Board Members Present: President Rita Bode, Trent University, Canada; Past President Matthew Lessig, State University of New York, Cortland; First Vice President Barbara Mabee, Oakland University; Second Vice President Simona Wright, The College of New Jersey; Jason Haslam, Dalhousie University, American/British Literature Director; Cecilia Feilla, Marymount Manhattan College, American/British Literature Director; Natalie Edwards, Wagner College, French Language and Literatures Director; Jennifer Harris, Mount Allison University, Popular Culture Director; Birgit Tautz, Bowdoin College, German Language and Literature Director; Daniela Antonucci, Princeton University, Italian Language and Literature Director; Nilgun Anadolu-Okur, Temple University, Comparative Languages and Literatures Director; Lisa Perdigao, Florida Institute of Technology, Women’s Caucus Director; Donald Gagnon, Western Connecticut State University, LGBT Caucus Director; Elizabeth Anderman, University of Colorado-Boulder, CAITY Representative; Grace Wetzel, University of South Carolina, Graduate Caucus Representative; Laurence Roth, Susquehanna University, Modern Language Studies, Editor. Non-Board members present: Executive Director Elizabeth Abele, SUNY Nassau Community College; 2009 Convention Local Representative Adeline Soldin, Boston University; 2009 Convention Local Representative Carrie McGrory, Boston University; Recorder: Alina Opreanu.
Regrets: Monica Leoni, University of Waterloo, Spanish/Portuguese Languages and Literatures Director
President Rita Bode calls the meeting to order at 2:20 pm.
Adjustments and Approval of April 2008 Board minutes
E.D. notes that on page 4 of the April 2008 Board minutes “Matt Haslam” should be changed to “Jason Haslam.” Jason Haslam moves to reinsert the phrase “convention participants” in the by-laws; motion seconded by Elizabeth Anderman; motion approved. Motion to approve the minutes by Barbara Mabee; seconded by Jason Haslam; minutes approved.
Local Representatives’ Report, Adeline Soldin, Carrie McGrory
Adeline Soldin and Carrie McGrory present possible local events for the NeMLA 2009 Convention in Boston, including musical performances by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Opera Boston, and by Coro Allegro, Boston’s acclaimed chorus for members and friends of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities; the Boston Ballet’s performance of Jewels; and theatrical performances at the Boston Center for the Arts, the Lyric Stage Company, and the American Repertory Theater in Harvard Square. The local reps planned two events for Thursday: a City View trolley tour at 12pm and a tour of the Boston Athenaeum from 1-3pm. A Masterpieces Tour of the Museum of Fine Arts would round out the cultural activities on Sunday afternoon.
Adeline Soldin and Carrie McGrory ask for suggestions for other possible activities Convention participants could do on their own. Board members familiar with Boston suggest visits to the Gottlieb Archives at Boston University (Beckett pieces in the archive might be of particular interest), the ICA, the JFK Museum and Library, Fanueil Hall, the Isabella Gardner Museum, the Boston Public Library, a walking tour of the North End, the Boston Public Library, Houghton Library and the Peabody Natural History Museum at Harvard University. Jason Haslam points out that the Bruins will be playing a home game on Thursday night. Elizabeth Anderman suggests organizing a literary driving tour; Adeline Soldin and Carrie McGrory add Walden Pond and the House of Seven Gables in Salem to their suggestion list.
E.D. notes that public parking at the Hyatt Regency is very expensive ($26/day) and asks that Convention participants be told about the Commuter Rail parking lots: Alewife $5/day, end of Green Line $14/two days. Donald Gagnon notes that there are parking lots near Amtrak station as well.
Rita Bode suggests compiling a list of local restaurants. Jennifer Harris inquires about a local grocery store to be included on the list.
E.D. hands out list of 2009 graduate assistants so that Board and local representatives have the contract information.
