Center for Women and Gender

The mission of the Center for Women and Gender at Saint Michael’s College is to promote awareness and activism around women’s and gender equity issues by educating students, faculty and staff. We also support individuals by providing them with resources and referrals.

In service to the Saint Michael’s community, the Center for Women and Gender:

  • Provides a visible, safe and inclusive meeting space
  • Collaborates with campus and community organizations to carry out a variety of educational and social programs
  • Works closely with campus partners to provide quality information, resources and referrals
  • Advocates for gender equality and social justice
  • Supports and nurtures women leaders on campus
  • Provides students with a network and support system
  • Values women and individuals and celebrates their achievements and the diversities of their lives

Center for Women and Gender Meeting Space

The Center has a full kitchen, a comfortable living room, a resource library, cozy couches, a flat screen TV, computer stations, and much more. We are here to foster a creative, inspiring, relaxing and supportive environment where individuals can learn about gender issues, do homework, drink tea, challenge assumptions, meet new friends, connect with local resources, raise consciousness and build community.

Saint Michael’s College has a long-standing history of promoting and supporting volunteerism and community service. If you have an interest in women’s issues, gender equity and social justice, the Center for Women and Gender is a great place to get involved.

Volunteering at the Center is a great way to acquire new skills, build community, plan and coordinate programs, collaborate with other campus and community organizations and have a forum to express ideas and concerns related to women’s issues and gender equity. It’s a place for action, learning and celebration.

We welcome your ideas for activities or initiatives and are prepared to assist in developing plans and making them happen.

Some possible volunteer opportunities include:

  • Help staff the Center
  • Host a film night
  • Lead a discussion group
  • Support students by providing information and referrals
  • Help plan and publicize programs for “awareness” days and months, such as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, World AIDS Day, International Women’s Day, Women’s History Month
  • Start a letter writing campaign
  • Host a potluck dinner or other social events
  • Design an educational bulletin board

Yoga Sessions

We offer weekly morning yoga sessions and occasional evening restorative sessions, at no cost to students. Emily Kimball (class of 2012) is the instructor.

Dinner and a Movie

We invite members of the community into the Center to share meals and watch movies that deal with various gender issues.

Women’s Spirituality Circle

The Women’s Spirituality Circle is a group of staff and faculty who meet monthly to reflect on their personal understandings of God and to discuss books about women’s spiritual journeys.

Pancake Breakfasts

At the beginning and end of each semester we host a celebratory pancake breakfast for students, staff and faculty. This event provides an opportunity to meet new people and reconnect with old friends while gaining familiarity with the Center and eating a delicious breakfast.

Refugee Mentoring Program

In collaboration with an Adrie Kusserow’s Anthropology class and local organizations we offer alternative Saturday night opportunities to mentor and spend time with local refugee youth.

Discussions about Race and Racism

This discussion group is designed to create a safe space to talk informally about issues of race in our culture, the media, our community and our lives. Professors from various fields help facilitate these weekly discussions.

Common Ground

This student organization meets at the Center every week. Common Ground’s mission is: “to promote social awareness, especially regarding gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and ally issues. By embracing a gay-straight alliance, we can create a safe space for people of all sexualities, gender identities, and individualities within ourselves and the Saint Michael’s Community.”

If you’d like to contact us or get involved, please stop by the Center which is located on the second floor of Alliot Hall, Room 206.

WomensCenter@smcvt.edu

For further information, please contact:

Nicole Noce
Center for Women and Gender Coordinator
nnoce@smcvt.edu
(preferred pronouns: she/her)

Catherine Welch, Ed.D.
Associate Dean of Student Success/Title IX Coordinator
Instructor, First-Year Seminar Program
cwelch2@smcvt.edu
(802) 654-2271 (office)
Office Location: Alliot Hall 208