The University Women's Caucus (UWC), formed in 1974, is an organization for employees of Old à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã University (ODU)whose concerns include actively advancing the welfare of women throughout ODU Specifically, the Caucus aids affirmative-action efforts to recruit and retain women and lobbies for equal treatment in salary, rank, tenure, promotion, research leave, and responsibilities. The Caucus sponsors workshops and presentations on a wide variety of topics for personal and professional development and provides a forum to discuss policies and decisions affecting women on campus.
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Advocate for policies and practices that create and maintain a positive and equitable climate for women.
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Recognize and celebrate the special contributions of women and those who advocate for women.
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Support campus services and programs that address the needs of women
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Support efforts to remove systemic barriers to the advancement of women and minorities
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Foster dialogue between the Caucus and the Administration
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Offer mentoring, networking opportunities, and informative programs
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Increase access to quality childcare for University employees
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Assist in the identification and resolution of campus safety issues
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Promote equal opportunity and affirmative action in hiring, promotion, and compensation practices
The University Women's Caucus (UWC), formed in 1974, is an organization for employees of Old à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã University (ODU)whose concerns include actively advancing the welfare of women throughout ODU Specifically, the Caucus aids affirmative-action efforts to recruit and retain women and lobbies for equal treatment in salary, rank, tenure, promotion, research leave, and responsibilities. The Caucus sponsors workshops and presentations on a wide variety of topics for personal and professional development and provides a forum to discuss policies and decisions affecting women on campus.
-
Advocate for policies and practices that create and maintain a positive and equitable climate for women.
-
Recognize and celebrate the special contributions of women and those who advocate for women.
-
Support campus services and programs that address the needs of women
-
Support efforts to remove systemic barriers to the advancement of women and minorities
-
Foster dialogue between the Caucus and the Administration
-
Offer mentoring, networking opportunities, and informative programs
-
Increase access to quality childcare for University employees
-
Assist in the identification and resolution of campus safety issues
-
Promote equal opportunity and affirmative action in hiring, promotion, and compensation practices
Committees
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Awards Committee: Responsible for soliciting award nominations and planning the awards ceremony
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Assessment Committee: Create assessment measures, analyze data, share results, and create reports as needed
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Childcare Committee: Liaison with the Children’s Learning and Research Center and parent organization; represents UWC interests regarding childcare
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Communications Committee: Responsible for outreach and messaging, managing UWC’s membership, and recruiting new members
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Education Committee: Responsible for planning and executing career success workshops
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History Committee: Collect UWC artifacts (e.g., photos, news stories), archive items in the shared drive, and share key items with the University Archivist
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Programming Committee: Responsible for planning UWC events (Welcome Back Luncheon, Conversations with the President, etc.)
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Salary Equity Committee: Review salary data as part of the Salary Equity Review process
Outreach/Connection Groups
The purpose of these groups is to provide spaces for individuals on campus to connect in smaller 'affinity' groups.
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FULLy Supported - a group of Full Professors that provides a support network and sounding board for each other. We celebrate the successes in their teaching, research, administrative, and/or personal endeavors. Contact Wie Yusuf (jyusuf@odu.edu) or Holly Gaff (hgaff@odu.edu) for more information.
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International Women - a group that connects international and global-minded individuals across campus to get together informally to connect socially and professionally and to share local and international resources in support of international women. Contact Anna Makhorkina (amakhork@odu.edu) for more information.
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Research Faculty (New) - a group of research faculty that provides a support network and sounding board for individuals navigating the successes and challenges of research positions, especially those faced by women, outside of the tenure-track/tenure world. Contact Erika Frydenlund (efrydenl@odu.edu) for more information.
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SASS-Y (Solo Aging Support System - Why Not) - a group dedicated to building and maintaining communities of support for women as they age. We are committed to living life to its fullest by fostering physical, mental, and emotional well-being as we prepare forand navigate the special difficulties that sometimes come as we age. Contact Carla Knox (cknox@odu.edu) for more information.
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Women Living with Disabilities - a group of individuals with disabilities and those supporting children, parents, or other family members with disabilities to share experiences, resources, and understanding particular to the special needs of women. Individuals with disabilities and caregivers may encounter increased adversity in the workplace. This group is a place to be in solidarity, express yourself, and support each other. Contact Kristi Costello (kcostell@odu.edu) for more information.
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Women of Color - a community of black and brown individuals who meet to rejuvenate, empower, and exhale in a brave and safe space. Contact Shuntay Tarver (sztarver@odu.edu ) for more information.
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Women Raising Children - an avenue for those who wish to share resources, reflections, and be in community with all those who work to support mothers.Contact Emily Goodman-Scott (egscott@odu.edu) or Abby Braitman (abraitma@odu.edu) for more information.
Wo-Mentoring Program
The Women's Caucus is excited to present the Wo-Mentorship program here at Old à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã University. One of the greatest successes of the Women's Caucus has been our ability to effect positive change at the University. We feel, however, that there is still much to be done in the way of outreach. One of the keys to success for any ODU employee is identifying a set of mentors. A good mentor provides support, advice, and, sometimes, just a sympathetic ear. Whether you are looking for career advice or simply just to have coffee with someone who has been in your position before, this program will work for you. The Women's Caucus membership provides a diverse source of amazing individuals who will serve as mentors at all levels and from all disciplines.
The program does not offer any formal requirements for Wo-Mentors or Wo-Mentees, so the relationships can evolve naturally. Individuals at all levels are encouraged to participate. For example, an individual at the mid-level stages of their career may request both to mentor someone in the early stages of their career and to become a mentee of a more experienced member. Mentorship relationships of all kinds are encouraged. Current and former department or school chairs are also encouraged to sign up as mentors for new chairs.
If you would like to know more about this program, please contact Kristy Carlisle (kcarlisl@odu.edu) or Melanie Graham (megraham@odu.edu).
Career Success
The Women's Caucus offers Career Success Workshops during the spring semester for Lecturers, Assistant Professors, and Associate Professors. The Provost, a College Dean, and recently tenured and promoted faculty speak about the evaluation, tenure, and promotion processes and how to be successful; they also answer your questions. It is an invaluable tool and faculty who have attended say that they learn something new and important; many faculty return every year as a way to stay focused on their goals.