Purdue Global
Employee Resource Groups
At Purdue Global we value a diverse and inclusive community. As envisioned in our strategic planning, the Purdue Global Office of Organizational Culture and Inclusive Excellence (OCIE) is excited to promote opportunities for connection, communication, and support for our staff and faculty through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
ERGs are voluntary groups formed by employees to create safe and supportive spaces for staff and faculty who share common experiences, identities, and/or commonalities, which may include: gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, ability, or social/economic causes.
Open to all interested employees -- even those who may not share commonalities, but desire to be allies -- ERGs promote diversity, equity, and inclusiveness by:
Creating opportunities for advocacy and connection
Promoting belonging through a sense of community
Building personal and professional networks
Enhancing awareness and outreach
Purpose
ERGs promote Purdue Global’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and belonging and contribute to the University Mission. The primary purpose of ERGs at Purdue Global is to help advance inclusive excellence throughout the university system. Find more information in the Employee Resource Group Handbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many members do we need to start an ERG?
At least six employees are needed to propose a new ERG, a requester (lead) and five other employees to serve as the board.
What does the board consist of?
Two elected leaders (President, Vice-President, Co-Chairs, etc.).
What is the commitment for an ERG board member?
Leads will manage the group, create/uphold the bylaws, schedule meetings, provide a copy the annual work plan to the OCIE, maintain a membership roster, and ensure smooth leadership transition when their term concludes, coordinate with OCIE throughout the year as needed. Specific governance operations beyond that specified here will be left to the discretion of each ERG, including the designation of additional leaders or officers to be appointed or elected.
How often do ERGs meet?
ERGs must commit to meeting at least six times per academic year (July-Jun).
What is the OCIE’s role?
ERGs fall within the scope and commitment of the Office of Organizational Culture and Inclusive Excellence, which will collaborate with groups and provide administrative support throughout the establishment and duration of the ERG. Purdue Global's Chief Diversity Officer will serve as each group's leadership sponsor.
Where will ERG meetings be held?
ERGs may choose to use technology and platforms to facilitate group meetings, discussions, and activities. These include Purdue Global approved platforms such as Google Meet, Google Spaces, Google Classroom, and Brightspace.
Create a new ERG by filling out this form. At least six employees are needed to propose a new ERG, a requester (lead) and five other employees to serve as the board.
The Employee Resource Group Handbook outlines policies and procedures related to the operation of Purdue University Global ERGs. For those interested in participating in an ERG, please take time to read this handbook and familiarize yourself with the standards and expectations for ERG involvement. The contents of this Handbook are guidelines for the successful operation of ERGs.
ERG Handbook.pdfEach ERG will develop and adopt bylaws, policies and/or practices that outline the group’s purpose and mission, goals and objectives, and strategies to achieve proposed outcomes. Members must abide the bylaws enacted by the respective ERGs and by the Purdue Global Statement of Ethical Principles outlined in the Purdue University Global Employee Handbook.
Join an Existing ERG
Individual membership in an ERG is strictly voluntary. Refer to the Employee Resource Group Handbook for more information. Join using this ERG Membership Form.
Pride@Purdue Global
The Pride@Purdue Global ERG is a space where LGBTQIA2+ employees are not only safe and supported but also celebrated and nurtured in our professional growth. Additionally, it provides a forum for LGBTQIA2+ staff to raise awareness of issues and policies that affect us and to guide Purdue Global in fully including— and celebrating — its LGBTQIA2+ community.
Global Indigenous Community@Purdue Global
The Global Indigenous Community@Purdue Global ERG is a space where indigenous employees are welcomed, supported, and celebrated. The community will be a place where professional growth is nurtured and encouraged. Additionally, the group will raise awareness of indigenous history, culture, and unique traditions, as well as the issues and policies currently affecting the population, with the aim of guiding Purdue Global to fully including, understanding, and celebrating its Indigenous community.
Contact Information
Please contact the Purdue Global Office of Organizational Culture and Inclusive Excellence (ocie@purdueglobal.edu) for any questions or more information.