Charter

Scope

The Interest Group is charged to promote the integration of statistical methodologies and innovations in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and to expand the role of statisticians in AI research, application, and leadership. The Interest Group's main focus will be empowering statisticians to better embrace emerging challenges and opportunities in the broad ecosystem of artificial intelligence research and applications. The Interest Group will organize working groups, conferences, workshops, panels, short courses, and webinars on timely topics, highlighting research frontiers, data and workflows, and computational and curricular resources.

Membership in the Interest Group is open to anyone interested in expanding the presence of statistics and statisticians in AI. Members of the Interest Group do not have to be ASA members, except for the Chair and Chair-Elect. There are no dues.

The Interest Group forms up to two working groups each year. These are specialized teams focused on specific topics or projects relevant to the Interest Group's goals. The structure and process for working groups are as follows:

1. Proposal and discussion

   Working groups can be proposed by any member before or during the Annual Business Meeting.

2. Selection

   After the Annual Business Meeting (see ARTICLE IV. Meetings), the Interest Group officers, in consultation with the Interest Group’s advisory board (see ARTICLE VI. Advisory Board), will review all suggestions and identify up to two working groups to be established each year.

3. Appointment of Chairs

   Working group chairs will be appointed by the Interest Group officers.

4. Responsibilities of Working Group Chairs

   These chairs will lead the group’s efforts and organize regular working group activities to drive progress. The working groups should be open to Interest Group members and create an inclusive environment for all who participate.

5. Meetings and Reporting

   Working group chairs will report on their progress at the quarterly virtual meetings of the Interest Group.

An advisory board will be established to provide strategic guidance and expert advice to the Interest Group. The advisory board will consist of prominent leaders and scholars in the fields of statistics and AI. The responsibilities and structure are as follows:

1. Composition The advisory board will include up to five members selected by the Interest Group officers. Members will be selected, by the Interest Group officers, based on their expertise and contributions to the fields of statistics and AI. At least one member should be from the private sector.
2. Term Advisory board members will serve a term of three years, with the possibility of reappointment.
3. Meetings The advisory board will be invited to attend the quarterly virtual meetings and the annual business meeting to review the Interest Group’s progress, to provide feedback on initiatives, and to offer strategic recommendations.
4. Roles and Responsibilities Advisory board members will:

   1. Provide expert advice on the direction and activities of the Interest Group.
   2. Assist in identifying resources, funding opportunities and partnerships.
   3. Support the development of educational and professional development programs.
   4. Act as ambassadors for the Interest Group within the broader scientific and professional community.

Summary of Roles

• Chair: responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the Interest Group, organizing the Annual Business Meeting and the Quarterly Virtual Meetings and representing the Interest Group.
• Chair-elect: assists the Chair, plans specific initiatives and working groups, and steps in during the Chair's absence.
• Program Chair / Program Chair-elect: work closely with the Chair and Chair-elect and lead the organization of the Interest Group’s program at conferences, the Interest Group’s own workshops, webinars, and other educational and networking events.
• Outreach Chair: manages external communications, partnerships, and efforts to collaborate with other organizations and societies in Artificial Intelligence.
• Secretary/Treasurer: manages the financial matters for the Interest Group, meeting minutes, and membership communications.

If the office of Chair or Program Chair becomes vacant, the Chair-elect and Program Chair-elect shall become the Chair and Program Chair, respectively, the terms extending through the following year.

The Interest Group’s immediate past Chair shall serve as Chair of the Nominating Committee. The Interest Group’s immediate past Program Chair will also serve on this committee. The Chair will also nominate one person to serve on the Nominating Committee.

Each year the Nominating Committee shall submit no later than September 1st to the Secretary and the Chair of Interest Group nominations for each position to be filled. In addition, any Interest Group member nominated by petition of 5 or more members of the Interest Group shall also appear on the annual ballot, provided that the petition is presented to the Secretary and Chair of the Interest Group by September 1st announcing the names of the candidates submitted by the Nominating Committee.

Balloting shall be carried out by the Past Chair for electing Interest Group officers and completed by November 1st. Ballots shall be sent to all those who express an interest in the Interest Group through the Interest Group intake Google form.

Amendments to this charter may be proposed by the officers of the Interest Group or by petition signed by at least 15 members of the Interest Group and submitted to the Interest Group officers.

The proposed amendment shall be submitted to the Interest Group members for vote at the time of the annual election of officers. If approved by a majority of the Interest Group members voting, the amendment is approved.

An approved amendment shall be effective immediately unless otherwise specified in the amendment itself.