Requesting University Recognition for Employee Resource Groups

Employee groups are encouraged by the Division of People, Culture and Belonging, as these groups aid in promoting a sense of belonging and providing a community for our employees.

In order to have access to funding and resources and become an officially recognized Employee Resource Group, a group must first complete a peer review process by the ERG Leadership Council. The ERG Leadership Council is in place to support current ERGs and any employees interested in starting a new one. If your group would like to submit an application for access to these resources, follow the steps below.

Basic Requirements for University Recognition

To receive support and recognition from Kent State University, the organization's membership must:

  1. Be open to any and all interested employees;
  2. Have a clear sense of purpose, including a mission statement that contributes to the larger University’s mission and core values;
  3. Have a commitment to maintaining a public presence including, but not limited to, a website and contact information; and
  4. Meet as a whole at least two times per year.
Benefits of University Recognition

Recognition provides access to services, benefits, and support available through the Division of People, Culture and Belonging. Benefits and support include:

  • Representation on the Employee Resource Group Leadership Council
  • Presence on the Kent State Employee Resource Groups webpage
  • Access to central funding support through the Division of People, Culture and Belonging
  • Recognition and event promotion in the weekly Faculty/Staff News Now newsletter
  • Recognition and event promotion via the division social media accounts
  • Recognition in New Employee Orientation
  • Representation at Diversity events
  • Representation at university-wide events
  • Opportunities for collaborations with other ERGs
Process for University Recognition

To submit a formal request for university recognition, a group must have the following in place:  

  • A leadership structure, or at least two points of contact
  • ERG name
  • ERG Mission Statement
  • ERG Constitution and/or bylaws

The requests should be sent to David Cotto (dcotto@kent.edu), Director of Recruitment & Inclusion, as well as Nzinga Hart (nbodden@kent.edu), current chair of the ERG Leadership Council.

Requests are reviewed and voted on by members of the Employee Resource Group Leadership Council and a representative from the Division of Human Resources. The determination notice will be issued via email within two months of receipt of request (timeline varies depending on time of year and frequency of ERG Leadership Council meetings).

Those exploring the possibility of forming a new ERG are welcome to attend ERG Leadership Council meetings for the purpose of general understanding and/or to seek explicit guidance and support.

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