The process is not foolproof. Keeping the REP List completely up-to-date in an operating environment that spans the entire globe is, to say the least, a challenge. As such, applicants who meet the established criteria for Member grade, may still be assigned a grade of Associate member. 

In recognition of these difficulties, the Regional Activities Board (RAB) has approved a procedure allowing a Section Chair to recommend an Associate member for elevation to Member Grade. To initiate this process, the Section Chair should complete and submit a form in either Word or PDF format that states that the member meets the criteria for Member grade. The form will be reviewed by the Chair of the Admission and Advancement Committee, and, upon his approval, the member will be elevated. 

The involvement of Section Chairs in this process will better assure that all those qualified will be given Member grade. Every IEEE member should hold the highest grade for which they are qualified and we expect this new procedure will help in this goal. 

Here are the instructions for completing and submitting the form:

• If using the MS Word version, you may complete the form when it opens. After it has been completed, print and sign a copy, and mail or fax the form to the address or fax number provided in the bottom of the form.
• If using the Adobe PDF version, you must print the form first and then fill it out by hand. Once it is completed, sign the form and mail or fax to the location indicated in the bottom of the form.