U NI V E R S I T Y O F N E B R A S K A AT OM AH A

WiSTEM PRO ANNUAL REPORT 2

2016- 2017

Executive Report What an amazing journey this year has been. In the fall of 2015, roughly 20 women, faculty, and staff, gathered to discuss the need for an organization to support women in professional development and promotion at UNO. Specifically, the need to support women in predominately underrepresented fields. This grassroots effort has led to the organization of WiSTEM Pro2. WiSTEM stands for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Pro2 represents the PROmotion and PROfessional development goals of the organization. WiSTEM Pro2 is dedicated to the promotion of women in STEM through mentoring, continued dialogue, and professional development through collaboration across campus initiatives and engaging organizations. The group is open to all individuals interested in advancing careers and leadership opportunities for women.

OUR GOALS ARE: 1. 2.

To advocate for the advancement of women in STEM Continue professional development through mentoring and programming Retention of women faculty and staff Improve job satisfaction

3. 4.

WiSTEM Pro2 executive activities were led jointly by both the current President, Jenna Yentes, and President-Elect, Kelly Gomez Johnson. Together, they helped define the infrastructure and assisted committees in defining future goals that align with the overall mission of the organization. Under the administrative advisory of Dr. BJ Reed and Dr. Deb Smith-Howell, the following WiSTEM Pro2 executive activities were accomplished this past year:

Currently, we have 60 active members from the following units on campus (in no particular order):

• • •

•

• • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

HPER (soon to be Health and Kinesiology) IS&T Biomechanics Teacher Education Math Biology Geology/Geography Academic Affairs IT Innovation Grad Studies Emergency Management Criss Library Chemistry MBSC Operations Information Services Gerontology

• • • • • • •

ANNUAL RETREAT

WHITE PAPER

On August 10, 2016, 11 women gathered in the Criss Library to discuss the forward trajectory of WiSTEM Pro2. This retreat was pivotal in defining the direction of WiSTEM Pro2 over the next year.

During a meeting with Dr. BJ Reed in spring 2016, he requested a white paper from the organization to outline what resources exist on campus, how we will contribute, and our projected budget needs. Dr. Neal Grandgenett, WiSTEM Pro2 member, graciously assisted with this task. Having worked on many white papers and annual reports in the past, he offered to fund a technical writer to produce the document for the organization.

Major accomplishments during this meeting included: •

• • • •

Defining the structure of the organization (how many board members, committees) Appointment of executive board and committee chairs Discussion of the newly designed website Appointment of a champion within administration Discussion of the white paper and future budget proposal

After the retreat, five members attempted to escape a locked room in one of Omaha’s escape rooms!

2

• •

Women and Gender Studies Interdisciplinary Information Special Education/ Communication Disorders Executive MBA program Physics Office of Institutional Effectiveness Music Center for Public Affairs Research Aviation Institute NASA Nebraska Space Grant Aviation Institute Office of Research and Creative Activity Facilities Management & Planning Human Resources UNL Engineering

After collaborating with the technical writer, the organization submitted its white paper to Dr. Reed in February 2017. The white paper was also shared with potential stakeholders including the NU Foundation, deans, and other administrators. The white paper is posted on our website for public review.

BUDGET

BYLAWS

Currently, WiSTEM Pro2 functions on a yet-to-be established and funded budget during the 2016‒17 year. Due to the diligence, collaboration, and generosity of many stakeholders and WiSTEM Pro^2 members, we were able to make strides towards our mission and goals with minimal financial resources.

One major accomplishment was the approval of the bylaws by the executive board during spring 2017. Kelly Gomez Johnson led this initiative by drafting bylaws and Jenna assisted with revisions. Then, final revisions were made and the executive board unanimously approved the bylaws. These bylaws provide structure and organization for future leaders, and additional structure for future sustainability.

As of late spring 2017, a cost center has been established within the UNO system. The cost center was an essential component in our organization’s goal of becoming financially autonomous. Meetings will continue with administration to ensure budget needs are being met. Further, financial sustainability is a top priority for the executive board. External funding (see below) is one direction the organization is exploring.

