|
|
|
In
this Issue • Download
PDF • Past
Issues
Top Story A Message from the APS PresidentJacqueline
Fletcher, Oklahoma State University
Where
do scientific societies fit into this picture? Providing value, significance,
and support for members are primary goals of APS. Our society has not
been immune to fiscal challenges in the past months, but APS's budget
balance is positive, our programs continue to move forward to address
the needs of our members and our profession, and we are looking into
the future with optimism and anticipation. The current
rate of change in our profession and in society at large has made it
imperative that APS become more engaged, flexible, and adaptable, so
we respond to critical issues quickly and thoughtfully. How do we assure,
at the same time, that APS programs and activities have utility for
and relevance to our membership? Our road map is the APS Strategic Plan.
Originally a series of five-year plans with finite beginning and ending
dates, strategic planning has become a continuous activity of the APS
Council, its Executive Committee, and the various boards and offices.
Our society's major goals change little over time, but specific objectives
are examined and modified to meet current needs. In this
focused, strategic approach to governance and communication, much of
the actual work of APS is being accomplished by ad hoc committees, boards,
offices, and standing committees empowered to develop strategies for
meeting their individual missions and charges. We probably hold an APS
record this year for the number of ad hoc committees looking into various
questions and issues of strategic importance to our members! This speaks
to the dedication and commitment of so many APS volunteers who contribute
their time, expertise, energy, and determination to make the society
strong and focused. Thanks to all of you! Let me bring you up to date
on the status of a few of our key initiatives since the annual meeting
in Milwaukee. APS to Offer Annual Meeting Posters on CD-Rom
Final Call for Annual Meeting Abstract SubmissionAPS
abstract submission deadlines for the upcoming annual meeting in Charlotte,
NC, August 9-13, 2003, are February 28 for oral paper presentations
and March 14 for poster presentations. Abstracts can be submitted on
APSnet at http://www.apsnet.org/meetings/annual/asf/.
Submissions after the deadlines will not be accepted. You are encouraged
to submit before the last day to avoid delays due to high system usage.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Although
you will be reading this message in blustery February, I am writing
it in mid-December. As the year-end holidays approach, my university
has decked its halls with the traditional signs of the year's most beloved
season. Strains of familiar carols have replaced the usual melodies
ringing from the bell chimes in the campus clock tower, and trees adorned
with tinsel grace department offices. Our approaching holidays will
be extended a bit this year, as the administration has announced mandatory
extra days of leave in hopes that the resulting energy savings will
substitute for, or at least delay, more distasteful means of fiscal
reductions in the new year. News from my colleagues around the country
indicate that budget-slimming measures are rampant nationwide, and plant
pathology units and programs, whether in universities, industry, private
practice, or government, are pulling belts tighter and looking harder
for value, significance, and support in return for financial investments.
APS
Council has authorized the development of a CD-Rom containing APS meeting
posters. The CD-Rom will be available shortly following the meeting
to anyone interested and will be offered to meeting attendees and members
at a discount. Inclusion of a poster on the CD-Rom is completely voluntary,
but it is hoped that all presenters will take advantage of this opportunity.
This year's poster authors will find a check box on the abstract submission
form allowing them to participate. More information on this initiative
can be found on the abstract submission form,