A Selection Committee is a group of people tasked with evaluating and selecting candidates for a particular position. This type of group is often used by businesses, universities and organizations to help remove bias in the hiring process, as well as ensure that all interests are taken into consideration.
A committee may be made up of employees, managers or outsiders who are not affiliated with the company. While small businesses may not benefit from a committee, larger companies can reap many benefits from establishing one. By including diverse members, a Selection Committee can ensure that all viewpoints are considered when making the final decision.
Historically, select committees were designed to look at specific issues that had significant impacts on federal legislation or American history. For example, the 1821 Select Committee on Missouri’s admission to the Union addressed the issue of slavery in newly admitted states and helped draft the Missouri Compromise. In more recent times, select committees have been used to investigate issues such as the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. and to run inquiries into government departments or economic affairs.
The chair of a Selection Committee sets the rules for meetings and presides over the committee’s deliberations. They are responsible for ensuring that confidentiality is maintained and that conflict of interest rules are followed. The chair must be a member of the committee and can be nominated by another member.
APS recommends that all Selection Committee members participate in at least one conference call to discuss nominations and scores. APS staff will provide connection information with advance notice.
There are 13 members on the Selection Committee to provide a diversity of viewpoints, geographical representation and active discussion. The number was chosen to maximize the chance for productive discussion and the possibility of reaching a majority vote, with all participants having the opportunity to contribute.
How does the Selection Committee decide which teams receive an at-large bid? The Selection Committee takes a variety of factors into account, including RPI and NET rankings, strength of schedule, conference standing, team accomplishments, and head-to-head matchups. In addition, the Selection Committee considers the reputation of a program and its ability to host a tournament, as well as the overall quality of the field.
Is the Selection Committee compensated?
Currently, Selection Committee members are unpaid. However, they are reimbursed for travel and other expenses related to their participation in the Committee.
While there are no minimum qualifications, it is highly recommended that a person has experience in the field for which they are being considered. Additionally, it is important that a Selection Committee member has a background in mathematics or computing. It is also helpful to have a mix of men and women on the committee, as this promotes gender equity. Lastly, the Committee must be committed to recognizing a broad range of outstanding contributions in the fields in which the Prize is awarded. This commitment to equity and inclusion is a fundamental element of the SIAM Principles of Awards and Honors.