University of Michigan. Commission for Women.

Commission established in 1971 to investigate discrimination against women. It preceded the university's Affirmative Action Office which was formed in 1972. Membership includes faculty, staff, and students.

The Commission for Women at the University of Michigan was established by President Robben Fleming in 1971 due to pressure from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to stop discrimination against female employees and staff. The University of Michigan's initial noncompliance to this demand resulted in $15 million in federal contracts being withheld from the University. The Commission for Women preceded the University's first Affirmative Action Office which was formed a year later.

Barbara Newell, Fleming's assistant and acting Vice President for Student Affairs created and lead the first commission. Although initially funded, the commission has been a volunteer organization since 1977 consisting of faculty, staff, and student representatives from across campus. In 1977, the commission merged with the Affirmative Action Office, which is responsible for compliance with federal statutes.

The Commission for Women primarily acts as an advocacy group, serving in an advisory role to the Affirmative Action Office and provides programs designed for the professional development of women. Over the years, the commission has tackled issues such as equal employment opportunities, equal compensation and benefits, and career development. The commission also convinced President Duderstadt to hold Town Meetings to discuss areas of concern to women on campus.

Currently, the Commission for Women is continuing as a volunteer organization, staffed by members of the university with the chair and co-chair changing somewhat annually. The commission supports the Michigan Agenda for Women and sees itself as a conduit between staff women and the university administration, working to provide different strategies toward improving the climate for women at the university.