Committees

Committee Charge:

This committee is charged with strengthening and expanding relations between GSA members in applied and academic geosciences. Proactively coordinates the Society's effort to facilitate greater cooperation between academia, industry, and government geoscientists. This committee reviews student applications for the GSA/ExxonMobil Bighorn Basin Field Awards and selects the awardees.

Committee members will review and rank applications for the GSA/ExxonMobil Field Award in April or will create a subcommittee for this activity. The subcommittee will comprise a minimum of 4 committee members or 2 committee members and 2 members chosen from related GSA group, such as the Energy Division. The application review and ranking process involves reviewing cover letters and two letters of recommendation for each candidate and ordering the applications in accordance with application quality.

Committee Requirements:

Members must be committed to developing a better integration of applied and academic science in GSA meetings, publications, short courses, field trips, and education and outreach programs. Members must also be active in one or more GSA Divisions. Professional Interests: Environmental & Engineering Geology, Hydrogeology, Karst, Quaternary Geology & Geomorphology, Structural Geology & Tectonics, Sedimentary Geology.

Meetings and Time Commitment:

Meets at the Annual Meeting. Communicates by phone and/or electronically.

Committee Charge:

This committee is charged with increasing the quality of the annual and other Society-sponsored meetings in terms of science, education and outreach. Evaluates the technical and scientific programs annually to identify modifications necessary for accomplishing the Society's long-range goals. Conducts short and long-range planning for the Society meetings as a whole, and develops a long-term logistical plan/strategy for the technical programs of Society meetings and other Society-sponsored meetings.

Committee Requirements:

The membership should reflect the global nature of the geological sciences, including disciplinary and employment background.

Meetings and Time Commitment:

Meets virtually for one full day the last week in February. Communicates through GSA online Community Site.

Committee Charge:

This committee selects candidates for the Arthur L. Day Medal. This award recognizes outstanding distinction in the application of physics and chemistry to the solution of geologic problems, with no restriction to the particular field of geologic research.

Committee Requirements:

Members should have knowledge of those who have made “distinct contributions to geologic knowledge through the application of physics and chemistry to the solution of geologic problems.

Meetings and Time Commitment:

Communicates by phone and/or electronically.

The Audit Committee recommends the selection of an outside auditing firm, approves the overall scope of the audit, reviews the independent auditor's assessment of the adequacy of internal controls systems, reviews the annual financial statements and accompanying audit report, and directs any special investigations deemed necessary by the Council. The Audit Committee reports its findings both orally and in writing to the GSA Council at the fall meeting. In addition to its GSA role, the Audit Committee performs the same function for the GSA Foundation, taking its direction from the Board of Trustees of the Foundation and reporting to that board.

Committee Charge:

This committee selects candidates for the Florence Bascom Geologic Mapping Award. This award acknowledges contributions in published high-quality geologic mapping that led the recipient to publish significant new scientific or economic-resource discoveries, and to contribute greater understanding of fundamental geologic processes and concepts.

Committee Requirements:

Members should be knowledgeable in the field of mapping

Meetings and Time Commitment:

Communicates by phone and/or electronically.

The responsibility of the Selection Committee is to review all applicants and nominees for the GSA Congressional Science Fellowship, and select the Fellowship recipient.

Note: This committee is a subcommittee of the Geology and Public Policy Committee.

Committee Charge:

This committee initiates activities and programs that will increase opportunities for people of ethnic minority, women, and persons with disabilities including raising awareness in the geosciences community of the positive role these groups play within the geosciences. The committee is also charged with stimulating recruitment and promoting positive career development for these groups. Some current programs and awards that this committee is responsible for include the On To the Future program, Bromery Award for Minorities, and minority scholarships (dependent on funding).

Committee Requirements:

Members must be familiar with the employment issues these groups face; expertise and leadership experience in such areas as human resources and education is also desired.

Meetings and Time Commitment:

Meets at the Annual Meeting. Communicates by phone and/or electonically.

Committee Charge

The purpose of this committee is to generate, receive, and evaluate candidates for the Outstanding Woman in Science Award. The award was established as a means to encourage women in the geosciences. Women are eligible for the first 5 years following their degree.

Committee Requirements

Members should have the ability to assess the contributions of those women who have made a major impact in the geosciences based on their Ph.D. work.