Executive Director’s Report, Elizabeth Abele
Finances
E.D. announces that we had a slight overage in the budget ($12,900) due to a conservative approach to budgeting. E.D. hands out the budget. Media expenses were lower (fewer requests); the Hyatt package was cheaper than the Sheraton; we were under budget with overall expenses due to being tax exempt for the first time in NY. E.D. notes that we were also previously tax exempt in Massachusetts; NeMLA has incurred unexpected expense with the IRS and has not had a good executive board transition.
Executive Board Transition: E.D. is trying to get a staffing accountant and more support on rules for non-profits in the NY area. Due to the size of the organization, NeMLA can no longer use an 990 EZ. There has also been a switch to a calendar year format rather than a fiscal year. Rita Bode suggests checking with the MLA for their accountant and proposes that we have someone in place well before the deadline.
Growth: E.D. announces that we have roughly a surplus of $115,500; some of the money has been moved to use for renewal discount; we have been under-spending with MLS. Rita Bode expresses concern over how much work E.D. is putting into NeMLA and asks whether it would be possible to find part-time clerical support. E.D. is exploring these issues and currently has an assistant helping with accounts; E.D. adds that the MMLA has just hired a new Executive Director with a new institutional sponsor. E.D. suggests that the board follow the model of recruiting a university with clerical support already in place. E.D. notes that we are the largest regional MLA so we should be attractive to Northeastern institutions.
2008 Convention Report
E.D. notes that the money spent on a nicer poster for the 40th anniversary convention was put to good use: every participant received a poster. There were many panel proposals (340-360 panels); the failure rate is usually 11-12%; this year, however, it was only 9%. Jennifer Harris suggests that with the failure of the UPenn list panel chairs are becoming more creative in their recruiting efforts. Simona Wright adds that there is a buzz about NeMLA; the Italian section has grown exponentially; the quality of the panels is superior; the overall atmosphere is seen as very welcoming, not stiff and stern.
Buffalo Debriefing: E.D. notes that overall the sessions were very highly attended, social events were also well-attended, and lunch was a big success. We need to not run out of food next time and to serve food strategically to promote attendance at events. Elizabeth Anderman notes that the plenary speaker was hard to hear. E.D. concurs that we were well-managed on Thursday and Friday; not Saturday.
2009 Convention Report
Proposed Schedule: E.D. hands out proposed 2009 Boston schedule. We had 350 panel proposals; we were unable to fill only a handful of our second panel requests. The proposed schedule includes a total of 322 panels, seminars, and round tables in 2009. Seminars will take place on Thursday and Sunday; followed by sessions with conference style set-up.
Seminars: Birgit Tautz asks if there are any considerations of posting seminar papers electronically. E.D. suggests that we could publicize seminar chair names. While only 3 sessions were proposed as seminars from the beginning, we now have around 30 seminars. E.D. sent seminar suggestions to chairs. More slots of 75-min. sessions remain open. Elizabeth Anderman asks about the difference between a roundtable and a seminar. E.D. clarifies that a roundtable does not require the preparation of a formal paper. Seminars should not be run as crowded panels; the whole reason for a seminar is to increase quality interaction.
Scheduling: E.D. announces that the consensus is to begin at 8:30 am; it is the only way to improve end times on Friday and Saturday (6:15). Nilgan Anadolu-Okur adds that the seminar she ran at the 2008 convention began at 8am. Birgit Tautz asks if there is an option to have some of the seminars scheduled on Thursday. E.D. notes that Thursday seminars were well-attended last year.
Budget: E.D. distributes budget. Income for this year comes to about $160,000 from Activa + $10,000 from surplus + $8,000 memberships + $190,000 from contributors.
Board Membership and Registration: In years past, NeMLA supported board members travel to the fall board meeting, but they also received funds for spring convention; in recent years, only the hotel stays have been covered. It is noted that Southwest MLA pays nothing to its board members for the convention while Rocky Mountain MLA gives a total of $500 for both meetings. E.D. notes that the simplest option is going back to giving board membership + registration (20 board members). Rita Bode supports giving membership + registration. Elizabeth Anderman would prefer to have extra money go to CAITY participants rather than having it pay for board member attendance. Simona Wright supports waiving membership + conference fee for board members and covering hotel costs; she thinks that the Executive Director’s pay ($7500) should be increased. Elizabeth Anderman motions to have Executive Board review increasing E.D. compensation. Simona Wright seconded the motion; motion approved.
