February 2021
February 26, 2021
PRESENT:
Janet Box-Steffensmeier, The Ohio State University, President
Paula McClain, Duke University, Past-President
John Ishiyama, University of North Texas, President-Elect
Michelle Deardorff, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Vice President
Mala Htun, University of New Mexico, Vice President
John Sides, Vanderbilt University, Vice President
David Lublin, American University, Treasurer
Council members: Ben Ansell, University of Oxford; Erik Bleich, Middlebury College; Ann O’M. Bowman, Texas A&M University; Alexandra Filindra, University of Illinois at Chicago; Catherine Guisan, University of Minnesota; Rebecca Gill, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Terri Gilmour, Midland College; Nancy Hirschmann, University of Pennsylvania; Nahomi Ichino, Emory University; Julia Jordan-Zachery, University of North Carolina at Charlotte; David Leal, University of Texas at Austin; Suzanna Linn, Pennsylvania State University; Lori Marso, Union College; Tamara Metz, Reed College; Ido Oren, University of Florida; Melanye Price, Prairie View A&M University; Jillian Schwedler, Hunter College; Charles “Tony” Smith, University of California, Irvine
APSA Staff: Steven Rathgeb Smith, Betsy Super, Dan Gibson, Kimberly Mealy, Nathaniel Bader, Larry Burner, Jon Gurstelle, Casey Harrigan, Meghan McConaughey, Abby Paulson, Andrew Stinson, Ashley Vande Bunte
INTRODUCTION
APSA President Janet Box-Steffensmeier calls the 2021 APSA February Council Meeting to order.
REVIEW OF CURRENT POLICY ON PUBLIC STATEMENTS
APSA Executive Director Steven Rathgeb Smith opens discussion on the APSA policy on public statements by providing background on the current policy. He notes that the current advocacy policy was approved by council in April 2017, and that nearly all public statements issued by APSA pertain to academic freedom and topics concerning the discipline. He adds that public statements are prepared by APSA staff and reviewed by the three presidents, while routine sign-on statements are approved by the Executive Director in consultation with APSA staff. He continues by noting that the same process was followed for the January 7, 2021, statement, but the circumstances of this particular statement meant that the process did not work as well as it had with prior statements. These circumstances include the time pressure of the situation, magnitude of the issue, having too many contributors and not enough review, and that the process for issuing public statements is not intended for crisis communication. S. Smith continues by expressing a commitment to working with the presidents, the executive committee, and the council on strengthening and, where necessary, updating the policies and procedures for issuing public statements.
S. Smith describes three possible options for the writing and issuing of statements going forward. First, he details an option for a smaller writing group consisting of the Executive Director; Deputy Director; Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion; and government relations staff. Statements would then be reviewed by the three presidents and the executive committee. As a second option, routine statements relating to academic freedom and disciplinary issues as well as sign-on statements would be developed by APSA staff and the three presidents, while statements on policy and structural issues would also be sent to the executive committee or council. The third option, S. Smith notes, is to continue the current collaborative process while soliciting input from the executive committee, the council, or selected members depending on the statement. He notes that other options and possibilities also exist. He expresses interest in further discussion with the goal of preparing a revised advocacy policy for review at the April 2021 council meeting.
Council deliberates about the situations in which APSA should issue statements, with some council members preferring a narrow focus for public statements and others expressing a desire for APSA to issue both routine statements and also some statements on crisis, policy, and structural topics. Some council members express interest in involving the executive committee or another representative set of council members in the writing, review, and issuing of non-routine statements. Marso and Hirschmann suggest that statements should be clearly signed by the issuers to clarify if the statement was approved by the council, the executive committee, the three presidents, or another subset of APSA leadership. Htun notes that the question or when to issue statements and the procedure for issuing statements are separate conversations and may both require discussion moving forward.
MEMBER REBATE PROPOSAL
Box-Steffensmeier begins the discussion of the member rebate proposal by applauding APSA’s ongoing efforts to assist members during the pandemic. Super provides an overview of the member rebate proposal, which is to provide an optional $25 reduction on Annual Meeting registration or member dues through the end of the 2021 calendar year. In addition, there would be an option to contribute to a fund that would assist with membership fees for those who cannot afford member dues. Lublin moves to approve the member rebate proposal and the motion is seconded. Lublin notes that this one time $25 reduction will be a larger share of membership dues for those who pay less in membership dues based on their member type and will especially assist those members who would benefit from the assistance. Leal expresses concern that the member rebate would negatively affect the operating budget. S. Smith replies that it could affect the budget, but he notes that it would not alter APSA programs. Bleich proposes clarifying language used on the membership form, and Lublin accepts this as a friendly amendment. The member rebate proposal is unanimously approved.
PROPOSAL FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION POLICY COMMITTEE:
Box-Steffensmeier begins the discussion of the proposed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy Committee meeting by noting that a formal proposal will be forthcoming at the upcoming spring council meeting. S. Smith reports that this committee has been conceptualized as either another council policy committee or a council-created Active Committee that is comprised of both council members and non-council members. Super notes that this proposal is a continuation of discussions and efforts begun in summer 2020 to address systemic racism within the discipline and make APSA a more inclusive body for members. Htun welcomes the proposed committee and inquires about the workload for council members, the possibility of merging functions or committees, and ensuring that women and persons of color are not disproportionately asked to serve on this committee but that all persons are engaged.
ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE
S. Smith provides an update on the upcoming 2021 Annual Meeting in Seattle. He reports that in response to a poll among Annual Meeting participants, 22 percent of respondents preferred to participate in-person, 28 percent preferred virtual, and 50 percent did not express a preference. He notes that division chairs are constructing panels in both virtual and in-person formats based upon participant’s preferences, but business meetings and receptions are still being worked out to fit a hybrid meeting. He also notes that APSA is renegotiating hotel contracts to account for a smaller in-person meeting. S. Smith expresses a belief that hybrid meetings will be common in the coming years.
Box-Steffensmeier adjourns the meeting.
September 2021
September 29, 2021
Washington State Convention Center
Seattle, Washington
PRESENT:
Janet Box-Steffensmeier, The Ohio State University, President
Paula McClain, Duke University, Past-President
John Ishiyama, University of North Texas, President-Elect
Michelle Deardorff, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Vice President
Mala Htun, University of New Mexico, Vice President
John Sides, Vanderbilt University, Vice President
David Lublin, American University, Treasurer
Council Members: Ben Ansell, University of Oxford; Adam Berinsky, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Erik Bleich, Middlebury College; Ann O’M. Bowman, Texas A&M University; Alexandra Filindra, University of Illinois, Chicago; Catherine Guisan, University of Minnesota; Rebecca Gill, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Terri Gilmour, Midland College; Nancy Hirschmann, University of Pennsylvania; Nahomi Ichino, Emory University; Sooyeon Kim, National University of Singapore; David Leal, University of Texas at Austin; Suzanna Linn, Pennsylvania State University; Tamara Metz, Reed College; Ido Oren, University of Florida; Melanye Price, Prairie View A&M University; Jillian Schwedler, Hunter College; Rocio Titiunik, Princeton University; Lisa Wedeen, University of Chicago
APSA Staff: Steven Rathgeb Smith, Betsy Super, Dan Gibson, Kimberly Mealy, Ashley Vande Bunte, Zainab Alam, Michelle Allendoerfer, Nathaniel Bader, Larry Burner, Jon Gurstelle, Casey Harrigan, Meghan McConaughey, Abby Paulson, Jasmine Scott, Julia Walters
Other Attendees: Niambi Carter, Co-chair of McClain Presidential Task Force; Cathy Cohen, Co-chair of McClain Presidential Task Force; John Garcia, Co-chair of McClain Presidential Task Force; Carol Mershon, Co-chair of McClain Presidential Task Force; Rebecca Deen, chair of PS Editorial Search Committee; Amanda Rosen, chair of JPSE Editorial Search Committee; Ling Zhu, Immediate Past-President, Public Administration Organized Section; David Rasch, Ombuds; Alison Dundes Renteln, Chair of Committee on Professional Ethics, Rights, and Freedoms
INTRODUCTION
APSA President Janet Box-Steffensmeier calls the 2021 APSA Fall Council Meeting to order.
CONSENT AGENDA
Box-Steffensmeier introduces the consent agenda for approval. The consent agenda includes the Spring 2021 council meeting minutes and editorial board changes for APSR, PS, and Perspectives. Ishiyama moves to approve the consent agenda; the motion is seconded and approved.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Box-Steffensmeier provides an update to council on recent association activities and accomplishments. While noting the unique challenges of the past year, she expresses appreciation for the adaptability and dedication of the APSA staff, the service of members, and the guidance of the council during the past year. Box-Steffensmeier emphasizes the work of the association in reaching political scientists across the spectrum and supporting progress. She highlights pedagogical seminars focusing on online teaching that leveraged the expertise of community college faculty, webinars on systemic racism, the work of the new standing committees on career diversity and election assistance, and a continual commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through grants, fellowships, and the RESPECT campaign among other resources. She notes a focus on civic engagement as highlighted by the Annual Meeting’s plenary speakers. Finally, she thanks those supporting the Box-Steffensmeier Presidential Task Force.
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 July, expenses are on budget and real revenue is slightly higher than budgeted revenues and substantially higher than the previous year. He reports that the Payroll Protection Plan loan has been forgiven. He notes that membership revenue was budgeted to be lower due to the pandemic and that sponsorships and exhibit income through July is less than predicted; however, he notes that final Annual Meeting registration revenue is not included in the report. Lublin notes that nearly all investments have been transitioned to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) funds. As of August 31, 2021, the total fair market value of all APSA investments was $56.9 million, with the most significant investment groups being the Congressional Fellowship Program trust portfolio which totaled $27.1 million and the Trust and Development portfolio which totaled $29.8 million. He notes a decrease in rental income and a $1.2 million renovation of APSA’s headquarters.
