UT Libraries’ Diversity Committee
August 21, 2003
Meeting Minutes
Room 605, Hodges Library
Members present: Arab, Blocker, Conner, Hines, Keally, Leach, Mack, Myers, Roller, Royse,
R. Smith, Stephens
I. Announcements
The Committee’s lunch honoring Thura will be Tuesday, Sept 2, at 11:00. We will take the
trolley downtown and have lunch at the Crescent Moon. The Residents will be invited to
attend.
II. Updates
A. Annual Report & Budget
Molly distributed another draft of the annual report. The report reflects the Committee’s
progress on last year’s goals. The majority of the Committee’s activities and
accomplishments are noted on the Committee’s website.
Thura is still drafting a budget request document for the Dean. The main areas are goal
based. When finalized, the annual report and budget will be distributed to committee
members and then distributed to the Dean and posted on the website.
B. “Life of the Mind” Program
Dianne reported that the “Life of the Mind” display is up. It has already received many compliments. As always, Martha Rudolph’s assistance was a major factor in the display’s success. A poster for James McBride’s 9/12 book signing will be added.
Culture Corner: Molly and LouAnn reported that the books are in place and the signage is completed. Once a definitive list has been created for the titles, they will be posted to a Culture Corner website which will be linked to the Libraries’ “Life of the Mind” site and the Diversity Committee’s site. Perhaps it can also be linked in the News/Announcements section of the Libraries’ website.
Thura announced that the “Life of the Mind” program is sponsoring a book signing with
James McBride on Sept. 12 from 4:30-5:30 at the UC Bookstore. The Libraries’ “Life of the Mind” committee is providing refreshments and co-hosting the book signing with the bookstore. The university’s “Life of the Mind” committee meets on August 29. Thura will keep us posted on any new developments.
C. Minority Residency Program
Jill reported that Jayati has completed the campus new faculty orientation. Kawanna and Maud will participate next week. Their office spaces are being prepared. LouAnn will be sure that they each have the necessary office supplies. Team leaders have developed thorough orientation plans for the Residents, with the goal of assisting them in selecting their first rotation area.
Sept. 2nd (Room 605, 1:30): The Diversity Committee will host an informal welcoming reception for the Residents. Refreshments, provided by Committee members, will be served and the Residents’ welcome baskets will be presented.
Sept. 25th (Faculty Lounge, 2:30-4): The Committee will host a formal library-wide reception for the Residents. The Dean will be consulted regarding who to invite outside the Libraries. Suggestions included representatives from the Office of Equity and Diversity, the International House, and Chancellor Crabtree. Dianne, Sheila, LouAnn and JoAnne are in charge of ordering the refreshments and the invitations. The Dean is providing funding for this event.
The September 17th meeting with SIS faculty and the Residents will be rescheduled for later in the semester. Tiffani will discuss alternative dates with Dr. Raber and report back.
III. New Business
A. ’03/’04 Goals & Priorities
Becky led the discussion about the Committee’s goals for the coming year. Each committee
member was given the opportunity to provide input. Notes were taken to assist Becky and
Molly in compiling a draft for review at the next meeting.
B. Staff Education & Development
Tiffani and Molly have met with Attica Scott, Executive Director of Knoxville’s National Conference for Community and Justice, to begin exploring some committee and library staff education opportunities with her. The NCCJ offers workplace diversity training. Tiffani has also contacted UT’s Office of Equity and Diversity to see what educational opportunities they might have to offer.
C. Slam Poetry Contest
Tiffani suggested that perhaps the Committee could host a slam poetry contest for students. This might be an opportunity to partner with other campus groups, as well as network with the community. Knoxville College might be interested in working with us. Such a contest could be held in conjunction with Teen Read Week, which is Oct. 19-25.
D. Webpage and Other Publicity
Molly noted that the Committee’s website needs updating. A process needs to be developed to keep the website up-to-date. Jeffrey has agreed to be our webmaster. Other avenues of publicity the Committee should pursue were discussed, including the new @Tennessee daily newsletter to the campus community.
The meeting adjourned at 2:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
LouAnn Blocker