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About Employee Affinity Groups (EAG)

Mission:

Employee Affinity Groups are recognized and formed around a shared identity or common goal to build stronger relationships among members of non-dominant, minoritized, historically and currently marginalized communities in order to foster and promote equity, inclusion, and diversity across the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ campus.

Purpose:

• Educate, share information, and raise awareness about the concerns and challenges that affect non-dominant, minoritized, historically and currently marginalized communities that might not otherwise be visible to the broader campus
• Establish an inclusive space for community building, exchange, and conversation among a network of mentors, allies, and peers
• Offer a forum in which staff and faculty campus climate concerns can be made known to the University
• Advocate for policies and programs to meet the needs of EAG constituents
• Provide professional development, networking, and cultural appreciation opportunities for members
• Participate in recruitment and retention efforts to promote equity among administration, faculty, staff, and students
• Build cultural competence and cultural sharing in the campus community

Please be advised that Employee Affinity Groups are formed voluntarily and are not dictated by management. Individual employee membership and participation in EAGs are voluntary. In addition, all meetings and activities by EAGs must be open to all employees, not just those of a particular race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, age, etc.

Recognition Process:

Those wishing to form an EAG must submit their request for recognition by completing the Employee Affinity Group Application below. 

The following must be met to be eligible for recognition as an EAG. 

1. A minimum of 6 members is needed for recognition of the EAG.  
2. The purpose and/or mission of the EAG is unique, not duplicating another commission-recognized EAG.
3. Hold regular meetings.
4. An organizational structure is established (officers, committees, etc.) to support the development of the EAG.
5. A clear system of maintaining involvement records so that members may benefit from the Affinity Group Involvement Policy.

Requests are considered by the appointed EAG Liaisons for approval. 

Annual Responsibilities to Maintain Recognition:

1. A minimum of 6 members is required to maintain the recognition of the EAG.
2. Submission of new officers and contact information annually to Equity and Change Commission.
3. Submission of involvement documentation to appropriate supervisors of members to comply with the Affinity Group Involvement Policy.
4. Respond in a timely manner to inquiries regarding EAG membership/involvement.

The application for Employee Affinity Group Recognition is included in the link below. Please make sure all the questions are filled out thoroughly. 

If you have any issues, or questions, regarding the application, please contact: EAGSupport@ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ.edu

Thank you for your interest!

Rationale

In order to support ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s commitment to diversity and inclusion with a comprehensive and systematic approach, it is important to foster an environment in which all employees are supported and encouraged to engage in activities that build a sense of belonging and support and benefit the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ community. In this regard, adequate time will be offered to faculty members and other staff to actively engage in affinity groups where they can participate in community building, providing visibility and practical support to diversity and inclusion efforts,e.g. participating in diversity recruitment and retention efforts, identifying and raising concerns that might not otherwise be visible, building cultural competence and cultural sharing in the community.

The Affinity Group Involvement Policy is outlined in the EAG Resource Guide linked below. 

The Employee Affinity Group Participation FAQs is included in the link below. 

• Frequently Asked Questions