Audit Committee chair Ann Bowman reports that APSA received a clean audit with no issues.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
APSA Executive Director Steven Rathgeb Smith introduces updates on association programming and operations. Smith begins the report by commending the staff on their flexibility in adapting to remote work while continuing program initiatives and planning the Annual Meeting. He thanks the council for their dedication and expresses appreciation for the leadership of Lublin, Box-Steffensmeier, and McClain. He notes the growth in staff as well as the growth of grants and programs such as the Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant, Centennial Center grants, virtual workshops for international programs, and travel/accessibility grants. Smith continues by highlighting the growth of APSA’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programming, including a new Diversity and Inclusion Advancing Research Grant for Indigenous Politics. Next, he reports that the new member magazine, Political Science Today, is available to all members and APSA Preprints has continued to grow since its launch in September 2019. Smith also notes the creation of two new standing committees on Election Assistance and Career Diversity.
Next, Smith reports on APSA operations. He reports that APSA membership reached 11,000 in July 2021, which was equal to pre-pandemic membership levels; however, membership revenue is anticipated to remain flat despite incremental increases in membership. He notes that the guaranteed royalty revenue from Cambridge University Press will be reset, and APSA will expect a slightly less than $200,000 decrease in guaranteed royalty revenue; however, Gurstelle notes that the transition to digital access rather than print significantly lowers costs. Smith continues by noting that the renovation of the APSA headquarters is continuing and staff hope to reenter the building around the first of the year. Next, he notes that APSA is expecting lower rental income going forward, but the $1,000,000 mortgage will be paid off in 2024. He reports that there is some financial uncertainty regarding the format of the Annual Meeting in the next few years. In conclusion, he notes that there is a competitive environment for associations with pressure on traditional revenue sources; however, APSA is in a fortunate financial position given its building assets and substantial investments.
UPDATE ON BUNCHE FUND GOAL ATTAINMENT
Mealy updates the council on the Ralph J. Bunche Fund, informing them that it has attained its goal of $2.5 million. She reports that greater than 500 unique donors contributed funds. She specifically thanks the Ralph Bunche Summer Institute alumni, friends of the program, Political Science Departmental partnerships, and council members for their contributions to this campaign that will sustain the program. Additionally, she thanks McClain, Duke University, the National Science Foundation for their continued support. Mealy concludes by reporting that staff will work with the RBSI Advisory Board to plan the future growth of the program and build additional partnerships.
NEW ORGANIZED SECTION PROPOSAL
Harrigan opens discussion on a proposal for a new International Relations Theory Organized Section. She reports that the proposed section met the requirements to become an organized section and that the Committee on Organized Sections and the Membership and Professional Development Committee reviewed the proposal and recommend council approve the creation of the organized section. Oren moves to approve the International Relations Theory’s organized section proposal; Hirschmann seconds the motion and it passes unanimously.
RESEARCH ADVISORY COMMITTEE PROPOSAL
Super introduces a proposal for a new committee to advise the work of the Research Department at APSA. As background, she notes that APSA administers several surveys, and in 2015, APSA created a Research Department to run these surveys as well as internal analytics and metrics. As a result of this work, APSA has experienced an increase in requests for data from members. Super reports that the proposed advisory committee would assist with three specific tasks: provide peer review for proposed member-generated survey modules to include in the annual APSA member survey; provide input and oversight on the continued implementation of recommendations on data collection, surveying, and dissemination from Presidential Task Forces; and act as a resource for the latest methodological developments and trends in the discipline that would keep the APSA Research Department in step with best practices in the field.
Guisan and Ishiyama ask about the composition of the committee. Super replies that the proposed committee would be a membership committee, not a council committee. Htun inquires about efficiency and retention of institutional knowledge among the many APSA committees and asks if there is a mechanism for retiring or consolidating committees. Smith replies that there is a precedent for retiring or consolidating committees as necessary. Deardorff moves to approve creation of a Research Advisory Committee; Ishiyama seconds the motion and it passes unanimously.
STUDENT AWARD PROPOSAL
Walters introduces a proposal for a new student award sponsored by We Amend, an organization seeking to crowdsource a second Bill of Rights. Walters notes that the award proposal is for an essay contest among high school students and undergraduates in response to a prompt suggested by We Amend, who will provide a $50,000 award endowment. Super suggests sending the proposal to the Membership and Professional Development Committee for review. Multiple council members express concern at the prospect of APSA entering into an affiliation with a non-academic group that also has a political agenda. Htun moves to reject the award proposal without sending the proposal to the Membership and Professional Development Committee; Wedeen seconds and discussion ensues. Berinsky expresses interest in sending the proposal to the committee so that an explicit policy toward outside partnerships can be developed. Bleich expresses support for council to send the proposal to the committee with a note that multiple council members expressed substantial skepticism and is interested in principles relating to outside groups more broadly. Hirschmann notes that this discussion is part of a broader review of APSA’s relationships with outside groups, and because that discussion will occur in committee already, she expresses support for rejecting the award proposal. Lublin expresses support for further examination of a student essay contest. McClain and Ishiyama ask what We Amend’s expectations of involvement are. Super replies that expectations may be negotiated at a later time but suggests APSA permit a committee to determine if a student essay contest would be in the association’s interest and then later determine the parameters of that contest. Multiple council members reiterate concern about the affiliation. Bleich offers a friendly amendment to the motion that would have the Membership and Professional Development Committee review APSA’s relationships with outside groups; Htun rejects the friendly amendment and proposes that council leadership formulate a request for the committee to review APSA’s relationship with outside groups. Box-Steffensmeier, Ishiyama, and Smith agree to formulate a request. The motion passes unanimously.
