Affinity groups provide space for graduate students to (1) Build community with peers who share experiences, backgrounds, & social identities; (2) Connect with personal and professional support; and (3) Deepen collective learning around shared interests.
Call for Participants: 2024 Graduate Affinity Groups!
Participants welcome on a rolling basis: Express your interest today!
The School of Graduate Studies and the Office of Graduate Student Life in the Division of Student Affairs invite graduate students across disciplines to sign up to join a discussion-based affinity group designed and facilitated by a graduate student peer during the Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 semesters.
Graduate Affinity Groups for the following grad student communities will run from February-December 2024:
- African students (Facilitators: Zainab Mustapha, Ph.D. student, Chemistry & Chemical Biology and Mazvita Chikomo, Ph.D. student, Earth & Planetary Sciences)
- BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ students (Facilitator: Veerja Mehta, they/she, MSW student, Social Work)
- Bisexual+ students (Facilitator: Grace Wetzel, Ph.D. student, Psychology)
- Chinese students (Facilitator: Alvis Zhao, Ph.D. student, Mathematics)
- Eastern European students (Facilitator: Mzia Antidze Bronshtein, MBS student)
- International students (Facilitator: Gabriela Constantin-Dureci, Ph.D. student, Spanish & Portuguese)
- Neurodivergent students (Facilitator: Jules Vivid, Ph.D. student, Sociology)
Learn more about each of the 7 groups, as well as the network of mentors who provide facilitator support, in the menu below.
The meeting times and format (in-person vs. Zoom) will be determined by the group facilitator.
Questions? Contact Dr. Briana Bivens, Postdoctoral Research Associate in the School of Graduate Studies, (briana.bivens@rutgers.edu) and Ghada Endick, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Life in the Division of Student Affairs (gendick@echo.rutgers.edu).
~Graduate Affinity Groups emerged from the ideation and advocacy of students on the SGS DEI Graduate Student Advisory Committee. This program is sponsored by the School of Graduate Studies and the Office of Graduate Student Life and supported through an Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy (IDEA) Innovation Grant from Rutgers Equity and Inclusion.~
Facilitators: Zainab Mustapha (P.D. student, Chemistry & Chemical Biology) and Mazvita Chikomo (Ph.D. student, Earth & Planetary Sciences)
Group Description: Our group seeks to create a safe space and community for Graduate African students, both international and domestic, and all other students connected to and interested in Africa and the African diaspora along with its diverse cultures. We invite you to share your journey and learn from the experiences of others. Our affinity group provides a space where the unique challenges faced by African graduate students can be openly discussed and addressed.
Facilitator Bios:
Zainab Mustapha is a third-year PhD student in the Rutgers Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology. She uses solid-state NMR spectroscopy to study the atomic interactions of membrane proteins in lipid bilayers. She has a bachelor's and master's degree in Chemistry from Nigeria. Coming to grad school in the US is a significant leap in her career, and she's living her best moments at Rutgers. She is passionate about building and sustaining communities and is excited to be a facilitator for the African Graduate affinity group.
Mazvita Chikomo is an international student from Harare, Zimbabwe studying as a PhD student in the Earth and Planetary Science Department. As a hydrogeologist, Mazvita enjoys exploring groundwater surface water interactions. When Mazvita is not working she is in the kitchen trying all types of recipes, on the tele watching the latest TV Shows and Docuseries, or outside taking in the nature.
Facilitator: Veerja Mehta (they/she), MSW student, Social Work
Group Description: The BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ affinity groups is for anyone who identifies as Black, Brown, Indigenous, Melanated, person of color, as well as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We also welcome anyone who is an immigrant, refugee, any displaced person from outside of the US and Canada, and may have a different experience navigating queer spaces in the US from their country of origin. This group was born out of necessity to create a safe, nurturing and validating space for those who feel left out of queer spaces that do not acknowledge race, ethnicity and our varied cultural backgrounds. Many pioneers of LGBTQ+ movements around the globe have been BIPOC people, which should be deeply acknowledged and appreciated. We also pay respects to our queer ancestors who have may have been erased from history due to historical traumas. My utmost intention for this group is that we collectively create a space of queer joy, empowerment, and imagination.
