From: Jac Vennix
To: Policy Council Members
Re: February 2001 Policy Council Meeting
Subject: Report on President’s Newsletter

The President’s Newsletter has gradually been changing over the last few years, reflecting both the existence of a web side (which now contains much information which was previously published in the newsletter), and the growth of our Society. We have had more and more interesting informational items for our members (e.g. news from centers around the world, news from sponsors etc.) as well as pictures both increasing the attractiveness of the newsletter. With the wonderful support of Roberta and Jennifer, I have tried to continue this policy of increasing the attractiveness of the newsletter for our members. We have included new (hopefully interesting) items like completed PhD's in system dynamics, new books by members, and last but not least lots of pictures of the Bergen conference.

I would urge all future presidents not to underestimate the importance of the newsletter, and to continue this line of work by writing two newsletters, while reflecting on further increasing the newsletter’s attractiveness and usefulness. One item that was not included in the newsletter this year, but which I would personally like, is news about members, e.g. someone getting promoted to full professor, someone going for a sabbatical leave etc. It will keep us informed about other members (after all the Society gets larger and larger), although of course the list of things to be reported on should be limited to noteworthy information.

I have really enjoyed working on both newsletters, although in all honesty I have to admit that by far most of the work was carried out by the Society office. Thanks go to Roberta and Jennifer.

Nijmegen, 15 January, 2001