OCTOBER 3, 2008

Dr. Joan Williams, Distinguished Professor at UC Hastings Colllege of the Law, Director of WorkLife Law, co-director of the Project for Attorney Retention (PAR), noted expert in the area of bias against mothers in the workplace, and prize-winning author, was invited to participate in "ADVANCE Day" at URI. Throughout the day Dr. Williams presented to various groups at URI, including chairs, administrators, a lunch discussion with women STEM faculty, and union leaders. In the afternoon, a public lecture was held at the Memorial Union: New Frontiers in Research on Diversity- Caregiver Bias in the 21st Century. The lecture followed a presentation of the development of ADVANCE through the years, the impact of the project on the URI community, and a summary of the findings from the 2007 Climate Survey: The ADVANCE Program at URI: An Institution Transformed?

The day was possible due to a generous donation from the family of Kathy Mallon to the ADVANCE Program. ADVANCE has created the Kathy Mallon Memorial Fund in her memory, and would like to extend sincere thanks to those who contributed to this fund, and all others who supported us on that great day.

OCTOBER 21, 2005

Dr. Robert Drago, Ph.D.

October 21, 2005
"Making Work and Family Compatible for Faculty: Challenges and Strategies for Change"

...as part of ADVANCE Day of URI Research Week

This fall, ADVANCE was invited to participate in URI's first "Research Week" sponsored by the University Research Office. The morning activities included a panel presentation of the fascinating research our exceptional ADVANCE 2004 faculty hires are conducting, attended by over 60 people. A luncheon immediately followed, featuring Judith Swift, Interim Vice Provost and Professor of Communication Studies & Theatre, speaking most eloquently and entertainingly on the professional advancement of women and how to use humor and theater to promote change: Advancing our Vision from STEM to Stern.

In the afternoon, our visiting keynote speaker, Dr. Robert Drago, Professor of Labor Relations & Women's Studies at Penn State University, reviewed his groundbreaking work on the use of bias avoidance and bias resistance tactics in the academy by faculty who have care giving responsibilities: Making Work and Family Compatible for Faculty: Challenges and Strategies for Change. The day culminated in a rollicking Cabaret Performance by Susan Boyce, Charles Cofone, and Judith Swift: Science & Glitz - A Differential Equation (ADVANCE now has its very own song!), followed by a reception. ADVANCE would like to extend sincere thanks to the Research Office and all those who supported us on that great day.

NOVEMBER 5, 2004

Virginia Valian, Ph.D.

November 5, 2004
"Why So Slow? The Advancement of Women"

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