The University

Texas Woman's University is a comprehensive public university, primarily for women. A teaching and research institution, the University emphasizes the liberal arts and specialized or professional studies. TWU is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. The university holds the Carnegie Classification of a Doctoral I institution. Established in 1901 by an act of the 27th Legislature as the Girls Industrial College, the institution began classes in 1903.

In 1905 the Legislature changed the name to the College of Industrial Arts. The college grew in academic excellence, in size and scope, and in reputation. The rising academic qualifications of the faculty, the building of a substantial library and research and instructional facilities, and the increasing demand for graduate education for women led to the establishment of graduate studies at the college in 1930.

In 1934 the name of the institution was changed to the Texas State College for Women to describe more accurately the scope of the school. Doctoral degrees were first awarded in 1953. Since 1957 the name has been Texas Woman’s University, reflecting its status as a major institution of higher learning.

It is the special mission of Texas Woman's University:

• to serve as a distinct and unique institution among public institutions of higher education in Texas in order to provide undergraduate and graduate education of the highest quality in a learning environment that empowers and affirms the full development of students, primarily women;

• to place emphasis on the liberal arts, health-related and other professional studies, and research that will enhance the progress and welfare of the people of Texas, the nation and the world in a time of rapid technological and social change;

• to encourage students to develop intellectual, humanitarian and leadership skills that will advance their potential for service in all areas of human endeavor;

• to provide minority students, primarily women, an academic and social environment for learning, involvement and leadership development to enable them to pursue and complete higher educational programs which afford economic mobility and independence;

• to provide educational programs to meet the needs of adult students, especially women, who wish to resume or initiate collegiate or graduate study in preparation for career entry or advancement;

• to serve as a resource and depository for information and knowledge about women and their particular contributions to the history and progress of the State of Texas, the nation and the world;

• to provide service to the wider community through its on-campus health and educational clinics, continuing education programs, programs in the visual and performing arts, and basic and applied research in education, food science, health sciences, nutrition and textile technology.

Organization

In 1972, the University adopted its present organization into three major academic divisions— the University General Divisions, the Institute of Health Sciences and the Graduate School. Under an academic reorganization plan, effective September 1989, the University General Divisions offer undergraduate instruction in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Library and Information Studies, and College of Education and Human Ecology. The Institute of Health Sciences offers undergraduate instruction in the College of Health Sciences and the College of Nursing. The Graduate School administers graduate programs in each of these schools and colleges.

Now in its tenth decade, the University has become a major university with Institute of Health Sciences centers in Dallas and Houston, served by approximately 500 faculty members and attended by more than 9,300 students. The curriculum, which led to the award of baccalaureate degrees for the first time in 1915, now accommodates studies that lead to doctoral degrees in each of the colleges of the University. In addition, each school of the University now offers work through or at the master’s degree level.

The Board of Regents

The governing body of Texas Woman’s University is the Board of Regents, nine members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Texas Senate. The Board serves only Texas Woman’s University. Three members are appointed every two years from the state at large for six-year terms. Statute requires that at least four of the nine members be women.

Accreditation and Approval

Texas Woman’s University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. Selected academic programs also are accredited by appropriate state, regional and national agencies. The Graduate School is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States. This general accreditation, recognizing the quality of all of the work done by the components of the University, forms the basis for numerous memberships which the University holds in selective associations and societies which recognize and demand high standards in specific fields.

Texas Woman’s University is a member of or is accredited by the following organizations (partial listing):

Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences

Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications

American Dental Association Commission on Accreditation

American Dietetics Association

American Historical Association

American Library Association

American Medical Association, Committee on Allied Health Education and

Accreditation in collaboration with the American Medical Record

Association

American Medical Association, Committee on Allied Health

Education and Accreditation in collaboration with the American

Occupational Therapy Association

American Physical Therapy Association

American Political Science Association

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas

Council on Social Work Education

National Association of Schools of Music

National League for Nursing, Inc.

