How to Establish an Affinity Group - Diversity and Inclusion

OVERVIEW

Affinity groups build shared community amongst individuals with similar personal or professional interests based upon mutual understanding and/or identity. In support of Syracuse University’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) provides guidance to staff, faculty, or students who would like to form an affinity group.

ESTABLISHING AN AFFINITY GROUP

To establish an affinity group, please following the steps below:

Identify affinity group leadership – it is recommended that leadership consist of no more than one to two individuals. The leadership will work to maintain and manage the group, set the agenda for meetings, lead planning activities.
Develop a mission/vision statement – define what the group’s purpose, what it does and what it seeks to do long-term.
Determine a group name – ideally the name of the group will communicate who and how the group serves e.g. Black staff affinity group. However, feel free to be creative.
Establish goals and objectives – identify three to five things the group seeks to accomplish. Ensure that the goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.
Register your affinity group with ODI
Complete the annual affinity group assessment – each academic year, ODI will issue an email to the affinity group leadership team to identify opportunities for support and assess the group’s impact.

AFFINITY GROUP BEST PRACTICES

Once an affinity group has been established, the below are suggested best practices for managing and maintaining a successful affinity group:

Recruit members – identity those on campus who might benefit from the affinity group and establish a plan to invite them to join the group.

Create an engagement schedule – determine how often the group will meet and maintain a consistent schedule.

Organize social opportunities – as part of the engagement schedule, include dedicated time for social activities.

Partner with ODI – contact ODI for changes in leadership, mission/vision, and to discuss opportunities and challenges.

The below are affinity groups available to faculty, staff, and/or students. To add your affinity group to this list, please contact diversity@syr.edu.

Asian-American Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Affinity Group

A group that works to bring attention and understanding to Asian and Asian American issues and culture.

If you would like to learn more about this group, please email Ricky Pak at rpak02@syr.edu and/or Mary Szto at mcszto@syr.edu.

Athletics

Athletic Department Men's Affinity Group

If you would like to learn more about this group, please email Anthony S Cosby at ascosby@syr.edu.

Athletic Department Women's Affinity Group

If you would like to learn more about this group, please email Veronica L Tearney at vdyer@syr.edu.

College of Arts and Sciences/Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

SistaProf

A group of black faculty who identify as women in the College of Arts and Sciences.

If you would like to learn more about this group, please contact Kishi Ducree at kanimash@syr.edu.

Faculty-of-Color, Under-Represented Graduate Students, and International Graduate Students

A group of under-represented graduate students and international graduate students.

If you would like to learn more about this group, please contact Kishi Ducree at kanimash@syr.edu and/or Gladys McCormick at gmccormi@maxwell.syr.edu.

College of Law

Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA)

A group that works to bring attention and understanding to Asian and Asian American issues and culture, and to provide an academic support system for all students to connect with the APALSA community.