How can we be allies and how can we help others be allies to us? Here are the results of the discussions around developing ally relationships for Michigan Tech and the local community.
Women break-out group response to the question:
(“We hope this does not sound like a bitch list, but...”)
“What would I like to see, hear, have done (or not done) in this community that would make my experience here better?”
Continue the support beyond the application.MTU wants females for representation but MTU does not seem to consider their interests once the women are here.
Recognize women as a minorityEven though we are 51% of the total population, here the numbers are different. Recognize that we're not “one of the guys.”
We have equal value but not the same interests.
Recognize small discrepanciesi.e. The bathrooms are sometimes on another floor.
From another era, we have couches in our bathrooms but we don't hang out in there.
The ratioPeople are always talking about the male to female ratio number. We feel like we have become a number. Like, I am here to justify Title IX. When they mention number of men to number of women, it is like they want to pair us up. MTU tries to combat low numbers so they tour 2nd floor of DHH. At home they think it is 18 to 1! It's not that bad. Campus tours say 2.8 to 1 Admissions brochure shows 50/50 but that is not true.
In biology there are lots of girls. One great professors says to a group if he sees that the notes are being taken by the female he will dock the whole group (for group projects/labs).
There is a lack of women centered education and activites.
No women studies or history class. Women's issues should not only be highlighted during Women's History month, not just for one month.
We are not tokensi.e. on coed sports teams we are actual players, not just be the token female.
Acknowledge we are here for an educationNot for Mrs. degree, not to meet guys
We came for the Engineering reputation of the school. i.e. We want to BE rich engineers, not marry rich engineers.
We are not:snow cows
femi-nazis
looking for a husband
weak
going to date you
all the same
Stop the “no women”/dogface jokes
Like there is such a great pick of guys here!
We are women, not GIRLS
Show respect. Feel the power in the terms.
I say girls, it's just my usual talk, it's not an issue for everyone.
The commercial, the runner, concentrates on woman's breasts. I'm gay and I see that.
Not only duties in class, but intelligence as well. Old white male professors don't engage us or challenge us or discuss our answers like they do the males.
Treat us with respect. I earned my way to get here, I deserve respect too.
In gender research, on why the number of women is low in hard sciences, it shows that there are no intelligent video games, they are all shoot 'em ups. It is ingrained very early that technology is male interest oriented.
To young male students who are good at math and science the say, go into engineering
To young female students who are good at math and science they say, go into teaching.
A speaker from Columbia was here a few years ago. She promoted using “Mr. So-and-so” and “Ms. So-and-so” by faculty when they address students. It shows respect and recognizes all students as intellectual equals. Instead of “boys and girls”. This could be used to show respect if that is the intention of the faculty or staff.
Here (at MTU) it is casual, all use first names, even to professors. (Might be an effort to be approachable, more colleagues like.)
If student organizations want to appeal to females, advertise on posters. I'd respond to it if I think I will get equal decision making powers as others in the group. Like, highlight a female show at WMTU and show women in your organization doing great things, and then say, “Come and be one of them.”
(“We hope this does not sound like a bitch list, but...”)
“What would I like to see, hear, have done (or not done) in this community that would make my experience here better?”
Continue the support beyond the application.
Recognize women as a minority
Recognize small discrepancies
The ratio
There is a lack of women centered education and activites.
No women studies or history class. Women's issues should not only be highlighted during Women's History month, not just for one month.
We are not tokens
Acknowledge we are here for an education
We are not:
Stop the “no women”/dogface jokes
Like there is such a great pick of guys here!
We are women, not GIRLS
Show respect. Feel the power in the terms.
I say girls, it's just my usual talk, it's not an issue for everyone.
The commercial, the runner, concentrates on woman's breasts. I'm gay and I see that.
Not only duties in class, but intelligence as well. Old white male professors don't engage us or challenge us or discuss our answers like they do the males.
Treat us with respect. I earned my way to get here, I deserve respect too.
In gender research, on why the number of women is low in hard sciences, it shows that there are no intelligent video games, they are all shoot 'em ups. It is ingrained very early that technology is male interest oriented.
To young male students who are good at math and science the say, go into engineering
To young female students who are good at math and science they say, go into teaching.
A speaker from Columbia was here a few years ago. She promoted using “Mr. So-and-so” and “Ms. So-and-so” by faculty when they address students. It shows respect and recognizes all students as intellectual equals. Instead of “boys and girls”. This could be used to show respect if that is the intention of the faculty or staff.
Here (at MTU) it is casual, all use first names, even to professors. (Might be an effort to be approachable, more colleagues like.)
If student organizations want to appeal to females, advertise on posters. I'd respond to it if I think I will get equal decision making powers as others in the group. Like, highlight a female show at WMTU and show women in your organization doing great things, and then say, “Come and be one of them.”