The History series (1 folder) is made up of handwritten notes, press releases, WIN (Women's Information Network) bulletins, newspaper clippings, and MWIS newsletters from 1972 to 1973. The materials are useful in gaining an overview of the organization's activities since its founding.
0.5 linear feet
Although limited in quantity, the MWIS collection is useful for studying the role women scientists play at the University of Michigan, as well as the environment in which these women have to work. The strength of the collection lies in the correspondence and in the topical files, although minutes contain useful information and are a valuable means of exploring the genesis of the organization.
The MWIS records consist of four series: History, Correspondence, Minutes, and Topical Files.
The Correspondence series (8 folders) is arranged chronologically, and covers the years 1972-1981. There is correspondence relating to the organization's establishment; an interesting survey of women in science at the University of Michigan undertaken in 1972; the Robert Sterling Clark Grant Project, which brought nationally known women scientists to the University of Michigan to hold seminars and present lectures; and MWIS's concern for the professional status of women scientists. MWIS is not isolated on campus, but rather is very active with many other groups, including the Academic Women's Caucus, the Commission for Women within the Affirmative Action Office, and the Center for the Education of Women, its parent organization. The interaction is reflected in the correspondence between MWIS and these other groups. The correspondence for 1980 and 1981 is very sparse; each folder consists of only one or two items.