Despite its name, the University’s new “women’s center” isn’t just for women. It’s a resource center for all groups with subjects particular to women. “Women’s issues impact everyone,” says Luther Smith, dean of students.

It is first a safe place for any woman who feels threatened or vulnerable and provides advocacy for women who are victimized. It also hosts programs on behalf of women’s topics such as pay equity, sexual assault and domestic violence. It serves as a resource center for research on gender issues. It’s a site for discussion groups on matters such as pregnancy, abortion and social concerns. And it’s part of the University’s gender and diversity studies program, which addresses broader ideas such as the role of men in society and the needs of lower-income students.