The Office of Diversity Equity & Inclusion is looking for some amazing GRCC Staff and Faculty to get involved with the NIA Affinity Group for women of color. We will work together to plan intentional events to support our students during their GRCC journey and beyond.
What is NIA: NIA is a community of sisters committed to centering the voices of GRCC students who may encounter non-academic challenges that impact their college experience. A core focus of NIA is to support the academic goals of students through evidence-based initiatives that foster degree completion, career preparedness, and holistic growth and development.
Goal: To cultivate a holistic student experience by celebrating culture, encouraging community engagement, academic completion, leadership and personal development which will increase completion rates among participants.
Expectations:
- Attend NIA planning meeting(s)
- Attend NIA events when schedule permits
- Host/Facilitate NIA program or workshop
- Serve as a NIA mentor
- Committed to creating a safe space to cultivate belonging
Engagement Opportunities:
- Academic Support- assistance in gaining access to advising, tutoring, financial aid, job placement, etc.
- Career Exploration and Development- university campus visits, community Women’s Resource Center and GRCC’s career advancement center.
- Professional Development - Attend conferences, local trainings, and opportunities to connect with business leaders in desired fields of interest.
- Peer - Share cultural/personal experiences, knowledge, and insights to maximize participant potential. Assist and guide to identify and accomplish academic, professional, and personal goals.
- Recreational Activities- Social, professional, service learning, civic events such as galas, cultural celebrations, City Commission meetings and professional networking opportunities.
- Social Events on campus - Diversity Lecture Series, Black Africana Student Union, Student Congress, Inter-Campus Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Academic Milestone Ceremony, various other cultural events
Mentorship: NIA participants will be matched with professional/ returning students who will serve as a mentor for support guidance and help offer assistance and resources that aid in navigating college. Student-centered and student-focused mentorship programs have shown great success in encouraging academic success, increasing student engagement, and cultivating a sense of belonging.