Facilitator Bio: Veerja Mehta (they/she) is a MSW student in the social work program. They were drawn to this field specifically because of her passion for racial justice, caste justice, and LGBTQIA2S+ rights. As a first-generation graduate student, oldest sibling, being queer and a person of color, so many parts of their identity has shaped them into who she is today. She believes the biggest power we have is how we heal with others through co-regulation and community care. Because of her keen interest in the global perspective, they have been working as a research assistant in the global social work program. They are also a part of the IIDEA committee for Rutgers University representing the traditional MSW student.
Facilitator: Grace Wetzel, Ph.D. student, Social Psychology
Group Description: The Bisexual+ Graduate Student Space is a peer community group for identified or questioning bisexual+ graduate students. Bisexual+ is used here as an umbrella term to refer to anyone who is or thinks they may be attracted to people of more than one gender, including any and all plurisexual identity labels (e.g., pansexual, sexually fluid, omnisexual, heteroflexible, queer, unlabeled, etc.). Bisexual+ people often face exclusion from both straight and queer communities, and sometimes do not feel “queer enough” to belong in queer spaces. This affinity group thus provides a safe space for bisexual+ individuals to share in the unique struggles and joys of non-monosexuality.
Facilitator Bio: Grace Wetzel is a doctoral candidate in the Social Psychology program at Rutgers University. She works in the Close Relationships, Identity, and Stigma (CRIS) Lab under the advisement of Dr. Diana Sanchez. Grace studies the impact of gender on sexuality from a feminist psychological perspective. Specifically, she studies the orgasm gap between cisgender men and women. Grace has dedicated her professional life to the pursuit of sexual and gender equity within and outside of academic research. Notably, she has a TEDx talk on the sexual pleasure disparity which has garnered over seven million views online. She advocates for sexual equity by giving academic guest lectures, speaking at events, appearing on podcasts, writing for newspaper outlets, and building an educational Instagram platform with over 22,000 followers (@orgasm_equality_). Grace currently facilitates a bisexual+ peer support group at the Pride Center of NJ, a group which she has attended for over three years, and she is an active member in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts in her department. For example, she is a co-founder and co-organizer of Rutgers Diversifying Psychology Day and the current co-chair of the Social Psychology Graduate Student Diversity & Climate Committee.
Facilitator: Alvis Zhao, Ph.D. student, Mathematics
Group Description: This group aims at enhancing the overall experience of Chinese graduate students. This group is not just an academic hub but also a supportive network for various aspects of student life. Recognizing the multifaceted challenges of graduate studies, especially for those far from home, we dedicate ourselves to providing a nurturing environment where academic support, life advice, and cultural exchange flourish. Our activities and initiatives are diverse, ranging from academic workshops and career development sessions to social gatherings and cultural celebrations. We understand that settling into a new environment can be daunting; therefore, we offer guidance and resources to help students navigate housing, understand local customs, and integrate into the university life seamlessly. The Chinese Grad Student Group is more than a community; it's a home away from home. We are committed to ensuring that every member feels supported, connected, and empowered to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally, during their journey at Rutgers University.
Facilitator Bio: As a third-year Ph.D. student in Mathematics at Rutgers University, I am deeply committed to supporting and enriching the experience of my fellow Chinese graduate students. Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities we face, I strive to be a pillar of support and guidance. I am hoping to organize events that foster academic collaboration, cultural exchange, and professional development. My aim is to create an inclusive and empowering environment where every member feels valued and motivated. I believe that through collective effort and shared wisdom, we can all thrive and make our mark in the academic world.
Facilitator: Mzia Antidze Bronshtein
Group Description: The Eastern European Affinity Group at Rutgers University is dedicated to fostering a warm and welcoming community for students who share an Eastern European heritage or have an interest in Eastern European cultures. Our group aims to create a "home away from home" atmosphere where members can celebrate their rich and diverse cultural backgrounds, engage in meaningful dialogues, and participate in activities that highlight the unique traditions, languages, and histories of Eastern European countries. We strive to provide a supportive environment where students can connect, share their experiences, and learn from one another. Through a variety of events, including cultural celebrations, educational workshops, guest speakers, and social gatherings, we seek to enrich the Rutgers community's understanding and appreciation of Eastern European cultures while promoting inclusivity and cultural exchange. Whether you're looking to explore your own cultural roots, share your unique perspective, or simply learn more about the vibrant tapestry of Eastern European cultures, our group welcomes you. Join us in building a vibrant community where every member can find a sense of belonging and an opportunity to thrive.