Texas Education Agency
 

In addition, Texas Woman’s University is a member of the following organizations (partial listing):

Alliance for Higher Education

American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business

American Association for Higher Education

American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education

American Association of Colleges of Nursing

American Association of State Colleges and Universities

American Association of University Professors

American Association of University Women

American Chemical Society

American College Theatre Association

American Council on Education

American Medical Association, Committee on Allied Health

Education and Accreditation in collaboration with the American Society

for Personnel Administration

American Occupational Therapy Association

American Psychological Association

Association for Library and Information Science

Education Association for School, College, and University Staffing

Association of Departments of English

Association of Departments of Foreign Languages

Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication

Association of Texas Colleges and Universities

Association of Texas Graduate Schools

College Art Association

College Placement Council

Conference of College Teachers of English

Conference of Southern Graduate Schools

Cooperative Education Association

Council for Advancement and Support of Education

Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences

Council of Graduate Schools in the United States

Council of Public University Presidents and Chancellors

Council on Research in Dance

Dance Notation Bureau

Denton Chamber of Commerce

International Council of Fine Arts Deans

Modern Language Association

National Accreditation Association

National Art Education Association

National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions

National Association of Music Therapy

National Association of School Psychologists

National Commission for Cooperative Education

National Collegiate Athletic Association

National Council of Teachers of English

National Council on Accrediting

National Retail Federation

Oak Ridge Associated Universities

Radio-Television News Directors Association

Southern Association of Advisors for the Health Professions

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Inc.

Southern Association of Colleges for Women

Southern Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing

Southern University Conference

Southwest Association of Student Personnel Administrators

Southwest Education Council for Journalism/Mass Communications

Southwest Journalism Congress

Texas Association of Broadcast Educators

Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education

Texas Association of Colleges for Teacher Education

Texas Association for Community Service and Continuing Education

Texas Association of Deans of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Texas Association of Schools of Engineering Technology

Texas Daily Newspaper Association

Texas Intercollegiate Press Association

Texas Press Association

Texas Society of Allied Health Professions

Texas State Board of Education

Nondiscrimination Policy

Texas Woman’s University strives to provide an educational environment that affirms the rights of each individual, fosters diversity and encourages a respect for the differences among persons. Discrimination or harassment of any kind is inappropriate.

Texas Woman’s University is committed to equal opportunity in employment and education and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, veteran’s status, or against qualified disabled persons except as provided by law.

The University complies with nondiscrimination regulations under Title VI and Title VII, Civil Rights Acts of 1964; Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972; Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Age Discrimination Act of 1973; and other applicable statutes.

Inquiries concerning University grievance procedures may be directed to the designated officials named below:

* Diversity Officer: Executive Assistant to the President for Community Relations and Diversity, Texas Woman's University, P.O. Box 425500, Denton, TX 76204.
* Title VI and Title IX Officer: Vice President for Student Life, Texas Woman's University, P.O. Box 425379, Denton, TX 76204-5379.

* Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator: Manager of Human Resources, Texas Woman's University, P.O. Box 425739, Denton, TX 76204. Students should contact the Coordinator of Disability Support Services, P.O. Box 425966, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX 76204.

Alumni Relations

The University strives to stay in touch with graduates and former students through a wide range of alumni activities, programs and publications. All former students are considered members of the National Alumnae Association. Those who are active dues-paying members receive special mailings and announcements, as well as the Pioneer magazine, which is published two times during the year and includes class notes and chapter news. Life members of the association receive certain benefits, including the opportunity to join TWU Wellness Services for the same fee as University employees.

Former students receive the TWU Times, a four-color publication containing news and features about the University, published semi-annually by the Office of Marketing and Communication. Academic component newsletters are published by the Alumnae Association for many areas and are distributed to graduates annually. Special activities for former students include Founders’ Day in February and Homecoming each April, in addition to other special events throughout the year sponsored by the Alumnae Association. Career planning and placement services, plus use of TWU Library facilities, are additional benefits available to former students.

