ADVANCE Institutional Transformation Grant Proposal: Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech proposes a comprehensive program to promote and enhance the careers of women in science and engineering. The project has four major program elements that address institutional barriers that have constrained the advancement of women faculty members in the sciences and engineering (S&E) and target institutional culture, practices, and leadership development needs specific to Virginia Tech. The four program elements are listed here, with outcome measures and process activities that support each element.

1. Institutionalizing change
   • Measurable Outcome: A change in the awareness, attitudes, and behaviors of key administrators and faculty members in S&E regarding gender equity issues.
   • Project Activities: retreats and workgroups for faculty and academic leaders, site visits to or interaction with other ADVANCE projects, qualitative assessment of the experience of women faculty in S&E, and review of policies and programs.
2. Empowering women as leaders and scholars
   • Measurable Outcome: A significant increase in the percentage of women in visible positions as academic and technical leaders and as senior scholars in S&E.
   • Project Activities: half-time placements in leadership roles, research grants, faculty development, a named lecture series, and a flexible work/life fund.
3. Increasing the representation of women
   • Measurable Outcome: A significant increase in the percentage of women faculty in S&E.
   • Project Activities: intensive work with search committees, visits to other campuses and conferences, and incentives for faculty involvement in recruitment activities.
4. Advancing women into faculty careers
   • Measurable Outcome: A significant increase in the percentage of women in S&E who choose faculty careers.
   • Project Activities: program to prepare the future professoriate and expanded dissertation year/postdoctoral fellowship program.