other Publications

Guidelines for Use of Fishes in Field Research: available at: http://www.asih.org/pubs/fishguide.html

Guidelines for Use of Live Amphibians and Reptiles in Field Research: available at: http://www.asih.org/pubs/herpcoll.html

Careers in Ichthyology: available at: http://www.asih.org/pubs/ichjobs.htm

Careers in Herpetology: available at: http://www.asih.org/pubs/herpjobs.htm

RESC Resolutions Committee

Description and History

The Resolutions Committee is appointed by the President for service at the Annual Meeting. The Chairperson is traditionally chosen for sagacity and a acuminate sense of humor, taking care to avoid confusing similarities between past Chairs in residence in New Orleans and at Moss Landing. Two additional committee members are chosen to restrain the Chair. The Committee is charged to produce two sets of resolutions: (1) Substantive resolutions which are presented to and confirmed by the ANBM, (2) Subliminal (mostly) resolutions which are read at the Annual Banquet. Traditionally included in the latter is a profound expression of gratitude to the LOCL for many months of effort and for not letting the beverage supply run out. Normally the Resolutions Committee is allowed graceful retirement after the Annual Meeting is adjourned. There has always been a RESC or its equivalent, if it didn't exist we should have to invent it.

Constitutional Mandate

Any Constitutional or By-Laws reference to the RESC is deliberately omitted.

Charge to the RESC

RESC is charged to consult widely among the membership in attendance in fulfillment of its function. Persons wishing to bring substantive resolutions before the society should prepare these in advance for written submission to RESC when the composition of RESC is announced at the BOFG. Advance submission to the PRES or SECR is encouraged.

Ancillary Documents

Substantive Resolutions

Substantive Resolutions have been printed in Copeia, as is appropriate.

Nonsubstantive Resolutions

Non-substantive Resolutions have also been reprinted in Copeia. But perhaps they should be as accessible as those from the 1997 meetings in Seattle (follow: http://www.asih.org as instructed on Copeia 1997(4): 944).

Recurring Committees

Definition

Recurring Committees are those which are appointed on an episodic basis, as need occurs. In years where no action by the Committee or Representative is anticipated, appointment or not is at the discretion of the President. Recurring Committees and their acronyms are as follows:

CHEP Committee to Revise the Careers in Herpetology

Pamphlet

CHIP Committee to Revise the Careers in Ichthyology

Pamphlet

HACC Committee to Revise the Herpetological Animal Care

Leaflet

HINC Herpetological Information Coordinator

HIST Society Historian

IINC Ichthyological Information Coordinator

Appointment and Tenure: General Features

Bylaws

(VIII-2) Except where further defined or restricted in Constitution and/or Bylaws, committee appointments are made by PRES, and carry a tenure of one year. Subcommittees may be designated.

CHEP Careers in Herpetology

Description and History

Antedates 1980, although the first reference to it within range is from 1982.

Constitutional Mandate

Recurring committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

Apparently three herpetologists, one of them to act as Chair, are appointed by the PRES, when there this a perceived need to update the pamphlet.

Charge to the CHEP

The Careers in Herpetology Pamphlet should be updated regularly with new information on the types of positions available for those with an interest in herpetology and the general salary ranges of such positions. The pamphlet should also include an updated list of general herpetology texts and the addresses of the major herpetologically oriented professional societies.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

Although an Annual Report should be submitted in March through the SECR, this Committee should work on the pamphlet until it is complete. No formal provision for review upon completion exists, implying EXEC and/or BOFG review.

Ancillary Document(s)

Careers in Herpetology Pamphlet

See below.

CHIP Careers in Ichthyology

Description and History

Antedates 1980, although the first reference to it within range is from 1982.

Constitutional Mandate

Recurring committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Composition

Apparently three ichthyologists, one of them to act as Chair, are appointed by the PRES, when there this a perceived need to update the pamphlet.

Charge to the CHIP

The Careers in Ichthyology Pamphlet should be updated regularly with new information on the types of positions available for those with an interest in ichthyology and the general salary ranges of such positions. The pamphlet should also include an updated list of general ichthyology texts and the addresses of the major ichthyologically oriented professional societies.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

Ancillary Document(s)

Careers in Ichthyology Pamphlet

See below.

HACC Herpetological Animal Care

Description and History

Preceded in function by (1980) Committee on Use of Animals in Scientific Research, AKA The Committee on Traffic in Animals for Scientific Research, (1982) Public Affairs Committee, (1984) Committee on Public Affairs. Has been variously combined or split into herpetological and ichthyological components.

Constitutional Mandate

Recurring committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

Three current members, one year appointment, renewable, appointed by PRES.

Charge to the HACC

It is uncertain that a formal charge has been issued to this committee or its ichthyological counterpart (IACC) in recent years. Nonetheless LRPP feels that this committee and IACC should be maintained and that a formal charge should be developed for the committee.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

March Annual Report to SECR.

Ancillary Document(s)

Recommendations on Animal Care

See below

HINC Herpetological Information Coordinator

Description and History

The first located mention within range is 1987 (Copeia 1987(4): 1115).

Constitutional Mandate

Recurring committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Composition

Charge to the HINC

The Herpetological Information Coordinator answers inquiries from the public concerning reptiles and amphibians. Inquires are received and answered via mail, email, and telephone. Most of the herpetological inquiries are of a general nature and can be readily answered by the coordinator. When children or adults request general information about herpetology, they are sent a list of books and magazines that they can look for in local libraries and bookstores. When specific questions are asked, these are either answered directly or they are forwarded to someone with the appropriate expertise, preferably an ASIH member. Queries about careers in herpetology are sent the ASIH Careers in Herpetology pamphlet. Queries coming from the press are either answered directly or the report is referred to someone with the appropriate expertise, preferably an ASIH member. In most cases, reporters are working on a short deadline and need information quickly. In the annual report, the Herpetological Information Coordinator provides the number of queries received during the year and summarizes the queries by category, geographic origin, and general topic.

Calendar

HINC responds to queries on a per case basis. Many requests are from students conducting class projects so the HINC should make every effort to respond in timely fashion. The final report for the BOFG is generally due in April with a dead line established by the SECR.

Ancillary Document(s)

Summary of Request Load (Last Five Years)

Unavailable

HIST Society Historian

Description and History

Extant in 1980. A summary of Dr. Berra's efforts is reprinted below (Appendices). In 1992 a major effort was undertaken to extend Dr. Berra's work and bring Society history up to date, see Copeia 1994(4): 1216 for a summary.

Constitutional Mandate

Recurring committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

In recent years it has been the practice to list the name and address of HIST on the inside front cover of COPEIA to promote information acquisition.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

One person, appointed by the PRES, one year term, renewable. The HIST will likely solicit help from other ASIH members in the gathering of information, especially from the "Endangered, Threatened, Of Special Concern, and Somewhat Past Their Prime" categories.

Charge to the HIST

Largely self-generated by the HIST, the idea is to follow fruitful avenues to develop a well-rounded picture of the development of the disciplines through the development of the Society.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

Annual report to SECR due in March.

Ancillary Document(s)

History of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, see below.

IACC Ichthyological Animal Care

Description and History

Constitutional Mandate

Recurring committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

Two current members, one year appointment, renewable, appointed by PRES.

Charge to the IACC

It is uncertain that a formal charge has been issued to this committee or its herpetological counterpart (HACC) in recent years. Nonetheless LRPP feels that this committee and HACC should be maintained and that a formal charge should be developed for the committee.

Calendar

Annual Calendar

March Annual Report to SECR.

Ancillary Document(s)

Recommendations on Animal Care

See below.

Other Published Material

According to DWG we have an old Ichthyological Animal Care Leaflet although whether a Committee of this name ever existed needs to be researched. DWG intended to form such a committee, but did not. DWG suggests we might adopt: 1995. Guidelines for the care and use of fish in research. ILAR Journal, 37(4): 159 - 173.

IINC Ichthyological Information Coordinator

Description and History

The position of Ichthyological Information Coordinator was created in 1991, by SECR Brooks Burr. The purpose was to have an individual responding to general inquiries from the public pertaining to the field of ichthyology, thereby relieving the SECR of this task. Establishment of a home page on the WWW has allowed IINC to respond more quickly and efficiently to information requests since previous inquiries were often mailed to the Business Office and subsequently transmitted to IINC.

Constitutional Mandate

Recurring committees are listed in the Procedures Manual.

Committee Appointment and Tenure

The position of IINC consists of a single person appointed annual by the PRES. The individual serves one year and if willing may continue in service with annual reappointment where mutually agreeable.

Charge to the IINC

The Ichthyological Information Coordinator answers inquiries from the public concerning fishes. Inquires are received and answered via mail, email, and telephone. Most of the ichthyological inquiries are of a general nature and can be readily answered by the coordinator. When children or adults request general information about ichthyology, they may be sent a list of books and magazines that they can look for in local libraries and bookstores. When specific questions are asked, these are either answered directly or they are forwarded to someone with the appropriate expertise, preferably an ASIH member. Queries about careers in ichthyology are sent the ASIH Careers in Ichthyology pamphlet. Queries coming from the press are either answered directly or the report is referred to someone with the appropriate expertise, preferably an ASIH member. In most cases, reporters are working on a short deadline and need information quickly. In the annual report, the Ichthyological Information Coordinator provides the number of queries received during the year and summarizes the queries by category, geographic origin, and general topic.

Calendar

IINC responds to queries on a per case basis. Many requests are from students conducting class projects so the IINC should make every effort to respond in timely fashion. The final report for the BOFG is generally due in April with a dead line established by the SECR.

Ancillary Document(s)

Summary of Request Load (Last Five Years)

Unavailable.

Special Purpose Committees

Definition

Special Purpose Committees are those which are appointed normally on a one-time basis, as need occurs. Appointment or not is at the discretion of the President. The President shall define the charge to each Special Purpose Committee upon appointment. Unless renewed by the succeeding president each such Committee shall cease to exist after a period of time up to one calendar year, commencing January 1 after date of appointment.

Appointment and Tenure: General Features

Bylaws

(VIII-2) Except where further defined or restricted in Constitution and/or Bylaws, committee appointments are made by PRES, and carry a tenure of one year. Subcommittees may be designated.

Recent Special Purpose Committees

List of committees since 1980, and date of creation. Most of these lasted 1 - 3 years.

