ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the landscape of women's centers in higher education and explores the structures within which centers live. It explores the ways in which many women's centers have expanded their work to include working with athletics, Greek life, men, transgender students, international students, student parents, veterans, etc. The book addresses some of the threats and challenges to women's and gender equity centers. It delves into the profession of women's center work itself, and addresses how women's center work has become "professionalized." The book also explores a range of structural issues impacting today's campus women's and gender equity centers, and highlights the recent interconnected trends of incorporating inclusion and intersectionality principles and (re)naming centers. It highlights current successes and forward-thinking approaches in women's centers.