The Faculty and Staff of Color (FSOC) affinity group was formed in 2018 by UNH faculty and staff interested in informal opportunities for community building, networking, support, and engagement in various activities that promote growth, connection, and belonging. The goals of FSOC are to cultivate a supportive community, promote personal and professional development, serve as a resource, and build awareness around concerns for employees of color with hopes of fostering understanding and allyship.
FSOC operates as a private, grassroots, informal, employee-led affinity group. Related expenses are not state funded and so are covered out of pocket by individual group members.
Mission statement:
New Hampshire is a small New England state with a small population of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC). Recognizing the limited population of minoritized people in the state, the Faculty and Staff of Color (FSOC) affinity group strives to bring together UNH faculty and staff of color in the academic community to be an influential, supportive, and positive force within the institution, and to promote and preserve inclusive excellence. FSOC is a supportive and inclusive group dedicated to cultivating a sense of connection and belonging.
Membership: FSOC is an informal group open to faculty and staff of color and their allies.
Goals:
- Cultivate a Supportive Community: FSOC seeks to create welcoming spaces where faculty and staff of color can come together to share experiences, challenges, and successes. Through regular off-campus meetings, events, and workshop offerings, we aim to build a strong network of support, understanding, allyship, and community among our members.
- Promote Personal and Professional Development: We strive to enhance the personal and professional growth of our members through networking, workshops, training sessions, and mentorship opportunities.
- Build Awareness: FSOC aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by faculty and staff of color within UNH and the broader community. We strive to foster understanding, advocacy, and allyship among colleagues and within the institution.
- Celebrate Diversity and Success: FSOC highlights the accomplishments and contributions of faculty and staff of color, celebrating their achievements at UNH. We aim to foster an environment that acknowledges and appreciates the unique perspectives and talents that diversity brings to the community.
- Provide Resources and Support: FSOC serves as a resource hub for faculty and staff of color, offering guidance, mentorship, and assistance as needed. We connect members with available resources, both within UNH and externally, to help with transitions, challenges, and other needs that may arise.
For questions about membership, contact Nadine Petty at nadine.petty@unh.edu or Ramonda "Monda" Kindle at ramonda.kindle@unh.edu.
