Women of Penn State Law find community within Commission for Women

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State Law community is an active one, taking part in a variety of events and organizations that evoke change across the University. For Ann Mallison and Theresa Tarves, that involvement begins with the Penn State Commission for Women (CFW), a large, active advisory group that keeps the President of the University updated on the status of women at Penn State, advocates for their concerns, and recommends solutions.

Mallison, a second-year law student, began her tenure as an affiliate member of CFW when she was a Penn State staff member, and knew that she wanted to stay involved when she became a law student. She volunteers on the commission’s marketing committee, one of thirteen committees geared toward either process or programs in the organization, and will take on the role of member for the 2017-18 academic year.

“I like to be a part of things that empower women and have a networking aspect, while raising awareness of gender equity on campus,” said Mallison.

Tarves, the emerging technology and digital research librarian at the law school’s H. Laddie Montague Jr. Law Library, joined CFW as an affiliate member in January 2017, and is looking forward to serving as a member this year. As co-chair of the Employment and Family Policies Committee for the upcoming year, she is working with members of the Assessment Committee to write a report on the state of family leave at the University.

“I wanted to join the Commission for Women to both learn about the initiatives for women at Penn State and to advocate for policies and programs that foster equality for students, faculty, and staff,” said Tarves. “I hope to continue to work during my term as a member to get involved in other areas of the CFW that can bring about positive changes for all women at Penn State.”

Both Mallison and Tarves agree that the commission is a great way to meet people across the University, as its members and affiliates include faculty and staff, as well as undergraduate and graduate students from all Penn State campuses.

The CFW has identified issues for women employees and students of Penn State since 1981. The commission examines and makes recommendations to the President on issues that include workplace and classroom climate, professional development and recognition, and personal safety and sexual assault awareness, among many others. The group also recognizes and celebrates the achievements of women at Penn State.

Those interested in applying for membership to the CFW for the 2018-19 academic year should apply in the spring. More information, including ways to get involved now, can be found on the CFW website. In addition to the CFW, Penn State’s President’s Commissions for Equity include the Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Equity (CLGBTQE) and the Commission on Racial/Ethnic Diversity (CORED).