The following are frequently asked questions regarding Employee Resource Groups at Sacramento State. To pose additional questions, please contact Inclusive Excellence.

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Sacramento State have been formed through grassroots efforts to connect individuals from historically marginalized or underrepresented groups. Inclusive Excellence provides university-wide leadership to support the development and success of these groups as part of Sacramento State's diversity and inclusion initiatives.

What are Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)? 

ERGs are employee-founded groups that aim to educate, raise awareness, and share information about issues affecting historically marginalized and/or underrepresented communities. They provide professional development, networking, and cultural appreciation opportunities while working to improve diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging at Sacramento State. ERGs also offer a forum for staff and faculty to voice campus climate concerns.

Why are ERGs essential to Sacramento State’s inclusive culture?

ERGs contribute to the institution by providing visibility that creates a sense of security and acceptance, community support for new staff and faculty navigating campus resources, advocacy and education for policies and programs to meet the needs of underrepresented groups, assistance in recruiting and retaining diverse talent, and campus engagement that builds bridges across the community while educating on diverse perspectives.

How do I join an existing ERG? 

You can find information about existing ERGs and their contact details at Inclusive Excellence Employee Affinity Groups. You can also contact Inclusive Excellence for information about connecting with existing groups.

Do I need to be in an underrepresented group to join an ERG?

No. ALL ERGs at Sacramento State are inherently inclusive and committed to fostering an inclusive environment. While they may form around shared identities or experiences, all ERG meetings, events, and activities must be open and welcoming to all university employees regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability status, veteran status, marital status, cultural background, professional role, department affiliation, or length of service. ERGs especially welcome "allies" from groups that claim other social identities but who share the same commitment, values, and goals.

How do I start a new ERG? 

To start a new ERG, begin by gathering interested colleagues and developing your initial vision. Draft a simple mission statement, identify at least 5 faculty and staff members committed to supporting the group, and consider potential leadership roles. Complete the interest form, and a team member from Inclusive Excellence will reach out within 5 business days to schedule a conversation about your vision, available resources, and next steps.

Does Sacramento State create specific ERGs?

No. ALL ERGs are employee-founded, -designed, and -managed. Sacramento State administration does not create specific ERGs; however, through the application process, the university does officially recognize and provide structural support for those ERGs that meet the eligibility requirements and align with university values.

What support do ERGs receive from the university? 

ERGs receive official recognition and executive sponsorship through Inclusive Excellence, a university webpage and email address, ability to reserve campus space and access to institutional resources, access to University financial accounts (if desired), direct connection to University administration through the CDO of Inclusive Excellence, increased visibility through new staff/faculty orientations and University-sponsored events, annual funding allocation opportunity for programming and initiatives (pending budgetary approval), access to accounting support, marketing and communications support, event planning and logistics assistance, leadership development opportunities for ERG officers, annual ERG retreat participation, cross-ERG networking and collaboration opportunities, annual impact report template and support, and metrics tracking assistance.

What are the requirements for maintaining ERG status?

ERGs must maintain a minimum of 3 officers who are current Sacramento State faculty or staff, establish clear officer roles and succession planning, create foundational documents including a mission statement and charter/bylaws, hold a minimum of 4 meetings per year open to the campus community, maintain consistent communication with members, monitor and respond to their official ERG email, keep their university-provided website current, and complete an annual check-in with Inclusive Excellence that includes a narrative summary of activities and updated officer information.

Can ERGs receive funding for activities? 

Yes, ERGs can receive annual funding allocation opportunities for programming and initiatives (pending budgetary approval). Fundable activities include educational events and programs (food and refreshments for educational events, speaker fees and service providers, Sac State faculty guest lecturer stipends, event supplies for participants, room rentals and technical support), and educational resources (books and journal subscriptions, professional membership fees, conference or webinar registrations, event promotion materials and flyers). However, state funding guidelines restrict funding for food for internal meetings or networking events, alcoholic beverages, staff stipends, and branded items or "swag." For funding requests, ERGs should plan 2 months ahead for events with outside speakers, 2-3 months for events with Sac State faculty speakers, and allow 7-10 business days for general funding requests.

What types of events can ERGs host? 

ERGs can host educational events, professional development workshops, networking opportunities, and cultural appreciation programs. Events must be publicized at least 3 weeks in advance to ensure good attendance and allow time for accommodation requests. Events should avoid scheduling during major religious or cultural holidays (utilizing Inclusive Excellence's Multifaith and Cultural Calendar) and include appropriate accessibility features and accommodation request processes with deadlines no longer than 5 business days prior to the event unless there are special circumstances.

How do ERGs create and maintain their websites?

To create a new ERG website, groups should email Alexandra Owens in Inclusive Excellence at acowens@csus.edu with the subject line "Request for New ERG Website" and provide their ERG name, ERG abbreviation, ERG description, joining information, links/resources/documents, optional header image, contact email (if the ERG needs a generic email address, mention it in the request), optional "Meet Us" page information, and specify if they want to assign a Web Content Manager from their ERG or prefer Inclusive Excellence to manage the website. The process takes at least 2 weeks. For existing websites, ERGs can either work with their designated Web Content Manager (contact Alexandra Owens to become one) or submit edit requests to Alexandra Owens at acowens@csus.edu with subject line "ERG Website Edit Request," allowing 3-5 business days for minor edits and up to 2 weeks for creating new linked webpages.

Can ERGs work with external speakers and vendors? 

Yes, ERGs can work with external speakers and vendors for educational programming. All external speakers and vendors need to register as university suppliers, and the Inclusive Excellence (IE) team will guide ERGs through this process. For Sac State faculty speakers receiving stipends, IE will coordinate with Faculty Advancement. ERGs should plan 2 months ahead for events with outside speakers or vendors and 2-3 months processing time for events with Sac State faculty speakers. For questions about funding guidelines, contact Jennifer Wagelie, Director of Cultural Development at wagelie@csus.edu.

Are there restrictions on what ERGs can address?

ERGs are not intended to address matters falling under the purview of labor unions, including but not limited to work hours, compensation, advancement opportunities, working conditions, or job assignments.

How often do ERGs need to renew their status? 

ERGs complete an annual renewal process that includes a narrative summary describing their events and activities for the past year, descriptions of how the group and their activities have served their mission and goals, updates to officer information as needed, and review and revision of mission/goals for the upcoming fiscal/academic year. This renewal process helps ERGs stay active and revisit their goals and priorities while facilitating communication with university administration.

What happens if I have questions about accessibility for ERG events? 

For specific guidance regarding event accessibility, ERGs can reach out to Inclusive Excellence for support and resources, including access to the Multifaith and Cultural Events calendar to avoid conflicts with major religious or cultural holidays.