Sent on behalf of Academic Senate Chair, Kevin L. Ferguson: Dear Senators, I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share an excerpt from a recent email (12/20) from Dean DeWese regarding a new college process for recognizing “Faculty and Staff Affinity Groups.” I encourage all Senators who are interested to contact the Dean’s office. Faculty and Staff Affinity Groups As indicated in the October issue of Diversity Dialogues, Queens College will officially recognize faculty and staff affinity groups. Faculty and staff affinity groups exist to support the growth of their members by celebrating identities, building community, and connecting faculty and staff with resources. Each group or association will be required to create a stated purpose or mission statement consistent with the above. Membership in a particular faculty and staff affinity group must be open to all faculty and staff. Such membership is wholly voluntary. Recognition Process and Structure: Faculty and staff interested in forming an affinity group must submit a proposal to the Chief Diversity Officer and Dean of Diversity (CDO and Dean). The proposal must include the following: * a completed affinity group registration proposal form that includes the proposed name of the affinity group and a draft stated purpose and/or mission statement; * a completed membership form that includes confirmation of at least five (5) members, including two named co-chairs; * template bylaws that shall include: a) name, b) objectives, c) membership, d) officers, e) duties of officers, f) meetings, g) voting procedures, and h) amendments sections. Affinity group documents (registration proposal form, membership form, and template bylaws) should be submitted by email to complianceanddiversity@qc.cuny.edu. The documents will be presented to the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Committee for review and discussion. Based on the recommendation of the DEI Advisory Committee, the CDO & Dean will certify the affinity group or send back the affinity group documents for revision. Best regards, Kat --- Katarzyna Zajac Administrative Coordinator | Academic Senate 718 997 5880 | Kiely Hall, room 141A katarzyna.zajac@qc.cuny.edu<mailto:katarzyna.zajac@qc.cuny.edu>