A Time For Change?

A proposal is being considered by the Women's Studies Executive Council to change the name of the minor program from "Women's Studies" to "Women & Gender Studies." A subcommittee was formed to examine this issue. Their recommendation is as follows:

"Background:
The Women’s Studies Mission and Vision Committee was tasked with exploring the mission and vision of the Women’ Studies Program. After discussing the current mission and vision, the committee decided to gather information from other similar Utah programs. Interestingly enough, the committee found that, except for BYU, all other Utah programs are either “Gender Studies” or “Women and Gender Studies.”

Justification for Name Change:
The Committee explored the other Utah programs’ curriculum. It appears that “gender” is viewed as an inclusive term that allows for more in-depth discussions about sexuality, masculinity, and queer studies. The Committee also noted that some gender courses offered by the other institutions are similar to courses already taught through the WSU Women’s Studies program e.g., Sex/Gender Roles: Past, Present, Future, Psych of Women and Gender, and Gender & Communication. This reflects some program movement toward Gender Studies.

Recommendation:
After much discussion the committee voted unanimously to recommend that the Women’s Studies Executive Council change the WSU Women’s Studies Program name and focus to “Women and Gender Studies.” This name change would allow the program to become more inclusive and to create other necessary courses germane to a women and gender studies program.

Process for Name Change:
In order to change the Women’s Studies Program to Women and Gender Studies, the Committee recommends that the WS Executive Council hold an open meeting for all who are interested to discuss the possible transition to a Women and Gender Studies program.

The Committee proposes that the Women’s Studies Executive Council then make a final decision about the proposed name change in February."

If you would like to submit your feedback, you may do so in one of two ways:

1. Attend the open meeting.
   Date - February 8, 2011
   Time - 1:30 p.m.
   Place - Center for Diversity & Unity, Shepherd Union Bldg. Room 232
   
   
2. Enter your thoughts in the comment section below before Feb. 8th.
   

Once the Executive Council has considered all feedback received, they will vote on the motion, and if approved, proceed on with the name change process. The results of this vote will be posted on the WS blog and website.