This document describes the Bylaws governing the Workshop on Synchronization and Timing Systems (WSTS), formerly Workshop on Synchronization in Telecommunications Systems.
Background
This industry-neutral technology workshop has occurred annually since 1992. While the original focus was traditional wire-line telecommunication synchronization (sync) requirements in North America, the Workshop has grown in step with the expanding need for timing in industry. The design of the meeting is to focus on current issues and provide a forum for discussion of new developments in sync, along with opportunities for networking. Hence, this meeting is a Workshop. In addition, the Workshop will include some tutorial-level material. Also, the Workshop provides organizations the opportunity to present the latest advances in synchronization techniques via demonstrations and booths.
Governance Structure
The WSTS is managed by a Steering Group (SG), led by a General Chair Person, a Vice Chair Person and an Executive Steering Group (ESG). The General and Vice Chairs are members of the ESG. The General Chair works to organize the general structure of the meeting, and provides liaison among the ESG, the SG, the organization running the Workshop, the attendees, exhibitors and sponsors. The Vice Chair backs up the General Chair, and is available to take on that role if needed. The ESG develops the agenda for the meeting, including the strategic priorities for the event and the main topics upon which to focus each year. The SG reviews the work of the ESG, provides feedback and suggestions, and ultimately approves the agenda.
The SG members chair sessions for the Workshop. In this role, the session chairs are responsible for and in control of the session, by choosing the session speakers and talks, interacting with speakers, reviewing talks in advance of the Workshop, and running the session at the Workshop. The session chairs first encourage speakers to submit their talks, typically 3-4 weeks before the Workshop. They then go through the talks looking for ways to improve them. In reviewing talks, SG members work with authors to restrict any evidence of marketing or other breaches of industry neutral intent. The SG members also work with authors to optimize the coordination of talks in the session.
The Steering Group is composed of synchronization experts representing a cross section of users, manufacturers and professionals associated with industries with a need for synchronization. Membership of the Steering Group is open to any individual who can demonstrate knowledge of and a contribution to the need and understanding for sync in industry. Members are elected onto the Steering Group by being proposed and seconded by existing members and approved by at least 50% of the total SG membership. Steering Group members are expected to contribute their time to developing, organizing and running the Workshop. If they cannot contribute, they are expected to resign. The Steering Group can remove a member with a vote in favor by least 75% of the members. There is an Advisory Committee consisting of individuals whose affiliation with the Workshop can help its development or promotion. Members are elected by being proposed and approved by at least 50% of the SG. Advisory Committee members have no official duties, but can be available for consultation, or can lend their names to help promotion.