Female support staff, administrative staff, and faculty interested in learning how to advance their careers and hone their leadership skills are invited to attend the Fourth Annual Women's Leadership Institute to be held at the Russell House May 1.

The institute is free of charge, thanks to funding from USC Provost Mark Becker.

"More than 150 women attended last year, and we hope for an even bigger turnout this year," said Viki Sox Fecas, program manager in the USC Career Center and an organizer of the event. The institute is sponsored by the Provost's Advisory Committee for Women's Issues.

The program will begin at 8:30 a.m. (registration starts at 8 a.m.) and will conclude about 1:30 p.m. Featured workshops will discuss financial planning for women, work/life balance, women's heart health, and negotiating a better salary and benefits. There also will be opportunities for networking.

"This is a wonderful way for women across departments and roles to come together for dialogue about shared topics of interest," Fecas said.

There will be a Mediterranean buffet luncheon and door prizes.

To register online, go to www.sa.sc.edu/womensleadership/index.html.

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