1981 Ad Hoc Publications Committee (became PUPC, then EDPC)

1982 Committee on Program Excellence (COPE - only lasted one year but grew, in part, into the GSPC, STAC, and, if you are willing to stretch it a bit, the ENFC)

1982 Committee on Proceeds of the Ahlstrom Publication (became SPUC)

1983 Committee to Review Procedures for Electing Distinguished Fellows

1984 Representative to CLOFETA

1984 Committee for the 75^th Anniversary of Copeia

1984 Committee on Membership

1984 Committee on Workshop Planning and Policy (reappears in 1988 as a subcommittee of TPPC)

1984 Committee on Participation of Special Interest Groups (apparently no one could quite figure out what this Committee was supposed to do, it was not reappointed)

1985 Committee for Distributing Travel Money to Attend the Second International Conference on the Systematics and Evolution of Indo-Pacific Fishes (this committee sets the record for longest name, although the Herp World Congress Committee is a close second).

1986 Ad Hoc Committee to Review Stoye Award Procedures (arguably became STAC)

1988 Ad Hoc Committee on Desktop Composition of Copeia, AKA Committee on Computer-Aided Publication

1988 Joint Student Travel Fund Committee for Students to Participate in the World Congress of Herpetology in Kent, England

1988 Ad Hoc Membership Committee (revival of 1984)

1990 Ad Hoc Committee on Distinguished Fellows

1990 Ad Hoc Committee on Copeia Back Issue Storage

1990 Ad Hoc Committee on the Mechanism for Nominating Individuals for Society Offices, AKA Ad Hoc Committee on Nominating the Nominating Committee (RKJ's favorite committee name!)

1991 Ad Hoc Committee on Fish Classification (died without a charge)

1991 Ad Hoc Committee to Examine Ways ASIH Can Better Meet the Needs of Ichthyology and Herpetology (?)

1992 Ad Hoc Coordinator of Special Publications

1992 Ad Hoc Policy Committee on Restriction of Information in Type Descriptions

1994 Representative to the National Biological Survey

Our apologies to any committees we missed.

Directory of Current Society Officers and Committees

Officers

ECOL: Ecology and Ethology Editor

Steve Ross: stross@whale.st.usm.edu

EDIT: Editor

Mike Douglas: abmed@asuvm.inre.asu.edu

GENE: Genetics, Development and Morphology Editor

John R. Gold: goldfish@tamu.edu

John McEachran: j-mceachran@tamu.edu

GHER: General Herpetology Editor

Andrew Price: andy.price@tpwd.state.tx.us

GICH: General Ichthyology Editor

Richard Mayden: rmayden@ua1vm.ua.edu

INDE: Index Editor, Co-Editor

Subject Index, Frances Cashner: rccbs@uno.edu (Bob Cashner)

Taxonomic Index: James Orr: orrj@afsc.noaa.gov

PHYS: Physiology and Physiological Ecology Editor

Richard Bowker: bowker@alma.edu

PPRE: Past-President

Ted Pietsch: twp@fish.washington.edu

Meg Stewart: mstewart@csc.albany.edu

Dave Greenfield: dwg@zoogate.zoo.hawaii.edu

PREE: President-Elect

Bob Cashner: rccbs@jazz.ucc.uno.edu

Also (both addresses work): rccbs@uno.edu

PRES: President

Al Savitsky: asavitzk@odu.edu

REVH: Book Review Editor – Herpetology

J. Whitfield Gibbons: gibbons@srel.edu

(1997) Kentwood Wells: kentus@uconnvm.uconn.edu

REVI: Book Review Editor – Ichthyology

Tim Berra: berra.1@osu.edu

SECR: Secretary

Dean Hendrickson: deanhend@mail.utexas.edu

asih@mail.utexas.edu

TREA: Treasurer

Larry Page: 1-pagel@uiuc.edu

l(lower case"L")-page1(digit)@uiuc.edu

Standing Committees

ANBM: Annual Business Meeting

Contact SECR

deanhend@mail.utexas.edu

BOFG: Board of Governors

Contact SECR

deanhend@mail.utexas.edu

EDBD: Editorial Board

Contact EDIT

ABMED@ASUVM.INRE.ASU.EDU

EDPC: Editorial Policy Committee

Consists of all COPEIA editorial officers.

ABMED@ASUVM.INRE.ASU.EDU

ENFC: Endowment and Finance Committee

Robert J. Lavenberg(1996-2001, Chair): rlavenbe@mizar.usc.edu

David C. Heins (1995-2000), Chair-elect): heins@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

Aaron M. Bauer (1996-2001): abauer@king-kong.vill.edu

Margaret A Neighbors (1998-2003): pwxt82a@prodigy.com

George Rabb (1998-2003): iucnssc@igc.apc.org

EXEC: Executive Committee

PRES, PPRE, PREE, prior PPRE, SECR, TREA, LRPP, ENFC

asih-excomm@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu

GFAC: Gaige Fund Award Committee

Kiisa Nishikawa (Chair): kiisa.nishikawa@nau.edu

Karen Lips (Chairperson-elect): klip@vm.stlawu.edu

Lee Fitzgerald: lfitzgerald@tamu.edu

GSPC: Committee on Graduate Student Participation

Adam Summers (Chair): summers@bio.umass.edu

Bradford Hollingsworth: bholling@lasierra.edu

Humberto Wong: humbwong@lasierra.edu

J. Andres Lopez: lopez@fish.washington.edu

Duane E. Stevenson: des@fish.washington.edu

Christopher Tracy: crtracy@students.wisc.edu

Erik Gergus: idewg@asuvm.inre.asu.edu

Kevin Jansen: jansen@chuma.cas.usf.edu

Jeff G. Stewart: jgsbs@uno.edu

Jackie Webb (Faculty Representative): jwebb@ucis.vill.edu

LOCL: Local Committee(s)

Theodore W. Pietsch (1997): twp@fish.washington.edu

James P. Bogart (1998): JBogart@uoguelph.ca

Jay Stauffer (1999): vc5@psuvm

LRPP: Long Range Planning and Policy Committee

Robert K. Johnson (1995-1998, Chair): johnsonr@cofc.edu

Deanna J. Stouder (1995-1998): stouder.l@osu.edu

Joseph Travis (1995-1998): travis@neuro.fsu.edu

Larry G. Allen (1996-1999): lallen@csunl.csun.edu

Maureen A. Donnelly (1998-2000): donnelly@servms.fiu.edu

Kassi Cole (1998-2000): kcole@ubishops.ca

David Greenfield (1998-2000): dwg@zoogate.zoo.hawaii.edu

NOMC: Nominating Committee

Nominations are made by the current Nominating Committee and members are chosen by general election at the ASIH Business meeting.

Alan de Quieroz (Chair)

RFAC: Raney Fund Award Committee

Larry G. Allen (Chair): larry.allen@csun.edu

George Sedberry: sedberryg@mrd.dnr.state.sc.us

John E. Olney: olney@vims.edu

RHGC: Robert H. Gibbs, Jr., Memorial Award Committee

G. David Johnson (Chair): johnson.dave@nmnh.si.edu

Robert Cashner: rccbs@jazz.ucc.uno.edu

Joe Nelson: joe_nelson@biology.ualberta.ca

STAC: Student Awards Committee

Paula Mabee (Chair): mabee@sunstroke.sdsu.edu

Steven J. Beaupre (Chair-Elect): sbeaupre@comp.uark.edu

Adam Summers (Graduate Student Representative): summers@bio.umass.edu

Student Travel Award contact person: Kevin Jansen: jansen@chuma.cas.usf.edu

TPPC: Time, Place and Program Committee

Pat Gregory (Chair): viper@uvic.ca

Joe Mitchell (HL Representative): mitchell@urvax.urich.edu

Ellen J. Censky (SSAR Representative): censkye@clpgh.org

Sanford Moss (AES Representative): smoss@umassd.edu

Christopher Tracy (Grad Student Representative): crtracy@students.wisc.edu

Bob Cashner: rccbs@jazz.ucc.uno.edu

Theodore W. Pietsch: twp@fish.washington.edu

James P. Bogart: JBogart@uoguelph.ca

Jay Stauffer: vc5@psuvm

Continuing Committees

AASR: Representative to the AAAS

Alan E. Leviton: leviton@casmail.calacademy.org

AESR: Representative to the American Elasmobranch Society

George H. Burgess: gburgess@flmnh.ufl.edu

AFSR: Representative to the American Fisheries Society

Mel Warren: fswarren@sunset.backbone.olemiss.edu

ASCR: Representative to the Association of Systematics Collections

Lawrence M. Page: 1-pagel@uiuc.edu

ELHR: Representative to the AFS Early Life History Section

Michael Fahay: Michael.Fahay@noaa.gov

ENQC: Environmental Quality Committee

Melvin L. Warren, Jr. (Chair): fswarren@sunset.backbone.olemiss.edu

Jonathan N. Baskin (Neotropical Ichthyological Association Liasion): no email

Jacque Carter: jcarter@mailbox.une.edu

Walt Courtenay: courtenw@acc.fau.edu

E. J. Crossman: crossman@rom.on.ca

C. Kenneth Dodd, Jr.: Ken_Dodd@nbs.gov

Alex Flecker (Ecological Society of America Liaison): asf3@cornell.edu

Thomas H. Fritts: thomas_fritts@nbs.gov

Karsten Hartel: hartel@mcz.harvard.edu

Gene Helfman: helfman@sparc.ecology.uga.edu

Selina Heppel (Graduate. Student Representative): ssh4@acpub.duke.edu

Frank McCormick (EQC Home Page Manager): mccormick.frank@epamail.epa.gov

W. L. Minckley: w.minckley@asu.edu

Joseph C. Mitchell (Herpetologists' League Liaison): mitchell@urvax.urich.edu

Henry R. Mushinsky: mushinsk@chuma.cas.usf.edu

John A. Musick (AES Liaison): jmusick@vims.edu

Joseph S. Nelson: joe_nelson@biology.ualberta.ca

Edward P. Pister (Desert Fishes Council Liaison): phildesfish@mail.telis.org

George Rabb: iucnssc@igc.apc.org

Gerald R. Smith: grsmith@umich.edu

Glenn R Stewart: grstewart@csupomona.edu

James D. Williams: Jim_Williams@nbs.gov

EPPC: Equal Participation Committee

Carol Ann Britson (Chair): cbritson@sunset.backbone.olemiss.edu

Dominique Didier: didier@say.acnatsci.org

Christine Bridges: tbridges@biosci.mbp.missouri.edu

HFMH: Committee to Nominate a New Honorary Foreign Member (Herpetology)

Constituted only when needed; currently there are no openings.

HFMI: Committee to Nominate a New Honorary Foreign Member (Ichthyology)

Constituted only when needed; currently there are no openings.

