Chapter 4: Governance Structure
Board & Committee Structure
The APA Bylaws (Article XI, Section 1) state that boards and committees of the APA will consist of standing boards and committees provided by the bylaws and other boards and committees that may be established in accordance with the Association Rules. Boards and committees provided by the Association Rules are designated by the term "continuing." Because standing boards and committees are provided by the APA Bylaws, they may be created or dissolved only by vote of the membership. Because continuing boards and committees are established in the Association Rules, they may be created or dissolved only by vote of the Council of Representatives.
APA boards include the Board of Directors, Membership Board, Policy and Planning Board, Board of Professional Affairs, Board of Scientific Affairs, Publications and Communications Board, Board of Convention Affairs, Board of Educational Affairs, and the Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest.
Standing committees include the Finance Committee, Ethics Committee, and the Election Committee.
Standing boards and committees report to Council through the Board of Directors (see the Policy and Planning Board for an exception). Continuing committees report to their standing parent board (see Committee on Structure and Function of Council and the Committee on Rural Health for exceptions).
Members of standing boards and committees and those continuing committees that report directly to the Board of Directors and Council of Representatives are elected by the Council of Representatives (see Chapter 3). Appointment of members of continuing committees, ad hoc committees and task forces is the responsibility of the parent board/committee. The Board of Directors has final approval of continuing committee appointments.
Continuing committees deal with important sub-areas of ongoing interest of the parent board. On occasion, a standing board or committee may appoint a time-limited ad hoc committee or a task force to undertake a specific mission. The Board of Directors can also appoint a commission to execute an especially urgent short-term mission.
Standing boards and committees are required by the APA Bylaws to report annually in writing to the Board of Directors and Council of Representatives. Continuing committees are encouraged to submit annual reports.
