Early Career Scholars' Committee

The Early Career Scholars Committee exists to a) foster the professional advancement of early career members; and b) propose ways to promote and maintain SPSSI membership among early career scholars who share SPSSI’s interests and values. Early Career Scholars are defined as people with advanced degrees earned no more than ten years ago.

In addition to the co-chairs (one early career scholar elected by the Committee members and one member of Council – appointed by the SPSSI President -- who might be either an early career scholar or a more senior mentor), there are at least four other active members of the committee who meet on at least a monthly basis. The chair of this committee is typically invited to attend all SPSSI Council meetings, but does not vote at these meetings. In addition, one advisory co-chair is a member of Council. Together, these co-chairs are responsible for providing a report to Council highlighting the recent work of this committee and also for seeking feedback from Council as appropriate.

Responsibilities of the Early Career Scholars Committee include:

• developing programming for the SPSSI convention, including preconference activities designed specifically to meet the needs of its constituents;
• updating resources located on the website,
• devising ways in which to involve early career scholars in SPSSI, and
• selecting the winner of the annual Michele Alexander Award.

Leadership of this committee serves on an academic year basis, with terms running from September through August.