
Affinity Groups
The Student Center for Equity and Inclusion (SCEI) provides invaluable support and assistance to the growing number of diverse students at the University of Richmond. The SCEI seeks to develop a sense of community among our students and their allies and to celebrate the various heritages that make up the fabric of our unique community.
Our staff is available to meet on an individual basis with students to support their retention and overall well-being. These meetings typically focus on a student's academic performance and general adjustment to the campus community, as well as articulated special needs.
Over the years, our staff, alumni, and student leaders have initiated several support groups which serve as venues for reflection, personal growth, and validation. These groups often become valuable networks that help strudents rely upon and uphold one another:
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Platicas: Latinx Community Discussion Series
Platicas are a discussion series for Latinx students and their allies to engage in topics about Latinx identity, cultures, and socio-political happenings. This space is an opportunity for community members to relate, celebrate, and congregate together while learning about the diverse aspects of Latinx experience. If you have questions, please reach out to Dafne Luna, Assistant Director for Latinx Student support.
Fall Dates:
Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 4:30 to 6:00pm in the Multicultural Space
Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 4:30 to 6:00pm in the Multicultural Space
Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 4:30 to 6:00pm in the Multicultural Space -
Black Women’s Affinity Group
The Black Women’s Affinity Group meets regularly to engage in conversations about topics that affect them academically, emotionally, and socially. The discussion topics are student-selected and often student-led. Past topics have included discussions regarding self-esteem, self-awareness, conflict resolution, family relations, and dating relationships. Through the group, participants collectively become important sources of affirmation and support for one another, particularly during times of difficulty. All meetings occur on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00pm and take place in the SCEI in Whitehurst 210, please see meeting dates below:
- September 7
- September 21
- October 19
- November 2
- November 16
Please contact Dr. Morgan Russell-Stokes for more information about joining.
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ASIA: Asian Sisters In Alliance
Coming in AY2021-22, a leadership and mentoring group for Asian and AAPI women students. This group will serve as a community for students to discuss how racism, xenophobia, and sexism affect the lives of women of Asian descent on the UR campus and in the United States, more broadly. Its purpose is to provide a safe space for students to talk about identity, discrimination, and gendered racism so that they may navigate campus race relations and advocate for themselves and their peers in productive ways.
The first meeting will take place in the Brown Alley Room at 6:00pm.
For meeting information please contact Dr. Jennifer Erkulwater or Dr. Tze Loo
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Men/Masculinities of Color Group
The Men/Masculinities of Color Group is open to all students of color that identify as male or those with masculine gender expression. The purpose of this group is to create space for men of color to have dialogue and social opportunities to bond and build community. Periodically this group will be open to faculty and staff men of color as well to encourage networking and mentor relationships.
Please attend the interest meeting on Tuesday, September 19th 5:00-6:30pm in the Whitehurst Living Room for more information.
For more information please contact Dani Dho Roberts.
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Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope is an affinity group created to provide support and community for students who identify as transgender, non-binary, and/or gender non-conforming. Please contact Casey Butler (they/them) at cbutler2@richmond.edu or at 804-484-1653 for more info.
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Shades of Pride
Shades of Pride is an affinity group founded to empower LGBTQ+ students of color. Shades of Pride provides space for students to share their experiences in navigating the intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. Please contact Jaide Hinds-Clarke at jaide.hindsclarke@richmond.edu for more info.
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Bi/Pan+ Social Support Group
This group is for students who experience sexual and/or romantic attraction to more than one gender. This includes, but is not limited to, people who identify as bisexual/romantic, pansexual/romantic, sexually/romantically fluid, omnisexual/romantic, and polysexual/romantic. We are passionate about creating a space for bi/pan+ students to be their authentic selves, find and provide support, share resources, and build community. If you are interested in this affinity group, please register contact Casey Butler.
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Ace/Aro+ Space
This group is for students who identify as or are questioning being on the asexual and/or aromantic spectrums. We hope to provide a casual place for our community to connect, to support one another, and to talk about our successes, difficulties, joys, and struggles as Ace and Aro people. If you are interested in this affinity group, please register contact Casey Butler.