UpDate - Vol. 13, No. 7, Page 1
October 14, 1993
Commission's new chair talks of achievement, plans

     Marion Hyson has a new role as a facilitator and spokesperson for
women on campus.
     The associate professor of individual and family studies is the
current chairperson of the Commission on the Status of Women.
     "The commission represents a cross-section of women at the
University-faculty members, professional and salaried staff, graduate and
undergraduate students- and is concerned with issues within each group, as
well as with issues that cut across all groups. Working with these
different constituencies, I have come to recognize our commonality," she
said.
     "Through the commission, much has been accomplished in recognizing and
meeting women's concerns at the University. For the past three years, our
main emphasis has been on professional development and safety, and we will
continue our efforts in these areas," she said.
     Hyson began her career in mid-life. As her children began to grow up,
she returned to school to get her doctorate in childhood development and
early childhood education from Bryn Mawr College, launching her academic
career. As a result of her own personal experience, she said she
understands some of the problems facing women because she has "been there."
     "Women, in particular, have to balance time and energy for
professional development and a career with family responsibilities.
Although this may involve raising children, it also can involve
responsibility for older parents," Hyson said.
     For example, she pointed out, commission initiatives led to a
family/medical leave recommendation that is under consideration.
     The commission also has recommended that the policy allowing both
women and men on the faculty to "stop the clock" for tenure to care for a
new family member  be extended when the need arises to care for other
family members. Graduate students and other women on campus have a need for
part-time child care, and the commission will look into the feasibility of
such a service.
     Looking at the positive side of juggling career and family
responsibilities, Hyson said women in these demanding situations undergo
personal growth, develop sensitivity and have much to offer because of
their experiences.
     In another area of professional development, the commission is
coordinating a workshop for department chairpersons to help junior faculty
to get off to a fast start on their careers.
     "Research has shown that those who immediately get involved and off to
a good beginning generally are the ones who succeed. The goal of the
workshop is to identify the issues and discuss strategies that can help
both women and men at the beginning of their academic careers," Hyson said.
     For faculty, a tenure/promotion workshop is held each year. Another
well-attended program is an academic publishing workshop.
     For women students on campus, personal safety is the number one issue,
Hyson said. There have been physical improvements, such as lighting and
emergency telephones, and the commission intends to look into implementing
a volunteer escort service.
     "Another student concern is the classroom climate. A pilot survey
discovered that women speak up more than men in small classes and much less
than men in large classes. We are interested in finding out why this is.
Another interesting finding of the survey was that men and women students
both spoke up more in classes taught by women," Hyson said.
     For professionals, a Career Development Resource Center has been
established, and both men and women are encouraged to use its services.
     Last year, a Salaried Staff Interest Survey identified top concerns
dealing with campus safety, the state pension plan, flexible work schedules
and harassment on the job. These issues are being considered for future
examination.
     Compared to some other schools, the University is a leader in
addressing women's concerns, Hyson said, and in a survey of other
universities and colleges, some respondents wrote back that they were
impressed by the commission and that their institutions did not have a
comparable organization, she said. A Middle States Association evaluation
team visited the campus early in 1992 and submitted its formal
accreditation report in mid year. The team's report cited several areas of
particular strength at the University, and one of them was the substantial
roles for women as decision makers on the campus.
     "I am enthusiastic and excited about heading the Commission on the
Status of Women. The commission has made a difference in the past in
improving the climate at Delaware for women and will continue its efforts.
I invite both men and women to contact me and share their concerns on these
important issues, so that we can work together," Hyson said.
                                        -Sue Swyers Moncure