MCCLAIN TASK FORCE REPORT
McClain introduces the McClain Presidential Task Force Report. She notes the emerging body of work on the racist origins of American political science and how those foundations have contributed to systemic inequalities in the discipline. McClain recognizes the task force’s four co-chairs: John Garcia, University of Michigan; Carol Mershon, University of Virginia; Niambi Carter, Howard University; Cathy Cohen, University of Chicago. McClain gives the floor to each co-chair to speak on their sub-committee’s portion of the report.
Cohen, chair of the tenure and promotion standards sub-committee, notes that the sub-committee studied the promotion of faculty to associate professor and full professor, specifically how race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and institution type affected tenure and promotion. She reports some of the sub-committee’s findings, which are detailed in the report along with recommendations. Garcia, chair of the citation patterns and inequities sub-committee, notes that the sub-committee studied the basis for generating citation counts, how citation counts are utilized, and the affect that citation counts have on the professional development of marginalized researchers. He continues by reporting the sub-committee’s findings. Mershon, chair of the climate and context sub-committee, notes the sub-committees three guiding questions: how pervasive problems of climate and context are, how do these problems manifest, and what can be done about these problems. Mershon reports the subcommittees finding as well as recommendations. Carter, chair of the graduate training and graduate student experience sub-committee, notes that the graduate student experience and the graduate student-faculty advisor relationship are critical in a scholar’s career and provides an overview of the sub-committee’s findings and recommendations.
McClain thanks the four sub-committee chairs and Mealy. Mealy notes that APSA has a standing memo on how APSA will approach systemic inequalities, systemic racism, and systemic inequities, and that APSA will be reviewing the recommendations. Guisan asks how the report will be distributed to the membership. Mealy replies that there is an extensive communication plan, including sharing the report beyond the discipline. Mershon adds that the sub-committee on climate and context has plans for symposia and that other organizations are interested in following up on the work. Schwedler asks if there is a difference in the data within various subfields. Cohen and Carter reply that their sub-committees did not examine subfield, but Garcia replies that subfield does affect citation counts.
JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE EDUCATION EDITORIAL SEARCH
Box-Steffensmeier introduces discussion of the JPSE editorial search. Rosen, chair of the JPSE editorial search committee, reports that the committee unanimously recommends the editorial team from Kennesaw State University led by Dr. Charity Butcher. Rosen notes that reasons for recommendation include its diversity, plans for innovation, and prior experience of all editorial team members publishing in the teaching and learning space. Deardorff moves to approve the search committee’s recommendation; Ichino seconds and the motion passes unanimously.
PS: POLITICAL SCIENCE AND POLITICS EDITORIAL SEARCH
Box-Steffensmeier introduces discussion of the PS editorial search. Deen, chair of the PS editorial search committee, reports that the committee received two proposals. She reports that the majority of the committee preferred the proposal from Wake Forest University; two committee members preferred the proposal from the University of Houston, although the Wake Forest proposal was deemed acceptable by all committee members. Deen notes the strengths of Wake Forest proposal, including a clear vision for the journal and plans to accomplish the vision as well as clear plans for outreach to those outside the academy. She also notes two concerns with the Wake Forest proposal: a lack of expertise in political theory on the editorial team and a lack of clarity on plans to reach out to individuals within the discipline to address this gap. Deardorff inquires about the role of teaching-related content in PS. Deen replies that neither proposal included specific spaces for teaching-related articles. Deardorff expresses disappointment that teaching is being isolated to teaching-specific journals and spaces. Ichino notes that the Wake Forest team sought to include teaching by including symposia on pedagogy. Deardorff responds by expressing concern at any editorial team that does not include teaching as a core component of their proposal. Smith notes that the council can provide feedback to an editorial team after approval. Box-Steffensmeier notes that it is the sense of council that PS should retain an emphasis on teaching and serve as the journal of record for the profession. Sides moves to approve the editorial team from Wake Forest as the new PS editors; the motion is seconded and approved with two abstentions.