Donald Gagnon motions that the Board cover membership + registration for Executive Committee; Nilgun Anadolu-Okur seconds the motion; motion approved. E.D. will supply Executive Committee members with a promotion code.
Elizabeth Anderman motions to set up a travel fund for board members (up to $250?) who do not receive travel funding from their institution. Simona Wright seconds motion. Jason Haslam motions to amend the previous motion to specify that the person applying has to get a letter from department chair stating that they do not get funding. Donald Gagnon suggests adding the wording “chair or person responsible for travel.” Motion is seconded by Simona Wright; motion approved.
Other Budget Items: E.D. notes that the AAS and Newberry have not had as many applications as expected. Elizabeth Anderman suggests that a flexible fund be established for an office assistant (needs to know Excel really well). E.D. has bumped up travel grants and NeMLA will be distributing Convention bookbags (better value, more eco friendly) rather than folders this year.
Funds for book prize readers: E.D. raises the issue of funding for book prize readers. Jennifer Harris notes that the book prize comes with an award of $500.
NeMLA & Service: E.D. asks how do we want to position ourselves in terms of service to the academic community beyond our members. Would NeMLA like to take over a listserv? Jason Haslam agrees that it’s a great idea, but would demand a lot of work, though it would cement NeMLA in its current state. Rita Bode suggests supporting more direct activism. The graduate assistantship program has great results. Birgit Tautz suggests working with graduate students to ensure balance on the panels (not loading panels with only graduate students) and managing professional side of academic identity. Natalie Wagner mentions the Early Career Advise from Seasoned French Faculty roundtable scheduled for the 2009 Convention. Simona Wright agrees that the presence of senior faculty at NeMLA is very important. E.D. encourages area directors to keep in close contact with their chairs.
Areas of Growth: Jason Haslam suggests that having British and American Literature function separately makes sense given the growth in the united area. Rita Bode notes that Transatlantic Studies are also a growing area. Another possible panel idea for graduate students might be “turning your manuscripts into books.” Rita Bode adds that with the growth of the organization as a whole, chairs should be asked to take care of their panelists. Simona Wright suggests going to as many of the sessions as possible to support the panelists and chairs. E.D. points out that webmaster Zack Hutchins is willing to create individual area web pages linked to the main NeMLA page.
Creative Writing: Laurence Roth raises the issue of the explosive growth in creative writing at academic institutions. Currently, the AWP is the primary venue for creative writers to gather; there may be an opportunity for us as an organization to create space for creative writing and tap into this growth. Discussion of a possible creative writing area at next Convention. Elizabeth Anderman notes that some creative writers are already getting involved in the CAITY caucus. E.D. suggests that there may be an early Saturday evening slot for creative writers available at the 2010 Convention in Montreal; another possibility would be a mini-conference on either Thursday or Saturday. Rita Bode asks if we can publicize Montreal panels via any existing listservs for creative writers. Jennifer Harris suggests that we can focus our effort by coming up with 3 board-sponsored panels for Montreal.
Laurence Roth agrees to host a Saturday evening event for creative writers (with wine).
Future Conventions: E.D. reports that we have received the revised Montreal contract with a hotel rate of $159 (room count 684). Currently for Boston, there are 1300 rooms available through 3 hotels. Rita Bode notes that we need to start telling NeMLA members immediately about getting passports for Montreal.
Discussion of Insurance: E.D. mentions that we have both kinds of insurance (liability & event cancellation) for the Convention, while other regional councils have only event cancellation insurance. Rita Bode asks about insurance for the fall board meeting. E.D. notes that we do not currently have it for board travel; individuals can usually be covered by their personal insurance or credit cards used to purchase flights. Rita Bode suggests that we get insurance of both types for the fall board meeting.
