Present: Barbara Burrell, Karen Baker, Deborah Haliczer, Amy Levin, Judith Lukaszuk, Doreen Mace Shirley Mashare, Jan Rintala, Julie Robertson, Rhonda Robinson, Lise Schlosser, Debbie Smith-Shank, Marianne Tomlinson, Josephine Umoren.
Absent: Dee Abrahamson, Virginia Cassidy, Glenda Jones, Lisa Kay, Regina Rahn, Denise Schoenbachler, Lorraine Scurti.
Guest: Leslie Rigg and Members of Secretarial Advisory Council: Louise Calderone (Psych), Dee Malm (Outreach), Rose Miller (HR), Diana Ramp (Law), Pat Siebrasse (FCNS).
The meeting was called to order at 1:05 p.m. by Chair, Josephine Umoren in Altgeld Hall 203. Jan Rintala made a motion to approve the minutes from the November 8, 2006 meeting. Shirley Mashare seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously. Introductions were made and Jan Rintala announced that she would be going on sabbatical next semester. Leslie Rigg would be taking her place on the Research Committee. Josephine Umoren thanked Jan for everything she has done for the PCSW during her term and wished her well during her sabbatical.
Members of the Secretarial Advisory Council (names are listed above) were invited to join us today to discuss concerns of NIU secretaries. The Secretarial Advisory Council began in 1995 because of concerns raised regarding secretarial status. Surveys were completed during 1998 and 2004 by the Secretarial Advisory Council and the results were shared with the PCSW members. Currently they are recommending that parking fees be based on salaries to the University Council and working compiling mentor packets for new secretaries. When asked how the PCSW could assist them with their concerns the response was the campus climate salary issues. NIU secretaries have the lowest salaries in the state. This fact along with the issue of longevity of employment and shifting of workload responsibilities are items the PCSW may what to research. A motion was made by Deborah Haliczer that a representative from the Secretarial Advisory Council be appointed by the President to the PCSW to assist with these concerns. Jan Rintala seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously. Josephine Umoren will request the change with Dr. Tom Krepel and President John Peters.
Affirmative Action Diversity Resources Report: Karen Baker reported that this committee is being reestablished. It originally was a combination of the Social Justice Task Force and Affirmative Action Advisement committees. By-laws are being drafted and Karen will not chair the committee as it will be inappropriate for her to advise herself as director of the unit. Co-chairs will be chosen and representative from various areas. PCSW will need to assign a representative. Anyone interested should contact Josephine Umoren.
Campus Climate and Quality of Life: Amy Levine reported they had not met.
Personal Professional Development: Julie Robertson announced that the spring networking luncheons are being planned. February’s speaker will hopefully be Carol Owens from Athletics; in late March, Judith Lukaszuk from FCNS and in April the presentation of the two new PCSW awards (see below) by either Lois Self or Sue Doederlein.
Research: Jan Rintala reported that this will be her last meeting. The committee will finalize the report on gender equity and forward it to President Peters on behalf of the PCSW in early January. The report responds mostly to faculty but does mention SPS and Operating Staff. Additions to these areas should follow in other studies or surveys. Leslie Riggs will be replacing her on the Research committee. Josephine Umoren thanked the research committee for all their work.
Awards and Recognition: Betty Baugh reported that the Martha Cooper Journalism Award will be presented at the Journalism Banquet Friday April 27th. International Women’s Day Luncheon will be held Wednesday, March 7, in the Chandelier Room, the speaker will be Chien-Juh Gu. Her topic will be on her research on Taiwanese women immigrants in the Chicago area and the key points in their life cycles. The Outstanding Women Student nomination deadline is December 20. Reminders have been placed in Northern Today and the NIU Announcements. Memos have been sent to Deans, Chairs, and Administrators reminding them of the deadline and asking them to encourage faculty to nominate qualified students. The deadline is also on the NIU calendar. The Wilma D. Stricklin Award will have a March 1st deadline and be presented on Honors Day at the Outstanding Women Student Awards. Notices will be sent electronically to remind individuals of the nomination deadline.
Women Who Make a Difference. This award would be given to NIU women civil service, professional staff and faculty. It would be a one-time award. Nominations would consist of a nomination letter and two supporting letters. One or two of these awards would be presented annually. The deadline will be March 1st and they will be awarded at the April PCSW Networking Luncheon. Award recipients will receive a certificate and engraved Lucite paperweight. The publicity will be a direct mailing, announcement(s) in Northern Today, and posting on PCSW website. Critera for the award: shows outstanding dedication to the empowerment of NIU women by making changes at the unit level; makes important contributions to addressing issues that are important to women; goes "the extra mile" to assist others.
Outstanding Mentor Award. This award would be given to NIU women civil service, professional staff and faculty. It will be a one-time award. Nominations will consist of a nomination letter and two supporting letters. One or two of these awards would be presented annually. The deadline will be March 1st and they will be awarded at the April PCSW Networking Luncheon. Award recipients will receive a certificate and engraved Lucite paperweight. The publicity will be a direct mailing, announcement(s) in Northern Today, and posting on PCSW website. Critera for the award would be: shows exceptional commitment to advancing the career and/or educational goals of NIU women students, staff, and/or faculty; consistently acts as an exemplary teacher/coach/advisor/facilitator/resource in helping NIU women achieve career and/or educational goals; creates opportunities that help protégés achieve their goals; demonstrates the characteristics of an outstanding role model within their area of expertise.
Women’s History Month Update: Amy Levin reported that a poster designer has been located and speakers are being lined up. Two key note speakers are finalized so far.
Josephine Umoren announced that the search for Director of the Women’s Resource Center continues. There are twenty-two applicants of which several have been identified to be interviewed the first part of January. They are also requesting to advertise the Assistant Director position.
The Supportive Professional Staff Awards Ceremony will be held April 10th.
Amy Levin made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Deborah Haliczer seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Josephine Umoren adjourned the meeting at 2:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Baugh