Present: Stacy Allie, Barbara Burrell, Susan Carter, Virginia Cassidy, Joanne Dempsey, Deborah Haliczer, Sharon Howard, Kelli Lyon Johnson, Amy Levin, Kathy Lockard, Sue Ouellette, Julia Sober, Jie Song, Josephine Umoren.
Absent: Stacie Elder, Karen Baker, Lisa King, Phinette Maszka, William Minor, Marilyn Stromborg, Pat Vary.
Meeting called to order at 1:05 p.m. by Chair Sue Ouellette in Lowden Hall 304. A motion was made by Amy Levin to accept the minutes from the October 9, 2002 meeting. Barbara Burrell seconded the motion. Stacy Allie made one correction to the attendance. She was absent at the October meeting. Minutes were unanimously approved.
Affirmative Action Diversity Resources (AADR) Sharon Howard reported that names are being forwarded for possible expansion of the salary equity committee membership. They believe this will both enhance the representativeness of the committee and strengthen the legitimacy of its conclusions once its work is finished. Human Resources is in the process of verifying that all personnel are assigned to the correct categories before attempting to extract data for the People Click project. The AA policy is expected to go on-line after January 22nd.
The Campus Climate and Quality of Life subcommittee chair Kathy Lockard reported on a November 6th meeting with DOJ Staff. Concerns that were voiced were:
The DOJ grant has strengthened the relationship of NIU and Safe Passage. It has also helped NIU focus on stalking and domestic violence in addition to sexual abuse. It has paid for training of University Police, DeKalb Police, Health Service staff, counseling, coaches, residence hall staff and HR personnel. Chief of campus police is very enthusiastic supporter of the grant. The training and equipment received will help them continue the grant work after the grant ends.
We as PCSW members can encourage students to get involved in these issues. We can educate our faculty about these issues, support the creation of a central office, attend a Voices for Change workshop (two hours). Many questions were brought up.
Personal and Professional Development subcommittee chair, Jie Song, reported that two Networking Luncheons were successfully held this semester. Any suggestions for improvements please contact her. Carrie Groth was suggested for a speaker next semester. It was also suggested that we may want to ask if people have dietary restrictions at the time of the reservation. This will be taken in to consideration and discussed with the Chandelier Room manager, Terri Mann-Lamb. Speakers for next Spring are being scheduled.
Research subcommittee. Names being suggested for possible addition to the salary equity committee are: Andrea Bonnicksen (Political Science), Elizabeth Gaillard (Chemistry), Luis Garcia (Kinesiology and Physical Education), Deborah Grall (Art), Ann Hanley (History), Antoinette Heinze (Teacher Education), Susan Kuo (Law), Yoon-Hee Kwon, (Family, consumer and Nutrition Sciences), Amy Levin (Women’s Studies), Kristen Meyers (Sociology), Lynn Neeley (Management), Jule Scarborough (College of Engineering), Pamela Smith (Accountancy), Carol Thompson (Physic), Martin Williams (Economics), Sue Willis (Physics). Both Bill Minor and Pat Vary were unable to report at this time.
Awards and Recognition subcommittee. Susan Carter chair of the subcommittee reported that they are meeting immediately after the PCSW meeting to review their tasks. The Wilma Stricklin Award requirements are being reviewed. It was agreed that the criteria needs to be made clearer to reflect the intention of the award; that the recipient is a long-term employee who has made university wide, lasting changes in the university campus climate or university processes. It was suggested that new awards might be developed to meet recognition needs not currently being met. Recipients could receive certificates or plaques. Ideas suggested: service, leadership, career achievement, new comer, mentor. The Outstanding Women Student Award call for nominations have been sent out. The Martha Cooper Journalism Award and the Wilma Stricklin Nominations will both be sent after the new year. Sue Ouellette or Stacy Allie will attend the awards banquet on Honors Day when the Outstanding Women Student awards are presented.
Deborah Haliczer brought up the issue of dual, joint or split appointments which affects in most cases female faculty. This occurs when a faculty member has academic rank in an academic department, but holds an administrative position in another unit. The academic department evaluates and recommends for tenure, promotion and merit rankings and increments. However, in many situations, the academic department does not count or give any credit to academic activities, service or even publications that relate to the other position, and in some cases, discount or don’t understand the content of the other work. In some cases, the faculty member is given a higher proportion of work in the academic unit or denied such resources as teaching assistants by the "home" department for the work done in that department. Several female faculty members have requested that PCSW explore this issue. Members agreed this is a worthwhile issue for us to pursue.
Sheri Kallembach offered to coordinate a fall/winter "suit drive" for Dress for Success on our campus if PCSW would sponsor it. We would ask for donations of new or "gently worn" women’s suits, dresses, and pant suits, as well as accessories, bags, shoes and new, packaged hosiery. This program would assist women who are economically disadvantaged, but who need a business outfit in which to interview. A motion was made to support the event by Virginia Cassidy. Julia Sober seconded the motion. It was unanimously approved.
Stacy Allie brought information regarding the contraceptive insurance coverage to share with members. Additional information is available on the Web at:
http://www.nfprha.org/pac/factsheets/epicc.asp
http://www.oxygen.com/health/healthyliving/contrception_2002304.jhtml
http://www.oxygen.com/health/healthyliving/contrception_2002304_p2.jhtml
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Barb Burrell and seconded by Julia Sober. The meeting was adjourned at 2:40 p.m. by Chair Sue Ouellette.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty L. Baugh