EXTERNAL FUNDING After an initial meeting with the NU Foundation, Jenna Yentes and Kelly Gomez Johnson met several times with representatives to establish a fund for the organization in which community members could donate. Further, NU Foundation representatives reached out to several companies to investigate potential collaborations. Kelly and Jenna met with a company to discuss how the two organizations could work together. As these collaborations continue to grow, there could be potential for financial support as well. Despite being only one year old, WiSTEM Pro2 has been working toward sustainability, in particular, financial sustainability. Not only has the organization partnered with other UNO organizations and divisions, the group has submitted one external funding proposal. Three members of the executive board, Jenna Yentes, Sheryl McGlamery, and Anne Karabon, submitted a letter of intent to Women Investing in Nebraska for $50,000. The objective of this project is to create a transformative experience that develops leadership competencies and elevate the power of women’s voices in STEM fields at UNO. We proposed to create and execute a yearlong professional development, leadership, and mentoring program for a group of 20 women faculty and staff. The objective is to be met through three arms: 1. 2. 3.

Support of professional development Programming Mentoring

In May 2016, the organization explored turning our letter of intent into another proposal for the Women’s Fund of Omaha. Again, it was discovered that we could not submit until the program had been in existence for a minimum of three years. Albeit external funding was not procured this year, it is a top priority for the executive board for the coming years.

PRESENTATIONS WOMEN IN IT CONFERENCE On November 7, 2016, four members from WiSTEM Pro2 spoke at the UNL Women in I.T.: Opportunities that Scale Conference. This panel presentation and discussion included members Joyce Crockett, Amelia Squires, Kelly Gomez Johnson, and Jenna Yentes. The presentation focused on the grassroots efforts, development of the WiSTEM Pro2 organization at UNO, challenges and opportunities. The audience, of over 50 individuals, was provided information and steps to develop a similar organization at their home institutions or companies. The executive board has submitted a presentation proposal for the 2017 UNL Women Advance I.T. conference in Lincoln entitled, “Incorporating Professional Development and Leadership Training for Women in STEM and IT.” The executive board will continue to share our story with other institutions and companies interested in developing similar programs.

CCSW SUPPORT The Chancellors Commission for the Status of Women (CCSW) hosts an award lunch each spring. During this lunch they provide awards to women who have made a difference on campus and in the community. WiSTEM Pro2 proudly supported these efforts by purchasing two tables, 16 total seats. WiSTEM Pro2 members enjoyed the social interaction as well as the program honoring three wonderful women. Jenna Yentes is a member of CCSW and its adhoc committee. The adhoc committee is currently outlining much needed changes to be presented to the university. These changes range from inclusive language in admissions, to lactation rooms, to healthcare, as well as many other topics.

WiSTEM PRO2 ANNUAL REPORT

3

Data and Research Report

Communications Report

Committee Chair: DeeDee Bennett Committee Members: Michelle Friend, Keristiena Shenouda Dodge, Alisa Gilmore

Communications Officer: Amelia Squires

The mission of the WiSTEM Pro2 Data and Research Committee (DRC) is to collect, analyze, and report data on women faculty and staff at UNO in the areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and related fields. These data will provide insight into the current status of STEM women and accommodate future studies of progress that are committed to the interests unique to UNO. During 2016‒17, research questions were created, data sources were found, and IRB exemption was established.

KEY RESEARCH QUESTIONS To establish a long term agenda for the committee, the DRC first identified two key research questions to focus their committee’s work: 1.

What is the current status of women in STEM and related fields as determined by employment, salary, promotion and retention? What types of mentorship and guidance is most needed from current WiSTEM Pro2 members?

2.

DATA SOURCES Long term goals for the DRC will be used to collect disaggregate data that will allow for a longitudinal study on employment, promotion/tenure, and retention of women in STEM and related fields. Rather than developing our own instrument, the DRC

4

proactively examined preexisting sources already collecting data to answer our research questions. The DRC met with the Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE), who has a wealth of historical and current data that will be used to identify, organize, and interpret based on our mission and goals. For example, OIE offered metrics for faculty in STEM departments (UNO) with salary, self-identified race, position title and promotion information going back 5‒10 years, to establish a baseline. One challenge for the STEM field in general is the lack of consensus on the definition of STEM and who “counts” as STEM faculty and staff. This challenge to identify all faculty and staff under the STEM umbrella will continue to be a mission of the DRC to ensure our data is representative of the correct UNO employees.