HSOC: Representative to the SSAR and HL

Alan H. Savitzky: asavitzk@odu.edu

IHCC: Ichthyological and Herpetological Collections Committee

Brooks Burr (Chair): burr@aux.science.siu.edu

Newsletter Subcommittee:

H.J. Walker (Chair): walker@ucsd.edu

Cynthia Klepadlo: klepadlo@ucsd.edu

John Simmons: jsimmons@kuhub.cc.ukansas.edu

George H. Burgess: gburgess@flmnh.ufl.edu

Lou Van Guelpen: arc@bionet.bio.dfo.ca

Susan Jewett: mnhvz020@sivm.si.edu

Julian Humphries: keil@ukans.edu

Supplies and Practices Subcommittee:

Alexandra M. Snyder (Chair): amsnyder@unm.edu

Mary Anne Rogers: rogers@fmppr.fmnh.org

Lou Van Guelpen: arc@bionet.bio.dfo.ca

Gregory Schneider: ges@umich.edu

Susan Jewett: mnhvz020@sivm.si.edu

Barbara Brown: bbrown@amnh.org

Mike Taylor: mike@plato.museum.tulane.edu

Douglas W. Nelson: dwnelson@umich.edu

Steven M. Norris: agsmn@asuvm.inre.asu.edu

Ichthyological Data Standards Subcommittee:

Jeffrey Williams (Chair): jeffw@nmnh.si.edu

Stanley D. Blum: sblum@bishop.bishop.hawaii.org

Paulo Andreas Buckup: buckup@omega.lncc.br

David Catania: dcatania@casmail.calacademy.org

Dean Hendrickson: deanhend@mail.utexas.edu

Richard Pyle: deepreef@bishop.bishop.hawaii.org

Herpetological Data Standards Subcommittee:

Linda S. Ford (Chair): lford@amnh.org

David Cannatella: catfish@utxvms.cc.utexas.edu

John E. Simmons: jsimmons@kuhub.cc.ukansas.edu

Robert P. Reynolds: mnhvz057@sivm.si.edu

Jens V. Vindum: jvindum@calacademy.org

IUCN: Representative to the International Union

for the Conservation of Nature

George Rabb: iucnssc@igc.apc.org

NFJC: Joint ASIH-AFS Committee on Names of Fishes

Joe Nelson (Chair): joe_nelson@biology.ualberta.ca

Robert N. Lea: 75357.376@CompuServe.com

Carter Gilbert: carter@flmnh.ufl.edu

Ed Crossman: crossman@rom.on.ca

Hector S. Espinosa-Perez: hector@servidor.dgsca.unam.mx

Donald J. Stewart: djstewar@mailbox.syr.edu

Jim Williams: jim_williams@nbs.gov

PNHC: Representative to the Society for the

Preservation of Natural History Collections

John Simmons: jsimmons@kuhub.cc.ukansas.edu

PUPC: Publications Policy Committee

Richard L. Mayden (Chair): rmayden@ualvm.ua.edu

Theodore W. Pietsch: twp@fish.washington.edu

Linda Trueb: trueb@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu

RESC: Resolutions Committee

William D. Anderson: andersonwd@cofc.edu

Bob Cashner: rccbs@jazz.ucc.uno.edu

Maureen A. Donnelly: donnelly@servms.fiu.edu

Brian Urbain: urbain@fish.washington.edu

RFBG: Representative to the Fish Behavior Group

of the Animal Behavior Society

Arthur Myrberg: amyrberg@rsmas.miami.edu

Recurring Committees

CHEP: Committee to Revise the Careers in Herpetology Pamphlet

Status unknown.

CHIP: Committee to Revise the Careers in Ichthyology Pamphlet

Richard H. Rosenblatt (Chair): rrosenblatt@ucsd.edu

Robin Waples: robin.waples@noaa.gov

Larry G. Allen: lallen@csunl.csun.edu

HACC: Committee to Revise the Herpetological Animal Care Leaflet

Joseph J. Schall: jschall@zoo.uvm.edu

(corresponding member in 1996:

Rebecca Pyles: pylesr@etsuarts.east-tenn-st.edu

HINC: Herpetological Information Coordinator

John Simmons: jsimmons@kuhub.cc.ukansas.edu

HIST: Society Historian

Mark Jennings: Mark_Jennings@nbs.gov

IACC: Committee to Revise the Ichthyological Animal Care Leaflet

Steve Walsh: Steve_Walsh@nbs.gov

Elena Amesbury: ela46991@pegasus.cc.ucs.edu

IINC: Ichthyological Information Coordinator

Steve Walsh: Steve_Walsh@nbs.gov

Southeastern Division of ASIH

SEPR: President, Southeastern Division

Carol Johnston, cjohnsto@acesag.auburn.edu

SEST: Secretary-Treasurer, Southeastern Division

Steve Layman

SEVP: Vice-President, Southeastern Division

Appendices and Ancillary Documents

ASIH Mission and Goals for the 21rst Century (ENFC)

Mission StatementThe American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists is dedicated to the scientific study of fishes, amphibians and reptiles. The primary emphases of the Society are to increase knowledge about these organisms, to disseminate that knowledge through publications, conferences, symposia, and other means, and to encourage and support young scientists who will make future advances in these fields. The programs of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists are part of a global effort to interpret, understand, and conserve the Earth's natural diversity and to contribute to the wise use of natural resources for the long-term benefit of humankind.

BeginningsIn 1913 John Treadwell Nichols, perceiving the need for a publication devoted to scientific papers on fishes, amphibians and reptiles, established the journal COPEIA, named in honor of one of the most distinguished American scientists of the 19th Century, Edward Drinker Cope. The first COPEIA was four pages in length and contained five short articles. It and the next 124 issues were financed by Nichols from personal funds. Slightly over two years later Nichols, Henry W. Fowler and Dwight Franklin at a meeting in New York City created the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH.) to increase communication among ichthyologists and herpetologists and to oversee editing of COPEIA. Inspired by Nichols' vision, the infant Society gradually increased in size and influence. By 1923 ASIH had a membership approaching 50, while COPEIA, then issued as 10 or 12 individual numbers per year, ran to a total of 120 pages. In 1924 ASIH assumed the responsibility for editing and publishing COPEIA to make it the official organ of the Society. From these modest beginnings ASIH has become the premier organization dedicated to the scientific study of fishes, amphibians and reptiles, and their conservation and role in the environment. Similarly COPEIA is internationally recognized as one of the most prestigious scientific journals of its kind.

Today, ASIH has a membership of 2,400 and COPEIA is issued as a quarterly containing about 1,200 pages per year. In addition, COPEIA is found in over 1,000 institutional libraries worldwide.

ASIH Programs

COPEIACurrently major activities of the Society involve the following:COPEIA - an internationally respected, widely-cited quarterly that publishes original research on fishes, amphibians and reptiles, emphasizing systematics, ecology, behavior, genetics, morphology and physiology.

Annual Meetings ANNUAL MEETINGS - conferences bringing together scientists from throughout the world to present original research in the form of papers, posters and symposia that review broad areas of interest to the advancement of knowledge and relating to the diversity, conservation and utilization of ichthyological and herpetological resources. These meetings have been held in Canada and Costa Rica, as well as well as the United States.

Special Publications

SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS - results of symposia presented at the annual meetings.

Graduate Student Support and AwardsGRADUATE STUDENT GRANT FUNDS - two special bequests from members of ASIH to aid young scientists in their research activities include: Helen T. and F. M. Gaige Fund (herpetology)

Edward C. and Charlotte F. Raney Fund (ichthyology)

STUDENT AWARDS - two awards for high scholarly achievement also have been established by generous gifts:

Frederick H. Stoye Awards - for the most meritorious papers presented orally by student members at the annual meeting.

Tracy I. Storer Awards - for the best posters presented by student members at the annual meeting.

Professional RecognitionHONORARY FOREIGN MEMBERS - recognition of eminent distinction in research bestowed upon ichthyologists and herpetologists who are located outside Canada, Mexico and the United States.

DISTINGUISHED FELLOWS - members of ASIH who have attained special distinction as investigators and/or have made noteworthy contributions to the Society.

ROBERT H. GIBBS, Jr. AWARD - A prize given in recognition of an outstanding body of published work in systematic ichthyology by a citizen of the Western Hemisphere. Recipients include: Bruce B. Collette, John E. Randall, Stanley H. Weitzman, J. Gareth Nelson and Victor G. Springer.

Areas of Special ConcernAREAS OF SPECIAL CONCERN - ASIH has an active volunteer committee program that focuses on issues of special concern for science and society as they relate to knowledge of ichthyology and herpetology in a number of areas including: 1) Animal Welfare, 2) Biodiversity and Conservation, 3) Environmental Quality, 4) Nomenclature, 5) Scientific and Public Education, and 6) Scientific Research Collections, Resources and Practices.

Goals for Century 21

GOALS FOR CENTURY 21

During its first 79 years of existence, ASIH has established an enviable reputation as a scientific society through its publications, meetings, encouragement of international and young scientists and responsiveness to biological diversity issues. During the next decade ASIH plans to build on these successes more fully to interpret, understand and conserve the diversity of life on our planet for the consequent benefit of humanity. In order to do so, ASIH has launched an ambitious campaign to increase the Society's endowment fund to enhance or initiate expanded efforts in the following areas:

Symposia - provide funding for symposia that include international scholars on the frontiers of research in ichthyology and herpetology and on the conservation of fishes, amphibians and reptiles.

Publications

* increase the number of special publications based upon symposia presented at the annual meetings of ASIH

* initiate a major monograph series to publish single works too large for COPEIA.

Grant Programs

* increase funds available for research by student members.

* establish a research fund to provide support for the study of extinction focused on populations in imminent danger of catastrophic declines or demise.

International Cooperation and Scientific Exchange

* provide support for small grants to cover membership fees for scholars and graduate students in less developed countries so they may receive COPEIA and other ASIH publications.

* establish a fund to provide that COPEIA and other ASIH publications be deposited in at least one institutional or government agency library in each country worldwide.

Student Support - increase funding for support of travel to the annual meeting by students giving papers or posters.

Award in Systematic Herpetology - establish a fund parallel to the Robert H. Gibbs, Jr. Award in ichthyology to be named in honor of the donor.

Award in Conservation - establish a fund to honor individuals making outstanding contributions to conserving the diversity of fishes, amphibians and reptiles.

The General Endowment FundTHE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUNDASIH invites everyone -- scientist, student, amateur, nature lover, interested citizen, foundations and corporations -- to contribute to our better understanding of fishes, amphibians and reptiles through a financial contribution to ASIH Your support will help the Society meet the many challenges it faces in expanding our knowledge base and applying it to meet societal needs. As continuing intense human impacts threaten many species with extinction, ASIH will address the key issues of how best to protect these species and maintain them and others of scientific, economic, cultural or aesthetic value against further onslaughts.

