Women's Studies as a Catalyst for Faculty Development

The extent to which women's studies has been involved in faculty development activities was examined. Among the sources used in the analysis were the faculty development literature published since 1975, information from women's studies programs in the United States, and "Seven Years Later: Women's Studies Programs in 1976," by Florence Howe. It was found that women's studies programs have been involved in faculty development. In addition to formal faculty development activities, these programs have organized workshops and conferences on a variety of topics, developed innovative instructional techniques, produced instructional aids to provide a women's perspective in the curricula, engaged in a variety of research activities, organized consortia among colleges, and evolved new patterns of faculty governance. It is recommended that research be conducted on the involvement of women's studies programs in faculty development activities. The importance of considering the needs of minority group members and women in faculty development programs and the importance of research on adult life changes are noted. A bibliography and information on faculty development activities by institution are included. (SW)