REVIEW AND VOTE ON TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Smith introduces discussion on the proposed transfer of ownership of the Journal of Behavioral Public Administration (JBPA) to APSA. Smith begins the discussion by reporting that the journal’s founders and current owners—Sebastian Jilke, Georgetown University; Kenneth Meier, American University; and Gregg Van Ryzin, Rutgers University-Newark—approached Smith and Ling Zhu, immediate past president of the Public Administration Organized Section, regarding the transfer of the journal to APSA to ensure a sustainable business model. Smith notes JBPA is currently an open access journal, and that, as a condition of the transfer, the journal must remain open access. Zhu notes the journal is relatively new but is fast rising. She notes that the transfer of the journal to the Public Administration Organized Section would be a great opportunity for the section due to the journal being well-regarded in the United States as well as abroad and the commitment of APSA and JBPA to open access. She reports that the organized section’s executive team unanimously endorsed the transfer proposal, which was then further endorsed by the section’s membership, and that the section is determining a sustainable financial model for the journal’s modest operational costs. Smith notes that within a few years, it is possible that the journal subsidy will be greater than what the section can provide, so it may be necessary for a modest complimentary subsidy to be drawn from the APSA general fund. Additionally, he notes that APSA owns APSR, Perspectives, and PS as well as six section journals. Finally, he and Zhu note that the editorial selection process and oversight would be overseen by the section and editorial board.
Bowman asks if there is a precedent for journal transfers. Gurstelle replies that one section journal was bought by APSA, but other section journals were started organically through Cambridge University Press and the respective sections. In response to a question, Zhu reports that the section has considered projections of future operational costs, including possible increases in staffing and publication costs. Zhu reports that the journal currently does not have a cost for authors or readers. Gurstelle notes that the founding editors are committed to a no-costs model, which is currently possible due to low operational costs but may require an adjustment in the future. Oren asks if there is a precedent for APSA subsidizing a section journal. Gurstelle responds that current section journals operate independently, and Box-Steffensmeier adds that some sections charge a small fee for journal access. Zhu acknowledges that the section has considered an increase in section membership fees to cover a potential increase in journal costs. Smith adds that APSA’s Volcker Fund could potentially assist in supporting this journal. Hirschmann expresses concern about setting a precedent of APSA supporting the operational costs of open access section journals. Leal expresses optimism and notes that it may be a good opportunity for APSA to learn and adapt to an open access model. Lublin moves to approve the transfer of ownership of JBPA to APSA; Leal seconds and the motion passes with three abstentions.
UPDATE ON ANNUAL MEETING
Box-Steffensmeier introduces an update on the Annual Meeting as well as concerns surrounding the participation of Claremont Institute, an APSA related group. She provides a brief history of the Claremont Institute’s association with APSA and Smith provides an overview of the organized section and related group paper and panel selection process. He notes that the Claremont Institute receives approximately 10-15 panels at each annual meeting based on the attendance at their panels. Over the summer, the Claremont Institute added John Eastman to two in-person panels, and in July, due to the risk of protests that would inhibit social distancing measures, APSA transitioned these two panels to a virtual format. The inclusion of Eastman on the program drew public attention, and due to the public attention and risk of protests, along with the need for attending to the health and wellbeing of attendees and staff during a pandemic, the Claremont Institute was notified that their panels and reception would be transitioned to a virtual format. As a result, the Claremont Institute withdrew their panels. He also notes that APSA staff have been working with Claremont Institute-affiliated attendees to switch registration types if needed.
Sides asks clarifying questions regarding previous protests regarding Eastman or the Claremont Institute and Smith replies that there is a precedent, and that the decision to move panels to a virtual format was done out of a duty of care for all attendees and staff. In response to Sides, Box-Steffensmeier clarifies discussion and action items that council can take up during the meeting. She notes that discussion today can include but is not limited to reforming related group guidelines and calls for statements, town halls, and webinars. Smith indicates that after a 2017 incident during a Claremont Institute panel, council worked with related groups over the course of two years to review and update related group guidelines. He adds that The Claremont Institute was provided the option of entering into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with APSA but declined, making The Claremont Institute one of the few 501(c)(3) organizations to remain a related group. Sides inquires about policy options for related groups and specifically mentions MOU requirements and greater oversight. Box-Steffensmeier notes that a review of related group policy can be sent to the relevant committee. Deardorff asks for clarification on APSA oversight of papers selected for related group panels. Smith replies that a goal of the updated related group guidelines was to increase engagement with related groups and encourage greater peer review, but he notes that engagement with some related groups remains minimal.
Lublin and Oren note that most related groups act in ways that are productive to the discipline and contribute to the annual meeting. Sides adds that some related groups may present some politically controversial topics, although that should not preclude them from participation. Metz asks if APSA has a policy restrict an individual presenter. Vande Bunte replies that there is not such a policy. Htun suggests requesting that the relevant committee provide clarity on related groups and consider the addition of further review mechanisms. Ansell expresses concern at the number of panels allocated to related groups. Smith replies that panels are allocated as part of a long-standing formula, but the formula can be revisited. Box-Steffensmeier expresses interest in a cap on panels allocated to individual related groups, which would not alter the panel allocation formula. Lublin moves to direct the APSA President to explore the handling and standards of related groups either through referral to the Membership and Professional Development Committee or by the establishment of an ad hoc committee; Ichino seconds the motion and it passes unanimously.
Council discusses and agrees on the importance of communication with the membership.
