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====== Fall 2011 Kickoff Event ======

===== Opening =====

Present how the conditions for women have gotten better but that there are still issues.  Show a little about science in general and each field through the ages (e.g., conditions in 1971, 1991, and 2011).  Maybe a little from each woman prof about what she loves about science and what is most challenging and how she copes with it.
===== Tools Discussion through Scenarios =====

==== Assigned Female-Stereotypical Tasks ====

**Scenario:** Boss or Teammates: "You are so much more organized than the rest of us guys: you're in charge of taking notes for the meetings, putting the notes online, reserving a room for our meetings, reserving equipment."  If you decline, then the boss/teammates accuses you of not being a team player.

**Answer Discussion:**
==== Your unexpected qualifications ====

**Scenario:** From an "enlightened" professor: "Congratulations on your award!  Your high GPA, your research experience, and you're a woman, so you really deserve this!"  

**Answer Discussion:**
  * this may be tricky because you can't really react to this from a professor
Yes, tricky, but can still respond with confidence - "yes, I've worked really hard and genuinely enjoyed the course work and research"
==== Jealous classmate ====

**Scenario:** "Oh, you got into Best University?  I didn't, and I have a higher GPA than you.  But, you're a woman, so they probably had a couple of spots reserved for women."

**Answer Discussion:**
You know GPA isn't the only consideration for graduate school. I've done research and really thought about my thesis project.  I think that counts for more.  And besides, you should be aware of the unconscious bias against woman.
Note: I think this is an important scenario, because its likely to come up with classmates now and not some distant future they don't yet understand.
==== Jealous Boyfriend ====

**Scenario:** "You spend a lot of time with Joe in the lab.  And, you always talk about him.  You can't _just_ be friends with a boy.  That's how we hooked up, remember?  I don't think you can work in that lab anymore."

**Answer Discussion:**

==== Unevolved Classmate ====

**Scenario:** Why are you in WITS?  Are you some kind of feminist?"  (probably would mention more about WITS, to help promote their group)

**Answer Discussion:**
What's wrong with being a feminist?
==== Interview with advisor/boss ====
**Scenario:** the you-can't-get-married-or-can't-have-a-baby

**Answer Discussion:**

==== Insensitive Boss ====

**Scenario:** Woman: "Our colleague comments on the outfits that the women in his classes wear, and it makes the students uncomfortable."  Boss: "What kind of things does he say?"  Woman: "Oh, just that the dress is pretty or something like that."  Boss: "I hate to think that we live in a world where we can't compliment each other."

**Answer Discussion:**

**Scenario:** Woman: here is an uncomfortable situation that is happening to me.  Boss: you need to toughen up and develop a thick skin

**Answer Discussion:**
Thanks for the fantastic advise.  I'll do that and next time I won't bother you with my piddly problems.  OK - maybe that's not the best reaction.
==== Tackling a Challenge ====

**Scenario:** Boss: "A scientific big-wig is coming to our office.  I'd like you to talk to her for 30 minutes."  You: "What me?  Oh, no.  I wouldn't know what to talk to her about.  Why don't you ask someone else and if no one else can, then maybe I can do it."  Maybe this one is a multiple choice one?

**Answer Discussion:**
This is the situation where you have to fake confidence.  You need to talk to the scientific big wig so even though its scary, do it.  
==== Difficult Group Dynamics ====

**Scenario:** Not getting your voice heard in a group

**Answer Discussion:** If you get interrupted, KEEP TALKING.  (That may drive you nuts first.)