Constitution of the NSSA

Chapter 1: General rules

  1. This Society shall be called the Neutron Scattering Society of America (NSSA).
  2. The purpose of the Society shall be the advancement of neutron scattering research in the United States.
  3. Pursuant to this purpose the Society shall undertake the following:
  4. Identify and bring together the neutron scattering community of the USA.
  5. Identify the needs of the neutron scattering community, including future requirements for instrumentation and sources, and to represent these needs to the neutron facilities and funding agencies.
  6. To stimulate, promote, and broaden the use of neutron scattering in science and technology.
  7. To carry out educational activities that support the above goals.
  8. To engage in other activities deemed appropriate and necessary for attaining the objectives of the Society.

Chapter 2: Membership

  1. Membership in NSSA is open to individuals from organizations, institutions, institutes, corporations and agencies who have an interest in neutron scattering research and are interested in furthering and assisting the achievement of the objectives of the Society. Membership is open to citizens of any country.
  2. Membership shall be approved by the Executive Committee.
  3. Members shall be entitled to attend all activities sponsored by the Society.
  4. Members may submit requests and ideas for activities to any member of the Executive Committee.

Chapter 3: Officers

  1. There shall be five officers of the Society elected by the membership:
  2. President: He/she shall represent the Society, administer the Society's general affairs, convene and preside at all meetings, and conduct other business necessary for the Society. The President of the Society should not be an employee of a major neutron facility.
  3. Vice-President: He/she shall assist the President as mutually agreed and act in place of the President if the latter is unable to perform his/her duties. The Vice-President of the Society should not be a director of a major neutron facility.
  4. Secretary: The Secretary shall be in charge of maintaining the files and records of the Society, keeping meeting minutes, communications with the membership and public relations. Any Member of the Society, regardless of affiliation with a major neutron facility, may hold this office.
  5. Membership Secretary: He/she shall keep track of the membership, be in charge of recruitment of new members, and oversee the balloting for the officers. Any Member of the Society, regardless of affiliation with a major neutron facility, may hold this office.
  6. Treasurer: He/she shall be responsible for the financial affairs of the Society. Any Member of the Society, regardless of affiliation with a major neutron facility, may hold this office.
  7. Term of office: Each officer is elected for a three-year term which may be renewable, except for the President. The President may not serve for more than one consecutive term. Terms of office may be staggered to ensure continuity.
  8. Elections: A nominating committee of three Members shall be appointed by the Executive Committee who will develop a slate of candidates. The elections shall occur by a mail balloting administered by the Membership Secretary. Nominations from the general Membership shall be solicited.

Chapter 4: Executive Committee

  1. The Executive Committee shall:
  2. Govern and manage the Society and shall control its funds.
  3. Be responsible for the planning and implementation of its activities.
  4. Be responsible for admission of new Members.
  5. The Executive Committee will consist of the five Officers of the Society and three Members-at-Large who shall be selected by the Officers and shall serve for three-year terms.
  6. The Executive Committee shall meet at least twice a year to discuss matters concerning the Society.

Chapter 5: Other Committees

The Executive Committee may appoint sub-committees and advisory councils to assist the Executive Committee in managing and directing the business and affairs of the Society and in carrying out its objectives. The persons appointed to such sub-committees do not have to be Members of the Society. A selected Member of the Executive Committee shall be a Member Ex-Officio of each such sub-committee, except sub-committees appointed to select NSSA award recipients.

Chapter 6: Meetings of the Society

  1. The Executive Committee may at any time call a general meeting of the Society for the purpose of transacting of any business which is specified in a notice to the Membership calling for the meeting.
  2. An agenda for a General Meeting shall be prepared by the Executive Committee and written notification given to the Membership by the Secretary well in advance of the meeting.
  3. Business meetings of the Society shall be conducted according to Robert's Rules of Order.

Chapter 7: NSSA Fellows

Through the NSSA Fellowship Program, the NSSA recognizes members who have made significant contributions to the neutron scattering community in North America through one or more of the following areas: advances in knowledge through original research and publication; innovative contributions in the application of neutron scattering; contributions to the promotion or development of neutron scattering techniques; and service and participation in the activities of the NSSA or the neutron community.   One nomination letter and up to two supporting letters for each candidate are submitted by members of the NSSA to the NSSA Fellows Committee, appointed annually by the NSSA Executive Committee.  Other procedural details for nomination of candidates are set and announced by the NSSA Executive Committee no later than September.  Each year, no more than one-half of one percent of the then current membership of the Society shall be recognized through election by the NSSA Fellows Committee to the status of Fellow in the NSSA.  In addition, all recipients of either the NSSA Shull or Sustained Research awards who are not already Fellows shall automatically be named Fellows of the NSSA.  A list of new members shall be announced each December.

Chapter 8: Revision of the Constitution

  1. Any member can propose a revision (in writing) to the Constitution. The Executive Committee shall decide whether the proposed revision shall be submitted to the general Membership for a vote.
  2. The full Membership will be asked to vote on revisions to the Constitution. Any revision or amendment must be approved by two-thirds of the votes cast.
  3. The interpretation of this Constitution rests with the Executive Committee.

Revisions to Chapters 5 and 6 and addition of Chapter 7 were approved by vote of the membership, December 2005.