GREETINGS FROM APSA OMBUDS
Box-Steffensmeier introduces David Rasch, APSA ombuds, to update council on the role and function of the ombuds at the Annual Meeting. Rasch reports that while the ombuds service began in 2017 as a confidential and neutral resource to assist those dealing with sexual harassment and connected issues, the function of the ombuds now encompasses reactions to controversial speakers, behavior within sessions, disrespect, bias, and civility. He notes that the ombuds remains confidential and provides a resource for people to discuss and process feelings, experiences, and possible action steps. Mealy adds that the ombuds is available at the APSA Teaching and Learning Conferences and is available for consultations with any attendee, committee member, organized section member, or caucus member. Rasch indicates efforts to make the ombuds better known among members and attendees. Mealy adds that the ombuds is now part of the RESPECT campaign, is mentioned in the Ethics Guide, and is highlighted in APSA communications.
DISCUSSION OF REVISIONS TO THE ETHICS GUIDE
Box-Steffensmeier introduces a discussion on revisions to the Ethics Guide. Smith notes the history of the Ethics Guide and highlights the role of the Ethics Guide in setting out the norms of behavior within the profession. Mealy provides background information on the Ethics Guide revision process as well as an overview of sections that were added or substantially revised, including big data and privacy, principles for human subject research, policies on sexual harassment and discrimination, and the member revocation policy, among others. Renteln, chair of the Ethics Committee, reports that it was the committee’s goal was to provide more coherence to the guide through a complete review, revision, and restructuring. She notes the committee’s work was guided by thinking through best practices for the association. Next, she reports that the guide’s format has been updated to make it more accessible and usable as a teaching tool. Further, she notes that the updated guide now addresses individual members, not institutions or departments. She reports that the guide has been updated to address the normative shifts that have occurred since the last update, and that the guide now includes gender neutral language, guidance regarding two-career families, and guidance for internet behavior. Guisan inquires about standards for contingent faculty, and council deliberates regarding the role and meaning of institutional review boards in relation to the ethics guidance. Mealy notes that council feedback will be provided to the committee. She notes that the Ethics Guide is currently under review by legal counsel and will undergo a period of public comment and review before an updated version is provided to council for final approval. Super notes that the goal is to give time for due diligence while also moving quickly.
ELECTION ASSISTANCE AND POLICY COMMITTEE
Box-Steffensmeier introduces a discussion on guidelines for the Election Assistance and Policy Committee. She notes that the committee was approved at the previous council meeting, and that prior to creating a standing committee, an election assistance task force was created. Paulson notes that the committee’s work is nonpartisan and research-focused. Paulson reports that the primary guidelines are that the committee should ensure that materials and communications focus on political science research, and that the committee should only pursue partnerships with nonpartisan organizations. She also reports that there will be a review process by either outside reviewers or APSA senior staff on fact sheets, partnerships, and communications, as is standard operating procedure for similar committees. Bowman asks about the role of the committee in engaging election administrators. Box-Steffensmeier notes that the previous task force did connect with election administrators as well as supporting the recruitment of poll workers, connecting members of the media with political scientists who study elections, and discussing disenfranchisement. Lublin expresses support for the committee’s work in informing and engaging people in a nonpartisan manner. Paulson reports that it is the goal of the committee to model and support member engagement in this work, while also creating opportunities for members to become more engaged.
POLICY COMMITTEE UPDATES
The Publications Policy Committee, Meetings and Conferences policy Committee, Public Engagement Policy Committee, and Teaching and Learning Policy Committee all report that they have no additional updates to provide.
Htun, chair of the Membership and Professional Development Policy Committee, provides updates on the work of the committee. She reports that the committee has discussed a potential process for combining or sunsetting some organized sections that do not have the minimum number of members or raising the membership requirement for new section applications. She reports that the purpose of this would be to ensure that the addition of new sections does not cut down on the panel allocations of existing sections.
Smith thanks the outgoing council members and officers for their dedication and service.
Box-Steffensmeier adjourns the meeting.
December 2021
December 16, 2021
PRESENT:
John Ishiyama, University of North Texas, President
Janet Box-Steffensmeier, Ohio State University, Past-President
Lisa Martin, University of Wiscosin-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
Council members: Ben Ansell, University of Oxford; Erik Bleich, Middlebury College; Ann O’M. Bowman, Texas A&M University; Alexandra Filindra, University of Illinois at Chicago; Catherine Guisan, University of Minnesota; Rebecca Gill, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Terri Gilmour, Midland College; Nancy Hirschmann, University of Pennsylvania; Nahomi Ichino, Emory University; Julia Jordan-Zachery, University of North Carolina at Charlotte; David Leal, University of Texas at Austin; Suzanna Linn, Pennsylvania State University; Lori Marso, Union College; Tamara Metz, Reed College; Ido Oren, University of Florida; Melanye Price, Prairie View A&M University; Jillian Schwedler, Hunter College
APSA Staff: Steven Rathgeb Smith, Betsy Super, Dan Gibson, Kimberly Mealy, Nathaniel Bader, Larry Burner, Jon Gurstelle, Casey Harrigan, Meghan McConaughey, Michell Allendoerfer, Ashley Vande Bunte
INTRODUCTION
APSA President John Ishiyama calls the 2021 APSA December Council Meeting to order.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Ishiyama provides an update to council on recent association activities and accomplishments. He notes that he will focus on the Ishiyama Presidential Task Force, a data infrastructure project, potential international conferences, and issues of academic freedom. He reports that the Ishiyama Presidential Task Force will work to rethink political science education at all levels of civic education, including K-12, undergraduate political science majors, and graduate study. He notes that as political science scholars face a changing and uncertain job market, it is necessary to reassess and reaffirm the value of a political science degree. The task force will assess the skills and knowledge that exist among political science graduates, rethink what political science means, discuss how political science is taught, promote civic engagement as part of political science education, and examine how to better communicate findings to the discipline and the public at large. Ishiyama reports that the task force has two co-chairs, Michelle Deardorff and David Lake, and will have four tracks: undergraduate education, graduate education, civic engagement, and rebuilding civic education.
