Conference

Building Community & Creating Unity through Faculty Staff Affinity Groups

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Abstract

In an effort to enhance the quality of life amongst faculty and staff, campus employees have joined efforts to formally establish "Faculty & Staff Affinity groups" to address areas of need and foster community. Whether the focus is building community through social events, addressing issues of injustice, or increasing visibility and awareness, there are commonalities amongst them all.

Though each group is autonomous with its own mission and core values, in this session, they've joined forces to share their stories and encourage the development of other faculty/staff affinity groups on campus. The Black Faculty & Staff Association (BFSA), Latino Faculty and Staff Association (LFSA), and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Faculty & Staff Association (LGBT FSA), will be educating university employees about their groups and empowering participants to identify shared interest to create their own groups. This presentation will be most helpful for Iowa State faculty/staff members, but all are welcome to join the discussion.