The Memorial University Senate has approved a new name for the Department of Women’s Studies. The new name, the Department of Gender Studies, becomes official on Aug. 31, 2012.

“The department would like to extend thanks to undergraduate majors and minors, graduate students, faculty members, alumni, current and past women’s studies council members and friends and supporters of the department for their participation in the consultative process that led to this change,” said Dr. Katherine Side, department head. “The possibility of a name change for the Department of Women’s Studies has been discussed since 2005 and we’re pleased to see this discussion finally come to fruition.”

Senate approval provides the choice of continuity for students who choose to continue in their current program or a new opportunity for students who choose to follow the new regulations for the degree in gender studies.

The name change better reflects the work that scholars and teachers who are appointed to the department already do through their research. It is also a more accurate description of the approach and examination of social differences that already exist in, and are integral to, the curriculum, according to Dr. Side.

“We are pleased to join 28 other Canadian universities that include gender in one form or another in their undergraduate and graduate degree program titles,” she said.