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SWST

Society of Wood Science and Technology

2000 Annual Meeting
Sunday, June 18, 2000
Boise, Idaho

Minutes

Minutes of 2000 Annual Meeting
July 18, 2000
Emerald Bay A Room
Harvey's Resort and Casino
Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Technical Session

Material Changes in Residential Construction

Wood is the most common structural material used in residential construction in the U.S. Changes in its use, however, are occurring as other material choices are increasing. Increases in material choices are attributable to a variety of reasons including new product development, a changing resource base affecting the types of products being produced, major programs by other material manufacturers to capture market share, environmental concerns in using our forests, and increasing imports of foreign materials. This program will address the changing use of wood and wood products in residential construction through examining the increasing use and availability of other materials. An environmental perspective will be examined through life cycle analysis of various construction materials.

8:00-8:15 	Introduction and Welcome
		W. Ramsay Smith
		Louisiana Forest Products Laboratory
		Louisiana State University
		Baton Rouge, Louisiana

8:15-8:45 	Overview: The Changing Scene of Wood Products Use 
                Michael O'Brian
                Architect
                Center for Integrated Systems in Housing
                Virginia Tech University
                Blacksburg, Virginia

8:45-9:15	Light Gauge Steel Framing in Residential Construction 
                Geoffrey C. Stone
                Director, Corporate Programs
                North American Steel Framing Alliance
                Washington, DC 20036-4523

	
9:15-9:45	Changing use of materials in residential construction:
                an applied scientist viewpoint
                Daniel J. Dolan
                Director
                Center for Integrated Systems in Housing
                Virginia Tech University
                Blacksburg, Virginia

9:45-10:15	Changes in future housing materials creating 
                opportunities for builders
                Larry Zarker
                Vice President of Marketing
                NAHB Research Center, Inc.
                Upper Marlboro, MD

10:15-10:45	Life Cycle Analysis of construction materials
		Wayne B. Trusty
		President
		The Athena Sustainable Materials Institute
		Merrickville, Ontario

Approximately 60 people attended the Technical Session. Proceedings will be mailed after the meeting.


10:45-11:45, Awards Ceremony

George Marra Awards:

1st place:

Jhang, Jian and Perry N. Peralta, "Moisture content-water potential characteristics curves for red oak and loblolly pine," Volume 31(4): 360-369.

2nd place:

Chowdhury, Mohammed Jahangir and Philip E. Humphrey, "The effect of acetylation on the shear strength development ..."

Newsletter Editor and Editorial Assistant awards:

Certificates of appreciation were presented to John Phelps as Editor and Patty Cludray as the Editorial Assistant.

Student Poster Competition Awards:

Certificates of Participation were presented to all 23 students (3 students had to cancel at the last minute). The students and their presentations were:

• Roy C. Anderson, Oregon State University, "Use of Anti-Stain Chemical Treatments by the Western U.S. Softwood Lumber Industry, 2000"
  

• Scott A. Bowe, Virginia Tech, "Assessing the Product Development Characteristics of Scanning and Optimizing Technology in the Hardwood Sawmill"
  

• Nicole R. Brown, Virginia Tech, "Establishing the Location of the Co-monomer N-methylolacrylamide with Respect to the Latex Particles in Crosslinking Polyvinyl Acetate Adhesives"
  

• Aldo G. Cisternas, University of Idaho, "Mechanical Properties of Ponderosa Pine Dimension Lumber from Small-Diameter, Overstocked Stands in Arizona"
  

• Charles Clement, Purdue University, "Digitized White Birch Database--It's Creation and Use"
  

• Jonathan Dubroc, Louisiana State University, "An Economic Analysis of a Soybean Wax Firelog"
  

• Jerone Gagliano, Virginia Tech, "Mode I Fracture Energy Testing of Adhesively Bonded Wood"
  

• Hongmei Gu, VPI&SU, "Anisotropic 2D Transient Head Conduction Model for Lumber Drying"
  

• Eva Haviarova, Purdue University, "Construction of School Furniture Prototypes in Costa Rica"
  

• Rebecca F. Jennings, Michigan State University, "Influence of Free Copper on Fungal Growth"
  

• Vladimir G. Kochkin, Virginia Tech, "Development of a Ready-to-Assemble Wood Framing System"
  

• Sang Yeob Lee, University of Idaho, "Influence of the Surface Morphology for the Growth of Transcrystalline Layer (TCL) on the Kraft Pulp Fibers"
  

