IEEE Bylaws

I-106.  Application/Nominations-Requirements; References; Submission Procedures; Reapplication; Appeals

Applications and nominations for admission to IEEE membership, or for advancement to a higher grade of membership, shall be made on forms provided by IEEE and shall embody a record of the applicant’s technical education and career.  The names of references shall be provided as specified in this Bylaw.  References shall be requested to complete and submit the confidential form prescribed by IEEE, commenting on the qualifications of the applicant or nominee, as the case may be. 

1. Reference Requirements.  Applications for membership shall indicate names of references as follows:
   
   For admission or elevation to Senior Member grade – three Fellows, Senior Members, or Honorary Members.
   
   For admission to Member or Student grade – none required.
   
   For elevation from Associate Member to Member grade – none required.
   
   
2. References by Non-members.  If an applicant or nominee for admission or elevation to Senior Member grade is not known by the number of IEEE members specified in Bylaw I-106.1 who would have sufficient personal knowledge of the applicant's accomplishments to serve as a reference, the IEEE at its discretion may accept other references who are familiar with the applicant's professional work; such references preferably should be professionals of standing  in IEEE-designated fields.
   
   
3. Member and Geographic Activities Board Scope of Action.  The Member and Geographic Activities Board is authorized to act for the Board of Directors to coordinate, encourage, and support membership development and to administer admissions and grade advancements, all in accordance with policies, rules, and procedures approved by the Board of Directors and excepting matters pertaining to the Honorary Member and Fellow grades. Questions of interpretation, waivers of requirements, and issues involving two or more major organizational units shall be referred to the Board of Directors for resolution.
   
   
4. Submission of Application/Nomination.  An application or nomination for admission or elevation may be submitted (1) by a candidate, or (2) on behalf of a candidate by a sponsor, such as an IEEE member or an IEEE organizational unit (such as a Chapter, Section, or Society).
   
   

   (a)	When an application or nomination is submitted for admission to Associate Member or Member grade, the candidate shall be notified of the action by or on behalf of the Admission and Advancement Committee.
   (b)	When the application or nomination for admission or elevation to Senior Member grade, or elevation to Member grade is submitted by a sponsor, the sponsor shall be notified of the action by or on behalf of the Admission and Advancement Committee and, if the action is affirmative, the candidate also shall be notified.

   
   

   Elevations shall become effective on the date of action by the Admission and Advancement Committee unless payment of dues or fees is required, in which case the date of receipt of the dues or fees from the candidate shall be the effective date.
   
   The requirement for an application, with references, shall be waived for the orderly progression from Student Member to Associate Member or Member grade.
   

5. Senior Member Application.  Senior Member grade is the highest grade for which application may be made for admission or advancement. Elevations to Fellow grade and conferment of Honorary Member grade are by the Board of Directors, following nomination and review procedures given in the IEEE Policies and Bylaw I-305.7, respectively.
   
   
6. Admission and Advancement Committee.  Applications for admission or advancement in grade shall be referred to the Admission and Advancement Committee. Procedures for elevations shall be established by the Admission and Advancement Committee. The Admission and Advancement Committee may delegate to the IEEE Executive Director, or the IEEE Executive Director's appointed representative, authority to elevate or transfer applicants to the grade of Student Member, Associate Member, Graduate Student Member or Member when there is evidence that the requirements of Bylaw I-104 have been fulfilled. When so authorized, the IEEE Executive Director shall render regular reports to the Admission and Advancement Committee of the elevations and transfers so processed.
   
   
7. Reapplication.  A reapplication for admission or advancement in grade may be made after the expiration of one year from the date of a rejection.
   
   
8. Appeal Committee.  A candidate whose application for admission or grade advancement is denied by the Admission and Advancement Committee may appeal the decision through an Admission and Advancement Appeal Committee. Notification of the appeal and its rationale are to be sent to the Vice President - Member and Geographic Activities, with a copy to the MGAB Staff Secretary.
   
   The Appeal Committee will be comprised on the Vice President - Member and Geographic Activities, the Vice President - Technical Activities, and the Vice President - Educational Activities.