Changes to Division 28 Bylaws

Proposed changes to our bylaws were approved during the Division 28 Business Meeting at this year’s APA convention in Washington, DC. As set forth in the bylaws, this column will provide a summary of the changes. These changes were the first in nearly 13 years and were proposed mainly as a means of updating the bylaws to better conduct division business.

• Several typographical errors in the old bylaws were changed (e.g., 0. Garfield Jones was corrected to O. Garfield Jones).
• The procedure for determining and managing conflicts of interest for corporate affiliates was clarified.
• Any members that are considered for expulsion from Division 28 may now answer charges in writing instead of in person.
• The criteria for serving as Member-at-Large were changed. Members-at-Large must only have a Ph.D. and no longer need to be a Division 28 Fellow or five years past earning their terminal degree. Only Members-at-Large who are Division 28 Fellows may serve on panels to review Division 28 Fellows nominations or candidates for Division 28 awards.
• The newsletter may now be published three times yearly, instead of four, without special Executive Committee approval.
• The quorum for the annual Business Meeting was reduced from 15 to 10 Fellows, Members and Voting Affiliates.
• Changes in bylaws may now be voted on by electronic ballot.

If you have questions about the changes or would like a full text copy of the bylaws, please email me.