Constitution¹

ARTICLE I. NAME
This Association shall temporarily be called "Overseas Chinese Earth Science and Technology Association."

ARTICLE II. PURPOSES
The purposes of this Association are to facilitate professional contacts and fellowship among Chinese earth scientists around the world, and to promote scientific exchange, and to advance earth science and technology.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
The members of this Association shall be those of Chinese earth scientists residing overseas who are interested in the purposes of the association. Chinese earth scientists from other parts of the world, who are interested in the purposes of the association, are eligible for membership. All members are required to submit an application form and pay membership dues. Membership in this association shall be classified as (a) permanent member, (b) member, and (c) student member.

ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS
The officers of this association shall be a President, a Vice President, a Treasurer, and several councilors from regional sections around the world. The Council of this association consists of the President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and regional councilors.

The President of this association shall have the authority to establish, maintain, and dissolve standing and ad hoc committees on matters such as nomination and election, scientific program, meetings, and other operations of the programs of this association. The chairmen of committees shall be appointed by the President.

ARTICLE V. ELECTION
The President shall be elected from among the members of the Association by means of ballot. The term of the President is for two years, commencing January 1 following election. The Vice-President, Treasurer, and regional councils are appointed by the President.

ARTICLE VI. DUES
The membership dues shall be payable to the association with a schedule to be established by the Council according to membership status (permanent member, member, and student member).

ARTICLE VII. MEETINGS
The association shall hold at least one meeting of its members each year, at a time and place designated by the Council. The Council shall decide on holding regional meetings, meetings on specific scientific topics, and social gatherings.

ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS
Amendments to the Constitution of this association shall be proposed jointly by at least two members in a written proposal submitted to the Council. The proposal shall be decided by members of the association by a vote.

1 Adopted from the Constitution of NACESA (drafted 3/5/98). Revisions will be made by a special committee chaired by Dr. Chen-Lin Chou.