By Nicole L. Craw
What is the Women’s Center?
Many do not know that we exist on campus, although we have been around since 1993. Through the advocacy of women in the community and on campus, we were founded in conjunction with what was called the women’s studies program which is now called the women, gender, and sexuality studies program. We are still dedicated to advocacy and an approach that puts theory into practice.
The staff of the Women’s Center engage on a daily basis in complex, multi-layered work. We authentically care for every woman and student on Wright State’s campus. Everyone is always welcome into our space and assistance—financial, programmatic, or otherwise—is available.
What are the most pressing issues our female and female-identifying students on campus are facing in 2019?
There are several issues that women on college campuses are facing. There are still various forms of sexism that exist on college campuses. It is often thought that because women comprise a majority of the student body on many campuses, particularly as undergraduates, that there is no need to have spaces specifically for them. However, there are still many double standards that exist in the classroom and in the power dynamics of a university.
Another issue is the inability for college women on campus to thrive financially while in college. In the Women’s Center, we receive many requests for scholarship assistance from women students of color and student parents. It is difficult to excel in school when you are faced with financial burdens that perhaps fellow students do not have to navigate. We do what we can to assist through the allocation of scholarships, providing programs, and support, but more is needed to assist in this area if we are to ever alleviate the financial inequities that exist for women on college campuses.
Another area of concern is the variety of health issues faced by women in college. College-aged women encounter issues with their physical, emotional, and sexual health inside and outside of college. Struggles associated with depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy arise primarily because college is a highly transitional and fast-paced environment. We are often approached by young women who are distressed and in need of guidance that is impactful and direct. Therefore, we act as a reference to other areas on campus where they can gain assistance. Various forms of power-based violence, and even sexual violence, are also common issues among women in college. We encounter women on campus who are in violent relationships, who have been assaulted, or who are being harassed by other students, even in the classroom. As a result, our staff might be the first to hear about these forms of harassment, but then get others involved, such as our survivor advocate, student support services, counseling and wellness services, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, and student legal services.
Finally, many people treat women as if they have the same needs and concerns. This is an issue that still exists on college campuses and mimics what happens in larger society—the notion that women are a monolithic group. The women on our campus are a diverse group. They come from varying cultural and academic backgrounds, and socioeconomic environments, therefore, we must approach them as having differing experiences. Our students need opportunities that are equitable and just, and that take into consideration their personal experiences. This is difficult work, but we are incredibly committed to it.
What type of resources does the Women’s Center provide students?
The Women’s Center offers students services such as mentorship opportunities through programs like the Women of Color Student Leadership Cohort and as well as the Women Students in STEMM program. We house the Personal Care Pantry, which has increasingly been used over the last two semesters. Students can get items such as toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene items, and diapers, formula, and baby wipes for student-parents. It is free to all students and they are eligible to use it every month.
The Women’s Center provides various workshops on Demystifying the “F” Word—Feminism, Sex Positivity/Empowered Sexuality, Womxn and Wellness, and Family Friendly Campuses. Finally, we host the WSU Service Knitting and Crocheting Circle every Friday. Participants not only engage in the creation of these items as a form of wellness, but they create items to contribute to Scarf Frenzy, which offers handmade items to students.
The #MeToo movement, sexual assault and violence, and proposed changes in Title IX are worrisome topics for many women in the U.S. today, but especially AMONG college-aged women. How has this been felt on campus?
Literally, a book could be written on college students in the #MeToo era. The thought and possibility of sexual violence and discrimination in many forms have always been felt on college campuses, including ours. However, the #MeToo movement has provided more visibility to high-profile cases. In some aspects, it has taught college-aged women that we still have a long way to go, given that many still have a “blame the victim” mentality. This falls in line with changes in regulations related to Title IX as well. We are at the height of this movement, and due to grant provisions, we now have a survivor advocate on our campus who works directly with survivors of sexual assault. It is the reason why we have a Title IX coordinator who is responsible for navigating the many changes to the policies that come with different federal administrations.
How do you think having the university led by two women—for the first time in its history—will affect campus climate?
It’s spectacular and will benefit the university for years to come by setting a precedent of women in leadership and advocacy. In other fields, incorporating women in leadership roles has proven to create more holistic and sustainable work environments. Women bring varying skills to the boardroom and classroom, and innovative solutions to traditional problems. Likewise, our campus student body is somewhere around 53 percent female, which is a slight majority, and this is not inclusive of trans-women who do, in fact, exist on our campus. Likewise, working with two women leaders on this campus might sway those who deny their abilities to think and act differently.