FAQ

top10

Welcome to the University of Connecticut Women’s Center!

We often get asked lots of questions about the Center by both incoming students
and folks who have been around campus a while, so we thought we decided to create
our top ten list of frequently asked questions about the Center.

 

Welcome to the University of Connecticut Women’s Center! We often get asked lots of questions about the Center by both incoming students and folks who have been around campus a while, so we thought we decided to create our top ten list of frequently asked questions about the Center.

 

What exactly does the Women’s Center DO?

We strive to create a community which celebrates women’s diversity and strengths and supports the rights of all people regardless of gender identity. The Women’s Center works to break down gender stereotypes and to address institutional sexism, racism, and other forms of oppression.

So what does that really mean?

Our objective is to get people thinking about how gender matters at the University of Connecticut and to work to make the campus and the world a safe and supportive place for women. We sponsor educational programs throughout the year to get people thinking about women’s issues, such as health, education, politics, and gender-based violence. Since just about everything is a “women’s issue”, we get to cover a lot of ground with our films, speakers, discussion groups, and arts events. Check out our web site for a current list of the things we have planned for this year.

Who can come to the Women’s Center?

ANYONE! We provide services to students, staff, faculty, and people from the surrounding community.  All of our programs and services are free.

But, can men come the Women’s Center?

YES! Many of the programs we hold are of interest to people of various gender identities. They work at the Center, volunteer in our Violence Against Women Prevention Program, attend our programs, participate in the Men’s Project, as well as on our Advisory Board. To reach the goal of gender equity, we need everyone to work on “women’s issues.”

Isn’t the Women’s Center just the place to go if you are “having problems?”

“Having problems” can be sort of code words for the serious, and often stigmatizing, issues of sexual assault, relationship violence, sexual harassment, and discrimination*. We do provide short term crisis intervention and referrals to individuals dealing with these issues. Any of these situations can make a person’s life much more complicated. Sometimes having someone to talk things out with and to identify all of the potential resources available can help. However, the Center is also a place to find people who care about women’s issues and to celebrate the accomplishments of women, both on and off campus. It is also a dynamic, energy filled space reflected in the community of people, from a variety of backgrounds, disciplines, and roles, who choose the Center as a place on campus to invest their time and energy.

So do I need a reason to visit the Center?

Just because you’re interested is reason enough. When you come to visit you will see we have space where people can study, watch TV, share a meal or just hang out and chat. The program room, multipurpose room, and our conference room are available for reservation to student groups, staff and faculty who need a place to hold their meetings or smaller events.

How can I get involved at the Center?

There are a number of different ways for people to be active at the Center.

  • The easiest is to attend one of our events! It’s a great way to meet new people, find out what’s going on, both on campus and in the world, and to learn something new.
  • Besides attending our events, you can join the student staff at the Center. We have paid positions and offer internships and volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate on one of the committees of our Advisory Board which include: the Women’s Advance Planning Committee, the 100 Years of Women Scholarship, and Fundraising.
  • Join one of our groups which include: Between Women, Greeks Against Sexual Assault (GASA) and the Men’s Project.
  • And finally, just stop by and check us out!

Where is the Women’s Center located?

In the Student Union on the 4th Floor in front of AsACC & PRLACC.

When is the Women’s Center open?

Our current hours are:

  • Monday-Thursday: 9a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday: 9a.m. – 5p.m.

If I’m still not sure about how I can fit in at the Center, how can I get more information?

  • Email us at womenscenter@uconn.edu
  • Check out our web site at http://www.womenscenter.uconn.edu. There you’ll find a list of our staff, our calendar of events, ways to get involved, information on a variety of issues, and more!
  • Follow us on Instagram at @uconnwomenscenter for updates!
  • Or, sign up for the Women’s Center weekly email that includes information about upcoming Women’s Center events , events both on and off campus related to women’s issues, announcements, and national/international news about women.  You will also receive our newsletter, Voices, which comes out twice a semester. You can sign up on the front page of our website.

We hope this gives you a sense of what we’re all about. If you have more questions, please feel free to get in touch with us.

NOTE: As of August 14, 2020 the Women’s Center staff are exempt from reporting disclosures of gender-based violence to the Office for Institutional Equity under the University’s Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence.[1]  This means we will only report the information shared with us to the University if the student and/or employee requests that the information be shared unless someone is in imminent risk of serious harm or a minor.

As Campus Security Authorities, we do have an obligation to report general and non-identifying information to the UConn Police for the Annual Campus Security Report.[2]

[1] This policy can be found at https://equity.uconn.edu/discrimination/
[2] For more information on the University’s Clery Compliance, visit http://clery.uconn.edu/