WRI Statement

Thank you for your thoughts regarding the Women's Studies program at BYU. Last week the university posted information about the reorganization and the new research grants on its web site: http://news.byu.edu/archive09-Oct-womens.aspx . This information also was included in last week's faculty and staff online newsletter.

As this information explained, restructuring Women's Studies at BYU maintains the Women's Studies minor and provides significantly expanded resources for research and creative activities pertaining to women. In fact, the reorganization more than triples the amount of discretionary money available across campus for women's research. Through a new university-wide Emmeline B. Wells Grant, faculty from across campus can apply for research support up to $25,000 on an annual basis. Additionally, multiple grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to foster research focusing on women.

I can understand the concern of those who perceive the Women's Research Institute as a symbol of the university's commitment to women's studies. Actually, BYU's commitment to this vital topic has always been much broader than one institute and will now be even more extensive. This reorganization acknowledges the fact that women's studies at BYU and elsewhere is mainstreamed into the academic disciplines.

The reorganization also will direct funding more broadly across campus and target it toward full-time faculty. Furthermore, all commitments previously made by the Women's Research Institute will be fulfilled.

The university also will continue to support a minor in Women's Studies under the direction of Renata Forste, chair of BYU's Sociology Department. In the same way this reorganization will strengthen research, our intent is that it will strengthen the Women's Studies minor, which in 2008-09 had five graduates and in 2007-08 had six graduates. It will do so using a model successfully employed in interdisciplinary programs on campus. Students will continue to receive the same advisement, take the same courses, and receive the same scholarships.

The reorganization was based upon recommendations by an interdisciplinary faculty committee. This committee was involved in a year-long review that included a survey of constituents and other interested parties, many interviews and meetings, an exhaustive self-study, and equally detailed committee report.

I hope this information has provided you with greater insight into the university's decision. I cannot state strongly enough how much we believe this restructuring will not only strengthen our Women's Studies program but also foster greater participation across campus in research on women.

Sincerely,

John S. Tanner
BYU Academic Vice President