If you have an interest in these organisms and would like to help ASIH meet these challenges, we encourage you to join us in this effort! Please contact the Business Office for further information.

TPPC Guide to Hosting An ASIH Annual Meeting

The Guide to Hosting An ASIH Annual Meeting needs extensive revision and reissue. The LRRP recommends that the President include this task in his charge to the Committee for 1998-1999.

EDIT Manual for the Conduct of the COPEIA Editorial Sections

Charge to Divisional Editors

EDIT contacts new divisional editors with a letter listing those elements that are essentially common to all COPEIA sections. The text below synopsizes that letter (from MED 970110):

The purpose of this letter is to (a) give you a brief summation of duties, (b) describe what you should expect regarding COPEIA workload, and (c) explain what is required of you by EDIT.

Enclosures

Enclosures: sample letters (distributed electronically) as blueprints for "typical" correspondence (to authors, reviewers etc).

EDIT flow sheet, uniform across sections, detailing manuscript history.

EDIT review solicitation based on recommendations of EDPC pertaining to requirements on objectivity and professionalism, to which may be added material pertaining to the individual requirements of the manuscript or section editor.

EDIT paragraph for inclusion in tentative acceptance letter providing directions to authors for submission on disk (section editor to check each disk to ensure IBM format, virus free content)

Copies of "Instructions to Authors" and "COPEIA Checklist" detailing commonly encountered formatting and clarity problems. Section editor to complete two copies of checklist for each manuscript, one retained, the other transmitted to the author for action, after the initial reviews have been completed but before final acceptance (or rejection).

Workload

Expect about 50 mss per year to referee, with load greater in fall/winter and somewhat less in late spring and summer. Expect variance in both subject matter and quality. If the subject matter seems inappropriate to your section, please conduct the reviews anyway – on occasion in an effort to balance workload you will receive a ms that under ordinary circumstances might be sent to another section. With respect to quality, while EDIT will attempt to winnow out clearly inappropriate mss before transmission to sections, a certain number will filter through. If you deem a ms inappropriate for COPEIA, simply reject it without review.

When review is employed, the EDIT suggestion is two reviewers per ms. COPEIA practice is blind (not presolicited) review, which means an occasional reviewer will fail you. When that happens you may opt for a second reviewer or act as such yourself. If both reviewers fail you, you should try two additional persons. If the reviews are mixed, one accept, one reject, yours is the deciding vote. In fact yours is the deciding vote however the reviews come out, but normal practice dictates accepting the recommendations of the reviewers.

Notifications

COPEIA editorial policy requires that the corresponding author be notified when the review process extends beyond three months (you’ll find that this happens rarely, most avoidable delays in ms processing are author generated, typically involving timing of submission of revised copy). Editorial policy also requires that reviewers be sent blind copies of manuscript reviews and a copy of the disposition letter to the author. This is done both as a courtesy to reviewers and acts to improve future ms reviews.

Editorial Board

You are asked to select up to six persons to serve on the "editorial board" for your section. EDIT suggests that you nominate an individual for one year of service, which can be renewed if mutually agreeable. EDBD members can expect (on average) 7 or 8 mss per year to review for your section. In exchange they have their names printed as EDBD members on the inside front cover of COPEIA. Please provide your EDBD nominations to EDIT immediately following the annual meeting. The tenure of service is normally January 1 to December 31, but can be adjusted as needed by your section.

Manuscript Acceptance / Rejection

Once a ms is accepted, inform the corresponding author that you "will recommend to the EDIT that the ms be accepted." This statement is de facto acceptance – for the EDIT to disagree is an extraordinarily rare event, comparable to a 500 year flood – but the wording provides the EDIT with important leverage in dealing with figures, tables, aspects of format, etc, that require amendment to meet COPEIA guidelines. Conversely you should reject unequivocally with without EDIT recommendation.

When a decision has been reached on a ms, please submit the following to the EDIT: (a) flow sheet, (b) single, hard-copy revised ms, (c) disk-based copy of the ms that you have certified. For rejection simply send the flow sheet. You should obviously retain in your files all reviews/correspondence for a given ms in case a question ever arises – the expected recycling time of such archives is 1 year from date of final action.

You will receive from the EDIT a quarterly review sheet requesting status of mss previously sent or noting action taken. Where information is requested please fill it in and return the sheet promptly.

Galleys

Galley proofs are sent to corresponding authors by Allen Press. Complete galleys for the issue are also sent to the EDIT. Complimentary galleys of mss from foreign authors are also sent to the sectional editor and the EDIT will send a xerox of the accepted and corrected ms for foreign authors. If a foreign author fails to return galley to the EDIT by a previously-established cut-off date you may be asked to quickly mark and return your copy to the EDIT – but note, this happens rarely.

Other Duties

EDIT, sectional editors, book review and index editors form the EDPC which meets collectively on the day preceding the first day of the annual meeting. Agenda items include editorial problems and procedures. EDIT will provide a provisional agenda well in advance and you will be invited to contribute items for discussion. As a sectional editor you are automatically included on the BOFG which meets on the same day as EDPC. If you cannot attend either of these mandatory meetings you should provide written notice to that effect to both EDIT and SECR in advance.

RESC Review of the ASIH Monograph Series

History

In 1995 the RESC in its usual ineffable fashion offered its own review of continuing efforts to establish an ASIH Monograph Series at the Annual Banquet at Edmonton. This is repeated, without comment, slightly bowdlerized, in toto, below.

Resolution

WHEREAS, the society has tried for the past three years to establish a monograph series; and

WHEREAS, there is an apparent inability for any member to come up with a definition which clearly and unambiguously delineates the essence of a monograph; and

WHEREAS, most members would not be able to recognize a monograph if they ever saw one;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that a working definition be adopted to serve as a guide when determining if a submission qualifies as a monograph; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the definition should be based on the opinion of the current managing editor of Copeia [to the effect that a monograph should be] "… big, but …not too big." (Reprinted, not quite accurately, from Copeia 1995(4): 1048).

SPUC Guidelines on Special Publications of ASIH

Introduction

In a detailed 1985 report to the BOFG, the SPUC presented detailed guidelines for ASIH Special Publications. Interestingly the BOFG apparently took no action on these recommendations (Copeia 1985(4): 1098) and SPUC is not listed among the committees appointed or reappointed by President Cohen (1985(4): 1111). Because these guidelines apparently represent the only written recommendations on Special Publication policy, they are repeated here in toto. It is the recommendation of LRPP that the SPUC be charged to review and reaffirm or amend these guidelines. The LRRP recommends that the President include this task in his charge to the Committee for 1998-1999. Please note that part of the original language has been modified to reflect changes in Society operations since 1985 (e.g. elimination of the office of the Publications Secretary. Such modifications are indicated in brackets "[ ]".

Guidelines on Special Publications

Definition of Special Publications

Special Publications should address ichthyological or herpetological topics directly related to the scholastic interests of the Society, with the level of scholarship being commensurate with the standards of the Society. Such publications would include worthy scientific works that are not appropriate for professional journals because of their great length or scope. Material suited for publication in Copeia or other journals is not appropriate for the series. Each Special Publication must have a demonstrable and realistic market to ensure that sales will cover publication, marketing and fulfillment costs.

The Proposal Process for Special Publications

Proposals should originate from an individual or committee, which assumes responsibility for the completion of the project if it is approved.

Optimally, the proposers would present a completed scientific work for publication, although less complete projects may be appropriate. Minimally the proposers would present a detailed outline which would include all authors, titles, and summaries of the component [chapters] or articles. In addition, proposers should indicate specific lengths and deadlines.

The cost of the project should be carefully and thoroughly presented in each proposal. The proposers should obtain complete and accurate publication and fulfillment cost estimates from one or more printers and also present detailed estimates of advertisement costs and other costs associated with marketing. There should be a description of the market audience for the publication and the projected sales. Proposers should seek and document outside funding that would defray costs of publication, fulfillment and marketing. [The liaison between the proposers and the Society during the precommitment phase would be with the SPUC, who would help in formulating queries concerning costs. ]

[Selection begins with submission of the proposal to the SPUC. If the SPUC recommends acceptance of the proposal, the proposal is submitted to EXEC]. The Executive Committee makes an initial decision on the proposal and submits a recommendation to the ASIH Board of Governors. [If approved, the proposal is returned to SPUC which is then charged with oversight of the project on behalf of the Society. Any changes in authors, contents, length (> 5 – 10%) or deadlines require SPUC approval with EXEC notification and confirmation. If approval of change is denied, the project may be terminated].

Points of consideration for approval by the Executive Committee [of any proposal] include: (1) suitability and scientific worthiness of the project; (2) adequate potential market for the publication; (3) proportion of total cost of project to be funded from outside sources; (4) financial risk to Society in relation to the status of the ASIH general fund; (5) amount of actual costs to the Society, such as hiring of temporary help [during processing]; (6) commitment of time and energy of proposers to see the project through to completion. [It is anticipated that this information will be gathered during interaction of SPUC with the proposers and the findings communicated to EXEC by SPUC.]

[A review of the history of Special Publication Nr. 1, Copeia 1985(4): 1099, is not repeated here]

Editorial Responsibility

Editing of the publication is the responsibility of the proposers. Editing should consist of peer reviews of the standards of Copeia and other journals and would conform to reviews that major publishing houses would give to such works. [More background on Nr. 1, not repeated here] . [ A complete plan and protocol for editing should be part of the proposal package.]

The proposers are responsible for ensuring a high quality publication at the most reasonable cost. This process begins with the initial cost analysis and selection of a printer and continues through the editorial process, where care is exercised in producing a cost-effective copy with high-quality illustrations and minimal line changes in the proofs.

The proposers working closely with the printers are responsible for correcting the galley and page proofs to ensure an error-free publication.

Production and Fulfillment Responsibilities

The proposers will work closely with the [SPUC, EXEC, SECR, TREA] during production, especially in preparing for the marketing of the publication. The proposers will also work closely with the ASIH Treasurer in transferring grant or contract monies into the ASIH general fund. ASIH is ultimately responsible for paying the printing and fulfillment bills, but these should be offset by outside subsidies and prepublication sales before production is completed. A minimal print run of 750 copies, sold at or near the time of printing, would be needed to ensure this.

[Marketing is primarily the responsibility of the SECR in close consultation with the proposers, SPUC, and EXEC, who share this responsibility. Successful marketing begins at the proposal stage with accurate market projections – this is the responsibility of the proposers with SPUC and EXEC oversight. Other details of advertisement, marketing, records-keeping, cash flow, and the like, may vary as a function of the nature of the publication, the printer, and so forth, and will be dealt with on a case by case basis by SPUC in close consultation with EXEC, based in part on recommendations by the proposers. As noted, development of a detailed marketing plan is a requisite part of the proposal approval process].

