Office of Intercultural Affairs
What is a faculty and staff resource group? An FSRG is a group of faculty and staff members who work to create an environment and culture that is welcoming and supportive of all members of the Union community, but particularly those who are members of historically underrepresented populations.
FSRGs are supported by Human Resources and the Chief Diversity Officer as a means of improving the recruitment and retention of faculty and staff members from underrepresented populations. FSRGs at Union are housed under the umbrella of UNITAS, an organization on campus that supports diversity initiatives and community-building projects through conversation, open-mindedness, advocacy, and empathy.
Goals and Objectives:
Community and Support: FSRGs provide a sense of community and belonging for faculty and staff members who share common backgrounds, experiences, or interests. They offer a safe space for individuals to connect, share experiences, and support each other.
Diversity and Inclusion: FSRGs promote diversity and inclusion by celebrating and honoring the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and identities of their members. They often work to create a culture that values differences and fosters respect.
Professional Development: FSRGs offer opportunities for skill-building, career advancement, and mentorship. They provide resources, workshops, and networking events to help members grow professionally within the organization.
Activities and Initiatives:
Attend and participate in meetings: Regular gatherings to discuss relevant topics, share experiences, and support one another.
Educational Workshops: Events focused on cultural awareness, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with peers, mentors, and leaders within the organization.
Advocacy Campaigns: Initiatives aimed at driving systemic change and promoting inclusivity.
BIPOC Employee Alliance
The BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) Employee Alliance was formed in Fall 2021 by BIPOC employees. The BIPOC Employee Alliance at Union College is a dedicated faculty and staff resource group open to all community members working to foster an inclusive and equitable workplace for all individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The mission is to create a supportive community where voices are heard, celebrated, and empowered.
Our priorities include:
- Empowerment and Support: The BIPOC Employee Alliance aims to provide a safe space to share experiences, challenges, and successes with community members. Through mutual support and mentorship, the BIPOC Employee Alliance empowers staff and faculty personally and professionally.
- Get Involved: Interested in joining the BIPOC Employee Alliance? To get involved please connect with Adonis Richards at Richara2@union.edu
Queer Faculty and Staff Alliance
The Queer Faculty and Staff Alliance at Union is a dedicated faculty and staff resource group open to all community members working to support LGBTQ+ and allied faculty and staff. QFS hosts various events and activities around the year to help members get acquainted with one another, share experiences, and most importantly celebrate our community. We are a great resource for new and existing employees to learn what it's like for the queer community in the Capital Region. Let's have a kiki.
Our Alliance aims to:
- Foster a sense of community for LGBTQ+ faculty and staff members within the Union College community, through networking events and programs
- Connect with our LGBTQ+ alums and outreach to our LGBTQ+ students to provide support and mentorship
- Collaborate with college administration and the LGBTQ+ Affairs Committee to strengthen institutional efforts in building an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ members at the College
Interested in joining the Alliance? Please connect with Marlow Guerrant, guerranm@union.edu, Charles Batson, batsonc@union.edu or Brianne Brinker, brinkerb@union.edu.
To learn more about LGBTQ+ life at Union College, please visit LGBTQ+ at Union.
Women of Color Collective
Women of Color Collective (WOCC) was established in 2018 to bring together students, faculty, and staff who are interested in issues related to women of color (including Arab/Middle Eastern, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black/African, Latinx, Native/Indigenous, and Multiracial) in order to foster a sense of community and solidarity. Women of Color Collective has been instrumental in providing opportunities to connect with one another and to discuss personal, academic, professional, and social challenges.
Activities include dinner discussions, collaborative events, and social outings related to the topics of identity, culture, wellness, spirituality, healthy relationships, politics, and personal development.
For more information, please contact Isabel Norman at normani@union.edu.
Additional FSRGs: Are you missing a resource group that resonates with you? Ever thought about launching your own Faculty and Staff Resource Group (FSRG)? (possibly one for women)?
Contact our Chief Diversity Officer at deanofdei@union.edu to make it happen! She's here to guide you through the process, answer your queries, and support you in creating an inclusive FSRG.