Studies challenges existing epistemologies and forges exciting new scholarship based on the centrality of gender as a category of analysis. The Program fosters an awareness of the varied theoretical approaches to the study of women, feminism, and gender and it recognizes that there is great diversity among women and therefore, many feminists, not only in the United States but worldwide. Studies seeks to improve critical thinking and to provide students with the intellectual means to question prevailing assumptions. It encourages students to explore the contexts and ideological origins of knowledge and to examine the relationship between knowledge and power in society. It promotes social responsibility through revealing the connections between personal experience and political activity and validates student contributions and voices.
Studies thus cultivates innovative pedaggogies based on collaborative learning approaches.
The Program also aims to increase the solidarity among women on campus and to improve the campus climate for women by organizing conferences, symposia, seminars and social events, and by working collaboratively with other women ' s units on campus and ISU's ethnic studies programs. In addition, it seeks to forge links with women ' s organizations and activists locally and globally.