PRESENT

John Ishiyama, University of North Texas, President

Janet Box-Steffensmeier, Ohio State University, Past-President

Lisa Martin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, President-Elect

Amrita Basu, Amherst College, Vice President

Juan “Carlos” Huerta, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Vice President

Mark Warren, University of British Columbia, Vice President

David Lublin, American University, Treasurer

Ben Ansell, University of Oxford; Khalilah Brown-Dean, Quinnipiac University; Scott Desposato, University of California, San Diego; Alexandra Filindra, University of Illinois, Chicago; Raymond Foxworth, First Nations Development Institute; Rebecca Gill, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Terri Givens, McGill University; Catherine Guisan, University of Minnesota; Terry Gilmour, Midland College; Nancy Hirschmann, University of Pennsylvania; Eileen Hunt, University of Notre Dame; Nahomi Ichino, Emory University; David Leal, University of Texas at Austin; Suzanna Linn, Pennsylvania State University; Sara Mitchell, University of Iowa; Mary McHugh, Merrimack College; Tamara Metz, Reed College; Ido Oren, University of Florida; Costas Panagopolous, Northeastern University

APSA STAFF

Steven Rathgeb Smith, Dan Gibson, Kim Mealy, Ashley Vande Bunte, Michelle Allendoerfer, Nathan Bader, Mellissa Bell, Casey Harrigan, Meghan McConaughey, Andrew Stinson, Julia Walters

CONSENT AGENDA

Smith introduces the consent agenda for Council approval. The consent agenda includes the February 2021 Council Meeting minutes, the Fall 2021 Council Meeting minutes, and the December 2021 Council Meeting minutes. Huerta moves to approve the consent agenda; Linn seconds and the motion passes with one abstention.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Ishiyama provides an update to Council on recent association activities and accomplishments. He notes five initiatives for his presidency. First, he expresses excitement for the 2022 Annual Meeting in Montreal, with the theme “Rethink, Restructure, and Reconnect: Toward a Post-Pandemic Political Science.” The program chairs are Sherri Wallace, University of Louisville and Pei-te Lien, University of California, Santa Barbara. Second, he provides an update on the work of his presidential task force on rethinking political science education. The task force, which is co-chaired by Michelle Deardorff, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and David Lake, University of California, San Diego, seeks to rethink political science and civic education at all levels. The task force will meet in person during the summer of 2022. Third, Ishiyama draws the Council’s attention two international workshops that will be held in summer 2022, one in Bangkok, Thailand, and one in Amman, Jordan and also notes that APSA is partnering in relaunching the African Association of Political Science, which had been dormant. Next, he updates Council on progress on a new data infrastructure platform to provide members with easy access to data on the association and profession. Finally, Ishiyama announces the creation of a new task force on “Promoting Responsible Political Party Behavior,” in partnership with Protect Democracy.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Treasurer David Lublin introduces the treasurer’s report to update the Council on the Association’s financial position. Lublin reports that APSA continues to operate in sound financial shape. He reports that, as of December 31, 2021, the total combined fair market value of APSA investments was $56.4 million, with total assets of $62.4 million. The most significant investment groups are the Congressional Fellowship Program trust portfolio which totaled $28.2 million and the Trust and Development portfolio which totaled $27.8 million. FY 2021 revenues were lower than budgeted due to lower-than-average membership and meeting revenue; however, expenses were also lower than budgeted as a result of lower meeting costs. The majority of renovations to the APSA headquarters building are complete, leading to an increase in fixed assets and an increase in depreciation expenses. Renovation expenses were covered by a $3 million draw on the Trust & Development Portfolio. The total fair market value of APSA investments as of March 31, 2022, was $51.7 million, with the most significant investment groups being the Congressional Fellowship Program trust portfolio which totaled $25.5 million and the Trust and Development portfolio which totaled $26.2 million. This represents approximately an 8 percent decline from the end of FY 2021; however, APSA is a permanent long-term investor. Finally, Lublin notes an anticipated 12-15 percent increase in registration revenues for the 2022 Annual Meeting.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

