Membership Information

The California Association of Toxicologists was formed for the mutual exchange of information within the field of toxicology, the discussion of professional problems of common interest and to improve the practice, elevate the standards and advance the cause of toxicology. To this end, we meet three times a year (March, June, and September), to engage in a variety of activities related to toxicology.

Membership is limited to persons of professional competence, integrity and good moral character.  There are three classes of membership currently available:

1. FULL MEMBER
   1. A person who meets the qualifications below may be admitted to the Association as a Full Member.
      1. Has been actively engaged in the field of toxicology for at least one (1) year.
      2. Has been recommended for membership by two (2) voting members familiar with his or her qualifications.
      3. Has shown interest in the Association by attending at least two (2) meetings with two (2) years.
      4. Has been proposed for membership by the Membership Committee and the Board of Directors.
      5. Has been approved by at least a two-thirds (2/.3) vote of the voting membership in attendance at a business meeting.
   2. A Full Member shall be registered with the Association, may vote, and is eligible to hold office.  Full members will receive Association mailings, and have access to all Association meetings.
       
2. ASSOCIATE MEMBER
   1. A person who shows interest in promoting the objective and purposes of the Association, but who does not qualify for full membership, may apply for status as an Associate Member.
   2. Associate Members may participate in Association meetings, will pay Association dues, and will receive Association mailings, but are not eligible to vote or hold office.
       
3. MEMBER EMERITUS
   1. A person who meets the qualifications below may become a Member Emeritus:
      1. A Charter Member in good standing.
         OR
         A Full Member in good standing with 20 years or more of uninterrupted CAT membership.
         AND
      2. At least 60 years old.
      3. Retired from the toxicology profession.
          
4. STUDENT MEMBER
   1. A person who meets the qualifications below may become a Student Member:
      1. The Student membership level is a temporary status that exists for individuals who are enrolled in toxicology or toxicology related undergraduate or graduate programs. Student membership status may be maintained as long as the Student member is enrolled full time in a program leading to a toxicology related degree. Each Student member must certify eligibility annually.
      2. Student members pay reduced membership fees and do not have voting privileges.
      3. Applicant must provide one (1) letter of reference from his/her academic advisor.

Membership is proposed by the Membership Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.  Additionally, approval by at least a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members in attendance at a business meeting is required.

If applying for Full Membership, please be sure when you solicit sponsorship that the sponsors are voting members who can attest to your professional experience and competence.  An incomplete application will not be accepted for consideration.

On receipt of the application, your sponsors will be notified and asked to submit a written recommendation for your membership.  When these sponsor letters have been returned, the completed application will be reviewed by the Membership Committee.  The Committee reports on the application at the next quarterly meeting where they are presented for approval by the Board of Directors and subsequently the general Membership.

All members, except Members Emeritus, pay annual dues.  As a Member of any classification, you will receive the Proceedings of the quarterly meetings which include a literature survey as well as a summary of the scientific session.  At the present time, dues are assessed only after the Board and general Membership have approved your application.  You will also receive a yearly Membership Roster listing all members and their addresses.

Members of the California Association of Toxicologists also have access to the lending library, continuing education credit, professional networking, discounted registration for meetings, and access to the members-only section of the CAT website that contains electronic copies of the Proceedings, meeting presentations and the CAT Literature Review. Members may also participate in the CAT Forum, a mail server ("listserv") program for the on-line exchange and discussion of issues related to toxicology.  Also available to members is the option of participating in a Quality Assurance Program with samples prepared by participating members.

Thank you for your interest in the California Association of Toxicologists.