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.
Co-Chairs: Sara Smith & Mealoha McFadden
Treasurer: Keahi McFadden
Secretary: Molly Rosbach
Membership: Sarah Vojnovich
Communications: Cara Key
The bulk of PCOSW's work is done outside of general meetings in committees with a special focus. Standing committees include:
If you're interested in joining PCOSW, please contact members of the leadership team at pcosw@oregonstate.edu
General membership meetings will be held the second Monday of every month from 3-4:30 p.m. Our general membership meetings will be in a hybrid format with a Zoom option.
PCOSW General Meetings are open to the OSU community. In-person locations for 2022-2023 are in the Memorial Union:
Please email pcosw@oregonstate.edu for Zoom meeting information.
"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