Employee Resource Groups

"The University of Louisville is a great place to work because it is a workforce dedicated to personal growth and professional development. We accomplish this by fostering a culture where faculty, staff and administration live our institutional values." (UofL Strategic Plan, 2019)

The university hosts a number of employee resource groups (ERGs) that support our vision to be a great place to work. ERGs promote a climate of inclusion and provide a place where employees can come together to network, create a strong sense of community, and share their concerns with others. View list of UofL's Employee Resource Groups.

What is an Employee Resource Group?
Through regular meetings, events, and networking opportunities, ERGs bring people together and create a spirit of community that leads to a sense of greater wellbeing. Employee resource groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups made up of people who come together around their common interests, backgrounds or identities. They are usually focused on creating strong connections and networks of support for their members and can be powerful tools for helping new employees learn their way around the university. ERGs that focus on a shared identity can also help mitigate the isolation that an employee might feel when they are the "only one like me" who works in their unit.

 

Complete the ERG Interest form to get connected to your group of choice!


Can I attend if I don't share the same background or identity as the members of an ERG?
ERGs are open to everyone interested in promoting the purpose and mission of the group and committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive community. The term "ally" refers to someone who actively works and advocates on behalf of a group or identity with whom they do not identify. As an ally, you have a critical role to play in making the university a great place to work for everyone and can be an important contributor to an ERG.

Here are a few suggestions for how to be an ally and support ERGs:

  • Focus on listening to the experiences of others without challenging or interrupting.
  • Educate yourself and take proactive steps to learn more. Don't wait for others to teach you.
  • Be an ally in the places where you have the most influence. Advocate for marginalized groups, especially when they aren't in the room.
  • Be okay with making mistakes and remember that it's part of learning. When others point them out to you, remain open to the feedback.
  • Cultivate new allies by talking to others who share your identity about what you have learned.

UofL Employee Resource Groups

BFSA 

Black Faculty/Staff Association 

The mission of the Black Faculty/Staff Association (BFSA) is to promote unity, provide support and build community among Black faculty, staff, and students at the University of Louisville. In addition, through advocacy and collaborative efforts, BFSA exists to enhance communication and champion diversity, inclusion, opportunity and social justice—while challenging racism—within the University, with our Black alumni and broader Black community.  JOIN US!  Visit the Black Faculty/Staff Association website for more information.

 

LGBTQ+ 

The LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Association

The LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Association strives to foster an environment that is open, safe, and inclusive of people of all sexualities and gender identities. Our aim is to advocate for and advance equity for LGBTQ+ people on campus and in the community. The group’s focus is on issues that affect employees, but it also collaborates with student groups to support other equity efforts on campus. The group has an active email distribution list and works in close collaboration with the LGBT Center.  for more information.

 HLFSA

Hispanic Latino Faculty and Staff Association

The Hispanic Latino Faculty and Staff Association (HLFSA) advises the President and the University of Louisville community on the nature of issues and needs confronting the Hispanic/Latino Faculty, Staff, and Students in the University; provide assistance in evaluating University programs as they pertain to the Hispanic/Latino community; provide input to University and City of Louisville officials; and assist the Hispanic/Latino community to make the University system more accessible. It began operating in 2011. Every Hispanic/Latino UofL Faculty or Staff belongs to the Association. HLFSA meets every other month alternating locations between the Belknap Campus and the Heath Sciences Center. Visit the Hispanic Latino Faculty and Staff Association website for more information.

Parenting Network

  • The mission of the Parenting Network is to offer support and resources that empower parents who are employees at the university with the goal of promoting an inclusive and equitable campus community of care and to influence university policy and practice. For more information, please contact membership chair, Tana Didelot at tana.didelot@louisville.edu.

     Get Involved in the Parenting Network

    • Join our weekly Coffee Chat every Friday from 2:30 - 3:00 pm. The Chat is an unstructured virtual gathering (a.k.a. live chat) of UofL employees/parents who want to connect with others UofL parents/employees. The good news is that conversations about parent-relevant topics continue to pop up throughout the week. Join our Coffee Chat on Teams.
    • Attend one of our upcoming events: Jan. 21 – Kickoff Event; Feb 1 -- Learning Café on Summer Camps; March 10 -- Parenting Network Town Hall. Search the UofL Event Calendar for more information.
    • Check out the Parenting Network on Teams.

YEP

Young and Emerging Professionals (YEP)

The University of Louisville’s Young and Emerging Professionals (YEP) group strives to support the personal and professional development of “young” professionals (ages 40 or below) or “emerging” professionals who are new to UofL or new to a particular career path, etc. Note: These definitions are not meant to be exclusive. If you identify with either of these terms, you are welcome to join us!

This groups works in close collaboration with the Office of Employee Development and Success. Visit the UofL Young and Emerging Professionals website for more information.

 

Women's Network

UofL Women’s Network

The UofL Women’s Network is an inclusive organization committed to encouraging and promoting the personal and professional development of women faculty and staff at UofL. All employees including but not limited to faculty, staff, postdocs, house staff, and graduate assistants are eligible for membership. Working in collaboration with university partners, the network provides professional development opportunities through creation of programming and access to valuable contacts, information, and networking opportunities.

Serving on the Advisory Committee for the Network are representatives from the Faculty and Staff Senates, the Commission on Diversity and Racial Equality, the Commission on the Status of Women, and administrators from the Offices of the President and the Provost representing the Belknap, Shelby and Health Sciences Campuses. Significant programs include the Annual Professional Development Roundtables, Meet and Greets, the Network Lunch Series, and After Hours events. For more information and to join the ListServe visit the Women's Network website.

Employee Resource Groups in planning stage

Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group

Are you Interested in helping start a new employee resource group (ERG) for Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islanders? This new AAPI ERG aims to build community, promote diversity, and champion action and change. Faculty and staff who identify as AAPI and those who are interested in supporting are all welcome to join.

If you have any additional questions, please contact Stella Wang.

Employee Support Groups

While not full employee resource groups, there are a few support groups on campus available for all faculty and staff.

Caregiver Support Group

The Caregiver support group is organized by the University of Louisville Trager Institute. Currently they have a Caregiver Support Group for Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregivers that meets on Tuesday's at 12:00-1:00 PM on Zoom and an Evening Caregiver Support Group for All Caregivers that is Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 on Zoom. If anyone is interested in joining a support group, future training, case management, or counseling please complete this interest form.

Infertility Support Group

Are you Interested in connecting with other employees that are dealing with infertility? This new infertility support group aims to build community, share resources, and champion action and change. Faculty and staff who are interested in learning more are all welcome to join. Click here to find support group Teams meeting sessions.

Do you have an idea for a employee resource group you would like to see on campus? Please reach out to the Employee Success Center at employeesuccess@louisville.edu.