Meetings: 2007 (2.22) | President’s Commission on Women’s Issues

Attending: Julie Choe Kim, Beverly Greenfeig, Barbara Goldberg, Laura Nichols, Deborah Yow, Sally Koblinsky, Cindy Hale, Donna Wiseman, Jennifer Finch; special guest: Philip Silvey

The meeting convened at 10:00 a.m. in 1204 Cole Student Activities Building.

Support for Women’s Concert

We invited Philip Silvey, Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education, to meet with us and discuss the Women’s Chorus, Celebration of Women’s Voices. Mr. Silvey requested that PCWI pay for the printing of the promotional posters for the “Women of Strength, Women of Purpose” event. The committee agreed and the FRS number was provided to Naji Hammad, of Printing Services, by Jennifer Finch.

Women of Color Award

Julie Choe Kim offered an update on the Women of Color Award. Eleven nominations were received and selections were to be made at the 2:30 p.m. meeting scheduled the same day. Relying on the members of PCWI in promoting the program greatly contributed to the large number of nominations. A question as to how many awards would be given was answered; the number is left to the discretion of the committee. Julie explained she would contact the nominator of the award recipient once the selections were made. A letter would then be sent to the nominee from the PCWI and Women of Color Commission. The award ceremony will be held in the Prince George’s Room at the Stamp Student Union on Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at 2:30 p.m. and will be promoted through the FYI list-serv. Debbie Yow generously offered season tickets to an event of the award recipients’ choice.

It was discussed that clarification needed to be made between the Women of Color and the Woman of the Year award. The Women of Color award was defined as giving back to the community and working to include diversity in their programs. It was also discussed that a comparison of the criteria for the two awards needed to be made and changes implemented.

Woman of the Year Award

The Woman of the Year award committee was formed. Cindy Hale, Laura Nichols, Barbara Goldberg and Beverly Greenfeig agreed to serve as committee members. Sapienza Barone and Rhonda Malone were also mentioned as possible members. The Maryland Room in the Marie MountBuilding has been reserved for Wednesday, May 9, 2007, from 2 – 5 p.m. for the ceremony.

Women’s Forum

The Women’s Forum will meet on Friday, February 23, 2007, at the Elkins Building, to discuss the direction of the group. Historically the Women’s Forum has been sponsored by PCWI and has requested approval for funds to cover the lunch. Donna Wiseman agreed and the FRS number was provided to Dawn Jackson, of the Women’s Forum, by Jennifer Finch.

Professional Concepts Exchange Conference

Laura Nichols and Cindy Hale explained the PCEC has a long history on the campus in supporting the staff members. Over time the event was “bogged” down and became confusing. It seems the event has lost its focus and mission. It was the general consensus that if the event is geared toward professional development than PHR should take the responsibility. PHR does not have the funds to sponsor such an event. The last event was held in spring ’05 and last year PCWI agreed there would no longer be a PCEC.

The committee agreed it was important to celebrate and reaffirm the staff. The Provost’s Office and Dr. Rob Waters want to see the PCEC return. Laura Nichols and Cindy Hale suggested holding a “Staff Appreciation Breakfast”. It was suggested the breakfast be held in early June, before the Public School System releases for the summer. The Grand Ballroom at the Stamp Student Union would be the ideal location. The event would include a speaker, awards, and various door prizes and have the staff back to work by 10 a.m. Holding the event in the afternoon was not a practical option due to staff getting off work at varying times.

Estimated costs discussed are as follows:

• Grand Ballroom = $1500
• Food for 300 people = $4500
• Charge Departments $10 per person vs. the $75 per person cost for the PCEC
• Debbie Yow made a contribution of $1000 from the Athletic Department
• Request the balance of the event from the Provost’s Office

Cindy Hale agreed to head the committee. It was reemphasized that the PCWI needed to be prominent as the sponsor of the Staff Appreciation Breakfast. The committee agreed the PCWI would go to the Deans and ask for the $10 per person fee.

Other Business

New Members - Donna introduced the need for new members on the commission, but was not sure how to engage new members. The commission members brainstormed and came up with the following suggestions:

• Clarify the term of membership
• More campus diversity represented (i.e. exempt, non-exempt, grad students, etc.)
• Have Dr. Mote appoint the new members via appointment letter
• Have Rob Waters send a letter of appreciation to members
• Have the members commit to a sub-committee
• Offer a half-day retreat to commission members
• Ask Rob Waters to identify the new PCWI Chair one year out to shadow the current chair

Other Business (continued)

New Event - Debbie Yow introduced an exciting new idea as a trial event. Debbie suggested holding an annual breakfast or lunch to combine the Woman of the Year, Women of Color, and non-exempt recognition ceremonies. An event such as this would offer a higher level of visibility for PCWI. It was suggested that the event would be held on March 3, 2008, and could tie in with Women’s History Month (March). The title “A Monday in March, a Celebration of Women on the University of Maryland Campus” was created. PCWI could reclaim the Women’s History Month program and challenge the campus to contribute to the event. Donna will talk to Rob for approval and ideas.

• Advantage – Dr. Mote in one place at one time
• Disadvantage – Possibility of detracting from the significance of each award

Debbie Yow donated a marketing person to head up the event and help promote it. It was agreed that at the next PCWI meeting a final decision would be made.

Sally Koblinsky reminded the commission members that the focus of PCWI was not only awards and programs, but to remain involved in issues. Such issues include:

• Work climate
• Health issues
• Family

The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2007, at 2:30 p.m. in 1204 Cole Student ActivitiesBuilding.