PCSW examines data, approves amendment

By Stephanie Sonnenfeld ssonnen@emory.edu

The President’s Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) held its second meeting on the school year on Oct. 4 in 400 Administration.

First on the agenda was the approval of an amendment creating a three-tiered program for PCSW chairs consisting of a chair elect, junior chair and a senior chair. The amendment was first voted on during the September meeting and had to be approved during two consecutive meetings to be official, according to PCSW bylaws.

Anne Kelley of the faculty concerns committee updated members on the status of its study of women faculty members and tenure. She said the Office of Institutional Planning and Research has completed and presented its initial report on its data findings. Research from the School of Medicine still has to be added to the report, Kelley said, adding that she was to meet with Institutional Planning representatives later in the month to discuss data applications.

Staff concerns chair Amy Wheeler said the group has met twice since the beginning of the academic year and many new members have joined. The group discussed the Family Leave Act and looked at some problems employees have faced concerning it. Wheeler said the group will continue to examine this topic.

Melanie Styer of the student concerns committee reviewed the group’s goals for the year, which include sponsoring a body image week, hiring a sexual assualt coordinator for students, reviving the Emory Women’s Alliance and lobbying for all-female upper-class housing options.

In other business, Chair Deb Floyd said she is trying to secure an exact price for the cost of the 25th anniversary tree planting project at the new childcare center at the Clairmont Campus. The group is hoping to raise funds for the project from the Emory community.

Floyd also told the group she is accepting nominations for two member-at-large positions, one of each drawn from the PCSW’s student and faculty/staff members. Members-at-large would meet at the group’s monthly executive meetings. The positions will be voted on at the next PCSW meeting.
The PCSW holds its meetings on the first Thursday of each month in 400 Administration at 3:30 p.m. Its next meeting will be Nov. 1.If you have a question or concern for PCSW, contact chair Deb Floyd at dfloyd@law.emory.edu