President's Commission on the Status of Women

The President's Commission on the Status of Women (PCOSW) actively advocates for and promotes a positive climate for all university women including students, staff, faculty, and administrators. Now in its sixth decade, PCOSW gives voice to women's experiences and perspectives by advocating for gender parity at our university. Rooted in feminist principles, the Commission works to identify and address the changing needs of all women in our university community. By building partnerships and collaborating with others from historically underrepresented groups, PCOSW now seeks to improve the collective status of all who have been silenced or excluded by unexamined norms, beliefs, and practices of the OSU community.

Leadership Team 2023-24

Co-Chairs:  Mealoha McFadden and Molly Rosbach

Treasurer: Keahi McFadden

Secretary: Lizzet Stone

Membership: Sarah Vojnovich

Content: Cara Key

Committees

The bulk of PCOSW's work is done outside of general meetings in committees with a special focus. Standing committees include:

  • Speaker Series - Co-conveners: Jill Wells and Lizzet Stone
  • Scholarships and Awards - Co-conveners: (currently open)
  • Status of Gender Equity - Co-conveners: Ashleigh Anderson and Natalie Rooney
  • Work-Life Fit - Co-conveners: Elizabeth Thomas and Sara Hamilton

If you're interested in joining PCOSW, please contact members of the leadership team at [email protected]

2023-24 Monthly Meetings

PCOSW General Meetings are open to the OSU community. Meetings for 2023-24 will be held remotely; contact [email protected] for Zoom access information.

  • October 20, 10:00-11:30
  • November 13, 10:00-11:30
  • December 15, 10:00-11:30
  • February 15, 1:00-2:30
  • March 22, 10:30-12:00
  • April 18, 10:30-12:00
  • May 23, 10:00-11:30

Annual Retreat

The PCOSW Annual Retreat will be held in a hybrid format on February 5, 2024 from 12:30-5:00. Contact [email protected] for more information.

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person standing at a microphone presenting to an award to a woman standing next to the university president

"I am very proud of the ongoing and important work of the President's Commission on the Status of Women. Without substantial resources to staff the commission in the past, the commission led the effort that resulted in the first climate survey on the OSU campus. The PCOSW has continued to press for a family-friendly work environment and for assurances that compensation and career opportunities are equitable. There are many advocates for an inclusive and welcoming community here at OSU and all of us appreciate the energy and intelligence that the members of the PCOSW have provided in keeping women's issues on everyone's agenda and helping all of us understand that women's issues are everyone’s issues."
- Ed Ray, OSU President Emeritus