Terms of Reference
Reproductive Imaging (RISIG)
Approved November 2008
1. Preamble:
The Reproductive Imaging Special Interest Group (RISIG) is an assembly of both clinical and research imaging professionals and interested parties, whose objective is the upgrading and dissemination of knowledge and skills relevant to reproductive imaging.
Reproductive Imaging is a rapidly expanding, important specialty which has proven to be essential for the understanding, investigation and treatment of Infertility.
2. Mandate:
The mandate of the Reproductive Imaging Special Interest Group (RISIG) is to promote the advancement of imaging techniques for diagnosis, as well as for therapeutic purposes, and to foster research in their clinical applications. The RISIG will promote improvement in access to care, diagnosis and management of infertility in Canada. It will promote the ongoing education and professional development of imaging professionals and encourage practical cooperation between imaging professionals and centres involved with treatment of patients affected by infertility.
3. Objectives:
3.1. To increase the profile of Reproductive Imaging professionals in Canada.
3.2. To represent the voice of Reproductive Imaging professionals regarding professional standards.
3.3. To act as a resource for Reproductive Imaging professionals.
3.4. To promote a communication for the exchange of Reproductive Imaging ideas and information.
3.5. To promote continuing education programs, which reflect current issues and trends, and meet the needs and requirements of Reproductive Imaging professionals.
3.6. To liaise with researchers on studies involving Reproductive Imaging.
4. Membership:
Membership in the RISIG is open to all members of the CFAS and is granted through registration with the RISIG. All members of the RISIG may vote in person, or by mail and hold office.
5. Governance:
The Reproductive Imaging SIG is governed by an Executive Committee consisting of no less than five members and headed by a Chair and Vice-chair.
The Executive Committee governs in accordance with the CFAS Special Interest Groups Relationships and Guidelines.
5.1. Election process:
5.1.1. A call for nominations to the positions available on the Executive Committee will be broadcast annually to the SIG members by email and through the CFAS web site.
5.1.2. Nominations for these positions must be made by members of the SIG in writing (e-mail, fax, or mail) and must be received by the Chair each year.
5.1.3. The Chair will contact nominees to accept nominations.
5.1.4. A list of candidates, including short biographies, will be posted on the RISIG page of the CFAS web site each year.
5.1.5. Votes can be cast by members of the RISIG.
5.1.6. The names of the successful candidates will be announced to the membership at the RISIG annual assembly.
5.2. Terms in office:
5.2.1. The Chair and Vice-chair are elected for a term of two years. The Chair and/or Vice-chair can be re-elected for a second term.
5.2.2. The outgoing Chair will sit as Past Chair at the end of their term in office.
5.2.3. The Executive Committee officers are elected for a term of three years.
5.2.4. There should be no more than two officers rotating on any given year to promote continuity.
5.3. Roles and Responsibilities:
5.3.1. The Executive Committee plans and organizes activities to achieve the objectives of the RISIG.
5.3.2. The Vice-chair assumes the responsibilities of the chair in his/her absence.
5.3.3. The Executive Committee must hold at least two business meetings (one in person and the other either electronic or teleconference) each year. The Chair will act as moderator at these meetings. There is quorum when at least three members of the Executive Committee are present at a meeting. Every matter is determined by a majority of votes.
5.3.4. The Executive Committee must keep minutes of these business meetings.
5.3.5. The Executive Committee must organize one general assembly of the membership each year. The Chair will act as moderator at this assembly.
5.3.6. The Executive Committee must present a report of the activities of the preceding year at the general assembly.
5.3.7. The Executive Committee must present the plans for the next year at the general assembly. Planned activities must be approved by the membership.
5.3.8. The Chair must provide an annual report each year to the CFAS executive. It should summarize the RISIG’s activities of the preceding year and state proposed plans for the next year.
5.3.9. The Chair meets with the CFAS executive on an annual basis to discuss their plans for the year and other issues of interest.
6. Revision policy:
The Executive Committee will undertake a comprehensive revision of this document every five years and submit the proposed changes to the membership for approval prior to submission to the CFAS Board.