By Jennifer Sargent
Arizona Daily Wildcat
An estimated 500 young women will be skipping school today Ä but Mom and Dad say it's OK.
Instead of eating in their school's cafeteria, they will be joining their parents on the UA Mall for a picnic as part of the "1995 Daughters on Campus Day," an event similar to the national "Take Our Daughters to Work Day."
Connie Gajewski, a coordinator in the Office of the Provost, said the Ms. Foundation started the national event two years ago with the "idea that girls can come into the workplace and see a variety of things being done."
She said the Commission on the Status of Women brought the event to campus last year with the intent of demonstrating to girls what the university has to offer them.
"Girls come in with an image of what they can do, what choices lay ahead," Gajewski said. "Hopefully this event will expand that image. It's all about expanding their vision."
Popular events carried over from last year are a nature walk sponsored by Facilities Management and a "What's New on the Computer?" workshop in the Main Library and Science Library.
Another event is "Diggin' into the Past," sponsored by the archaeologists in the Arizona State Museum. There, daughters will be able try a hand at grinding corn.
Gajewski said although the event is aimed at girls, some employees and students will be bringing their sons as well. "It's unfortunate that some people view this event as taking away from the boys. Of course no one will be turned away just because he is a boy."
Registration is from 8 a.m. to noon in front of the Student Union and at the south entrance to the College of Medicine.