| Mission | Membership Information |
| Current Goals | Links for Women |
| Past Accomplishments | FAQ's |
| Topic of the Semester | |
The Commission on the Status of Women serves to monitor, interpret and develop West Chester University's commitment to insuring the full access and participation of women in all aspects of campus life. A major goal of the Commission is to improve the status of all women in the workplace and learning environments. The Commission is comprised of representatives from all constituencies of students, faculty, staff and administrators and reports directly to the President of the University. The Commission strives to increase sensitivity to gender biases in classroom climates, curricular and co-curricular matters, faculty and staff evaluations, and in all campus workplace settings. Major issues that affect women at West Chester University include: retention of female students, limited opportunities for advancement for women staff, the disproportionate representation of women in lower professional ranks, sexual harassment and campus security.
Our purpose is to monitor women's issues on campus and recommend change when necessary. The Commission meets once a month to discuss current issues involving women at West Chester University. The Commission has formed subcommittees to research, monitor and report on the following issues:
The Commission has successfully addressed many issues that affect women in the West Chester University community. We have successfully addressed the following issues in previous years:
Welcome Back Reception for students, faculty and staff
WCU Celebrates Women
Featured campus guest speakers
Professional Development Seminar for Women
The Commission on the Status of Women has open membership. Membership is open to any member of the West Chester University community. We encourage tenured and non-tenured faculty members, staff members and students of any gender to consider membership. Anyone interested can contact Lynn Spradlin, (610) 436-2694 or Caroline Lutterman, (610) 436-2556 for more information. The membership committee will be happy to arrange an interview to discuss your application for membership.
1. What does the Commission on the Status of Women do?
As stated in our mission statement, the Commission serves to monitor issues affecting
women on campus and recommend change when necessary. The Commission is frequently involved
in sponsoring guest speakers on campus in addition to participating in events in
conjunction with other groups such as The Women's Center, The Women's Institue and The
Wellness Center.
2. To whom does the Commission report?
The Commission on the Status of Women reports to the President of West Chester University,
Dr. Madeline Adler.
3. Can only women be members of the Commission?
No. Any member of the West Chester University community can apply for membership to the
Commission. The Commission currently has representation from both women and men.
4. Does the Commission interact with other universities in the PA state system?
Yes. The Commission interacts with Commissions within the Pennsylvania State System of
Higher Education. The Commission at West Chester University participates in scheduled SSHE
Commission meetings.
5. Who can I contact for problems dealing with sexual harassment, in addition to
issues and concerns affecting women?
The Social Equity office (X2513) can assist you with these issues.
6. I am interested in applying for membership to the Commission. Who can I contact
for more information?
The Commission has open membership. Anyone interested can contact Caroline Lutterman
(610-436-2556) or Lynn Spradlin (610-436-2694) for more information or to attend a meeting. Application
forms will soon be available on-line.
7. Where can I receive information on scholarship opportunities for women on
campus?
Scholarship information can be obtained from Joan Welch (610-436-2940) or through The Women's
Institute.
Topic of the Semester: Women in Athletics
1. How have women broken through the barriers of male dominated sports?
One way this barrier has been weakened happened in 1972 with the Title IX section of the Educational Amendments law. Title IX prohibits discrimination against women in federally funded education.
2. What were some of the results of the Title IX?
Women now have more participation opportunities and improved facilities in the sports arena. Title IX has also increased women's eligibility to receive athletic scholarships, thus supplying opportunities for higher education. Another benefit is the increasing salaries of coaches in women's athletics (though females are still lower on the pay scale than males).
3. Has Title IX undergone any changes since it was passed in 1972?
Yes, it was felt that men's athletic funding was suffering due to Title IX; therefore, in the 1984 ruling of Grover City VS Bell Title IX was found to cover only federally funded programs. Since athletic programs were not federally funded they no longer fell under the protection of Title IX. This ruling did not last long; it was nullified by the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1988 (making it illegal to discriminate based on gender in institutions that receive federal funding).
4. Is the rumor true that the advancement toward gender equality in sports has had a negative impact on the male sports arena?
There is no proof to this accusation. Title IX's purpose is for gender equality, not discrimination against men's athletics. Title IX has not decreased the availability of men's sports. In fact, the athletic opportunities for both genders have increased on campuses around the country.
5. What are some of the athletic opportunities available to women on WCU's campus?
The athletic opportunities can be found by clicking back to WCU's home page. Then click to the general information. This will help to bring you to a listing of accessible sites.
Thank you for your inquiry into the Commission on the Status of Women.
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