Access and Culture Committee
Access and Culture Committee
Overview
The Access and Culture Committee supports SEG’s mission by advising the SEG Board of Directors on setting and maintaining goals, strategies, and implementation activities related to SEG’s Access and Culture Policy. The committee’s work supports SEG’s mission to advance the science and application of geophysics for the benefit of humanity, by ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have access to participate in and benefit from the Society’s programs. The committee provides guidance to other SEG entities and encourages a culture of where all members feel respected and empowered to contribute to SEG’s mission within the Society and among its stakeholders.
Objectives
The committee fulfills its mission by:
- Developing and updating goals, strategies, and implementation plans for SEG’s Access and Culture Policy, and recommending them for adoption by the Board of Directors.
- Collaborating with SEG component leaders to assess and enhance systemic improvements to achieve the intent and purpose of SEG’s Access and Culture Policy.
- Providing guidance on representation in SEG committees.
- Serving as ambassadors for SEG's Access and Culture Policy.
- Support planning and participation during events which complies with SEG’s
- Access and Culture Policy, including the SEG Annual Meeting.
Composition and Membership
The committee is led by a chair and a vice chair who typically serve two-year terms that begin and end during the SEG Annual Meeting. The vice chair acts as chair in the absence or incapacity of the chair and assumes the chair position if the incapacity or absence of the chair is extended or permanent. After serving in a role subordinate to the chair, the vice chair typically advances to the chair position if recommended by the chair. The vice chair is selected through a vote of committee members, as is the chair if no vice chair is available, prepared, or recommended by the chair to advance. Advancement to the chair position is subject to approval by the president, who holds appointment power.
The chair considers the vice chair's performance, engagement, and understanding of SEG’s Access and Culture Policy before recommending succession. A vote of committee members may be conducted at the chair’s discretion when a vacancy in the vice-chair position exists or is pending. The chair may appoint subcommittees and chairs of those subcommittees. Board and staff liaisons are appointed annually.
The committee shall be comprised of no fewer than 11 members and no more than 15, including the chair and vice chair. The committee shall include members from varied backgrounds and a broad range of perspectives. Each member shall be appointed for a three-year term that may be renewed once. The membership term of a chair may be extended by one year to accommodate a two-year term as chair, if necessary.
The committee strives for representation across a range of perspectives, including geographic location, career stage, field of expertise, and demographics relevant to SEG's global and multidisciplinary membership.
Committee leaders and members must be willing and able to serve as internal and external ambassadors for SEG’s commitment to:
- Recognize and eliminate barriers that may inhibit participation.
- Seek to provide access to SEG resources and opportunities, recognizing that different members may need different forms of support.
- Value a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds within the Society.
- Foster a culture where all members feel respected and empowered to contribute to the mission of SEG.
Current Leadership (2026–2027):
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Chair | Eileen Martin |
| Board Liaison | Lillian Flakes |
| Staff Liaison | Jennifer Cobb |
Policy and Procedures
The official SEG Policy and Procedures Manual section for this committee can be accessed here: → SEG Policy and Procedures Manual
Annual Reports
Below are recent annual reports submitted to the SEG Board:
- {2024 Report}
- No Report for 2025
Meetings
The committee meets at least quarterly via any means agreed by committee leadership and committee members. If it is desirable to schedule a meeting during the Society's Annual Meeting, the chair requests the SEG Business Office to schedule a meeting time and place. In addition to inviting current committee members to this meeting, the chair invites the incoming chair if a new chair, not already a member of the committee, has been appointed. The incoming chair is encouraged to invite incoming committee members to attend. The Business Office, through the staff liaison, helps facilitate meetings called by the chair, and ensures disability accommodations necessary for members to participate are in place. Subcommittees meet at a frequency established by subcommittee or committee chairs.
Resources and Links
Contact
For questions or to express interest in volunteering for this committee, please contact: [email protected]