Frequently Asked Questions

F.A.Q.s About the Women's Center:

1. When was the Women's Center founded at Murray State University? 1992

2. Who founded the Women's Center? Did any problems spark its creation or was it apparent that MSU needed a Women's Center? No particular event or problem arrived that prompted its creation. During his first year at Murray State University, Dr. Don Robertson, Vice President of Student Affairs, approached Kim Barrett who was a counselor in the Counseling and Testing Center with an idea. He had come from Marshall University and they had a Women's Center. He had been impressed with their work so he and Kim talked several times before he asked her to write a proposal for such a center at MSU. She agreed and then became the first part-time director.

3. When did Jane Etheridge become the Women's Center Director? 1996

4. What services were originally offered? Many of the same services were offered then as they are now, only on a smaller scale. Those services include crisis counseling and intervention for rape and sexual assault, education and promoting awareness on issues particularly relevant to women, support and advocacy.

5. What services does the Women's Center offer now? Current services offered are as follows: 1) a resource library on topics particularly relevant to women, 2) educational programs, again, on issued typically deemed "women's issues," 3) support and advocacy, 4) crisis intervention for rape, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, stalking and harassment, 5) volunteer, practicum, and internship opportunities, 6) website resources, 7) G.R.O.W.- a mentoring program that pairs university women and middle school girls.

6. How has the Center changed since it started? The Center was very small when it began. The resources were limited (1 shelf of books and a few pamphlets), and besides Kim, there was one Graduate Assistant who worked in the Center. Programming was very limited and focused more on faculty than serving students. There was a greater focus on women of color and supporting gay and lesbian population than students in general. Now the organization has up to 30 student staff and volunteers. The programming ranges across the board of possible issues, changing each year to reflect the passions of the current staff.

7. How is the Women's Center funded? What is its budget? The Center is funded by the Vice President of Student Affairs. The first year the Center was allotted $3,000 for the operating budget and funded for one Graduate Assistant's position. Since then, the budget has varied anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. The Director is paid out of the Counseling and Testing Center's budget. The Center continues to supplement the Center's work, operation, and programs through donations, fund raising, small grants and some fees. If you are interested in making a donation to the Center, email us at womenscenter.murraystate@gmail.com.

8. How is the Women's Center staffed? Generally there is one Graduate Assistant, although this year, there is not one. Our staff consists of volunteers and paid student workers. We also often have practicum students and students completing internships. This totals, on average of around 20 workers per semester, with additional coordinators and mentors for G.R.O.W.

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