IRB EXEMPTION Along with establishing research questions and a source for acquiring data, OIE required that WiSTEM Pro2 request IRB approval/exemption. Dr. DeeDee Bennett submitted the IRB application and WiSTEM Pro2 received such exemption from the UNMC IRB. As of April of 2017, the DRC is set to collect meaningful data to contribute to the proposed longitudinal study. Annually, the DRC intends on including questions in ongoing satisfaction related surveys initiated by UNO leadership to examine the inclusion of women faculty and staff within their departments. Finally, the DRC will continue to monitor the specific mentorship and guidance sought by larger membership base of WiSTEM Pro2.

As frequent communication and dissemination of information is vital to the success and continued growth of the WiSTEM Pro2 organization, a Communications Officer position was created at the planning retreat. The Communications Officer has many responsibilities, including the accurate recording of executive board meeting minutes. Having accurate records of our discussions and initiatives as an executive board has been important as we continue to reflect and plan for the future of our organization. Another major task of our communications officer this year has been establishing the infrastructure of communication for our entire organization. Over the course of the 2016‒17 year, the following items have been developed and executed for communications:

WEBSITE The UNO WiSTEM Pro2 website was developed and co-managed by Amelia Squires and Jenna Yentes. The website can be found at: wistempro2.unomaha.edu. The website serves as a hub for our organization’s communication. It features our mission and goals, committees, resources, and contact information. Additionally, our website offers various

opportunities for new members to engage through an interest form, and listings of committee meeting dates and times. Future development of the website is planned for summer 2017. Updates and additions will include: 1. 2.

3. 4. 5.

An events page Links to documentation such as the organization’s white paper, bylaws, and annual report An archive of weekly digest materials A list of campus departments Backgrounds of WiSTEM Pro2 members, and a link for donations.

EMAIL ACCOUNT An email account unowistempro2@unomaha.edu was established to formalize communications to and from our organization. As an organization, we are able to respond to interested members, answer questions, and gather resources for other communications and organization initiatives.

EMAIL LISTSERV An email listserv was established for members to share information to the entire WiSTEM Pro2 group. The listserv has been critical in creating a community of STEM professionals. Members are able to share current research, news articles, and reports pertinent to our mission with the wider group. Additionally, the listserv has also been a platform to informally recognize the accomplishments of WiSTEM Pro2 members.

Programming Report WEEKLY DIGEST The WiSTEM Pro2 Weekly Digest was created to inform the member listserv of resources, articles and research, upcoming events, and other pertinent information aimed at our mission and goals. The weekly digest is sent to members every Monday.

TWITTER The WiSTEM Pro2 Twitter account, @wistempro2, was created to share events, articles, and other newsworthy items to our followers. The Twitter feed establishes our organization’s social media presence. Along with being linked to the UNO WiSTEM Pro2 website, our Twitter presence has also connected us to other university and community STEM partners.

Progamming Chair: Anne Karabon Committee Members: Ashlee Dere, Kelly Gomez Johnson, Jenna Yentes This vital committee lacked a chair for several months. When given the opportunity, Dr. Anne Karabon embraced the challenge to lead and plan events for the group over the next two years. Her efforts have led to several exciting speakers, outreach events, and networking lunches. In 2016-17, the programming committee focused on two goals for supporting women faculty and staff in the STEM disciplines: network lunches and hosting a speaker. Both were successful. A total of 4 networking lunches occurred from October‒May with various configurations of members in attendance. During these lunches, informal networking/mentoring and collaborations were established. The programming committee, along with the Center for Faculty Excellence, ICAN, and Central Administration’s Office of Inclusion and Diversity, hosted Prof. Michelle Ryan from the University of Exeter to give a public talk in April on ambition, risk taking, and career choice. The programming committee raised $4,000 in funding and surpassed our participant goal by welcoming 58 guests to the talk. The committee also coordinated a discussion between Prof. Michelle Ryan and members of the Office of Academic and Student Affairs Leadership Team. A huge thank you must be given to Karen Hein and Nancy Meyer in the Center for Faculty Excellence. This event was executed perfectly due to their efforts. The programming committee took strides to connect with the Omaha community. In January, we organized a panel discussion and viewing of the movie, Hidden Figures, at Aksarben Cinema. Following the film, a panel of five UNO employees and WiSTEM Pro2 members answered questions based on themes and ideas from the movie. 187 tickets to the movie were sold and roughly 150 attendees stayed for the discussion. Articles about the event, panelists, and WiSTEM Pro2 were written in the Omaha World-Herald. Two attendees at the movie panel, an educator and principal in Omaha, connected with members to organize a movie viewing and talk with students. People from around the United States who found our event via an Internet search reached out to ask questions on how to organize an event like this in their own communities. The programming committee partnered with the Women in IT initiative to welcome guest speakers from Raytheon to discuss their career paths and work as women in engineering. The programming committee has begun planning for the 2017‒18 year. We will continue to have monthly network lunches that encourage members to be involved and bring potential new members. We plan to bring a speaker to campus to once again offer a public talk. New items of focus will be organizing a book club for women who identify as STEM to read and discuss topics of interest and offer, and exclusively for members, professional development through a workshop series (e.g., presentations, talks). The programming committee believes that supporting faculty and staff throughout the school year will foster a sense of community across STEM fields and further leadership development.

