Why does AU need a WRC?

• The Mission Statement of the Office of Campus Life says that it "is committed to providing the foundation for a student-centered environment that is supportive yet challenging" and describes that environment as being personal, learning-focused, values-based, collaborative and quality driven. The WRC helps the OCL work toward the fulfillment of that mission in many ways: integrating services to provide easy access to users, streamlining service delivery to enhance efficiency, reaffirming the University's commitment to equity, equal access, social justice and appreciation for human diversity, strengthening the link between students' learning experiences in and out of the classroom, serving as a physical demonstration of campus civility and respect, etc.
• The WRC can provide the support that women students need. In particular, the WRC is able to provide a unique set of services, such as sexual assault resources and referrals, training programs for students and staff, collaboration with other university office and groups on campus-wide issues, and programming on issues of particular interest to women, such as domestic and relationship violence, body image, women's health, sexual assault, and gender discrimination and inequalities. Perhaps most importantly, the WRC is a safe place for students, where they can come for information, support, and referrals to the proper campus and community resources.

Can men come in?

Of course! Everyone, regardless of race, culture, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or gender identity is welcome in the Women's Resource Center!

How is the Women's Resource Center different from Women's Initiative?

Though the WRC and WI have a similar commitment to gender equality and focus on issues of particular interest to women and frequently work together, they are different entities. First and foremost, Women's Initiative is a branch of the AU Student Government, run by and for AU students, whereas the WRC is an official administrative office of the university run by a university-employed professional. As an official office staffed by a professional, the WRC is able to provide services that a student group cannot, especially resources and referrals for survivors of sexual assault, training programs for students, faculty, and staff, and collaboration on university-wide issues.