The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Office of Access, Equity and Equal Opportunity are thrilled to announce the launch of Rice's first official Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) program.
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary employee groups whose primary focus is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with the values of the University. ERGs provide employees the space to connect around a shared characteristic such as gender or military service or career stage or interests like parenting or wellness.
Goals of an ERGs are to:
- Advance Rice's mission and values, and advance the university's commitment to promoting and sustaining an inclusive campus climate and diverse workforce.
- Create an open forum to share common interests/concerns and support one another in creatively addressing those concerns;
- Contribute to the professional and personal growth of their group members;
- Provide a resource to university leadership regarding staff/community issues, needs, and policies.
University Provided Resources
ERGs approved by DEI and AEEO will be eligible to access certain university resources, such as financial support, administrative support, meeting space and training.
Criteria and Procedures
Groups seeking to form an ERGs must 1) have executive buy-in (approval from their supervisor to allocate a part of their work week to working on ERGs related activities); 2) have at least three current employees expressing interest in membership; 3) have a mission that aligns with the university's mission and core values; 4) complete a proposal application.
For more information, email: ergs@rice.edu.