Canadian Journal of Higher Education

Contributions of academic women in Canadian universities are reviewed to determine whether their participation has reached a "critical mass." Specifically, scholarship about higher education, participation rates within academic ranks, and the frequency of administrative appointments are examined as illustrations of research, teaching and service, the traditional pillars that represent academic achievement. A fundamental assumption is that to achieve equity, a critical mass of women academics must promote and maintain gender sensitivity through these three pillars. Results indicate that, in a few instances, the minimum level of participation (35%) was attained, but generally, critical mass has not yet been reached.