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1992: Department of Women’s and Gender Studies established

Larger Version

In 1985 the University applied to have the Chair in Women’s Studies for the Prairie Region, a federally funded program, located in Saskatoon.  The application emphasized the University’s existing and historical work relating to women’s studies, particularly its extension work with rural and native women.  While the application was unsuccessful, it set the stage for an effort to develop a women’s studies program.  President Kristjanson wrote that: “In my view both the application and the process of assembling the information were important and worthwhile, however, and we are now in a stronger position to build on the base of programs already established.  Our commitment is to continue this within the limited scope possible in present budget circumstances.”1

In fall 1985, the Academic Affairs Committee of Council established a subcommittee “to review the need for more formally recognized procedures for the development and delivery of academic programs involving women’s studies at the University.”  The subcommittee report in April 1986 resulted in the establishment of an ad hoc subcommittee “to advise the Academic Affairs Committee on further appropriate means for promoting excellence in women’s studies.”  The ad hoc committee reported in October 1989, and recommended, among other matters, that an undergraduate degree program in Women’s Studies be established in the College of Arts and Science.  As a result, the College of Arts and Science proposed “the establishment of a Department of Women and Gender Studies within five years.”  This proposal was accepted by the University Senate in April 1992, with one faculty position originally allocated to the Department.2

In the meantime, the course Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies had first been offered in 1991, and Diana Relke was hired as Coordinator in 1992.  A minor degree was first available in 1995, with a major degree available the following year.  Since the establishment of the Department in 1992 the faculty and course offerings have increased; several courses from other departments are also cross-listed with Women’s and Gender Studies.


Related Collections

Department of Women’s and Gender Studies fonds, RG 2049
S.A. Gingell fonds, MG 188

Images

1992a: Cover of the Proposal to Locate the Prairie Regional Chair in Women’s Studies at the University of Saskatchewan, May 1943. S.A. Gingell fonds, file 12b.
1992b: Departmental logo.

Sources

1. President’s Office fonds, RG 2001, Series IV, file 8.
2. Senate minutes, 25 Apr 1992; Council minutes, 5 Dec 1986.

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