• Michael J. Malmberg, VPI&SU, "Species Dependence of pMDI Adhesive Performance Between Southern Yellow Pine and Yellow Poplar"
  

• Marie-Pierre Laborie, VPI&SU, "Morphology of the Wood-Phenol-Formaldehyde (PF) Interphase Detected by Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)"
  

• David Olah, Virginia Tech, "Wood Material Use in the U.S. Cabinet Industry"
  

• Shane Robert Columba O'Neill, University of Maine, "Effect of Various Chemical Additives on VOC Emissions from Southern Pine Flakeboard"
  

• Keith A. Scott, Virginia Tech, "Measurement of Resin Distribution in MDF Fiber"
  

• Cihat Tascioglu, University of Maine, "Effects of Preservative Treatments on FRP Reinforcement for Wood"
  

• Ernesto Wagner, Oregon State University, "Green Advertising of Forest Products in the United States: A Content Analysis"
  

• Shih-Yin Wu, University of Idaho, "Effect of Slope Aspect and Scanning Intensity on the Correlation Between Stress-Wave Speeds in Douglas-fir Trees and Lumber MOE"
  

• Hwanmyeong Yeo, SUNY-ESF, "A Colorimetric Technique for Determining Surface Moisture Content and Mathematical Procedure to Evaluate Mass Transfer in Wood"
  

• Jun Zheng, Virginia Tech, "Investigations into the Nature of PF/pMDI Hybrid Adhesives"
  

• Balazs Zombori, VPI&SU, "Modeling the Hot-Compression of Wood-Based Composites"
  

Judges for the competition were: Fran Wagner, Mark Gibson, Cindi West and Mike Barnes.

1st place:

Shane O'Neill, "Effect of Various Chemical Additives on VOC Emissions from Southern Pine Flakeboard," Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center, University of Maine, Orono, ME

2nd place:

Sang Yeob Lee, "Influence of the surface morphology for the growth of transcrystalline layer (TCL) on the kraft pulp fibers," Forest Products Department, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID

Honorable Mention:

• Marie P. Laborie, "Morphology of the wood-phenol -formaldehyde (PF) interphase detected by solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)," Dept. of Wood Science and Forest Products, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  

• Jerone M. Gagliano, "Mode I fracture energy testing of adhesively bonded wood," Dept. of Wood Science and Forest Products, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  

• Nicole Robitaille Brown, "Establishing the location of the co-monomer n-methylolacrylamide with respect to the latex particles in crosslinking polyvinyl acetate adhesives," Dept. of Wood Science and Forest Products, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

Distinguished Service Award

This year's Distinguished Service Award winner was Otto Suchsland, retired professor from Michigan State University.


2000 SWST Distinguished Service Award Winner - Otto Suchsland

Professor, Wood Science (Retired 1995)

PhD, Natural Sciences (Wood Technology), 1956, University of Hamburg,- BS, 1952, University of Hamburg

Phone: 517/355-7562
Fax: 517/336-1143

Email: suchslan@msu.edu
Office Address: 210D Natural Resources

Research Interests

Wood composites, including particleboard and fiberboard as well as new developments utilizing recycled plastics and recycled wood fiber.

Individual research projects include dimensional stability of wood composites; effect of species composition on particleboard characteristics; use of recycled newsprint as furnish for particleboard and fiberboard; manufacture of composites from recycled wood fibers and recycled thermoplastics.

Programs and Grants

• Advanced technology application to eastern hardwood utilization (USDA).

• Warping of overlaid particleboard (National Particleboard Association Project).

• Hygroscopic dimensional changes of wood and wood products (Cooperative State Research Service Project).

Past Employment

• Research engineer (wood gluing) at the Swedish Forest Products Laboratory in Stockholm, Sweden, 1952-1955

• Technologist, later Technical Director, with Elmendorf Research, Inc., in Chicago and Palo Alto, California, 1955-1957 (development of particleboard processes, including OSB).

Selected Publications

Suchsland, O., and Hong Xu. 1991.

Resin distribution and horizontal density distribution effects on wood composite durability. A model investigation. USDA-CSRS Competitive Research Grant Program, Grant 86FSTY-9-0227. Final report. Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan. 49 p.

Suchsland, O., and Hong Xu. 1989.

On the measurement of linear expansion of particleboard and medium density fiberboard. Forest Products Journal 39(6):39-42.

Suchsland, O., and G. E. Woodson. 1986.

Fiberboard manufacturing practices in the United States. USDA Forest Service. Agriculture Handbook No. 640.263 p.

