Employee Resource Groups

Affinity@Suffolk  

Employee Resource Groups provide opportunities for faculty and staff to engage in networking and professional development activities to foster connection and community at Suffolk University. Currently, 9% of the Suffolk workforce is engaged in one or more employee resource group. There are twelve fully formed groups with more to come. Each group is lead by a pair of employees, called Influencers, who receive leadership and professional development training during their tenure. We are excited to invite the entire campus community to participate in member events throughout the year. Employee Resource Groups have a significant impact on employee morale, allowing for employees to gather around shared interests, network, and advance their careers. The list of ERGs is found below:

  • Asian Faculty & Staff
  • Black Faculty & Staff
  • Fiber Arts GrandParents
  • S.A.G.A. – Sexuality and Gender Alliance
  • Living and Working with Diabetes
  • Moms Making It Work
  • Religious Dialogue
  • SU Network (Hispanic/Latinx)
  • Suffolk Sisters of Color
  • Women’s Network
  • Fitness, Nutrition, & Wellness

To join an existing group, request a new group or to begin a conversation, please fill out the Affinity@Suffolk Employee Resource Group Interest Form.

Affinity@Suffolk groups will strengthen our community experience by supporting the development and retention of our diverse workforce, celebrating cultural awareness, and allowing for authentic engagement across campus.

Upcoming events for ERGs include:

March TBA – Women’s History Event – Sponsored by Women’s Network ERG
April 9, 2019– National Have Fun at Work Day – Sushil Bhatia – Laughing and Happiness at Work – Sponsored by Affinity@Suffolk – Employee Resource Groups
May TBA - Affinity@Suffolk End of Year Celebration Breakfast

GroupDevelopment

During an Affinity@Suffolk initial meeting, a representative from Diversity, Access, and Inclusion will be present to assist with the formation of group charters and to respond to questions. A group leader will be provided with tools and support for facilitating group meetings and future events. Group leaders should enlist the support of a university sponsor in the form of an administrator on campus. University administration endorses the creation of Affinity@Suffolk groups and will show their commitment through their involvement in the program at all levels. For the initial group meeting, Diversity, Access, and Inclusion will supply up to $250 for refreshments and/or supplies.

Recommended Activities

Affinity@Suffolk Groups are encouraged to meet monthly to maintain connection among group members. Groups are also encouraged to meet to foster community, share professional expertise and resources, and to help promote recruitment and retention of employees. Funding may be requested for webinars, workshops, speakers, or activities that enhance group engagement. Activities may include:

  • Networking Opportunities / Roundtable Discussions
  • Conferences and Professional Development Events
  • Cultural Celebrations and Opportunities to Share Perspective and Voice
  • Mentoring and Coaching
  • Speakers Series
  • Employee Recruitment and Retention Events and
  • Much More!