Commission on the Status of Women
History
The Indiana University East's Commission on the Status of Women began meeting in the Fall of 1993. The Commission was appointed by Chancellor Charlie Nelms in response to a recognized need. Among the first leaders of the Commission were Valerie Chang, Sabrina Pennington, Carol Browne, Judy McCarty, Joan Lafuze and Mary Robertson.
In the first two years of existence, the "Commission on the Status of Women" had many accomplishments. A Gender and Sexual Harassment Survey was completed, our first Gender Awareness Week was successful and many educational opportunities were brought to campus to increase everyone's awareness of women on campus, women's rights and their responsibilities. In recognition of these accomplishments the IU East Commission on the Status of Women was given the 1996 Women & Work, Outstanding Organization Award.
The Commission supported the development and implementation of the IU East Women Studies Minor and Associate Degree Programs, which were approved by the Faculty Senate in March of 1998. The Commission has also sponsored student and staff conference attendance. The Gender Awareness Week programming has continued in the subsequent years, with one exception. The celebrations for Women's History Month in March each year have included a "Dress as Your Favorite Woman in History" costume contest for the last two years.
As with many organizations the Commission on the Status of Women at IU East encounters challenges, successes and setbacks. In 1999, the Commission assisted the Campus in writing an implementation procedure for the Indiana University Policy Against Sexual Harassment. Since this time the Commission on the Status of Women continues to meet and has hosted several successful Gender Awareness Weeks during Women's History Month. In 2000 the Commission on the Status of Women sponsored several students to attend a women's conference in Southbend.
In each of 2001 and 2002 the Commission on the Status of Women at IU East sponsored a week long "Gender Awareness Week" during Women's History Month. The experiences and presentations were highly valued by those in attendance. The Commission has continued to sponsor students' conference participation.
Beginning in 2001, the IU East Commission on the Status of Women worked on a campus-wide "Family-Friendly" policy. Two of the goals of this policy have been achieved. The overall goal of the policy was to decrease stress on students who are also parents, who need to occassionally bring children with them to campus. Diaper changing stations and toddler chairs are now located in a male and a female rest room facility in each of the four buildings of the IU East Campus. Secondly, children's tables and chairs have been added to Whitewater Hall and Springwood Hall to facilitate assistance to parents as they work with University staff. We hope to continue to enhance the "Family Friendly" atmosphere of the campus.
On March 28, 2003 the IU East Commission on the Status of Women hosted the "Womens'Conference: Mind, Body & Soul" on the IU East campus. The keynote speaker, Gloria Steinem provided the audience with a wonderful, unforgetable presentation. Information about the conference is available on the events page.
