History
- The Women's Commission was formed in 1996 after a 1994 climate study suggested discontent from many of the women faculty and staff on campus. The study led to subsequent changes in salary structure.
- The Commission played a vital role in the hiring the Vice President for Planning and Equity, Pat Oldt, in 2000.
- In 1999 a task force was formed to examine the viability of creating a women's center on campus. The Women's Center opened in 2001 and has been a collaborative partner of the Women's Commission since its inception.
- In 2002 the Commission worked with the Women's Center in co-sponsoring the HerStory series which highlights women in leadership positions within the University. Since this time, over 40 women leaders from across the university have been highlighted.
- In 2005 the Commission partnered with Positive Black Women and the Women's Center to host monthly fireside chats.
- In 2009 the Commission celebrated the success of two of its subcommittee initiatives: the creation of flexible scheduling options and the creation of the career coaching position.
- In 2015 the Commission joined the faculty/staff affinity group council, collaborating with similar on-campus groups including Positive Black Women.
- In 2019 the Commission convened a Family Leave Task Force to explore family leave benefits.
- In 2022 the Commission's Family Leave Task Force was awarded the Outstanding Team Project Award through the AP Committee.