Under a stairwell, Lysa Salsbury discovered a hidden lounge that provides a quiet, intimate escape from the chaos of college. Years later, as the director of the University of Idaho Women’s Center, Salsbury finds her new workspace is reminiscent of that same atmosphere.
Many students aren’t aware of the opportunities and experiences offered through the center. Even during a pandemic, it’s open and available to those of any gender.
While the center began with the goal of retaining female students until graduation in 1972, their mission has since expanded. Salsbury recognizes the diverse reality of the student body.
It became essential to include everyone. Despite its name, any student wanting to learn or utilize their resources is invited. Thus, Salsbury assured that having no reason to be there is as good of a reason as any.
RESOURCES
Both professional and student staff members at the center agree there are many resources that are widely unknown.
“I was honestly surprised that the Women’s Center offers scholarships,” Mari Juarez, a junior and former office assistant at the center, said.
Student employment is one of the biggest opportunities the center offers to all majors. Each semester students are offered four credits to work on a research project of choice relating to women’s issues.
The center offers free menstrual products of all varieties in addition to safe sex supplies and pregnancy tests. Located directly next to the entrance, they are easy to grab and have no strings attached.
The center is a place for whatever someone might need, from an upbeat environment to a safe space.
“It’s nothing but big hearts and warm hugs at the center,” Juarez said.
If someone is left out of a conversation, they will be pulled in. If someone wants alone time, they can reserve a designated private space for Zoom classes, phone calls or a quiet atmosphere.
The center uniquely operates as one of the few offices on campus with confidential reporting status. Students can share information with staff without the risk of it being reported.
THE TEAM
The staff are given the same understanding and compassion that is offered to the center’s visitors. When first interviewing for her position, Juarez said her lack of advocacy knowledge and many questions were met without judgment.
She spent her sophomore year in the position, soaking up the passionate atmosphere. Now holding a position in the Office of Equity and Diversity, she is grateful to work alongside her mentors from the center. “Lysa is Wonder Woman,” Juarez said.
Juarez learned about different identities and personalities in an overwhelmingly positive community. The female-directed film showcase, Lunafest Film Festival, was just one of the occasions she recalls forgetting she was working.
“The center doesn’t let its staff forget they are also someone that will be taken care of,” Juarez said. When faced with a tiring or triggering task, staff are welcome to request another project to work on.
Catherine Waddell, a junior, took advantage of the opportunity to take a 400-level class by contributing to the center’s blog.
“It drew me in, wanting to challenge myself to a high-level, professional writing position,” Waddell said.
The position also brought her unexpected benefits. She was able to spend her time researching topics she loved: Taylor Swift, the podcast “Call Her Daddy” and female politicians.
Anything and everything relating to the center’s values were within her limits to tackle. “It was very broad,” Waddell said.
Her contributions to the blog led to a connection with Idaho politician Paulette Jordan over social media. It also influenced a sorority chapter’s diversity chairman to reach out for advice after reading one of her pieces on LGTBQ inclusion within theuniversity’s Greek system.
Waddell plans to return to the center to continue writing. Next time, she wants to share her personal experiences through the Women’s Center blog.
EVENTS
Juarez and her colleagues stay busy putting on events that connect students to one another throughout the year, including Women’s History Month celebrations in March and anti- racism growth workshops.
COVID-19 postponed some of these events, including the annual Take Back the Night march to raise awareness and support for victims of domestic abuse. However, the pandemic won’t stop the return of this march, which has taken place at
UI since the 1980s and globally since it began in Belgium in the 1970s.
A more recent tradition is the F-Word Poetry Slam. For those seeking a night to share things typically unspoken or for those wanting to join the audience’s chorus of snapping, Salsbury assures this event is equally powerful and accessible to all.
Though students and staff typically join to wave candles through campus or gather in the
Hartung Theatre for the center’s events, there is still much to be enjoyed during the pandemic.
In mid-January, the center received news of their renewed federal grant to fund three years of violence prevention work. During a year of uncertainty, the center has committed to the goal of ending stalking crimes on campus as well as meeting specific needs of those with disabilities with the help of
the grant.
The center understands the community is experiencing unforeseen challenges.
Their ultimate hope is to remain connected to students and safely welcome them during this time. Whether that means participating in body positivity workshops, borrowing a book from their library or just stopping by.