Margaret Sloss Women’s Center

For many, the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center (MSWC) is a place. The Sloss House, a historic building on central campus, is quiet and welcoming—perfect for people who want to study, reflect and connect. But the work of the MSWC goes far beyond the doors of the Sloss House. The center is a friend, an advocate, a network and a support system for women at Iowa State. MSWC enhances the Iowa State University experience for everyone through programs and services that contribute to a safe, supportive learning and living environment on campus and in the community.

MILESTONE #1
2,327	students, faculty and staff participated in annual events, including Women’s Equality Day, Get Carded Day, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Margaret Sloss Gender Equality Award and Scholarship Reception, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (Take Back the Night, Clothesline Project, etc.)

MILESTONE #2
330	women served through advocacy, support and referral

MILESTONE #3
231	students, faculty and staff participated in Faculty Women’s Network, Graduate Women’s Network and Women’s Center at the Tearoom

Our Achievements

Collaborated with university and Ames community on another successful Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)

Sloss House under renovation, with more than $32,000 in support from the Government of Student Body and Graduate and Professional Student Senate for computers and furnishings

Sponsored presentation of Vagina Monologues, which raised a record $5,202.95 for Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support (ACCESS)

Variety of staff and volunteer achievements, including:

15 MSWC volunteers contributed 282 hours
Graduate Assistant developed introduction to MSWC video and contributed 96 hours
Undergraduate intern assisted in SAAM coordination and production of Dean of Students orientation video and contributed 320 hours

Supported the Heart Campaign to raise awareness of the sexual misconduct policy through campus flyers, magnets and CyRide bus signs

University Studies 160, Gender Studies, a high-demand course created by the MSWC, was moved into Women’s Studies 160

Expanded use of social media to network with university community, promote MSWC events, programs and services

Learn more about the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center

Amy transferred to Iowa State from a community college. She met with the MSWC director and her advisor prior to arriving on campus to discuss a plan for academic success. Why meet with the MSWC director? Amy lives with Asperger’s syndrome and needed to find a place on campus that would provide support, quiet time and an opportunity to re-energize. The Sloss House and MSWC staff has provided all that for Amy.

–“Amy,” Environmental Science

Chris needed a quiet, comfortable place to interview students for a research project. His advisor suggested he try Sloss House. It turned out not only to be a great place for his research project, but also for Chris himself. After seeing the Sloss House and meeting the staff, Chris made regular visits to use the resources of the Sloss House, and to discuss relationships, graduate school and other topics related to life, college and his future.

–Chris Miller, Dietetics