Affinity Groups
Loyola University Chicago’s Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is committed to enhancing feelings of belonging across our campuses. However, we cannot do so alone.
We believe in the power of Loyola’s faculty and staff community to rally around a common interest, purpose, or goal. From there, creating structured engagement opportunities that connect our colleagues to one another and to a greater purpose.
To activate this vision, OIDEI is thrilled to support Affinity Groups (AGs) for faculty and staff!
Similar to Loyola’s many student organizations, AGs help to provide an increased sense of belonging for faculty and staff. With support from the OIDEI, AGs are established and managed by members of the Loyola community.
We invite all Loyola faculty and staff to lead the way by elevating what is important to you and your colleagues while creating a sustainable community to connect with others around diverse ideas, talents, and interests.
Affinity Groups (AGs) proudly promote inclusion and a sense of belonging at Loyola University Chicago. AGs are open to all Loyola faculty and staff who support the mission and vision of the AG.
Benefits of Affinity Groups include:
- An increased sense of belonging for faculty and staff
- Breaking down employee silos between schools, units, and campuses
- Deepening of colleague relationships
- Cultivating personal and professional development
- Positive impact to recruitment + retention efforts
- Help drive diversity, equity, and inclusion by enhancing cultural awareness
Interested in starting an Affinity Group for Loyola faculty and/or staff?
- Visit the FAQ to See what groups are already active
- You may complete an online proposal at any time
- Please email the Office of Institutional DEI with additional questions
FAQs
What are AGs?
Affinity Groups (AGs) are voluntary, self-led groups comprised of faculty and/or staff with a common purpose, goal, or interest. With support from the OIDEI, AGs are established and managed by members of the Loyola community. AGs help to achieve our collective goals of increasing inclusion and feelings of belonging by offering structured opportunities for like-minded individuals and allies to connect across Loyola University Chicago.
What is the goal of an AG?
AGs help to achieve our collective goals of increasing inclusion and feelings of belonging by offering a space for like-minded individuals and allies to connect. Like Loyola’s many student organizations, AGs provide an increased sense of belonging driven by the actions of individuals who create lived experiences on our campuses – that’s you!
Additionally, AGs are a platform for breaking down silos, building and deepening colleague relationships, and cultivating personal and professional development alongside peers with a unique role, perspective, or interest at the University.
Who can start or join an AG?
AGs are open to all Loyola employees and may include faculty, staff, or a combination of both. Most importantly, AGs are community driven, meaning any faculty or staff at Loyola can form, lead, and/or join an AG of interest.
What do AGs do?
AGs have a leadership structure, actively recruit new members, and hold meetings and activities to ensure member engagement. AGs may focus on uplifting a specific affinity (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities), a specific purpose (new staff networking, educators pursuing tenure), or a specific interest (sustainability on campus), as examples. The potential for the types of AGs are endless! Regardless of the focus, AGs are open to all faculty and staff who support the mission of the AG.
How do I start an AG?
Those interested in starting an AG should submit an online proposal or email institutionaldiversity@luc.edu with any additional questions.
Active AG's and Upcoming Events
Early Career Professionals
The Early Career Professionals Affinity Group is dedicated to supporting those who are early in their career and/or new to working at Loyola. With pillars of professional development, community building, and inclusion, our mission is to strengthen the connections and skills of early career professionals while building coalitions across all three Loyola Chicago campuses to cultivate an institutional culture where early career staff can thrive. If you have questions or are interested, please email Bizzy Stephenson estephenson@luc.edu or Madeline Stanton mstanton2@luc.edu.
Save the date: Wednesday, November 29, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Celebrate the official kickoff of the Early Career Professionals Affinity Group! Meet colleagues new to Loyola, new to their careers, and interested in career development. You can expect some fun speed-networking activities and light refreshments. Wednesday, November 29, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Please register here.
Jewish Faculty, Staff, and Allies
The Jewish Faculty, Staff, and Allies (JFSA) affinity group at Loyola University Chicago will celebrate and support Jewish faith, heritage, culture, and identities through networking, personal, and professional development, strengthening the diverse learning community and supporting Loyola's commitment to cura personalis across all campuses. If you have questions or are interested, please email Laurence Bolotin lbolotin@luc.edu.
Save the date: Thursday, November 30, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Join a virtual launch of the Jewish Faculty, Staff & Allies (JFSA) Affinity Group! Please register here.
Affinity Groups (AGs) proudly promote inclusion and a sense of belonging at Loyola University Chicago. AGs are open to all Loyola faculty and staff who support the mission and vision of the AG.
Loyola University Chicago’s Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is committed to enhancing feelings of belonging across our campuses. However, we cannot do so alone.
We believe in the power of Loyola’s faculty and staff community to rally around a common interest, purpose, or goal. From there, creating structured engagement opportunities that connect our colleagues to one another and to a greater purpose.
To activate this vision, OIDEI is thrilled to support Affinity Groups (AGs) for faculty and staff!
Similar to Loyola’s many student organizations, AGs help to provide an increased sense of belonging for faculty and staff. With support from the OIDEI, AGs are established and managed by members of the Loyola community.
We invite all Loyola faculty and staff to lead the way by elevating what is important to you and your colleagues while creating a sustainable community to connect with others around diverse ideas, talents, and interests.
Affinity Groups (AGs) proudly promote inclusion and a sense of belonging at Loyola University Chicago. AGs are open to all Loyola faculty and staff who support the mission and vision of the AG.
Benefits of Affinity Groups include:
- An increased sense of belonging for faculty and staff
- Breaking down employee silos between schools, units, and campuses
- Deepening of colleague relationships
- Cultivating personal and professional development
- Positive impact to recruitment + retention efforts
- Help drive diversity, equity, and inclusion by enhancing cultural awareness
Interested in starting an Affinity Group for Loyola faculty and/or staff?
- Visit the FAQ to See what groups are already active
- You may complete an online proposal at any time
- Please email the Office of Institutional DEI with additional questions