Suchsland, O., and J. D. McNatt. 1985.

On the warping of laminated wood panels. Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan. 120 p.

Suchsland O., G. E Woodson, and C. W McMillin. 1983.

Effect of hardboard process variables on fiberbonding. Forest Products Journal 33(4):58-64.

Dr. Suchsland spoke on " ".



11:45-12:45, Annual Business Meeting


A motion was made, seconded and passed to accept the minutes of the 1999 Annual Meeting as published in the July-August 1999 Newsletter.


Executive Director's Report - Victoria Herian

Subscribers as of June 1, 1999: 281

Fidelity Spartan Money Market Fund and Vanguard Accounts

The total Vanguard accounts have grown from a beginning balance of $61,100.00 on February 3, 1998 to $81,024.49 on March 31, 2000. This is a total gain of $20,024.49. An additional $10,000 was transferred back into checking on 8/27/99 due to a low balance. The Student poster money was invested in November 1998 with an initial balance of $4,750.00. An additional $1000 was invested on 8/13/99. The current balance in that account is $7,587.50, for a total gain of $1,837.50. On June 7, a check for $1,050 was deposited in the student poster investment account from donations which were recently received. This last deposit is not reflected in the March 31, 2000 report. Charts are attached.

Checking Account

The balance in the checking account as of June 1, 2000 is $14,132.35.

Student Poster Competition Fund History and Status

Initial donations beginning in 1998 were $4,750 which were invested in a Vanguard 500 Index Fund in November 1998. This fund is separate from our other investment funds. Another $1000 was received in September 1999 which was also invested. The total in the account as of March 31, 2000 is $7,587.50. I have recently received $1,050 which has been deposited on June 7. I also have invoices out for $1,250. Our projected balance is $9887.00 plus whatever dividends we have received from March to June 2000. We're almost at the $10,000 mark! Our goal is to use the dividends to pay for the competition each year. Currently we are awarding $250 for first place and $125 for second place, plus a laser plaque to each winner. Anyone else wishing to add their donation should contact me at the Executive Office.

This year we have 26 students participating in the Student Poster Competition.

Miscellaneous

A Balance Sheet and Income Statement for January-December 1999 and one for January-May 2000 are attached.

The 2000 Membership Directory was mailed out to members this year. If you need additional copies, please contact me.

The Directory of Schools, the Standards for Accreditation, and the Member Handbook will all be revised, updated, and sent out within the next few months.

The inventory of back issues at Allen Press has been reduced to 25 copies each of the first 30 volumes, and maintaining current inventory for volume 31 and 32. This should reduce our storage costs considerably.

I sent Massamba Thiam, our newest affiliate member, a welcome letter and a membership certificate.

Proposed revisions to the Constitution and Bylaws were mailed in the last Newsletter. They will be discussed and voted on at the Annual Meeting.

The look of our web site has changed! It's still at www.swst.org but we have a new look, thanks to Donna Jo Shaffer from Virginia Tech who did the designing. I have also made our server a secure site so that credit card numbers can be sent. The membership application form is available as an on-line form now and I will continue to have other forms modified. Comments or suggestions on the web site are always welcome.

Auditor's Report - Barbara Wolfe

At your request, I reviewed the SWST bank statements for the period May 29, 1999 through May 31, 2000. Checks, deposits, VISA, MasterCard, and American Express charges, interest charges, and bank charges were verified against the statements. The checkbook balance of $14,132.35 agreed with the checking balance on the May 2000 Balance Sheet. I also verified the account balances of the four Vanguard accounts. The $88611.99 on the May 2000 Balance Sheet agrees with the latest statements (3/31/00) received from Vanguard.

SWST Fiscal Status December 31, 1999

Balance Sheet

Total Assets	$111,587.04
Total Liabilities	$35,024.62
Total Equity	$76,562.42
Total Equity and Liabilities	$111,587.04

2001 Budget

Wood and Fiber Science - Robert Youngs

Bob presented the following report.


Production of the Journal

The April issue (32-2) was out on time with 11 papers and a book review. It totaled 120 pages. The July issue (32-3) is at Allen Press with 12 papers. It will contain 128 pages. Carol Ovens has an additional 21 papers in various stages of preparation and should have plenty for an October issue at least as large as the previous ones.

