American Academy Member Election Process

The American Academy elects members in thirty-one sections that are organized within five classes, including the mathematical and physical sciences, the biological sciences, the social and behavioral sciences, humanities, arts, journalism, business and philanthropy, educational leadership, public policy and institutional leadership. The election process starts with nominations submitted only by previously elected members of the organization. We cannot accept outside nominations, nor do we welcome solicitation by individuals on behalf of themselves or by their institution.

The process consists of the following steps:

• Call for Nominations: The primary criteria for candidates are excellence in the field and a record of continued accomplishment or the creation of a new field or discipline. 
• Preliminary Evaluation Ballot – The first round of voting is the Preliminary Evaluation Ballot (PEB), which is thirty-one separate ballots going out to each section of the Academy.
• Appraisal List – The second-round ballot is distributed to all voting members of the Academy.
• Election - The Academy’s Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing and approving the slate of candidates recommended for election. Results are announced in April.

Every year over 200 Academy members participate on section panels that review the initial ballot results and make recommendations as to who advances from the preliminary evaluation ballot to the appraisal list and on class committees who make recommendations for election to the Board of the Academy.

Members may log in for additional information and to access nomination forms.