Purpose
The Collegiate Women’s Network (CWN) is an inclusive community for women at Christopher Newport University dedicated to providing resources and support across campus, and to generating an atmosphere of intergenerational, interdisciplinary, and intercultural diversity and empowerment.
Intention
The mandate of CWN is to “leave the ladder down,” as stated by Amy Springer Hartsell of the Virginia Network. That is, we intend to demonstrate support and encouragement for women at Christopher Newport by identifying, developing and leveraging existing talent across the University through leadership and professional development opportunities, while also creating a confidential environment for women to share experiences and receive advice. We intend to inspire leadership across campus at all levels, addressing the needs of students, faculty and staff. CWN further intends to support university initiatives to ensure a clear presence for women in our codified documents and to support the talent development of women leaders on campus.
Leadership
The role of chair (co-chairs) of CWN is held by the university’s institutional representative (IR) to the Virginia Network for Women in Higher Education, often referred to as the Virginia Women’s Network (no direct connection), which is a part of the American Council on Education Women’s Network. The CWN has an Advisory Group, comprising all Christopher Newport women who have served as IR or who have completed the Virginia Network’s Senior Leadership Seminar. As women earn these distinctions, they will join the advisory group. The CWN also has a Steering Committee, comprising women who have volunteered to commit time and energy to developing and managing the communications and marketing efforts for CWN, and to creating and balancing the funds and accounts for the organization. Additional ad hoc committees will be added as necessary.
Virginia Network Institutional Representatives
- Dawn Breen, Director of Prospect Management and Research, University Advancement