1.0 NAME

The name of the Committee shall be International Polar Tourism Research Network Steering Committee (hereafter referred to as the COMMITTEE)

2.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of the COMMITTEE is to guide the general business of International Polar Tourism Research Network (IPTRN). The International Polar Tourism Research Network is a comprehensive group with a shared interest in research that advances the understanding of tourism in and about the Polar Regions. The IPTRN strives to generate, share and disseminate knowledge, resources and perspectives on polar tourism; and strongly supports the development of international collaboration and cooperative relationships between members.

3.0 MEMBERSHIP

3.1 The COMMITTEE shall consist of no less than 6 voting members, but preferably an odd number in case matters must come to a vote. Consideration shall be given to geographic representation of research members, so that there is experience covering the North American Arctic, European Arctic, Russian Arctic, and the Antarctic being important; as well as diversity of discipline.

3.2 One additional voting member will be from the network host institution (UQAM) so that any logistical and/or financial matters can easily be dealt with.

3.3 One additional appointment of a student will be made unless a student has already joined the COMMITTEE.

3.4 One additional appointment of a member from community or industry groups will be made; preferably appointed from the forthcoming conference location.

3.5 Quorum for the COMMITTEE will be a simple majority of the total COMMITTEE membership.

3.6 COMMITTEE members shall receive no remuneration for carrying out the business of the network.

3.7 Any member may withdraw from the COMMITTEE by delivering a written notice of resignation to the Chairperson.

4.0 CONDUCT OF MEETINGS/MEMBERSHIP

4.1 The term of COMMITTEE membership is 2 years (elected at each successive IPTRN conference).

4.2 The COMMITTEE shall, following their first meeting, elect a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson from within the COMMITTEE.

4.3 The COMMITTEE shall meet via conference call at least once per year, and meet in person every second year at the IPTRN conference.

4.4 Each of the members on the COMMITTEE shall have one vote, including the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. In cases where a vote is necessary, a 2/3 majority shall carry the vote.

4.5 If a COMMITTEE member does not attend a meeting they do not have a vote.

4.6 The Chairperson of the COMMITTEE shall preside at all the meetings and in his/her absence, the Vice-Chairperson shall assume his/her responsibilities.

4.7 The Vice-Chairperson of the COMMITTEE shall act in the capacity of secretary at all meetings.

4.8 Minutes of all COMMITTEE meetings will be made available to the public and the network-at-large through the IPTRN website.

4.9 The COMMITTEE may appoint sub-committees as required to meet overall objectives. All sub-committees will be provided specific terms of reference which will identify the task to be completed, guidelines to follow in completing the identified task, and a timeline of dates.

5.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1 The COMMITTEE will provide guidance of the day-to-day activities of the network.

5.2 The COMMITTEE will oversee and assist the host institution to keep the IPTRN website updated.

5.3 The COMMITTEE will examine the possibilities of networking and collaboration with other groups, e.g. joint meetings/conferences and memorandums of understanding.

5.4 The COMMITTEE will spearhead the holding of a bi-annual network conference, including leading the discussions around conference location. The COMMITTEE will endeavour to move the conference around the globe between the Eurasian Arctic, North American Arctic, and Antarctic. Where possible conferences will be located in the polar region, or adjacent sub-polar region versus major centers in more temperate locales.

5.5 Within this conference role, the COMMITTEE shall assist and advise a regional conference organizing committee who will make day-to-day conference decisions.

5.6 The COMMITTEE will act as the Scientific Advisory panel for the bi-annual conference, and appoint sub-committees as necessary to complete tasks such as, but not limited to, thematic positioning, abstract reviewing, keynote selection, editing and publishing conference proceedings.

6.0 RESOURCES AND FUNDING PROCEDURES

6.1 The COMMITTEE will endeavour to solicit funding for the network in cooperation with the host institution.

6.2 The COMMITTEE will act in an advisory capacity to members of the general membership, and shall act as a resource to all where applicable.

Presented by the 2010-2012 Steering Committee (June 16, 2010)
Machial Lamers - elected Chairperson
Daniela Liggett - elected Vice-chairperson
Alain A. Grenier - host institution representative (website administrator)
Edward Huijbens
Raynald Lemelin
Patrick Maher
Dieter Müller
Tanya O'Neill - student representative
Emma Stewart

 

June 16, 2010
Authored by P.T. Maher