Embracing commonalities with other employees at UVM is key to a fulfilling work experience. UVM provides the opportunity for employees to form and participate in Employee Circles that connect employees through a common purpose or interest. A circle's mission and purpose must be compatible with Our Common Ground Values and are open to all UVM employees.
Employee Circles are hosted by Human Resources in collaboration with Staff Council, Faculty Senate, and the Division of Intercultural Excellence.
Why Employee Circles?
Employee Circles play a vital role in helping employees connect and in fostering a workplace where all are valued, included, and empowered to succeed.
- Support. Employee Circles offer a space for employees to connect, provide mutual support, share experiences, and network.
- A space for everyone. Employee Circles represent a wide range of experiences and interests to help create a campus where everyone feels valued and respected.
- Belonging and engagement. Employee Circles cultivate a sense of belonging and engagement which can result in employee satisfaction and productivity.
- Fun! Employee Circles provide employees with the opportunity to connect outside of work duties, involving shared interests or activities.
Creating an Affinity Group
When a group of at least five employees members is interested in establishing a recognized Employee Circle, they should submit an application. Within this application, the group members must:
- Provide the title of the Employee Circle.
- Define a mission statement summarizing what the group represents.
- Explain how the group aligns with and supports UVM’s Common Ground.
- Outline the group’s goals that they seek to accomplish (this could include things like the types of events they plan to host, the number and frequency of events, membership goals, and logistical goals).
- The officer structure of the group, if applicable. Groups must have at least one designated representative, and a minimum of 5 members. Groups may choose to designate chairs, treasurers, event planner, or similar roles. Groups do not need to disclose names of members, aside from the primary representative(s).
- Existing groups outside of the Human Resources structure are encouraged to consider applying for formal recognition.
If multiple people apply to have the same or similar Employee Circle, we will notify the applicants to discuss how they would like to move forward.
Employee Circle Guidelines
- All new Employee Circles must follow UVM’s application process for approval.
- Employee Circles are responsible for creating a welcoming space for employees to meet, or they may plan special events. Events may involve members or may involve the wider community.
- Employee Circles must be open to all employees who wish to participate in good faith.
- Employee Circles and members must adhere to UVM’s policies and procedures.
- In the event an employee or student causes disruption involving an Employee Circle, UVM HR and/or Student Conduct will respond to address the concern as appropriate under UVM policies.
- All established Employee Circles must set one or more specific goals each academic year and share them with Human Resources by October 1.
Human Resources Support
UVM Human Resources can support Employee Circles in the following ways:
- Provides guidance and consultation to all Employee Circles
- May provide financial assistance for group functions
- May provide assistance in booking event space
- Assists in the development of new Employee Circles
- Consideration of hosting campus-wide events in collaboration with Employee Circles
Contact
Questions about resources or support for affinity groups may be directed to Nick Stanton, Equal Opportunity Director, at Nick.Stanton@uvm.edu.