Affinity Groups
Inclusive Excellence Initiative
Nine communities. One goal: Inclusion for ALL.
Affinity groups are faculty- and staff-led communities built around shared identity, experience and interest. Every group is open to all Columbian College of Arts & Sciences (CCAS) and School of Engineering & Applied Science (SEAS) faculty and staff. Join the ones that speak to you, or find the one you didn't know you were looking for.
9
Affinity Groups
4
New for 2026–27
100%
Open to CCAS and SEAS Faculty and Staff
What Is an Affinity Group?
Belonging, by and for CCAS and SEAS employees.
Affinity groups are employee-led and -facilitated communities formed around interests, backgrounds, identities, experiences and other common bonds. Through participation, staff and faculty help foster a community of belonging by actively contributing to an inclusive and respectful workplace — one that values diversity, inclusion and respect in practice, not just in principle.
Every affinity group is open to all faculty and staff, whether you share the group's identity or simply want to show up as a supportive ally. Browse all nine groups on this page, and reach out directly to get involved.
Established Groups
Five founding affinity groups from the CCAS Inclusive Excellence Initiative
BIPOC
The mission of the Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Affinity Group is to foster a greater sense of community and mutual support among the BIPOC faculty and staff of CCAS and SEAS through mentoring and networking in an effort to provide an organized support system that will enhance the cultural diversity within the college.
LatinX
The LatinX Affinity Group is an advocacy, leadership development and social network that addresses LatinX issues in higher education, including the educational concerns and advancement of the CCAS and SEAS LatinX community.
Women of CCAS and SEAS
The Women of CCAS and SEAS Affinity Group's mission is to offer a safe space to discuss and access resources, commune in fellowship, expand professional networks and strengthen social interactions.
APIDA
Recognizing and honoring the rich ethnic, cultural and social diversity of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) faculty and staff, the purpose of the APIDA Affinity Group is to create, engage, maintain and sustain a visible and supportive APIDA community.
LGBTQIA+
The LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group's vision is to foster a college climate where all members of the Faculty, Staff and Allies are valued and respected, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
NEW FOR 2026–27
Four new communities launched this year as part of the expanded Affinity Group Leadership and Engagement Framework.
Rooted Together
A network supporting CCAS and SEAS single-parent faculty and staff, the Rooted Together Affinity Group offers practical resources, flexible community and mutual encouragement for balancing career and caregiving.
Faith Forward
An interfaith community supporting CCAS and SEAS faculty and staff to explore the connections between spirituality, wellbeing and professional life, honoring the full diversity of traditions represented across the two schools.
Valor Circle
A community supporting CCAS and SEAS faculty and staff who are veterans or connected to military service, aimed at supporting the transition from military to academic careers, fostering camaraderie and advocating for veteran-inclusive practice.
Adaptive Voices
A community supporting CCAS and SEAS faculty and staff with disabilities and their allies, working together to advance accessibility, self-advocacy and inclusive practice across the college.
Join the Adaptive Voices Group
Lead a Group
Several groups are looking for a chair or co-chair.
Leading an affinity group is a one-year, renewable commitment supported directly by the CCAS Office of DEI — including help with planning a budget, finding meeting space and offering communications support.
Quick Links:
Questions? Contact the CCAS Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.