Next fall students will have an important resource on campus: the N.C. Central Women’s Center.

A task force has been exploring ways to use the new center since June 2004.

The panel was made up of 15 students, faculty and staff members.

It was headed by Frances Graham, associate vice chancellor of student affairs, and Yolanda Tibbs, assistant director of residential life.

“When I took on the responsibility of the Women’s Center, I suggested we have a task force to get information about the campus, student needs and the staff’s perception,” said Graham, co-chair of the task force.

According to Graham, 67 percent of NCCU’s students are women.

The Women’s Center was the vision of Roland Gaines, vice chancellor of student affairs.

“With so many female students we need to concentrate on women’s issues,” Gaines said.

“I think it would be great for women to have a venue and opportunity to discuss their issues.”

The task force has been meeting monthly to decide what the center should look like, how it should be staffed and what programs it should offer, Graham said.

According to Tibbs, the task force co-chair, the group has visited other college women’s centers for ideas.

“We liked the women’s center at N.C. State University,” Tibbs said. “We liked the services it held and its atmosphere.

“Their center primarily focused on the needs of students,” she added.

“We want ours to focus on the needs of not only students, but faculty and staff.”

The group plans to offer a library with books about women’s issues, meeting spaces and classrooms.

They also plan to have a changing station, kitchen and even a breast pump for students and faculty with children.

They also plan to hold seminars and forums to educate students about gender issues.

“The possibilities to enjoy the space will be endless,” said Graham, who added that the center will also be open to men.

“Men who have women in their lives — mothers, sisters, girlfriends, etc. — and single fathers can gain a great deal from the Women’s Center,” Graham said.

The task force has already sponsored programs on campus.

Their first program was in September, when Lori Robinson, a rape survivor, shared her experiences with students.

“The program was very successful and well attended,” Graham said.

The task force will also bring the poet Mona Daye to campus during the week of March 28.

The group plans to post an online survey this month for students to offer suggestions.

Graham said a women’s center is just what NCCU needs. “The center will bring a lot of attention to women’s needs and will give women a chance to have their voices heard.”

“There is a lack of women in leadership positions,” Graham said.

“They arxe often behind the scene. Young women need role models to allow them to build leadership positions and the Women’s Center will allow us to build the skills for women to become great leaders.”