Dossier F-119-20 - Women's Studies - Research

Formally established in 1974, the Women's Studies Advisory Committee also existed under other names (the "Co-ordinating Committee on Education For Women" and the "Women's Studies Committee") as early as 1971. Initially it was made up of Women's Studies convenor Lillian Zimmerman and senior administrators from the Continuing Education, Liberal Arts, and Counselling divisions; however, the committee later expanded its membership to include representatives from the student body and the broader community.

Led by Zimmerman, the committee was responsible for overseeing Programs For Women at Douglas College. In 1977, the committee was changed to the Women's Studies Advisory Board, a change that coincided with the designation of Women's Studies as a Special Programs Unit.

Margaretha Hoek first joined the College in 1975 as a sessional faculty member in the Counselling Department, where she taught a number of courses and workshops focused on the issues and experiences of women. In 1978, Hoek was hired as Coordinator of Programs for Women (at times the position was also referred to as Coordinator of Women's Studies). She held this position until 1985.

The Women's Studies Advisory Board was established when Women's Studies (also known as "Programs for Women") was designated a Special Programs Unit in 1977. The board's objective was to coordinate, promote, and protect Women's Studies and related services in the regions where Douglas College operated. It also advanced scholarships and raised money related to these goals. The Women's Studies Advisory Board was comprised of staff, students, and community representatives.