Meeting adjourned for break
Called back to order at 4:05pm
Officer and Committee Reports
President’s Report, Rita Bode
English Canadian and Caribbean Literature: For the 2009 Convention there are 3 primary sessions in the area of English Canadian literature, one panel listing the area as secondary, and one Board-sponsored panel. In English Caribbean literature, there are 3 primary sessions and a couple more which list Caribbean literature as a secondary area. Rita Bode would like to get more Canadian members involved; thinks that the Montreal Convention will bring in more Canadian literature panels in both English and French.
40th Anniversary Convention, Boston: Speaker Ha Jin withdrew from participating in convention. The poet Rosanna Warren will read at opening reception; two other Boston-area poets will also be reading: Maggie Dietz and Todd Heron. John Stauffer will be giving the keynote address.
Honoring Past Presidents and former Executive Directors: Rita Bode asks for suggestions of how to honor the 20 past presidents and former executive directors who accepted NeMLA’s complimentary membership invitation. They will be acknowledged at the keynote. Matt Lessig suggests special badges and E.D. shows the colored badges that will be distributed based on affiliation (past president, board member, graduate assistant, etc.). Jennifer Harris suggests listing them separately in the program. Rita Bode suggests NeMLA could invite them to dinner on Thursday or Saturday night. She will work with E.D. to find appropriate opportunity in program.
First Vice President’s Report, Barbara Mabee
Election results: The four vacant positions on the Board for 2009-2012 were filled as follows:
2010 Convention, Montreal, Quebec, Canada: Barbara Mabee reports that McGill has agreed to be the host institution and will support the convention with $2,500. B. Mabee hands out letter received from Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies Nathalie Cooke detailing the agreement between the university and NeMLA. M. Mabee notes that the McGill faculty is willing to work with NeMLA to attract a very high profile speaker for the keynote address. By holding a distinguished lectureship on the Wednesday or Thursday evening before the Convention, they would aid NeMLA with the cost of travel, lodging, and an honorarium for the speaker. The faculty and NeMLA are invited to suggest potential speakers; the Faculty of the Arts Distinguished Lectureships Committee at McGill will have the final say on the speaker. This is a committed and enthusiastic host institution.
Second Vice President’s Report, Simona Wright
2011 Convention in New Brunswick at Rutgers University: Professor Andrea Baldi, Chair of the Department of Italian at Rutgers responded enthusiastically to a request for possible sponsorship of the NeMLA 2011 conference. The Dean of Graduate Studies at Rutgers is considering possible financial and staff support. E.D. and Simona Wright visited the centrally located Hyatt Hotel ($139 rates) in New Brunswick and were very pleased. The Board has accepted the idea of going to Rutgers. Simona Wright adds that NeMLA would like to get Umberto Eco for the keynote.
Summer Fellowship Awards for 2009: Simona Wright updated the website for summer fellowship awards aimed at supporting the research of primarily untenured junior faculty, graduate students, and independent scholars with travel grants ranging from $500 to $1500. In the spirit of fairness, Rita Bode suggests earmarking a portion of the awards for Associate Professors and above; in particular, professors at 2-year colleges who do not receive money for research. Jennifer Harris notes that tenured faculty at 4-year institutions do not have the same pressures as Assistant Professors as their jobs are not at stake. Barbara Mabee points out that it is not a pressing issue as there have not been any submissions from professors above the assistant level. Simona Wright and Grace Wetzel are currently on the Summer Fellowship Awards Committee; Matt Lessig volunteers to be on the Committee.
NeMLA Italian Studies: Simona Wright expresses thanks to the Board and to E.D. in particular for fully funding NeMLA Italian Studies, which will get a new web publication as well as maintaining its printed journal format.
Past President’s Report, Matt Lessig
Book Award: We received 15 Submissions (9 in British and American, 6 in Modern Languages); this is a significant increase in total submissions. Matt Lessig explains that he has initiated a preliminary review process and has tagged 7 submissions (which were either in a language other than English or too weak in his estimation), which he has submitted to second readers (Rita Bode, Monica Leoni, Carine Mardorossian) for a second opinion. In total, Matt Lessig expects that 8-12 manuscripts will need to be read for this competition and suggests that NeMLA pay a small stipend or pay readers’ membership/convention fees (only non-Board members). Matt Lessig asks that all e-mail traffic go through Audrey Evrard, Award graduate assistant.
