What are the OALA membership categories? The by-laws of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects provide for six categories of OALA membership and affiliation: - Full members
- Associates
- Affiliates
- Emeritus members
- Student affiliates
- Honorary members
Below is a general description of each category. In Ontario only full members of the Association have the lawful right to use the designation “landscape architect” as provided for in clause 10.(1) of the OALA Act. Persons who are not full members of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects and use the title “landscape architect” are subject to prosecution. Full members of the Association have the right to vote on all matters of business requiring a ballot of the full membership. They are also eligible to serve on all committees and to hold elected positions on the Council of the Association. Under most circumstances, any person wishing to become a full member of the Association must spend a specific number of years, which varies depending upon academic qualification and experience, as an associate. Associates (Landscape Architectural Intern) With the exception of persons who are accredited full members of an equivalent professional association of landscape architects, any person aspiring to full membership in the Association must first complete a minimum period of time as an associate. Associates are eligible to serve on committees and to hold office as the associates’ representative on Council. Associates are not permitted to vote except in the election of the associate representative on Council, nor are they entitled to use the designation “landscape architect”. Only those persons who are interested in gaining full membership in the Association should apply for membership in this category. Those who do not aspire to full membership, but are interested in the profession of landscape architecture, should apply for membership under the affiliate category. Associate status is granted to an individual for a period of internship, not as a permanent category of membership.
Affiliate status in the Association is intended for persons who are interested in the profession of landscape architecture and have contributed to its study, appreciation, or practice. Affiliates of the Association are not permitted to use the designation “landscape architect”, nor are they eligible to hold office or serve on Council. Affiliates are eligible to serve on committees. A full member who has made a major contribution to the profession of landscape architecture but has ceased full time practice may be elected by Council to emeritus membership. An emeritus member is entitled to all privileges of full membership. Student affiliates are students in an OALA accredited or approved program in landscape architecture in Ontario who request affiliation with the Association. They may attend and participate in meetings and serve on committees, but are not allowed to vote except in the election of the student representative on Council. They may not use the designation “landscape architect” in any form. Honorary members are persons other than landscape architects who have performed notable service in advancing the cause of landscape architecture in Ontario. They may participate in meetings of the Association and serve on committees, but may not vote, hold office, or use the designation “landscape architect”. Honorary members may be nominated by any full member, and are appointed by Council. |