Women's Centers in the '90s

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

1993

Abstract

This study looked at the current and future role of a University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) women's center through surveys of university administrators at several institutions and of current students at UMKC. Sixteen urban, public universities were surveyed by telephone regarding the existence of women's centers, types of programs and activities offered, organizational structure, existence of a women's studies programs, child care facilities and the future of those centers. A survey distributed to a sample of 500 UMKC women students sought information on awareness and participation in women's center programs, and their needs and goals. Data revealed that women students were older and over half of them were graduate students or professional degree students. Although few had participated in Women's Center programs, 44 percent were aware of the Center before receiving the questionnaire. They expressed interest in participating in a wide variety of programs, courses, and activities. Their educational goals were to become knowledgeable and skilled in their chosen career and to develop as a person. They indicated a need for guidance in preparing for their careers and instruction in personal financial management, time management, personal security and health. The data revealed two groups: older women enrolled part-time with marriages and children and younger single women enrolled full-time.

Comments

Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (Atlanta, GA, April 1993).


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