Oakland University celebrates Women's History month with several planned events

OU celebrating Women's History Month with several events in March

Celebrating Women's History Month kicked off with a "March on OU" on March 8 at 11 a.m. at the Elliott Tower.  The march route encompassed sidewalks around the main campus and was a non-political show of solidarity. Participants were given a “Women United” baseball hat and the event is sponsored by the Office of the President and the Office of the Provost.

Other events taking place on Wednesday, March 8:

▪ A Discussion about Planned Parenthood

1:30 p.m., Room 376, Mathematics and Science Center

Stephanie Spall, a community educator from Planned Parenthood speaks about reproductive health and Planned Parenthood’s mission.

Sponsor: Feminists of OU

 

 

▪ Documentary: “Honor Diaries”

7:00-9:00 p.m., Fireside Lounge, Oakland Center

Honor Diaries is the first film to break the silence on ‘honor violence’ against women and girls.

Honor Diaries is a movement meant to inspire viewers to learn more about issues facing women in Muslim-majority societies and to act for change.

Sponsor: Center for Student Activities and Leadership Development

 

 

Monday, March 13

 

▪ My HERo Day

10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Fireside Lounge, Oakland Center

Fill the Wall of Honor with the names of women who have made a difference in our lives. Write a letter of appreciation to your HERo who is making this world a better place. “Our heroes do not have to be famous. It is the courage and sacrifice of many women that have often changed the course of individual lives as well as the course of history.”

Sponsor: Center for Student Activities and Leadership Development

 

▪ ExplOUration Series: Women’s Panel: Leadership Skills on Fighting Wage Inequalities & Bias in the Workplace

3:00-3:50 p.m., Lake Superior A Room, Oakland Center

Learn about the biases and gender differences in the workplace and how to react in a way that will help positive change occur. Gain tools and tips on how to respond to gender pay gap and learn more about the nation’s pay gap issues. Learn about women in male-dominated jobs and how to be most effective in these positions.


Sponsor: Leadership and Volunteer Center, Center for Student Activities and Leadership Development

 

 

Wednesday, March 15

 

▪ What is Title IX? How Title IX impacts all of us!

Presented Noon-1:00 p.m., Fireside Lounge, Oakland Center


Title IX explained by Michele Parkhill Purdie, Associate Professor of Psychology, Scott Pickett, Associate Professor of Psychology, and Amanda Burgess-Proctor, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice


Sponsor: Violence and Abuse Resource Consortium (VARC)

 

Wednesday, March 22

 

▪ The Professional Female Voice

Noon-1:00 p.m., Room 119, Vandenberg Hall


Workshop on how to find your vocal and physical presence, uniting body, breath, and voice, to

enhance your personal power and professional life. Dress to move. Presented by Lynnae Lehfeldt, Associate Professor of Theatre


Sponsored: Department of Music, Theatre and Dance

 

Thursday, March 23

 

▪ Work/Life Balance at OU - Reality or Urban Legend?

Noon-1:00 p.m., Lake Superior B Room, Oakland Center


A panel of OU women discuss work/life balance issues and concerns from different employment perspectives (faculty, staff, administrators) and demographics (new professionals to seasoned professionals, mothers with young children to empty-nesters).


Sponsor: Women’s Employee Resource Group (WERG)

 

Thursday, March 30

 

▪ Question and Answer Session with Academic Human Resources

2:00-4:00 p.m., Lake Michigan Room, Oakland Center


Got questions about Human Resources? We’ve got answers! Join Joi Cunningham and Michelle Piskulich for a Question and Answer session with Academic Human Resources. Topics addressed during this session will be pregnancy and adoption, FMLA and other leaves, the tenure clock, and more. Please bring your questions and join this informal discussion of relevant policies and procedures. This session is focused on faculty, but all are welcome to join the discussion.  RSVPs are appreciated. Contact Leanne DeVreugd at [email protected] to RSVP.


Sponsor: Academic Human Resources and WISER (Women in Science, Engineering, and Research).

 

During the Month of March

 

▪ Community Engagement: Dress for Professional Success


Month long drive to collect “suits” and work apparel, closed-toed shoes, handbags, and jewelry for women going into the work force. Donations will go to the Pontiac community through CareerDress - Lighthouse of Oakland County.


Drop off donation sites in the Oakland Center: Main Floor - across from the Women’s/Men’s Restrooms, next to the OU Credit Union; Lower Level - in the Center for Student Activities


 

Thank you to the OU Women’s History Month Planning Committee


 

▪ Kelly Berishaj, Special Instructor, Nursing, Forensic Nursing Program Coordinator

 

▪ Amanda Burgess-Proctor, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice

 

▪ Josephine Hairston, Executive Administrative Manager, Office of the President

 

▪ Meredith Hubbell, Vice President, Feminists of OU

 

▪ Petra Knoche, International Advisor, International Students and Scholars

 

▪ Cheyanne Kramer, Web Editor, The Oakland Post

 

▪ Jean Ann Miller, Director, The Center for Student Activities and Leadership Development

 

▪ Natalie Noland, President, Feminists of OU

 

▪ Michele Parkhill Purdie, Associate Professor of Psychology

 

▪ Allison Radell, Assistant Director, International Students and Scholars

 

▪ Jo Reger Professor of Sociology, Director, Women & Gender Studies Program

 

▪ Beth Talbert, Special Instructor, Communication, Chief Advisor for the Communication Program

 

▪ Denise Thompkins-Jones, Retention Coordinator, Center for Multicultural Initiatives

 

Now, I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but some day, someone will, and hopefully sooner than we might think right now. And to all the little girls whose are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.  - Hillary Clinton

march
The Women's March on March 8 began a series of celebrations scheduled for Women's History Month.