Queer Faculty and Staff Association (QFSA) Statement of Purpose
The Queer Faculty and Staff Association (QFSA) seeks to enhance and empower the voices, visibility, presence and community of faculty and staff of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions, thereby creating a safe and inclusive campus climate and advocating for justice, safety, well-being and equity for all.
Responsibilities and University Governance
QFSA promotes and supports special events, fundraising and advocacy for all queer faculty and staff. QFSA also co-chairs the promotion and review of the Safe Zone Scholarship.
QFSA has a unique position in University Governance to advocate on behalf of faculty and staff to support the institutional mission of student success.
Objectives
The formation of the QFSA is the result of the collective efforts of concerned queer faculty and staff of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The purpose of this association is to promote a sense of community and professional welfare amongst queer faculty and staff at SIUE. The association has the following objectives:
- Support queer faculty and staff in all areas related to professional advancement and development;
- Foster opportunities for mentorship for new staff and junior faculty, as they acclimate to the SIUE environment;
- Facilitate collaborations in teaching, research and creative activities, service, and University programs;
- Maintain and ensure positive regard and relationships between the University and its queer constituency both on and off all SIUE campuses;
- Ensure inclusivity of the unique perspectives, ideas, experiences, needs and voices of queer faculty and staff within and across the University;
- Identify and assiduously respond to issues that affect the welfare of queer faculty, staff or students at SIUE, especially as it relates to the mission of the University;
- Provide a social network among queer faculty and staff across all SIUE campuses; and
- Serve as a resource for the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees; the Vice President for Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer; the SIUE Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; and the SIUE Chancellor.
Contact Us
Want to learn more about the QFSA? Feel free to reach out to any of the Executive Board Members or contact us at lgbtqia@siue.edu.
