EARNING DISTINCTION IN WOMEN’S STUDIES

Distinction is an award intended to highlight exceptional work in the Women's Studies major. All senior Women's Studies majors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the major courses are eligible to apply for distinction (follow this link for the College Statement on distinction ).

  • The project expands on coursework in a women’s studies course that is already completed and returned.
  • A project may consist of a single paper, a portfolio of papers, or a creative project (poetry, visual art, performance)—creative projects to be accompanied by written interpretations.
  • The project should approach the subject matter from a feminist perspective.
  • Projects are reviewed by a two-person committee (neither of whom is the Distinction adviser), with a third added in the case of a tie. One original committee member can be named by the student. This committee will recommend a course of action to the Women's Studies Committee, who will make a final decision on Distinction by Friday, May 6th.
  • Distinction projects will also be considered for the Viola Rossing Prize (see below).

Dates for Distinction Process:

During fall or winter
Talk to me (director) if you plan to submit a distinction project. We will discuss your project and your ideas for finding an adviser—a faculty member who agrees to meet with you periodically to discuss the progress of your distinction project. Because you will want to expand and refine the work to achieve a distinctive level of scholarship and critical thinking, it is important to meet with your adviser early to talk through ideas. Faculty advisers can come from any academic department.

By Friday, March 16
Submit Distinction Application with appropriate signatures to Jan Hill in RML 403 (paper copies only).

Monday, April 16
Distinction project due

Tuesday, May 1
Distinction applicants will be notified of the decision by formal letter from the committee.

Viola Rossing Prize

The Viola Rossing Prize is a $100 award intended to recognize excellence in the scholarship and creative work of senior Women's Studies majors or concentrators.

Like the Distinction process, this award recognizes exceptional work in Women's Studies. Unlike the Distinction process, concentrators as well as majors are eligible. Unlike the Distinction process,

  • Faculty as well as students can submit senior student papers or projects they would like to see considered for the Viola Rossing prize.
  • Concentrators as well as majors are elegible
  • Groups as well as individuals may apply.

Projects submitted for the Rossing Prize must be submitted to Jan Hill by April 15th. The Women's Studies Committee will review the projects and announce their decisions by May 4th. Multiple prizes (both Distinction and Rossing) are possible.