FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WRC AND THE WIT PROGRAM

What is the Women in Transition (WIT) program at GCC?
WIT is a specialized support program designed for women making the transition to college. You may be a woman coming to college for the first time, returning to school after an absence or you may be exploring a different career path.

Who participates in the WIT program?
Different women with diverse and similar experiences participate and are served by WIT, depending on their individual needs. Does one of these women sound like you?

JH is a single woman with grown children returning to GCC after a five year absence. She's been working in the Human Services field for most of her adult life and is now working toward completing her Associate of Arts degree. She takes four courses each semester, including Math, Science and English courses and electives like Introduction to Music and Women in the Pioneer Valley.

DD is a single mother of two boys, 12 and 7 years old. She has also returned to GCC five years later. Laid off from her job, she decided that returning to school and completing her degree would, in the long run, increase her wage earning potential. Expanding and validating her knowledge about issues impacting her life and the lives of her children is also a motivator.

PC is a married mother of three and full-time guardian of her four month old Granddaughter, Abigail. She has been attending GCC for three years, taking between two and four courses each semester and will graduate in 2002 with an Associates of Science degree in Office Administration and several certificates. PC is often in GCC's Women's Resource Center, studying, using the computer, relaxing and networking with other mothers about balancing family and college.

CD is a nineteen year old high school student attending classes and earning college credit as a Dual Enrollment student. She is an independent young woman, living with her sister. She'll graduate from high school in the spring of 2001 and return to GCC in the fall of 2001 to continue her college education.

Who do I contact to learn more about WIT?
For information contact one of the following of the WIT Team:
Rosemarie Freeland, Women's Resource Center Coordinator at 413 775-1114 or at freeland@gcc.mass.edu
Rosemarie is located in the East building on the main campus in Room E 121B.
Sue McGowan, Women in Transition Counselor at 413 775 -1337 or mcgowan@gcc.mass.edu
Sue is located in The Learning Center, 4th floor, Main Building, main campus, Room C 410.
View WRC staff profiles.

What are the benefits of participating in WIT?
WIT participants are encouraged to participate in WIT linked courses in one of two curricular advising options:
WIT Path 1 is for students whose Placement Tests show they need college prep courses. Select from these suggested courses: COL 100, ENG 100, MAT 090, ADM 106, HUD 114
WIT Path 2 is for students who are English Comp I ready. Select from these suggested courses: ENG 101, CIS 140, WST 115, HUD 109, ADM 106
It is recommended that you enroll in a minimum of 6 credits (2 courses from WIT Path 1 or 2 from WIT Path 2) to fully benefit.
While the course descriptions remain the same, the instructor and class meeting day and time may change semester to semester. However, the selected courses meet during public school hours so you can see your children off to school and be home when they return.
•  You will be in at least a few courses with other women students who have similar life and educational experiences.
•  You will have access to specialized advising and career planning.
•  You will benefit from community and college resources, information and referrals that will enable you to be a successful student. These services are available through the Women's Resource Center at GCC.
•  Child care and transportation scholarships are available to eligible students.

Is there a place where women can gather to study or relax?
The Women's Resource Center (WRC), located in the East Building on the Main Campus (East 114) provides a drop-in space for women students to come together year-round during the day, generally open from 7:30 am until 8 pm. It includes study space, a clothing exchange, and helpful information about the college and women's services in the college and the community. The WRC offers a quiet place to study, have a cup of tea, and meet other returning adult women. About 15 years ago, the college set aside space through the efforts of a group of faculty in the Women's Studies program, who identified a need for returning women. It has served primarily as a safe space for women students and for information referral.
The WRC maintains a clothing exchange via solicited donations from staff, faculty, and students. A food pantry with free food to help supplement the family food budget during semester crunch time is available. A large refrigerator stores breakfasts, lunches and dinners for students, and leftovers are often shared.
The WRC maintains a bulletin board that publicizes information about the college and community resources including current welfare policies and procedures, women's health, tobacco cessation, domestic violence awareness and survivor support
The WRC also includes two computer stations and a printer, where women can work on course work, search the internet and get informal assistance from other students.
For further information about the WRC contact Rosemarie Freeland, Women's Resource Center Coordinator/Advocate at 413 775- 1114 or at freeland@gcc.mass.edu
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Are there any organized group a activities in the WRC?
Yes, throughout the academic year women may choose to participate in non-credit workshops and informational sessions facilitated by the coordinators of the WRC and WIT program, guest speakers and presenters, and other GCC faculty and staff. Topics may include, but are not limited to: The Superwoman Syndrome: Can it Sabotage Your Success?; De-Stress Yourself; Strong Woman Unite: A Strength Training Demonstration; Welfare, College and You. Frequent Bagel Breakfasts and Brown Bag Lunches are sponsored by the WRC, encouraging informal discussions on topics decided by students.

Do I have to be enrolled in WIT courses to use the WRC?
No. You do not have to be enrolled in WIT designated courses to use the WRC or benefit from WRC services. The WIT Team asks that you contact them at the start of the semester and complete a brief introduction/intake form so they can help troubleshoot any resource needs you have.

I want to come to college, but I have child care and transportation barriers. Can someone help me?
Yes, Rosemarie Freeland, Women's Resource Center Coordinator/Advocate at 413 775-1114 or at freeland@gcc.mass.edu can offer assistance both for on-campus resources and community based resources.

Is there a childcare center on campus?
No, currently there is no campus based child care. But you may be eligible for assistance for community based child care or scholarship assistance for tuitions for child care.

Are there any fees for participation in the WIT Program?
No. WIT program activities are free to GCC students. However, please note that the cost of any credit courses you register for, including WIT designated courses, is pre-determined by the college. Limited WIT scholarships are available to some eligible students.

How do I enroll in WIT?
If you have already completed GCC's application process, taken your Placement Tests and are ready to register, ask Student Services to connect you with either Rosemarie Freeland at 775-1114 or freeland@gcc.mass.edu or Sue McGowan at 775-1337 or mcgowan@gcc.mass.edu . WIT requires students who are interested in any of the WIT reserved course sections to obtain a WIT team member signature before registering.
If you have not already applied to GCC, you can contact Rosemarie or Sue and they will assist you in the GCC and WIT application process.

What do some of the women say about WIT and the WRC?

I come to the WRC because it is a safe place to be while I study, relax make new friends In the WRC I'm not judged by what I am not, I am seen for who I am.

I come to the WRC to keep my sanity.

The WRC is for the women and by the women taking care of women.

The WRC is a vent-i-lation space.

I've enjoyed coming to the WRC this semester. There's a good group of WIT women here who are working hard for a better life.

A wonderful hideaway, a place to exhale. This room and its resources has been the perfect transition for me as a single mom coming back through the educational process.

There are times when I was broke and hungry and I knew I could stop in the WRC and have some toast, a baked potato or a cup of coffee between classes. This place has been a place to relax, make friends, eat, regain some sanity, do homework and most of all feel accepted and normal.