The Academic Women’s Caucus has its origins with a group of women who started meeting in 1985 to discuss matters of interest to female faculty, especially in relation to equity.   At that time, many women were the only female members of their units.  In 1986, then Vice-President Academic Murray Fraser recognized the group as the Ad Hoc Committee on Women’s Academic Affairs.  It became known as the Faculty Women’s Caucus.  In 2006, changed its name to The Academic Women’s Caucus.

Over the years, the Academic Women’s Caucus has had a voice in diverse initiatives and issues.  These include the implementation of the university equity policy, the re-organization of the Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy, lobbying for increased daycare spaces, the Gender Equity Task Force, and many other relevant topics.  The Caucus provides a network for women across the university to meet each other, share information, and support each other.