The National Alumnae Association, which was organized in 1905 to support the educational aims of the University, coordinates chapter activities in many regions throughout the United States. Dues help support special awards sponsored by the association, a general scholarship fund for students, and various programs. Additional information is available from the National Alumnae Association, Texas Woman’s University, P.O. Box 425795, Denton, Texas 76204-5795; phone 940-TWU-ALUM (940-898-2586); or visit the offices of Alumni Relations and National Alumnae Association, located adjacent to the Little Chapel-in-the-Woods, on the Denton campus.

All former students are invited to participate in the "Help Keep the Promise" annual fund campaign to help meet the University’s greatest needs and opportunities, which include: academic and other enrichment programs, equipment for classrooms and laboratories, student scholarships, library resources, faculty recruitment and retention, and achievement and recognition awards. Information about the annual fund and other alumni relations programs is available from the Office of Institutional Advancement, Texas Woman’s University, P.O. Box 425618, Denton, Texas 76204; phone 940-898-3863.

TWU Foundation

The Texas Woman’s University Foundation is a non-profit corporation chartered under the laws of Texas and established in 1952. Its purpose is to receive and administer gifts to enhance educational excellence at the University. The foundation board seeks to identify potential sources of private gifts, to enable donors to make appropriate contributions that match their interests and needs, to provide for the prudent management of gift resources, and to encourage the involvement of interested persons in the work of the foundation.

A person interested in giving opportunities through the TWU Foundation may request information by writing the TWU Foundation, P.O. Box 425618, Denton, Texas 76204, or by calling 940-898-3863.

International Programs

The objectives of the International Study Programs are consistent with traditional Texas Woman’s University objectives in exposing students to educational opportunities designed to enrich and broaden cross-cultural educational experiences. International Study Programs provide study opportunities abroad in environments which emphasize visual and performing arts, history, language, literature and comparative cultures.

International Study Programs are available in selected major components throughout the University at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Typically, the programs are offered during the Summer Session. Students may earn up to six (6) semester credit hours which may be applied toward degree programs at Texas Woman’s University.

Further information about Texas Woman’s University International Study Programs may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Associate Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School.

Campus and Centers

The Denton Campus

The Texas Woman’s University main campus is located in Denton, Texas, a city of about 73,000 residents located 38 miles north of Dallas and Fort Worth, the nation’s ninth largest urban center.

The University’s high-rise residence halls and academic and administration buildings dominate Denton’s skyline. Blended with these are historic buildings, including Old Main (the University’s first building) and the Little Chapel-in-the-Woods.

Other special features of the Denton campus are the "Texas Women: A Celebration of History" exhibit; the DAR Museum, which contains historic materials reflecting the culture and social life of Texas' First Ladies; and the TWU Historical Collection, containing TWU artifacts and memorabilia. A special campus landmark is the statue of the Pioneer Woman, which was given to TWU in 1938 by the State of Texas in celebration of the Texas Centennial.

Campus recreational facilities include lighted tennis courts, athletic fields, an 18-hole golf course and clubhouse, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gymnasium, dance studios and a wellness center.

The Dallas Center

As part of its Institute of Health Sciences program, the University maintains a Dallas Center which includes sites near Parkland and Presbyterian Hospitals. The Center provides excellent clinical experience and educational resources for students enrolled in the programs of the Institute of Health Sciences. Cooperating medical facilities include Parkland Hospital (Dallas County Hospital District), Presbyterian Hospital, Children’s Medical Center and St. Paul Hospital.

Students also have selected experiences in the City of Dallas Health Department, Dallas County Health Department, Visiting Nursing Association of Dallas, the Veterans Affairs Hospital and other Dallas-Fort Worth hospitals.

