Cluster Approval Process: Current practice does not align with P&P documentation

[relphj]

Cluster Approval Process: Current practice does not align with P&P documentation. Current practice is documented in the How to cluster document and summarized in the Cluster application form. The VP remains responsible for the decision.

1. P&P 1.3 Corporate Organization Section 8 Part 1
2. How to Cluster
3. Cluster Application Form

[acrall]

Sharing relevant information from the how to cluster document:

Propose an ESIP Cluster
To propose an ESIP Cluster, you will need to [complete a form with the following information:

• Name of proposed Cluster
• Name of initial chairperson and co-chairperson
• Names, affiliations, and email addresses of committed members
• Preliminary description of Cluster and Cluster goals (reference section Set Cluster Goals)
• What is the motivation for forming the Cluster? How will the Cluster know it is successful in terms of goals and outputs? What is the anticipated timeline for achieving your goals? If known, how does the Cluster fit in with or how will it interact with others? How is this proposed work related to your day job? Is your employer supportive of your involvement in this effort?

All proposals will be reviewed by the Program Committee, chaired by the Board Vice President, in consultation with ESIP staff. The Vice President makes the final decision. Proposals will be reviewed considering the following criteria:

• Alignment of Cluster goals with the mission of ESIP
• Engagement of individuals affiliated with one or more partner organization (reference section Who can propose an ESIP cluster)
• Limited to no overlap with the goals and activities of existing Clusters
• Capacity of ESIP staff to support a new Cluster

[relphj]

My reading: The creation of a new cluster is approved by the Vice President in consultation with the Program Committee and ESIP Staff.

[BenGalewsky]

My reading is that the current policy doesn't actually have any responsibility for approving new clusters. This needs to be updated

[BenGalewsky]

"Anyone who is employed by or is a member of an ESIP Partner Organization can propose an ESIP Cluster" the VP in consultation with the program committee and ESIP Staff