From caring for elderly parents and family members with disabilities, to dealing with long-distance dual-career issues, the UCF Center for Success of Women Faculty is offering a variety of workshops this semester.

Based on topics suggested by women faculty at the 2013 summer faculty conference, the center is facilitating these events to help attendees learn more about the challenges many will face and effective ways of dealing with these challenges.

Biology professor Linda Walters, the center’s director, said it is important for faculty members, staff and students to know that they are not alone when it comes to these issues. The women who will be leading the workshops are all living their stories while maintaining their professional roles on campus. All events are free and open to the public.

The first program will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30. Five women will share their stories about taking care of elderly relatives or children with disabilities. The speakers include Nicole Stack, from writing and rhetoric; Denise Gammonley, from the School of Social Work; Peggy Nuhn, a librarian with Regional Campuses; UCF alumnus and nurse Meighan Hanson, and Juli Dixon from the College of Education and Human Performance. The group’s presentation will be held in room 218D of the Student Union.

Other scheduled programs in this series are:

3-4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 19

Student Union, Key West Room 218D.

Topic: Legal Aspects of Caregiving. There’s more to caregiving than managing medications and treatment options. There is also the need to be proactive in managing parental financial resources. Carolyn Holman Sawyer (Sawyer & Sawyer, PA) a board-certified attorney in elder law, will share information.

Noon-1 p.m., Monday, Feb. 24

Colbourn Hall, Graduate Student Center Presentation Room 128.

Topic: Academia in Times of Economic Crisis: Demographic Trends in Dual-Career, Long-Distance Couples. This workshop will present demographic trends and statistics regarding the impact of the 2008 economic crisis on dual-career couples, especially recently graduated women with Ph.D.s. 

Noon-1 p.m., Thursday, March 13

Student Union, Key West Room 218D

Topic: Family Disability Care: Selecting Resources for Today and Tomorrow.

Choosing the most appropriate resources to care for a family member living with a disability is one of the most important efforts you can undertake to ensure a better present and future for your entire family. Learn about the services and resources available that can make a difference in the lives of loved ones.

11 a.m.–noon, Wednesday, March 26

Student Union, Key West Room 218D

Topic: Changing the Culture of Aging for our Elders and Ourselves.

This workshop will include an experimental exercise for participants to reflect on their future aging self as well as practical tips for advocating on behalf of elders in needs of long-term care.

4-5 p.m., Friday, April 14

Colburn Hall, Graduate Student Presentation Room 128

Topic: Balancing Life and Work: Strategies for Dual-Career, Long-Distance Couples.

This program will explore the impact of long-distance relationships at both a personal and professional level. There will also be time to discuss and plan initiatives that can offer support to faculty who are trying to balance life and work in the challenging circumstances of a long-distance relationship.

The women’s center promotes the success of all women faculty at the university through active mentoring, sponsored events to help faculty maximize their research, instructional and professional capabilities; advocacy; and providing resources to assist faculty to balance life and work.

The center also encourages excellence in scholarship, research, and creativity among UCF faculty and students in endeavors related to women.