Mission

The mission of the ERGs sponsored by the Division of Inclusive Excellence shall be to:

• Educate, raise awareness, and share information about issues that affect historically marginalized and/or underrepresented communities;
• Provide professional development, networking, and cultural appreciation opportunities for the respective affinity groups;
• Improve diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging at Sacramento State; and
• Offer a forum in which staff and faculty campus climate concerns can be made known to the University.

Purpose

Sacramento State's ERGs are part of the institution's collective efforts to leverage diversity to foster a sense of togetherness and ensure that employees experience a greater sense of engagement and belonging. ERGs are formed around a shared identity, common bond, and a commitment to invest in the professional development of historically marginalized or underrepresented groups of faculty and staff. These groups contribute to Sacramento State through:

• Visibility – Providing a sense of security and acceptance for employees on campus by maintaining a visible presence and sense of togetherness.
• Community – Supporting new staff and faculty in identifying campus resources and understanding university culture as well as fostering inclusion and community through a support network of mentors, allies, and peers.
• Advocacy and Education – Advocating for policies and programs to meet the needs of members of underrepresented groups that lead to greater advancement. Making suggestions on educating all employees on relevant matters that impact a specific affinity group.
• Recruiting and Retaining Top Talent – Assisting the University in its efforts to recruit, hire, and retain a highly skilled workforce that reflects the diversity of the students that we serve.
• Campus Engagement – Fostering camaraderie and building bridges amongst the campus community as well as educating the broader campus community on the affinity group’s perspectives and concerns.

ERGs are not intended to address matters falling under the purview of labor unions, including but not limited to work hours, compensation, advancement opportunities, working conditions, or job assignments.

Benefits

• Recognition as an official organization of Sacramento State and executive sponsorship through the Division of Inclusive Excellence
• University webpage for ERG (links to social media, ERG private website, contact info, etc.)
• University provided e-mail address
• Ability to reserve space and access institutional resources
• Access to University financial account, if desired
• Direct access to the University administration through the VP of Inclusive Excellence and greater visibility to the campus community via new staff and faculty orientations, University-sponsored events, etc.

Inclusivity Notice

Note that Employee Resource Groups are established voluntarily, independent of managerial influence. Participation in these groups, as well as individual membership, is entirely optional. Furthermore, all ERG gatherings and events must remain inclusive, welcoming all employees regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, age, etc.