Affinity Groups

About  Affinity Groups

As part of Mason's commitment to inclusive excellence, the Office of Faculty Affairs and Development supports several affinity groups. These groups provide our diverse faculty, doctoral students, and staff with a sense of community, inclusion , and belonging. The groups also serve as spaces for discussion of issues that impact the success and well-being of Black, Indigenous, Latine, Multiracial, Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islanders , as well as faculty/staff with disabilities and historically underserved doctoral students. Finally, the affinity groups facilitate connections and professional partnerships and champion strategic efforts to support the success of their members. The affinity groups are open to all faculty (tenured, tenure-track, term, adjunct, administrative, and professional), doctoral students, and staff.

The Office of Human Resources coordinates several employee resources groups (ERGs). We are including some on this page; for a complete list, go to their website.

For more information about any of the Affinity Groups, contact Dr. Milagros (Millie) Rivera, Director of Faculty Engagement & Wellbeing.

    Groups   

    AAPI—Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander Affinity Group

    The mission of the AAPI Affinity Group is two-fold: (1) to provide a forum for discussing work and life experiences that affect AAPI faculty and staff, and (2) to celebrate diversity at Mason. We strive to build a supportive community that will improve quality of life and work experiences at Mason. We are dedicated to embracing diversity, and raising cultural awareness within the University.  

    Spring 2024 Meetings

    February 8, 12 noon (virtual)

    March 13, 12 noon (virtual)

    April 19, 12 noon (virtual)

                                                                                 

    If you did not receive an email with the Zoom link via our Listserv, contact Ms. Amy Ayres or Dr. Millie Rivera and we will send you the links for the meetings and add you to the listserv (if you so desire). 

    Aging Parents Employee Support Group (ERG)

    Join other Mason employees in navigating the challenges related to having aging parents. This group is for employees with aging parents who are looking to connect with others, share advice, and be part of a supportive community.

     

    The group will meet monthly over Zoom on Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. If you are interested in joining or have questions, please contact Laura Winkler at lwinkler@gmu.edu.

    Black Male Faculty and Staff Group (ERG)

    The mission of the Black Male Faculty and Staff group is to promote a sense of community among its members, improve their quality of life, and offer an atmosphere of cultural and social networking. This group seeks to share resources/information, and build relationships in a space that is safe, vulnerable, and accessible. Join our meetings on a monthly basis for meaningful conversation and support, as well as occasional in-person activities. For the meeting schedule, to be included on the listserv and the Microsoft Teams Group, or if you have any questions, please contact Philip Wilkerson at pwilkers@gmu.edu.

    BLIM—Black, Latine, Indigenous, Multiracial Faculty

    The mission of the BLIM group is to promote a sense of community among its members, improve their quality of life, and offer an atmosphere of cultural and social networking among its members. The group also seeks to share best practices to support the advancement and retention of faculty from historically marginalized groups and provide safe spaces for rest and rejuvenation.   

    Spring 2024 Meetings

    February 7, 12 noon (virtual): Strategies for the Success of BLIM Faculty   

    March 14, , 12 noon (virtual): Critical Issues Impacting BLIM Faculty

    April 17, 12 noon (virtual): The Importance of Rest to our Overall Wellbeing

     

    If you did not receive an email with the Zoom link via our Listserv, contact Ms. Amy Ayres or Dr. Millie Rivera and we will send you the links for the meetings and add you to the listserv (if you so desire). 

    First-Gen Affinity Group

    The mission of the First-Gen Affinity Group is to build a supportive, cross-campus network of First-Gen professionals, and to provide spaces for information sharing and community-building. This group brings together Mason faculty and staff, who actively seek to support one another’s professional development while supporting the success of Mason’s robust first-generation student community through engagement with First-Gen-focused initiatives, including Mason’s First Gen+ Center.  

    Spring 2024 Meetings Coming Soon!

     

    If you did not receive an email with the Zoom link via our Listserv, contact Ms. Amy Ayres or Dr. Millie Rivera and we will send you the links for the meetings and add you to the listserv (if you so desire). 

