Affinity Groups
Affinity groups are composed of people with a common purpose, outlook, social characteristic, or interest. These groups provide opportunities for networking, collaboration, engagement, support, and/or broadening of inclusivity and cultural awareness.
Washburn has several formally recognized affinity groups, including:
Faculty and Staff of Color Association (FSOCA): FSOCA is an affinity group with the goals of providing professional development, building community, and strengthening institutional support among employees who identify from marginalized groups. The group's objectives are to inspire inclusive excellence for faculty and staff of color provide support system for faculty and staff of color, and bridge the gap between faculty and staff of color.
Washburn Young Professionals: This affinity group seeks to cultivate a community and help increase the sense of belonging of young faculty and staff who work at Washburn and Washburn Tech. The group creates opportunities for faculty and staff primarily in their 20s and 30s to network. Group contacts are Carson Kay and Jillian Kimzey.
Women in Higher Education: The purpose of this affinity group is to implement alternative approaches to mentoring that emphasize non-hierarchical, horizontal and collaborative relationships that research shows tend to benefit women in academe. The group's objectives are to build professional bonds, increase institutional knowledge, provide peer mentoring in an informal setting.
White Accountability Group: This affinity group aims to foster an empowered, authentic community of white change agents on campus. The group's objectives are to provide opportunities to learn and practice skills to analyze and revise practices, policies, programs, and services to enhance racial equity.
If you are interested in more information about one of the groups above, or to join one of these groups, contact diversity.inclusion@washburn.edu.
To apply to create a new employee affinity group, complete this form.
