SIOP Associates Take Advantage of Recent Bylaws Change Allowing Them to Become Members
The move by the SIOP Executive Board and voting members earlier this year to create a path to Member status for SIOP’s Associate Members is showing results.
Susan Walker, manager of HRD Projects at FedEx, and Don Scott (left), manager of Testing Services at Development Dimensions International, Inc. (DDI), were the first to take advantage of the bylaws amendment that provides full Member status for eligible Associates. Several others have submitted applications.
“Being able to move from Associate to full Member status makes membership more inclusive for Associates by providing more benefits, including voting privileges, as well as opportunities to assume leadership roles within SIOP, which many Associates have the ability and desire to do,” said Tori Culbertson, chair of SIOP’s Membership Committee.
Don Scott said identification as a full Member of SIOP was important to him and has changed how he feels about SIOP.
“Since becoming an Associate nearly 18 years ago,” he said. “I have been attending and presenting at SIOP conferences more often than not. I have made contributions to the field and to the Society, and it’s nice to have that validated. I feel more a part of the Society now.”
Susan Walker agrees.
“Being active in SIOP for many years’ including presenting more than ten times and serving on three committees, of course I was thrilled when I heard about the opportunity to become a full Member," said Walker, who has worked in both consulting and industry and recently celebrated her 25th anniversary with FedEx. “I have been blessed to have an interesting and challenging I-O career at two different FedEx opcos. Part of that career has included hiring and/or mentoring approximately twenty I-O interns at FedEx. I am happy that so many talented and productive I-O professionals will feel acknowledged and included.”
Approximately 125 SIOP Associates currently meet the eligibility requirements to become Members. At DDI, Scott said he was surrounded by SIOP Members who influenced his desire to become a Member.
“I received encouragement from my colleagues and was happy for the opportunity that came with the bylaws change,” he said. “This option sends a clear message that people with a terminal master’s degree are welcome in SIOP. It is good that SIOP has strengthened connections with those Associates who can make significant contributions to SIOP and our field. Because of this change and other practitioner-friendly initiatives, I believe SIOP will see more growth, participation, and advocacy as fewer Associates drop out.”
Culbertson agreed and said the committee is working hard to ensure the “Path to Membership” process is convenient and accessible for Associates.
“This is a huge initiative for SIOP, and we are making the process as simple and quick as possible,” she said.
Scott can attest to that.
“I submitted my application on a Friday, received a thank-you note on Monday, and a warm acceptance letter the following Friday,” he said. “I was pleasantly surprised at how fast the process was.”
Requirements for an upgrade from Associate to Member include:
- Being an Associate for at least the past 5 years.
- Being engaged in professional activities as described in Article II, 2a2 in the Society bylaws.
- Submitting a letter of nomination from a SIOP Member or Fellow who can attest to the applicant’s professional activities as described in Article II, 2a2 of the bylaws.
- Having earned a master’s degree that meets criteria as established in policy by the Executive Board.
- Having attended three official meetings (includes the SIOP Annual Conference and SIOP Leading Edge Consortium) of the Society in the last 5 years.
Applicants must complete an application, which can be found on the SIOP website here. Applications are then forwarded to SIOP’s Membership Committee for review.
Contact Jayne Tegge, Membership Service Specialist, at jtegge@siop.org or call 419-353-0032 for additional information.