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Storm Advisory

UHart will remain closed on Tuesday, Feb. 24. There will be no in-person classes held on Tuesday. Please note that when a campus closing prevents an in-person class from meeting at its scheduled time, faculty may opt to conduct classes or provide assignments online. Students should check Blackboard and their email regularly on such days to learn of any alternate arrangements. Online and remote courses are not affected by campus closings and meet as scheduled.

Students who left campus prior to the storm may arrive back on campus after 11 a.m. on Tuesday. See parking relocation instructions for residential students.  

Storm Updates and Emergency Closing Information

Women’s Advancement

The Women’s Advancement Initiative (formerly WELFund) is a distinctive program at the University of Hartford that uniquely positions students, faculty, and staff for success through education and leadership programs, research and scholarship opportunities, and career connections and experiences.

Built on the heritage of Hartford College for Women, The Women’s Advancement Initiative challenges, encourages, and empowers all those served by its programs at the University of Hartford and beyond. The Women’s Advancement Initiative is supported and sustained by a community of women and men who believe that advancing an individual’s potential is a personal and collective priority.

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Ninety Years of Empowering Students in Hartford

Hartford College for Women 90th Anniversary Image

Hartford College for Women began as Mount Holyoke in Hartford, a “noble experiment” in 1933. It came at a time when many had limited access to higher education opportunities. Over the years, there have been notable celebrations honoring Hartford College for Women, some based on its founding in 1933 and others on its inception as an independent college in 1939. The College’s past and each celebration connect students across decades. The Hartford College for Women's legacy is rich with stories.

In 2023, we commemorated “90 Years of Empowering Students in Hartford ” with a special anniversary event and commemorative book.

Education, Opportunity, and Impact

The Women's Advancement Initiative is proud to continue the legacy of Hartford College for Women. In 2006, the organization was established to offer educational opportunities and celebrate the legacy of Hartford College for Women. Today, our organization offers leadership training, personal and professional development workshops, and resilience and opportunity coaching to students, faculty, and staff.

The design of our signature program, LEAD (Leadership Education and Development), was inspired by the way students at Hartford College for Women were supported and challenged. We proudly continue to provide education, create opportunities, and impact the lives of those served through our programs.

Student Programs

The Women’s Advancement Initiative helps students become successful through education and leadership programs such as LEAD and Dorothy Goodwin Project Grants.
Legacy

The Women’s Advancement Initiative is proud to celebrate and continue the legacy of Hartford College for Women. Hartford College for Women Trustees and University of Hartford Regents came together to create a new focus and opportunity in education—one right for the times—an education in leadership skills for students, where they could be challenged and supported in the tradition of Hartford College.
Faculty and Staff Programs

Through exciting scholarship and mentoring programs like the Laura Johnson Leaders Program, The Women’s Advancement Initiative also supports the development and growth of faculty and staff.

W Magazine

women on campus

Are you interested in reading about our heritage, success stories, and programming? Read our annual W magazine.

Learn More

Upcoming Events

Aerial view of UHart's campus, looking towards Hartford

Annual Symposium

Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. | UHart campus

We invite you to join us for an evening of creativity, community building, and collaboration. Experience The Women’s Advancement Initiative through the eyes of students, faculty, and staff who benefit from our programs. Discover innovative research and creative projects from Dorothy Goodwin grantees and their faculty and staff mentors, meet Laura Johnson Leaders, and participate in live leadership lessons presented by today’s LEAD students.

RSVP to the Annual Symposium

LEAD Alumnae 10th Anniversary Reunion

Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Hartford Flavor Parlour

Mark your calendars! We're celebrating our LEAD alumnae at a spring 2026 reunion. Reconnect with your cohort members, share stories, and make new memories. Stay tuned for more details!

Coming soon: RSVP to the LEAD Alumnae Reunion

Support The Women's Advancement Initiative

WAI award ceremony

Your gifts to The Women's Advancement Initiative help us to:

  • Build on the values instilled at Hartford College for Women
  • Provide students with opportunities for leadership training, personal development, career connections, and mentoring
  • Bring lessons to life with fun, fast-paced, interactive activities that promote teamwork, problem-solving, and clear communication
  • Support scholarly and innovative research projects by students with faculty and staff mentors
  • Send students to national conferences
  • Inspire the next generation to be leaders
Make a Gift