Commission for Women

We established the Commission for Women (CFW) in the spring of 1974 when a group of 12 volunteers came together to improve the conditions for women on our campus.

In this section

Logo celebrating the 50th anniversary of the University of Michigan-Dearborn Commission for Women. The design features the large text “50th Anniversary” with silhouettes of women’s heads in various colors (purple, yellow, blue, grey) inside the zero. Below is the University of Michigan Dearborn logo and the words "Commission for Women."

CFW 2024 Members at SBA

 

Over the 50 years of its existence, the Commission for Women (CFW) has helped form the character and diversity of the UM-Dearborn campus. Through our outreach, we connect UM-Dearborn with our metropolitan community. We nurture and develop many women leaders who enrich our campus life. We are one of the longest-standing campus organizations!

We provide supplemental professional development funding for faculty and staff, support and collaborate on campus initiatives, host a speaker series, and created the Susan B. Anthony Campus and Community Awards to honor women on campus and in our community.

Mission Statement

The University of Michigan-Dearborn Commission for Women has the responsibility of providing an advocacy role in issues of concern to staff and faculty of the campus. 

The Commission for Women will work toward recognizing and promoting professional opportunities and toward providing opportunities for the  professional and personal growth of staff and faculty. 

Bylaws

CFW Bylaws - Updated November 2025

A group of nine people stands smiling together in a brightly lit indoor space. The individuals are arranged in two rows, wearing professional and business-casual attire. A neutral wall serves as the background, with a blue recycling bin visible to the right.
Jessica Calderon and Elissa Gonzalez at WCTF Conf. Two people are posing for a selfie in front of a wooden wall.One person is wearing a cream-colored cardigan with floral patterns and a pearl necklace.The other person is dressed in a brown jacket, beige scarf, and a jeweled necklace with a yellow lanyard.
Five people are standing together in a wood-paneled room with large, sunlit windows.Most are dressed in business or semi-formal attire with conference badges and lanyards.The background features tables decorated with flowers, suggesting an event or gathering.
Two people sit next to each other in what appears to be an indoor setting with paneled walls. One person is wearing a colorful floral jacket, while the other is wearing a camouflage-patterned jacket, a white shirt, and a cowboy hat, with long braided hair.
A group sits around a wooden table in a pottery studio, surrounded by shelves of ceramics and supplies.Paint bottles and pottery pieces are arranged on the table and nearby cart.Everyone appears ready to decorate ceramic items together.
Several people sit at a table in a pottery studio, painting ceramic items.Paint bottles and brushes are spread across the work surface.Shelves of pottery supplies and bright natural light fill the background.
Colorful, hand-painted pottery pieces are displayed on a white table, including a sun, turtle, bowl, and house.A small container holds markers nearby, and a pink phone rests on the table.Shelves in the background are filled with pottery supplies and materials.
A speaker stands at a podium with a large University of Michigan Dearborn logo behind them.Two panelists are seated at a table with microphones, and a presentation slide titled "My Journey" is displayed.Large windows reveal trees and greenery outside the event space.
A speaker presents at a podium in a well-lit conference room at University of Michigan Dearborn.Audience members are seated at round tables, listening to the presentation.Event details are displayed on large screens at the front of the room.
A group of people pose together on a staircase indoors. Several individuals are wearing business or casual attire with name tags. The background shows shelves and clothing racks, suggesting a community space.
Two University of Michigan plaques with blue gift bags and yellow tissue sit on a round table.Bright bouquets of red, yellow, and purple flowers are arranged beside each plaque.The setting appears to be an award ceremony or recognition event in a banquet hall.
Trish Schlaff & Susan Cushnier
A large audience is seated at round tables during a University of Michigan event.A speaker stands at a podium in front of screens displaying "40th Anniversary" graphics.The room is decorated with U-M branding, and a globe centerpiece is visible on a table.
Two people pose together at an indoor event, each wearing a name tag with a "40" logo.One person has curly hair and a maroon top with a gray sweater, while the other wears a patterned jacket.The background shows tables, decorations, and attendees in a well-lit gathering space.
Three people stand together at a social indoor event, holding papers and drinks.They are dressed in patterned and layered clothing, including sweaters and scarves.Others are visible in the background, engaged in conversation by a table.

Commission for Women