APSA Executive Director Steven Rathgeb Smith introduces updates on association programming and operations. Smith begins the report by noting that renovations at APSA headquarters and the adjacent property are complete, with staff starting to return to the office. APSA is beginning to offer in-person workshops and events, while also increasing virtual programming. He reports that as of April 2022, APSA has 10,720 individual members, a 5.4 percent increase from April 2021. Further, membership numbers are projected to eclipse pre-pandemic levels by the 2022 Annual Meeting. He reports that organized sections are increasingly providing support and awards to members, with organized section membership growing to 25,869 total memberships as of April 2022. He notes that individual members who are also members of sections have greater member retention rates. He continues by noting that some related groups have transitioned to an MOU status. Smith reports that APSA has greatly increased its financial support to members in a variety of forms: travel and accessibility grants, member relief fund, dissertation and research grants, diversity program grants, and the 2022 Special Projects Fund. In addition, he indicates that APSA has increased professional development opportunities. Box-Steffensmeier recommends expanding professional development opportunities for undergraduate students. Smith agrees that this is an important area and draws attention to existing opportunities like the undergraduate lightning rounds. Mealy notesthe diversity student recruitment program database, the Ralph Bunche Summer Institute, and the graduate school information fair at the Annual Meeting as well. In conclusion, Smith notes some of the strategic issues facing ASPA, including pressure on traditional revenue sources such as membership and meeting income, publishing income, rental income, and sponsorship income.

MARTIN PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE

President-elect Lisa Martin provides an update to Council on the proposal for her presidential task force. She reports that the task force would focus on mentoring within the discipline, including peer-to-peer mentoring and mentoring of junior faculty. Mealy provides information on the current mentoring programs and opportunities facilitated by APSA. She also notes that this task force could build upon a prior report done by a series of status committees in the early 2000s. Harrigan notes some mentoring opportunities that are facilitated by the organized sections. Council expresses interest and support for the task force. Basu mentions that women and faculty of color are disproportionately overburdened by mentoring and service obligations, and she suggests the task force consider how to distribute mentoring and service obligations more equitably.

SWOT ANALYSIS

Smith leads the Council in a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis to assist in setting the strategic priorities for the association and guiding staff in program development and execution. Council moves into breakout groups for the SWOT analysis and then delivers assessments to the full Council. Strengths mentioned by the various breakout groups include the strong position of credibility that APSA holds in the discipline, healthy fiscal position, robust sections, expansive programming, and a commitment and focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Assessed weakness include the cost of membership and the Annual Meeting, a perceived preference for quantitative research, and a perception as serving primarily political scientists who are in academia. Areas of opportunity for APSA include expanded hybrid programming and professional development opportunities, increased member support, including to political scientists outside of the academy, and orientation for Council members. Finally, assessed threats to the association include the changing publications environment, a growing politicization of education and curriculum, funding cuts in higher education, and a decline of tenure-track positions. Smith thanks the Council for their thoughtful consideration.

ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE

Vande Bunte introduces discussion of the 2022 Annual Meeting to update Council. She reports that there are approximately 6,000 confirmed panel participants across 1,200 in-person sessions, 120 virtual sessions, and 50 livestreamed sessions. Additionally, there will be nearly 65 professional development roundtables and workshops. She notes that health and safety continue to be a priority for the Annual Meeting, with extensive communication to attendees regarding health and safety protocols for entry into Canada.

Vande Bunte reports that the 2023 Teaching & Learning Conference will be held in Baltimore from February 10-12. She notes that the Teaching & Learning Conference was initially planned for 2022 but was postponed due to the pandemic. Last, Vande Bunte notes that APSA continues to expand its virtual programming.

PERSPECTIVES ON POLITICS EDITORIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE

Smith introduces a proposal to appoint an s editorial search committee for Perspectives on Politics for Council approval. He reports that the current editorial team’s term expires on June 30, 2023. Smith notes that Council would authorize the appointment of an editorial search committee, with a new editorial team approved at a later Council meeting to provide for a transition period between the incoming and outgoing editorial teams. Panagopoulos moves to authorize the appointment of an editorial search committee; Huerta seconds and the motion is approved with one abstention.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURES UPDATE