Next, Ishiyama discusses plans for improved access to data on the profession, with the goal of establishing a data infrastructure so that any member can search for and gain access to publicly available data about the association and profession. He notes an improved data infrastructure will assist membership when working with institutional administrators and will better inform discussions about our discipline and its future. The first step in this project is to catalog all available data, and further steps include the adoption of a data library platform. Ishiyama also discusses a goal of hosting international workshops or conferences in 2022, including meetings in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. He reports three reasons for hosting these conferences. First, it would follow up on initiatives laid out by IPSA at the 2021 APSA Annual Meeting for greater cooperation in promoting political science internationally and providing access to scholars from the Global South to the international political science community. Second, it would build upon APSA’s efforts in Africa, MENA, and Asia. Third, he notes that APSA has funds that could be applied to international conferences. Finally, Ishiyama reports to the council on regarding a concern that has been raised about academic freedom in Mexico and indicates that he and APSA staff will be gathering more information.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
APSA Executive Director Steven Rathgeb Smith provides updates on association programming and operations. Smith begins the Executive Director’s report by reviewing the 2021 APSA Annual Meeting in Seattle. He reports that there were 5,917 total registrants, including 2,455 in-person registrations and 3,462 virtual registrations. He notes that staff workload was doubled, as staff prepared for both a large virtual and large in-person meeting. Further, he notes that many attendees opted for virtual attendance as the meeting approached. Finally, he explains that costs are much more significant due to the increased costs of technology for livestreaming, health and safety measures, onsite fees, and attrition costs. He summarizes by reporting that revenues for the 2021 meeting were lower than usual, while expenses were higher. Next, Smith discusses the 2022 Annual Meeting in Montreal. He reports that the 2022 Annual Meeting will be largely in-person, with a number of livestreaming sessions and a small virtual component. He also notes that APSA is also offering more virtual workshops throughout the year. Desposato asks if hybrid costs will decline over time. Vande Bunte replies that technology costs may decrease, but APSA staff are also reviewing contracting policies toward hotels and event spaces. Hirschmann expresses interest in alternating virtual and in-person meetings as a way to reduce environmental impacts. Smith replies that there can be a larger discussion regarding the siting, dates, and format of the annual meeting.
Smith provides updates to the council on association programming. Highlighting APSA’s Diversity and Inclusion programming, Smith reports that the 2021 Ralph Bunche Summer Institute was hosted virtually by Duke University and had a class of 15 that met virtually. He also notes the establishment of the APSA Diversity and Inclusion Advancing Research Grants for early career scholars and for indigenous politics, which will announce their second round of grant awards in December 2021. Next, Smith reports that the Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant program received 160 grant applications and made 23 awards during APSA’s second year of administering the grant. Continuing, he reports a significant increase in grant funding awarded to members, including Centennial Center grants and travel and accessibility grants.
Smith reports that 2021 was an eventful year for APSA publications. He notes that the first issue of the APSA member magazine, Political Science Today, came out in February 2021. Second, he indicates that APSR and Perspectives fully utilized their page budges, and that, for the first time, over 50 percent of articles in APSR were open access. Next, he reminds council that new editorial teams for JPSE and PS will begin in August and September 2022, respectively. Finally, he reports on APSA’s contract with Cambridge University Press. He notes that APSA received approximately $1.6 million from Cambridge University Press in 2021, but that the contract royalties were reset in 2021. He reports that APSA will receive less royalty revenue beginning in 2022; however, he reports that APSA will save approximately $55,000 annually due to the council decision to cease production of print journals for members.
Smith highlights the growth of APSA’s teaching and learning programs, including pedagogy webinars, the TLC at APSA mini-conference, and APSA Educate. He notes that international programming has continued in a virtual format during the pandemic. Smith draws attention to two new APSA committees: the Career Diversity Committee and the Election Assistance and Policy Committee. Next, Smith provides updates on the continuing work of the Box-Steffensmeier and McClain presidential task forces. He notes that McClain Task Force report on systemic inequality in the discipline will be available soon and further discussion on implementation of the task force’s recommendations will occur next year. Box-Steffensmeier reports that her presidential task force will result in a two-volume Handbook on Pluralism in the Discipline, which will be published by Oxford University Press.
