1. Why does Miami need a Women's Center?

Miami has not yet achieved full gender equity for women and so support programs like the Women's Center are needed to help Miami become a more equitable, welcoming place for women. Everyone benefits when all students, faculty and staff feel valued and are allowed to contribute to their fullest extent.

The Women's Center helps Miami be a better place for everyone by supporting and creating a sense of community for women, educating the campus about equity and climate issues and the contributions of women, and advocating for women's full access to and participation in the instutution.

2. What is gender equity?

Gender equity in an educational setting means an equal chance at learning for females and males, with open options to learn subjects and prepare for future education, jobs and careers without expectations based on gender. Equal encouragement for all to develop, achieve and learn is essential equitable treatment and is required by law. Gender equity principles also apply in the workplace and affect staff and faculty.

3. What does the Women's Center do?

The Women's Center's mission is to empower women for the benefit of all. We serve faculty, staff, students and community members by providing space, resources and programs--space for meetings, studying, reading and relaxing; resources like books, journals, videos and computers; and events like the Women's Leadership Celebration and the Women of Color Luncheon.

4. What's the difference between the Women's Center and Women's Studies Program?

The Women's Center and Women's Studies Program have distinct, yet complementary, missions. Women's Studies is an academic program offering a minor, major and graduate concentration. The Women's Center is a support program for students, faculty and staff. Both programs provide learning opportunities and support and advocacy for women, bring women together to build community, and place women at the center of inquiry and action. Both programs have a long history of working together to transform the curriculum, the campus enviroment and society at large.

5. Why isn't there a men's center?

Very few schools have men's centers because it's generally recognized that men already have full access to educational and employment opportunities as required by law. While campus-based women's centers are set up to help colleges and universities be better places for women, most women's centers welcome men's involvement in their work and many men actively support the work of women's centers.