Present: Stacy Allie, Barbara Burrell, Virginia Cassidy, Sally Conklin, Kathy Hotelling, Sharon Howard, Glenda Jones, Lisa Kay, Carol Patch, Regina Rahn, Julie Robertson, Natalie Santiago, Lise Schlosser, Denise Schoenbachler, Josephine Umoren.
Absent: Karen Baker, Deborah Haliczer, Amy Levin, Doreen Mace, Jan Rintala, Lorraine Scurti, Debbie Smith-Shank, Randi Wolfe (on leave).
The meeting was called to order at 1:05 p.m. by Chair Josephine Umoren in Altgeld 203. Lise Schlosser made a motion to approve the minutes from the October 12, 2005 meeting with two revisions (1: correction of Counseling and Student Development Center name under Voice for Change section; and 2: clarification under Personal Professional Development that…. The gala event will be managed by a special ad hoc committee comprised of Barbara Burrell, Rebekah Kohli, Rita Reynolds, and Marianne Tomlinson. If others are interested in joining this committee they should contact either Josephine Umoren or Barbara Burrell.) Virginia Cassidy seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.
Introductions were made for the benefit of our new undergraduate representative, Natalie Santiago. Natalie is an Elementary Education Major with an interest in women’s studies.
Affirmative Action Diversity Resources Report: By Karen Baker
1. Diversity Training for the DeKalb School District has been completed. The response was overall very good but there is much work to be accomplished. We will be submitting a training proposal for the same type of training for freshmen and senior students. Sexual Harassment training will also be offered. I will keep you posted.
2. In an effort to increase awareness about AADR services and resources as it relates to students, AADR has made the following modifications:
- Northern Star ad will run each semester detailing our services;
- website link on the student homepage in all computer labs that is clear and concise as it relates to filing a complaint;
- clear and concise language regarding the complaint process and services will be updated in the Student Handbook;
- several training sessions will be held during evening hours and/or in the Residence Halls;
- modifications to language in the Undergrad and Grad catalogs regarding right to file a complaint etc.;
- completion of brochures;
- modification to existing policy.We hope to increase awareness about AADR and to combat criticisms that we have received regarding the difficulty students have as it relates to knowledge about where to go for assistance.
3. Staff changes: Diane Tyrrell has been assigned FMLA and Worker's Compensation. This function was previously assigned to Terry Kessler. Terry is now responsible for training programs within AADR and Human Resource Administration. A formal memo with changes will be sent out shortly.
4. Complaints and grievances continue to be received on a daily basis.
5. Search activity is stable.
Campus Climate and Quality of Life: Carol Patch reported that they have not met as a committee. There have been several emails with Steve Cunningham regarding the Salary Equity Task Force Report.
Personal Professional Development: The November networking luncheon had 33 individuals in attendance and was considered a success. The speaker, Lesley Rigg, was very interesting.
Research: The data collected last year has been divided up according to personnel/student categories and each member has taken a group to start writing a preliminary draft to report findings to the PCSW. Steve Cunningham has indicated a willingness to meet with the Research Committee and Jan Rintala will be working on scheduling that.
25th Anniversary Gala Event: Barbara Burrell reported that the ad hoc committee had met and discussed several possibilities for the event. The ‘Little Black Dress’ display is being scheduled as a Women’s History event at Mrs. Peter’s home, so that will not be possible. The first PCSW meeting was April 24, 1981. The Gala event should be centered on that date, possibly in the Regency Room or the Alumni Center. The 25 Amazing NIU Women Awards will be presented at this event. It was suggested that each recipient be profiled in the Northern Star prior to the event. Speaker suggestions included: Carol Owens and Robin Kelly.
Awards and Recognition: Sharon Howard reported that the Outstanding Women Student Awards nomination forms have been distributed. Twelve nominations have already been submitted. A draft of the nomination form for the new award “25 Amazing NIU Women” was distributed and approved by members. Barbara Burrell made a motion to suspend the Wilma D. Stricklin Award for FY2006 to reduce confusion of the awards. Stacy Allie second the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Discussion of publicity of this new award included: email; student boxes; Northern Today; Posters; announcements to the Faculty Senate, University Council, Operating Staff Council, SPS Council.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Denise Schoenbachler and seconded by Stacie Allie. The motion was approved unanimously. Josephine Umoren adjourned the meeting at 2:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Baugh