Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education aim to create inclusive and equitable learning and professional environments that value and embrace the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of all students, faculty, and staff. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is the 5th CSUMB value listed in our strategic plan. The Pearls of Wisdom for September will showcase The Office of Inclusive Excellence and Sustainability's mission and work to impact the value of DEI at CSUMB.

The mission of the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Sustainability is to advance excellence at CSUMB through inclusion and sustainability. They promote diversity in all their identities and ideas. They elevate the needs of our natural environment to create a more just and equitable community, building empathy and care for all our relations. Their work is focused on promoting a campus where all students, faculty, and staff: Feel a sense of belonging at CSUMB; Are able to fully engage in campus life, academically and professionally; Integrate equity and sustainability into all areas of learning, teaching, and work.

Affinity Groups are just one-way OIES supports inclusion and a sense of belonging for students, faculty, and staff. An Affinity Group is a group of faculty and staff linked by a common purpose, ideology, or interest. Affinity Groups are vital in ensuring an inclusive environment where all are valued, included, and empowered to succeed. They can provide a collective voice for faculty and staff with shared interests and are affiliated with and can receive funding support from the Office of Inclusive Excellence.

• African American Heritage Faculty & Staff Alliance

The African American Heritage Faculty and Staff Alliance is a group of dedicated CSUMB faculty and staff purposed with providing community for one another and supporting the University's students. Re-established in 2009, the Alliance continues to grow as the demands for diversity and inclusion widen and deepen. It seeks to be an integral part of the community as the campus continues to grow and works with various campus partners including the Otter Cross Cultural Center and the Office of Inclusive Excellence.

African American Heritage Faculty Staff Alliance - Meets the third Wednesday of the Month

Location: 3rd Floor Library Conference Room 3145

For more information email: aahfsa@csumb.edu

• LGBTQ+ Affinity Group

The LGBTQ+ Staff/Faculty Affinity Group exists to provide an opportunity for queer faculty and staff to connect socially, advocate for and empower LGBTQ+ students, develop partnerships with community-based LGBTQ+ advocacy and social efforts, and advance diversity and equity initiatives on CSUMB's campus and in the surrounding community.

Recent activities have included a mixer with CSUMB Alum Mayor Tyller Williamson (founder of Monterey Peninsula Pride) and the Rainbow Panel over the summer on Supporting LGBTQ+ Students and Employees in Schools and Universities.  

We are currently developing a Student Success Center for LGBTQ+ students. 

To find a complete list of Affinity Groups and how to form a group, visit the Employee Affinity Groups webpage.