Membership
The Center for Vector-Borne Disease follows an open and transparent membership policy. The center consists primarily of internal, external, and student members.
Types of Memberships
Full Membership
Only UTRGV faculty and staff employees are eligible for full membership and must continue to be employed by UTRGV to maintain their membership. As a full member, they have full voting rights and may serve on the Executive Committee. Membership is contingent upon continued employment with UTRGV. If terminated from UTRGV, retired, or removed through the membership process, members are ineligible for full membership.
External Membership
External members for the center consist of part-time and retired individuals employed by UTRGV or employed outside of UTRGV. They will not have voting rights, although they are encouraged to serve on the External Advisory Committee and all members on the advisory committee are automatically considered external members. The external membership is permanent, but the renewal process is every five years.
If they become UTRGV full-time employees, they may transition their membership to a full member.
When the removal process is used members cannot regain membership.
Student Membership
Student members may join if nominated by a full member. Nominations are voted on once a year by full members, and approval is by a simple majority vote. Student members may participate in center activities, attend center meetings, and list the affiliation on their applications and resume, but are ineligible to voice. The student membership is permanent unless removed through the removal of the membership process.
Member Responsibilities
- Members are expected to play an active role in the management, planning, funding, and recruiting for the center.
- Members are expected to attend regular meetings.
- Members are expected to assist in funding the center through external grants.
- Members are expected to acknowledge the center's affiliation in publications and presentations.
Guidelines for New Member Application
Current members may sponsor a new member at the beginning of each fall semester. Prospective candidates must submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and are given the opportunity upon request to speak in favor of their membership. New members are encouraged to provide a statement indicating how it benefits them and the center. A maximum of four new full members may be approved each year.