Employee Resource Groups
Kansas State University Employee Resource Groups, or ERGs, are voluntary, employee-led communities that support a positive and collaborative work environment aligned with our organizational mission and values. These groups bring together employees who share common characteristics, experiences, or interests to provide support, enhance career development, and contribute to personal and professional growth.
ERG membership is open to all employees, whether they identify with the specific community or serve as allies. By participating in ERGs, employees can expand their networks, develop new skills, and make meaningful contributions to our collaborative workplace culture.
Every employee has the opportunity to participate in an ERG, but those who choose not to will not be negatively affected. Conversely, supervisors are encouraged to coordinate schedules that allow all employees who wish to participate full access to these resources. All faculty and staff are welcome to engage in the Wildcat Community in a way that best suits their needs.
The role of ERGs
- Building community
- Developing leadership skills
- Enhancing employee engagement and retention
- Supporting recruitment efforts to retain talent
Human Resources support
- Access to the university email listserv to support seamless communication
- Organizations listed on the Human Resources website
- Promotion during key HR training programs
- New Employee Orientation
- Supervisory training
- Faculty orientation tabling
- Collaboration opportunities for events and programs with the Human Resources (i.e. speaker program)
K-State ERGs
- Alianza
- Asian/American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Coalition
- Black Faculty and Staff Alliance
- The Indigenous Faculty and Staff Alliance
- LGBTQ* Faculty and Staff Alliance
Interested in starting a new ERG?
All faculty and staff at Kansas State University are welcome to join any Employee Resource Group. If you are interested in starting a new ERG to bring K-State employees together around a common topic, identity, or interest, email xxx@k-state.edu. Examples of potential new ERGs could include, but are not limited to, Care Takers, Working Parents, Artists, Veterans, Young Professionals, First-Generation, etc. Each ERG determines its own scope and priorities. To receive support and recognition from Human Resources, a group should:
- have a clear purpose, including purpose and mission statements that support and align with the university’s mission, core values and goals
- be accessible to all K-State employees (faculty, staff and administrators), and
- hold open and accessible meetings.
We are committed to supporting, growing and assessing ERGs, including providing guidance and partnership opportunities.