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“The Institute has changed massively since I was first hired in 2013! We have a new name, many new faculty members, new staff, and an entirely re-vamped curriculum, including three new minors. I am so proud of the careful work we’ve done to ensure that the new curriculum and the Institute’s new identity reflect the kinds of research being done by faculty members, the current state of the fields we are in conversation with, and our commitments to intersectional social justice and transformation.

The Institute is interdisciplinary, in that faculty members come from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, and we focus our teaching and research on a wide range of topics. I think we’re among the most welcoming, inclusive, and diverse spaces on campus. I hope that our Institute will continue to play a central role in discussions at �Ӱ�ԭ�� about equity and diversity.”

“The Institute is a collaborative and supportive research and teaching community, and a unique place because of the commitment to social transformation shared by the people who teach, research, work, and study here. As a new faculty member, I feel fortunate to have the support of my peers as I apply for grants and experiment with new pedagogy in the classroom. The students are an integral part and bring with them years of academic, professional, and personal experiences that enrich the ongoing work of the Institute.

The importance and necessity of disciplines like Sexuality Studies, Disability Studies, and Critical Race Theory cannot be understated, especially as social and cultural tensions around issues of gender and sexuality, race, and disability are heightened around the world. The aims of the institute are clear: to support and contribute to the development of systemic social transformation that is informed by the criticality of a feminist lens. The Institute will continue to grow by supporting the work of critical scholars, engaged students, and sitting in solidarity with activists on the front lines.”

“I bounced around between majors in my undergraduate degree. I wanted to study something meaningful that could allow me to help create positive social change. I eventually switched my major to Women’s and Gender Studies and after my first class, I never looked back. Throughout the program, I met so many knowledgeable, empathetic, and fun profs who helped make my experience at �Ӱ�ԭ�� an amazing one. When it came time to decide to pursue a master’s degree, there was no question about it.

In my undergraduate degree in this program and subsequent (and ongoing) master’s degree in it, I leave every year having learned so much and feel eager to come back and learn again. Creating a bond with my cohort, who I am lucky to call my friends, is a huge part of my positive experience at the Institute. Learning together, crying together, and laughing together has been an absolute joy to experience. I’m always thankful to be in a program with folks who are friendly and always willing to help.”

“A few years ago, I transferred from a different university. I was trying to explore and took a range of courses to attempt to discover my passion. I had really struggled in school before, as I didn’t feel connected to what I was learning, which made it difficult for me to engage. On a whim, I decided to take an introductory course at the Institute. It was a whole new beginning for me, and suddenly I felt deeply connected to the material and passionate about what I was being taught. Without sounding too cliché, I guess you could say it lit a fire within me.

I was very insecure about my academic abilities previously; I questioned myself and whether I was ‘good enough’ to do this. My professors at the Institute helped me build up my confidence and my skills. They made me feel like my ideas were important and valued, and like I truly belonged in the space. The Institute feels like home. Furthermore, it feels like a home I wanted to continue to help build and nourish, so other students can find solace in the department and their studies as well.”