Attached are tables listing papers received during 1998, 1999, and so far in 2000. Rate of receipt of manuscripts is greater than that of either of the two preceding years. This is partly due to increased contributions of papers from outside of North America. The number of these has increased steadily since 1993, the years for which I have records in my file. The accompanying chart illustrates this and shows that almost half of the papers received so far this year have been from outside North America. This is gratifying in terms of international recognition of Wood and Fiber Science, but also increases communication time in review and production. An interesting study would be to determine the frequency of citing W&FS papers in other major journals of the field and trends in such citation frequency.

As I noted in our meeting in San Antonio, about a third of the papers submitted never make it to publication, due either to formal rejection or to inability to bring papers into conformance with reviewer and/or editorial requirements. For 1998 this was 33%.

Reviewer Guidelines

We have never had detailed guidelines for reviewers. This has led to considerable freedom for reviewers to take whatever approach to reviewing that seems comfortable for them. This has produced generally very helpful reviews and I do not want to fix what ain't broke. Authors have frequently complimented reviewers for adding to the value of their papers. However, in the July issue I have introduced some points for reviewer attention that might add further consistency without detracting from the ability of reviewers to make individual comments. These same points will be useful for authors also. A copy of the material in the July issue "editorial" is attached.

State-of-the-Art Papers

With the help of the Publication Policy Committee, we have generated interest in and a basic understanding of state-of-the-art papers. A paper on engineered composites is being prepared. Papers have been proposed on innovation adoption and diffusion and on communication technologies to facilitate business practices. These will be discussed with the Committee within the next few days.

Associate Editor Activities

Associate Editor Earl Kline has taken over responsibility for book reviews. He is also preparing a program in Microsoft Access that will replace our current Paradox database. It will incorporate a reviewer database and provide improved coordination of information between Editor, Associate Editor, and Secretary.


Bob thanked reviewers, authors, and others. He indicated that the next few issues of the journal would have more pages than previously. There is about 1 year lag on average from receipt to publication.

Bob also announced his retirement as of June 2001. An article will be printed in the Newsletter asking for "letters of interest."

Committee Reports

Accreditation - Bob Rice

Virginia Tech and University of Maine had submitted 5-year Interim Reports. The Committee recommended to the Board that these reports be accepted. On Saturday, the Board voted to accept the Committee's recommendation. The schools will be notified. University of Minnesota will be submitting a 5-year interim report in 2001 and Oregon State University will be requesting an on-site review in 2001.

SAF is substantially revising their accreditation standards. We don't have a copy of these standards yet, but understand the new ones are based on competency and results rather than the old standards which were based on number of hours for each course.

We need to decide what we want to accredit and how do we go about it. Tom McLain, as the new Chair of the Accreditation Committee, will be meeting with the Committee this week.

The Interim Report Guidelines will be included in the new Standards Booklet when it is reprinted.

University of British Columbia has declined SWST accreditation at this time, but would like to be contacted at a later date.

Education Committee - Published in the May-June 2000 Newsletter

The Committee has the following ongoing responsibilities. Action under each of these for the 1999-2000 year is reported below.

1. Develop methods to attract more students into Wood Science & Technology.

   Changes to the tri-fold brochure "Careers in Wood Science & Technology" are being explored. Members should direct comments to the Committee. Paul Smith has reviewed various web sites at Universities to get ideas on how to improve our communication & message to prospective students. Participation at the MANRRS conference (see below) should improve our visibility with minority students.

2. Provide guidance for students seeking information about undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education in Wood Science & Technology.

   See new special charge below. Headquarters continues to mail out information as requested.

3. Maintain current list of organizational contact persons.

   List is maintained at Executive Director's office. See also the Directory of North American Schools.

4. Conduct the annual Student Poster Competition at the Annual Meeting.

   The 1999 competition was the largest and best yet. Eighteen posters from students representing seven schools were presented. Alex Salenikovich from Virginia Tech won first place while Fatima Shmulsky, Mississippi State University won second. Students from Purdue, Michigan State, Iowa State, Idaho, and LSU competed.

Progress under each of the special charges to the committee is given below.

1. Revise Teaching Unit No.1 for delivery to the SWST Web Site and install it.

   Audrey Zink-Sharp of Virginia Tech is working on installing Unit No. 1 on the web. One order for Unit #1 was received. [This is a continuing charge to the committee for 2000-01].

2. Develop a process for SWST to review and accredit wood science and technology education materials produced by outside organizations.

   Discussions with various members of the Education Committee question the need for this instruction. Most feel this is beyond the scope of the committee and suggest that the instruction be withdrawn. Action should be taken at the Spring Board Meeting has withdrawn this charge to the committee.

