Current Affinity and Employee Resource Groups:
Asian, Asian American & Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group
The Portland State University Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group (API ERG) provides an inclusive space to advocate for the diverse needs of PSU API faculty, staff, students and alumni, including, but not limited to: supporting and empowering API students; recruitment and retention of API faculty, staff, and student employees; facilitating professional development; and promoting API educational, cultural and social awareness. For further information visit the API ERG page.
Leadership Team:
Black Faculty/Staff Affinity Group
The Black Faculty/Staff Affinity Group (BFSAG) is an employee group committed to creating an inclusive, safe and affirming environment for self-defined faculty, staff, and students of direct African descent, including those who also define themselves as biracial or multiracial. BFSAG’s mission aligns with PSU's equity initiatives and strategic goals and supports the recruitment, retention, and empowerment of Black faculty, staff, and students, as well as the establishment of networks with Black alumni. Furthermore, it supports the cultivation of equitable relationships with members of Portland and the region’s Black communities by recognizing that historical and contemporary manifestations of institutionalized racism impact us locally and regionally.
Leadership Team:
Disability Affinity Group
Portland State University’s Disability Affinity Group strives to cultivate disability community at PSU through engagement, mentorship, advocacy, and peer support. The group is open to faculty and staff who identify as a person experiencing disability. We aim to provide an inclusive space where members can network and learn from each other as we work toward a more equitable climate that recognizes the unique experience of disabled individuals.
Latiné Employee Colectivo
Portland State University’s Latiné Employee Colectivo cultivates opportunities for the support, growth, and retention of our campus' Latinx/é/@ faculty and staff community. The group fosters continued engagement through onboarding, networking, mentoring, community-building, and professional development. Together, we strive to make the PSU campus more inclusive and responsive to the needs of our Latiné community.
Sign up to join our group and receive periodic updates by completing our membership form.
Leadership Team:
Multiracial Staff & Faculty Employee Resource Group
The Multiracial Staff and Faculty Affinity Group provides opportunities for multiracial staff and faculty (those who identify as more than one race) to build community with each other at Portland State University. This affinity group also strives to create a safe space for multiracial staff and faculty to process experiences they have in the workplace.
Leadership Team:
Nations
At PSU, we emphasize community-based support of Indigenous student recruitment and retention. We are committed to supporting and advancing the educational journey of our Indigenous students. In the words of our Tewa elder, Dr. Greg Cajete, "What is called education today was, for American Indians, a journey of learning to be fully human. Learning about the nature of the spirit in relationship to community and the environment was considered central to learning the full meaning of life" (1994).
Leadership Team:
Queer and Trans Employee Resource Group
Come hang out with the Queer and Trans Employee Resource Group! Our goal is to build community and a greater connection for our queer and trans communities at Portland State University. This is a new group with an intention to socialize and develop personal and professional relationships. Complete the Queer & Trans ERG Membership Form and join us at our next meeting.
Leadership Team:
Upcoming Events & Community Affiliations that May be of Interest
National Conference on Race & Ethnicity in American Higher Education (NCORE)
An annual event that several PSU staff and faculty members have participated in over the years. With over 3,000 annual participants, NCORE is the leading and most comprehensive national forum on issues of race and ethnicity in American higher education. The conference focuses on the complex task of creating and sustaining comprehensive institutional change designed to improve racial and ethnic relations on campus and to expand opportunities for educational access and success by culturally diverse, traditionally underrepresented populations. Check out the NCORE Conference website for additional information.
Gender Advocacy & Inclusion Network (GAIN) in Higher Education
The Gender Advocacy & Inclusion Network (GAIN) in Higher Education seeks to facilitate meaningful connection, personal growth, professional advancement, and systemic change for all women, non-binary, and trans folks in higher education throughout the Pacific Northwest region. Learn more at their website, or visit them on Instagram.
GAIN contact: info@gainhighered.org
Note
Global Diversity & Inclusion supports Affinity Groups & Employee Resource Groups that foster a sense of community for faculty and staff from underrepresented and marginalized identities and help improve the recruitment and retention of our diverse workforce. If you would like to propose and lead an additional affinity group to support Portland State's commitment to diversity and inclusion, please contact Global Diversity & Inclusion at diversity@pdx.edu.