1997-1998
Annual Report to the Provost
The Iowa State University Committee on Women had a productive year for 1997-1998. Among
its accomplishments were: creating a UCW brochure and webpage; hosting a welcome reception
for new ISU women employees; sponsoring the Women in Touch series and other networking
programs; supporting the creation of an LGBTA Committee; creating a Task Force on
maternity/family leave issues; and supporting the planning for the Way Up Conference.
Brochure and Webpage
A UCW brochure was designed by Stephanie Chervinko, the UCW Webpage was designed by Tanya
Zanish-Belcher, and maintained by Jill Osweiler, Special Collections Librarian. Both of
these avenues have provided opportunities for members to educate the campus community
about the work of UCW. An issue for next year is obtaining the administrative support in
the Office of the Provost to maintain the Webpage.
Budget
Excepting Women in Touch, the UCW came in on budget this year. Expenditures were made for
printing, program support and refreshments for events. Due to the prohibitive costs for
printing, the Women in Touch series has been reconfigured for next year. Its budget has
been separated from UCW's, and there will be more effort to register attendees via on-line
and direct department mailings.
Gender Equity
The Gender Equity Subcommittee has worked on two projects this year, that will be ongoing
through 1998-1999. The first is a joint venture with Human Resources: HR will fund a
project by Kathy Hanisch to interview those who leave ISU to determine if there are gender
differences. The second was based on statistics obtained through the University. UCW has
pulled out the numbers tracing the number of women and minority faculty (probationary and
tenured) for each department from 1980-1997. A brief report was given at the last meeting
of the Women's Faculty Network, and a written report will be submitted in 1998-1999.
Maternity/Family Leave
An issue that appears to be of interest to numerous women is ISU's policy on
maternity/family leave. UCW sponsored two open forums, where between 15-20 women attended
to discuss short-term issues. Recommendations for short-term change were submitted to
Human Resources and it was decided to create a Task Force to focus on long-term
recommendations. There have been two subcommittees created, to look at current policies,
and one to look at what is offered at other institutions and universities. This work will
continue on into 1998-1999.
Networking
The Committee worked on networking this year - inviting ISU administrators new to ISU to
UCW meetings. Each individual who visited told the Committee about themselves, and in
turn, were told about the work of UCW. It is recommended that this practice be continued.
Those visiting were: John McCarroll (Director of University Relations); Tom Hill
(Vice-President for Student Affairs); Dean Carol Meeks (College of Family and Consumer
Sciences); Carole Custer (Director of University Marketing).
Programs
UCW sponsored several programs this year, beginning with an Opening Reception for New
Employees. Thanks to financial support from the Provost's Office for refreshments, nearly
100 people met and visited at Reiman Gardens. The Isolation Task Force also sponsored
several lunch meetings and one evening potluck during the year. UCW contributed
financially to a photographic exhibit and lecture by Leslea Newman, that was sponsored by
the LGBTA.
Searches
The UCW was active in several searches this year. The Committee was represented by
Tanya Zanish-Belcher on search committees for the Interim Director and Director, Women's
Center. Members also attended the presentations and specially scheduled meeting times with
the candidates. UCW members attended Diversity Sessions for the following candidates: LAS
Dean, Library Dean, Education Dean, and also met with the candidates for the Director of
Women's Studies.
Sexual Harrassment Flyer
The Task Force on Safety created a new brochure to focus on what sexual harassment is
and how it should be handled. The College of Engineering also sponsored a panel discussion
on sexual harassment, and the UCW Chair participated.
Way Up
Last year UCW committed to the sponsoring of the Way Up Conference in the fall of
1998. After the 1997 meeting, the appointed chairs were informed that the seed monies for
the conference had been used. Appointed co-chairs, Debra Amenson and Denise Vrchota and
UCW members sponsored, with the financial aid of the Provost, a day-long "strategy
session" which was to determine whether the conference should continue or not. The
decision was that it should continue, a mission statement and goals were created, new
subcommittees were created, and a long-term strategic planning subcommittee was created.
The planning subcommittee will report at the Conference about the long-term viability and
goals of Way Up.
Women's Faculty Network
The Network was extremely active this year, thanks to the hard work of Dianne Bystrom.
Numerous programs were offered, including networking breakfasts, recognition of award
winners, reports, and meetings with guest speakers. The attendance ran from 15-30 at each
meeting.
Women in Touch
Women in Touch was extremely successful this year, with attendance at the two
presentations numbering over 100 each. The majority of attendees were Merit staff. The
speakers were Denise Vrchota and Jane Vallier, and both received positive evaluations. Due
to the high costs of printing (costs doubled), the Women in Touch registration will be
conducted differently next year (See Budget). Women in Touch should be be self-supporting
with these changes.
Respectfully submitted,
Tanya Zanish-Belcher
Chair, University Committee on Women