Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Diverse, equitable, and inclusive practice is vital for WPI’s ability to grow and innovate in a fast-changing environment. To help drive change in these areas, WPI is forming employee-led, self-directed voluntary Employee Resource Groups—great minds at work.
ERGs offer opportunities for employees to network internally, to provide the inclusion of ideas and solutions, and to create opportunities for mentoring and career development. These groups highlight WPI’s commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across campus and to supporting employees’ professional development. ERGs help attract a diverse employee base and further tap the extraordinary resources and talents of WPI’s employees.
WPI seeks to build groups in these ERGs affinity areas:
- Women in STEM
- Veterans/Military
- Young Professionals
- LGBTQIAP+
- Working Parents/Guardians
- Social Justice
- Cognitive and Physical Challenges
- Expatriates
Objectives for ERGs
- Create communities across WPI that align with the institution’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Create connections with others, share knowledge, raise and build cohesiveness
- Collaborate with colleagues to support personal growth and professional development
- Share best practices and learnings with other ERGs across the campus and externally
Available Employee Resource Groups
Accessibility Network
Mission Statement
- The Disability ERGs serves as a resource for employees to increase awareness, share ideas, news, and resources on disability topics.
- The Disability ERGs provides an opportunity to develop strong relationships and create a positive work environment for all employees whose lives have been impacted by disability.
- The Disability ERGs supports WPI’s commitment to diversity and inclusion to foster a welcoming, accessible, and supportive environment to the WPI Community through the exploration of topics of employment and workplace issues facing employees with disabilities.
Meeting Schedule
- November 6, 2024
3:30PM-4:30PM via Zoom - December 4, 2024
3:30PM-4:30PM via Zoom
Focus
Serve as a resource or voice to address accessibility issues or concerns in the workplace. Increase awareness of accessibility and the importance of a more inclusive and accessible work environment. Provide a collaborative and interactive space to discuss common topics of interest on accessibility and assess the current and future needs of employees.
Contact
Emaıl: rcgardner@wpı.edu
J-FAST (Jewish Faculty, Administrators, Staff, and Allies Group)
Mission Statement
The Jewish Faculty, Staff, Administrators, and Allies affinity group (J-FAST) is a pluralistic group that seeks to build connections between individuals in WPI's Jewish community and to promote education and awareness across campus. WPI's J-FAST will help advance and sustain a culture and climate that embraces diversity and inclusiveness. All members of the WPI community are welcome.
Meeting Schedule
- November 7, 2024
8:30AM-10:00AM (Morgan Conference Room) - December 5. 2024
8:30AM-10:00AM (Morgan Conference Room)
Focus
We aim to organize monthly gatherings for Jewish faculty, staff, administration, and allies to build a strong community on campus. Additionally, we will provide a central hub for communication and support among Jewish faculty, staff, and administration. Furthermore, we will serve as resources for Jewish students, families, and prospective Jewish students and families
Contact
Email: ephraim@wpi.edu
LGBTQIA Faculty and Staff Community Network
Mission Statement
The LGBTQIA Faculty and Staff Community Network will provide personal and professional opportunities that will encourage faculty and staff within the LGBTQA+ community to become more fulfilled members of the WPI Community. This affinity group with host regular informal social gatherings, professional development events, and working group meetings to discuss campus issues affecting the community.
Meeting Schedule
TBD
Focus
| Point of Focus #1 | Support LGBTQIA+ staff and faculty |
| Point of Focus #2 | Encourage a sense of belonging for LGBTQIA members |
| Point of Focus #3 | Maintain close relationship with student group to plan events |
Contact
Men of Color Coalition
Mission Statement
The Men of Color Coalition (MoCC) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a community dedicated to nurturing a sense of belonging and facilitating growth among men of color.
