Society of American Archivists University of Texas Student Chapter
Executive Board Meeting
February 27, 2007

Meeting Called to Order at 5:15pm by Adam Knowles.

In Attendance:
Amy Armstrong, Secretary
Amber Castor
Katie Causier
Orquídia Contreras
Robert Gates
Dr. David Gracy, Faculty Advisor
Amanda Graham
Melissa Guy, Vice President
Monica Haddad, Events Chair
Adam Knowles, President
Ancelyn Krivak
Jennifer Lindley
Scott Reilly
Rebekah Ross
Lisa Schmidt, Web Master
Laurie Thompson
Ashlynn Wicke, Treasurer

I. Introductions & Welcome

II. Constitution & Bylaws Revision
Adam distributed the proposed Constitutional revisions to modify the wording to reflect current and actual practices.  A Summary of these changes: Nominations are accepted the first week of class of the Spring semester, nominees will be distributed via the SAA-UT Listserv, the election will take place at the end of January via email ballot, and officers will be introduced at the annual Spring Potluck.  The deadline for submitting the annual report to the national SAA Council will be at the end of the Fall semester.  All members present approved these two amendments as presented.      

III. Archives Week
Possible themes and speakers for Archives Week 2007 were discussed.  Nancy Zimmelman, Archivist of California, was suggested as an excellent speaker with a lot of experience  and involvement in the profession.  She was involved in managing the huge public interest involving access to the Robert Kennedy papers.   After a great deal of discussion, the members present voted on Politics in Archives as the theme for this year.  A possible slogan was even offered, “The personal is political.”  It was agreed that there are many possible perspectives with which to approach this subject, which is socially relevant and incredibly timely.  The Center for American History has many notable politically active people and politician’s papers in their holdings, including Ann Richards, Henry B. Gonzalez, Lloyd Doggett, and Molly Ivins.    Dr. Gracy encouraged the members to consider diverse people to attend as speakers and not limit ourselves to local resources.  Other ideas included someone from NARA, a representative of the Bush Library Project, someone from or an event at the LBJ Library, possibly Greg Fraser, of the CIA, if it was made clear that his presence at Archive Week events isn’t an opportunity to recruit, etc.  A possible screening of the movie, Bobby was even offered as a possible event to prepare for Nancy’s talk.  Dr. Gracy agreed to approach Nancy and invite her to speak.  Meanwhile, members will continue to think of other speakers, a slogan, and will formalize events at a later date.

Jorge Canizares, faculty at UT, was previously discussed as a possible speaker, but it was determined that his area of research wouldn’t fit with the Politics in Archives theme and the group would approach him for a speaking event some other time in the semester.          

The chapter is responsible for paying speakers a small honorarium ($150-$200), their flight, and expenses, if they are traveling.  Deadlines for funding sources, particularly the Coop, is quickly approaching.
 
IV. Other Possible Activities
Many ideas for social and archives-centered activities were discussed and there was great interest in a monthly repository tour.  Some suggestions included: LBJ Library, HRC, CAH, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, National Archives of the Episcopal Church, the Catholic Archives, Benson Library, and the Architectural Archives.  Special repository tours were also discussed and may occur over the summer.  Some of these suggestions included UT-Pan American in the Rio Grande Valley with a trip to the Mexican National Archives, NARA in Fort Worth, and UTSA Archives and Daughter’s of the Republic of Texas in San Antonio.  Monica will coordinate the first tour.  It was suggested that individual members could “take” a month and serve as coordinator for that month’s tour and these could be added to a schedule way ahead of time.  It was agreed that the best time for tours is in the late afternoon\evening or on Fridays.  Depending on interest, it may be necessary to schedule more than one time, so the tour doesn’t inundate the repository.  It might also be a good idea to have the tours at varying times, rather than one set time, to encourage members who may not be able to attend.   

V. SAA Annual Meeting – Chicago, IL
Melissa has received confirmation that the Chapter’s poster proposal has been received by SAA.  The deadline for applying for SAA scholarships to attend the conference has passed.  Classes will have already started when the conference convenes this year, and the workshop sessions are typically on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  The UT Roundup for alumni and friends is typically on Thursday night and provides a good opportunity to network with former UT students.  There was discussion of the chapter hosting various fundraisers to provide small stipends for members to attend the conference. 
  
VI. Explore UT
This campus-wide event open to the community is taking place this weekend.  Is there interest in the chapter, SASI, and/or the I-School participating next year?  It is unclear how we can get involved next year, but Melissa will contact the coordinator for information.

VII. Future Meetings
Discussion occurred about holding the monthly chapter meetings in a more relaxed environment (Cactus Café, Scholtz Garden, etc).  Privacy and level of competing noise may be a factor when the chapter is trying to conduct actual business in such a venue.   It was decided that a happy hour following the monthly repository tours may be a good time for a social event.  The meetings will continue to be held in Sanchez at the same time, as it seemed to be convenient for most members. 

Next Meeting:
Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at 4:00pm in SZB. 

Meeting Adjourned: 5:20pm

Respectfully Submitted,
Amy E. Armstrong
Secretary
SAA-UT Student Chapter