Kathy,

Looks good. I look forward to sitting in on session come October.

Keith

********************************
Keith Boswell
Director Of Information Technology
College of Engineering
 
T: 515-7930
F: 515-7463
********************************


>>> Kathy Bergsma <[log in to unmask]> 1/21/2010 2:43 PM >>>
Hi Everyone,

I put this submission together for the main EDUCAUSE conference next 
Fall.  Does anyone have any changes before I submit this?


Abstract
=========
The field of information technology (IT) has the potential to be a
great 
gender equalizer.  Opportunities for women in higher education might be

even more conceivable.  The EDUCAUSE Women in IT Constituent Group was

formed to support the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women

in higher education IT.  Toward this goal, the constituent group brings

you this panel session to discuss challenges facing women, overcoming 
the challenges, and resources that can help women achieve parity with 
men in higher education IT.  This session isn’t just for women.  We
hope 
men will also attend to understand what motivates women in IT and
foster 
productive relationships.


Problem statement/issue
==========================
One of challenges facing recruitment of women in IT is overcoming the 
perception that IT is for men.  This is especially important among
young 
women faced with choices about their field of study and career. 
Because 
IT is perceived as a male dominated field, women might not even be
aware 
of career opportunities in IT.  Women who overcome this hurdle to
obtain 
a career in IT are often faced with work/life balance issues that 
threaten their job security.  IT careers have tremendous potential to 
overcome this challenge.   Finally, as women seek to advance their 
career, they might encounter the glass ceiling.  Finding the confidence

to challenge the perception of men as IT leaders can be intimidating. 
Where can women go to discuss these challenges?  What relationships are

important to overcoming these challenges?  This panel discussion will 
attempt to address these challenges.


Solution/activity/project
=========================
This panel will focus on ideas, activities and solutions to address the

challenges facing women in higher education IT.   They will present 
success stories about women overcoming challenges.  Topics covered will

include:

●    A wiki where women can share experiences and advice.
●    Internships and volunteer opportunities to draw more women into
IT.
●    Mentoring programs to help women advance their careers.
●    Confidence-building methods to help women pursue advancement.
●    Workshops that teach women how to improve negotiating skills to

promote advancement.
●    Flexible work environments and benefits to support a better 
work/life balance.


Outcome
=========
Women who attend this panel session will feel encouraged to find better

satisfaction with their careers in IT.  New ideas for the advancement
of 
women in IT are expected to arise.  Men who attend this panel session 
will find more satisfactory relationships with women in the workplace.

By putting into action ideas from this panel session, the EDUCAUSE
Women 
in IT Constituent Group will move closer to achieving their goal of 
supporting the recruitment, retention and advancement women in IT.


Relevance/importance
======================
While the role of women in IT might be increasing, they are often the 
only female at the table.  Events such as this panel session will 
provide support and encouragement for women, leading to better 
satisfaction with their careers.  New ideas might arise to facilitate 
the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in IT.  Men 
attending this panel session will better understand the role of women
in 
IT and develop improved working relationships.

-- 
Kathy Bergsma
UF Information Security Manager
352-273-1345

**********
Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE
Constituent Group discussion list can be found at
http://www.educause.edu/groups/.

**********
Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.