Colorado State University’s Commission on Women and Gender Equity Presents Symposium April 13-15

An academic leader and the writer and producer of an award-winning documentary video will highlight a symposium April 13-15 at Colorado State University.

The events are being presented by the President’s Commission on Women and Gender Equity, which was appointed by Colorado State President Albert Yates in 1997 to explore gender issues on campus.

Gretchen M. Bataille, provost and academic vice president at Washington State University, will deliver the symposium’s keynote address, "Strategies for a Gender-Inclusive Campus Climate" at the opening reception 3:30-5:30 p.m. April 13 in the Lory Student Center North Ballroom.

"Minerva’s Machine: Women and Computing," a video by Karen Frenkel, author and high-tech journalist, will be shown twice during the symposium. (See schedule below.) The video celebrates the history of women in computing while profiling a diverse group of successful women in the field of computing today. "Minerva’s Machine" explores why there are fewer women in computing than men and examines gender differences in response to high technology.

The film also covers important research findings and reports on programs designed for bridging the computer gap in the 21st century. Frenkel will facilitate discussions following both screenings.

"If we are going to achieve gender equity on this campus, we must celebrate the positive changes that have occurred and we must educate the Colorado State community about the work that still must be done," said Toni Zimmerman, chairwoman of the Commission on Women and Gender Equity and associate professor of human development and family studies. "This symposium will both celebrate and educate the community about gender equity."

Other highlights include dialogue sessions on professional development, work-life balance, student issues, safety and environment and a presentation on recent research measuring the impact of women’s studies courses on men and women at Colorado State.

All events take place in the Lory Student Center at Colorado State. Following is a schedule of events.

Mon., April 13

  • "Strategies for a Gender-Inclusive Campus Climate" by Gretchen Bataille, provost and academic vice president at Washington State University; 3:30-5:30 p.m., North Ballroom.

Tues., April 14

  • Dialogue sessions with Commission on Women and Gender Equity subcommitte representatives:
  • Professional development, faculty and administrative professionals, noon-1 p.m., Room 213;
  • Professional development, state-classified, noon-1 p.m., Room 215;
  • Work-life balance, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Room 208;
  • Safety and environment, 1-2 p.m., LaPorte Room;
  • Student issues, 3-3:45 p.m., LaPorte Room.
  • Colloquium: "The Impact of Women’s Studies Courses on Women and Men at Colorado State University" by Silvia Canetto, associate professor of psychology, and Steven Gale, doctoral candidate in psychology; 4-5 p.m., Room 228.

Wed., April 15

  • "Minerva’s Machine: Women and Computing," video presentation; 11 a.m.-noon, North Ballroom.
  • Presentation by Karen Frenkel, creator, writer and producer of "Minerva’s Machine: Women and Computing;" noon-1 p.m., North Ballroom. A reception for Frenkel follows at 1:30 p.m. in the Longs Peak Room.
  • Repeat video presentation of "Minerva’s Machine: Women and Computing;" 7-9 p.m. in the North Ballroom, followed by a presentation by Frenkel.

For more information, call the Office of Women’s Programs and Studies at (970) 491-6384.