The Advanced Photon Source (APS) is a state-of-the-art third-generation x-ray source funded by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) as a national resource to carry out forefront basic and applied research in a wide variety of scientific disciplines. Much of the research is conducted and facilitated by Partner Users, which have entered into agreements with the APS either to build and operate facilities at the APS or to otherwise significantly enhance the programs of the APS. As a result, extended-scope Partner User organizations represent significant commitments and investments from non-BES sources. Effective communication between the Partner Users and the APS is essential to achieving their common goals and to carrying out their joint mission. Consequently, the various Partner Users have come together to create a Council to discuss issues and to facilitate communication with APS management.

This organization shall be called the Advanced Photon Source (APS) Partner Users Council (PUC).

• The Council shall be advisory to the Director of the Advanced Photon Source. Written recommendations are to be provided to the APS Director, APS User Organization (APSUO) Steering Committee, or the APS-SAC as required.
• The Council shall provide advice and recommendations to the APS Director in the matters affecting current and future beamline operations, APS facility development, and the special APS-to-Partner User relationship.
• The Council shall serve as an advocacy group for the facility, its partners, and the user community.

• Membership:
  • A CAT (defined as group operating a beamline with non-BES/SUF funding) is recognized as an extended-scope Partner User, so each CAT Director or a permanent policy-level designee is a member of the PUC.
  • A CDT is considered an extended-scope Partner User until it transitions to an XSD sector. Each CDT Director is a member of the PUC.
  • For CATs or CDTs encompassing multiple sectors with different missions, each sector may have a separate representative in lieu of a single representative for the entire consortium.
  • The PUC Chairperson may recognize areas that are deemed essential and otherwise not represented on the PUC and invite representatives that can speak to those areas.
• Chairperson. The members of the PUC shall elect from among themselves a Chairperson who shall conduct meetings and act as a point of contact for the PUC. The Chairperson shall be responsible for calling and chairing the meetings.
  • Roles and Responsibilities
    • The Chairperson shall serve as representative (ex-officio) to the SAC, or may designate this responsibility to another PUC member. This role requires participation in annual SAC meetings, sector reviews (when appropriate), and other activities requested by the APS.
    • The Chairperson shall serve as representative to the APS Operations Directorate, or may designate this responsibility to another PUC member.
    • Ad Hoc Representation. From time to time, the Chairperson may create other ad hoc positions for specific purposes when APS or other entities request representation from the PUC. The Chairperson shall specify a term for the appointment when the appointment is made.
  • Term of Office. The Chairperson will serve for a period of two years and may serve for no more than two consecutive terms.
• Committees.
  • Nominations Committee. The past chairperson of the PUC shall select a committee to create a slate of candidates to serve as Chairperson. At least 2 candidates must be presented to the PUC for its consideration.

Periodic regular meetings shall be held at the APS site at least semi-annually. Additional special meetings may be called by the Chairperson and may take place at the APS, another venue, via conference call, via teleconference, or via videoconference.

• The Advanced Photon Source shall provide administrative support for all PUC Meetings.
• Committees are expected to meet as needed to accomplish the goals and objectives of the respective group.
• The Chairperson shall call a special PUC meeting on the written request of five or more members.
• A quorum shall be a minimum of 2/3 of the members.

Officers shall be elected by a simple majority vote.

Amendments

Proposed revisions or amendments to the bylaws shall be submitted to the Chairperson for consideration at the next PUC meeting. The bylaws shall be approved if two-thirds of all members favorably vote for the amendment or revision within two weeks of the meeting. Voting outside of a meeting may be done either via electronic mail, fax, or post.