Promoting Women's Professional and Personal Development

About Us

University Women’s Network (UWN) is a longstanding organization on the UMass Amherst campus that dedicates itself to promoting the personal and professional development of its members by networking, educating and supporting, and also collaborating with other campus organizations throughout the state, such as Massachusetts Women in Public Higher Education (MWPHE).  Established in 1981 by then Vice Chancellor of University Relations, Deirdre Ling, UWN has maintained a tradition of support and encouragement for all University women in their endeavors and aspirations for over 40 years.

UWN established its Constitution in 1981. Read more about how UWN started. 

Our guest speaker luncheons are the key events that we build our year around.  Topics include a wide range of interests, from women's health and wellness, finance, and workplace conflict resolution, as well as arts and culture and travel.   UWN also hosts luncheons dedicated solely to networking with one another and welcoming new members.

UWN stays apprised of the abundant resources on our campus and incorporates them into annual events.  Two wonderful examples of this are the UMPD Women’s self-defense course and the University Contemporary Museum’s exhibits.  The UMass Police Department and University Contemporary Museum have graciously hosted UWN members with special classes to fit work schedules and private educational tours of art exhibits.   Our organization recognizes the gems that the UMass Amherst campus has to offer and is thankful to the many people who contribute to our programming.

UWN is passionate about giving back to charities in our area such as Dress for Success by donating professional clothing so women in transition have interview attire.  UWN also initiates our own drives for immediate needs such as hats and mittens for children in our area effected by Hurricane Sandy.

In its over 39 year history, UWN has supported and advocated for its members on such things as equal pay, sexual harassment and the need for childcare facilities.

Our membership is wide-ranging, as we believe the best networking takes place when there is diversity in ethnicity, education, experience, and job title.  We are proud to say that our membership includes faculty, professional and classified employees in academics, development and administration and finance departments.

Membership is open to all University women in the Five College area, active or retired.  Our guest speaker luncheons are open to the public.