About

The Commission is composed of a representative cross-section of members of the University community, including volunteers and ex-officio members. Membership has historically included undergraduate students, graduate students, classified employees, academic teaching and research faculty members, and professional faculty members.

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Breaking Barriers Event 2018

Commission Focus

  • Campus Climate and Culture
  • Equity
  • Advocacy
  • Mentoring
  • Financial Resources
  • Work/Life Balance
  • Connection
  • Parenting Issues
  • Leadership Development
  • Promoting Women’s Achievements
  • Community Building

The Commission

The President's Commission on the Status of Women (PCOSW) advises the president and other administrators regarding the status of women within the university. PCOSW is composed of a cross-section of the University community, both men and women, including faculty, staff, and students.

PCOSW was established at Oregon State University in 1972.


 

Mission Statement

Established in 1972, PCOSW gives voice to women's experiences and perspectives by advocating for gender equality. Rooted in feminist principles, the Commission works to identify and address the changing needs of all women in our university community. PCOSW recognizes that the status of women is affected by social location (including but not limited to ability, age, class, ethnicity, gender, language, nation of origin, race, religion, sexual, and other identities). By building partnerships and collaborating with others from historically underrepresented groups, PCOSW now seeks to improve the collective status of all who have been limited, silenced, excluded, or otherwise disadvantaged by unexamined norms, beliefs, and practices of the OSU community.

The PCOSW Speaker Series is made possible thanks to generous support from the offices of the President and Provost.