Below is an evolving set of resources for those looking for more information about being a part of WiCS and information about some of the support available.
Articles
WICS maintains links to articles related to women in CS.
Student profiles
Learn more about some of the women CS students who have benefited from Waterloo and WICS.
Scholarships and Bursaries
Check out the growing list of scholarships and bursaries that are aimed specifically at women who are studying computer science.
Statistics
WICS has put together the following information to compare the ratio of female to male students over the years for undergraduates, graduates (master's and PhD), and faculty.
Undergraduate students
Year | Percentage of female undergraduate students |
---|---|
2001-02 |
18.8 |
2002-03 |
17.7 |
2003-04 |
15.7 |
2004-05 |
13.9 |
2005-06 |
13.5 |
2006-07 |
12.3 |
2007-08 |
12.4 |
2008-09 |
12.2 |
2009-10 |
12.5 |
2010-11 |
11.9 |
2011-12 |
12.8 |
2012-13 |
14.4 |
2013-14 |
15.2 |
2014-15 |
16.8 |
2015-16 |
18.6 |
2016-17 |
20.3 |
Graduate students
Both master's and PhD students
Year | Percentage of female undergraduate students |
---|---|
2001-02 |
23.1 |
2002-03 |
23.8 |
2003-04 |
24.0 |
2004-05 |
22.5 |
2005-06 |
20.9 |
2006-07 |
19.6 |
2007-08 |
19.7 |
2008-09 |
20.1 |
2009-10 |
20.2 |
2010-11 |
19.9 |
2011-12 |
18.1 |
2012-13 |
17.9 |
2013-14 |
17.5 |
2014-15 |
19.2 |
2015-16 |
21.1 |
2016-17 |
22.1 |
Faculty members
Year |
Full |
Associate |
Assistant |
Lecturer |
Research |
ISG |
2007-08 |
13.0 |
14.7 |
7.1 |
57.1 |
||
2011-12 |
11.5 |
15.8 |
0 (out of 4 profs) |
22.2 |
100 |
|
2016-17 |
18.2 |
13.8 |
10.0 |
15.4 |
75.0 |
66.7 |
Resources
We provide links to organizations providing support for and resources about women in computing at Waterloo and around the world, as well as resources for women at Waterloo.
External affiliates
- Association for Women in Computing — A professional organization promoting the advancement of women in the computing professions
- Association for Computing Machinery's Women in Computing Committee (ACM-W) — An organization providing a wide range of programs and services to advance the contributions of technical women
- Committee on the Status of Women in Computing Research (CRA-W) — An organization aiming to increase the number of women in computer science and engineering research and education at all levels
- Systers and CRA-W — Moderated mailing lists for women at different stages of their academic careers
- Women in Technology International — A global organization empowering women in business and technology
University of Waterloo
Campus Safety | W3 — Waterloo Women's Wednesdays | Women's Centre | Women in Engineering | Women in Math |
Kitchener-Waterloo
Girl Geeks Dinner KW | Kitchener-Waterloo Chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women
Other universities
Brown University | Carnegie Mellon University | Queen's University | Ryerson University | Simon Fraser University | Stanford University | University of Toronto | York University
Additional Resources
- The Ada Project
A clearinghouse for information and resources related to women in computing - Careers in Management Information Systems
A resource, compiled by Maryville University, on common careers in management information systems — the business applications for computers by overseeing the design, creation and implementation of computer information systems - Changing the Curve: Women in Computing
An infographic, created by datascience@berkeley, that explores the history and influence of women in computing - Five Women in Data Science
A feature article by Master’s in Data Science on five women in data science, who share advice on taking risks, building inclusivity and harnessing ‘street cred’ in tech - A Guide for Women in STEM
An overview prepared by Discover Data Science about the challenges women can face in STEM fields, reasons women should pursue a STEM-related career, and tips on how to encourage girls at an early age to follow their passion - History of Women in IT
Contributions of six women pioneers in computer science and technology compiled by Purdue University Global - University of Maryland Women's Studies Database on Women in Computing
- Women in STEM: A Guide to Bridging the Gender Gap
Prepared by Maryville University, this guide provides some information about the current gender and diversity gaps in STEM university studies and careers, reasons for those gaps, and strategies to help promote inclusivity in STEM-related industries. Diverse workplaces show an increase in productivity and creativity by introducing and representing different ideas and backgrounds.
Discrimination and Harassment
We sincerely hope that no one experiences problems on co-op but if you do, please tell a professional; harassment may escalate when problems are not reported.
If you are enrolled in co-op, you should read this story that educates co-op students about harassment in the workplace.
Educating co-op students about workplace harassment
https://uwaterloo.ca/stories/educating-co-op-students-about-workplace-harassment
If you experience problems on co-op, you are encouraged to approach your CECA student advisor, or to approach one of the two CECA advisors who specialize in reports of harassment.
A new Sexual Violence Response Coordinator (SVRC) works outside CECA and is responsible for providing support to students, faculty and staff who experience sexual harassment or sexual violence. (Sexual harassment falls under UW’s definition of sexual violence, and is covered by Policy 42 and by the SVRC. The SVRC provides support whether or not an official complaint is made.)
Harassment and Discrimination
https://uwaterloo.ca/co-operative-education/prepare-work/work-term/harassment-and-discrimination
Sexual Violence
If you are affected by sexual violence you are strongly encouraged to seek support, including medical attention as needed. The University of Waterloo’s Office of Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion lists resources in the Waterloo Region.
Campus Wellness
Campus Wellness helps all students at the University of Waterloo. Their professionals provide primary medical care and mental health services using an inclusive, connected, and collaborative approach.
You can contact Joanne Atlee, Director of WiCS, if you are not supported by the above services and professionals.
Alumni
Women in Computer Science are making a large impact in various roles all over the world. Learn where our alumni students are working now.
Position | Company | Country |
---|---|---|
Lead Analyst | ANZ Wealth | Australia |
Senior Consultant | Skura Corporation | Brazil |
|
|
Canada |
|
|
China |
IT Manager | Guardsman Group Ltd. | Jamaica |
Director of Manufacturing | Soluciones Computacionales | Mexico |
Professor | University of Bergen | Norway |
Assistant Professor | Comenius University | Slovakia |
Research Coordinator | UAE University | UAE |
|
|
US |