3. Compile a database of wood science and technology educational materials.

   A list of materials has been compiled and is on hand at SWST headquarters. The Committee asks that the Executive Director place this list of materials and their availability on the web. This charge has been completed.

4. Participate in annual Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences Conference.

   Cindi West represented SWST at the conference held in Louisville, KY on March 30-April 1. She reports the following:

   MANRRS National Conference Report

   Approximately 900 students attended the 2000 MANRRS National Conference held in Lexington, Kentucky this year. We participated in the Career Fair held over two days during this conference. We had contact at the Fair and during social events with approximately 80 students and more than 20 faculty from other Universities and Colleges. There were several other Natural Resource Agencies and University programs represented, but we had the only Forest Products related program there. Oregon State University had a booth representing programs in the natural resource fields but did not include the Forest Products program. The students we met were from all regions in the country. They were prepared with well-written resumes to seek opportunities in graduate programs and employment. Many of these students had basic science degrees in chemistry, biology, engineering, and economics. They were bright and articulate. Many sought opportunities to apply their basic undergraduate science programs in a graduate program. They were heavily recruited by agriculture programs and had not considered opportunities in wood science because they were not aware of these.

   We met and talked with faculty leaders of the various MANRRS chapters around the country who were interested in opportunities for their students. Most of these were associated with agriculture departments and programs and were unaware of the opportunities in the forest products field for students. We related job opportunities and starting salaries that impressed these faculty advisors.

   This conference is a great opportunity to recruit students into graduate programs and create awareness of Forest Products career opportunities with student advisors at predominantly black Institutions. SWST should recommend member institutions become involved in their MANRRS Chapters. Agriculture has a great model we could follow to recruit students into our field.

   Other recommendations include:

   SWST should support folding MINFORS into the MANRRS rather than maintaining two organizations. MANRRS is well funded from USDA and has a full time paid staff member.

   SWST should contact the Director of MANRRS to discuss how the Society can work with this organization to create more awareness of opportunities in Wood Science and Forest Products. If they can attract a bright young minority student into commodity crop production and processing, we can too!

   SWST should support member institutions to become involved in local MANRRS chapters. If they do not exist at their institution encourage partnering with other department on campus to create one. There is support from USDA to help support these programs.

   SWST should encourage Forest Products programs and departments to participate in the USDA Scholars Internship program.

   SWST should help organize Universities to participate in next year's conference so we can have a significant presence. Many agriculture and extension programs at these universities are participating. Encourage Forest Products programs to insist on being included.

5. Solicit contributions for support of the student poster competition from universities and industry

   The following members are serving on a subcommittee to contact industries and universities for contributions to the fund to support the competition [Todd Shupe (Chm.), Bruce Cutter, Joe Massey, Frank Beall, and Fran Wagner]. Solicitation has begun. Current balance is $7,423. Pledges received to date have put our endowment over the $10,000 mark. Thanks to Todd & his committee for their good work.

   Volunteer team members for judging posters at the upcoming annual meeting are Dan Dolan, Fran Wagner, and Bruce Cutter.

   This charge will be continued for an additional year.

6. Explore opportunities for positive linkages with WOODLINKS

   The following members formed a subcommittee to explore linkages with WOODLINKS [Rado Gazo (Chm.), Jim Armstrong, Paul Cooper, William Smith, Simon Ellis]. Chairman Rado Gazo reports that their interest is primarily in using SWST contacts to promote WOODLINKS in the US. Consequently, the Board at the spring meeting dropped this instruction.

A new special charge for 2000-01 given to the committee is to update the Directory of Schools. Jim Armstrong has agreed to chair this important assignment with Paul Cooper, Perry Peralta, Robert Govett, Jeff Morrell, & Mark Gibson serving as subcommittee members. This task is scheduled for completion by the Annual Meeting.

Dan Dolan will be assuming the Chair in June and Fran Wagner has agreed to serve as Vice Chair. On a personal note, I would like to thank all the committee members for their work during my tenure as Chair. I am appreciative of all of your efforts. If Dan & Fran get as much cooperation as I have had, their job should be an easy one.


George Marra Award

The committee has been working on reading the first two issues of Volume 32.


International Relations

Report was published in the May-June 2000 Newsletter

1. Macomb Thiam, from Dakar, Senegal was elected to Affiliate Membership to SWST. Mr. Thiam received a masters degree from Oregon State in December of 1998. Mr. Thiam attended our SWST annual meeting in Vancouver and Merida. He has requested affiliate membership in our society to continue his interests in wood science.

