Values Statement
We, the faculty and staff at the Institute for Women's Studies and Services, value:
Feminism
Feminism is a word that describes a social-justice movement for gender equity and human liberation where women and men have the right and access to knowledge and resources that enable them to make informed choices.
Teaching, Scholarship, and Research
We value teaching and learning that challenges faculty and students to examine their individual and cultural paradigms regarding women, leading to dialogue and critical analysis of the impact of social and political structures on women.
We value research, scholarship, and interdisciplinary inquiry that leads to excellence in teaching and learning and that contributes to the evolution of new knowledge and theory within the field of women's studies.
We value the contributions of women to the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and professions as well as their contributions within the home, workplace, community and the world at large.
We acknowledge that oppression is an active force which reinforces inequalities in society and therefore we value an anti-oppression analysis in our teaching and scholarship.
We value a transnational approach to teaching and learning that encourages individuals and groups to become informed global citizens.
Social Justice
We value our role as advocates for social justice on campus and in the community. We strive to be thoughtful and effective allies in the struggle for equality.
Critical and Engaged Dialogue
We value inclusive dialogue that welcomes and respects diverse points of view.
Intersectionality of Identities
We acknowledge that our positions in society are impacted by our personal experiences and the intersection of gender with other identities such as ethnicity, economic status, sexual identity, gender identity, ability, and nationality. We value the richness of diverse identities and the strength multiple perspectives bring to the learning process.
Access
We value access to sufficient information and resources to enable students to make informed choices.
Collaboration
We value collaboration across the campus and disciplines, and among faculty, staff, students and community members.
Community Involvement
We value learning that empowers students and faculty to reach their full potential, to take an active role in their own lives, and to contribute to the community at large. We value experiential learning opportunities that connect theory in the classroom to real-world challenges and actions.
Sustainability
We value maintaining goals and work loads that are manageable as well as long-lasting. We strive to demonstrate healthy boundaries at the Institute and in the classroom.
