Contact Faculty Affairs with questions about the Affinity Groups
As part of George Mason University's commitment to inclusive excellence, the Office of Faculty Affairs and Development supports several affinity groups.
Affinity groups—people with a shared interest or common goal—are open to all faculty (tenured, tenure-track, term, adjunct, administrative, and professional), doctoral students, and staff. Affinity groups:
- Provide our faculty, doctoral students, and staff with a sense of community, inclusion, and belonging
- Serve as spaces for discussion of issues that impact the success and well-being of our faculty, staff, and doctoral students
- Facilitate connections and professional partnerships and champion strategic efforts to support the success of their members
The Office of Human Resources coordinates several employee resources groups (ERGs) which are open to all classified staff, administrative/professional and instructional/research faculty, adjunct faculty, and non-student wage employees. Some groups are included below, or you can explore the complete list of support resources.
For more information about any of the affinity groups, contact Dr. Milagros (Millie) Rivera, director of faculty engagement and well-being.
Groups
AAPI (Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander) Affinity Group
The mission of the AAPI affinity group is to provide a forum for discussing work and life experiences affecting AAPI faculty and staff, celebrating our cultures, and building a supportive community that embraces all of our diverse members.
Spring 2025 Meetings
Wednesday, February 12 at 12 pm (virtual)
Tuesday, March 4 at 12 pm (virtual)
Tuesday, April 8 at 12 pm (virtual)
At each meeting, we spend time building community and discussing issues important to the members of the group. 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). Also, note that you may remove yourself from the listserv anytime or by sending a request to Amy Ayres.
Aging Parents ERG
Join other George 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.
Black Male Faculty and Staff 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 bmfsg@gmu.edu.
Black Women of Mason ERG
The Black Women of Mason Resource Group's mission is to provide a safe and affirming space where all Black women administrators, faculty, and staff can be their authentic selves. This group is a supportive community, committed to uplifting each other through knowledge sharing, culturally relevant well-being and social networking opportunities, and advancing professional development. For more information or to join, email Janae D. Johnson.
BLIM (Black, Latine, Indigenous, Multiracial) Affinity Group
The mission of the BLIM Affinity group is to promote a sense of community among its members, improve their quality of life at GMU, and offer an atmosphere of cultural and social networking that promotes a sense of belonging and supports wellbeing.
Spring 2025 Meetings
Monday, January 13 at 12 noon (virtual)
Tuesday, January 28 at 12 noon (virtual)
Wednesday, February 19 at 12 noon (virtual)
Wednesday, March 26 at 12 noon (virtual)
At each meeting, we spend time building community and discussing issues important to the members of the group. 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). Also, note that you may remove yourself from the listserv anytime or by sending a request to Amy Ayres.
DNA (Disability and Neurodivergence Alliance) Affinity Group
The Disability & Neurodivergence Alliance Faculty/Staff Affinity Group (DNA) fosters a supportive, inclusive community for faculty and staff with disabilities and active allies to the disability community. We embrace a wide range of experiences, not limited to mental, emotional, physical, cognitive, developmental, sensory, and/or learning disabilities, whether formally diagnosed or self-identified. Our mission is to break silence and stigmas around disabilities, promote and advocate for equitable change around the disabled experience in higher education, and share our diverse experiences and perspectives with disability. Together, we share resources, examine inequities, and build a community of belonging, joy, and pride for all disabled university staff and faculty.
Spring 2025 Meetings
Tuesday, January 28, 12:00 pm, virtual
Thursday, February 27, 12:00 pm, virtual (before students get out on Spring Break)
Wednesday, March 26, 12:00 pm, virtual
Thursday, April 24, 12:00 pm, virtual (before last day of class on Monday, May 5 & the 2-year Anniversary of DNA)
Please talk with Olivia Bowman (othomps@gmu.edu) for details and questions about informal coffee chats
At each meeting, we spend time building community and discussing issues important to the members of the group. 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). Also, note that you may remove yourself from the listserv anytime or by sending a request to Amy Ayres.
