thursday, September 22, 1977
daily nebraskan
page 7
UNL women enrollment figures increase slowly
The increased number of undergraduate women en
rolled at UNL in the past 10 years follows 'a national trend
in college enrollment.
According to a Census Bureau report released last
month, the number of- women under age 35 attending
college has doubled in the past decade. The report also
said that women account for 47 per cent of the college
age student population.
The trend at UNL is not so pronounced as it is
nationally.
UNL enrollment figures indicate the number of women
enrolled at UNL has increased gradually. Since 1967,
the number of women enrolled has increased by only 31
per cent and only 44 per-cent of. the total number of
undergraduates are women.
Nevertheless, women have made gains in certain areas
in relation to their male counterparts. For example, the
total number of undergraduates increased by 2,785 from
1967 to 1977. Women represented 70 per cent of that
increase.
Bob Reid, assistant dean of academic services, said
that women have more opportunities than they had 19
years ago. He said, equal rights for women and possibly
pressure from parents and even high school counselors
could explain the increased numbers.
"Women recognize they have a place in a working
society and are looking for the necessary preparation to
assume it."
Comparisons between enrollment figures for
September 1967 and 1977 bear out these observations.
For example, there were 20 women enrolled in the
College of Engineering and Technology in 1967. This fall
there are five times that number in the college. Mean
while, the number of men in the same college has dropped
by 443.
In the College of Business Administration, the number
of women has increased from 129 to 685.
Reid also had figures on the numbers of freshmen
enrolle'd for the first time at UNL. Again, the number of
men was down from 1967, while the number of women
was up. '
Reid speculated that one reason for the decrease in
male enrollment was the end of the Vietnam war and sub
v sequent end of the draft. When the draft ended, men no
longer had to choose between going to college and going
to war. "
Reid said minor influences on enrollment that vary
from year to year are the economy and the birth rate.
Women scientists
sponsor lectures
To provide information about science careers to under
graduate women, the Lincoln Chapter of Graduate
Women in Science is sponsoring a symposium next month.
The program is "a response to changing times," said
Kathleen .Keeler program committee member. "You're
seeing women in careers you're not used to seeing them
in. - . ,
The Oct. 26, 27 symposium will include lectures by
"nine outstanding women scientists," information booths,
laboratory tours and a panel discussion, Keeler said.
Topics for the panel discussion will include: choosing a
science career, women in science, career and family life
styles and training for science careers.
A speaker is being sought for an evening lecture for the
general public. Dr. Margaret Mead was scheduled to speak
but cancelled the engagement. N !.
Although aimed at undergraduate women, Keeler said
that the program will be available to anyone interested.
Jjfi I Would 1 be very happy if this inforniatibh' 'went ' to
men too," she said. ' "
' Funding for the symposium was obtained in coopera
tion with the Colleges of Agriculture . and Arts and
Sciences. The colleges engaged the women scientists to
speak to their faculty so they will then be available for the
seminars.
Graduate Women in Sciences dates back to the 1920's
when it was an affiliate of Sigma Delta Epsilon, Keeler
said. It is open to anyone interested in science or mathe
matics. Programs of the chapter include a scholarship and re
search program, an introductory program for graduate
students and a paper reading session in April.
There will be a meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, in 308
Oldfather for those people interested in helping lead
sessions.
Businesses looking for women'
The law of supply and demand apparently does not
apply to the college where it frequently is practiced.
While women's enrollment in the college" of business
administration has steadily increased during the past
10 years, their chances of getting : a job also have
increased, according to CBA's acting associate dean
Art Kraft. . ,
"Corporations are looking for women," he said,
"They want to have women in the organization."
. Companies formerly were reluctant to train women
fpr management positions because they were afraid the
women would get married and leave. It was a waste of
money, but not anymore, Kraft said. , .
More and more women are pursuing advanced de
grees, Kraft said. When they come with those credits
in physics, engineering, marketing and such," corpora
tions figure wome, n are more willing to stay on the job.
; s : "The batter skills women have,, the better oppor
tunities they have, he said. There is no longer a teacher
syndrome, he explained. Women want to compete for
jobS... (.,.,,,.,.,..,-.-. '., fi ...
.. ; '. i !
More women want to work, Kraft said. "They want
to get out of the house and expand their horizons.
They want to contribute,to be part of the corpora
tion." '
A greater number of women are taking a shorter
time out to raise a family, he said.' Many have the
education and the skills to get a good job. The only
drawback is that most of the jobs are out of state.
"Nebraska is not a heavy manufacturing stateit's
mainly agri-business and financial and insurance,"
he said.' -
"For every one advantage in Nebraska," he said,
"women have nine opportunities outside. They want
the best job in money and career opportunity ,' ,
There are opportunities - in Nebraska, but not as
many. Women "have a shot . at all managerial
positions," Kraft said, ,
Most of the jobs are middle management,' with
the opportunity to move up in the organization, he "
said.
Two women who graduated from the college with a
masters in business administration (MBA) last year
found jobs in international' corporations. One will
make $19,000, which is the highest starting salary for
an MBA. The other found ar job in Lincoln and is
making $16,000. ' '- ' - '
The big push is for women, Kraft said. Corporations
are looking at undergraduates, hey want to start
training right out of college. -
Call toll free:
8Q0-424-858Q- Peace
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