UMass Employee Resource Groups and Networks
Challenge
We recognized that many of our historically underrepresented faculty and staff do not have access to mentorship, professional development, and a community that is specifically focused on their unique needs. Our location, in Western Massachusetts, can be isolating for certain groups of people. Therefore, we created employee resource groups (ERGs) that cater their programming and initiatives to meet their needs.
Actions
In February of 2020, we launched five employee resource groups. This initiative provides UMass staff and faculty with resources for professional development, networking, and mentorship, while also promoting the recruitment, retention, and advancement of employees who are underrepresented in our community.
Outcomes
UMass Amherst now has five unique employee resource groups.
- UMass Faculty and Staff of Color Network
- UMass International Staff/Faculty Network
- UMass LGBTQIA+ Network
- UMass Allies for Illness and Disability Access (UMAIDA) Network
- UMass Veterans Network
Contact
Kumble Subbaswamy
Quote
As a leading public research university, our mission is to educate our citizenry, preparing them for fulfilling and productive lives, and to use our robust research enterprise to create new knowledge to better the human condition through innovation and discovery. Our efforts have national and global significance, and it is critical to our success that we foster a workplace defined by dignity and respect for all, where the voices of diverse experiences and perspectives are valued contributions. As a living and learning community, we have the unique opportunity to actively work on understanding and embracing these values every day, but it is an ongoing process and one that cannot be left to chance. By implementing measurable actions and exchanging best practices with other organizations, we actively advance our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.