Phone: 616-331-2748
Fax: 616-331-2965
womenctr@gvsu.edu

1201 Kirkhof Center
1 Campus Drive
Allendale, MI 49401

MISSION
Creating a GVSU community that promotes and supports the present and future success of women students.

VISION
As a Women's Center, our vision is to flourish on the campus and in the community by making a substantial difference in the quality of life for women students at GVSU. 
 
The GVSU Women's Center strives to create a place for women to achieve their full educational, personal and career potential in a safe and fun environment. This begins with recognition of the diversity among women (i.e. ethnicity, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, age, and socio-economic status) and the need for communication, learning, and equality among them. 
 
The Center has an activist orientation that is reflected in educational activities that both raise consciousness and engage participants in service. These activities are designed to enhance personal growth on gender issues and to advocate for institutional and societal change where inequity exists. 
 
The Women's Center is committed to proving itself a leader among Women's Centers nationally. The quality of our programs and services is enhanced by utilizing research on best practices in design and evaluation based on learning outcomes.
 
Wherever possible, we seek opportunities to influence research through our community and campus collaborations. In relationship with GVSU'S Women and Gender Studies Program, the Women's Center enhances the knowledge learned in the classroom by offering a practical, hands-on experience. The talent of our faculty in combination with the potential of our students offer great opportunities for future projects that will make a difference for women, locally and nationally.
 
The Women's Center uniquely serves as a place of intersection for various organizations, departments, and individuals to come together on areas of mutual interest for women. Collaboration is the cornerstone of our current and future success.  
 
CORE VALUES

Diversity: We value the unique differences in women (i.e. ethnicity, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, age, and socio-economic status) and promote communication and learning about and among them.

 

Equality: We acknowledge the oppression and inequities that exist in society and strive to create equality for all women.

 

Collaboration: Our success lies in our relationships with the campus, community, individuals, agencies and organizations; collaboration is at the core of our work. 

 

Activism: We recognize that activism is a vital component to making positive change and will promote and engage in activities where appropriate.

 

Advocacy: It is our desire and our responsibility to advocate for women, educate about gender-related issues, and be a catalyst for change where needed.

 

Student Driven: Student voices will always be sought and heard when identifying and responding to needs.

 

Mentoring: We are committed to providing opportunities for mentoring for and among women; recognizing the critical nature of this type of knowledge sharing and relationship building for the success of women.

 

Celebrative: The Women’s Center strives to create a safe and celebrative space for women to explore, learn, and reach their maximum potential.

 

Learning Community: We value our connection to the academic setting, our role as a form of pedagogy for Women and Gender Studies students and faculty, and research on women’s issues.

 

  Last Modified Date: July 22, 2009
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