Employee Resource Groups
The University of South Carolina Upstate hosts a number of employee resource groups (ERGs) as part of its ongoing effort to build and maintain an inclusive and welcoming campus and workplace environment. The ERGs were created out of a commitment to supporting and enhancing the contributions of historically underrepresented populations, which is one of the three core strategies in the university’s Equity and Inclusion Blueprint.
Each group meets regularly to share information, offer support, advocate for policy changes, and hold social events. To join one of the groups below, or to request information, please see the contact information in each tab.
Who are we?
Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC) calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health. EIM-OC encourages faculty, staff, and students to work together toward improving the health and well-being of the campus community by:
- Making movement a part of the daily campus culture
- Assessing physical activity at every student health visit
- Providing students with the tools necessary to strengthen healthy physical activity habits that can last a lifetime
- Connecting university health care providers with university health fitness specialists to provide a referral system for exercise prescription.
Vision
The vision of EIM-OC is to make physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in care, connecting health care with evidence-based, physical activity resources for faculty, staff, and students of all abilities.
Mission
The mission of EIM-OC is to support the global health initiative managed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) through joint collaboration between Exercise and Sport Science, Campus Recreation, and Health Services to promote physical activity, health, and wellness in students, faculty, and staff across the university campus.
Contact the Exercise Is Medicine Employee Resource Group: ExerciseIsMedicineERG@uscupstate.edu
The Gamers EmPloyee Resource Group |
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Contact the Gamers Employee Resource Group: |
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The Latinx Employee Resource Group
Mission
The Latinx Employee Resource Group creates a space for dialogue for faculty and staff of any cultural background to learn more about Latinx issues impacting our society and student population.
| “Latino leadership is one of coalition building, bringing people together, working across sectors, and embracing a consciousness of partnership. Latino leaders leverage the power of Inclusion.” — Juana Bordas, The Power of Latino Leadership: Culture, Inclusion and Contribution |
ERG Charter—The Latinx Employee Resource Group
The Latinx Employee Resource Group (ERG) serves as a network of faculty and staff at the University of South Carolina Upstate for a supportive and inclusive environment. It seeks to welcome all employees, especially those from historically underrepresented backgrounds. The Latinx ERG also strives for the advancement of equity, wellness, and leadership of all employees as it celebrates the diversity of Hispanic and Latinx cultures and contributions. The Latinx ERG will focus on mentoring, professional and leadership development, outreach, and community engagement (such as through Alianza Spartanburg and PASOs), as well as amplifying El Centro’s public humanities events and initiatives led by student organizations, such as the Latin American Student Association (LASO), Spartan Latinx Leaders + Allies, Upstate United Feminists, Chi Upsilon Sigma, and Upstate EMERALDS.
Contact the Latinx Employee Resource Group: LatinxERG@uscupstate.edu
The LGBT Resource and Advocacy GroupMissionThe LGBT Resource and Advocacy Group supports LGBT employees and students at USC Upstate by:
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Contact the LGBTQ Resource and Advocacy Group: |
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The Upstate Multicultural Alliance
Mission
The Upstate Multicultural Alliance is committed to creating a welcoming space to highlight the shared experiences of new and continuing employees of diverse ethnicities.
We encourage the participation of employees from all backgrounds and offer opportunities to discuss the issues and interests of our diverse population in an effective, productive and meaningful way.
Our goal is for Upstate Multicultural Alliance members and allies to have a place to be courageous, preserve dignity, foster a sense of belonging and speak candidly. In accord with wellness, equity and civility, we consistently practice self-advocacy and inclusive dialogue that will help us maintain a welcoming environment for all employees at USC Upstate.
Contact the Upstate Multicultural Alliance: MulticulturalAllianceERG@uscupstate.edu
The Parents and Caregivers Employee Resource GroupMissionThe Parents/Caregivers ERG provides support and solidarity to all types of parents and caregivers among faculty and staff at USC Upstate. University employees often struggle to balance the demands of work with the responsibilities of providing care for children of all ages, aging parents, and family members with special needs and other illnesses. Circumstances related to the pandemic make it more difficult than ever to strike a healthy work-life balance. The ERG is intended to help Upstate employees address this challenge in the following ways:
The Parent/Caregiver ERG is open to all faculty and staff. Those with diverse voices and perspectives are encouraged to join so that all types of parents and caregivers feel welcome and supported. The ERG is led by two co-chairs, one staff member and one faculty member, so both groups are represented. The ERG will host regular meetings and maintain a social media presence. PROPOSED MEETING SCHEDULE: Meetings will occur on a monthly basis in September. Meetings will be held virtually.
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Contact the Parents and Caregivers Employee Resource Group: |
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The Women's Alliance Employee Resource Group |
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Contact the Women's Alliance Employee Resource Group: |
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