Programs

Three Women in Touch Programs were held during the year. The presentation by Carla Espinoza, Assistant Vice-President of Human Resources, entitled, "Who's Listening," focused on communication styles among successful women managers, scientists and educators and was attended by over 200 ISU faculty and staff. Debra Marquart, Asst. Professor of English, entertained us with a performance of her poetry. Dianne Bystrom spoke on communications styles and gender differences entitled, "The Voices of and for Women in the 1996 Elections."

The Women in Touch series provides an opportunity for women to network and attend presentations of value to them. Approximately 400 staff members attended these events. Future Women in Touch programs shall be self-sufficient, therefore adequate planning and control measures shall be implemented.

UCW co-sponsored the President's Interagency Council on Women national teleconference, U.N.Women's Conference - One Year Later. Through a satellite link, we were able to view the interactive conference. ISU faculty member, Theresa McCormick, also presented a video report of her experience at the Beijing Conference and of the national action agenda.

Awards & Recognition

UCW organized and disseminated information regarding awards and recognition opportunities and in following the Provost's lead, promoted the concept of nominating women. The committee will continue these activities in future years.

Strategic Development

As a result of the 1996 retreat for strategic planning for UCW, three task forces were formed and continued to meet during the 1996-1997 academic year.

The Task Force on Isolation fulfilled a critical need of women on campus through a series of five brown bag lunches and potlucks. These provide a setting to bring professional women together to overcome the isolation they feel in the work enviroment and community in general.

The idea of a UCW webpage came from the retreat and these gatherings in order to provide continuous contact with women on campus, activities, and issues. UCW is designing a webpage, which should be up by the 97-98 academic year.

Liaison

The Committee was kept informed of Faculty Senate activities throughout the year by our Faculty Senate representative, Denise Vrchota. The interim Women's Studies Director, Linda Galyon, kept the Committee informed of activities for the Program and the search for the new Director. UCW's Vice-Chair, Tanya Zanish was liaison between UCW and the Iowa State Women's Faculty Network.

Way Up Conference

UCW has committed to be the liaison between the University and the Way-Up Planning Committee, inorder to effectively facilitate the dissemination of information. The efforts of UCW will ensure the opportunity for university involvement in future conferences. UCW has also embarked on organizing activities of searching for co-chairs for the Way-Up Conference which will be hosted by ISU in the fall of '98.

Searches

Members of the University Committee on Women actively participated in a number of searches. Included were the positions of Chair of Women's Studies, Director of University Relations, and Affirmative Action Director.

Campus Concerns

The controversy surrounding Catt Hall was still a deep concern of UCW and the campus. As a representative of UCW, the Chair met with Vice-President of External Affairs to discuss our position and recommnedations regarding Catt Hall and campus climate issues.

UCW also responded to a sports editorial printed in the Daily which was offensive to women. Our letter to the editory expressed our deep disappointment with attitudes which included objectifying women in a most disrespectful manner.

Submitted by:
Nancy S. Brooks, Chair