Employees welcome to attend Out OHIO social

*This story has been updated to include the event's shift to online in response to rising COVID cases.

Ohio University faculty and staff are invited to join the Out OHIO affinity group and Ohio University LGBT Center for an Out OHIO New Year's virtual mixer on Thursday, Jan. 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. Those interested in attending can join the Teams meeting here. No RSVP is required.

The 9-10 a.m. portion of the program will be free-flowing and the 10-11 a.m. portion of the program will feature more intentional brainstorming about community support needs and programming ideas. Attendees are invited to drop-in to this virtual program as time allows. 

Out OHIO is an affinity organization for employees of Ohio University focused on welcoming and engaging LGBTQ+ faculty and staff through a variety of opportunities for social gatherings, professional networking and inclusive community involvement.

“We want to celebrate community and give faculty and staff an opportunity to connect as we enter the new year,” said Nick Wortman, senior director of HR services and founding member of Out OHIO.

LGBT Center Director Micah McCarey will host this drop-in gathering with periodic chimes indicating a round of introductions among attendees, remarks from Out OHIO Leaders and open announcements.

“Our LGBT Center, which serves all constituent groups, embraces opportunities for social connection,” McCarey said.

Out OHIO provides programming for LGBTQ+ faculty and staff and allies throughout the year. This event is open to all faculty and staff. 

“We know that affinity organizations are key to developing a sense of belonging and so I can't think of a better way to start the semester than with this great community,” Cat Russell, HR liaison for strategic HR programs and founding member of Out OHIO, said.

For more about affinity organizations for faculty and staff, visit: https://www.ohio.edu/diversity/employee-affinity-organizations.