The WILL Program strives to foster a deeper understanding of gender and its intersections with race, culture, class, sexuality and other aspects of social identity. By connecting students with each other, and to a strong supportive network of faculty, staff, alumnae and community mentors, WILL students develop critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, problem-solving and leadership skills. In addition, WILL students participate in a variety of community engaged learning projects designed to promote positive participation in the global community. While originally designated solely as a women’s leadership program, we welcome members of all genders – and are committed to building a program that is welcoming of a diverse student body
- To encourage critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and active learning opportunities which empower women as leaders, professionals, and engaged citizens during and after college
- To promote support networks for women students in all fields, particularly those in which they have historically been under-represented
- To foster a deeper understanding of women’s diverse roles and contributions to society
- To increase awareness of obstacles women have faced and are facing, and to foster individual and collective strategies to address these issues
- To cultivate skills for living and working with people of diverse backgrounds and opinion
- To promote the self-esteem and self-confidence of its members.
The WILL Program fulfills its mission and enhances women’s college experience through a three-pronged approach that connects the curricular and co-curricular: course work in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, gender-related programming outside of the classroom, and a student-run leadership development organization. Additionally, WILL students are provided with opportunities to attend national leadership training seminars, public-speaking workshops, conflict resolution/transformation workshops, and other forums designed to build and enhance leadership skills.