WSAC began over 100 years ago as the University Young Women, a part of the national Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA). Over the years our organization has changed dramatically, including a shift to collective structure, many moves from different offices, disaffiliation from the YWCA, and even a complete name-change. While we may not retain some of the same goals as the members who started the UYW in 1891, we are proud to have such a rich and pertinent history at the University of Minnesota.

1891

Twelve sophomore women formed the U-YWCA

1891-1906

U-YWCA members met in Old Main Hall, Burton Hall, the Daily office, and the President's office because the YWCA had no place of its own.

1897

Bertha Letcher, first general secretary of the U-YWCA, was employed, thus leading the way for other college YW's.

1898

A handbook was prepared for all girls graduating from high schools in Minnesota regarding living conditions and expenses at the University.

1900

The Advisory Board was formed.

1903

Ada Hillman, general secretary of the U-YWCA, succeeded in raising $20,000 from Thomas Shelvin to build a women's building on campus; two years he committed to $60,000, the full amount needed.

1906

U-YWCA moved to Shelvin Hall; part-time secretarial help was employed.

1911

U-YWCA began providing settlement houses and mission churches with student volunteer leaders.

1918

Funds were allocated to the YWCA from the War Chest Committee (later the Community Chest and then The United Way).

1940

U-YWCA moved to its office in Coffman Memorial Union; the 50th anniversary was celebrated.

1942

Freshman Orientation Camps were instituted by the U-YWCA.

1944

An Assistant Director joined the staff, the Association of Rooming House Students was organized by the U-YWCA (forerunner of the Dorm Councils).

1946

U-YWCA began the marriage seminar that was the forerunner of the University's family social science department.

1947

SPAN (Student Project for Amity Among Nations) was launched by the U-YWCA to promote education and travel of American students abroad.

1964

Voter registration project was carried out in Georgia and Virginia; the co-ed Frosh Council began; a joint YM-YW program committee was formed.

1965

Women's Week, "Women in the 21st century" was organized.

1975-1977

U-YWCA contributed to the movement to establish the Student Cultural Centers; the Black Student Information Center was housed at the YW.

1978

The Twin Cities chapter for the Gray Panthers began at the U-YWCA.

1979

U-YWCA became a program unit of the Minneapolis YWCA.

1985

The Women's Week program was revived and became an ongoing program; the first annual Rape-Free Zone was held; the name of the organization was official changed to the University YW.

1986

U-YW officially separated from the Minneapolis YWCA. Funding from United Way ended. Staff was cut to one half-time person.

1988

the student cabinet structure was altered to that of a collective.

1991

Centennial year celebrated.

1993

Budget nearly doubled through program-based fundraising; return to full-time staff funded for 1993-1994 year.

1999

U-YW moved to 720 Washington Ave. to accommodate Coffman renovations. We will return to Coffman as soon as renovations are complete.

2000

UYW moved to 825 Washington Ave, still awaiting Coffman renovations.

2001

UYW disaffiliated with the YWCA due to the organization's exclusion of transgender people and begins the name-change process.

2002

After several years of deliberation and discussion, the UYW changes its name to Women's Student Activist Collective.

2003

The Women's Student Activist Collective returns to Coffman Union.