Outside the Classroom

Learning happens outside the classroom with many special programs and events supporting women's leadership and gender equity.

Chatham University offers a wide variety of activities outside the classroom for graduate and undergraduate students interested in women's leadership and gender equity, including places to live, scholarships, clubs, special events, lectures, films, retreats, and so much more!

Leadership Skills Development

In collaboration with the Women's Institute and Diversity Dialogues, the Office of Career Development offers a "Diversity in Career" series, with programs on:

  • Dress for success for gender non-conforming students
  • Salary negotiation strategies
  • LGBTQIA+ in the workplace
  • Discrimination in the workplace

Career Development also offers a free "professional dress closet" that ensures that all women have access to clothing for interviews and networking events, and office attire.

Develop your leadership skills through dozens of student organizations, including these focused on women and gender:

  • Enhance your leadership skills through participation in athletics. Learn more »
  • Be a leader on campus through the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Learn more »
  • Participate in national conferences, workshops, and honor programs for female student athletes.
  • The Chatham Honors program is an interdisciplinary challenge that engages students in and out of the classroom.
  • R.I.S.E. is a program that provides new students of color with a mentor, institutional support and a series of co-curricular programming throughout a two-year transition period into college.
  • The Social Activism Institute is a one-credit course that allows students to become change agents in their local communities and beyond through a series of classroom discussions and educational seminars.
Photo of Laughlin House

Women's Leadership Living Learning Community

The Women's Institute provides special programming for the LLC, housed in historic Laughlin Hall (take a tour!), and students plan activities and events that promote women's leadership and gender equity on campus and in the community.

Photo of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

Public Leadership Education Network (Plen) Seminars

Chatham University is a founding member of PLEN, which offers Washington, DC-based seminars and internships focused on women and public policy, such as women, law, and legal advocacy; women and congress; women in public policy; women in health policy; and women in global policy.

Photo of four Chatham University students smiling and laughing together outside on Shadyside Campus

Women of the World Retreats

The Women of the World (W.O.W.) Retreat is an annual leadership retreat open to all graduate and undergraduate women. Each year, the weekend-long retreat engages participants in a series of facilitations, discussions, and activities focused on a different theme related to leadership.

Learn About W.O.W. : Checkerboard 5 - Women of the World Retreats
Photo of two Chatham University students working on laptops and talking at a cafe table

T.G.I.F. (Talking About Gender Issues Friday)

Weekly coffee and cookie hour open to all students, faculty, and staff; hosted by the Women's Institute to discuss gender issues in politics, current events, pop culture, and campus happenings.