2. The Committee will look for new Affiliate Members at the XXI IUFRO World Congress in Kuala Lumpur, August 7-12, 2000. We will develop an information sheet on the membership category and discretely give this to potential members from countries fitting the Affiliate Membership criteria in our Constitution.

Public Liaison - Howard Rosen

Howard announced the RNRF National Congress, "Promoting Sustainability in the 21st Century," in Portland, Oregon on September 6-9, 2000. Ten SWST individuals were nominated to attend.


Membership Committee - Joe Massey

Report was published in the May-June 2000 Newsletter:

Membership in SWST as of 4/15/00

Full members	291
Student members	57
Retired members	55
Affiliate members	1

The membership in the Society is decreasing. You will be receiving a questionnaire in the mail, much like the one you received a couple of years ago. Please take it seriously, completing and sending it back in to Vicki.

Dr. Sheldon Shi has accepted the nomination for vice chair of the membership committee. He is currently Associate Scientist of the Technical Service Division of APA - The Engineered Wood Association. He will bring to the position the energy and dedication needed to help move the membership forward in the coming year. Under the new guidelines, he will advance to chair.


Our president charged Pat Pellicane, Bob Rice and myself to recommend changes in SWST's Constitution, Bylaws and membership form to reconcile some discrepancies between the three. We were guided by a goal of minimizing changes to the Constitution, changes that wouldn't match the intent of the organization. The work is complete and has been submitted to our president for likely vote at the June 17th meeting. In a nutshell, we are proposing to change the term "member" to "professional member," and to place the scientist and practitioner requirements within the professional membership paragraph of the Constitution. We are proposing also to remove the differential and integral calculus and organic chemistry requirements from the Bylaws, retaining "foundation in mathematics" and "chemistry." The membership form will then be changed to have just the three levels of membership designated in the Constitution and brief descriptions of them on the backside with reference to the Bylaws. Here are the Constitution changes in full that have been submitted to the Executive Committee for action at the June 17 meeting.

The following proposed changes were submitted by Thomas McLain, SWST President:

PROPOSED REVISION TO SWST BYLAWS, SECTION II

JUNE 2000

[ADDITIONS ARE IN BRACKETS, DELETIONS HAVE STRIKE-OVER// ONLY SECTIONS WITH PROPOSED CHANGES ARE REPRODUCED]

II. Requirements for [Professional] Membership

The basic requirement for [professional] membership is professional competence in the field of wood science and technology [as defined below]. An applicant for [professional] membership should possess a substantial understanding of wood as a material within the following framework.

[paragraph remains unchanged]

General requirements for [professional] membership are specified in Article III of the Constitution. An application is required for any level of membership. All applications must be examined and approved by the Membership Committee.

Specific requirements may be met in the following alternative ways:

A. Qualification for [professional] membership through formal education.

1. [A Bachelors degree from a SWST-accredited program is sufficient qualification for professional membership. Evidence of the degree must be submitted to the Membership Committee.]

2. The Bachelor of Science or an advanced degree (either of which has been earned through specialization) in the field of wood science and technology or forest products obtained from an accredited college or university is sufficient qualification for [professional] membership. Evidence of the degree must be submitted to the Membership Committee.

3. Specialization in the field of Wood Science and Technology or Forest Products is defined as a course of study that includes the following elements.

   1. Required background courses (basic courses) are:

      1. A foundation in mathematics, including differential and integral calculus.

      2. Chemistry, including organic chemistry.

      3. General physics.

      4. Biology, including plant [Biological] science.

   2. (No change)

B. Qualifications for [professional] membership through substitution for deficiencies in formal courses.

Graduates of accredited colleges or universities as specified in the Constitution whose formal education does not include all the areas specified under II.A above may receive credit applicable to [professional] membership eligibility as follows:

[text remains unchanged]

C. An applicant also may qualify for [professional] membership provided both of the following requirements are satisfied:

1. A Bachelors or higher degree awarded by a college or a university as prescribed in Article III, Section III of the Constitution is held. The degree must be in a curriculum in the field of mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, management, economics, engineering, business or forestry; or in wood science and technology or forest products curriculum not meeting all of the educational requirements that are stated in II.A. or II. B. of the bylaws.

1. A bachelors or higher degree in a fundamental or other discipline related to the broad field of wood science and technology (as judged appropriate by the Membership Committee) awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional US accreditation association, or the equivalent from a foreign institution; and.

2. At least two years employment related to the wood industry, [or in the field of wood science and technology,] in a reasonably technical position in one or more of the areas of specialization listed under II.A.2.b (2) responsible technical position as judged by the Membership Committee.

