Building community at the Women’s Resource Center

Unlike Auraria's Phoenix Center, the resource center is not a crisis center, but a space for students to come for resources surrounding various needs. They will refer students to crisis centers or counseling as needed. But Weaver said, "It is not just about crisis. It is also a celebration of women's power, women uniting, building a community."

Metro's IWSS also serves a different role on campus. As part of the Women's Studies academic program, IWSS houses faculty to assist students in registering for classes and completing coursework, while the resource center helps to connect students to faculty and staff. Additionally, this facility has a large library of books and magazines related to women's studies. They have also served as a resource center for students and will collaborate with the resource center to expand the availability of resources campus wide.

During the resource center's grand opening on Oct. 11–12, students and organizations had the chance to sign up and collaborate. Ideally, the resource center will help bring groups together and build community. Students and visitors helped to compile a list of feminist books and authors so that the resource center can begin creating a library of their own. Since UCD currently only offers a minor in women's studies, this will serve as an important resource for educating students.

The resource center brings issues to light that are specific to women, such as childcare and lactation centers. Weaver has been asked many times why there isn't a Men's Resource Center at UCD. Although men have a need for resources as well, Weaver said, "There is a historical disadvantage that women have. Yes, we are the numerical majority here on campus…but that doesn't mean that when we look around at the tenured professors that they look like us. It doesn't mean there are enough women who are in leadership on campus."

Weaver said that she is glad to have the resource center up and running in its more permanent location and looks forward to making it a more visible campus resource. "There's a lot of excitement, I think, around the position and a lot of people recognize the need now that it's been brought to attention that we have a space to provide women's resources," said Weaver.

For more information about housing, healthcare, and legal issues, or to hear Weaver explain all the ways that the Harry Potter series is feminist, stop by the resource center. If their huge resource binder doesn't have what you need, surely Weaver can help you find it.