STAC Manual for The Student Awards Committee

Need for A Revised Manual

It seems likely that the operations of the STAC, appointment to the committee, protocols for choice, regulations governing awards, and the like, are sufficiently complex that a separate appendix constituting a Manual for committee operations should be added to this document. The LRRP recommends that the President include this task in his charge to the Committee for 1998-1999.

Collected Materials for Possible Use in Manual

Planning for An Effective Competition

Source of Material

The recommendations listed below stem from a joint report of the Ad Hoc Committee to Review the Stoye Award Procedures and the Committee on Graduate Student Participation, published in Copeia 1986(4): 1053, and affirmed by BOFG acceptance at the Victoria, B. C., meetings.

Selection of Judges

a) Judges should be selected for breadth of knowledge in the category in which they will judge. They should not be students themselves, nor major professors or others working closely with students eligible for the awards. Judges need not be former Stoye winners, nor is a Ph.D. a necessary qualification. Ideally, judges should be selected well in advance of the meetings.

b) If more than 10 students are entered in a particular Stoye Award category, additional judges should be appointed for that category. We suggest one judge for every 10 students in a category. When more than one judge is appointed, they should act as a committee and each judge should hear all of the papers in the category.

c) The recommended minimum number of students in any one of the four categories is three. If fewer than three students register for a particular category, the Stoye Award committee will decide whether the one or two students shall be placed in different categories, or if students from one or more of the other categories shall be put in the smaller category to ensure that at least four awards will be under competition.

Criteria for Awards

a) Judges for all categories should meet before judging begins in order to agree on criteria and format for judging, so that there is reasonable consistency among the categories. They should be provided with a pre-selected evaluation form, clearly indicating both the methods and rationale for judging papers.

b) Although each judge should have some flexibility in determining his or her criteria, it is nevertheless recommended that: 1 ) primary consideration be given to the significance of the problem presented, the appropriateness of the approach, the utility and depth of the analysis and the interpretation of data and the conclusions; and 2) secondary but important criteria should concern delivery of the paper (i.e., organization, oral delivery, use and clarity of illustrative material, attention to the time limit and ability to handle questions).

c) There should be one Stoye Award winner in each category, except in very exceptional circumstances. Students whose work merits honorable mention may also be recognized. No award need be given in a category if agreed-upon standards are not met.

d) Judges should provide feedback to students, citing both good points and areas in which to improve. A standard format could be devised so that judges enter single-sentence comments for each of the judging criteria and so that feedback is consistent among categories.

Preliminary Planning for Stoye Award Competition

a) It is recommended that a Stoye Award Committee be established to assess the eligibility of the student, to evaluate the abstracts submitted by students who enter the competition and to assign students to the appropriate award categories. The committee should include at least one former judge and one ichthyologist and one herpetologist from the local committee. Three-year terms,, staggered appropriately, would provide continuity and useful experience. The establishment of such a committee presumably would require a change in the bylaws of the Society, should the recommendation be accepted.

b) The above procedure would require that abstracts be in the hands of the Stoye Award committee at least 1 month prior to the meeting, or earlier if necessary for the local committee to prepare the program. Assignment to award categories could be the result of a telephone poll conducted by the chair of the committee, each committee member having done a preliminary set of assignments.

(The document at this point refers to appointment of judges following a procedure now superceded).

c) Lists of students in each category, together with their abstracts, should be in the hands of the judges before the meeting, in order to facilitate evaluation as well as scheduling.

Description of Activities of Chair of STAC from a Recent Incumbent

(From Maureen Donnelly):

I have no idea how long this committee has been in existence. This chair of this committee does trouble shooting. I was asked to chair this committee for the 1994 meetings in Los Angeles by Roy McDiarmid. Roy did most of the work prior to the meeting and my role in 1994 was to coordinate with the chairs of the various award committees (Stoye -- General Ichthyology, Stoye -- General Herpetology, Stoye -- Genetics, Development, and Morphology, Stoye -- Ecology & Ethology, Stoye -- Physiology and Physiological Ecology, Storer -- Herpetology, Storer -- Ichthyology) at the Los Angeles meeting. Roy contacted the local committee to get the schedule of student presentations, prepared packets for the judges, and then passed it to me in LA. I made sure judges got the judging forms and student feedback forms and made arrangements to get the names of the winners from the chairs. I passed this information to Larry Page who had a person do the calligraphy on the awards. I emceed this portion of the banquet and called up the various award chairs to make the awards. The information on winners is passed along to the ASIH secretary after the meeting so the information can be included in the minutes. I mailed the student feedback forms to a member of the Committee on Graduate Student Participation who then mailed the forms to the students. I also mailed Stoye certificates to students that did not attend the banquet. Dr. Greenfield asked me to chair this committee in 1995. I was in contact via email with Dr. Greenfield, the local committee (Edmonton), and the award chairs. The local committee Faxed me a schedule of presentations as soon as the program was completed. I prepared EXCEL files for each award type (all Stoye and Storer categories) that included the name of the student, the time, and the room. The number of poster presentations in herpetology was too low to have a real competition so we (Donnelly, Greenfield, and the members of the Storer committee) decided (via email) to cancel the competition for 1995. The schedules for each category were sent electronically to all judges electronically prior to the Edmonton meeting. I also informed the judges that judging packets would be waiting for them at the registration desk. One of the chairs wanted titles of presentations so I created a file that contained that information. I sent this electronically to the judges for that particular committee. In one case, one of the judges could only hear some of the papers so I assisted the chair of that committee locating another judge that could fill in. In 1994, several judges complained that the student feedback form was difficult to complete because it differed substantially from the standard judging form. I redesigned the student feedback form for the Edmonton meeting. I prepared packets for each judge. These packets included a memo to each judge, the judging forms, a redesigned student feedback form, and a schedule. I took these packets to the registration desk and the packets were distributed to judges when they registered. I arranged times to meet with the chairs to learn the names of the winners and then passed this information to Larry Page and the calligrapher. Awards were made during the banquet and I emceed this portion of the proceedings and called up the chairs so they could announce the winners. The information on winners is passed along to the ASIH secretary after the meeting so the information can be included in the minutes. I mailed the student feedback forms to a member of the Committee on Graduate Student Participation who then mailed the forms to the students. I also mailed Stoye certificates to students that did not attend the banquet

LOCL, STAC Announcement of Student ASIH Awards

Stoye and Storer Awards Eligibility and Judging

To be eligible for either Stoye or Storer Awards, the student must:

1. Be sole author and presenter

2. Be a member of ASIH

3. Indicate desire to be considered when submitting an abstract

4. Meet the ASIH criteria for student: "an individual who at the time the paper is given is the equivalent of a full time student (an individual who is devoting their major efforts to a formal program of study) or who has satisfactorily completed a thesis or dissertation defense during the past 12 months".

Stoye and Storer presentations are judged by the following criteria: introduction, methods, data analysis and interpretation, conclusions; innovation, originality, and scientific significance, presentation; and visual aids or graphic design. Symposium presentations are not eligible for consideration.

ASIH Stoye Awards:

Stoye Awards of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists recognize the best student oral presentations in the following categories:

1. General Ichthyology: Includes, but is not limited to, morphological and molecular systematics, zoogeography, paleontology, and faunal descriptions.

2. General Herpetology: Includes, but is not limited to, morphological and molecular systematics, techniques in systematics, zoogeography, paleontology, and faunal descriptions.

3. Genetics, Development, and Morphology: Includes, but is not limited to, population genetics, DNA analysis, comparative embryology, heterochrony, descriptive and experimental development, comparative and evolutionary morphology, functional morphology, and biomechanics.

4. Ecology and Ethology: Includes, but is not limited to, population and community ecology, life history strategies, descriptive and experimental ethology, behavioral ecology, neuroethology, and ecomorphology.

5. Physiology and Physiological Ecology: Includes, but is not limited to, comparative, experimental, sensory, and behavioral physiology, biochemistry, and endocrinology.

6. Conservation: Includes, but is not limited to, studies whose primary focus is on the conservation of biodiversity, broadly defined as the identification, protection, preservation, restoration, management, or sustainable use of currently or potentially imperiled taxa or assemblages and their habitats.

ASIH Storer Awards

Storer Awards of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists recognize the best student poster presentation in each of the following categories:

1. Ichthyology

2. Herpetology

ASIH Student Travel Awards

Twenty Student Travel Awards of $200 each will be awarded to help defray travel expenses to the meetings. The awards are intended to assist students who are presenting a paper or poster at the meeting. Applicants must be ASIH members and the first author of the paper or poster being presented. Applications should include the abstract of the talk or poster, information on the expected cost of attending the meeting and alternative sources of funding. Applications should be submitted via Email, although regular post will be accepted if access to Email is not available. If regular post is used, please include a self-addressed return envelope. Any student making a presentation is encouraged to apply. Awards are limited to students who have not won in the past. Selection is by random draw from among qualified applicants, with ten awards for herpetologists and ten for ichthyologists. Applications should be postmarked by April 1, 1998. Direct queries and completed applications to Kevin Jansen, Department of Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; jansen@chuma.cas.usf.edu

Career Pamphlets

CHEP Careers in Herpetology Pamphlet

Available only online at: http://www.asih.org/pubs/herpjobs.htm

CHIP Careers in Ichthyology Pamphlet

Available only online at: http://www.asih.org/pubs/ichjobs.htm

HIST History of ASIH Through 1982

Citation

A Chronology of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists Through 1982 by Tim M. Berra. Special Publication Number 2, American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas. ISSN 0748-0539.]

ABRIDGED: Material on AIBS Affair, Navy Manual Affair, IRS Affair, and the listing of Resolutions is omitted - see the original publication for these sections.

Introduction

ORGANIZATIONS, like organisms, are subject to evolution via selection. They must adapt to their environments or become extinct. The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists exhibits the highest degree of Darwinian fitness. We are leaving multitudinous offspring in the form of published research and inspiration and stimulation for new members. Our "fossil record" dates back to 27 December, 1913 when the first issue of Copeia was published. Copeia, like life itself, evolved from a modest beginning and radiated into a prestigious quarterly journal recognized around the world as a leading source of technical articles on ichthyology and herpetology.

What follows is not the definitive history of the Society, but rather a chronological or stratigraphic look at past events. The procedure used was analogous to a paleontologist's attempt to reconstruct the phylogenetic history of a species by piecing together bits and pieces of the fossil record. There are gaps in the fossil record, and there are gaps in the information available to the historian. For example, I can find very little data on the early years of the Society from 1913-1930. So far, attempts to locate the archives of John Treadwell Nichols have been unsuccessful. This does not necessarily support the punctuated equilibrium mode of evolution. The history of the Society shows a gradual transition periodically interrupted by quantum leaps, just as is shown by the history of organisms. Both modes of advance are important.

