Gender Equity in the University: The Unmet Agenda

Abstract

In 1991 Topside University established the University Committee on the Status of Women Faculty and Librarians (UCSWFL) to identify obstacles to the professional and personal development of women faculty and librarians and to provide advice and guidance concerning initiatives to support them throughout the University. The University has focused on the status of women faculty for almost twenty years and yet disparities exist specifically related to promotion in rank, which is highly dependent on research productivity at Topside University. Thus, there remains an unmet agenda (at Topside and in the United States) with respect to gender parity. The purpose of this exploratory study was to understand the experiences of men and women as they seek promotion in rank from associate to full professor through the successful execution of their research agenda. Utilizing a liberal feminism framework, which does not change the core assumptions of the culture of the professorate, this study sought to understand research support in four key areas: obtaining sponsored research, writing, research assistance, and conference travel. Findings suggest some of the schools and departments at Topside University have developed policies and procedures that systematically support all faculties, including women, succeed in developing their academic career through research productivity. Unfortunately, these are the exception, not the rule. Further, given administrative responsibilities, patterns of communication, and their inability to be considered "insiders" in certain circles crucial for promotion, women are particularly vulnerable to being ignored or passed over in the process of promotion from associate to full professor. Recommendations focus on specific ways in which Topside can ensure equitable access to research support to develop overall research production in the University. (Contains 1 table, 37 resources, and 3 footnotes.)