Social Connection Groups

Faculty/Staff on the Spectrum (FSOS) Group The Indiana Resource Center for Autism at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community sponsors the Faculty/Staff on the Spectrum (FSOS) group on the IU Bloomington campus. All Indiana University faculty and staff who identify as Autistic are welcome. These are primarily self-directed groups that help individuals stay socially connected, become effective self-advocates, and explore supports and activities on campus and in the community. Events are scheduled with club members only, and in conjunction with the Neurodiversity Coalition and the College Internship Program. SOS and FSOS are not counseling programs. All meetings will take place at Indiana Resource Center for Autism
(2810 E Discovery Parkway, Building M, Bloomington, IN 47408) and a zoom option is available for those unable to attend in person. Parking at the Institute is open after 5:00 P.M. One should use the spaces and not pull up to the side of the circle drive, etc., as that will block IU vehicles. There are accessible spaces off the circle drive and off the parking lot alongside the Institute. For more information visit: https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/community-support/index.html. Upcoming meetings & zoom links: Wed 2/19 5:30 - 6:30 PM ET (https://iu.zoom.us/j/84738124675); Wed 4/2 5:30 - 6:30 PM ET (https://iu.zoom.us/j/82777441345)

Integrated Bureau of Leader Assistants IBoLA - the Integrated Bureau of Leader Assistants - is an employee resource group open to all administrative and support staff across all IU campuses. We meet weekly on Wednesdays at 2pm via Teams to exchange ideas, learn new skills, and foster a sense of community. For more information, please contact Hannah Smith, hmjanes@iu.edu, or  join our Teams group.

Menopause Matters Teams Page The Menopause Matters Microsoft Teams private group is a supportive space for employees to access resources, share experiences, and find information on all things menopause. Whether you are pre-menopausal, peri-menopausal, in the thick of it, or post-menopausal, you are welcome here. This group offers a safe and inclusive environment for discussions and helpful tools to navigate menopause with confidence.

IU Working Moms’ Group provides a community for employees who are maintaining a career alongside their parenting responsibilities. The group meets for lunch occasionally at various locations around campus. Parents with children of all ages, from newborns to adults, are welcome. To join, email Amanda Peterson at amkhoffm@iu.edu or like the Facebook group page.

The Trident Trailblazers is a University-wide trail runners group for IU Staff and Faculty. An opportunity to get out, kick up some mud, and connect across campuses. We typically plan for ~5 to 7-mile runs, rain or shine. If 5 miles+, we will choose trails with a cut-through option for those that prefer to stick to a shorter length. Seasonal pre-planned runs will be shared on Teams and pop-up opportunities will be added as demand calls for. Keep an eye out for pop-up events on Healthy IU’s Facebook Page. Join the group anytime on Teams; RSVP’ing and carpooling encouraged. Let Hannah McConnell (hmmcconn@iu.edu) know if you want to host a run closer to your home campus!

IU Bloomington Tabletop Gaming Group Welcome all Bloomingtonians! Come relax with us and play a round of games. We meet every other week to play a mix of games, from drop-in card games and Jackbox party packs to campaign-style tabletop games. This is a low-stress, casual setting to have fun and make local friends. Click here to join the Teams page to keep up with upcoming events.

Faculty/Staff on the Spectrum (FSOS) Group The Indiana Resource Center for Autism at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community sponsors the Faculty/Staff on the Spectrum (FSOS) group on the IU Bloomington campus. All Indiana University faculty and staff who identify as Autistic are welcome. These are primarily self-directed groups that help individuals stay socially connected, become effective self-advocates, and explore supports and activities on campus and in the community. Events are scheduled with club members only, and in conjunction with the Neurodiversity Coalition and the College Internship Program. SOS and FSOS are not counseling programs. All meetings will take place at Indiana Resource Center for Autism
(2810 E Discovery Parkway, Building M, Bloomington, IN 47408) and a zoom option is available for those unable to attend in person. Parking at the Institute is open after 5:00 P.M. One should use the spaces and not pull up to the side of the circle drive, etc., as that will block IU vehicles. There are accessible spaces off the circle drive and off the parking lot alongside the Institute. For more information visit: https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/community-support/index.html. 

 Night at the Museum Events The IUMAA (IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology) hosts monthly Night at the Museum events that are free and open to our community! The goal of these events is to build connection and foster joy, all while having fun at the museum. Each event is a different theme and will have an assortment of things to do (for example, eat, dance, craft, sing, discuss, etc.). Visit the museum calendar at https://iumaa.iu.edu/events/events-calendar.html for details, or email iumaa@iu.edu with any questions.

 Get to Know Your Colleagues – Staff Council Events All IUB staff members are invited to casually connect with colleagues from all over campus over coffee and tea. We encourage you to bring business cards, network, and enjoy the refreshments! No need to RSVP; join us at any Get to Know Your Colleagues events. Visit here to see upcoming events. Please email the Council at iubsc@iu.edu if you have suggestions for future events locations. 

Grief Group This is an informal group open to all IU employees to create a safe space to connect with others on their grief journey and receive support within the IU community. To receive information on upcoming gatherings, reach out to Dani Doyle (doyleda@iu.edu). PleaseNote: This is not a professionally facilitated support group or counseling service.

Coffee Break Coffee Break is a weekly opportunity for social connection event open to all IU Columbus faculty and staff every Thursday 9:30-10:30am in the IU Columbus Staff Lounge. All coffee and food is free.

Breakfast Club All IU employees are welcome to join in for the Breakfast Club monthly pitch in (often, but not always themed). Contact Sandy Almendares-Monge at smonge@iu.edu for details on the next event.

Bowling Club The Bowling Club is a student club, where employees are also welcome to join. This group meets the first Thursday of the month, September – April, from 6-8pm at the Columbus Bowling Center (3010 State St.). Faculty/staff who attend are asked to self-pay when possible.