Wendy Robbins, professor of English at the University of New Brunswick and vice-president, women's issues, of the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences (CFHSS) will join CAUT as a visiting scholar for the 2003-2004 year. Her work will focus on several gender and equity-related research projects.

In announcing the appointment, executive director James Turk said CAUT was delighted to have a scholar of Robbins' stature as a visitor for the coming year. "Wendy has played a leading role in women's studies and brings formidable intellect and energy to an important area of work for CAUT."

Robbins will be collaborating with CAUT to produce the annual statistical report, Ivory Towers: Feminist Audits, a joint effort of CFHSS, CAUT and PAR-L, and contributing to a national survey, cosponsored by CAUT and CFHSS, to gain a more precise understanding of the faculty wage gap. During her tenure as visiting scholar, Robbins will also be developing a collection of autobiographical essays on the founders of women's studies across Canada.

Robbins has served as chair of the Women's Issues Network, joint chair of women's studies at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, and director of research at the former Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women. She is principal investigator and co-founder of the PAR-L Strategic Research Network.

The appointment will take effect on July 1, 2003.