The AWC focuses attention on issues important to female faculty and librarians. Some examples of topics the AWC has addressed in past years include the implementation and updating of the university equity policy; the reorganization of policies on harassment and sexual harassment; lobbying for increased daycare spaces; the fair implementation of maternity/parental/adoption leaves; childcare, eldercare, and work/family balance; and gender pay equity.

The Caucus encourages discussion of issues among its members through workshops and other public forums, articles in Purple Prose, information on AWC mailing list, and posts on the AWC blog.  AWC representation on university committees strengthens the equity perspectives in those contexts.  In addition, the AWC Chair usually meets with the Vice-President Academic & Provost twice a year to discuss pertinent matters. Meetings may be requested more often in response to specific topics that may arise. The AWC Chair keeps lines of communication open with the the Director, Academic Leadership Initiatives & Diversity Adviser in the VPAC’s office; the Office of Equity and Human Rights;  the unions; and other pertinent offices and people on campus. The AWC Chair may also consult with her counterpart in other institutions to get a sense of policies, procedures and histories in other universities.

AWC members are encouraged to contact the AWC Chair about issues they feel need addressing.