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| DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE |
| WOST NEWS |
| LIBRARY NEWS |
| SPOTLIGHT |
| NEWS FOR STUDENTS |
| COMINGS & GOINGS |
| DONORS |
This newsletter is published twice a year funds permitting. Written and edited by Karen Lederer. Design and production by Linda Hillenbrand. Articles contributed by Arlene Avakian, Linda Hillenbrand, Nancy Patteson, Emily Silverman and Banu Subramaniam. Thank you to student contributors Jamielle Walker and Lisa Dawn Thompson. Editor's note: Special thanks to my colleagues for their understanding this past fall.
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Writing this director's message has become more and more of a challenge.
Beginning any semester thinking about what is to come is always risky,
after 9/11 and the ensuing attack on civil liberties and the growing
racism against people identified as Arabs, the war on Afghanistan, the
deepening budget crisis in the state and the University, and now the
imminent pre-emptive attack on Iraq, EVEN I am almost speechless. Once
again, I have no idea what the state of the world or the state, or the
University will be when this newsletter reaches you. But, I am also
heartened by the resistance. As I write this message hundreds of
thousands of people all over the country are preparing to demonstrate
against the war. During the Vietnam war it took years of struggle by the
antiwar movement, and thousands of deaths of American soldiers before we
had these kinds of demonstrations. In the face of such crises, we must
remember that it is more important than ever to not only struggle against
immediate injustice, but to continue to engage in our long term goals of
making a better world.
At the moment, we do have some very good news. Women's Studies has
permission to search for two Assistant Professors, one in African
American Studies, and the other in Asian/Asian American Studies. As you
know our tremendous loses in tenure track faculty over the last decade
were replaced primarily with year to year lecturers, often funded late in
the Spring semester-a difficult situation both for the Program and for
the people in these positions. While we have been very fortunate to have
some excellent people in these positions, the future of the program is
more secure with permanent faculty positions. We will be able to plan
the curriculum more than one semester in advance and even begin to think
about implementing some of our long term goals. We hope those of you in
the area will come to hear the candidates' public presentations, and give
us your feedback.
As always, we have several great events in the works. Building on the
wonderful response to the celebration of June Jordan's life, we are
organizing a conference for the Fall of 2003 on Jordan's political
legacy-how we can use her political vision and acuity to help us deal
with the current situation. We already have the beginnings of an
excellent committee. If you are interested in joining us, please get in
touch. We look forward to this semester's very timely and important
Roundtable "Gender and Globalization," and the celebration of the
publication of This Bridge Called Home.
I want to end with a thanks to everyone involved in the Program-staff,
core faculty, associated and adjunct faculty, undergraduates, and
graduate students-for contributing all that you do to Women's Studies. In
these difficult times your commitment and dedication to Women's Studies,
your generosity, and above all, your good humor has been crucial to our
ability to continue our work.
As with many programs at UMass, Women's Studies had not been able to
replace faculty members when they left the university or retired. We are
delighted to tell you that we are now in the process of searching for two
tenure track faculty members to join the program in the Fall of 2003. We
are looking for scholars with teaching experience. One search focuses on
a faculty member with expertise in African American women, the other is
for a faculty member who is a social scientist with expertise in
Asian/Asian American women. Professor Alexandrina Deschamps is the chair
of the search committee. Complete versions of the job descriptions are
available on our website www.umass.edu/wost under opportunities. Once
these positions are filled, we will ensure the future of the program at
least into the next decade.
We look forward to welcoming and introducing two new faculty members in
the next edition of the newsletter. Thank you to the support of our
Dean, Lee Edwards, for her foresight in preserving the program for future
generations.
Budgets and More Budgets
"Some Bright Spots Amidst the Gloom"
EDITOR'S NOTE: Congratulations to Arlene Avakian and Banu
Subramaniam for being nominated for the University's Distinguished
Teaching award. Our program's reputation for excellence in teaching
continues! Congratulations and Bon Voyage to Arlene Avakian for being
invited to participate in the prestigious Oxford Roundtable. The focus is
women's rights and gender discrimination. Arlene will be in Oxford for 1
week during the Spring semester.
GREAT NEWS!
WOMEN'S STUDIES SEARCHES!