WiSTEM PRO2 ANNUAL REPORT

5

Treasurer Report Treasurer: Sheryl McGlamery WiSTEM Pro2 is a grassroots organization. During the 2016-17 academic year, the organization functioned with no monies and budget. We’d like to thank the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs office for funding our annual retreat in August 2016. We would also like to thank the Center for Faculty Excellence, ICAN, and Central Administration’s Office of Inclusion and Diversity for funding our large programming event in April 2017. In preparation for 2017-18, Sheryl McGlamery and Jenna Yentes discussed the needs of the group and outlined a proposed budget for the upcoming academic year, which was approved by the executive board. The approved proposal was presented to Dr. BJ Reed, the Academic Vice Chancellor for approval in February 2017. With the assistance of Dr. Deborah Smith-Howell, the approved budget is in the process

of being reviewed by all seven deans for additional funding. A portion of the 2017-18 budget is being funded by the Academic Affairs Vice Chancellor’s and Associate Vice Chancellor’s offices. We are hopeful that the deans will collaboratively fund the remainder of our projected budget. The funds are expected to be deposited into our cost center account on or before July 1, 2017. In addition to internal funding, it has been the expectation of all members of the organization to establish financial autonomy in the next five years. Even in our first year, we have been aggressive in trying to reach this goal. As can be seen under the Executive Report, we have established a donation account with the NU Foundation and applied for at least one external grant. We will continue to look for funding mechanisms, collaborations with institutional and community partners, and work with the NU Foundation to reach this goal.

Awards and Recognition Committee Chair: Sandra Vlasnik Committee Members: Joyce Crocket, Sara Myers, Janine Brooks The mission of the recognition committee is to establish ways to recognize and honor women faculty, staff, and alumni of the University of Nebraska Omaha. Goals of this committee are to organize existing awards, develop efficient nomination strategies, and advocate for women to be nominated for such awards. This committee will be primarily responsible for establishing new awards and scholarships. During 2016-17, the Awards and Recognition Committee focused on organizing existing awards. The committee met three times in person and exchanged many emails in order to: 1. 2. 3.

Create a simple database of available awards related to STEM Identify of the types of awards to recognize Develop a Google form to register an award: http://bit.ly/2tJgQX6

So far, 29 different awards are currently stored in the WiSTEM Pro2 – Awards and Recognition database. The hope is to expand the awards cataloged to include not only university associated awards, but national awards that are field-specific. Even more outstanding is that this committee was able to create a new staff level award for activities in STEM on campus! Before now, staff level awards, specifically in STEM, have not been available on the UNO campus. We would like to applaud this effort, led by Joyce Crockett and the Staff Advisory Committee.

6

The committee is continuing to develop the requirements for a webbased application for management of the awards database. During the 2017-18 academic year, the committee plans to work with an IS&T Application Development course offered by the College of IS&T at UNO to create a web-based application for all awards. During Phase I, Fall 2017, the developed application will: 1. 2. 3.

