Thursday, August 29, 2013

STEM Programs at Scripps College

Women’s colleges have excelled at educating women in mathematics and science for over 100-years, adding STEM programs along the way. Women’s colleges are known for preparing students to start a STEM career or to obtain an advanced degree.

Here’s a short video from biology major at Scripps College, Jacqueline Humphries '13 about the role women’s college play for getting women into STEM careers.

This connection between women’s colleges and STEM careers is one I continue to share with the world!

Scripps College, begun in 1926, is a progressive liberal arts women's college in Claremont, California, United States. It is a member of the Claremont Colleges.”

Learn more about Scripps' biology program or other STEM programs.



Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Five Reasons to Consider a Women's College

Last week the President of Simmons College, Helen Drinan, blogged about the 5 reasons to consider a women’s college.

I enjoyed her blog post as well as many of the comments including:

As a "non-traditional" student who graduated from Russell Sage College for Women I can tell you that not only is a college for women a good choice for recent high school graduates, but also for women who are attending college later in life. It was a great experience to learn along side younger women who were focused on their studies and leadership roles throughout the college. In addition, I often found myself as a mentor and role model to the younger women. The spirit at a women's college is not one of "We can do it," it is a spirit of "We WILL do it."”

My four years at Agnes Scott College were the best and most constructive years of my life. Everyone I knew there was thoughtful, smart, compassionate, and involved. The classes were hard - every course is taught at honors level. The faculty were the perfect combination of tough and caring. While I would never force her to, I hope my future daughters consider a women's college, too.

I am a graduate of Scripps College (The Women's College at Claremont) and I am incredibly grateful for the education and intellectual identity I received there. I was raised by my dad and I always felt more comfortable around men--girl code was a mystery to me (think Lindsey Lohan, pre-plastics in Mean Girls) -- until I went to a women's college. It created an environment of sisterhood rather than the competitive one I had previously encountered in an all women's sports environment.

There is no hiding from leadership responsibilities-- women must lead, speak up, and are expected to, another big difference from the "real" world. (If anything, the "real" world still isn't ready for women's college grads!) I loved that I was at Claremont and part of a consortium that was co-ed and would definitely recommend that other young women consider a similar arrangement (think Western Mass, Wellesley-Harvard, Mills in San Fran, etc.) where you can take classes in an all-women's setting or cross-register at co-ed campuses. In regards to achievement post-graduation, I am more than 10 years out and almost all of my college friends have advanced degrees and have attributed their Scripps experience to making them leaders in their respective fields. I can't say enough good things about my experience; I'm grateful that my dad and other adults in my life encouraged me to consider a women's college (and in particular, Scripps!!).


"I wouldn't trade my experience at Converse College for anything. I only considered it primarily because they offered me a full-tuition scholarship, but my visit to the campus cemented it for me. Warm, cozy, and supportive. I went from that little school in SC to Columbia University in NYC where I got my MSW, and I am quite successful in my career track. I came in as a timid, insecure young woman and graduated an outspoken, confident leader.

Women's colleges have much to offer! Find out for yourself if they are a perfect match for YOU! Schedule a campus visit with several women's colleges today!

Monday, August 26, 2013

Celebrating the Women of The Women’s Suffrage Movement

The women’s suffrage movement resulted in many women, standing strong, going against the norm to ensure that women could vote. 

The right to vote -- It’s something many still take for granted today.

I honor these brave women who made this possible. I can’t imagine the struggle and hardship they endured.


While I’m thrilled for their success, it's important to know that a gender gap still exists and there is much more work for us gals to accomplish.

In celebration of the brave women who came before me. As we celebrate their accomplishment and thank then for their sacrifices, consider attending a women’s college. It’s an environment where you can find your voice and become the leader you dream about.

The world needs more strong, confident, and insightful women!

Learn what the new president of Smith College says to incoming firs-year students, in her article, “Smith President’s Advice To College Freshmen: Don’t Lean Back.”

“The world is not gender-equal, but college is strong preparation for making it so, writes Smith College President Kathleen McCartney. Her advice for how young women can lean into their college years.”


Thursday, August 22, 2013

Women’s College Student Successful at Swimming the English Channel

I just learned that Wellesley College's Ika Kovacikova '14 was successful in her goal of swimming the English Channel. Her time was 11 hours and 28 minutes.
 

I'm impressed!
 

There's no stopping gals who attend a women's college!
 

Wellesley College is located in Wellesley, MA.

"The mission of Wellesley College is to provide an excellent liberal arts education for women who will make a difference in the world."


Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Learn More About Women's Colleges - Meet New Admissions Representatives

Interested in learning more about a women’s college? Meet two new admissions professionals; Brittany Hall and Anna Ralston. If you’re considering attending Judson College these are the gals to contact! 


