Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has been a pillar of the MPA Strategic Plan. We are in the process of developing strategies around our DEI goals and welcome any feedback you have on this.
One DEI-related suggestion that came from students was to create structured affinity groups for underrepresented students of similar identities to have a space to connect. After input from various student leaders, faculty and staff of the MPA program, and the Graduate School here at UNC we would like to announce Affinity Groups and Interest Groups in the MPA Program.
As groups are formed, they will be listed here, along with contact information.
Affinity Groups
One way the MPA program strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students is through Affinity Groups. Affinity Groups provide a space for historically marginalized or underrepresented students with similar backgrounds, identities, or interests to connect with and support one another. Affinity Groups support students in being affirmed, celebrated, and in community with one another.
MPA students are invited to engage with and establish Affinity Groups around shared identities. While the MPA Program is committed to systematically providing structure and resources to these groups, the students in each group decide how to engage with each other. It is likely that needs will vary and change over time depending on the student body’s needs and interests; thus, the activities of the groups will vary year to year. Some ways in which Affinity Groups can work to support the overarching goal of providing support to each other include social events, group texts, brown bag lunches on certain topics and networking with MPA Alumni of that Affinity group.
Read on to learn more about some examples of Affinity Groups, how to connect with current groups, and how to start your own if you don’t see something that meets your needs.
What are some examples of Affinity Groups?
- LGBTQIA+
- Students of Color/BIPOC Caucus
- The purpose of this Affinity group is to provide a space for BIPOC students to empower, network, share information, mentor, and support one another, and celebrate our diverse experiences.
- Contact: Sharon Zea Rincón
- Women in Public Administration
- MPA Parents
What support does the MPA Program offer for these groups?
- In late August of each year, the MPA Program will send a communication to students that provides information on current Identify Groups, how to engage with them, and an opportunity to create a new one if something does not currently meet their needs. This information will also be housed on the MPA Intranet. The staff can also assist in advertising upcoming meetings and events for each group via the MPA Digest, Teams Channels, etc.
- For posterity, the MPA Program will provide staff support to maintain the Canvas sites for any established Affinity Group to help with any year-over-year transition of leadership.
- SOG facilities can be reserved to secure space for any programmatic events for these groups.
- Each Affinity Group will have the ability to request financial support up to $100.00 per academic year.
- Elizabeth Langefeld is the MPA Program Office point of contact for Affinity Groups.
How do I start an Affinity Group?
- If you are interested in starting an Affinity Group, your first step is to reach out to Elizabeth Langefeld with your interest.
- Before an Affinity Group can be established, a statement of purpose for the group is needed as well as having at least one identified student leader for the group. The student will be the liaison between the group and the MPA Program and will sit on the MPA Diversity Committee. This will help to keep communication and support effective between the groups and the program.
Consider joining or connecting with a campus-wide resource:
Additional UNC-Wide Graduate Student Resources to support underrepresented and historically marginalized groups:
Empowerment Groups
Interest Groups
In addition to the Affinity Groups, students that have different interests are encouraged to form Interest Groups to create space to connect with other students sharing similar interests and professional and career goals.
What are some examples of Interest Groups?
- Students searching for careers in certain geographic areas
- Students interested in the Arts or other subfields in public administration
What support does the MPA Program offer for these groups?
- In late August of each year, the MPA Program will send a communication to students that provides information on current Interest Groups, how to engage with them, and an opportunity to create a new one if something does not currently meet their needs.
- For posterity, the MPA Program will provide staff support to maintain the websites for any established Interest Groups to help with any year over year transition of leadership. Groups can seek initial input on format, such as WordPress, Canvas, etc.
- SOG facilities can be reserved to secure space for any programmatic events for these groups.
- Each Interest Group will have the ability to request financial support up to $100.00 per academic year.
- Elizabeth Langefeld is the MPA Program Office point of contact for Interest Groups.
How do I start an Interest Group?
- If you are interested in starting Interest Groups, your first step is to reach out to Elizabeth Langefeld with your interest.
- Before each Interest Groups can be established a statement of purpose for the group is needed as well as having at least one identified student leader for the group. The student leader will be the liaison between the group and the MPA Program. This will help to keep communication and support effective between the groups and the program.