Each year, the Society of Toxicology (SOT) Council undertakes a complete review of the Constitution and Bylaws of SOT. During the July 2014 meeting, SOT Council approved a change in the structure of the Membership Committee to increase the number of Membership Committee members to more efficiently review the growing number of applications. Although the size of the Membership Committee has not changed in recent years, the number of applications has increased from 300 to more than 900 per year.
SOT Voting Members may provide comments on the proposed change, which are due no later than September 5, 2014. After consideration of the comments by SOT Council, the proposed Bylaw change will be submitted to the membership for a vote. Approval by two-thirds of ballots received within 60 days shall be required for adoption. The proposed changes are as follows, new text indicated by an underline.
Membership Committee Bylaws Change Recommendations
ARTICLE FOURTH—Standing Committees
Section 1. Membership Committee
“There shall be a Membership Committee consisting of six nine voting members of the Society who hold no other elective office, to be elected by a plurality vote of the ballots cast and who shall serve for a term of three years, except as hereinafter provided for and who shall be eligible for re-election only after a lapse of one year.TwoThree members shall be elected annually. The President shall designate the Chair. The Membership Committee shall investigate the qualifications of the candidates for membership and shall report its recommendations to the Executive Director by June 1, October 1, or February 1 of each year.”