Smith provides an update on APSA membership and staff operations. Smith and Super report that membership is recovering toward pre-pandemic levels, organized section membership is growing, and increasing percentages of members are opting for multiyear membership. Smith updates council on the renovations of APSA’s headquarters building. He reports that a $1 million mortgage that financed renovations in 2010-2011 will be paid off in 2024. During the pandemic, as staff worked remotely, APSA undertook a comprehensive renovation of the headquarters building. He notes that renovation work should be completed by January 2022. He also notes that APSA staff has grown due to grant-associated roles and the need for greater staff support for the Annual Meeting. In conclusion, Smith draws attention to APSA revenue streams, including flattening membership revenue, lower rental income, the publishing contract reset, and uncertainty surrounding annual meeting revenue. He reports that academic associations, including APSA, face pressure on traditional revenue sources; however, APSA continues to operate in a fortunate financial position due to substantial assets and investments.
VOTE ON BUDGET
Smith introduces a discussion of the FY 2022 budget. Smith provides an overview of revenues and expenses in the FY22 budget. Super draws attention to a backlog of programming that is associated with temporarily restricted funds that is contributing to greater expenses in certain programs and increased grants funds made available to members through diversity and inclusion programs and the Centennial Center. She reports that in 2011, APSA administered approximately $250,000 in grants, but will administer approximately $1.3 million for 2022, with most of those funds going directly to members in the form of grants, opportunities for funded workshops, and the development of new ideas and initiatives. Super also highlights the Special Projects Fund, an initiative launched in 2016 that provides grants of up to $25,000 to teams of political scientists to conduct projects that would benefit the discipline and contribute to the public good. Huerta asks if investment income is supporting operating income. Smith replies that APSA’s total investment portfolio has increased nearly 20 percent in the past year; however, although council has authorized a draw of up to 5.5 percent, there has been less than a 4 percent draw from investment income in 2021. Lublin also notes that nearly 95 percent of APSA investments are in socially responsible environmental, social, and governance (ESG) funds. The outstanding funds will remain as mutual index funds because no ESG analog exists for those funds. Huerta moves to approve the proposed budget; Panagopoulos seconds the motion, and it passes unanimously.
UPDATE ON ETHICS GUIDE REVISIONS
Smith introduces a discussion of the revisions to the Ethics Guide. He reports that the Ethics Guide review has been a vitally important multi-year project to revise and update the principles and standards for the association. Smith notes that the council reviewed a draft Ethics Guide at the Fall 2021 Council Meeting, with additional revisions since then. The Ethics Guide will now be reviewed by APSA legal counsel, and the goal is to present a final report to council for a vote in February 2022. Mealy reports that the most recent edits are meant to clarify the purpose of the Ethics Guide and define the role and scope of the investigatory component of the Ethics Committee and the association in relation to professional ethics complaints that may come before the association. She also notes that a new section was submitted by the Committee on the Status of Contingent Faculty in the Profession. In response to Basu, Desposato notes that the guidelines and principles for human subject research were not included due to length and to permit the guidelines and principles for human subject research to be updated without needing to update the entire Ethics Guide. Smith notes that the Ethics Committee will continue to accept feedback
UPDATE ON 2022 ANNUAL MEETING
Ishiyama introduces an update on the 2022 Annual Meeting, which will be held in Montreal on September 15-18. Vande Bunte reports that paper and panel submissions are on par with previous years, and that she recently conducted a site visit to the conference space and hotels. She notes that health-related conditions and requirements will continue to change. She reports that APSA is closely monitoring conditions as well as health and safety guidance from national, state, and local governments. Further, APSA is in close contact with hotels on health and safety protocols. Vande Bunte also provides guidance on travel to and from Canada and the United States. Council discusses travel and passport requirements.
POLICY COMMITTEE UPDATES
Oren, chair of the Membership and Professional Development Policy Committee, reports that the committee is working on recommendations for revisions to the related group policy. He notes that the policy was recently revised, so the committee is examining more specific changes, rather than a major overhaul of the policy.
Leal, chair of the Publications Policy Committee, reports that the committee is continuing to monitor and discuss changing trends in publications
Gilmour, chair of the Teaching and Learning Policy Committee, reports that multiple APSA teaching symposia will be held in 2022. She also reports that the committee will discuss ways to support the Ishiyama Presidential Task Force.
Linn, chair of the Meetings and Conferences Policy Committee, reports that the committee has no updates to provide.
Ansell, chair of the Public Engagement Policy Committee, reports that the committee has no updates to provide.
NEW BUSINESS
Basu asks about the current policy regarding issuing public statements. Ishiyama notes that the policy has been discussed at length at recent meetings. Smith provides an overview of the policy toward issuing statements, drawing attention to the different review processes for routine statements and statements of policy. Super notes that it is important to have further discussion on this matter.
Ishiyama adjourns the meeting. ▪
