Help Pull Undergrad Women into CIS!

Given that I'll be teaching CIS170 this summer, it's a great opportunity to pull-in and retain some CIS majors! Please help me spread the word to undergrad friends to register for CRN#42976. Class will not be required on Fridays, and we'll be covering many interesting subjects.

This aims to be a very entertaining class, with plenty of flexibility to choose subjects based on what people are interested in. Please pass the word around to all of your undergrad friends and try to inspire at least 5 more people to sign up. This class counts as a general science, but it would also make a WONDERFUL elective for someone who just wants to fill space in their schedule over the summer.

Whether you need preparation to begin a major, want a refresher on the things that you already know, or are desperate to find four more credits to fill your Summer term for financial aid, this is the class for you!

Women LITERALLY in Computers

Some may be upset by the idea that even in computer science, women are still being wooed by shoes and jewelry. That idea doesn't upset me at all. I think that the current trend of repurposing old computer parts is fun and very, very geek chic.

Take a look at these heels by Steven Rodrig (Gizmodo). They don't look very comfortable, but they make one heck of a statement! Walk a mile in our shoes...you'll see how difficult it can be!

Another beautiful use of old circuitry is this lovely and very artistic jewelry by Bonnie Meltzer. She goes above and beyond using old computer bits tacked to the end of a wire, actually weaving the parts and pieces into lovely and fragile neckware. So, if you're a woman who embraces both technology and fashion, maybe it's time to embrace technology *in* fashion.

Some Light Reading

I've long believed that a girl's confidence in the sciences correlates to that of her mother's. As it turns out, it may also have to do with the confidence of her teachers! This article in the Durango Herald suggests that the majority of math teachers are women and the confidence that they may or may not have will seep into their female students. Take a look at the article. What do you think?

This article on CNET from Carnegie Mellon suggests that men seek out the science of computing, while women see computing as a useful tool in achieving other goals. They also believe that computer science education is actually tailored to a small and specific slice of male students. I'd love to hear what you have to say about this. There's so much speculation and I definitely have some ideas of my own. What are yours?

If Barbie(TM) Can Do It, So Can YOU!

We all have our opinion of Barbie(TM), but regardless of our own personal memories, that little plastic girl affects children everywhere. Now, It's up to us to help get our mission through to the youth of the nation using the reputation that she's worked so hard to build.

Right now at Barbie.com you can vote on her next career. Within the five choices provided is Computer Engineer! Let's vote at http://www.barbie.com/vote/ and use this small opportunity to help change the stigma of Women in Computer Science!






Image Courtesy of Mattel & Barbie.com

Welcome Back!

Happy New Year to all and welcome back! Winter term is going to begin a building phase for the women of computer science. Our goal is to inspire those who have decided that they want to try computer science and encourage them to seek strength in numbers. If you know any women with questions, please give them my email (kiki@cs.uoregon.edu).

This term, we'll be starting a study group for the women of the 200 level courses. I've heard that there's a healthy representation in 313 as well, so maybe we'll get a weekly meeting together there also. Most of all, we would love to have some volunteers to help us go to the grade schools and out into the community. Please contact me if you are interested in putting in some time into our philanthropy.

WICS MOVIE NIGHT!

Ready for another WICS Movie and Munchies night? I am!

Join us from 6-8 pm on Monday, November 30th when we will be watching a geek's MUST KNOW favorite "War Games." We'll have plenty of good food and some chances to win.

Everyone who brings food (homemade or store bought) will be eligible to win a Free Tack Town Buffet. Those who vote on best munchies will be entered to win a Google Goodie bag. Come get in on your chance for some early holiday loot!

Email me with questions at kiki@cs.uoregon.edu!

New WICS Phone Number!

WICS now has a new and permanent phone number, thanks to Google Voice! You can call or text (541) 701-WICS ... that's (541) 701-9427 to reach Kiki or whoever's in the WICS office. We look forward to hearing from you!