Employee Resource Groups
“Georgia Southern University celebrates diversity in all its forms. All populations will feel valued and respected, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability. In addition, the University will capitalize on distinctive, unique campus cultures while encouraging strong institutional unity.”
— Georgia Southern Strategic Plan, 2019
About ERGs
Georgia Southern University is committed to supporting the growth and development of a diverse and inclusive workforce through fostering the development of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) as part of our Inclusive Excellence Action Plan Strategy 2-B. These groups cultivate and strengthen workplace effectiveness and leadership abilities, support recruitment and retention efforts, offer opportunities for professional development, and promote career growth and success in the workplace.
ERGs are an employee-led initiative that provide members of the University faculty and staff the ability to engage in opportunities that promote the following themes:
- Inclusive excellence
- Professional development
- Career growth opportunities
- Expanded networking
- Leadership
- Employee recruitment and retention
Current Employee Resource Groups (Click the links to explore!)
- International Employee Resource Group
- Jewish Employee Resource Group
- LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group
- Women’s Leadership Series Employee Resource Group
- Young Professionals Employee Resource Group
Upcoming Events and Meetings
| Group(s) & Session | Date & Time | Locations/Registration Links | Flyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jewish Employee Resource Group – General Meeting | March 20, 2023 4-5pm | Contact Cate Garcia for zoom link. cnussbaum@georgiasouthern.edu | |
| LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group – Courageous Conversations Book Talk: Gender and Sexuality in the Classroom | March 21, 2023 4-5p | Join via http://bit.ly/CCBookTalk |  |
| LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group – General Meeting | March 22, 2023 2-3p | Contact Jeff Jones for location. jajones@georgiasouthern.edu | |
| International Employee Resource Group – Flash Talk “Teaching with Brain Booth” | March 31, 2023 Noon-1p | Join via Zoom link: www.tinyurl.com/IERGFlash | |
| LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group – General Meeting | April 3, 2023 10-11a | Contact Jeff Jones for location. jajones@georgiasouthern.edu | |
| International Employee Resource Group – Flash Talk “Teaching COIL Courses” | April 7, 2023 Noon-1p | Join via Zoom link: www.tinyurl.com/IERGFlash | |
| Jewish Employee Resource Group – General Meeting | April 24, 2023 4-5pm | Contact Cate Garcia for zoom link. cnussbaum@georgiasouthern.edu |
Additional Information
In order to be recognized and supported (both administratively and financially) by the University, ERGs must (1) identify a minimum of ten eligible members, (2) complete the application, (3) develop a charter, and (4) have the required materials approved by the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Human Resources.
- Important Resources:
Maintenance of ERG Status
ERGS must submit the annual renewal process via the Office of Inclusive Excellence website that begins in June of each year and is due by September 1st.
Co-Chairs’ Terms of Office and Elections
Each ERG will have at least two appointed or elected leadership chairs who will facilitate regular touchpoints with ERG members, guide ERG plans and activities, meet on a regular basis with the Council of ERG Leaders, liaise with the Office of Inclusive Excellence, be listed on the Office of Inclusive Excellence website as ERG contacts, and promote smooth leadership succession at the conclusion of each term.
Additional optional leaders or officers may be appointed or elected at the discretion of the ERG, but efforts should be made towards the most democratic process possible based on ERG participation.
ERG co-chairs will serve their term in their roles for two years and automatically be appointed to the Council of ERG Leaders. These leadership roles will be put into their positions by the members of the ERG by vote or the agreement of a majority of the members present at a meeting called for such a purpose. This agreement may also take place via electronic means. Each ERG may administer the appointment or election process as they see fit as long as the outcomes are communicated to the membership and reported to the Office of Inclusive Excellence.
It is recommended, but not necessary, to stagger terms to provide for some continuity in ERG leadership.
Last updated: 5/17/2022