Opportunities

The Allegheny College Women’s Center, operated under the aegis of Women’s Studies, offers resources and programs to all Allegheny students, with an emphasis upon programs and materials in feminist theory, historical accounts of women, and contemporary women’s issues.
Work-study students assist with program events and help staff the Women’s Center.
The Women’s Studies Lecture Series brings noteworthy feminist scholars and contemporary figures to campus in order to raise awareness of women’s issues. Recent events have included a lecture and slide show by the Guerrilla Girls, a lecture and workshop by Tibetan Buddhist Lama Shenpen, a talk on “Women and Islam,” a lecture by the cultural critic Tania Modleski, and a discussion led by Jennifer Baumgartner and Amy Richards, authors of Manifesta.
At the end of the spring semester, the Women’s Studies Student Forum celebrates the accomplishments of students who have focused on gender questions in their Senior Projects.
First Thursday film series shows full-length documentary and feature films; Third Wednesday series combines viewing of short subjects with lunch and discussion.

Athena House (special interest house): the mission of its residents is to raise awareness within the Allegheny community on issues affecting women’s rights, and to encourage political activism by women and men on campus. Scheduled events include literary circles, game nights, special screenings, and various activist projects.
Students Advocating for Reproductive Options (SARO): focuses on questions surrounding women’s reproductive rights, encouraging discussion among broad groups of individuals concerning these issues. SARO has sponsored lectures, film screenings, discussions, and coffeehouse concerts, and was the primary organizer of Allegheny’s delegation to the March to Save Women’s Lives in Washington, D.C. in April 2004.
Feminism Amplified, Coalition for Equality (FACE): a feminist group with the goal to raise campus and community awareness about feminist issues
Pride Alliance (formerly known as the Committee in Support of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered People): works to create a positive environment for sexual diversity and sponsors events including Coming Out Day, Day of Silence, the Gay Pride Dance, and the Lesbian and Gay Film Series. Recent visitors brought to campus include Gerry Pearlberg and Marilyn Hacker.

Students have an opportunity to complete a two-semester internship at a local women’s services or battered women’s shelter that includes intensive certified volunteer training and field research in the service area of their own choosing.
A Media Services intern has the opportunity to develop print and web publications for Women’s Studies and assist in events programming.

Awarded for exceptional academic achievement, performance in the seminar, and contribution to the general life of the program.