Women's resources

Academic Resources

Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The Gender, Sexuality and Women's (GSW) program is an interdisiplinary undergraduate curriculum designed to give students the theoretical  bases and methodological skills necessary for analyzing the historical, social, cultural, economical and political dynamics that play out in the construction of gender and sexuality. To learn more contact Dr. Simone Chess, Director.

RISE Learning Community

RISE is a Learning Community whose purpose is to provide a safe space for self-identified Women of Color (WOC) to come together for continued growth and education.  This LC will focus on providing academic support and building the skills necessary to succeed in college, through an assortment of engaging activities, with a focus on encouraging students to build supportive relationships with each other.

Wayne State University Libraries

The Reuther Library features archival collections on women's topics such as the Equal Rights Amendment, LGBTQ issues, pay equity, women and work/organized labor, labor auxiliaries, health issues, and women's issues/feminism.  For additional information, contact the reference archivist.

For library materials related to women and women's issues see the following LibGuides:

Additionally, the Undergraduate Library houses a lactation room.

University Committees

President's Commission on the Status of Women

The Commission on the Status of Women (COSW) advises Wayne State University's Office of the President and the larger campus community on issues facing women students, staff, faculty, and alumni including gender equity and equality, social justice, and intersectionality. The Commission advocates for women through programming, university service, outreach, research and policy recommendations.

COSW hosts its annual New Commissioner Drive every spring, but you can volunteer to join a committee at anytime. For information on how to become involved, please contact the Commission's Chair.

WSU Gender Equity Work Group

Established in February 2016, the WSU Gender Equity Work Group formed as a joint affiliation among the WSU President's Commission on the Status of Women (COSW), the WSU Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS), and the American Association of University Professors-AFT Local 6075 (AAUP-AFT). Membership rapidly expanded, and now comprises individuals from numerous departments, schools, and colleges across campus. The Work Group's initial charge, to continue the WSU pay equity research begun in 2014 by the COSW, grew as well with current projects and research focused on lactation rooms, childcare, and parental leave. We welcome all Wayne State University employees, students, and alumni who are interested in gender issues to join our work towards inclusivity and equity.

Support Services

The W Food Pantry

The W Food Pantry offers non-perishable foods, toiletries, and feminine hygiene products to currently enrolled Wayne State students at no cost. Caseworkers from MDHHS are able to assist students with learning more and applying for state and federal benefits like Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), Childcare Assistance, and more. 

Counseling and Psychological Services

At Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), we value and respect the diversity of our students. We see diversity and culture as broad, inclusive and ever evolving, and therefore representing the many social and cultural groups in our society. We recognize the importance of having a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary, and multi-theoretical staff to address our diverse populations' counseling needs which include staff that specialize in women's issues. 

Campus Health Center

The Campus Health Center is here to provide health care to all members of the WSU community.  Women's health services include, but are not limited to: Reproductive Health, Contraceptives (including female condoms and dental dams), STI Testing, Emergency Contraception, PAP Smears, Breast Health, General Health and Wellness.

Women-focused Spaces

Lactation Support

Wayne State University recognizes the importance of supporting nursing mothers by providing space to breastfeed and/or express milk for students, faculty, and staff. Private and clean areas with outlets have been designated on campus as "Lactation Support Rooms". Students and employees can use these rooms for milk expression. Click here for a list of rooms available on campus. 

All Female floor in Ghafari Hall

Ghafari Hall opened in 2002 on Wayne State University's campus and is home to primarily first year students. It has five floors, each specified with a specific theme or Living Learning Community, including a female-identified only floor. Students really like the smaller, home-like feel that Ghafari Hall brings. Ghafari shares a building with a newly-renovated Starbucks and an Einstein's Bagels so you never have to go far for coffee. Visit Housing and Residential Life for more information about Ghafari Hall.

Mort Harris Recreation and Fitness Center's Women's Only Area

This private area is designed for women who need a little privacy while working out. Whether you have a personal preference or a religious need, this area is here to serve your workout needs. Included in the Women's Only Area is:

  • Treadmill
  • Cross Trainer
  • Stepper
  • Arc Trainer Total Body
  • Recumbent Elliptical
  • Recumbent Bicycle
  • Upright Bicycle
  • LifeFitness Quick Circuit
  • Stretching Area
  • Free Weights
  • Televisions
  • Security Cameras Monitoring Entrances and Exits
  • Cubbies for personal belongings

This webpage was created by representatives from the Dean of Students Office, Student Senate, Counseling and Psychological Services, School of Social Work, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Office of Multicultural Student Engagement, President's Commission on the Status of Women, Campus Health Center and Housing and Residence Life. For additions or suggestions for this webpage, please email the Dean of Students Office.