President's Commission on the Status of University Women
In the fall of 2011, President Waded Cruzado announced the formation of the President's Commission on the Status of University Women at Montana State University. The 28-member commission was created to study, evaluate and advise the president on issues related to diversity and gender equity.
Through meetings each semester, and the monthly meetings of sub-committees, the commission will identify institutional strategies to improve campus climate, alleviate the isolation of women in academic and work units through hiring and retention initiatives, and accommodate the needs of diverse workers.
Mission
In an advisory capacity, the Commission evaluates and works to improve issues related
to gender equity and diversity on Montana State University’s four campuses.
It is the Commission's pledge to facilitate the creation and sustainability of an
environment of accountability, integrity, and optimism through collaboration between
and among the MSU campuses, ensuring an atmosphere of equity, support, and balance.
Through its continued efforts, the Commission will work toward the discovery and elimination of institutional barriers to the success of women and inspire women to become leaders, problem solvers, and innovators making meaningful contributions to MSU, the state of Montana, and society at large.
Women's History Month Events
Join us for two events presented by the Women's Center for Women's History Month!
Warrior Women: Amazons and Real Wonder Women, A lecture with Professor Michelle Maskiell
Date: Wednesday, March 4 at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Procrastinator Theatre
This event is free and open to the public. Learn more here.
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers Weaving Women's Stories of Global Service"
Date: Wednesday, March 25 at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Procrastinator Theatre
This event is free and open to the public. Learn more here.
Recent News
PCOSUW Member Awarded at Spring Convocation
Ariel Donohue (pictured left), Director of the Diversity Awareness Office, was awarded the President's Commission on the Status of University Women Award at the Spring Convocation for faculty and staff. Read more about all of the winners here.
MSU Psychology Professor Named to National Girls STEM Board
Jessi Smith, a psychology professor at Montana State University, has been selected for the Champions Board of the National Girls Collaborative Project. Read more.
Cathy Whitlock will highlight Yellowstone Ecosystem in Provost's Lecture
Whitlock, professor of earth sciences and MSU director of the Montana Institute on Ecosystems, will be the speaker as the Provost’s Distinguished Lecturer Series resumes on Monday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. in the Hager Auditorium at the Museum of the Rockies (a reception will follow). Read more.
MSU Receives National Honor Recognizing Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
MSU is one of only 83 institutions from across the nation – and the only university in Montana – to receive the 2014 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity, or HEED, award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. Read more.