The above good news not withstanding, the state budget and the University budget (and the economy in general) are in some grim times. News changes quickly, suffice it to say that if you care about the University, stay tuned to the news, check out http://www.umass.edu/ambassadors, and let your elected officials know what you think about the cuts to education, local aid and services.
By the way, a Dec. 23, 2002 Reuters News story indicates that "Taking part in protests and demonstrations can be good for your physical and mental health" according to a new study. "Psychologists at the University of Sussex found that people who get involved in campaigns, strikes and political demonstrations experience an improvement in psychological well-being that can help them overcome stress, pain, anxiety and depression." This backs up a long held belief in Women's Studies that empowering oneself to act, even in difficult circumstances, feels better than not doing anything! Keep speaking up and finding your voice, it is good for you and you might even get what you want. So, advice from Women's Studies this winter: eat right, exercise, bundle up for the weather, and be as politically active as you can.
The official inauguration of our new Chancellor Lombardi took place on Feb. 7. Women's Studies was well represented highlighting the important contributions we bring to this campus.
Many new full-text databases are available through the Library. Check the Library web site at www.library.umass.edu and use the database locator, the ejournal locator, or the subject research guides to get started with your research. Librarians are available 24/7 to assist you - just click on the ASK 24/7 button. To set up a research consultation, contact Emily Silverman, the WOST librarian at 545-0995 or essilverman@library.umass.edu
After recently completing my undergraduate career I look back and realize
the significance of the relationships and alliances formed as a result of
my involvement with the Women's Studies Department. Through my studies
as a double major in English and Women's Studies, I have learned about
the theory of PRAXIS both in and out of the classroom. This learning was
made possible in part by the Independent Study/Field Work Study option
that I, as a Women's Studies major was encouraged to pursue by faculty
sponsor, Alex Deschamps.
My Women's Studies concentration was women of color (particularly the
health of women of color) and during my last two semesters through my
Field Work project, I worked closely with Jacqui Pinn, Director of Women
of Color Leadership Network, and was able to facilitate and coordinate
informational health workshops which focused on women of color on
campus. As a result of these workshops, coalitions were built with
Tapestry Health in Amherst as well as with Lisa McCarthy and Rani
Varghese from ALANA Health and Outreach Education at University Health
Services.
This theory of PRAXIS, which I was able to experience first hand, is a
very valuable tool in my personal and professional growth. I encourage
you all to personally challenge yourselves to implement the idea of
"learning outside of the box" in your lives by taking advantage of
Independent/Field Work opportunities you have as Women's Studies majors
and minors.
-Jamielle Walker
Editors note: Congratulations on graduating and good luck!
Lisa Dawn Thompson, Ed.D. Candidate in Social Justice Education, and
Women's Studies Certificate in Advanced Feminist Studies candidate was
recently hired by the Women's Sports Foundation as Director of their
Project to Eliminate Homophobia in Sport. Lisa was hired to produce an
educational video and accompanying manual "It Takes A Team! Making
Sports Safe for Lesbian and Gay Athletes." The tone of the education kit
consistently asserts a positive, "can-do" approach encouraging
participants and leaders to "join the team" and do their part to
eliminate homophobia in sport so athletic participation is accessible and
enjoyed by everyone. Lisa wrote the following encouraging the use of
"LGBT safe zone" stickers saying:
SPOTLIGHT
We are trying a new idea in this edition of the newsletter. We asked one
undergraduate and one graduate student to write a short article about
their experiences and projects in Women's Studies. Here are the first
segments of this new feature.
"We invite you to declare your school and athletic department a safe
space for LGBT athletes to enjoy the benefits of sports participation
like everyone else. We hope that you will declare and enforce a
zero-tolerance policy for any anti-LGBT sentiment expressed verbally or
behaviorally among athletes and between coaches and athletes. We
understand that educating ourselves around the complexities involved in
LGBT issues takes time and we don't expect you to know everything
already. We invite you to simply create a "Safe Space" to engage in open
and honest dialogue so that respect for difference is developed over time."
Lisa will remain with the Project to promote and distribute the video and
education kit to high schools and colleges nationwide. For information
about the project www.homophobiainsport.com,
800-227-3988.
