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the program neared its end, what were the most challenging and most rewarding aspects
of the program for them, whether they would recommend other women to major in
engineering, how they felt about their post-graduation plans, what concerns they had and
how they thought those concerns were being or could be better addressed at Rowan.
Faculty and Staff Interviews
Interviews were conducted with all female faculty, all department chairs (and acting
chairs), the Dean of Engineering, the Associate Dean of Engineering, and faculty
members who helped found the program and had seen it evolve from its inception. A total
of 15 faculty and staff were interviewed, each interview lasting at least one hour. The
Associate Dean provided guidance throughout the study and was the major contact for
the faculty, arranging protocol for the survey, supplying written information, and
answering numerous questions about the program and the students.
Faculty were asked what they saw as the major strengths and special features of the
program, how they had seen the program change (in ways which might be affecting the
different cohorts), what gender differences they perceived, whether there were any
gender issues among the faculty, and how they saw the program evolving in the future.
(The interview questions can be seen in Appendix A.) In addition, the principal
investigator met with several of the engineering departments to explain the study in depth
and enlist their cooperation.
Printed Information
Written material provided by the College of Engineering and posted on their website
added to the understanding of the special features of the program. Papers published on
the program were also helpful. References to the program are available through the
website: http://www.rowan.edu/engineering.
IC-46