Parkland Site

The Parkland site, located near Parkland and St. Paul Hospitals, was established in 1966 and features a two-story education building. Instructional facilities include general classrooms and seminar rooms, simulation laboratories, library and media resources. The nursing program began in Dallas in 1954 at Parkland Hospital.

Presbyterian Site

Dedicated in 1977, the Presbyterian Hospital site in northeast Dallas is adjacent to Presbyterian Hospital on Walnut Hill Lane just east of North Central Expressway. Facilities include classrooms, library, laboratories, auditorium and offices.

The Houston Center

The TWU Institute of Health Sciences Houston Center is located in the Texas Medical Center, a world-renowned complex of hospitals, health-related schools and research institutions. Established in 1960, the Houston Center includes two instructional buildings and two student residence halls. Instructional facilities include simulation laboratories, classroom and seminar space, as well as primary preparation rooms and faculty offices.

Texas Woman’s University is a full participant in support and use of the Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library located across from the Houston Center’s instructional facilities.

The University Library

The Blagg-Huey Library, on the Denton campus, offers students a modern facility for assessing both printed and electronic information in a study and learning environment that provides both comfort and inspirational beauty. The Library has holdings of 725,786 volumes, 8,474 current periodical and serial publications, 1,488,084 microforms, and 86,175 audio visual materials to support all major areas of study at TWU.

The Library's Media Services Department offers audio-visual materials in all formats to enhance learning skills in a study area that includes both individual learning carrels and group study rooms. Multimedia resources also are available as part of The Software & Instructional Technology Exploration (S.I.T.E.) lab. The availability of specialized hardware and software provides opportunities for discovery and innovation in the use of instructional technology. The Media Services staff is available to assist with the use of these materials for such varied requirements as language lab preview, practicing interview skills and creative use of multimedia applications.

In addition to the standard printed bibliographies, indexes and abstracts that are shelved in the Reference Department, OCLC's FirstSearch online data bases number 47 and Ebscohost provides access to 1,800 full-text journals. Additionally, access is available to more than 200 national computerized databases through DIALOG. Many titles such as ERIC, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Business Periodicals Index, Dissertation Abstracts Ondisc and MEDLINE databases are available online. Users may access these resources within the library or on campus from networked computer work stations or through an internet service provider to gain access from outside the university.

The ENDEAVOR Integrated Library Information System includes both an online catalog that is capable of printing out searches of materials within the library and an online circulation and reserve system. The system also is available through the University's mainframe computer for access on or off campus.

The Woman’s Collection, established in 1932, is the largest depository in the South and Southwest of research material about women and one of only three major collections of its kind in the United States. A book collection of more than 40,000 volumes and a manuscript collection of over 2,500 linear feet are augmented by more than 23,000 volumes in major microform collections including the Gerritsen Collection of Women’s History, the History of Women, Women and the Law, the National Women’s Party Papers, the League of Women Voters Papers and Herstory.

"Texas Women: A Celebration of History," initially developed by the Foundation for Women’s Resources, is a major permanent exhibit located in the Library. It tells the story of the accomplishments and the courageous acts of Texas women as community builders as well as pioneers during the development of Texas.

Satellite collections are available in the School of Library and Information Studies, the Dallas-Parkland site (the major nursing collection in the Dallas-Fort Worth area), and the Dallas-Presbyterian site. Houston students use the resources of the outstanding 268,523-volume collection in the Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library.

In addition to the multiple resources of the Texas Woman’s University Library, students and faculty may use the libraries of the Phoenix Group, including the University of North Texas, University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Christian University, and 5 other universities in the DFW metroplex. Instant telecommunication and daily courier services are used to locate and deliver books and films in libraries throughout Texas. TexShare, a cooperative library program of 125 Texas institutions of higher education, provides onsite circulation privileges, access to full-text on-line databases and to Internet resources. The Texas Woman’s University Library also is connected by computer terminals (OCLC, Inc., in Columbus, Ohio) with major academic and research libraries throughout the United States for interlibrary borrowing and lending.