ITEMS FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Fall National Meeting
August 2025
1. Petition to form a Committee for the Advancement of LGBTQ+ Chemists (CALC):
This committee would have as its role the continuation of the ACS policy of having the ACS be a professional home for all chemists by examining ways to involve chemists of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
2. Petition to Realign the Committee on Publications (PUBS):
This petition would alter PUBS to an advisory committee reporting to the Governing Board for Publishing (GBP) from a Committee reporting to the Board of Directors and Council, as well as increasing the recruitment to individuals with experience relevant expertise and experience.
3. Petition to Amend the Name and Duties of the Committee on Public Relations and Communications (CPRC):
This petition would change the name of CPRC to The Committee on Communicating Chemistry (COMM) as well as changing their duties to explicitly omit Public Relations. It would also better align the function/duties of the committee with the current Strategic Plan.
4. Petition to Amend the Duties of the Committee on International Activities (IAC):
This petition authorizes the IAC to work with ICSCs to bring them more into compliance with the governing rules of other sections, divisions, and local sections of the ACS by requiring officers, minimum membership, and annual reports, as well as affiliation with local technical organizations. It also allows for the IAC to recommend to Council new ICSCs and changes in territory or name.
5. Professional Employment Guidelines, Draft 11th Edition:
These guides have recommended practices concerning employment of professional scientist in the areas of (1) Beginning Employment; (2) Employment Environment; (3) Professional Development; (4) Involuntary Separation.
Beginning: Employer should clearly outline duties, responsibilities, scope, of job, and required education, background, and experience needed; any conflict of interest between hiring team and any prospective employee should immediately be disclosed. Conditions of employment should be fully and completely to the prospective employee. Prospective employee should only apply for jobs for which they are qualified and have a serious interest; they should not abuse the funds of the current employer in their search.
Environment: Benefits, including Health Care plans available, should be clearly spelled out. Similar for disability insurance, vacation, and retirement plans. Employee must maintain the confidentiality of the intellectual property of the employer. Employer should not claim intellectual property of the employee which were not developed during employer’s time and using the properties/devices of the employer. Employee should inform, in writing, both the employer and co-workers of any safety concerns. Employer should make reasonable safety and health accommodations for any employer who is either disabled (temporary or permanent) or who is pregnant. Employer and employee should foster a respectful, ethical, and productive work-space.
Professional Development: Employers should encourage and support employees in maintaining/gaining technical competence and skills by providing reasonable financial assistance.
Involuntary Separation: Such termination shall only be for cause. Care should be taken to assure the dignity of the employee.
6. Petition for Changes in Local Section Territory:
This petition would allow for members within the US living in areas not assigned to Local Sections to receive the benefits of being in a Local Section, including representation by Local Section Councilors. The final recommended assignments can be seen at: www.acs.org/localssections/unassignedterritory.
7. Petition to Charter International Chemical Sciences Chapters:
This petition would establish an ICSC in Guatenakam to be known as the Guatenala International Chemical Sciences Chapter.
Please send all questions and comments to your Councilors: Rebecca Lucht (ralucht@solventum.com), Frank Torre (ftorre@springfieldcollege.edu), Julianna Smist (jsmist@springfieldcollege.edu), and David Myers (drdavid011358@gmail.com) with Subject Line “Questions & Comments on Council Actions”