The Women's Studies lounge is new and improved and recently cleaned up by Nancy and Linda during the January break. Two computers are there and have on-line capability and one computer can print papers for those who find themselves in an emergency printing situation. We now have a small table which can be used for meetings (fits 6 comfortably), TV/VCR combinations for tape viewing, a fridge and other amenities. We also have comfortable couches. See Linda in the office for availability times.
NEWS FOR UNDERGRADUATES
The major deadline for spring is April 1, 2003. If you want to change to Women's Studies this semester, an application, complete with a faculty sponsor is due by that date. For information or assistance contact Karen Lederer for an advising appointment, lederer@wost.umass.edu
As all students and staff know, the new computer system has created many changes in the ways students register for classes. It is more important than ever to keep track of your academic career. All majors, minors, students planning internships, exchanges, or honors projects, commonwealth college students, potential majors and minors and particularly seniors are encouraged to set up a time to come in and go over your records.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE NEWS
REMINDER that the application deadline for admission into the fall 2003 Women's Studies graduate Certificate in Advanced Feminist Studies is Monday March 10, 2003. Information and advising is available by contacting Nancy Campbell Patteson, Certificate Coordinator, in the Women's Studies office. patteson@educ.umass.edu
RETREAT
The Certificate mid-year retreat was held on Friday, February 7, 2003 from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. in the Everywoman's Center Conference Room, Wilder Hall. Past and present Certificate students attended despite the snowy weather. This event provided an opportunity for students to socialize and to dialogue over current issues.
SPRING LECTURE SERIES
The spring lecture series is back in partnership with the graduate Certificate "Issues in Feminist Research Seminar." Guest speakers will be presenting on selected Thursdays, from 4:00-5:00PM in Bartlett 127.
The schedule includes:
March 13
Professor Banu Subramaniam, Women's Studies
Professor Arlene Avakian, Women's StudiesMarch 27
Professor Julie Graham, GeographyApril 17
Professor Millie Thayer, SociologyApril 24
Associate Professor Alexandrina Deschamps
Women's StudiesPlus other research presentations t.b.a.
COMINGS AND GOINGS
Welcome to new majors: Julia Becker, Jackie Enos, Nadhege Jean, Nellie Krentzman, Christina Knowles, Nicole Laurence, Leah Lissauer, Kristi Nelson, Noriko Oiwake, Jessica Peters, Nicole Potvin, and Christine Rutkowski. Welcome to our new minors: Winifred Chen, Corey Hessinger, David Lambert, Allison Leshefsky, Samara Marblestone, Astariea Martin, Edwina Nunez, Pande Parul, Melissa Perez, Mary Ann Ruszala, Maria Tabia and Marjorie Valdivia.
We graduated a larger than usual group this January. Congratulations to major grads: Andrew Elder, Marny Levasseur, Caryl McCabe, Jessica Peters and Jamielle Walker. Best of luck to minor grad Kristal Ornellas.
ATTENTION WOST ALUMS:
Alumni News will be in the fall 2003 newsletter. We love to hear about your careers and lives, and your example inspires others. Send us your cards, letters and emails.
As always, the state budget wavers but our donors don't let us down. Your donations enable us to offer special events, and continue the long-standing tradition of awarding our grads T-shirts. Special thanks to:
Robyn Bagley
Judith V. Branzburg
Melissa Cardenas
Christina Cincotti
Susan Brown-Zimmerman
Daniel & Karen Corveleyn
Rebecca J. Dobkins
Alice Georgantas
Donna J. Grant
Mary E. Hawkesworth
Lian H. Jewell
Jackson Katz
Jacqueline Iris Katz
Sylvia A. Kearney
Dale LaBonte
Sue Lee
Linda A. Leslie
Jacqueline D. Levin
Birdie MacLennan
Dale A. Melcher
Kelly A. Palmer
Pancho and Karen Morris
Alice Mills Morrow
Mary E. Reilly
Jose and Caryl Rodriguez
Karen J. Shack
Inez M. Sieben
Rachel A. Siegel
Kathleen Mirabile-Wagner
Shirley Wagner
Carol Wallace
Cynthia L. Warren
Marea J. Wexler
Dr. Anne M. Wiley
Lindsay Whiting