Emory Report

September 13, 1999

Volume 52, No. 4

Issues in Progress President's Commission on the Status of Women The President's Commission on the Status of Women kicked off its 1999-2000 year with an introduction of officers and brief summaries about its various committees. Lynna Williams, speaking on behalf of the faculty concerns committee, reported besides examining faculty leave and tenure issues last year, this committee also created the mentoring program "Passages." Pairing senior and junior faculty, the program formed 18 pairs, eight more than its goal. The training meeting will be held Oct. 1, and Williams hopes to talk with Provost Rebecca Chopp about expanding the program to include men and non-tenure track faculty. Pat Long introduced the staff concerns committee, whose work last year focused on the "Invisible Barriers to Advancement" study. The committee will include a draft of its findings in the annual report to be presented to President Bill Chace in the near future. Jenny Miller reported that the student concerns committee plans to continue its work toward producing a student handbook. This committee is also planning self-defense classes and on Oct. 13, in conjunction with the Women's Center, will hold its first student-faculty tea, to which students may invite a faculty member. Danielle Sered reported that the Emory Women's Alliance is continuing to grow and is planning brown bag luncheons to further extend its network. Plans are in the works to hold one of the commision's two annual events in conjunction with the release of the "invisible barriers" study. Chace then addressed the commission and welcomed them to the new year. He complimented the commission on having an "impressive list of achievements" last year and was pleased with their "energy and focus." "The work of the commission is powerful and helpful when it focuses on specific issues for which there are potential solutions," said Chace, pledging his support to the PCSW's efforts. Robert Ethridge, associate vice president and director of Equal Opportunity Programs, also pledged his support. Having been involved with this commission since 1981, Ethridge recognized that its work "is extremely important to the past, present and future of the University." The Women's Center's Ali Crown reported on their calendar for the upcoming year. One of the highlights will be a new annual event, "Telling Our Stories," which will honor the experiences of women. The intimate format will involve at least two women from the University's community for an evening of conversation. The first scheduled affair will be held Sept. 30 at the Houston Mill House and will feature Provost Rebecca Chopp and Presidential Distinguished Professor of Anthropology, Women's Studies and African-American Studies Johnetta Cole. The cost is $22 per person, and advance reservations are required. Chairperson Catherine Smith reported on childcare issues to close the meeting. Two new centers are in the planning stages; one will replace the Clifton Center, and a new one will be built near University Apartments. The childcare committee will also examine the issue of summer daycare. The next PCSW meeting will take place Oct. 7 from 3:30-5 p.m. in 400 Administration Building. -Stephanie Scott Return to September 13, 1999 contents page