The Undergraduate Student Government Department of Women's Affairs is ready to go and we invite all the women and supportive folks in the Penn State and State College community to join us in celebrating the wonderful things happening for and about women.

Let's run through the list and see what makes you smile the most.

1. Issue-oriented events: We are working with folks to set up a multi-cultural round table discussion to hash out what happens when women attempt to combat the oppressions of racism and sexism.

We realize we need to make a more positive effort to understand and support the needs of women of color. It is our hope a discussion such as this will lead the way for future generations of Penn State women to foster better race relations and communal spirit.

2. Cultural events and celebrations: OK, here we go -- you name it, we've got it. Watch for this because it will happen soon. We are hosting a Women Gathering for women and supportive folks who would like to get together and shoot the you-know-what about whatever they and their involvements have going on and see how we can pull together and get some projects going. It's high time we all got to know each other and felt like a community.

On another front, IN THE COMPANY OF WOMEN is coming in April. IN THE COMPANY OF WOMEN is an arts festival by, for and about women. We are looking for submissions in the areas of poetry, short fiction, film, theater and performance pieces, dance, visual areas and music.

The event is set for April 11-16 (only 3 months away) and we at USG are very excited about it. Submissions will be accepted from women, men, children and dogs. Criteria for inclusion will be based on the idea that anything goes, as long as it is pro-woman and harms no one.

There is much more to say and do. We've noticed some wonderful things happening for women in the sciences here, and safety issues and concerns are being addressed as they come to us.

Please come and see us -- we'd love to have some coffee and chat about your needs.