Elon University has joined the American Association of University Women (AAUW), a nationwide organization that seeks to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. Alison Morrison-Shetlar, dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, made the announcement Tuesday, March 15, during College Coffee.
“As a long time member of this organization, I’m pleased that through this group women and girls are supported to achieve their dreams and gain professional development, scholarships and support to achieve nationally and internationally,” Morrison-Shetlar said.
By becoming a member of the AAUW’s Tar Heel Branch, Elon is one of only 10 higher education institutions in North Carolina that belongs to the association. In all, the association has 500 member colleges and universities.
Undergraduate students can join the local chapter for free through Friday, March 18. Reduced memberships are also available for graduate students ($18.81) and faculty and staff members ($21). Those interested in joining can fill out an application at Lindner Hall 104 during this period.
Organized in 1881, the AAUW serves as a professional forum that provides information and discussion of significant issues impacting equity for women as well as a strong voice for action and change.
Morrison-Shetlar said the first research conducted by the association looked at whether higher education presented health risks for women and girls as suggested by a popular theory of the time.
“As we know now, that was a myth buster,” she said.
She said that besides advocacy for equity, members can benefit from professional networking, workshops, scholarships, fellowships, grants and awards sponsored by the association. She added that the association also provides more than $3 million each year to support women engaged in graduate studies. Benefits for undergraduate students include networking, leadership conferences, funded campus action projects and scholarships.
“The scholarship opportunities are huge, the leadership opportunities are huge and the networking opportunities are also significant,” Morrison-Shetlar said.
For more information about the AAUW and the Tar Heel Branch, click on the links to the right.