Alvernia offers an interdisciplinary minor in women’s and gender studies that will expose students to the historical, economic, social, psychological, and political factors that have shaped traditional gender roles, contemporary issues of gender and sexuality, and historical struggles and achievements of women. As a discipline that addresses how gender intersects with categories such as sex, race, class, ethnicity, and nationality to shape identities and communities, WGS is committed to the ideals of inclusivity and diversity and shares in the Franciscan tradition of working toward social justice. By developing students’ awareness of diversity, equality, and justice, this program participates in Alvernia’s mission to provide students an intellectual breadth and an ethical foundation for their life-long personal and professional growth.