Manuscript Evaluation System: Lisa Perdigao says that in her experience in SeMLA all members of the book award committee read the manuscripts submitted. Discussion over whether a single reader system will work. Jennifer Harris suggests having each reader evaluate 2 manuscripts. Rita Bode reminds the board that journals normally have in-house readers who decide whether the manuscripts can be submitted to the next stage; then the standard vetting process usually requires two outside readers’ reports. Laurence Roth suggests following a format adopted by various university presses in which manuscripts are accompanied by an in-depth book proposal; the book award committee would then vet the proposals and bring the total number down to 6 manuscripts, which could then be submitted to outside readers, whose evaluations would reduce the final pool of applicants to 3 submissions. Birgit Tautz recommends using the existing reader’s form for the evaluation. Matt Lessig points out that NeMLA is using a similar process but without the stipulation of bringing the number down to 3; another issue raised is the problem of two categories: British/American & Modern Languages (French, Spanish among submissions this year). Simona Wrights suggests that given the limited pool of readers, we may have to decide to not accept manuscripts written in foreign languages.
Laurence Roth identifies two motions on the table: 1) helping Matt with the current process already underway, and 2) making an official motion about the language of submissions. Elizabeth Anderman moves that in the future we only accept book manuscripts written in English accompanied by a prospectus (the requirements to be specified on the NeMLA website). Simona Wright seconds the motion; motion approved.
Matt Lessig states that in a week, 8-10 manuscripts can be sent out to readers; he proposes considering a hybrid process, inserting an intermediate step to then whittle down the number of submissions to 3 per category.
Lisa Perdigao offers to help Matt with the book award procedure.
Modern Language Studies, Laurence Roth, Editor
MLS is doing well: the publishing company Wiley-Blackwell has approached us with an offer of a publishing partnership (i.e. they would publish MLS in exchange for a profit sharing or royalty agreement). Laurence Roth suggests that now is not the time to join with a big publisher like Wiley-Blackwell (splitting subscription monies and other revenues 50/50) for a journal of this size because production of MLS is almost entirely done in-house at Susquehanna University, providing learning opportunities for students. The most time-consuming and frustrating aspect of operation is handling subscriptions; it might make sense to consider other offers that would relieve the in-house operations of the duty.
Finances/Budget/Subscriptions: we currently have a total of $22,653.70 in the MLS account. Laurence Roth notes that while subscription numbers have increased and will reach 1400 members by Dec. 1, 2008, the SWETS/EBSCO numbers are down from the last report. The Subscription manager will check these numbers: we believe this reflects reporting protocols and the situation will be clarified for the spring report.
38.2 40th Anniversary Issue “Collaborations”: the special issue includes a section edited by Jason Haslam consisting of three critical essays and a response essay, a dossier on French writer Alain Spiess, and a special section featuring reflections by 8 past Presidents/Executive Directors of NeMLA, as well as the current President and E.D. Laurence Roth adds that we might need 1600, 1700, even 1800 given the subscriptions numbers. L. Roth reminds board that they are always looking for articles; primary materials, notebooks, letters, interviews are of particular interest. Another way to potentially grow MLS would be to mix scholarship with creative writing.
Grace Wetzel expresses interest in interviewing Rosana Warren for the next edition of the journal.
Language Director & Caucus Reports
American/British Directors’ Reports - Jason Haslam, Cecilia Feilla
American — Jason Haslam
Jason Haslam announces that there was large growth in native American panels, two panels in high demand were given special sessions (Matt Lessig’s Board-sponsored panel on Working-Class Literature and Lisa Hinrichsen’s panel “Historicizing Memory/Rembering History”), and a Board-sponsored panel on Phillis Wheatley, for a total of 64 sessions: in three years, we have doubled the number of Americanist panels at the convention.