If we think of the history of the Society as one continual event dating back to 1913, we have an advantage over the paleontologist. We have members who can remember the early days and the people involved. I would like to call upon these people to contribute their experience to a fully developed history of the ASIH.

Our current problem of how to maintain herpetological interest in the Society is not a new one. The following was written by ASIH founder John T. Nichols to Major Chapman Grant on 30 November 1934:

From long association with many kinds of naturalists I have come to think of mammalogists usually being industrious, ornithologists companionable, herpetologists quarrelsome, ichthyologists opinionated, and so forth and so on. Possibly you have not thought of these class distinctions, having only recently become a good deal of a herpetologist and having been derived from an ornithological background. As a matter of fact one of the difficulties of holding the A.S.I.H. together and keeping "Copeia" going on an even keel is due to the herpetological temperament. Hence I hate to hear mention of anyone resigning on account of the getting of goats, which is quite a common occurrence.

The material in this report was obtained from four sources. (1) Each issue of Copeia from 1913 through 1982 was examined page by page and notes were made of interesting items. (2) The official repository of ASIH documents is the Smithsonian Institution Archives. The ASIH file contains about 18 cubic feet of material in 42 boxes, much of which is tissue copies of correspondence of officers. It would take a full-time researcher at least a year to read and digest all this material. I worked at the Archives for a total of 10 days on two visits. (3) The Secretary's notebook contains lists of various committees and other tabular information. Much of this information, such as lists of Governors, has been omitted from this report in order to save space. (4) Correspondence and conversations with ASIH members and others produced some information. Various drafts of this report were read by Reeve M. Bailey, Arnold Grobman, Clark Hubbs, Laura Hubbs, Robert R. Miller, Jay M. Savage, Aaron Wasserman, and George R. Zug. Identification of the people in Figure 1 was provided by Reeve M. Bailey, Roger Conant, Arnold Grobman, Laura Hubbs, George S. Myers, and M. Graham Netting.

Chronology

The First Two Decades

1913

27 Dec., John Treadwell Nichols issued, at his own expense, the first number of Copeia - a single sheet folded to make 4 pages with 5 short articles "Published by the contributors to advance the science of coldblooded vertebrates. " The name Copeia was used in memory of Professor Edward Drinker Cope, the distinguished American accomplished in the systematic and faunal aspects of ichthyology and herpetology.

1914

12 numbers of Copeia were issued (2-13) each of 4 pages. In No. 10 was a note that Mr. Nichols had begun the sale of the journal for 5 › per copy. A two-page Index To Date was published after No. 13 in December.

1915

12 numbers of Copeia were issued ( 14-2 5 ). The size increased with No. 18 to 8 pages/copy and consecutive numbering of pages was instituted. In 1915, 78 pages were published.

1916

1 Jan., A publication committee for Copeia was established consisting of John T. Nichols, Executive; Henry W. Fowler, and Dwight Franklin. This committee met in Feb. and organized the American Society for the Study of Fishes and Reptiles. Bylaws were adopted in March, and the name of the society was changed to the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. On 8 March the first regular meeting of the Society was held at the American Museum of Natural History in N.Y. 13 numbers (26-38) of Copeia containing 100 pages were issued in 1916. An index for 1913, 1914, 1915 was published in February.

1917

The first illustration appeared in Copeia, nest and eggs of Schilbeodes insignis No. 42: unnumbered sheet between p. 34-35. An index to 1913-1917 was published in December.

1918

No. 64 First annual index published.

1919

No. 69 First photographs published in Copeia, of sharks. Handwritten corrections to improperly set line No. 70:52.

1921

References cited for first time, as footnotes in paper on Cottus by Carl L. Hubbs No. 90:7.

1923

12 Oct., Nichols announced his intention of giving up the editorship of Copeia whereupon the Society decided to publish it as its official organ.

1924

Dr. E. R. Dunn was elected editor and the place of publication moved from N. Y. to Northampton, Mass. ". . . When dues payments of $2/yr. failed to cover the printer's bill [Dunn] reported the deficit to the Society's second 'angel' Thomas Barbour, who neither looked nor talked like one." (Netting, 1963, Some highlights of fifty years in Program of 50th anniversary meeting.)

1927

Copeia changed to a quarterly publication beginning with No. 162. Title page included "A journal of cold blooded vertebrates. Established in 1913." Table of contents appeared in No. 163 and a Literature Cited section was used for the first time in a paper by C. L. Hubbs.

1929

The Western Division was chartered.

The 30's

1930

Last issue edited by E. R. Dunn was No. 173. Dr. Carl L. Hubbs was elected ichthyological editor and Helen T. Gaige, herpetological editor. The new editors changed the format of Copeia and discontinued consecutive numbering of issues. Place of publication was changed to Ann Arbor. Size was increased to 7 x 10 inches, and the quality of paper was improved. The covered journal format gave a modern appearance and the new sections of Ichthyological and Herpetological Notes, and Editorial Notes and News were included. Since 1930 four issues of Copeia numbered 1-4 have been published each year. The quantity of the material published increased dramatically. The sudden increase in size was largely attributed to the diligence with which Dr. Hubbs secured new members during the years 1929-30 when he was Secretary (Netting 1933 (4):228). No. 4 was the David Starr Jordan Anniversary Number. Total pages for 1930 amounted to 170 and the most illustrations to date were published.

1931

First discussion of contribution to Zoological Record, tabled (2):68. No. 3 was Leonard Steineger Anniversary Number.

1932

Dues raised to $3/yr. to support the growing journal. Widespread depression and unfavorable exchange rates resulted in resignation of many foreign members (2):108.

1933

The depression put financial strain on Copeia. A flood of papers arrived due to tight funds of journals and museums and to the suspension of the Bulletin of the Antivenin Institute. A $4 page charge was instituted (1):45. The Society weathered the depression fairly well. It only dropped 3% in members and subscriptions whereas other societies sustained losses of 10% or more (2):112. Life membership available for $75 (2):113. Meeting at the Museum of Comparative Zoology had separate sessions for ichthyologists and herpetologists (2):112. No. 4 was the 20th anniversary number with a reprint of page 1 number 1.

1934

The first fold out illustration published in Copeia, of Mola mola, appeared (4):148.

1935

A count of members in continental U.S. indicated that 212 (68%) were located east of the Mississippi River, 38 (12%) in the middle west, and 61 (20%) in the west. From 1929-34, 49% of the pages of Copeia were contributed by eastern members, 25% by middle western members, and 26% by western members. 244 pages were systematic matter, 112 pages were lists of species, and 309 pages were of ecological and miscellaneous material (1):47. George A. Boulenger was elected first honorary member of the Society (4):200.

1937

Society had 3 life members Thomas Barbour, Carl L. Hubbs, and Helen T. Gaige. Endowment fund set up with almost $400 (3):199. Helen T. Gaige became Editor-in-Chief with No. 2 and remained in that office through the middle of 1950. Ichthyology Editor was Lionel A. Walford and Herpetology Editor was Karl P. Schmidt. This staff remained unchanged through 1946(1).

1938

Letter to editor from Major Chapman Grant, President of the Western Division, requested protest of a proposed California antivivisection law (1):54. Endowment fund reached almost $800 with addition of 8 new life members J. W. Bailey, W. T. Broughman, C. E. Burt, L. M. Klauber, E. A. McIlhenny, J. T. Nichols, K. P. Schmidt, and F. H. Stoye (1):55. First meeting west of the Mississippi, at Berkeley. Local committee chose to remain anonymous (3):155.

1939

First Stoye Award, $10 each, to Louis A. Krumholz for ichthyology and Francis X. Lueth for herpetology. First issue of Ichtherps, "a worthy addition to that group of pseudoscientific publications which follow the Auklet tradition." Walter L. Necker elected first Historian of the Society (4):243.

The 40's

1940

No. 2 was the Edward Drinker Cope Centenary Number. Contribution of $50 toward publication of the Zoological Record is approved. Endowment fund reached $1600 (3):212. Board of Governors to be composed of 50 members each elected for a 5 year term (3):214.

1941

Two articles published in French by Paul Chabanaud (1): 30-32. Food at Florida meeting included barbecued kid, beef, pork, opossum and porpoise, and a buffet luncheon at Ross Allen's Reptile Institute featured turtle, alligator, and rattlesnake meat (3): 190. Report of historian indicates over 800 biographies of members of file (3): 189. First issue of Dopeia. No. 4 was the Hugh McCormick Smith Memorial number.

1942

First color plates published in Copeia, of Triturus, in paper by Victor C. Twitty (2):65. Previously scheduled Havana meeting canceled because of war conditions. Moved to New Orleans (3): 196. First distribution of abstracts of papers at meetings (3):200.

1943

List of names and ranks of members serving in armed services (1):67. Treasurer purchased $1,000 Savings Bond for Endowment Fund at 2 1/2% interest. (1):68. No meetings were held during the war years 1943-45 at the request of the Office of Defense Transportation (1):66.

1944

Copeia experienced delays in publication due to war shortages.

1946

From No. 2 through 1947 (2) two Managing Editors were added, Reeve M. Bailey and Norman Hartweg. Revolving Research Fund created to assist younger members to amplifying their initial research and to furnish small grants for the furtherance of specific research projects in any appropriate phase of ichthyology or herpetology (2):111. Society had 23 life members and $2,437 in the Endowment Fund.

1947

Report on foreign scientist after the war (1):72. With No. 3 Gerald P. Cooper became Ichthyological Editor, K. P. Schmidt remained Herpetological Editor and Helen T. Gaige remained Editor-in-Chief. An Editorial Board was established to replace the Managing Editors: R. M. Bailey, E. R. Dunn, N. Hartweg, R. E. Johnson, and R. R. Miller. Board of Governors recommended that the Society join the American Institute of Biological Sciences. Final action to be determined by majority vote of membership by mail ballot (4):289. There were 31 life members, $2,955 in Endowment Fund, and $1,643 in Revolving Research Fund. Honorary Foreign members increased to 20 evenly divided between Ichs and Herps (4):289. Life membership now costs $100, dues up to $4 (4):292. Duties of the officers defined (4): 290. The questions as to the proper pronunciation of Copeia was raised and Secretary Netting was asked to investigate and report at the next meeting (4):293. (I can find no report-TMB. )

1948

388 members voted in favor of joining AIBS, 14 agreed in principle but objected to assessment duplication, 39 were opposed. There was now a total of $3,662 in the Endowment Fund and 41 life members (4):306. Graham Netting resigned as Secretary, a post he held since 1931 (4):308. List of members (4):323-344. Inclusion of abstracts of papers in the printed program was an innovation of the New Orleans meeting (4):309. 1800 crayfish were stuffed for crayfish bisque (4):307, Filet d'Amphiuma was on the banquet menu. "The New Orleans meeting will never be forgotten. . ." (4):309.