Facilitator Bio: Mzia is a dedicated professional with a strong background in business and technology. Originally from Eastern Europe, she moved to the United States at 18 to pursue her education. Mzia completed her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management at Rutgers University. She is currently advancing her expertise by pursuing a Master of Business and Science in Computer and Information Sciences at Rutgers as well. Throughout her academic journey, Mzia has actively contributed to student organizations. As a facilitator for the Eastern European affinity group, Mzia applies her academic knowledge and leadership experience to support and guide the group in its endeavors.
Facilitator: Gabriela Constantin-Dureci, Ph.D. student, Spanish and Portuguese
Group Description: This affinity group is open to international graduate students at Rutgers who are looking for a space to build community by sharing their knowledge and experiences about being an international student. The affinity group will meet monthly, and each session will deal with one topic that directly affects international students, such as navigating advisor-Ph.D. student relationships as an international student, disrupting deficiency-based ideas around the international student identity, or advantages and disadvantages of using CPT or OPT as an international student (additional topics can be suggested by members). While these sessions are not meant to replace official advice from the Rutgers Global Office, they aim to provide a space for international students to engage informally with their peers and listen to each other’s experiences as international students at Rutgers.
Facilitator Bio: Gabriela (she/her/ella/ea) is an international Ph.D. Candidate in Spanish/Bilingualism and Second Language Acquisition. She holds a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics from Teachers College, Columbia University, as well as a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing in Spanish from New York University. Her dissertation examines the impact of language attitudes, linguistic bias, and linguistic stereotyping on employment opportunities in higher education for minoritized individuals. Gabriela grew up in Bucharest, Romania, lived in Bremen, Germany, and has been residing in the United States since 2015. Her experience as an immigrant and international student in two different countries has painted her understanding of “belonging”. Moreover, she considers herself a multilingual individual and constantly reflects on the intersections of language and identity. Specifically, Gabriela advocates against the use of labels such as “native speaker” and “non-native speaker” as a way to enforce and perpetuate hierarchies of linguistic subordination. You can read more about Gabriela’s positionality, research, personal and professional experiences on her personal website: https://constantindureci.wixsite.com/profile.
Facilitator: Jules Vivid, Ph.D. student, Sociology
Group Description: Supporting Neurodiversity at Rutgers (SNR) is an affinity group for neurodivergent graduate students. This group will offer an intentional, supportive space for students with neurodivergent identities or experiences to connect and build community. Monthly meetings will be held over Zoom and are welcome to all neurodivergent graduate students, including those with Autism, ADHD, OCD, Sensory Processing Sensitivity, Dyslexia, Tourette’s, and other neurological differences. Please reach out with any questions, and we look forward to seeing you there!
Facilitator Bio: Jules is an interdisciplinary artist and community builder living in Brooklyn. She recently returned to school to pursue her research interests in identity, culture, and inequality through a PhD program in sociology at Rutgers. Before this, Jules spent ten years in the research and nonprofit sectors developing social justice and community healing initiatives, with her work contributing to policy reform in the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development and the growth of two social impact nonprofits, The Dinner Party and The People's Supper. Jules cares a lot about building intentional community around shared identities and experiences and looks forward to connecting with other neuroatypical graduate students at Rutgers. Outside of school, her interests include cats, yoga, floral design, baking bread, and making video art.
Express your interest in participating
*This group is at capacity, but please still sign up using the above link so you can be added to the waitlist and notified when space opens up!*
Graduate Affinity Group student facilitators are supported by a network of faculty, staff, and peer mentors who provide guidance on equity-focused facilitation, content development, and community-building.
Program Coordinators
Coordinators manage overall implementation, outreach, and evaluation of the affinity groups. Briana and Ghada also coordinate initial participant recruitment. Throughout the year, Briana and Ghada will organize monthly check-ins with facilitators and periodic check-ins with faculty/staff and peer mentors.
Briana Bivens (she/her), Postdoctoral Research Associate, School of Graduate Studies, briana.bivens@rutgers.edu
Ghada Endick (she/her), Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Life, Division of Student Affairs, gendick@echo.rutgers.edu
Peer Mentors, SGS DEI Graduate Student Advisory Committee
Peer mentors advise program coordinators on implementation, outreach, and evaluation. Peer mentors are also available on an as-needed basis to support student facilitators in content development and group facilitation.
