In addition to South High School, there are 377 high schools represented in Macalester's class of 2004. She also stresses that the student body and Admissions need to work together to create the Macalester environment that makes the college unique. WISM has had a presence on campus in past years, but was absent last year. This year, WISM hopes to reestablish the group as a resource for interested women. The women WISM intends to support include majors, minors, first-years, seniors, and all those in between who possess a curiosity and desire to learn about math and science.
Several theories exist as to why the organization fell out of the spotlight.
Last year, it appears, the momentum halted. A couple years back, the group organized few events, Susan Fox, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science, said. Macalester's student body contains more females than males, yet within science majors the ratio of males to females can be as high as ten to one, such as in computer science and mathematics. Biology and Chemistry ratios are generally more balanced. With all the pressures of beginning college, an outnumbered or unsupported female could feel intimidated.