Mealy introduces a proposed update to the APSA Sexual Harassment Policy for Council discussion and approval. She provides background on the policy, noting that the sexual harassment policy was last updated in March 2018. She indicates that since then, APSA has introduced APSA EthicsPoint as an additional way by which individuals can report a grievance or complaint; however, APSA EthicsPoint is not mentioned in the March 2018 version of the policy. Mealy reports that the proposal is to include mention of APSA EthicsPoint as a reporting option. Mealy notes that the APSA Sexual Harassment Policy as well as additional resources are listed on the APSA website, and that all Annual Meeting attendees confirm that they have read and understood the policy. Mitchell asks if there is reporting on the number of people who utilize various APSA resources. Mealy replies that the Annual Meeting ombuds submit a report to the APSA Executive Office and Executive Committee that may be made available to Council in a manner that does not provide identifying information. Brown-Dean asks if APSA releases an annual report documenting the number of reports, investigations, substantiations, and other information. Mealy replies that a report of this type is planned. McHugh moves to accept the update to the Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures; Warren seconds and the motion is approved with two abstentions.

MEMBER REVOCATION POLICY UPDATE

Mealy introduces a proposed update to the APSA Member Revocation Policy for Council discussion and approval. She notes that the Member Revocation Policy was approved by Council in April 2021 and includes a provision for the Executive Committee to review and propose updates to the policy. Mealy reports that the proposed updates seek to clarify the role of the APSA Executive Office and Ethics Committee and to clarify the types of documentation required to accompany a request for member revocation. In response to a question for Panagopoulos, Mealy and Smith note that plagiarism is handled through a different process. Mitchell asks about the legal risks for APSA. Mealy replies that under the Member Revocation Policy APSA does not conduct new investigations of misconduct but bases its decisions on preexisting investigative reports or documentation. Gill asks if the policy applies when there is not an investigative finding. Mealy notes that each case is unique, but according to the policy, a revocation request must be accompanied by findings from an investigative body. Huerta moves to accept the proposed edits and clarifications to the APSA Member Revocation Policy; Guisan seconds and the motion is approved unanimously

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION POLICY COMMITTEE PROPOSAL

Mealy introduces a proposal for the creation of a new Council policy committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Council discussion and approval. She notes that the bylaws allow for the creation of additional policy committees to assist the Council in its governance and leadership of the Association. Mealy indicates that the new Council Policy Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion would assist the Council with coordinating and advancing the governance and leadership priorities related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Mealy then provides an overview of the committee’s charge and purpose. Panagopoulos moves to create a Council policy committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Metz seconds the motion. Guisan proposes a friendly amendment to the proposal to specifically mention status committees as well as membership and standing committees as groups that the new Council policy committee will liaise with. Panagopoulos and Metz accept this as a friendly amendment. The motion to approve the creation of a new Council policy committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as amended passes unanimously.

AMERICAN POLITICAL ECONOMY ORGANIZED SECTION PROPOSAL

Smith introduces a proposal for a new American Political Economy organized section for Council discussion and approval. Before turning the floor over to Harrigan to provide background on the proposal, he notes that all new Organized Sections must be approved by Council. Harrigan reports that the Organized Section Committee had initial questions, which were addressed by the proposed organized section leadership. The committee sent the proposal to the Membership and Professional Development Committee, which assessed that the proposal met the guidelines for organized sections. She notes that the American Political Economy organized section would be the fifty-first organized section. Council discusses the impact of the proposed organized section on existing organized sections, specifically those with which its membership or research may overlap. After discussion, Mitchell reports that the Organized Section Committee has expressed interest in updating the proposal guidelines for new organized sections that would give an opportunity for existing organized sections to provide feedback on any new proposals. Linn moves to approve the proposal of an American Political Economy Organized Section; Warren seconds and the motion passes with twenty-two ayes and two nays.