IV. Requirements for Student Membership

A student member shall be a full-time [an] undergraduate or graduate student in a college, university, or scientific school accredited by one of the six regional Associations of Colleges and Secondary Schools; [a regional higher education accreditation association; or an undergraduate or graduate student] enrolled in the curriculum of a foreign school judged by the membership committee to be equivalent to one offered by accredited U.S. schools.

END PROPOSED REVISIONS

JUSTIFICATION

A. Section II, SWST Bylaws: The proposed revisions add the adjective "professional" to the member category to be consistent with the proposed Constitution change.

B. Section II. A: Adds language to clarify that a graduate of an SWST-accredited program meets minimum professional standards for membership.

C. Section II.A.3.a : Changes language in bylaws to be consistent with current version of the SWST Accreditation Standards.

D. Section II.C. : Harmonizes language with the proposed revision to Article III of the Constitution and provides Membership Committee with flexibility to judge the appropriate credentials for membership through education and experience.

E. Section IV. : Harmonizes Bylaws with proposed change in Constitution.



PROPOSED REVISION TO SWST CONSTITUTION ARTICLE III--MEMBERSHIP
JUNE 2000

[ADDITIONS ARE IN BRACKETS, DELETIONS HAVE STRIKE-OVER]

Article III - Membership

Section 1. Membership shall consist of [professional] members, student members, and affiliate members.

Section 2. Only [professional] members shall be eligible to vote and hold elective office.

Section 3. A member shall be a graduate of a college or university accredited by one of the six regional Associations of Colleges and Secondary Schools or of a curriculum in a foreign school judged by the membership committee to be equivalent to one offered by accredited US schools. Members shall either have met the education requirements or satisfied the permissible substitutions specified in the bylaws or shall have advanced from student membership according to the provisions of the bylaws.

Section 3. A professional member shall:

1. hold a bachelors degree from an SWST-accredited program; or

2. hold a bachelors or higher degree from a college or university within the disciplines related to wood science and technology, or the equivalent from a foreign institution, and be a scientist or practitioner who has two or more years of qualifying technical experience in the broad field of wood science and technology; or

3. hold a bachelors or higher degree, or the equivalent from a foreign institution, and have met the education requirements, or satisfied the permissible substitutions specified in the bylaws.

Section 4. (No change)

Section 5. A student member shall be a full-time [an] undergraduate or graduate student in a college, university, or scientific school accredited by one of the six regional Associations of Colleges and Secondary Schools; [a regional higher education accreditation association; or an undergraduate or graduate student] enrolled in the curriculum of a foreign school judged by the membership committee to be equivalent to one offered by accredited U.S. schools.

END PROPOSED REVISIONS

JUSTIFICATION

A. Article III, Sections 1,2,3

This proposed change to the constitution differentiates the three classes of membership in the Society. Currently, these classes are Members, Student Members and Affiliate Members. The proposal clarifies that all are members of the society by adding the adjective "Professional" to the first category. This clarification allows for the use of more specific language in the Bylaws describing the requirements for each class and clarifies ambiguity in the use of "members".

B. Article III, Section 3

This proposed change establishes a connection between SWST accredited education programs and minimum professional expertise required for membership and clarifies the current requirements for membership. The change also formalizes in the constitution a broadening of the potential membership base of the society that is currently found in the bylaws.

The proposed revision deletes language about conversion from student to professional member. The bylaws do not currently have a mechanism to enable this conversion. Student members will be able to easily convert to professional members using the clarified criteria in this Section if they meet the education requirements.

C. Article III, Section 5.

This proposed change eliminates the need for "full-time" enrollment and updates the language about accreditation organizations. It also clarifies that foreign undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for student membership.



Other membership committee business

Joe announced that he had written and sent a letter to all students encouraging them to convert to a full member if they had graduated. He also wrote a letter that can be used for delinquent members and a letter to administrators. He is working on updating the previous survey form, in order to do another survey.


Newsletter Editor

Doug Gardner will take over the Newsletter Editor duties from John Phelps with the July-August Newsletter.


Past Presidents' Council

There are no nominations pending for Distinguished Service Award, so a call was made for nominations. There will be a note in the next few Newsletters explaining the procedure for nominating an individual.


Policy and Critical Issues Committee

The committee is working on a paper on substitution of wood-based materials. Guidelines for policy position statements have been prepared and approved by the Board. The committee will now be identifying topics and developing policy position statements per these guidelines. The guidelines will be advertised to members.


