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 affinity groups that connect employees through a common purpose, background, or interest. An affinity group’s mission and purpose must be compatible with Our Common Ground Values, and are generally open to all UVM employees.
UVM affinity groups are hosted by Human Resources in collaboration with Staff Council, Faculty Senate, and the Division of Intercultural Excellence.
Why Affinity Groups?
Affinity groups play a vital role in helping employees connect and in fostering a workplace where all are valued, included, and empowered to succeed.
- Support. Affinity groups offer a space for employees to connect, provide mutual support, share experiences, and network.
- Fostering Inclusive Excellence. Affinity groups represent a wide range of experiences and interests to help create a campus where everyone feels valued and respected.
- Belonging and engagement. Affinity groups cultivate a sense of belonging and engagement which can result in employee satisfaction and productivity.
- Fun! Affinity groups provide employees with the opportunity to connect outside of work duties, involving shared interests or activities
- Awareness. Affinity groups raise awareness about the unique challenges, experiences, and perspectives of individuals and groups within UVM as a higher educational institution, which helps promote understanding, empathy, and cultural competence among all employees.
Creating an Affinity Group
UVM is excited to approve our first official affinity groups! When a group of at least five employees members is interested in establishing a recognized UVM affinity group, they should submit an application to UVM’s Retiree and Employee Engagement Coordinator review (contact: Liv.Townsend@uvm.edu). Within this application, the group members must:
- Provide the title of the affinity group.
- Define a mission statement summarizing what the group represents.
- Explain how the group aligns with and supports UVM’s Common Ground and our strategic Inclusive Excellence plan.
- 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 affinity 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 affinity group, our coordinator will notify the applicants to discuss how they would like to move forward.
Affinity Group Guidelines
- All new affinity groups must follow UVM’s application process for approval.
- Affinity groups are responsible for creating a welcoming space for employees to meet, or they may plan special events. Events may involve affinity group members or may involve the wider community.
- Affinity groups must be generally open to all employees who wish to participate in good faith.
- Affinity groups and members must adhere to UVM’s policies and procedures.
- In the event an employee or student causes disruption involving an affinity group, UVM HR and/or Student Conduct will respond to address the concern as appropriate under UVM policies.
- All established affinity groups 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 affinity groups in the following ways:
- Provides guidance and consultation to all UVM Affinity Groups
- May provide financial assistance for group functions
- May provide assistance in booking event space
- Assists in the development of new Affinity Groups
- Consideration of hosting campus-wide events in collaboration with affinity groups
Contact
Questions about resources or support for affinity groups may be directed to Liv Townsend at Liv.Townsend@uvm.edu or Nick Stanton, Equal Opportunity Director, at Nick.Stanton@uvm.edu