History of Science Society Women’s Caucus Meeting,
2 November 2007
1. Announcements
Welcome to all – Lynn Nyhart, co-chair
Brainstorm for new sessions: either ideas here or use listserv to generate ideas for next year’s meeting
Money to cover breakfast: seem to be doing well (many people donated money to help cover costs)
Joan Cadden: NSF proposals (STS) are down; need proposals and need reviewers
2. Introduction
Sign in sheet: add email if new so Pam Mack can add to list
3. Election of co-chair for 2008-2010
Marsha Richmond nominated, elected
4. Employment survey report: Mary Anne Andrei
More and more universities had questions with survey re: privacy issues
Q: Why is gender a privacy issue?
Q: Is this still a useful tool for us? A: Yes -helpful for graduate students to know who/how many people applied
Q: might the Graduate and Early Career Caucus take over this function, then?
A1: Might be too dispiriting
A2: Giving GECC something intangible; need useful data
A3: Reconsider in a year’s time – note from Jay: only 20% return – motion to reexamine issue in one year
A4: Brainstorm with GECC for next year
5. Cooperation with Graduate and Early Career Caucus
Let’s have GECC come back to WC with suggestions
Bear in mind that GECC is open to men as well
6. Childcare and possible endowment initiative (Mike Sokal)
Working with individual donor re: childcare at meetings
Q: could we put something online (listserv) to get pledges if matching money comes through?
Resolution: The Women’s Caucus joins the executive committee of the History of Science Society in taking child care support as a major developmental goal of the society.”
7. Ann Higginbotham, “Faculties Have Families, Too” presentation followed by discussion
8. Other new business?
Julie Newell, chair of Education Committee: working on syllabus sampler and has 8 so far; either give her syllabi or let her know unnecessary project
Joan Cadden: very fortunate to have three guests from International Union
Respectfully submitted,
Gwen Kay