The Academic Alliance (AA) consists of more than 120 distinguished representatives from computer science and IT departments of colleges and universities across the country, spanning research universities, community colleges, women's colleges, and minority-serving institutions.
Charged with implementing institutional change in higher education, the Academic Alliance provides feedback on NCWIT programs, contributes and adopts effective practices, and serves as a national agent of change. It meets several times per year to compare approaches and provide guidance and mutual support. See our list of NCWIT Academic Alliance Members.
Membership in the AA is free for participating academic institutions and brings many benefits. AA members have access to leading-edge best practices for recruiting and retaining women, opportunities to attend workshops and compare practices with other institutions, the ability to advertise programs, achievements, and faculty openings at our website, and participation in NCWIT marketing and branding campaigns. View the AA by-laws.
For more information about the Academic Alliance please contact Program Manager Kim Kalahar or the AA Co-chairs:
Nancy Amato (Texas A&M)
Maureen Biggers (Indiana University)
Andrew Williams (Spelman College)
The NCWIT Academic Alliance currently is working on several projects:
- Recruitment and New Member Engagement
Co-Leaders: Christine Alvarado (Harvey Mudd), Gondy Leroy (Claremont Graduate University), Leen-Kiat Soh (University of Nebraska)
The Recruitment and Engagement team has designed informational materials for new AA members; hosted the new and prospective member lunch at the NCWIT Summit in May; created a AA poster for Grace Hopper 2010 conference; and is surveying members to explore services for welcoming new members. - REU Toolkit: Designing Research Experiences for Undergraduate Women
Co-Leaders: Margaret Burnett (Oregon State), Patricia Morreal (Kean U)
The REU Toolkit project has been approved to be made into an NCWIT Program-in-a-Box! The team has enlisted the help of Ann Gates (UTEP) and Jose Cossa (NCWIT Extension Services), and will involve others to help review materials. - Sharing Practices
Co-Leaders: Sam Kamin (UIUC), Sharon Mason (RIT)
This group is examining ways to create an online searchable repository for activities and initiatives underway that relate to women in computing but that have not been vetted as an effective practice. - AA Webinar Series
Co-Leaders: Daniela Marghitu (Auburn), Terry Steinbach (DePaul)
A webinar delivery mechanism has been locked in and the plan is to start with offering four webinars during this next year. AA member input is being sought via the survey to set priorities and decide on the topics of most interest to members.
The Academic Alliance also provides funding for AA members to develop and implement initiatives for recruiting and retaining women in computing and information technology. Find out more about the NCWIT Academic Alliance Seed Fund.