    SPARK-Scholars Promoting Access, Representation, and Knowledge

    SPARK (Scholars Promoting Access, Representation, and Knowledge ) provides a welcoming and safe space for students who don’t always feel reflected or supported on campus or have faced or experienced social, economic, and historical challenges. The mission of the group is to bring doctoral and MFA students together and promote a sense of community through resource and information sharing and access to mentorship and networks that positively impact educational and career outcomes. The group also serves to increase access to critical services based on unique identities or specific needs. Finally, the SPARK Affinity Group names and addresses systemic issues that hinder the likelihood of educational success of Black/African American, Latine/Hispanic, Indigenous, Biracial, Multiracial, Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, African students as well as working students with families, military and veteran students, students with disabilities, and first-generation students. This list is not exhaustive. If you face or have experienced marginalization, this group welcomes you! 

    Spring 2024 Meetings

    Monday 02/19: Words of Wisdom: Diverse Faculty Share Hidden Curriculum Tips 3-4:30 pm (Virtual)

    Wednesday 03/19: Forge Bonds, Spark Ideas: Scholarly Connections for Community Building 3-4:30 pm (Virtual)     

    Thursday 04/18: Reflect & Reset: Year-End Pause and Check-In 3-4:30 pm  (In person at Einstein's Bagel Bros, Merten Hall)

     

    If you did not receive an email with the Zoom link via our Listserv, contact Ms. Amy Ayres or Dr. Millie Rivera and we will send you the links for the meetings and add you to the listserv (if you so desire). 

    Juntos—Mason Hispanic/Latine Alliance

    The mission of Juntos (Mason Hispanic/Latine Alliance) is to cultivate a safe and inclusive campus community that affirms cultural awareness and belonging. Juntos seeks to center the Hispanic/Latine experience by advocating for the recruitment, retention and advancement of diverse faculty and staff, and by engaging, elevating, and holistically supporting our Hispanic/Latine community at Mason.   

    Spring 2024 Meetings

    January 30, 12 to 1 p.m. (Virtual). At this meeting we will discuss opportunities to attend events and trainings related to our community, including Undocu-Ally, Every Campus is a Refuge, as well as details about the Virginia Latino Higher Education Network Conference. Don’t miss it!

    April 11, 11 30 to 1 p.m. (In person), Mertin Hall 1201. This meeting is a celebration of Pan American Day. It will feature a speaker, opportunities to engage with colleagues and all attendees are encouraged to bring a dish from their country (potluck style).

     

    If you did not receive an email with the Zoom link via our Listserv, contact Ms. Amy Ayres or Dr. Millie Rivera and we will send you the links for the meetings and add you to the listserv (if you so desire). 

    LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Alliance (ERG)

    The mission of the LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Alliance is to support the University’s mission and vision through the promotion of an inclusive and affirming campus climate for all faculty, staff, and students. Membership in the LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Alliance shall be open to all faculty and staff currently employed at George Mason University on a part-time or full-time basis, including graduate assistants.

    Please visit the LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Alliance webpage to learn more and become a member.

    Disability & Neurodivergence Alliance (DNA)

    The Disability & Neurodivergence Alliance (DNA) is a social justice group that strives to create a safe and inclusive space for staff/faculty with disabilities, and their allies. Disability can include, but is not limited to, sensory, intellectual, mental health/psychiatric, neurodivergent, physical/mobile, and learning disabilities. Whether you are diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or questioning, this space is for you. Our mission is to foster a community where we can discuss and combat discriminatory practices and cultures, share resources, successes, and challenges, and create a welcoming environment where everyone feels celebrated. We are committed to moving from awareness to joy and pride, and we welcome all university staff and faculty to join us in this important journey. 

    Spring 2024 Meetings

    January 31, 12 noon (virtual) 

    February 28, 12 noon (virtual)

    March 27, 12 noon (virtual)

    April 24 , 12 noon (virtual)

     

    If you did not receive an email with the Zoom link via our Listserv, contact Ms. Amy Ayres or Dr. Millie Rivera and we will send you the links for the meetings and add you to the listserv (if you so desire).  

    Working Mothers Support Group (ERG)

    The Support Group for Working Mothers at Mason is one way Mason faculty, staff, and students can come together, discuss the issues confronting working mothers, and perhaps motivate changes on campus. If you are interested in sharing stories and being part of an informal organization of working mothers, please visit the Working Moms Support Group website for more information. For additional information or questions, please contact engagehr@gmu.edu.