1. Vision for the Evolution of GWSS
Dr. Christie Launius

2. Experience
, Director of Women’s Studies, Augusta State University
2008-present, Director of Women’s and Gender Studies, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Launched major in 2009
Launched LGBTQ Studies certificate and oversaw name change in 2013

3. Caveats A view from the outside looking in
The need to create a vision with the department that everyone can see themselves in

4. Underlying beliefs
A department that knows its strengths and has a strong identity is set up for success.
The work of GWSS is central to the mission and vision of the institution
GWSS departments across the nation are exemplary leaders in a wide range of the practices detailed in the K-State 2025 strategic action and alignment plan
The department should strengthen its connection to the land-grant mission and identity of K-State

5. What currently exists—a solid foundation on which to build
Structure
Curriculum
Faculty

6. Process In the first year, I would organize a series of mini-retreats
Include all stakeholders
Bring in a facilitator through NWSA
Draw on the strategic action and alignment plan
Generate a vision that everyone can see themselves in

7. Ideas that support my vision— Part 1. Curriculum
Expand graduate offerings toward the end of developing a master’s program in GWSS; no other public institution in KS has one
Expand the Queer Studies curricular offerings
Develop the curricular offerings in Health, Science, and Technology
Expand global offerings, and make the intersectional content of GWSS courses more visible

8. Ideas that support my vision— Part 2. The student experience
Revive the alumni newsletter and create an annual career panel that features graduates of the department
Further enhance career exploration and the application of knowledge and skills—consider making internships a requirement of the major and/or integrate service-learning/advocacy projects across the GWSS curriculum with scaffolded expectations
Know who your students are, and work intentionally to serve them all well

9. Ideas that support my vision-– Part 3. The faculty experience
Provide both departmental and extra-departmental mentors to junior faculty
Facilitate the creation of a cohort among junior faculty members within and (when appropriate) across colleges
Encourage collaborative research (faculty-student as well as between faculty)
Foster a departmental culture that prioritizes self-care and encourages life balance
Through future hiring and/or moving lines, create a core faculty in GWSS that is as diverse as its affiliated faculty

10. Vision in a nutshell
In the coming decade, I envision a department that knows itself, knows its strengths, has a strong identity AND intentionally and consistently conveys that identity to all stakeholders.
A vibrant, thriving department that is central to the mission of the university, provides a supportive and challenging experience to students that prepares them to effectively tackle the world’s most-pressing challenges, and whose faculty members produce relevant and timely research that supports progressive social change.

11. Thank You
Dr. Christie Launius Academia.edu profile:

12. Sources
Berger, Michelle and Cheryl Radeloff. Transforming Scholarship: Why Women’s and Gender Studies Students are Changing Themselves and the World. 2nd edition. Routledge, Demuth, Danielle. “Doing Feminist and Activist Learning Outcomes: What Should Students Be Able to Do As a Result of this Women’s and Gender Studies Project/Course/Curriculum?” Atlantis 35.2, Levin, Amy. “Questions for a New Century: Women’s Studies and Integrative Learning.” A report to the National Women’s Studies Association Orr, Catherine. “Women’s Studies as Civic Engagement: Research and Recommendations.” A Teagle Foundation White Paper. September 2011.