Our mission is to cultivate a supportive environment that fosters positive outcomes and experiences. MoCC strives to raise campus awareness and advocate for issues pertaining to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We actively work towards strengthening community bonds, reducing discrimination, and bolstering feelings of empowerment. Additionally, we aim to increase confidence in self-advocacy, improve retention rates, enhance job satisfaction, and promote professional development and growth among men of color faculty and staff at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Meeting Schedule
- October 28, 2024
3:00PM-4:30PM (Hagglund Conference Room) - November 25, 2024
3:00PM-4:30PM (Hagglund Conference Room)
Focus
Serve as a platform for the coalition to openly address and discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion issues specifically relevant to men of color. Facilitate academic excellence, as well as professional and personal development, within the men of color faculty and staff community at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Inspire coalition members to actively engage in the ongoing development and pursuit of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) goals outlined in Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Sustainable Inclusive Excellence Action (SIE) Plan.
Contact
Email: gcesar@wpi.edu
Shades of Strength Society
Also known as S-Cube
Mission Statement
Shades of Strength Society (S-Cube) seeks to empower and elevate faculty and staff women of color at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Our mission is to cultivate a supportive community where women of color can thrive, celebrate their diversity, amplify their voices, and champion their collective advancement in all aspects of life. Through fostering connections, inclusivity, and opportunities, we aim to break barriers, inspire change, and forge a path towards equity and excellence for women of color at WPI.
Focus
Promote Professional Development:
S-Cube aims to provide resources and mentorship opportunities tailored to the unique experiences and challenges faced by women of color in the workplace. This includes hosting skill-building sessions, networking events that empower faculty and staff women of color at WPI members to excel in their careers and pursue leadership roles.
Drive Awareness and Advocacy:
S-Cube will raise awareness about issues affecting women of color both within WPI and society at large. By organizing educational sessions, cultural celebrations, and awareness campaigns, members can promote understanding, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for social justice. Moreover, the group aims to collaborate with other institutional DEIB-focused initiatives to amplify marginalized voices and drive meaningful change within the organization and beyond.
Foster Inclusivity and Support:
S-Cube seeks to create a welcoming and supportive community where women of color feel valued, understood, and respected. Through regular meetings, discussion forums, and events, members can connect with peers, share experiences, and offer mutual support.
Contact
Meeting Schedule
|
October 17, 2024 12:00PM-1:30PM (Hagglund Conference Room) |
November 20, 2024 1:00PM-2:00PM (Morgan Conference Room) |
December 5, 2024 1:00PM-2:00PM (Hagglund Conference Room) |
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Turkish Faculty and Staff Support Group (TFSG)
Mission Statement
The Turkish Faculty and Staff Group (TFSG) serves as a community for Turkish employees at WPI, providing a platform for networking, cultural exchange, and professional support. Our mission is to foster a sense of belonging and enhance the overall work experience of Turkish faculty and staff members through mentorship, shared resources, and inclusive discussions. TFSG is committed to promoting cultural diversity and inclusion across WPI, while also providing support for Turkish employees’ professional growth and development.
Meeting Schedule
TBD!
Focus
The Turkish Faculty and Staff Group (TFSG) will strive to support members of the WPI community by organizing events that celebrate Turkish culture, fostering cross-cultural understanding within the WPI community. In addition, the group will focus on strengthening bonds among Turkish employees through regular meetings, discussions, and collaborative activities that address shared concerns and aspirations. The initiative will also create opportunities for mentorship and career growth by providing a supportive network for Turkish faculty and staff.
Contact
Email: kmus@wpi.edu
Veterans
Mission Statement
The Mission of the WPI Community of Valor—Veteran's ERG group is to create community and belonging for WPI Veteran employees.
Meeting Schedule
TBD!
Focus
This ERGs will strive to support members of the WPI community in three critical areas:
- Create a close-knit community of employees on campus who identify as Veterans.
- Initiate community outreach efforts and build partnerships with Veterans organizations and agencies within the City of Worcester.
- Serve as a support network for student veterans at WPI.
Contact
Email: adheppe@wpi.edu
Great Minds at Work...
Best practices in higher education institutions indicate that when these groups are established, employees become more engaged in identifying ways to leverage diversity and increase inclusion and equity across the organization. The groups will have the flexibility and autonomy to operate independently to create a vision and follow through according to the group’s decisions.