MEMBERS AND MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Members. Members of the Society for the Scientific Study of Psychopathy (hereinafter "Society") shall be individuals who have made demonstrated contributions to research in psychopathy. Members shall ordinarily be holders of the doctoral degree although, in extraordinary circumstances, other individuals without this qualification may be admitted to membership from time to time. Applicants for membership shall produce such specific evidence of appropriate education and qualification as the Society shall require, and shall be engaged in teaching, and/or research in psychopathy. It shall be a requirement of membership that the member's scientific work reflect the standards of integrity that are expected of a scientist. Members should have at least 2 first-authored or senior authored publications in peer reviewed journals judged appropriate by the Society. The 2 publications can involve either the direct or indirect study of psychopathy or can focus on critical areas of neuroscience, psychology, or criminality that are central to the advancement of the understanding of psychopathy.

Associate Members shall be individuals for whom the following conditions apply:
Eligible individuals will have a doctoral degree.
Applications must be supported by a letter of recommendation from at least one member of SSSP.
The requirement of at least 2 first-author publications is waived, but obvious involvement in research on psychopathy or in an area critical to the advancement of the understanding of psychopathy is required.
Dues are the same as regular member dues.

Student Members shall be individuals for whom the following conditions apply:
Eligible individuals will include students in master and other doctoral level programs.
Applications must be supported by a letter from the applicant’s supervisor indicating that the applicant is a registered student in good-standing who is doing research in the area of psychopathy.
The requirement of at least 2 first-author publications is waived, but obvious involvement in research on psychopathy or in an area critical to the advancement of the understanding of psychopathy is required.
Dues are set at 40% of the regular member dues.

Affiliate Members shall be individuals for whom the following conditions apply:
Eligible individuals will include those who are interested in joining SSSP but who do not meet the criteria for regular, associate or student membership.
Applications must be supported by a letter of recommendation from at least one member of SSSP. The requirement of at least 2 first-author publications is waived, but obvious interest in research on psychopathy or in an area critical to the advancement of the understanding of psychopathy is required.
Dues are the same as regular member dues.

Student Affiliate Members shall be individuals for whom the following conditions apply:
Eligible individuals will include undergraduate students.
Applications must be supported by a letter from the applicant’s undergraduate research supervisor indicating that the applicant is a registered student in good-standing who is doing research in the area of psychopathy.
The requirement of at least 2 first-author publications is waived, but obvious interest in research on psychopathy or in an area relevant to the advancement of the understanding of psychopathy is required.
Dues are the same as student member dues.

Membership fees cover 2 years starting January 1, 2010. The membership fee will be set at $100 for full/associate/affiliate memberships and 40% ($40) for student and student affiliate members.

The Executive Board may at its discretion establish other classes of membership for individuals who do not meet the criteria for admission to regular membership.

Section 2. Election to Membership. Eligible persons shall be evaluated for Membership by the Membership Committee. Any member may recommend individuals to the Membership Committee for consideration. The application submitted to the Membership Committee shall have the signatures of at least two sponsors who are members of the Society. The Membership Committee shall report its recommendation with regard to each application to the Executive Board of the Society. The final decision to admit to membership or to refuse membership shall be made by vote of the Executive Board. Membership becomes effective as of the date of that vote. Dues for the current year are payable at the date of that vote. Admission to membership of the Society shall be open to all persons meeting the stated criteria for membership, without discrimination on any grounds, including but not confined to, race, creed, color, gender or sexual preference.

The original members of the Society shall be those originally recorded on the date of incorporation of the Society.

Section 3. Records. The Secretary shall keep a record of the names and addresses of all members and these records shall be conclusive as to the membership of any individual in the Society. Communications sent by the Society to the last address of any member as it appears on the records of the Society shall be deemed to have been properly addressed.

Section 4. Resignation. Any member of the Society may resign at any time by tendering a written resignation to either the President or the Secretary of the Society. Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt without further formality.