Welcome to the Women and Gender Advocacy Center
WHERE TO FIND US ON CAMPUS
contact
- 970-491-6384 (general contact)
- 970-492-4242 (24/7 support)
- Email us
- 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
About us
Through advocacy, the Women and Gender Advocacy Center (WGAC) provides confidential crisis intervention and emotional support, as well as information about academic, legal, medical, emotional and student conduct resources to survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking. WGAC also offers support to secondary survivors, such as intimate partners, friends, family and you.
A foundation of belonging
WGAC provides programs and resources focusing on all genders, social justice and interpersonal violence prevention. Additionally, WGAC advocates for and supports victims of sexual violence, stalking, sexual harassment and relationship violence. The purpose is to provide a safe and affirming space for students at Colorado State University, while supporting systemic change to end all forms of oppression within our community.
To fulfill our mission, the WGAC offers a variety of programming throughout the year. This programming ranges from large scale events to awareness months to workshops and facilitations. Many of these programs center around interpersonal violence and survivor voice. WGAC also engages through other topics of gender and social justice.
History
The WGAC at Colorado State University has evolved over five decades. Its model is a direct result of the evolution of the student and academic affairs structures.
In the late 1960s, throughout the nation the Women’s Liberation Movement coincided with the restructuring of Student Personnel Services. On most campuses, the offices of the Dean of Women and the Dean of Men were combined into the Office of the Dean of Students. Colorado State was no exception to this change. However, in 1970 the visionary administration at CSU saw a need to continue to provide a more contemporary office for women and created the Office of Women’s Relations, which reported to the Office of Student Relations. Holding joint responsibilities in the Office of Student Relations, Chris Kelley was selected to be the Director of this newly named unit. Early work focused on educating all students as to the concerns of women, as well as assessing the status of women at the University.
Today, the Center continues to serve as confidential advocates providing resource and support for students navigating the academic, legal, medical and emotional aftermath of sexual violence, sexual harassment, stalking and/or relationship violence. WGAC has also grown significantly in its educational programs and advocacy. Trainings and workshops that are facilitated throughout campus by our professional staff and talented peer educators (the Red Whistle Brigade). Signature programs include the Feminist Thought & Activism Conference (started in 2005), Consent Turns Me On Campaign and Reframe. Advocacy, once completely volunteer maintained, has expanded to three professional advocates, a secondary survivor workshop and trauma-informed yoga groups.
Our timeline
CSU establishes the Office of Women's Relations to address women's concerns and provide a contemporary office in response to the Women's Liberation Movement and restructuring of Student Personnel Services.
Women's Interdisciplinary Studies Program joins the Office, becoming Women's Program and Studies with a cooperative agreement with Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences for enhanced visibility and support.
Office of Women's Programs and Studies evolves, expanding programs such as Women at Noon and establishing the Kathryn T. Bohannon Fund. Leadership changes occur with the appointment of new directors.
The Office of Women's Programs and Studies becomes the Women and Gender Advocacy Center (WGAC), now a student service within Student Diversity Programs and Services (SDPS).
To provide confidential services to students during quarantine, due to its success, will become a staple in future services.
Elizabeth Amoa-Awuah, Assistant Director of Educational Programs, received this prestigious award for outstanding contributions to sexual assault prevention and education in Colorado.
WGAC was selected as a Member Program Spotlight, which honors programmatic efforts of organizations in Colorado.
Increased support of survivors by 27 percent from 279 to 355 people with 961 hours of service.
Advocates referred 86 survivors to police. WGAC's police referral numbers continue to be significantly higher than the national average.
Our staff
Our staff brings diverse expertise and a shared dedication to creating a safe and affirming environment for students. They work collaboratively to provide support for survivors and promote gender equity through their roles in victim services and educational programs.
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