Employee Resource Groups

51�� is committed to supporting the growth and development of workforce diversity through fostering the development of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). ERGs promote diversity and inclusion within 51��; foster and strengthen workplace effectiveness and leadership abilities; enhance recruitment and retention; professional development; and promote career growth and success in the workplace.

Policy

This policy establishes the requirements for the creation of a recognized ERG, able to apply for University funding, that supports the University and is in some way representative of an approved function

Applicability

This policy applies to groups for all employees, volunteers and retirees of 51��. All ERGs, as do employees, have a responsibility to comply with university policies, including state and federal law. Activities of an approved ERG must be consistent with university policy, state and federal law, while engaged in an ERG activity. Behavior inconsistent with the guidelines could result in removal of the ERG or individuals could be subject to disciplinary action.

Policy Terms

51�� shall allow regular full-time and regular part-time employees to use a reasonable amount of paid work time (not overtime) to attend ERG meetings and participate in ERG activities. Paid work time relating to an ERG should not exceed 25 hours in a year. Normally no more than 3 hours should be spent in any given week (though ERG leaders may be able to exceed the weekly limit with permission of their supervisors.)
When using work time to participate in ERG activities, employees shall request prior approval from their supervisor in order to allow departments to ensure adequate staff coverage.
Supervisors shall approve employee requested time for ERG participation unless the operational needs of the department cannot be readily met without the employee’s attendance during the requested time.
Members of an ERG are responsible for:
1. Determining how it will be organized.
2. Selecting officers and recruiting inclusive membership.
3. Setting meetings and activities including frequency, location, purpose and content.
4. Developing and maintaining a contact list for members. The University cannot provide lists of names based on protected criteria.
5. Facilitating communication among members via the University’s email system and with campus through the employee newsletter, Inside 51�� and University approved social media platforms.
6. Seeking ongoing guidance from HR or the ERGs executive leadership. E.g. reviewing emails and presentations, providing resources, providing insight on processes and policies of the University, etc.
ERGs shall not enroll individuals to its membership who are not current employees, volunteers, or retirees.
In order to be recognized as an approved ERG, an application should be submitted to Director of Employee and Labor Relations, who will consult with the Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff for approval. Each ERG shall:
1. Complete an application process that includes having a mission, member roles, goals, and rules or bylaws which establish a sustainable structure and define its relevance to 51��.
2. Maintain at least five active members and meet at least once a calendar year.
3. Submit a brief annual report (e.g. bulleted list of activities and expenditures) to HR by July 31 of every year.
4. Ensure that the group is governed by current employees.
Human Resources shall provide support to ERGs, including:
1. Consultation to individuals seeking to start an ERG.
2. Reviewing, providing feedback and managing the process to approve or deny proposals to form a new ERG.
3. Reviewing the Annual Report submitted by each ERG.
4. As available, providing funding to support ERG activities.
5. Facilitating connections with similar ERGs that have had success.
6. Provide through the communications department a presence on the 51�� website.
Leaders of an ERG may discontinue an ERG at any time or HR may dissolve an ERG that is demonstrating inactivity or noncompliance.

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