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1992: Department of Women’s and Gender Studies established
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
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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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