Society News: AdCom News
PCS-Relevant Outcomes from November 2007 TAB Meeting
By Luke Maki
The third meeting of the 2007 IEEE Technical Activities Board (TAB) was held at the Westin Copley Place, Boston, Massachusetts, USA on Saturday, 16 November 2007. I attended, and this article focuses on those outcomes that are relevant to the PCS and its members, beyond the “boilerplate” items that are part of every meeting. In some cases, I am restating content contained in the slides or documents presented at the meeting.
IEEE Biometrics Council Formed
The TAB approved formation of the IEEE Biometrics Council, including approval of Field of Interest Statement, Council Constitution, and Council Bylaws. The Biometrics Council will be in Division X. Councils have Societies as members, not individuals. The invitation to become a founding society member was extended to PCS, but declined at this time since the PCS has just joined the new Technology Management Council, and because the budgeting process would not realistically allow joining for 2008. The PCS AdCom would be interested in hearing from PCS members who might want to be involved in the Biometrics Council.
TAB to the Rescue for PCS! (thanks, TAB!)
The TAB approved that up to $321K shall be taken from 2007 TAB & S/C market fluctuation and used to provide one time relief to societies that were disproportionately hurt by the February 2006 Indirect Infrastructure algorithm change, based on their actual year-end nets. This is great news for the PCS, as it takes care of the step-function hit the 2007 budget took from the that algorithm change. The actual amount PCS receives will be based on the actual deficit for 2007.
PCS Completes the Society Review
Among the multiple societies that completed the Society Review process, managed by the TAB Society Review Committee, was the PCS. This happens every 5 years, to ensure a Society at least remains viable, but of course preferably grows in terms of member services, scholarly research, and ability to contribute to the advancement of the profession. Peter Staecker (TAB Chair) complimented the PCS on its plans for improved membership, finances, and influence.
In Closing…
Other than that, there were some TAB strategic plans and society member value proposition discussions and report, which the PCS AdCom will study in the on-going effort to make your membership in PCS more meaningful.
I hope you all have had a chance to visit the new PCS website, and have explored its capabilities. I also hope you will consider becoming active in the operation of the society; contact any of the AdCom members to see what opportunities exist.
Finally, as always, I would love to hear from you.
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Luke Maki is Immediate Past President, of IEEE-PCS, and works for The Boeing Company.