University of Richmond's WILL Program to Hold Third Replication Workshop Nov. 6-8, 2003
October 28, 2003
The University of Richmond will host its third WILL Replication Workshop Nov. 6-8, bringing to campus representatives of 11 colleges and universities to learn how to create WILL-like programs at their campuses.
WILL (Women Involved in Living and Learning) is an award-winning program that bridges academics and cocurricular life and empowers women as leaders during and beyond college. In 2001, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Region III, recognized WILL with its Exemplary Program Award, given that year to 10 college programs from throughout the world.
Among those attending the workshop will be faculty and student affairs administrators from Texas A&M, University of Rhode Island, Miami University of Ohio and Furman. Representatives of Tulane and University of Maryland, Baltimore County, will speak about the success of their WILL-like programs, created since they attended earlier workshops. Also, a senior research scientist from Wellesley College Center for Research on Women will present the results of her research on WILL.
Westhampton College, the women's college of the university, created WILL in 1980 in response to research showing that the self-confidence of women students plummets in their college years and to studies advocating the benefits of single-sex educational experiences. The program combines coursework in women's studies, a student leadership organization and diversity-related programming.
The university organized the replication workshops in response to calls from college and university personnel interested in creating such programs at their schools.
"More than two decades after WILL's founding, research suggests that there remains a strong need for similar programs aimed at college women," said Holly Blake, WILL director.
For more information, call (804) 289-8578 or e-mail will@richmond.edu.