Overview of the Structure of ECAR

ECAR is organised into five core bodies:

  1. General Assembly

  2. Officers

  3. Board of the College

  4. Committees

  5. Auditors

1. General Assembly

  • Legislative body of the College.

  • Meets annually.

  • Comprised of all Diplomates. 

  • Elects Board members and approves changes to Constitution & Bylaws.

  • Reviews and approves financial reports and disciplinary actions.

  • Can expel Diplomates upon recommendation of the Board.

2. Officers of the College

  • Serve honorary roles.

  • Include:

    • President

    • Vice-President

    • Past-President

    • Executive Secretary

    • Treasurer

    • (Optional) Vice-Secretary

  • Officers are typically also Board members.

Terms:

  • Vice-President: 3 years → becomes President (3 years) → becomes Past-President (3 years).

  • Executive Secretary, Vice-Secretary, and Treasurer: Appointed by the Board (3-year renewable terms).

3.  Board of the College

  • Executive body that manages ECAR operations.

  • Consists of:

    • President

    • Vice-President

    • Past-President

    • 6 elected Board members

  • Members elected for 3-year terms, renewable up to 3 times

  • Responsibilities:

    • Handle policy and operations.

    • Appoint committees.

    • Conduct exams and handle disciplinary matters.

    • Manage College finances.

    • Approve training programmes and set fees.

4.  Committees

There are several standing committees, each reporting to the Board:

a. Examination Committee

  • At least 6 ECAR Diplomates.

  • Prepare and administer the qualifying examination.

  • Represent all species groups and subspecialities.

b. Education and Residency Committee

  • At least 6 ECAR Diplomates.

  • Oversee:

    • Residency programme criteria.

    • Resident progress and evaluation.

    • Approval of training centres.

    • Admission to the ECAR exam.

c. Appeals Committee (ad hoc)

  • Convenes in case of appeals against ECAR decisions.

  • Composed of 3 Diplomates (not on the Board or the original decision-making committee).

Other committees may be formed at the Board’s discretion.

5. Auditors

  • Elected by the General Assembly.

  • Serve 3-year terms (re-election allowed).

  • Review the Treasurer’s report and submit a financial assessment annually.

How These Bodies Interact?

  • The General Assembly is the decision-making authority.

  • The Board executes policy and oversees the College’s operations.

  • The Officers lead and manage specific responsibilities within the Board.

  • The Committees carry out detailed academic, training, and procedural functions.

  • The Auditors ensure financial transparency and accountability.