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.
Current Circles
Creative Collab
A space for participants to develop their new creative endeavors through readings, staged rehearsals, and filmed explorations. It is intended to be an open space where play, discovery, and creative cooperation are the primary outcomes.
Contact: Ren.Dillon@uvm.edu
Davis Center String Band
An open acoustic jam session you can attend whenever you like. We perform vocal tunes, but mostly we play old-time instrumental music with an array of instruments (fiddles, guitars, banjos, wind instruments, hand percussion, etc.). We welcome new players still learning their instrument, as well as experienced musicians from all acoustic genres.
Contact: Nicholas.Gotelli@uvm.edu
Early Professional Community
The Early Professional Community is a space for UVM employees who are in the earlier stage of their professional journey to grow, learn, and share together. We will be focusing on professional and personal development in a welcoming and inclusive space.
Contact: Katherine.Greisdorf@uvm.edu (Kate)
Reading Across Difference
A community committed to broadening our perspectives by reading and discussing literature from diverse cultures, countries, and lived experiences. Through shared learning, open dialogue, and curiosity, we aim to foster deeper intercultural understanding and strengthen our capacity to engage across differences.
Contact: Jack.Dorkey@uvm.edu
Together Vermont
An organization founded on serving the community by joining hands and building relationships, combining volunteer efforts of different organizations, staff members, and faculty members to do service work in the Burlington area.
Contact: Billy.Rison@uvm.edu
Vermont Local Events Circle
A space for UVM employees to share free or low cost, community-based events happening across Vermont, such as craft fairs, farmers' markets, art shows, seasonal celebrations, and neighborhood gatherings. This circle is designed to make it easy for colleagues to discover local experiences, support Vermont’s creative and cultural communities, and optionally meet up to attend events together. The focus is low‑lift connection, curiosity, and community engagement.
Contact: Heather.Winther@uvm.edu