President's Commission on the Status of Women background

In 2004-2005, St. Norbert College administered an internal climate survey to administrators, faculty, staff, and hourly employees, focusing on how people experience the campus social climate. St. Norbert College faculty also were invited to participate in the nationally normed Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) survey on faculty attitudes.

In December 2005, Dr. William Hynes, President of the College, shared the results of these two surveys in an announcement to St. Norbert College personnel. While noting some strengths, the President asked the College community to consider significant weaknesses revealed by the survey data. He invited suggestions from the College community on understanding and addressing these apparent challenges. The President’s February 2006 mid-year address to the College focused in detail on the two surveys, campus climate issues, and possible responses.

In his May 2006 State of the College address, President Hynes again highlighted the climate and faculty surveys, noting findings that were of particular concern. Emphasizing the need for “dramatic changes” in gender equity and diversity at the College, President Hynes announced the establishment of a President’s Commission on Women. He stated that the Commission would be charged with advising the President on “how St. Norbert can improve the climate for women.”

Listening sessions and other information-gathering efforts were undertaken by way of the vice presidents in each college division to further ascertain the experiences of women at St. Norbert. In early fall 2006, President Hynes released a first draft of a charge to the Commission on the Status of Women, and invited the community to a “fireside chat” for further discussion. In October 2006, President Hynes announced to faculty and staff the leadership of the President's Commission on the Status of Women at St. Norbert College. Five co-chairs composed a steering committee, which met with President Hynes to refine its charge and timeline. Several members were later added to the group to reflect a wide range of perspectives and expertise. The group undertook its work in late fall 2006.