Affinity Groups and Clubs

Affinity groups are university-approved and associate-led groups whose members are aligned across common identities and/or interests. The approved affinity groups operate within the context of the university's mission, values, and goals. Affinity groups provide support and engagement for the community and also serve as a resource to administration in addressing DEIJ challenges. Affinity group members will receive up to 20 hours per calendar year of approved paid leave to meet, plan and attend events. If an employee participates in multiple affinity groups a collective maximum of 20 hours per year will be authorized. All participation time must have supervisory approval. A group may be established under the affinity group policy.

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 Cal Lutheran or supporting an outside community organization.
• Culture – cultivating the inclusive culture on campus.
• Career – supporting the development of students, staff or faculty through mentorship, networking events.

All affinity groups are approved by the university for regular employees. All staff and faculty may participate in an affinity group without conflict with assigned duties. Officers of an affinity group must be fulltime faculty or staff members. This policy does not apply to student groups or student employees.

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(s). The groups identify their own officers and, within certain parameters, the terms 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.