Zoey Eddy (she/her/hers), Ph.D. student, Psychology
Nusrath Yusuf, Ph.D. student, Neuroscience
Joanna Woo (they/she), PhD. student, Toxicology
Faculty and Staff Mentors
Faculty and staff mentors hold experiential, professional, and/or academic knowledge in the affinity group topic area with which they’ve been matched. These mentors support facilitators in planning and implementing their groups, from developing content and facilitation strategies to troubleshooting challenges. Facilitators and their designated faculty/staff mentor should meet twice per semester at a mutually agreed upon time.
Keywuan Caulk (he/him), Director, The Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities (Affinity Group for BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ Graduate Students & Bisexual+ Graduate Student Space)
Dr. Belinda Davis (she or they), Professor, Department of History (Affinity Group for Eastern European Graduate Students)
Dr. Mohini Mukherjee (she/her/hers), Executive Director of International Student Services, Rutgers Global (Affinity Group for International Graduate Students)
Jakora Thompson (she/hers/sis), Director, Paul Robeson Cultural Center (Affinity Group for African Graduate Students)
Dr. Ayanna Towers (she/her/hers), Counseling Psychologist, Counseling, Alcohol and Drug Assistance, and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) (Supporting Neurodiversity at Rutgers)
Yang You (she/her/hers), International Student Advisor, Rutgers Global (Affinity Group for Chinese Graduate Students)
Affinity-Based Graduate Student Organizations
In addition to the new year-long, discussion-based affinity groups organized by SGS and the Office of Graduate Student Life (details above), students may also get involved with Graduate Student Organizations to connect with peers who share social identities and experiences. The Graduate Student Association hosts a number of affinity-based Graduate Student Organizations, including:
- Council of Black Graduates
- Rutgers Graduate Christian Fellowship
- Rutgers GRADient (LGBT+ group)
- Rutgers Taiwanese GSA/ Rutgers Taiwan Study Association
- Supporting Parents and Caregivers at Rutgers
- Women’s Leadership Coalition (Graduate Organization)
- Korean Graduate Student Association
- Rutgers New Brunswick SACNAS (Advancing Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science)
Consult the complete list of Graduate Student Organizations to learn more about how to get involved with each organization.
Affinity-Based Organizations in the Biomedical and Health Sciences
Biomedical and Health Sciences students in New Brunswick/Piscataway and in Newark can build community with peers through the following affinity group spaces designed specifically for biomedical and health sciences students:
- Minority Student Association (SGS Biomedical and Health Sciences: Newark Health Science Campus)
- Women in Biomedical Sciences (SGS Biomedical and Health Sciences: Newark Health Science Campus)
- OUT@NJMS (the LGBTQA student organization of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School)
Affinity-Based Organizations within the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology
GSAPP houses identity-based affinity groups to support GSAPP students, including:
- The Hispanic Organization of Professional Psychology Students (HOPPS)
- The Jewish Student Alliance (JSA)
- Queer Student Association (QSA)
- Focus on Our DIversity
To learn more about these and other student groups in GSAPP, visit https://gsapp.rutgers.edu/current-students/student-groups.
More resources related to students’ social identities
- Campus map of single-use restrooms: http://socialjustice.rutgers.edu/trans-ru/
- LGBTQA Housing Options: http://socialjustice.rutgers.edu/housing-options/
- Resources for transgender, gender nonconforming and gender questioning students, faculty and staff: http://socialjustice.rutgers.edu/trans-ru/
- Rutgers University name change form: http://socialjustice.rutgers.edu/trans-ru/on-campus-preferred-name-change/
- The Center for Social Justice Education and LGBTQ Communities: http://socialjustice.rutgers.edu/
- Interfaith Meditation/Prayer spaces on campus: http://www.cilru.org/religious-organization-prayer-space
- Supporting Muslim Students During Ramadan: Link
- Lactation rooms on campus: https://swc.rutgers.edu/node/21
- The Center for Disability Services: https://oasa.rbhs.rutgers.edu/office-of-disability-services/
- Neurodiversity Taskforce: https://rcaas.rutgers.edu/about/neurodiversity-task-force