Office of Intercultural Affairs

UNITAS Faculty & Staff Resource Group

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 Officers 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 Employee Alliance at Union College is a dedicated faculty and staff resource group committed to fostering 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.

  • Goals and Objectives:
    • Empowerment and Support: The BIPOC Employee Alliance aims to provide a safe space for BIPOC faculty and staff members to share experiences, challenges, and successes. Through mutual support and mentorship, the BIPOC Employee Alliance empowers each other both personally and professionally.
    • Get Involved: Interested in joining the BIPOC Employee Alliance? To get involved please connect with Adonis Richards at Richara2@union.edu.

The Queer Faculty and Staff Alliance (QFS)

The Queer Faculty and Staff Alliance provides a space for all LGBTQ+ faculty and staff members through various events and activities around the year to help get acquainted with one another, share experiences, and most importantly celebrate queer pride and identities. The Queer Faculty and Staff Alliance is a great resource for new and existing faculty and staff members to learn what it's like for the queer community in the Capital Region.

Women of Color Collective

The Women of Color Collective faculty and staff resource Group is a dedicated community that focuses on supporting and empowering women who identify as belonging to diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds.

  • Goals and objectives: The mission is to provide a platform for women of color to amplify their voices, support one another, and advocate for equity and inclusion within our workplace and the broader community.

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 Officers at Diversity@union.edu to make it happen! They're here to guide you through the process, answer your queries, and support you in creating an inclusive FSRG.