The Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality promotes vibrant, interdisciplinary study of intersectional feminism and LGBTQ+ studies, helping students to build critical thinking skills necessary for navigating the current political and social moment. Programs prepare students to reach toward more just and equitable futures for all people, by becoming informed citizens and agents of change. Through the study of women, gender, and sexuality, students go on to make a difference in the lives of others in their communities, in their careers, and in society by critically evaluating and fostering change in unjust practices, beliefs, and standards about gender and sexuality.
2021 will mark the 40th anniversary of women's and gender studies at NIU. What began as a few courses has now grown into a thriving Center that serves hundreds of students each year. Faculty in the Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality are award-winning teacher-scholars and leaders across campus. Over its 40-year history, the Center has hosted feminist icons such as author Ana Castillo and political activist Gloria Steinem. The Center has provided mentoring to countless women and LGBTQ+ students and faculty and has served as a hub for interdisciplinary research and activism related to gender and sexuality. Currently, the Center offers undergraduate and graduate certificate programs, academic minors, and a major in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
Your donation to the Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality supports innovative teaching and learning, service-learning activities and community partnerships; internships; student scholarships; and faculty and student research.