Discussion of African/African-American Literature: Jason Haslam reports that Nilgun Anadolu-Okur approached Rita Bode and himself during the break about developing an African-American Caucus. He notes that this might be something to consider, but adds that the field (African-American Literature) is represented at NeMLA. Jason Haslam thinks that if we were to start dividing up American in that way, other ethnic literatures (Chicano, Asian-American, etc.) would also merit their own caucuses. The Discussion ends with no motions made.
Other areas: Jason Haslam suggests keeping an eye on tracks developing inside the field; Rita Bode reminds members that it is important to keep NeMLA’s program focused. Grace Wetzel notes that Composition is an area that could be developed. Rita Bode suggests that we go over the minutes in the spring, at which time Board members can assume responsibility for some of these areas.
British — Cecilia Feilla
Cecelia Feilla reports a healthy British division with a total of 46 sessions (up from 29 last year) and a real explosion in Victorian Literature and 20th Century; of other areas, the Renaissance is strong due in part to the intervention of Rita Bode and Elizabeth Abele, who invited former Executive Secretary of NeMLA, Arthur Kinney, to organize three sessions in conjunction with the Massachusetts Center for Renaissance Studies at the University of Massachusetts; however, there is a deficit in theater (genre) panels. C. Feilla also expressed surprise over the under-representation of the 18th Century. Cecelia Feilla suggests that one focus for the future would be to rethink what an English major means in new global era, and is interested in getting those conversations going amongst members. E.D. points out that this is an effective way to use Board-sponsored panels. Jason Haslam agrees that asking members from under-represented areas to propose panels for Board-sponsorship is a good idea.
Italian — Daniela Antonucci
Daniela Antonucci reports an increase from last year’s panel proposals of nearly 50%, with a total number of 44 panels covering a wide range of genres, topics, and literary periods. Daniela Antonucci suggested the seminar option to a number of panels since they were very successful last year. This year, 6 panels switched to seminars. Members signaled a growing interest in teaching methodologies, contemporary literature, and immigration in Italy. Daniela Antonucci reports that the Italian Literature Division is hoping to invite a film director, but has had some difficulty getting funding. Daniela Antonucci asks if there might be extra NeMLA money available for such an event. E.D. suggests making a formal proposal to the Board, specifying how much would be needed, and stating why this event would be of interest not just to the Italian Caucus but the whole Convention.
Spanish/Portuguese — Monica Leoni (to be read)
The Spanish/Portuguese Division had a slight increase in panel proposals from last year for a total of 21. Professor Alan Smith of Boston University will conduct a special poetry session on Saturday evening featuring Spanish poets José Luis Gallero, José María Parreño, and Garciela Baqueros. Enrique Ruiz-Fornells of the Spanish Ministry of Culture will hold a special session on Spanish theatre on Saturday at noon.
German — Birgit Tautz
Birgit Tautz reports that she is pleased with overall representation of pre-20th Century periods; there will be 19 panels, including one Swiss literature and an invited Swiss writer (Hansjörg Schertenlieb), co-sponsored by the Swiss Consulate. Birgit Tautz addes that she spoke to graduate student organizers about creating well-balanced panels and has thus advanced her personal goal to work on collaboration among ranks. B. Tautz has also asked the Goethe Institute to schedule a reading for Thursday.
French — Natalie Edwards
Natalie Edwards reports that there will be 24 French sessions at the Convention this year; the Board sponsored panels on Medieval, 17th century, and 18th century literature. Among the wide ranging offerings there are panels representing gender studies, postcolonial studies, women’s studies, cinema studies, comparative literature and philosophical approaches to literature. There will be several roundtables, including one on rethinking the French major and another on early career advice from seasoned French faculty. Last year’s theater event was a great success; this year, Natalie Edwards reports that she has been in contact with a French writer interested in reading recent work at the Convention.
Comparative Literature — Nilgun Anadolu-Okur
Nilgun Anadolu-Okur reports that the 19 panels held at the Buffalo convention were evidence a growing interest in world literature; in 2009, 15 sessions will be offered, with a number of panels requesting a change to the seminar format. Nilgun Anadolu-Okur is pleased with the slow but steady increase in the number of submissions in the world literature division and the good representation of areas at this year’s convention. Nilgun Anadolu-Okur announces that New York-based author/poet/actress Bina Sharif will perform a dramatic monologue in a Saturday evening performance at 6:30 pm.
