COMMITTEE ON MULTICULTURAL CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION
Notes from Meeting of
17 January 2012
The fourth meeting of the Committee on Multicultural Curriculum Transformation was held on
Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in Altgeld 203.
Present:
Amy Levin, Beth Towell, Janice Hamlet, Bill Goldenberg, Robin Moremen, Donna Smith,
Virginia Cassidy, Murali Krishnamurthi, and Catherine Smith.
Announcements:
Towell announced that the Women’s Leadership Summit will be on March 22 in Altgeld; she
will have more information at the next meeting. Levin announced that details of Women’s
Studies spring events will be available on the program’s website and at the next meeting. In the
meantime, the film “Miss Representation” will be shown at 6:00 pm on Feb. 9 in Reavis 211.
She also provided a reminder of the MCTI reunion lunches on February 15 and 21. Erica Rand
will speak on diversity in sports twice on February 22—at one in Watson 110 and at 4:00 in the
Heritage Room. Her visit is sponsored by LGBT Studies. Hamlet announced that the
documentary “Storming the Gates” will be shown on February 27 in Sandburg Auditorium, to be
complemented by a panel discussion (including administrators from NIU, within the state, and
community leaders). Finally, Levin informed the Committee that Haeffele and Braun submitted a
paper proposal based on their institute participation and it was accepted for a nursing conference.
Minutes:
The minutes from the meeting of November 22, 2011, were approved without any changes.
Assessment:
Members were informed that the pre-test was sent out. Our volunteers for participation are Carol
Patitu and Ismael Montana; the former is teaching a graduate course and the latter an
undergraduate course.
Social Class Event:
The committee discussed whether we should host an event this spring that focuses on social
class, since last year’s institute participants felt the topic deserved additional attention. General
Comments: Moremen suggested that before deciding whether to hold an event, we should discuss
what the event would be and who would conduct it. Towell suggested that we ask participants at
the reunion lunches if they would like to come back for an event on this topic. Cassidy stressed
the importance of discussing how we would address the topic. Levin suggested promoting the
teach-in on the Occupy movement co-sponsored by NGOLD and Women’s Studies, because it
will focus on social and economic inequalities. The Committee agreed that the teach-in would
suffice. It will be held in Campus Life Building 100 during lunchtime on March 29. Speakers
will include an economist, a political scientist, a member of the Occupy movement, and a
historian.
Book Project:
Call for Papers: Members made suggestions for revisions. The group agreed that the call for
papers should include opportunities for individuals to write about transformation activities other
than classes and that panel presenters should be asked to write about their work. Syllabi should
also be included with submissions of articles on courses.
Book Outline: There was some discussion about whether previously published materials will be
accepted as submissions. Moremen mentioned that the “History” and the “How-To” sections are
the most important pieces. Towell would like the committee to provide several good examples of
what we would like to include in the book; Moremen agreed to make her article available. Levin
also promised to bring the book she is using as a partial model to the next meeting. Moremen
said that a statement should be included stating that all submissions will be peer reviewed.
Towell proposed the possibility of including an alumni survey to demonstrate increased
awareness of diversity; however, no such survey is available. Moremen said to change the title of
the Call for Papers to: “Publish the Results of Your MCTI Transformation Efforts.” However,
we need to make it clear that we are not asking participants for a critique of the Institute. It was
decided that we will use Moremen’s work as an example for the participants.
Towell suggested that we send the call for papers and book outline to all past participants and
presenters as well as put it on the website. Levin will also send the information to NIU Today
and prepare a press release. A revised copy of these documents will be sent to the Committee for
approval before it is sent out to participants and others. Committee members are asked to make
comments on the revisions within a week of receiving them.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:53 a.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday,
February 21, 2011, from 10:00-11:30 a.m. in Altgeld 203.
HOMEWORK: Please bring ideas for keynote speakers for
the 2013 institute to the next meeting. It would be extremely
helpful if you could bring some background information on
proposed speakers with you as well.