The North American Ellipsometry Association (NAEA) has four membership categories. The eligibility criteria, as well as nomination and election procedures, for each category are as described below.
(Please click to expand respective category details!)
Regular Member
A Regular Member must demonstrate professional competence in the fields of optical science or engineering or in any related field of arts and sciences which exploit optical methods or techniques and properties of polarization of light.
Applications to become a Regular Member shall be made by the individual on a form provided by the Association. All applications will be reviewed by the Board for compliance with the eligibility criteria. The Board may provide its recommendations on membership applications to the Members. The application will then be sent to the Members for a vote on the applicant, which shall be conducted at the Annual Meeting of the Members or via electronic vote, per Bylaws Section 4.5. New Regular Members will be approved for membership by a simple majority vote of the Members.
Regular Member status shall continue as long as the Member is current on annual Membership Dues and is otherwise in good standing with the Association.
Student Member
A full-time college student, either undergraduate or graduate, with expressed interest in any of the scientific and technical areas relevant to the Association (as described in Bylaws Section 2.1.1) shall, upon application to the Secretary, approval by the Board by a simple majority vote, and payment of Student Member Dues, as set by the Board, be accepted as a Student Member of the Association for a one-year period.
Student Member eligibility must be certified by the student’s advisor. Student Membership may be renewed annually upon re-certification of student status and payment of annual Student Member Dues.
Student Members shall have all the rights and privileges of Regular Members, but may not serve as an Officer of the Association while a Student Member.
Retired Member
A Member who is no longer employed full-time and who has provided professional service in any of the scientific and technical areas relevant to the Association (as described in Bylaws Section 2.1.1) may be considered for Retired Member status at the discretion of the Board.
New Retired Members will be approved for membership by a simple majority vote of the Members, which shall be conducted at the Annual Meeting of the Members or via electronic vote, per Bylaws Section 4.5.
Retired Members shall have all the rights and privileges of Regular Members, but will have reduced Membership Dues, as set by the Board.
Retired Member status shall continue as long as the Member is current on annual Retired Member Dues and is otherwise in good standing with the Association.
Honorary Member
An individual who has performed eminent service in science, engineering, and allied fields, or to the Association, may be elected an Honorary Member.
Honorary Members have lifetime rights and privileges of membership and exemption from all Membership Dues and Fees.
Current members of the Board are excluded from eligibility for Honorary Member status until the end of their term. Nominations for membership as an Honorary Member shall be made by the Board. Nominations shall be voted upon by the Members for approval by a two-thirds majority vote. The vote shall be conducted at the Annual Meeting of the Members or via electronic vote, per Bylaws Section 4.5.
Dues & Fees
All Members shall pay the annual Membership Dues applicable to their membership category on or before the due date for payment set by the Board. Continued membership is contingent upon being current on Membership Dues.
The Board reviews and sets the Membership Dues amount for each category of membership on an annual basis. In addition to Membership Dues, the Association may charge Fees for certain of its programs and publications as deemed appropriate by the Board.
Annual Meeting
The Association holds a Meeting of the Members each year (normally during the months of March or April). The specific date, time, and location will be designated by the President. The Secretary distributes to all Members of record a written or electronic Notice of the Annual Meeting between thirty and sixty days in advance of the meeting date.
At the Annual Meeting, the Members will vote on Officers for the year and on Directors for vacant positions, receive reports on the activities of the Association, and discuss activities of the Association for the coming year and beyond.
The Board may determine that a Meeting of the Members may be held solely by means of electronic communication.
Voting Privileges
Each Member in good standing shall have one vote on each election and motion presented for vote at the Annual Meeting of the Members or via electronic vote, per Bylaws Section 4.5.
Responsible Conduct
Association Members acting in an official Association capacity shall perform their Association functions in compliance with Association policies and procedures, as set by the Board. An individual in violation may be removed from his/her position, or membership in the Association, by a simple majority vote of the Board and the general membership, after the individual has been given the opportunity to make his/her case to the Board and the general membership.
Termination
Voluntary Termination
Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with the Secretary of the Association.
Resignation shall not relieve a member of unpaid dues or other charges previously accrued.
Termination for Cause
Membership in the Association may be suspended or terminated for failure to timely pay the applicable Membership Dues or any unpaid Fees owed by the Member. Membership in the Association may be suspended or terminated for conduct deemed detrimental to the Association or the Purposes of the Association.