"Faculty & Staff Support Through Affinity Groups: Finding Your People" explores how affinity groups, also known as employee resource groups (ERGs), provide a vital support system for faculty and staff, especially those from underrepresented or minority backgrounds. These groups foster a sense of belonging, promote professional networking, and create spaces for mentorship and validation. At CU Boulder, initiatives like the Employee Affinity Group Summit and the Alliance for Neurodiversity (AND) demonstrate the university’s commitment to inclusivity. AND, for example, supports neurodivergent employees by hosting events, raising awareness, and advocating for inclusive workplace practices. The blog underscores the value of affinity groups in enhancing workplace engagement and calls for their expansion to build more inclusive communities across campuses. Elizabeth Novosel is an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and serves as the Librarian for Computer Science, Mathematics, and Social Sciences.
The blog article "Growing Pains: Analysis Explores Opportunities to Expand Public Access to Federally Funded Research" discusses the evolving landscape of public access to research funded by federal agencies. It examines current challenges, such as balancing open access with intellectual property rights, and highlights opportunities to improve transparency and equity in research dissemination. The article underscores the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to develop policies that broaden public access while maintaining research quality and integrity, ultimately aiming to enhance the societal impact of federally funded studies.
Alastair Norcross, Philosophy Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder and Chair of the Faculty Council, shares his appreciation for faculty across all four campuses, recognizing their dedication and contributions to the university's success. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and shared governance in addressing challenges and shaping the university's future. Norcross expresses optimism about the Faculty Council's ability to foster meaningful dialogue and develop innovative solutions, ensuring that faculty voices remain central in decision-making processes. His letter highlights a commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and strengthening the partnership between faculty and university leadership.
Want to know more about policy but don’t know where to start? Read more to find a useful set of policy links, and learn about the biggest CU policy stories of 2021 and the latest policy reviews.
Interested in following the latest on the CU Presidential Search? The Board of Regents launched a presidential search website to serve as the primary communication vehicle for relevant news and information.
