DEIJ Affinity Groups & Clubs

Affinity Groups are university-approved, associate-led groups whose members (faculty and staff at the university) are aligned across common identity and/or interests.  Experience reveals that some of the best ideas for programs, support systems, and more come from employees.  The approved affinity groups operate within the context of the university’s mission, values, and goals.  Cal Lutheran encourages Affinity Groups to provide support to their members and to partner with the division of Talent, Culture and Diversity to address challenges and opportunities facing the university. 

Affinity groups can have a great impact on building of community and engagement since they offer members opportunities for personal and professional development while broadly promoting education and awareness around topics that are important to their group. Affinity groups also work to support diverse students on campus and volunteer in the local community to support DEI related organizations and causes.

At Cal Lutheran, Affinity Groups are encouraged to focus on one or more of the 3 Cs:

• Community – building community within CLU or supporting an outside community organization
• Culture – cultivating an inclusive campus culture
• Career – supporting the development of students and/or staff through mentorship and networking events

Any Cal Lutheran employee can participate in an Affinity Group of their choice. The groups are overseen by the Director of HSI & DEI programs who provides high-level guidance and support.  In addition to the administration guidance provided by the aforementioned Director, each group is encouraged to secure a senior level sponsor. Such a sponsor will ensure that the group has a direct tie to the highest level of the administration.

The Affinity Groups operate primarily during the academic year during which time regular meetings are scheduled and posted by the group’s Chair. The groups identify their own officers and, within certain parameters, the terms of those officers hold. To avoid leadership burnout and to give multiple people the opportunity to lead, officers terms should not be longer than two years.

Any Affinity Group to be officially recognized by the institution and eligible for university funding, an application  must be submitted to the DEI Core Team for review. Pending a favorable Core Team review, the application will then go to  Cabinet for approval and  adoption. Once the Affinity Group has been approved by Cabinet, the Office of Talent, Culture and Diversity will grant each affinity group $250 to $500 per academic year (dependent upon membership count) for operating expenses.