Council on the Status of Women

Working in partnership with the University to develop policies that remove barriers

Our Mission

The mission of the Council on the Status of Women is to ensure an environment that supports the rights of all women at The University of Iowa. The council is committed to working in partnership with the University to develop policies that remove barriers to women’s learning, professional growth, creativity, employment, and contributions to the institution and to the broader community.

An Open Letter in Support of RVAP

This open letter is written, delivered, and published by the UI Council on the Status of Women. Because of our commitment to open dialogue and transparency, we will post relevant communication from the letter recipients as well as our own replies or follow-ups that we may subsequently write. (April 2024)

May 2024- Please scroll down on letter to view Sarah Hensen, Vice President for Student Life

An Open Letter to Transgender Students

This letter was authored by the trans members of the UI Trans Inclusivity Coalition, with support from allies of all identities, as well as the co-signatories noted at the bottom of the letter, including the UI Council on the Status of Women. (Published March 31, 2021)

Upcoming UI Diversity Events

National First-Generation College Celebration Week

Wednesday, November 6 to Friday, November 8, 2024 (all day)

Join us November 4 - 8, as we participate in the National First-Generation College Celebration. The official day of celebration is November 8th, but at the University of Iowa, one day just isn't enough...we celebrate all week long!

First-Generation Graduate Student Panel

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 11:00am to 12:00pm

Lindquist Center

Join us for First-Generation College Celebration Week at the University of Iowa with a First-Generation Graduate Student Panel, hosted by the Office of Graduate Student Success and Belonging. This event will showcase first-generation graduate students as they share their personal stories, including the challenges they've faced and the successes they've achieved throughout their academic journey.