Speed Networking - an event inspired by Speed Dating - provided a campus-wide opportunity for women of various ranks to network with other faculty members. The event was conducted in six-minute rounds, maximizing the number of people faculty could meet with to discuss their work and research in order to locate opportunities for collaboration and make inter-disciplinary connections. [See Results]

The Colloquy and Celebration introducing RAMP-Up! provided an in-depth overview of advancement challenges facing women faculty nationally. The event focused on Rensselaer's progress in the retention of women in science and engineering disciplines.

In conjunction with the Colloquy, discussions of work life issues and an exploration of the value and uses of mentoring were conducted with faculty, administrators and institute leaders. Participants completed an event survey for each component of the two day Celebration. [Worklife: See Results] [Mentoring:See Results]

Our second year Kick-Off event consisted of a two-day retreat and was well attended. This initiative created new momentum for faculty, providing them with opportunities to discuss career barriers and possible strategies for overcoming impediments to promotion and tenure.

Workshops on many aspects of career growth were conducted, including sessions on mid-career advancement, tenure and promotion, social networking, negotiation and work-life balance. [See Results]

Teams from seven departments met for a half day to discuss methods for "priming" departmental change. These workshops were led by RAMP-Up investigators, Cheryl Geisler and Debbie Kaminski, who focused on an exploration of departmental networks and communication practices. Proposal ideas were discussed in small groups to encourage further development by committees.