Allow awards to be recorded by all WiSTEM Pro2 members Allow members to browse available awards Send email notifications each month for upcoming award application deadlines

During Phase II, Spring 2018, the application development will expand to allow members to input and store their personal award qualification criteria and automatically match members with stored award qualification criteria to available awards and send notifications of potential matches.

Executive Board

Yes, I would like to support the WiSTEM Pro^2 General Fund (01141970) by choosing from the options below. One-time gift of: £ $25 £ $50 £ $75 £ $100 £ Other $________ The University of Nebraska Foundation (a 501(c) (3) nonprofit is dedicated to the advancement of the University of Nebraska) is proud to partner with WiSTEM Pro2 as it supports women in STEM on the UNO campus and within the broader community. Private support plays an important role in helping on-campus groups like WiSTEM Pro2 achieve their missions. From bringing guest speakers to campus, to providing professional development opportunities for their members, to establishing awards to recognize outstanding faculty, staff and allies of women in STEM at UNO, your generous gift can help WiSTEM Pro2 build on the firm foundation it established in its first year. For more information on making a gift to WiSTEM Pro2, please contact Nicole Massara or Vanessa Denney at the University of Nebraska Foundation at 402.502.0330.

Please return to: University of Nebraska Foundation 2285 South 67th Street, Suite 200 Omaha NE 68106 Or call 800.432.3216 for more information or visit: nufoundation.org. Since 1936, the University of Nebraska Foundation has played a significant role in the success of the University of Nebraska. As a nonprofit, independent corporation, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents designated the Foundation as the primary fundraiser and manager of private gifts to the university. The Foundation exists to raise and manage gifts to further advance all campuses of the University of Nebraska.

£ My check for $________ is enclosed, payable to the University of Nebraska Foundation. £ Monthly gift of $________ (credit card only) £ Please charge $________ to my: £ VISA £ MasterCard £ Discover £ AmEx Card Number:_________________________________Exp. Date:____________ £ I'd like to fulfill my pledge of $________ payable over ________ years (not to exceed five years) beginning ________ (month) of ________ (year). Please send pledge reminders: £ anually £ semi-annually £ quarterly £ monthly

Signature (for credit card payment or to establish a pledge)

Date

£ Give online at nufoundation.org/UNO Name _________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________ City _________________________________ State _________ Zip_________ Phone_________________________ Email_____________________________ Employer_________________________________ Title____________________

£ My company, _______________________________________, will match this gift; the form is enclosed. £ I have already included the Foundation in my will P lease tell me how I can: £ give through my will £ honor a family member with a tribute gift

WiSTEM PRO2 ANNUAL REPORT

7

The University of Nebraska Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization soliciting tax deductible private contributions for the benefit of the University of Nebraska. The Foundation is registered to solicit charitable contributions with the appropriate governing authorities in all states requiring registration. A copy of the current financial statement is available by writing to P.O. Box 82555, Lincoln, Nebraska 68501-2555, by calling 402-458-1100, or if you are a resident of the following States you may obtain registration and financial information directly by contacting: CALIFORNIA: The Attorney General’s website at http://caag.state.ca.us/charities. MARYLAND: For the cost of postage and copies from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, Maryland 21401, 410-974-5534, 1-800-825-4510. MISSISSIPPI: The official registration and financial information of the University of Nebraska Foundation may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement by the Secretary of State. NEW JERSEY: Information filed with the Attorney General concerning this charitable solicitation and the percentage of contributions received by the charity during the last reporting period that were dedicated to the charitable purpose may be obtained from the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey by calling 973-504-6215 and is available on the Internet at http://www.state.nj.us/ lps/ca/charfrm.htm. Registration with the Attorney General does not imply endorsement. NEW YORK: Upon request, a copy of the latest annual report can be obtained from the organization or from the Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law, Charities Bureau, Attn: FOIL Officer, 120 Broadway, New York, New York 10271.PENNSYLVANIA: The official registration and financial information of the University of Nebraska Foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. WASHINGTON: Secretary of State at 1-800-332-GIVE WEST VIRGINIA: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, West Virginia 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement.

@wistempro2 UNIVERSITY OF NEBRAKSA AT OMAHA 6001 Dodge Street | Omaha, NE 68182 unowistempro2@unomaha.edu The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. 0828RPTCOE0617

wistempro2.unomaha.edu