Marshall University's Women's Center was founded in 1976 by three female faculty members in response to women's great and growing need to empower themselves. The Women's Center has evolved from the modest facility in a storage closet to an integral part of Marshall campus life, now located with Student Services in Prichard House.

The Women's Center exists to provide a centralized resource for meeting the needs of women students, faculty, and staff. Although departments throughout Marshall have the shared responsibility to address these needs, the Women's Center provides a primary opportunity and location where Marshall women's concerns can be voiced, dealt with directly, and/or referred to other resources with the University and local community.

The Center strives to ensure a campus community in which women and men can live and work together in a mutually respectful and supportive environment where equality, responsibility, and personal empowerment are encouraged and fostered. Following a feminist model of empowerment, the Center works toward fostering, recognizing, and affirming the abilities, accomplishments, and potential of Marshall women. Through a variety of educational programs, culturally-diverse events, resource opportunities, and comprehensive support services, Marshall Women's Center strives to address the needs of women of Marshall and the surrounding community.

The Office of Women's Programs is associated with Student Development and the Counseling Center. We provide a wide range of women-centered activities and programs in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. We are available to enhance the academic, professional, and social development of students, faculty, and staff.

Women's Programs provides the following information and programs:

	University and Community events for Women
	Referral Services for Academic, Career and Social Service Resources
	Scholarships and Awards
	Leadership Training and a Women's Leadership Retreat
	Support Groups
	Seminars for Personal and Professional Growth and Development, including a weekly Lunchbag Series, open to all
	Crisis Intervention and Advocacy
	Counseling and Support Services
	Ms. Quotes, newsletter on women and the university experience
	A lending library of books, videos, and resource files on topics related to women.
	Educational Programs on: Sexual Assault/Date Rape Sexual Harassment Chilly Classroom Climate Relationships - what's good and what's not Sex Roles and Stereotypes Sexism in advertising and rock videos Domestic Violence
	Women's Center, 143 Prichard - provides a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for women to study, learn, communicate, and seek support, information, advocacy, affirmation, and comfort.