Meetings and Time Commitment

Communicates electronically and virtually. Along with required personal time to review nominations, there are usually two meetings February-May of each year.

Committee Charge:

This committee provides information and direction to the Society regarding programs and initatives that support informal, pre-college (K•12), undergraduate, and graduate earth-science education.

Committee Requirements:

Committee membership is nominated to span a wide range of educational sectors in order to ensure representation by diverse stakeholders. Members should enjoy collaborating with other interested scientific organizations and science teachers’ groups.

Meetings and Time Commitment:

Meets at the Annual Meeting and in Boulder (or elsewhere). Communicates by phone and/or electronically.

Committee Charge Summary

The Executive Committee is empowered to act for the GSA Council between its regular meetings, and reports to and advises the Council on matters pertinent to GSA's vision, mission, strategic plan, and other business.

Meetings and Time Committment

This Committe meets: Prior to the spring Council meeting at headquarters and prior to the fall Council meeting at the Annual Meeting site. Meetings may also be held at the discretion of the chair and via monthly teleconferences as needed

To serve a vital role in the review of GSA Fellowship Nominations and selection of Newly Elected Fellows, ensuring that the nomination process is thorough and inclusive, reflecting the diverse and global nature of the geosciences. Committee members will evaluate Fellowship nominations with a comprehensive understanding of Earth and related sciences. Assess nominations based on merits such as publications, applied research, teaching, administration of geological programs, contributing to the public awareness of geology, leadership of professional organizations, and editorial, bibliographic, and library activities. The Committee will also ensure the selection process is fair, transparent, and consistent with GSA's goals and values.

Committee Charge:

This committee provides advice on public policy matters to Council and GSA leadership by monitoring and assessing international, national, and regional science policy; formulating and recommending position statements; and sponsoring policy-relevant activities at meetings.

Committee Requirements:

Members should have experience with public-policy issues involving the science of geology and the ability to develop, disseminate, and translate information from the geologic sciences into useful forms for the general public, policymakers and for GSA members.

Meetings and Time Commitment:

Meets at Annual Meeting in the fall and in Washinton, D.C. in the spring Communicates by phone and/or electronically between meetings.

#### Committee Charge: This committee evaluates research grant proposals and awards specific grants to chosen recipients. Also acts on the distribution of funds derived from other gifts, memorials and award funds. #### Committee Requirements: Committee members may come from any sector (academia, government, industry, etc.) and should have experience in directing research projects and in evaluating research grant applications. GSA strongly encourages nominations of geoscientists from diverse backgrounds and institutions, particularly from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). #### Meetings and Time Commitment: Meets virtually 2-3 times with extensive time commitment required mid-February through mid-April.

Committee Charge:

This committee serves as GSA’s coordination and communication resource seeking to promote, create, and enhance opportunities for international cooperation related to the scientific, educational, and outreach missions shared by GSA and like-minded professional societies, educational institutions, and government agencies. Build collaborative relationships with Divisions and Associated Societies in international issues and serve as channel for member generated proposals for international themes.

Committee Requirements:

No special requirements

Meetings and Time Commitment:

Meets at the Annual Meeting.Communicates by phone and/or electronically.

Committee Charge:

The purpose of this committee is to meet with the Society money managers and to inform the Council about investment of the funds, securities, and other investments of the Society.

The committee acts for the Council in deciding on the purchase or sale of securities although authority for ordering actual transactions is reserved for the president, vice-president, past president, or treasurer.

The committee shall be responsible for a report on the condition of the portfolio and shall make recommendations concerning overall policy and types of investment. The chair shall submit an annual report to be published in the Annual Report of The Geological Society of America, Inc.

Using the cash flow needs projection for the upcoming year approved by Council at the time of budget approval, the Committee on Investments, through its outside money manager, will establish a cash transfer account to implement quarterly transfers achieved in such a way that the asset allocation of funds is maintained. Transfers are then reported immediately to the Committee on Investments, and the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee will approve in advance any cash flow transfer projections that exceed the cash flow transfer projections approved by Council at the time of budget approval.

Committee Charge:

This committee helps to finalize the technical program for GSA’s annual meetings by participating in the Web-based selection and scheduling of abstracts, as well as topical session proposal review.

Members must be familiar with computers and the Web, be a specialist in one of the specified fields, and be available in late July•mid-August for the organization of the Annual Meeting technical program.

