Emory Report homepage  

January 30, 2006
PCSW preps for cultural change at Jan. 19 meeting

BY christi gray

Meeting Jan.19 in Woodruff Library’s Jones Room, The President’s Commission for the Status of Women (PCSW) discussed how to express the need for cultural change at Emory in regards to diversity.

“We need to build a strong case for those outside to understand why women need to be in leadership positions,” said junior chair Nadine Kaslow.

One member suggested there’s a higher percentage of female students compared to the percentage of female faculty, and the University needs to reflect the student culture. “We need to include clear data on actual representation of women to demonstrate this,” said member Joan Coonrod.

“We need to look at societal impact. The implications of not representing women in important research, for example, can reach beyond the University,” said junior chair elect Susan Carini.

Staff concerns chair Linda Erhard suggested tying the need for cultural change to the strategic plan. “As a destination university we want to attract the best,” Erhard said.

In other business, PCSW member nominations are now being accepted (see story, page 3). There are eight student, five faculty and two staff vacancies. Nominees should represent a diverse pool, including men. Nomination deadline is March 1, and the slate will be presented at the full commission meeting on March 30. New members will be invited to the April 20 meeting. For more information, contact Coonrod at
404-727-6769. Nomination forms can be filled out online at www.pcsw.emory.edu/nominate_form.cfm.

Committee reports are as follows:

Faculty Concerns
•After the committee presented findings on work-life at other universities to the President’s Cabinet, the cabinet approved the formation of a Work-Life Task Force.
•Themes for the upcoming Work-Life Symposium will include elements of celebration, education, outreach, culture building, problem identification and problem solving.

Staff
•After the committee worked with Campus Services, 12 locations on campus have been identified as possible lactation rooms.

Women in Leadership
•Currently monitoring six leadership position searches.

The next PCSW meeting will be an open forum on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 4 p.m., in the Jones Room. The Emory community is invited to voice important issues concerning women and in turn help the commission understand which issues it should address.

If you have a question or concern for PCSW, send e-mail to chair Allison Dykes at adykes@emory.edu.

TOP