Building on the foundation of the University of Central Florida’s creed, the Center for Success of Women’s Faculty aims to make the educational institution a better place for each person in their distinct walks of life.
Initially established in August, 2001, the organization was originally called the Women’s Research Center. Its purpose was limited; research on women, performed mostly by women. Eleven years later the name and mission was changed to reflect the needs of the growing faculty and staff members. Marine Biologist Linda Walters is the director for the Center for Success of Women Faculty and under her lead the organization has taken on a few progressive stances unseen at many other universities in the States.
“Our goal is to make UCF more family friendly,” Walters said. “It is pretty standard in academia that women’s issues, especially in career life balance, were not taken into account for making women’s faculty successful.”
Acknowledging that many faculty and staff are parents with young ones to take care of, as well as a career to maintain, Walters has begun a number of initiatives for the university.
“[The community] may use expectant mother parking,” Walters continued, “We are also negotiating with the faculty union for paid maternity leave for faculty, as well as play areas for the times that children need to be with their parents on campus.”
Valiant in their efforts, the Center for Success for Women Faculty attempts to ensure that both men and women are acknowledged for their contributions to higher education. Understanding that showing appreciation for their efforts fosters a sense of satisfaction and high sense of self, Walters has a number of ceremonies that promotes equal recognition in an all-inclusive environment.
“Going forward, UCF needs to make sure that the faculty is more diverse,” Walters said. “Faculty should mirror the student population to better our students.”
