WOMEN AND NETWORKING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON Denice Denton, Dean College of Engineering April 20, 2004
UW ADVANCE Objectives Conduct research on issues important to UW women faculty in science, engineering, and mathematics (SEM) Undertake institutional transformation to enhance the environment for women faculty in SEM Support participation by and advancement of women in SEM Increase the numbers of women in leadership positions in SEM Focus on the diversity among women in SEM and design programs with this diversity in mind
Center for Institutional Change (CIC) Leadership development for current chairs SEM department cultural change Policy transformation Mentoring women in SEM for leadership Transitional Support Program for SEM faculty Visiting Scholars Program
University of Washington ADVANCE Departments College of Engineering: Aeronautics & Astronautics Bioengineering Chemical Engineering Civil & Environmental Engineering Computer Science & Engineering Electrical Engineering Industrial Engineering Materials Science & Engineering Mechanical Engineering Technical Communication College of Arts and Sciences: Applied Mathematics Astronomy Atmospheric Sciences Biology Chemistry Earth and Space Sciences Mathematics Physics Statistics
Advantages of Networking Identifies mentors Helps negotiate the system Mentors others (reverse mentoring) Finds people to help you SAY NO Helps brings visibility to your work
First Steps as an Assistant Professor Get to Know People/Cultivate Allies Don’t wait for them to come to you Find female colleagues in AND OUT of SEM disciplines Mentor others
Personal Actions: Mentor Listen Provide context Promote Support
Personal Actions: Mentee Listen & watch Choose multiple mentors Pay attention Don’t be stubborn for the wrong reason (adolescent!) Be savvy--make wise and informed choices!!
Networking Activities at UW Monthly lunch, dates back to 1998 Mentoring-for-leadership lunches Assistant professor lunches on their own
More Advantages of Networking Crucial for recruiting excellent faculty! Women-only recruitment dinners in EE
Value of Networking to Me at University of Wisconsin Madison Engineering junior faculty women lunch STEM junior faculty women evening gigs Contact with senior women on campus
Value of Networking to Me at University of Washington Seattle Networking with other deans Networking with senior women on campus Networking with women engineering deans