One Jayhawk: IHAWKe Affinity Groups

The goal of One Jayhawk, our iHAWKe Affinity Groups, is to demonstrate our unity as one KU engineering community, celebrate our diversity, and provide open, respectful groups and spaces for our KU engineering faculty, students, and staff. One Jayhawk, or our IHAWKe Affinity Groups, will provide spaces where individuals can feel like we belong with persons who identify with us or want to show support (allies) while work collectively on issues that are important to each IHAWKe Affinity Group. Every member of the KU Engineering Community is a part of the unified One Jayhawk family. Keeping intersectionality in mind, we recognize that some of our IHAWKe Affinity Groups may include people who identify with marginalized identities, including minorities, gender diverse, veterans, LGBTQ+, religion (or no religion), persons with abilities, international students to name some potential groups.

Each group will be referred to by the Affinity name. For example, Affinity International, will be an Affinity Group for international students, staff, or faculty. These groups will not replace any related group on the KU campus or Lawrence community. We want to have these groups so our students, faculty, and staff know that the School of Engineering values us and that the SOE is a place where we belong. Our Affinity Groups would be encouraged to support related offices and groups on campus.

IHAWKe Affinity Groups will have an Affinity Council with representatives from each group to facilitate dialogue and activities between groups. The Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, will assist in forming and supporting these groups. It is important that these groups and everyone associated with the KU School of Engineering adhere to behave in accordance with the KU Statement on Diversity and Equity and the KU School of Engineering Organizational Beliefs as stated below:

KU Statement on Diversity and Inclusion

As a premier international research university, the University of Kansas is committed to an open, diverse and inclusive learning and working environment that nurtures the growth and development of all. KU holds steadfast in the belief that an array of values, interests, experiences, and intellectual and cultural viewpoints enrich learning and our workplace. The promotion of and support for a diverse and inclusive community of mutual respect require the engagement of the entire university.

One Jayhawk: KU School of Engineering Community Beliefs

As One Jayhawk, we are united by and seek to adhere to our KU School of Engineering Community Beliefs as we pursue our mission of excellence in engineering education, research, and service:

  1. We believe everyone is a unique and valued member of our community deserving of respect and kindness.
  2. We believe everyone belongs here and should feel welcomed, appreciated, and safe.
  3. We believe everyone should be treated fairly and respectfully as an equal in our humanity.