- Definition
The group is a Division of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) and is therefore bound by the Bylaws of the Institute and the policies set by the Institute’s Board of Directors.
- Mission
The group supports research and technical studies conservation professionals in preserving cultural heritage by establishing and upholding professional standards, promoting research and publications, providing educational opportunities, and fostering the exchange of knowledge among conservators, allied professionals, and the public.
- Membership
Membership is open to any member of the Institute upon payment of annual dues. Members have the right to vote on election of officers, changes to the Rules of Order, membership dues increase, and any other issues requiring a vote. All members are eligible to hold office and serve on committees. All members are entitled to receive any group publications and communications.
- Governance
- 4.1. Officers
- 4.1.1. Chair Emerita/us: advises current officers. Term is one (1) year.
- 4.1.2. Chair: communicates activities to the membership, moderates the annual business meeting, facilitates budget, has authority to make final decisions on all issues, consulting with the other officers as necessary. Term is one (1) year. After term, the Chair assumes role of Chair Emerita/us.
- 4.1.3. Program Chair: chairs the annual meeting program. Term is one (1) year. After term, the Program Chair assumes role of Chair.
- 4.1.4. Assistant Program Chair: assists the Program Chair. Term is one (1) year. After term, the Assistant Program Chair assumes role of Program Chair.
- 4.1.5. Secretary/Treasurer: maintains a written record of the meetings and activities, prepares an annual budget and provides an accounting of all expenditures prior to the annual business meeting. Term is two (2) years.
- 4.1.6. Publications Committee Chair: oversees the committee and appoints committee members, manages all publications and resources for the group. Term is two (2) years, which may be renewed for second term. After term, assumes the role of Publications Committee Chair Emerita/us.
- 4.2. Elections
- 4.2.1. A Nominating Committee, consisting of the Chair Emerita/us and two elected members, puts out a call for nominations.
- 4.2.2. Elections for officers are held in conjunction with the Institute’s other elected positions.
- 4.2.3. Chair withholds vote in case of a tie.
- 4.2.4. Newly elected officers take office at the annual business meeting.
- 4.2.5. Officers serve for no more than four consecutive years. If an officer resigns, the officers will appoint someone to serve out the remaining term. Any Officer may be removed, with or without cause, by a three-fifths (3/5) majority vote of the Officers.
- 4.3 Committees
- 4.3.1. Chairs appoints members for committee positions.
- 4.3.2. The chairs of those committees may appoint additional members at their discretion.
- Meetings
- 5.1. Business Meeting: the group holds its business meeting annually during the Institute’s annual meeting.
- 5.2. Internal Advisory Group (IAG): the Chair attends the meeting each year. If the Chair cannot attend, they must appoint another officer to attend in their stead.
- Finances