Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Access
Community Leadership and Partners
Affinity Employee Resource Groups
Affinity Employee Resource Groups (AERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups that foster connections, inclusion, and mutual support. These groups are formed around common identities, shared experiences, or backgrounds, and provide spaces for individuals to network, support one another, and build an inclusive community.
In alignment with the IDEA equity and access goals, AERGs are one strategy towards the goals:
- Provide opportunities and spaces for members of the College Community to engage in reflective inquiry, dialogic conversations, and mutual support in areas of inclusivity and equity.
- Recognize, celebrate, and uplift all facets of individual’s identities and experiences, particularly those with marginalized and intersecting identities.
- Foster a sense of belonging and retain a diverse community.
Interested in joining or creating an AERG?
The IDEA Division can support the development of AERGs at the inception of a group.
AERGs Quick Facts:
- Any employee can start an AERG. To start a group, (1) please fill out the AERG Interest Form, (2) Meet with srashid [at] haverford.edu ( Sayeeda Rashid) to discuss plans and ideas, (3) Find at least three interested members, (4) Select a leader or co-leaders, and (5) Host the AERGs meetings and events.
- AERGs can be composed of members of historically marginalized groups (e.g., Black, Latin, LGBTQIA+, persons with disability and neurodiversity, etc.) as well as other shared identities and experiences. Some of the AERGs may be more encompassing and others may be more specific, depending on identities, shared experiences, and membership.
- IDEA Division can support the development of AERs at the inception of a group. IDEA will serve as the point of contact for general support, funding, and planning if needed.
- IDEA Division will maintain a list of current AERGs on our website. Prospective members can reach out to IDEA for more information.
- AERGs can choose to host and engage in various activities, including networking events, educational and civic events, on campus and off-campus activities, personal and professional enrichment resources, collaboration across AERGs, etc.
Current AERGs
In Fall 2023, IDEA Division announced the following AERGs with the goal of starting additional groups the following semester.
- Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) AERG
- Latine AERG
- Black AERG
- LGBTQIA+ AERG
- Persons with Disability & Neurodiversity AERG
IDEA Student Advisory Council
The Student Advisory Council provides the IDEA Division thought leadership on issues, policies, and practices impacting our collective community(ies), particularly those at the intersection of social identities, statuses, and experiences. The responsibilities of the IDEA Student Advisory Council include:
- making recommendations to current and proposed policies impacting the student communities; and
- identifying concerns, gaps, and opportunities related to equity, access, and justice.
Students interested in IDEA Student Advisory Council can submit an application.
IDEA Fellowship
The Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) fellowship is a core program of the Transforming Communities Initiative (TCI). The fellowship welcomes selected members of the Haverford community- curious explorers, community researchers, scholars, and other inquiry-driven thought partners among our employees, alumni and broader community network - to examine the origins, evolution, impact, and legacy of race, identity-based inequities, liberal education, and the modern quest for civil and human rights. IDEA is especially committed to supporting research or creative work projects that examine issues of antiracism, access, and belonging across a wide range of intersecting vectors of identity. Fellows will offer a presentation of findings, open to the community, via poster, performance or exhibit, or brief talk. The fellowship includes a stipend of $1,500/semester or $3,000 for academic year, but does not include housing.
The next fellowship cycle begins with the start of the fall semester on September 3, 2024. Applications are due by April 22.
External Partners and Memberships
Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Access, in partnership with The Provost's Office, and The President's Office, sustains membership to several national and local peer organizations through which we have access to resources, research, and connections that further our work in a broader context.
Liberal Arts Diversity Officers (LADO)Â Consortium
Haverford is a member of the Liberal Arts Diversity Officers (LADO) consortium. This group of peer institutions offers resources and support for strategies supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and promoting the thriving of all community members
National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE)
NADOHE is a membership organization designed for diversity professionals and institutions of higher education to become equipped with the necessary tools and mindsets to advance equity and dismantle systemic oppression. Through its signature Standards of Professional Practice, Chief Diversity Officer Fellows Program, Anti-Racism Framework, and Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, it provides diversity professionals with the resources to be successful in their roles and within their campus communities.
American Council on Education (ACE)
Haverford is a member of the American Council on Education (ACE), an organization that mobilizes the higher education community to shape effective public policy and foster innovative, high-quality practice. ACE is the only major higher education association to represent all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting institutions: two-year and four-year, public and private.