Meetings and Time Commitment:

Communicates by phone and/or electronically. Extensive time commitment required during application review period: mid-Jan to early Feb, and August.

The purpose is to contribute to the growth of GSA membership and enhance the member experience, with the goal of fostering a membership community as pertinent and global as our science. Committee members should have a broad understanding of the geoscience community, with particular insight into the needs and interests of students and international members.

Committee Charge:

This committee recommends nominees to GSA Council for the positions of GSA Officers and Councilors, committee members, and Society representatives to other permanent groups.

Committee Requirements:

Members must be familiar with a broad range of well-known and highly respected geoscientists.

Meetings and Time Commitment:

Meets in Boulder or elsewhere. Communicates by phone and/or electronically.

Committee Charge:

The primary responsibility of this committee is to accept or reject Penrose Conference and Thompson Field Forum proposals for each year.

Committee Requirements:

The Committee is entrusted with choosing the Annual Penrose Conference and the Annual Thompson Field Forum (one of each per year) based on scientific merit, scientific breadth, and diversity of the science and the participants.

Meetings and Time Commitment:

Email, member community, and web-based meetings are normal business venues.

Committee Charge:

This committee select candidates for the Penrose Medal Award. Emphasis is placed on eminent research in pure geology, which marks a major advance in the science of geology.

Committee Requirements:

Members should be familiar with outstanding achievers in the geosciences worthy of consideration for the honor.

Meetings and Time Commitment:

Communicates by phone and/or electronically.

#### Committee Charge: For the purposes of this committee, professional development is a program with a variety of offerings that provide education, training, and awareness development for the college and post-college geoscientist. The goal of the committee is to: (1) direct, advise, and monitor the Society's professional development program by setting goals, guidelines, and directions to address changing needs in professional development; (2) review and approve proposals; (3) recommend to the Council modifications in the existing guidelines which govern the educational program; (4) consider the long-range direction of the program both to meet the stated objective of the program and to help assure its maintenance as a self-supporting activity of the Society; and (5) monitor the overall scientific quality of the program. #### Committee Requirements: Members must be familiar with professional development programs. #### Meetings and Time Commitment: Meets at the Annual meeting. Communicates by phone and/or electronically.

Committee Charge:

The purpose of this committee is to generate, receive, and evaluate candidates for the GSA Public Service Award and the AGI Outstanding Contributions to the Public Understanding of the Geosciences Award. These awards are in recognition of outstanding individual contributions to either public awareness of the earth sciences, or the scientific resolution of earth-science problems of significant societal concern.

Meetings and time commitment

Chair polls the committee by telephone, mail, e-mail and fax

Committee Charge:

This committee's primary responsibilities are: nomination of candidates for editors when positions become vacant; reviewing the quality and health of each Society publication, and reporting to Council recommendations for changes in page charges, subsidies, and any other publishing matters.

Committee Requirements:

Members should have an interest in or experience with GSA or other Society publications.

Meetings and Time Commitment:

Meets at the Annual Meeting and in Boulder, CO (or elsewhere). Communicates by phone or electronically.

#### Description The purpose of the Student Advisory Council (SAC) is to serve The Geological Society of America (GSA) as a coordination and communication resource seeking to promote and enhance GSA's understanding of and response to the scientific, educational, societal, cultural, and professional needs of its students. members.  The SAC Chair and Immediate Past Chair are also voting ex officio members of the GSA Council, and serve in an advisory role representing the ideas, concerns, and questions of SAC members.   The nomination process to become a member of the Student Advisory Council is a simple one. You need only apply via the nominations portal and answer all the same questions as a member applying for any other open position. We encourage every student member of GSA to nominate themselves for this important leadership opportunity! In 2023, SAC began a new electoral process. Answers to some frequently asked questions can be found on the Student Leadership webpage.

Committee Charge:

This committee selects candidates for the Young Scientist Award (Donath Medal). This award is bestowed on a young scientist (35 or younger) for outstanding achievement in contributions to geologic knowledge through original research that marks a major advance in the earth sciences.

Committee Requirements:

Members should have knowledge of young scientists with “outstanding achievement(s) in contributing to geologic knowledge through original research which marks a major advance in the earth sciences.”

Meetings and Time Commitment:

Communicates by phone and/or electronically.