RELATED GROUP POLICY REVISIONS

Harrigan introduces proposed revisions the Related Group policy for Council discussion and approval. She notes that the Membership and Professional Development Committee was asked to review the related group policy after the Fall 2021 Council meeting. She reports that the committee, after review, recommends that any related groups that have 501(c)(3) status be encouraged to transition to a partner category and enter into a memorandum of understanding with APSA. She notes that several related groups have previously ended their related group status and entered into MOUs with APSA. She reports that any MOUs would contain language permitting either APSA or the partner organization to terminate the agreement at any time. Guisan asks what impact this proposal may have on APSA members within these groups. Harrigan replies that there had previously been discussion about letting partner organizations track membership through APSA like related groups do, but it is not a part of any existing MOU. Ishiyama notes that the proposal would formalize APSA’s relationship with other 501(c)(3) membership organizations. McHugh asks what the next steps would be for 501(c)(3) related groups that do not become partner organizations under an MOU. Harrigan replies that there need to be additional discussions regarding next steps. Warren asks if there can be language included in MOUs to insulate APSA from political advocacy done by partner organizations. Harrigan replies that language may be explored and included. Mealy and Harrigan note that APSA members may still join these partner organizations through their own membership mechanisms and suggest a friendly amendment to clarify that in the proposed revisions. Panagopoulos moves to adopt the proposed related group policy revisions; Ichino seconds the motion. Leal proposes a friendly amendment to strike the sentence “By moving to an MOU, APSA members will no longer be able to join these groups, and, therefore, these groups will no longer have the option to facilitate an APSA Connect Group.” After discussion, Smith notes that the option to facilitate an APSA Connect Group could be included as part of an MOU. Panagopoulos and Ichino accept this as a friendly amendment. The motion to adopt the proposed related group policy revisions as amended passes unanimously.

1787 PRIZE PROPOSAL

Smith introduces discussion of the proposal for a student essay contest award called the 1787 Prize. He reports that the Council expressed reservations about the prize at the Fall 2021 Council meeting. Harrigan reports that the Membership and Professional Development Committee reviewed a revised award proposal. She notes that the revised proposal stipulated that the endowment for the award would now be anonymous and that APSA would be required to provide the award for five years—a decrease from an initial proposal of fifteen years—before endowed funds could be transferred to general funds. She reports that the Membership and Professional Development Committee recommends not adopting the administration of the award, which was the consensus of the Council at the Fall 2021 Council meeting. Council deliberates. Lublin moves to adopt the recommendation of the Membership and Professional Development Committee; Linn seconds and the motion passes with one abstention.

POLICY COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ansell, chair of the Public Engagement Policy Committee, reports that the committee has no updates to provide.

Linn, chair of the Conference and Meetings Policy Committee, provides updates on the work of the committee. She reports that the committee is developing ideas for generating interest in webinars as well as ideas regarding greater graduate student and junior scholar involvement in future APSA meetings. Finally, she reports that the committee is reviewing the draft policy for removal of presenters from the Annual Meeting program.

Oren, chair of the Membership and Professional Development Policy Committee, provides updates on the work of the committee. He reports that the committee has worked on a number of topics that have been discussed in this meeting, including the 1787 Prize proposal, the Related Group policy updates, and the draft policy on presenter removal, which was sent to the Conference and Meetings Policy Committee for further review.

Leal, chair of the Publications Policy Committee, provides updates on the work of the committee. He reports that the committee approved a change to the APSA style manual for age inclusive language. He reports that the committee is closely monitoring developments to journal publishing and open access. Leal reports the committee is discussing bringing together a committee of political science journal editors to examine possibilities for standardization of journal submission processes. Smith adds that a goal of the association is to sign a contract in 2026 with Cambridge University Press that would encompass APSA journals as well as section journals. He also notes that he and Gurstelle will be attending a two-day meeting on open access that will be held in Montreal by the International Political Science Association in September 2022, immediately preceding the APSA Annual Meeting.

Gilmour, chair of the Teaching and Learning Policy Committee, provides updates on the work of the committee. She reports that the committee is working with APSA staff on upcoming symposia and making updates to APSA Educate.

NEW BUSINESS

Guisan asks about the possibility of expanding orientation efforts for incoming Council members with the purpose of better understanding Council, APSA governance, and APSA operations. Smith, Ishiyama, and McConaughey agree and indicate plans to offerexpanded orientation for Council members.

Warren asks about the declining number of Centennial Center grant applications in recent years. Smith replies that the Centennial Center Advisory Board has taken up the question of declining application numbers.

Ishiyama adjourns the meeting.