1949

Color plate of Natrix erythrogaster ( 1):8. Lionel A. Walford became the first publications secretary (4):306. On 22 Nov., ASIH became ASIH, Inc. After 32 years as an unincorporated association, the Society incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia. Certificate of Incorporation No. 33857 was reproduced in Copeia 1950 (1):69-70. Permanent address of the corporation shall be in care of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.

The 50's

1950

No. 1 was Samuel E Hildebrand Memorial Number. After 20 years as Editor-in-Chief Helen T. Gaige was replaced by Gerald P. Cooper beginning with No. 3. R. R. Miller and Norman Hartweg became Ichthyological and Herpetological Editors, respectively. Editorial Board at the time was W. A. Gosline, L. R. Rivas, A. M. Woodbury, E. R. Dunn, R. Bolin. Special Gift Fund henceforth to be known as the Frederick H. Stoye Fund consisted of $3,000 invested in U.S. Savings Bonds. The income from the investment "is to be used to offer awards for meritorious papers presented by students...at the annual meeting." Prizes are to be known as the Frederick H. Stoye Award. (3):246. Historian was asked for an accounting of his tenureship and a full statement of the Society's material now in his custody (3):247. Society had 50 life members (3):249. An article in the Saturday Evening Post (21 Oct. P. 36, 184-7, 190) by a hotelkeeper reported that the Statler chain rolls out the red carpet with eclat for lesser known groups such as American Ichthyologists and Herpetologists and the International Concatenated Order of Hoo-Hoo.

1951

Size of Copeia trimmed 168 x 250 mm. New style for listing contents on inside front cover. Note titles each listed on a single line instead of run together. Historian reported about 450 biographical sketches of members and a partial set of Copeia in his possession (4): 319. Board provided that at least one author of all feature articles must be a member of the Society and that a non-member may publish no more than one note during the year (4):319. G. S. Myers and Romeo Mansueti were given prizes for high scores made in bibliographic questionnaires filled in at the annual banquet (4):323.

1952

Two column format adopted for Copeia. Publication of Constitution and Bylaws of the ASIH adopted 29 June, 1951 with amendments of 13 April (1):54-57. First editorial "Tower of Babel" by G. S. Myers deploring publication in languages other than English, German and French (1):57. The Sherman C. Bishop Memorial Number was No. 3. Office of Historian was abolished and records turned over to the Secretary. Groundwork was laid for formation of the Southeastern Division (3):215. Food on field excursion at annual meeting included gar, armadillo and diamondback rattlesnake (3):217. List of Board of Governors published (3):222.

1953

Board voted to retain full membership in AIBS and to affiliate with AAAS (4):247. Constitution amended to include the Southeastern Division (4):247. Southeastern Division formally approved (4):248, boundaries listed (1):71. Constitution amended so that officers begin their term on 1 Jan. following the annual meeting at which they were elected (4):249. First mention of obtaining museum jars from overseas (4):250. Discussion of taxa endings (4):251. Sixth ed of Check List of North American Amphibians and Reptiles was published prepared by K. P. Schmidt (4):254. This was the first edition that came out under the auspices of the Society 1959 (3): 191.

1954

Affiliation with AAAS appeared on inside back cover for 1st time in No. 1. Note of affiliation in Science 120:91. Revolving Research Fund was not revolving. It was down to $420. $1,438 was expended for 9 grants. The RRF was established 1946 to furnish small grants. Urgent appeal for contributions was made especially from members who had received grants (2): 166.

1955

Copeia was to be published approximately 10 Feb., and every 3 months thereafter so that delinquents on mailing list could be warned in time to receive No. 1 (1):72. Society now too large to carry delinquent members as was done on an individual basis during the Depression (1):73. Board passed motion that only articles in English be printed due to higher cost of setting type in foreign languages (1):72. Royal D. Suttkus and Clyde F. Reed both indicated that independently they had prepared an index to Copeia from 1913 to date (1):73. Dr. Suttkus reported that Dr. Reed's index was more complete (1):79. Papers submitted to Copeia rarely turned down (4):314. Clyde Reed privately published his index (4):316. Life membership dues now $125 (4):316. Signs of the Cold War-State Department said it was okay to communicate with Russian scientists (4):322. Newsweek (11 July p. 48) covered annual meeting in San Francisco and reported on W. Frank Blair's work with spadefoot toads.

1956

Board of Governors approved a motion to change from "membership" to "affiliation" with AIBS. Membership involved payment of $1/member of ASIH to AIBS. Affiliation required a $100 flat fee (4):271, however, 78% of members voted to retain full membership 1957 (4):322. Publication costs were rising faster than Society income (4):271. Fish fry at Michigan meeting consisted of lake trout which provided food for thought about its near extinction (4):272.

1957

No. 2 was the Emmett Reid Dunn Memorial Number. Editorial Board expanded to 22, 10 Ichs and 10 Herp members plus index and review editors (4): 318. NSF grant of $700 towards the anticipated deficit in the publication of Copeia was not needed and was declined with thanks. Members contributions were used to enlarge the 1957 issue. Endowment Fund at $9,000 (4):324. Supply of museum jars still a problem (4):325. Working version of constitution and bylaws adopted 29 June, 1951 with amendments through 20 April, 1957 was published (4):329-31. Dues increased to $8, life membership to $150.

1958

First listing of 49 suggestions for authors publishing in Copeia (1):67-9. See 1959 (1):86 for the suggestions considered essential by Editorial Board. Copeia now printed by linotype, instead of monotype, on coated paper (2):158. Costs were reduced $1.30/page (4):348. Constitution amended to create a 1 year President-elect who succeeds to a 1-year term as President. The office alternates annually between an ichthyologist and a herpetologists. On 10 Nov. John Treadwell Nichols, founder, sponsor, and Honorary President died at the age of 75 years. Short obituary by H. W. Fowler in Copeia 1959 (1): 38 characterized him as "tall, striking, ever affable, generous, greatly interesting and possessed of a deep sense of humor and comprehension."

1959

No. 3 was the Karl Patterson Schmidt Memorial Number. This was the last memorial issue. Board of Governors voted to abolish article X of bylaws which set up anniversary and memorial numbers (4):357.

The 60's

1960

First issue of Copeia to have "Founded in 1913 by John Treadwell Nichols" on its masthead. "Phylax Telescopus," a column under Reviews and Comments by G. S. Myers was published on a trial basis in 6 issues of 1960-61. It was a wide ranging, rambling commentary on unrelated topics of "exotic and possibly esoteric goings on in the ichthyological and herpetological world." Article 8 of bylaws required that the principal of the Endowment Fund be kept intact and the interest credited to the operating account of the Society (4): 397. Lively debate at Governors meeting over subscribing to AIBS business management services. One officer and 2 Governors threatened to resign if they had to work with AIBS. A motion to subscribe to AIBS services was rejected and a motion to provide clerical help to the new Secretary and/or Treasurer was approved (4): 397. A motion that the Western and Southeastern Divisions be abolished was defeated (4):398. Constitution was amended to provide for a Distinguished Fellow category (4):398. Common Names of Fishes Checklist, a joint production of American Fisheries Society/ASIH is now ready, Reeve M. Bailey, Chairman (4):400.

1961

Inside front cover has copyright symbol for first time. Suggestions for authors trimmed to 12 points from previous 49 (2):264. Constitution amended to define Executive Committee as President, President-Elect, Vice-Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, and Managing Editor (4):511. Dr. John R. Dymond was elected the first Distinguished Fellow of the Society (4):512. Romeo Mansueti suggested that each article be accompanied by an abstract which would be sent to the abstracting services, but no action was taken by the Board on this proposal (4):512.

1962

Size of Copeia almost doubled from previous year. The longest paper to appear in Copeia was a 108-page article by Branson and Moore on the lateralis system of sunfish (1): 1- 108 published with external support (4):868. Contents listed on back cover. First use of abstracts. W.I. Follett became 1st Patron of Society (4):864. Board went on record as being opposed to additional inter-organizational structures involving several zoological societies. Doris M. Cochran elected second Distinguished Fellow (4):864. Board voted not to accept advertising in Copeia (4):865. Society awarded a 2-year NSF grant for publication of the Herpetological Catalogue (4):868. Constitution published (4):870-3.

1963

"50th Anniversary Year" appeared on cover of Copeia. Secretary James A. Peters pointed out that the letter recently sent to members of the Society with an appeal for donations to the AIBS was not approved by the Society. Furthermore, the Society did not maintain an office at the address shown on the envelope of the fund appeal letter (1):224. For more details of this interesting episode in Society history see Essay 1. The 50th Anniversary Meeting was attended by a group of distinguished scientists at the invitation of the Society and under the sponsorship of NSF (4):717. At the business meeting a motion that the Society withdraw from participation in the AIBS was tabled until the next Board of Governors meeting (4):717. Program of the annual meeting included a brief summary of highlights of the 50 years of Copeia by M. Graham Netting (4):721.

1964

Special [50th] Anniversary Issue (No. 1) contained 3 papers on history of ichthyology and invited papers presented at 50th Anniversary meeting in Vancouver by honorary foreign members. By a vote of 21 to 20 the Board passed a motion to withdraw from adherent society membership in AIBS effective at the end of the year (4):736. Constitution amended to provide for transfer of assets to a like organization in the event that ASIH dissolves (4):737. The manager of Biltmore Motor Hotel forgot that most of his minor employees were high school students who had to go back to school. The day after Labor Day the hotel was full but there were no bellboys, waitresses, etc. The children of the guests were immediately given temporary employment whether or not they had previous hotel experience. Joe Bailey's 10-year-old son showed up in Ed Raney's room at 1:00 am with a tray of ice and mixers. Spotting his father he grinned, "Look dad, I've got a job."

1965

In a mail poll on the AIBS question, 459 members stated that the Society should stay out of AIBS and 175 indicated we should rejoin (4):535. Clyde F. Reed was given permission to publish a 10-year index to Copeia covering 1955-64 (4):535. The Board approved the following statement for inclusion in the revision of the Navy Manual on poisonous snakes of the world, "This manual has been revised with the assistance of a committee appointed by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists." (4):536. See Essay 2 for a review of the navy manual episode. Constitutional amendment passed allowing all members of the Society to attend the Board of Governors meetings (4):536. A procedure for assessing page charges was proposed by Bruce B. Collette and approved by the Board (4):536. An amendment to the bylaws was proposed by Fred W. Berry and unanimously passed by the Board which resulted in the reprinting of all numbers of Copeia that were out of print (4):536. Board approved deletion of some material previously included in the annual reports of meetings (4):537. Marion Grey Award set up to honor the best paper written by a woman ichthyologist. This special fund was the result of a gift from Myvanwy Dick and Henry Bigelow (4):537. Translation committee disbanded (4):540.

