Present: Barbara Burrell, Virginia Cassidy, Glenda Jones, Celeste Latham, Amy Levin, Judith Lukaszuk, Doreen Mace, Shirley Mashare, Regina Rahn, Julie Robertson, Rhonda Robinson, Debbie Smith-Shank, Marianne Tomlinson, Josephine Umoren.
Absent: Dee Abrahamson, Karen Baker, Deborah Haliczer, Lisa Kay, Leslie Rigg, Jan Rintala, Lise Schlosser, Denise Schoenbachler, Lorraine Scurti.
The meeting was called to order at 1:05 p.m. by Chair, Josephine Umoren in Altgeld Hall 203. Amy Levin made a motion to approve the minutes from the December 13, 2006 meeting. Barbara Burrell seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously. Introductions were made.
Affirmative Action Diversity Resources Report: Glenda Jones reported that they had met and will meet on the third Tuesday of the month. At the last meeting the mission was up-dated and a brainstorming session was held to determine their goals. The next meeting will be held February 20th. Amy Levin volunteered to represent the PCSW.
Campus Climate and Quality of Life: Amy Levine reported they had not met.
Personal Professional Development: Julie Robertson announced that she has been unable to confirm a speaker for February’s networking luncheon. Judith Lukaszuk from FCNS will speak on March 30th and on April 10th the presentation of the two new PCSW awards will be co-hosted by Lois Self and Sue Doederlein, location to be determined.
Research: The Gender Equity report is being formatted and in final edit. It will be sent one final time prior to being sent to President Peters.
Awards and Recognition: Betty Baugh reported that 120 individuals have been nominated for the Outstanding Women Student Awards. These individuals have been sent their applications which we have requested to be returned by February 28th. Sharon Howard has offered to assist with the ceremony by reading bios of the recipients of the awards if we would like. Members were readily in agreement to accept her offer. Jenny Meyer, the new intern at the Women’s Resource Center, has offered to contact classrooms in the Communications/Journalism Department as well as the English Department to encourage students to submit entries for the Martha Cooper Journalism Award. She will also be assisting with electronic promotion and hopefully an article in the Northern Star. Mark McGowan has been contacted and agreed to place an article in Northern Today promoting all of the awards. It was suggested that the two new awards: Women Who Make a Difference and Outstanding Mentor Award be named after someone. The suggestion was Lois Self Women Who Make a Difference Award and Sharon Howard Outstanding Mentor Award. Members agreed unanimously because of their long standing history with the PCSW and recent retirement from NIU along with their track record of concern for and assisting with women’s issues both on and off campus they where the perfect choices.
Women’s History Month Update: Amy Levin reported that the draft of the Women’s History Month Poster was complete. She reminded us the theme for 2007 is "Re-Defining Motherhood". The slogan that started at NIU "This is what a Feminist Looks Like" has gone national. She encouraged everyone to pick up a sticker and wear it with pride. They will be available February 14th to be worn March 1st.
Mothers Memorial Scholarship applications forms where distributed. This is a new award and members were encouraged to promote awareness to increase applicants.
Josephine Umoren announced that the search for Director of the Women’s Resource Center continues. There are two candidates coming to campus to interview Jill Dunlap (February 1-2) and Linnea High (February 8-9). Members will be sent schedules and resumes. All are encouraged to attend.
Notification of appointed PCSW membership names for 2006-2007 has been received from Tom Krepel. There were several discrepancies noted and Josephine Umoren will contact Dr. Krepel to correct them.
Barbara Burrell made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Regina Rahn seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Josephine Umoren adjourned the meeting at 2:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Baugh