Computing Women of SPSU
What is Computing Women?
Computing Women is an extra-curricular organization based at Southern Polytechnic State University that has three major goals:
To improve the academic life of women in the School of Computing
To prepare women to work in a male-dominated industry
To get more women interested in Computer Science and other related fields
Why was Computing Women formed?
The number of women getting degrees in Computer Science and related areas is shrinking:
Because:
It is easy to feel alone and discouraged in a programming class where the students are mostly male. We help each other face our fears and learn to communicate and be friends with the guys in our classes.
Because:
Many women are discouraged from technical careers and are ostracized if they show interest in a field not traditionally considered "feminine". For an easy example of this, watch the commercials during any show for kids. The boys get construction sets and the girls get dolls wearing too much pink.
Who are the members of Computing Women?
The members of Computing Women are people (not only women) who are interested in succeeding in Computer Science, who are interested in succeeding in Computer Science, and creating a more positive environment for women in Computer Science and other technology related industries. Event though the majority of people in the Computing Women are affiliated with the School of Computing, we welcome anyone interested in creating an environment that will allow women to excel.
Past Events and Awards
Three of our members attended the 2002 Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
We provided volunteers to assist Professor Brianna Morrison in her Science Olympiad event.
Computing Women of SPSU, the Office of Student Activities, the Department of Social and International Studies and several private individuals teamed up to start the Julie Newell Women's Studies Book Collection. We will be contributing books and funds to this collection annually.
Chairperson, Marlena Compton, received SPSU's outstanding student award from the Student Government Association for the 2002-2003 year.
Former Vice-Chairperson Neta Blackwell received Outstanding Computing Science Senior award for the 2002-2003 year.