Each public and private college in the Commonwealth is asked to identify a woman administrator on that campus who will serve as a link to the Virginia Network and as a catalyst for activities at the home campus. These individuals are called Institutional Representatives (IRs). Their role is to keep women administrators on their campus informed of activities of the Virginia Network and to encourage their involvement; to act as advocates for women on their campuses; and to encourage the advancement of women in higher education locally and throughout the state. The IRs meet each fall and spring to discuss programming and to network among themselves. They are also linked by an email listserv that allows them to post job openings on their campus and to keep in touch with others throughout the state.

IR POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Institutional Representative (IR) is a pivotal person in the chain of individuals interested in the advancement of women in higher education administration. She serves as a catalyst for innovation among women in higher education and as a communication link between women administrators in post-secondary education and the Virginia Network of the American Council on Education Office of Women in Higher Education. The Institutional Representative serves as an advocate, communications link, and program participant and planner. The basic responsibilities of the IR are listed below:

ASSESSING CAMPUS CLIMATE

Create, maintain, and update lists of women administrators on campus; develop an email listserv to announce programs and facilitate communication among women on campus.
Learn how your institution identifies, prepares, and advances its administrators.
Ensure search committees for administrative positions are following sound practices in finding and supporting women candidates.
Organize or join roundtables or networks for women administrators on campus.
Obtain related Institutional Research, AA/EO reports and action on any relevant concerns.

INCREASING VISIBILITY OF WOMEN ON CAMPUS

Encourage senior men and women to serve as mentors to women in middle-management positions and to women faculty interested in administration.
Establish channels for women students to explore careers in administration and secure women mentors.
Urge women to seek appointment to and nominate women to appropriate boards, committees and professional organizations.
Publicize formally and informally the accomplishments of women on campus.
Seek support or organize events in celebration of women (e.g. lectures, women's week, report on the status of women).

DISSEMINATING INFORMATION ON CAMPUS

Circulate and promote Virginia Network events such as spring regional and state conferences.
Circulate and promote other programs such as fellowships, grants and seminars available to women.
Meet with the president at least annually about Virginia Network activities and observations from assessment.
Establish linkages with other campus groups and programs focusing on women.
Urge women to apply for administrative positions, nominate them and support their candidacy.

MAINTAINING COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE VIRGINIA NETWORK

Attend IR workshops and regional and state conferences.
Nominate women from your campus to Virginia Network programs (e.g. Senior Seminar) and committees.

Institutional Representatives