GEM (Global Employees of Mason) Affinity Group
The Global Employees of Mason (GEM) Affinity Group supports our global faculty and staff and celebrates their diverse cultures and their contributions to our university community. GEM will serve as a community that shares resources and provides support for faculty and staff who have joined George Mason University from around the world. We also welcome faculty and staff who work and collaborate with universities outside of the United States or have an interest in global issues.
Spring 2025 Meetings
Monday, February 10 at 12 pm (virtual)
Tuesday, March 25 at 12 pm (virtual)
Monday, April 21 at 12 pm (virtual)
Also, please note that Millie is the convenor of the Faculty Success Workshop Series. Below are two workshops that may be of interest to those of you who are faculty members. We encourage you to register!
Writing Teaching and Mentoring Statements for renewal, promotion and tenure –February 19 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Here is the link to register.
Planning for a Productive Summer – April 16 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Here is the link to register.
At each meeting, we spend time building community and discussing issues important to the members of the group. 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). Also, note that you may remove yourself from the listserv anytime or by sending a request to Amy Ayres.
Juntos (Mason Hispanic/Latine Alliance) Affinity Group
The mission of Juntos (Mason Hispanic/Latine Alliance) is to cultivate a campus community that affirms cultural awareness and belonging and holistically supports the all-inclusive diversity of our community at George Mason.
Spring 2025 Meetings
Tuesday, February 4 at 12 noon (virtual)
Tuesday, March 18 at 12 noon (in person), Cafecito Rodante (Roaming Café), Room D, Johnson Center (Fairfax Campus)
Friday, April 4, 2025 (in person), VALHEN (Virginia Latino Higher Education Network) Encuentro Conference, James Madison University.
- For more information contact Kerin Anne Hilker-Balkissoon. We will ask later in the semester if anyone wants to carpool.
Monday, April 14 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. (in person), Pan American Day, George’s Room, Johnson Center (Fairfax Campus)
You are invited to support First Gen and Undocumented Students by attending UndocuAlly Training. Below are the training sessions for the spring of 2025.
Spring 2025 UndocuAlly Trainings:
- Friday, February 7th (In-person)
Register here: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2276808 - Wednesday, March 5th (Virtual)
Register here: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2276810 - Friday, April 4th (In-person)
Register here: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2276809
At each meeting, we spend time building community and discussing issues important to the members of the group. If you did not receive an email with the Zoom link via our Listserv for the virtual meetings, 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). Also, note that you may remove yourself from the listserv anytime or by sending a request to Amy Ayres.
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.
SPARK (Scholars Promoting Access, Representation, and Knowledge) Affinity Group
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.
Spring 2025 Meetings
March 26, 4 p.m. SPARK Spring Social (in-person) at Gathering Grounds Coffee Shop (University Hall, opposite GMU’s Braddock Road entrance).
April 2, SPARK Mindful Mosaic (in-person). Time and venue details will be posted and shared with the members of the listserv soon.
At each meeting, we spend time building community and discussing issues important to the members of the group. 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). Also, note that you may remove yourself from the listserv anytime or by sending a request to Amy Ayres.
SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) Affinity Group
This group is designed to bring together faculty and staff who identify as SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African), also referred to as “Middle Eastern,” including those situated within hyphenated identities, for an opportunity to socialize and be in community together. To receive more information or join the group please contact Holly Mason Badra or Austin Deray.
Spring 2025 Meetings
Tuesday, January 28th noon-1:30, SUB1 4210
Wednesday, February 26th 2:00-3:30, SUB1 4210
Thursday, March 27th 1:00-2:30, SUB1 4210
Monday, April 28th 3:00-4:30, SUB1 4210
Tuesday, May 20th 12:00-1:30, SUB1 4210
At each meeting, we spend time building community and discussing issues important to the members of the group. Contact Ms. Amy Ayres or Dr. Millie Rivera and we will add you to the listserv (if you so desire). Also, note that you may remove yourself from the listserv anytime or by sending a request to Amy Ayres.
Working Mothers ERG
The Support Group for Working Mothers at George Mason is one way George 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.
The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.