Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) is pleased to announce the completion of the refurbished women’s studies seminar, and resource office at IUPUC. Funding for the project was provided through a grant from the IUPUI Center for Teaching and Learning for $22,428.64.

Aimee Zoeller is an IUPUC lecturer, sociology coordinator, and the coordinator of the Women’s Studies Minor. She and Dr. George Towers,  Division Head, Liberal Arts; Division Head, Science; and Professor of Geography, co-wrote the grant.

As the project coordinator, Zoeller explains “the remodeled space was developed with an intended use for faculty training and seminars by the IUPUI Office of Women.” Additionally, she envisions hosting interdisciplinary women’s studies faculty workshops and book clubs. “The goal of the Office is to foster faculty collegiality and collaboration. In these ways, the office also addresses IUPUC’s official ‘campus priority’ mission of a welcoming campus.” She not only expects the office to function as a gathering place for students interested in women’s studies programs, she imagines the office to serve as a study and a meeting place for IUPUC student clubs and organizations.

The renovated space serves to meet additional IUPUC priorities - enrollment, retention, and completion. Women comprise a significant percentage of IUPUC students, so the establishment of the office makes an important statement of acceptance to female students considering enrolling at IUPUC.

Retention and completion are, to a considerable extent, a function of student engagement. The distinctive gathering place for students serves not only as a seminar room but also as a study space and a meeting place for student clubs. Therefore, the office is intended and expected to be a destination that generates student engagement.

This project also addresses a pressing logistical need facing IUPUC, the provision of classroom space. Existing classroom space is insufficient to meet IUPUC’s increased enrollment. By creating a shared space for classroom use, this project helps meet IUPUC’s need for additional classrooms.

According to the National Women’s Studies Association, “To foster within the Women’s Studies program intellectual exchange, collegiality, and identification with the Women’s Studies office by Women’s Studies faculty, the offices within Women’s Studies should be a high priority.” The sleek furnishing of the modern, new interior provides a welcoming environment not only for students at IUPUC but also the faculty members across IUPUC’s academic divisions. Furthermore, the office will be a reflection of the women’s study program for students considering enrollment at IUPUC.

To learn more about IUPUC visit www.iupuc.edu.