Or learn more about the college via student blogs!

Judson College was founded in 1838 and is located in Marion, AL.

Judson College is a 4-year liberal arts and sciences college dedicated to educating young women in a Christ-centered environment. Judson is one of only two institutions in the state of Alabama to offer a competitive intercollegiate equestrian team. In 2010, Judson became the only college in the state of offer a full major in Equine Studies. Other popular programs include music, biology, social work, religious studies, and equine-facilitated mental health. The college most recently added an Associate's Degree of Nursing Program, which has a special emphasis on rural healthcare.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Women's College Going Strong

This past weekend was Move-In Day at Meredith College. The Class of 2017 includes 420 students! 

Check out the video!

"Members of this class come from 19 states and 18 countries, including Afghanistan, Argentina, Bermuda, Canada, China, Congo, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Honduras, Kenya, Korea, Laos, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

The Class of 2017 includes 40 honors scholars, and more than 180 students in the IMPACT Raleigh program, which includes students from Wake County and out-of-state students who provide service and work each semester in their new home of Raleigh.

Meredith is also welcoming 33 students who will be in the second class of Meredith College Teaching Fellows. After participating in the NC Teaching Fellows program since 1987, Meredith launched its own program in 2012 after the statewide program was phased out."


About Meredith

"Courtyard Fountain Located near downtown Raleigh and the Research Triangle Park, Meredith College is a premiere women’s college for undergraduate students and a high-quality provider of co-educational graduate programs.

Meredith’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its strong rankings. Meredith ranks 3rd among colleges in the South and 9th for "Best Value" among colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report. It has also been named one of the “Best Colleges in the Southeast” according to Princeton Review.

Meredith students are mentored by committed professors, with an average undergraduate class size of 17 and graduate class size of 18. Experiential learning is an essential component of a Meredith education—97% of undergraduate students participate in internships, undergraduate research or another kind of hands-on learning.

Students’ high standards of truth and integrity are reinforced by Meredith’s honor code, and they develop and refine their leadership skills by serving more than 600 leadership positions.

Both undergraduate and graduate students travel the world, becoming global citizens with a better understanding of themselves and others. They hold diverse views that have been shaped by students and faculty from 31 states and 41 countries.
"

Friday, August 16, 2013

Fun Women’s College Facts

A women’s college, located in Sweet Briar, VA is situated on 3,250 acres. This beautiful campus is home to Sweet Briar College.

In addition to providing an exceptional learning environment for women, the college also is known for its architectural beauty. Many of the academic buildings, 21 in total are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.


Check out the campus via a map or visit


Naturally with so much acreage, horses are a natural. 


And don’t forget to check out their academic programs.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Dorm Life at a Women’s College

Women’s colleges are great environment for learning as well as having fun!

In today’s blog post, I’ll share with you what Kelsie Kirchartz says about starting college and what to expect concerning dorm life. Kelsie is a Resident Assistant (RA) at Ursuline College.

Bring a positive attitude! Our goal in the halls is to have fun!

To learn what other RA suggests, visit the college blog.

Ursuline College is the leading women’s college in Ohio. Ursuline helps students to achieve their educational and career goals by emphasizing the whole person and providing personalized attention within a liberal arts higher educational environment. Ursuline offers more than 30 undergraduate and 11 graduate programs. For more information about Ursuline, visit ursuline.edu.

Monday, August 12, 2013

International Students – Consider Studying at a Women’s College

Carrie Loewenthal Massey, New York City-based freelance writer, wrote this article, “Young women thrive at women’s colleges across the United States.”
 

Article Highlights Include:

“ . . . It is the single-sex undergraduate environment that makes the difference for the attendees, however. According to a recent Forbes article titled “What’s in a Women’s College?” females are driven to tackle traditionally male-dominated areas in academics and clubs when they attend a women’s college. “Choosing to attend a women’s school is the opposite of ‘comfortable’ because it challenges students to step outside of gender norms and engage in new leadership roles,” says the article.”

Friday, August 9, 2013

Top Five Reasons to Choose a Women's College

Last week on The Huffington Post, the President of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Dottie L. King shared her insights into women’s colleges, via her blog post entitled, “Top Five Reasons to Choose a Women's College.

Highlights include:


“ . . . And, in my ten years of teaching women's programs, I have found that not only is a women's college relevant; it is a game-changer for the students who choose it over other co-educational institutions -- changing their lives and giving them a voice. I often tell parents and prospective students that although not a women's college graduate myself, after working in both co-ed and single gender mathematics classrooms throughout my career, I have witnessed the difference in my own students and have come to be a huge proponent for women's colleges today.”