Nilgun Anadolu-Okur asks whether there was a consensus on the African/African-American caucus issue. Rita Bode confirms that the Board will watch it and see where it goes at the Boston Convention and perhaps invite scholars to present in Montreal. E.D. notes that the World Literatures category confused chairs, misunderstanding that it actually meant “Other.”
Popular Culture — Jennifer Harris
Jennifer Harris reports the need for more creative brainstorming about where to send CFPs; currently, the number of panels on genre fiction are well-represented and chairs have been better about requesting media for their participants. Jennifer Harris expresses concerns about wireless access inside the Hyatt. E.D. mentions that costs for media projectors are very high ($800/day per media projector); requests should be made only if absolutely necessary for a panel. E.D. adds that NeMLA will be offering free color copies.
Women’s Caucus — Lisa Perdigao
Lisa Perdigao announces that Carol Boyce Davies has accepted to come as a speaker. Lisa Perdigao adds that she’s been working on making the Women’s Caucus community stronger; suggests using website much more, for example, putting up panels of interest to the community and using the website to keep connected beyond the morning of the breakfast. E.D. asks that Language and Caucus Directors use the web and Acteva to grow memberships, noting that prevites can be sent through Acteva.
Graduate Student Caucus — Grace Wetzel
Grace Wetzel reports that participation in Graduate Student Caucus events provides a great path to increased professionalization; in Buffalo, a sizeable group of grads attended the Thursday evening reading and the Saturday evening key note reception. They have planned an extra grad student Meet and Greet on Thursday night, in addition to the GSC Business Meeting and Reception. Grace Wetzel announces that the Graduate Student Caucus Roundtable will be on Building Blocks of the Curriculum Vitae.
Grace Wetzel reports that 12 graduate assistants have been named for 2008-2009. Grace Wetzel asks whether the Travel Grants split by the Graduate Student & CAITY Caucuses should be limited to applicants receiving no support from their departments. The consensus is to keep the procedure the same as last year.
Grace Wetzel reports that due to the popularity of the Room-share Board sponsored by the Graduate Caucus last year, they will use a Google group format again this December.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, and Queer Caucus — Donald Gagnon
Donald Gagnon reports that there will be 12 sessions focused on GLBTQ interests at this year’s Convention. Donald Gagnon announces the co-sponsorship (with the Popular Culture Caucus) of poet and fiction writer Dr. Roberto Gonzales as featured speaker. Caucus President Tracy Riley and Caucus Vice President Reginald Wilburn are working to engage local GLBTQ organizations (from Harvard, Boston College, etc.) and are actively seeking the participation of underrepresented populations. Donald Gagnon announces that he will be stepping down after this year and requests that Board members make suggestions of any colleague(s) who would represent this constituency very well.
CAITY — Elizabeth Anderman
Elizabeth Anderman reports that CAITY Caucus sessions could be developed around issues of canonicity and the teaching of the canon. Elizabeth Anderman asks for suggestions in constituting CAITY as a proper entity, perhaps by using Acteva to contact members; she asks about the importance of having a President and Vice President in addition to a Caucus Board representative. E.D. notes that Grace Wetzel is both President and Caucus rep to the Board; Lisa Perdigao, however, is Caucus rep, but not President. E.D. offers to have NeMLA pay for a breakfast meeting of language directors and caucus directors to facilitate further dialogue and collaboration.
Other Business
Natalie Edwards announces the publication of Gender and Displacement: “Home” in Contemporary Francophone Women’s Autobiography, which developed out of a second panel at last year’s Convention; Natalie Edwards and Christopher Hogarth are co-editors of the volume.
Rita Bode announces a reminder about books for Scholar’s Choice. Elizabeth Anderman requests that action points be indicated on the Minutes.
Laurence Roth motions to adjourn the meeting; Jason Haslam seconds the motion; meeting adjourned at 6:30 pm.