Safe, Empowered, Accelerated

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A safe campus for all women.

An empowering environment where women embrace their potential and affect change.

A system of support that accelerates students’ careers and lives of impact.

UM provides fertile ground for this work. In fact, we’ve already begun. The S.E.A. Change Initiative brings new air and light to important campus programs that support all women while advancing gender equity.

We celebrate these programs, and we aim to do more. As a society, we are far from finished with the work that began over a century ago when suffragists argued for women to have a voice. At UM, we are not afraid of the work ahead, emboldened by our faculty, staff, and students who have been advancing gender equity for decades.

We will continue to cultivate in students and in ourselves a commitment to powering a sea change.

UM Names First Director of S.E.A. Change Initiative to Advance Gender Equity

The University of Montana is pleased to announce that Twila Old Coyote has been named director of the S.E.A. Change Initiative, a new program focused on advancing equity for all. Through this initiative, UM fosters an environment that is safe for women, one that uniquely empowers all women to reach their full potential while accelerating them into careers of impact. Read the full news release about Old Coyote.

Featured Story

The Weight of Womanhood

You can’t see it, but I’m wearing a backpack. It’s heavy, but I never take it off. Every woman I know wears one. Perhaps you’re wearing one, too. It’s filled with the weight of your womanhood. The things you’ve picked up and carried along the way...

Read her story

"We are capable of changing systems and culture for the better when we commit to lifting up all people and championing the social causes of others. There’s an awakening happening that will advance equity and inclusion in all parts of society. I see that energy on the UM campus and in the S.E.A. Change Initiative."

-Dennis Eck, Business Executive, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist,  and University of Montana Alum

“SEA change is part of the University of Montana's broader commitment to an empowering educational experience for all students. It is part of our dedication to creating a more equitable future for people from all walks of life and requires consistent effort, optimism, teamwork and grace towards one another as we all continue to strive and grow together.”

-Chelsea Bodnar, MD, MPhil, First Spouse, University of Montana

“Addressing disparities across gender doesn’t impact just women. Including women from diverse backgrounds at all levels of organizations leads to better outcomes for everyone. The University of Montana has a role to play in driving a societal sea change and a better society.”

-Seth Bodnar, University of Montana President