How did ADVANCE originate?
In 1999, MIT published a report entitled, A Study on the Status of Women Faculty in Science at MIT (http://web.mit.edu/fnl/women/women.html), revealing that extensive marginalization of senior women faculty existed in the institute’s School of Science. Astounded by the disclosure, the science community took immediate action as numerous colleges and universities formed their own inquiries into gender equality among science faculty. The National Science Foundation (NSF) also took notice. Reputable for its advocacy and funding of science initiatives and studies, it created the ADVANCE program that sought to correct the problem of the lack of women science faculty by setting up three projects: Institutional Transformation Awards, Leadership Awards, and Partnerships for Adaptation, Implementation, and Dissemination Awards. UNC Charlotte is a third-round recipient of the Institutional Transformation Award and, as indicated by NSF guidelines, seeks to promote institution-wide programs that increase the advancement and participation of women scientists and engineers. First-round recipients of the Institutional Award received funding beginning in 2002 and included universities such as University of Washington, Hunter College, and the University of Michigan. Second-round recipients were granted funding in 2004 and included institutions such as Case Western University and Virginia Tech. Our first year began in the fall of 2006.
For how many years has the NSF Institutional Transformation Grant been awarded to UNC Charlotte?
We have been awarded the NSF ADVANCE Institutional Transformation Grant for five years (2006-2011).
What does “institutional transformation” mean to UNC Charlotte?
Institutional transformation is a process by which the culture within the system is remodeled through change in its behaviors and processes. Although the task of institutional transformation at UNC Charlotte is daunting, policies that promote diversity and equity among the ranks of faculty must be reshaped and fostered within the UNCC community to cultivate a world-class, broadly inclusive science and engineering institution. These policies include extension of the tenure clock, dual career assistance, and change in parental leave policies.
What disciplines are supported by NSF?
In general, the social and behavioral sciences, physical and natural sciences, mathematics and engineering. A more specific list includes:
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Engineering Technology
- Geography and Earth Sciences
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science
- Physics and Optical Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Software and Information Systems
How will ADVANCE make the UNC Charlotte campus better?
Through the policies of diversity and equity that ADVANCE is promoting, UNC Charlotte will produce a competitive workforce in science and engineering. Academic institutions play a pivotal role in preparing students to enter into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. By ensuring the full participation of women in STEM disciplines, from directing research to leading and chairing departments, science and engineering will be seen as disciplines permissible to everyone.
How does the ADVANCE program at UNC Charlotte affect the student population?
Students will have the opportunity to meet more women scientists and engineers that will attract them to the discipline and help them to pursue careers in STEM fields. Mentoring opportunities will arise that can lead to desirable networking and, ultimately, guide students to rewarding job prospects. Furthermore, the notion that these fields are an esoteric specialty will be dispelled.
How will my hiring practices be influenced by ADVANCE?
The Committee on the Future of the Faculty, an initiative of the ADVANCE program, will review policies, processes, and practices that impede the recruitment, retention, and full professional development of women faculty members—particularly those in STEM areas. After the review, recommendations will be made to the administration on what new policies should be adopted to promote equitable hiring practices. In addition, UNC Charlotte will be regarded as an ADVANCE campus when it advertises itself for faculty hires indicating to job seekers that this institution implements best practices.
Can male faculty apply for the Institutional Transformation Awards program?
Male faculty may apply for the Solutions Teams Awards. These are unit-based awards that seek to advance the careers of women faculty as well as rectify problems that may be hindering the progress of the unit. These units are composed of men and women and include departments and colleges, as well as collaboration among departments. The Bonnie Cone Fellowships are open to women faculty in STEM fields only. For more information regarding how the process works.
How are non-STEM women helped by the ADVANCE program?
The Women’s Academy, an initiative of the ADVANCE program at UNC Charlotte, will host a series of conferences and seminars designed to address issues of gender and diversity that all women faculty will find helpful. In addition, workshops will be held to help all women faculty effectively communicate, negotiate salary discussions, and manage time. The Future of the Faculty, a division of the ADVANCE grant, will work to recommend policies that will affect all professors.
Can male faculty and non-STEM women participate in the new Faculty Development program?
Yes, male faculty and non-STEM women are welcome in participating in the Faculty Development program which is a college-wide initiative open to tenure-track junior faculty. For more information
Why do women need special treatment to succeed? The women that I know in STEM are doing fine.
There are women doing well in STEM fields; however, the statistics suggest that gender iniquities do exist. As reported by the NSF, women comprise less than 21% of science and engineering faculty at four-year colleges and universities. Furthermore, women from minority groups constitute only 2% of science and engineering faculty at four-year colleges and universities. Family-work conflicts impact women differently than their male colleagues, often resulting in decreased retention. Data on salary, space, and grant money reveals that women continuously receive less despite accomplishments equaling those of their male counterparts. Finally, the issue of gender equity in science and engineering should not be viewed as special treatment. It is rather a rectification of policies and environment that have digressed women’s achievement in the sciences.
Where is the ADVANCE office and what will I find there?
The ADVANCE office is located in Denny 117 and you will find the ADVANCE grant coordinator, Dr. Peta Katz, to assist you with any questions you might have. In addition, you will find a comprehensive library with literature concerning women faculty issues as well as better practices in hiring and recruitment, among others. You may also pick up pamphlets and brochures we have about our programs such as the awards and mentoring programs.
If I have questions about ADVANCE, who do I talk to?
If you have questions about ADVANCE, you may contact Dr. Peta Katz at pakatz@uncc.edu. Her office is located in Denny 117 and her office phone number is 704-687-2421.
How many schools have "Transformation Grants?"
There are a total of 32 colleges and universities that have received “Transformation Grants” from the NSF.
Where can I find out about applying for individual and unit grants?
You can learn more about applying for individual and team grants by visiting this site (place link here) detailing the Bonnie Cone Awards and the Solutions Team Awards. Otherwise, please drop by the ADVANCE office at Denny 117 to speak to someone and pick up some literature regarding the grants.
When does the ADVANCE grant end? Can we reapply?
The ADVANCE grant ends in the fall of 2011. We cannot reapply for NSF funds, but through institutional support, many of its practices and initiatives can continue to support the advancement of women faculty in science and engineering.