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hands-on participation, the Research Expedition Program hopes to foster greater personal and perhaps financial commitment by Associates than less-participatory programs have traditionally been able to do.

There exist numerous field situations in which motivated individuals, with on-the-site training, can be an asset to the scientist. This program will offer members the opportunity to participate actively in Smithsonian projects while providing direct financial support and volunteer labor to the research staff.

A major goal of the new program is to reach a more active, possibly younger, segment of the Associate population that has not significantly gravitated to exiting study tours and seminar programs. Direct and personal involvement is key to the program's success. Volunteers and scientists will work together and share in the significance of their discoveries. These participants will be cultivated for long-term commitment to Smithsonian research through updates on the projects and news of upcoming research that may appeal to their interests.

The Smithsonian National Associate Program will provide comprehensive back-up support (marketing, registration and logistics), while giving the scientist control over the project's content. Proposals for new projects will be accepted from all Smithsonian bureaus and reviewed for appropriateness to the Associate audience. A portion of each participant's contribution will be used for necessary administrative and marketing expenses, though every effort will be made to provide maximum funding to the scientist. Contributions will cover all group living expenses and field costs during the expedition, and, whenever possible, funds for equipment, follow-up lab work or write-up costs.

The program plans to have five, 15-member, two-week teams in the field by August 1988. Currently, research proposed by the National Museum of Natural History, National Air and Space Museum, and Office of Folklife Programs is being considered, but projects from all other bureaus are welcomed. Research related to upcoming exhibitions will also receive serious consideration.

The program is projected to grow slowly, soliciting only Smithsonian-based proposals. It is estimated that approximately 25 teams will be placed in the field annually by 1992.

[[underlined]] EXECUTIVE SESSION AND ADJOURNMENT [[/underlined]]

After a brief executive session with the Secretary, in which the Board agreed to commission a sculpted bust of Secretary Emeritus Ripley for display in the S. Dillon Ripley Center, the meeting of the Board of Regents was adjourned at approximately 11:45 a.m. and was followed by an informal luncheon with the Secretary and members of his Management Committee.