Women's Commission

Women's Center

Women's Center History

A series of baby steps created the momentum for the birth of the Women's Center. As early as November 13, 1997, the Women's Commission formed a committee to research the development of a Women's Center at Grand Valley State University. Faculty member, Christine O'Connor, was the chair of the committee along with approximately 11 other faculty and staff. This group spent time contacting a variety of Women's Center directors and gathering information about mission statements, activities, staffing and budget.

As committee membership waned, the Women's Commission, under the leadership of then Chair Georgianna Klein, wanted to re-ignite the Women's Center effort and move it from discussion to action. In April of 1999, Marlene Kowalski-Braun, administrative staff member, was asked to chair a taskforce to create a viable proposal for a Women's Center at GVSU. Over the next two years, the taskforce met with some regularity. Heather Ryan, graduate assistant in the College Student Affairs Leadership Program, played a key role in gathering research and organizing information. At the conclusion of the proposal, the following people were also members of the taskforce:

  • Carol DeWitt, Plant Services
  • Cindy Laug, Sociology Department
  • Ann Marie Klotz, Student
  • Koleta Moore, Career Services
  • Pat Oldt, Administration
  • Diana Pace, Counseling Center
  • Bridget Stender, Housing Office
  • Millie Jackson, Library

The taskforce picked up where the work of the committee left off. Based on various models, it was necessary to identify the missing link (as it were) for supporting women. It was noted that the Women's Commission served faculty and staff on campus and that the Women and Gender Studies Program fulfilled the academic focus. What was missing was a student services model that provided ongoing programs and services for female students, in addition to the larger campus and West Michigan community.

The taskforce gathered information on best practices from a variety of universities and visited the Women's Centers at Duke University, Michigan State University and Oakland Community College, Orchard Ridge Campus. Upon return, a formal proposal was developed that included letters of support from various offices and departments at GVSU, as well as organizations in the greater Grand Rapids community. The proposal went to Bart Merkle, Dean of Student and Vice Provost, and then to President Arend D. Lubbers where it was approved in September 2000.

In a style that is reflective of women's leadership, the development of the GVSU Women's Center was done collaboratively with a variety of voices involved in the process. Faculty, staff, students, and the community were all represented during the planning phase. As is reflected in the quality physical space that has been designated for the center, GVSU recognizes the integral role that a Women's Center can play in enhancing the campus community.

Women's Center Vision, Mission, and Goals

VISION:
Empowering women to achieve their full educational, personal and career potential.

MISSION:
We exist to promote and support the present and future success of women students at Grand Valley State University.

GOALS:

  • maintain a visible and accessible location, and a supportive environment, where women students can be encouraged to engage in dialogue, exchange viewpoints, and connect;
  • encourage the development of self-awareness, self esteem, and self-confidence of women students and promote leadership opportunities;
  • recognize the diversity among women students (i.e. ethnicity, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, age, and socio-economic status) and promote communication, learning, and celebration among them;
  • advocate for women students, educate the university community about gender-related issues and be a catalyst for change where needed;
  • serve as a resource and act as a referral agent for women students to on- and off-campus departments and agencies that may assist them with various issues (i.e. economic hardship, sexual assault, child care, continuing education, health, etc.);
  • offer assistance to both academic and support services in meeting the needs of women students; and
  • involve the campus community of faculty and staff in the work of the center through mentoring, presentations, and research.

For More Information:
visit the current Women's Center Website