The university is conducting a survey on the perception of women on campus.Bonnie Melhart, associate provost for academic affairs, said the idea for the study came from a group of women faculty members and is supported by the chancellor and the provost.

Looking into gender roles on campus is an excellent idea – especially if the issue was raised by women on campus. Also, with the recent discussions on the issue of women faculty in the sciences taking place in Congress across the country, it’s good to see the university taking preventive action on such an important issue.

Regardless of whether there are inequities, the university should be applauded for its efforts to remain educated about the role of women on campus.

Ideally, this educational study will help administrators stay well informed about gender issues and, therefore, can prevent potential gender imbalances that may arise in the future.

The administration’s primary concerns cover a wide variety of gender issues on campus. While there may not be a problem in any particular area, the broad scope of the study shows an even stronger commitment to analyzing a potentially complex issue.

Issues raised range from possible pay inequities between men and women to the value of research conducted by women on campus.

Administrators are also looking to consider the value of research focusing on women’s issues, the rank of women on campus and the space that is allotted for them to work – all valid concerns, and inequities that should be addressed if they exist.

It’s too soon in the process to know whether there are problems in any of these areas, but it’s evident through the university’s actions that if there are inequalities, they will be addressed before the problem gets too out of hand.

News editor Bailey Shiffler for the editorial board.