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is located in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN and offers stellar academics with more than 25 majors. Having earned my degree in biology from a women’s college, I’m always interested in STEM programs. And if you are a horsewomen, check out their Equine Program. Lots of other great programs and departments as well. I can easily understand why The U.S. News and World Report identifies this college one of the “Best in the Midwest” for five-years in a row no less!

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Quote: Women's Colleges, Fostering Brilliant Women

Claire from Patchogue, NY writes: “I would not be the woman I am today without 4 solid years of Bryn Mawr College behind me. Women's colleges are few and far between but they play an enormous role in fostering the brilliant women we need as tomorrow's leaders. As a society we cannot afford to lose a single one.”

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Expect More, Get More from a Women’s College

Janice from Newport, PA writes: “When I attended a women’s college from 2001-03 as a transfer student, I felt the atmosphere of the college was significantly supportive of my education because it was a group of driven women. Some elements that exist on co-ed campuses that hinder a focus on education simply did not exist. The small class sizes and one-on-one discourse between faculty and students is the number one thing I valued as a student, and now value as an adult. Whenever anyone asks me about my unique college experience the first thing I mention is the fact that the college was all women and every woman counted and was pushed to bring their very best. Expect more, get more.”

Monday, August 5, 2013

Research Study: Women Students at Coeducational and Women’s Colleges: How Do Their Experiences Compare

In 2007 a study at Indiana University’s Center for Postsecondary Research was conducted: “Women Students at Coeducational and Women’s Colleges: How Do Their Experiences Compare.”  The data was compiled in the 2007 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) and is based on data from first-year and senior students at 26 women’s colleges and 264 other four-year institutions. Below is the conclusion of the study. Also available is the 21-page research paper.

Highlights From the Study Include the Conclusion:

Conclusion
"As Geraldine Clifford (1993, p. 142), observed, “gender . . . is one of the most potent forces in shaping human institutions, including education.” For more than two decades, proponents of women’s colleges have asserted that such institutions offer female students a more equitable, and therefore a higher quality, developmentally powerful learning environment (Langdon, 2001; Sharp, 1991; Neff & Harwood, 1991, Conway, 1985; Women’s College Coalition, 1981). Our findings support this claim and plainly indicate that single-sex colleges are not an anachronistic postsecondary option for women. On the contrary, in many respects they are models of effective educational practice, institutions that have much to teach other types of colleges and universities that aspire to providing a challenging yet supportive educational environment for all their students."

Friday, August 2, 2013

Girls in STEM: A New Generation of Women in Science

Perhaps your future involves a STEM career. If so, I encourage you to learn more about women's colleges.

Women's colleges are more than perfect, simply because the environment found at a women's college is one where you can THRIVE -- even in male-dominated fields like computer science, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Exceptional Student Selects Women’s College

Meet Lea Marlowe. Finishing 9th-grade earlier this spring, come the fall semester, Lea will be attending a Virginia-based women's college; Mary Baldwin College (MBC) and is enrolled in the college’s Exceptionally Gifted program. What's even more amazing is that since kindergarten Lea has been a straight-A student. How cool is that???!!!!

Interested in human behavior, Lea has her sight set on a PhD in psychology.


"“There was this show that my mom and I used to watch, called “Criminal Minds.” It was all about why people do what the do, how they react to things, and I enjoyed it,” Lea said. 


She said she might see herself as a behavioral analyst/profiler on a crime-solving team like the show’s someday, but then again might operate a private psychiatric practice for the general public. At 15, she’s keeping all her options open as she heads into her college freshman year. At Mary Baldwin, she will immediately begin regular college freshman course, attending those with people her own age and older, although she’ll live with people her own age."

Learn more about the incredible 15-year old girl via this article, “MHS freshman skips forward to college.”
 

Here’s an overview of the program at Mary Baldwin College, “The Program for the Exceptionally Gifted, established in 1985, offers an opportunity for bright and accomplished young women between the ages of 13 and 15 to bypass all or some of their high school grades to pursue an undergraduate degree. PEG students live in a fully supervised, state-of-the-art residence hall with their true peers on the beautiful campus of Mary Baldwin College.” To learn more about this program, visit the college online. 

MBC also has an early college program for gifted female students, ages 16 to 17, who can complete their high school degree requirements in tandem with college courses. This program is called, Early College Academy.

More about Mary Baldwin College

Mary Baldwin College (MBC) is a women’s college located in Staunton, Virginia offering undergraduate degrees in more than 50 majors and minors. To learn more about the college visit their Web site or learn about the MBC family by visiting their "Baldwin Voices and Stories" page. -- Unique opportunities exist at MBC as well as first-of-their-kind programs and I encourage you to learn more via their “Only At Baldwin” page.