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Virginia Tech
Governance Minutes ArchiveNovember 14, 1989
University Committee on Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action November 14, 1989 Present: Cornel N. Morton, Jane Harrison, Danielle Carpenter, Mark Flora, Kathy D. Lewis, Laurie Good, Janet Town, Pat Hyer, Alan Bayer, Della Marie Marshall, Patricia Morris, Judith Scott, Mona Gillis Edwards, Michele Holmes, Linda Woodard, Harry J. Pence, Michael Lambur, Mona Edwards. Cornel Morton called the meeting to order and following the introductions of members present, the minutes from the meeting of October 11th were ap- proved with the following amendments: 1) Linda Woodard mentioned that the minutes omitted her reference to the Minority Female Talent Bank; and 2) under item #2, "Racism 101 Forums," Danielle Carpenter (not Kristen King) represented the SGA. Announcements 1. Pat Hyer announced that the Provost's Office is working on two searches at the present time: 1) Assistant/Associate Provost of Undergraduate Programs (primary a campus-based search) and 2) Director of Planning (a national search). She asked committee members to contact her with nom- inations. 2. Linda Woodard mentioned the "Trades Apprenticeship Program," in the the Physical Plant Department. After an extensive search involving both the university and the greater community, seven individuals (three of whom are Black) were selected to participate in the program. A lunch was held in October to thank the many people who were involved in the selection process. It is hoped that new apprentices can enter the pro- gram every other year, although that has not been decided yet. Linda Woodard added that plans are underway to extend the program beyond the trades area. 3. Danielle Carpenter announced that on October 21-22 the Student Govern- ment Association sponsored the Virginia Student Association Conference at Virginia Tech. The conference this year focused on minority re- lations. Dr. James McLean from SCHEV was a guest speaker and encour- aged the students to submit proposals for programs that would improve student minority relations on campus. Ms. Carpenter welcomes sug- gestions from committee members about possible proposals. 4. Mona Edwards reported that the Dean of Students' Office is working to establish two new programs: 1) a women's mentoring program that will pair undergraduates with women faculty and staff; and 2) an undergradu- ate women's network, modeled along the lines of the Women's Network. OLD BUSINESS Year 2000 Recommendations Cornel Morton reiterated his desire to use the document as an "agenda" for the Office of Affirmative Action. In that context, Dr. Fred Carlisle has articulated the need to develop a comprehensive program of activity and di- rection for addressing areas under recruitment, retention and development (both for minority students & faculty, and women) and for improving the campus facilities and climate for the physically and mentally challenged. Dr. Morton mentioned that the work of the subcommittees is vital to that end, and asked members of those subcommittees to use the Year 2000 Report as a guide for their work. The three subcommittees and their 1989-90 mem- bership are as follows. SUBCOMMITTEE ON WOMEN Paula Dail Pat Hyer (will convene first meeting) Andrea Burrows Chris Taylor Mark Flora Allen Bayer Danielle Carpenter Anne Sajac SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY CHALLENGED Jane Harrison Michael Lambur Chris Taylor Larry Lawrence Virgil Cook (will convene first meeting) Mary Ross Wayne Speer SUBCOMMITTEE ON MINORITIES Valerie Giddings Kathy Lewis Paula Dail Michele Holmes Harry Pence Brian McConnell Pat Morris (will convene first meeting) Cornel Morton requested that the three subcommittees report on their progress and anticipated direction at the next EO/AA Committee meeting. Dr. Morton then mentioned the publication, MINORITIES ON CAMPUS: A HAND- BOOK FOR ENHANCING DIVERSITY (published by the American Council on Educa- tion), and said that he would try to obtain sufficient copies to circulate among members. He also mentioned publications on women's concerns made available through the D.C.-based organization, Project on the Status and Education of Women. On the subject of the mentally and physically chal- lenged, Dr. Morton mentioned a useful handbook, updated monthly, which is available to subcommittee members through Wayne Speer's office. Before terminating discussion on the subject of the subcommittees, Pat Hyer asked Dr. Morton how he envisioned the role of the three groups -- as policy- or programatically-oriented? He responded that subcommittee visibility would be better established through program development. He also suggested that subcommittees identify a liaison person in each of the larger departments who could implement programmatic activities at the local level. In addi- tion, Dr. Morton stressed the importance of sponsoring relevant workshops and seminars. In response to a concern about lack of programmatic follow- through and subcommittee viability, Dr. Morton suggested that a newsletter be circulated to increase the visibility of the subcommittees and their ac- tivities. Compliance Officer Position Dr. Morton reported that interviews are now underway. Five candidates will be visiting the campus and will have an opportunity to meet with EO/AA Com- mittee members. NEW BUSINESS o "BREAKFAST WITH. . .": Cornel Morton announced the new lecture series, sponsored by the EO/AA Office (occasionally in collaboration with other departments). This monthly discussion series will focus on contempo- rary issues in human relations. The programs will feature speakers who will support a dialogue designed to improve the quality of campus life for students, faculty and staff. The first "Breakfast With. . ." will take place on Thursday, November 30th, and will feature Howard Ehrlich and Adele Terrell from the National Institute Against Prejudice and Vi- olence in Baltimore. They will be speaking on "Climate of Ethnoviolence on Campus: Strategies for Improving Diversity." The second breakfast, scheduled for December 5th, will address "Sexual Harassment: The Power to Change." Dr. Billie Wright Dziech from the University of Cincinnati will be the guest lecturer. o It was suggested that Jim Wolfe, the new Vice Provost, be invited to the next EO/AA Committee meeting. o BLACK STUDENTS/WHITE FACULTY COMMITTEE: Dr. Morton informed the com- mittee that last year a group of faculty/administrators developed a committee to deal with issues of classroom climate and sensitivity. Dr. Morton was asked to reconvene that group, which met earlier in the day. The committee decided to broaden the scope of their efforts to include underrepresented populations and women. An initial workshop has been tentatively scheduled for faculty participation which will look at questions of race equity. The Office of the Provost will be working with this committee on this and future projects. o MINORITY GRADUATE STUDENT SUPPORT COMMITTEE: Dr. Morton will also be chairing this committee which will look at strategies to improve the enrollment of minority graduate students. o BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Dr. Morton reported that the calendar is near completion and will be available for distribution around Christmas. o WOMEN'S NETWORK: Judith Scott reported on the history and goals of the Women's Network, an advocacy/support group for female and male graduate students, faculty and staff. Some of the issues that the Network have addressed include childcare, EO/AA, employee health benefits, wage em- ployee benefits, recruitment and retention of women, salary equity, mentoring, and staff development programs. Programs are held for mem- bers throughout the year. The Network also forms task forces which deal with issues such as childcare, staff development and upward mobil- ity, and curriculum integration. Fall and Spring newsletters are pub- lished each year and special topic programs are held throughout the year. Applications to the Women's Network can be obtained from Judith Scott. OTHER BUSINESS o Jane Harrison expressed her concern for Virginia Tech's custodial staff. She explained that regardless of where she has worked on cam- pus, she has confronted illiteracy, fear and powerlessness among these workers. After lengthy discussion among committee members, it was agreed that a number of constituencies should be informed of these and additional custodial staff concerns, including the Staff Affairs Com- mittee, Employee Relations, Physical Plant and Dining Services/Residential Programs. In addition, a core group of EO/AA Com- mittee members -- Kathy Lewis, Linda Woodard, Jane Harrison, Cornel Morton, and Patricia Morris (she sat next to Della) -- have agreed to further investigate these issues. The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
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