Publication Policy Committee - Barry Goodell

The report was published in the Newsletter.

The SWST Publication Policy Committee had only one Special Charge for 1999-2000: "Identify 3-4 topic areas for state-of-the-art (S-o-A) papers and potential authors. Advertise honorarium and other benefits and work with editor to solicit papers"

As part of this charge we identified two S-o-A topic areas. The first area, 'Advanced Engineered Wood Composites' was determined to be a rapidly advancing subfield where a S-o-A paper would be useful. Professor Habib Dagher was solicited to write an article on this. Dr. Dagher has submitted an outline for the proposed paper, and the manuscript in draft form is promised for July of this year. The second area was in Information Technology for the Forest Products Industry. Professors Rado Gazo and Richard Vlosky were solicited to prepare an outline on this topic for submision to the Wood and Fiber Science editor. Another S-o-A paper by Professor James Bowyer, an adaption of a paper prepared for the IUFRO Congress in Kuala Lumpur, is also being prepared and will be reviewed by the committee. An advertisement for the SWST newsletter has been prepared which discusses the requirements for preparation of a S-o-A paper, and the benefits to being an author of such a publication.

In addition, as part of our assigned responsibiliies in advising the Executive Board and the Editor or Wood and Fiber Science on matters as requested we approved the following statement as a modification to the official publication policy of the Society. "Wood and Fiber Science is the official publication of the Society of Wood Science and Technology, and accordingly publishes papers with professional and scientific content. Original papers of professional concern or research papers that add to basic understanding of wood and wood fiber or the processing, marketing and use of their products will be considered. Papers that communicate research findings at the basic or fundamental level will be judged based on their contribution ...." (and then continuing as currently printed in W&FS)


Visiting Scientist Program - Doug Gardner

1999-2000 SWST Visiting Scientists

Scientist	Institution Visited	When Visit Occurred	SWST Cost
Tim Rials	Virginia Tech	November	---
Jim Bowyer	Virginia Tech	February 22	---
Jim Bowyer	WVU	March 9	---
Jim Bowyer	NC State	Late April	---
Jean Mater	Virginia Tech	February 1,2	---
Rich Vlosky	Virginia Tech	February 28, 29	$443.85
Steve Smulski	Maine	April 20, 21	---

The chair will try to promote interest in the International Visiting Scientist Program for next year as we have had little participation. Applications must be in by January 15 for travel that year. Doug will put a note in the Newsletter.



Old Business - None


New Business

The Board asked that the Constitution and Bylaw change be withdrawn due to some wording problems. It will be resubmitted to the membership next year for vote.

President's Summary

Tom McLain commented that the success of the Executive Board is a result of the success and work of the committees. The Board meets 3 times a year and puts in long hours to keep the Society running smoothly. This year we have changed the committee structure and the timing of appointments and charges so as to give more time to complete the tasks and also the opportunity to meet as a committee at Annual Meeting time. A room will be available for any committee to meet on Sunday from 4:00 to 5:30.

Two concerns that Tom had this year were the financial stability of the Society and the declining membership. We are still working in those.

The Policy Position Statements guidelines that have been developed will offer a method of voicing a statement on issues. The Board approved the process to develop policy statements or position statements. Draft guidelines were approved and will be published in the Newsletter.

The Board has also been busy in finding new ways and new materials to assist in recruiting people to the profession of wood science.

Teller's Report

Bob Rice is the new Vice President, Jim Funck and Steve Smulski are the new Directors. Mike Barnes moves up to President Elect and Ramsay Smith moves up to President.

Tom McLain turned the leadership over to Ramsay.

Ramsay comments

Ramsay thanked Tom for all the work he did this past year, some of which were: designing and printing the Member Handbook, Proceedings of the 1999 Annual Meeting "The Roles of Wood Science and Technology in Forest Sustainability," and restructuring the committees and charges and preparing the Committee Handbook.

Ramsay presented the President Plaque to Tom.

Ramsay's goal for the next year is to look to the vitality of the Society.

Meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.


Joint SWST/Forest Products Society (FPS) Plenary Sessions (1:00 to 4:00 p.m.)

Session 1: Changing raw material, changing technology

Session 2: Papermaking: Changes in chemistry, new additives, and the use of synthetics with lignocellulosic fibers

Joint SWST/FPS Technical Forum and Student Posters (4:00 to 5:30)

Joint SWST/FPS Host Reception (6:30 to 8:00)


Respectfully Submitted,

Victoria L. Herian
Executive Director