1966

Notes now have a separate Literature Cited section. All back issues of Copeia are in print (2):380. Poll of Western Division members resulted in constitutional amendments which abolished this Division (4):901. Board accepted 7 recommendations concerning the Stoye Award including the abolition of "places" i.e., no first and seconds (4):902.

1967

Board rejected proposal to eliminate the office of Vice-President (4):880.

1968

Board directed that $1,000 held in Marion Grey Award Fund be used as a subsidy for publication of a lengthy ichthyological paper in Copeia (4):894. Constitution published (4):899-902.

1969

Color plate (4):710-1. In 1968 the Internal Revenue Service challenged the tax exempt status of the Society and recommended that our tax exempt status be revoked retroactive to 1950 because our Endowment Fund represented an unreasonable accumulation of money and could grow indefinitely. A law firm was retained and successfully appealed this IRS action. A number of changes were made in the constitution and bylaws in order to avoid future difficulties (4):872-3. See Essay 3 for further information. NSF extended its grant to ASIH (without additional funds) for publication of the Herpetological Catalogue for 2 more years until June 1970 in order to make the publication self-supporting (4):872. Life membership and office of Vice-President for Conservation eliminated (4):873.

The 70's

1970

Vice-President for Finance and Finance Committee replaced with Long Range Planning and Finance Committee (4):797. Number of Editors increased from 2 to 4 in addition to the Managing Editor (4):799. A proposal by James A. Peters to publish Copeia in two sections with separate Managing Editors was rejected by the Board (4):800. A resolution was passed shedding a collective figurative tear for the loss of the Morehead Biltmore, site of the 1964 meetings which were described as a slapstick comedy that rivaled the offerings of the Keystone Cops (4):800.

1971

Color plate of darters (1):18-19. Color plate of sea lamprey blood cells (4):724. Office of Vice-President for Membership eliminated (4):770. Board approved the transfer of the sponsorship of the Herpetological Catalogue to the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (4):772.

1972

Lengthy paper by John Michael Fitzsimons on goodeid fishes selected for support by Marion Grey Fund (4):728-756. A poll of members' interest yielded the following responses: Herpetology 527, Ichthyology 501, both 322. Therefore it was decided by the Long Range Planning and Finance Committee that the current format of the journal should be continued. The committee recommended against publishing a separate monograph series (4):908.

1973

Fish and herp papers no longer separated, but are more or less randomly distributed in Copeia. Raney Fund for Ichthyology established through gifts by Edward C. and Charlotte E. Raney to provide support to young ichthyologists (4):830. NSF one-year grant to the Society of $6,813 to support the development of a National Plan for Ichthyology by a committee chaired by Ernest A. Lachner (4):833. Board accepted invitation from Smithsonian Institution Archives to turn over to it our inactive records (4):833.

1974

No. 3 was Festschrift in honor of Carl Leavitt Hubbs on his 80th birthday. Page size of Copeia to be increased in 1975 from 168 x 250 mm to 174 x 252 mm. This increased words per page by 6-7% and eliminated wasteful trimming of page to smaller size (4): 1014. Committee on History of the Society established with Graham Netting, Chairman (4):1022.

1975

Report of the Committee on Resources in Herpetology, David B. Wake, Chairman (2):391-404. Report by Secretary Bruce B. Collette showed that Copeia produced the most words per dollar of 13 journals studied with the exception of 2 government subsidized fishery publications, the Fishery Bulletin, and the Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada (4):796. The phrase "and the principal left intact" was removed from the wording of the Stoye and Raney Funds (4):797. Constitutional amendment required that the 10 vacancies on the Board be filled equally by 5 ichthyologists and 5 herpetologists, and that each Governor vote for 5 in his field (4):798. Bylaws amended so that Board elected the Nominating Committee instead of the President selecting the members (4):798. Now have 215 life members (4):800.

1976

A national plan for ichthyology was submitted by Ernest A. Lachner, Chairman (3):618-625. Fish collections in the United States and Canada were reviewed by Bruce B. Collette and Ernest A. Lachner (3):625-642. ASIH became an affiliate member of the Association of Systematics Collections (4):850. Associate membership established (for second person in immediate family of an active member) with full privileges. Only one copy of Copeia will be sent to the family. Proposal to re-establish life memberships which were abolished in 1969 was defeated (4):851. Chairman of Committee on the History of the Society reported that he was no longer logistically or psychologically prepared for the task (4):853.

1977

A donation of $5000 to the Raney Fund by Edward C. Raney was recorded (4):804. Establishment of the Helen T. and Frederick M. Gaige Fund to be used to benefit young herpetologists and herpetology (4):806. Editorial Board changed from 5 ichthyologists and 5 herpetologists to 16 members evenly representing the four divisional disciplines of Copeia (4):807. Wording of Stoye and Raney Funds changed to remove "and the income from the fund will be used". Amendment makes possible the use of the principal as well as the interest (4):807. Misnumbering of Board of Governors, should read Class of 1982 not 1981 (4):810. Committee on the History of the Society is reactivated and charged with writing a history Tim M. Berra, Chairman (4):817.

1978

Color plate of Notropis (4):588. Authors must assign copyright to the Society as a condition for publication in Copeia (4):743. A bequest of $5000 was received from the late Frederick Stoye (4):743. The assets of the moribund Revolving Research Fund were equally divided between the Raney and Gaige Funds (4):745. Board voted that ASIH should become a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (4):746.

1979

Report on ichthyological collection curation from the Subcommittee on Curatorial Supplies and Practices of the Ichthyological Collections Committee was made available to members (4):772. Board voted to approve use of Spanish, French or Portuguese abstracts when papers of special interest to scientists in non-English speaking countries are published (4):773. More old records (5 cu. ft. ) were added to the ASIH files at the Smithsonian Institution Archives (4):775. Rejection rate of manuscripts received is 50% Actual cost per page is $81 Authors are requested to reimburse the Society at the rate of $50/page (4):783. Constitution and Bylaws published (4):788-790.

The 80's

1980

A late fee of $2 will be assessed members who do not pay dues on the first notice (2):383. No. 4 was the largest issue of Copeia ever published. Stoye Awards increased from 2 to 4 to correspond to the 4 editorial categories of Copeia (4):954. Board voted to utilize Allen Press to store the supply of back issues instead of the Publications Secretary (4):957. Board voted down a motion to have Governors nominated from the floor and elected at annual business meeting (4):958. Dues increased to $24/year for regular membership, $ $18 for student (4):958.

1981

Board voted that no further reprinting of out-of-print issues of Copeia be done in light of a contract with University Microfilms that makes all back issues available (4):927 and 929. A constitutional amendment was passed changing the composition of the Executive Committee to include President, President-Elect, immediate Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, Publications Secretary, Managing Editor and Chairman of the Long Range Planning and Finance Committee, and to exclude Divisional Editors (4):930 and 941. A Publications Policy Committee composed of the Managing Editor, Divisional Editors, Publications Secretary, Index Editor, President and President-Elect was established by President Collette (4):926 and 930. This new committee will report directly to the Board of Governors (4):935. ASIH received a NSF grant to fund travel of 9 American ichthyologists to the International Coral Reef Fish Conference in Australia (4):935. Last page of Copeia No. 4 was a questionnaire from the Long Range Planning and Finance Committee about various issues of concern to the Society.

1982

Allen Press will serve as a repository for Copeia back issues (4):994. When required, a resume in the appropriate foreign language will appear at the end of some papers in Copeia (4):998. ASIH accepted a $20,000 grant from the National Marine Fisheries Service to publish a book on larval marine fishes as a memorial to Elbert H. Ahlstrom (4): 1000- 1. ASIH agreed to contribute $300 per year toward support of the Ichthyological Newsletter produced by the California Academy of Sciences (4): 1001. President Savage expressed his concerns that the ASIH is rapidly becoming an ichthyological society as reflected by the disparity in herpetological versus ichthyological papers (23 vs 199) at the DeKalb meeting (4): 1000. He appointed a Committee on Program Excellence (COPE), (4): 1005, to study and report on this situation (4): 1008.

Recommendations on Use and Care of Animals in Research

HACC Herpetological Animal Care

Available only online at: http://www.asih.org/pubs/herpcoll.html

IACC Ichthyological Animal Care

Available only online at: http://www.asih.org/pubs/fishguide.html

Items for Discussion by LRPP, EXEC & BOFG

Sunset Rule for Rules

I think we should restart the rules structure at ground zero with adoption of the changes in the constitution and bylaws and adoption of the policy and procedures Manual. Give the BOFG and membership six months to one year to find resolutions / policies not spelled out in Manual, then whatever is not in the Manual after a specified date needs to be treated as a new issue. This would ameliorate endless debate over priority for 20 year old rules.

Implications of Recent Constitutional / Bylaws Changes

RE: Treasurer An Ex officio Member of ENFC

Suggested at Seattle EXEC: Treasurer should be named ex officio to the ENFC. This would require the addition of two sentences to the Bylaws (Articles IV and XI).

RE: Circulation of Proposed Amendments

Changes in Constitution Article IX Section 2 require "Proposed amendments must be circulated to all members at least three (3) months prior to the scheduled Annual Meeting of the Society." There are at least three ways in which this could be done:

Notification published in COPEIA (? Editorial Notes and News)

Circulation with meetings packet from LOCL

Circulation via website posting (does this constitute circulation to all members? It would certainly be the least expensive route.

RE: Change in Committee Category for Two Committees

Although it would require a change to the Bylaws (specifically Article VIII would require the addition of two lines), I suggest that EPPC (Equal Participation Committee) and RESC (Resolutions Committee) be recognized as Standing Committees of the Society. They are current classified as Continuing Committees, but I suspect that we will require the services of these committees every year.

Succession to BOFG Membership

Two questions have arisen re: succession (or accession) to BOFG membership.

Should a vacancy on the BOFG created by assumption of a current BOFG member to ASIH office be filled at the time of assumption, say by the sixth highest vote recipient in the most recent election? Current practice appears to be no: let it ride until the next regular ASIH meeting and fill the post then. If yes, then how long should the term of office be for the person now assuming BOFG membership (a) fill out the replacement term, (b) full five year term? (Note that Current Practice, as applied to the Pres