It is responsible for overseeing the management of AURA's responsibilities as the Managing Organization for the Gemini Project as agreed to by the international partnership. This includes carrying out periodic reviews of the program to ensure that the Project meets scope and other scientific and technical requirements within cost and schedule. AURA recognizes the role of the Gemini Science Committee in providing advice on scientific issues and does not provide independent scientific direction to the Project. The AOC-G consists of eight core members and the AURA President, ex officio. Core members are elected by the AURA Board.
Council members serve staggered three-year terms.
One-half of the members are derived from the Board of Directors or the Member Representatives, or in combination therefrom. The other half come from outside the Board and Member Representatives. Management Councils elect their own officers. The president of each AURA member institution appoints one representative to serve as its Member Representative. Member Representatives typically are either astronomers or high-level administrators.