Affinity Groups

One of our IE goals is to build a more inclusive campus community, nurture a sense of belonging, mentorship, and expand opportunities to learn and network from each other. Employee Resource Groups (ERGS)-affinity, professional, and learning circles -are a great way to bring people together based on shared personal and professional interests, experiences, and identities.

These groups, which are employee driven, enhance engagement and retention. Employees come together to share knowledge, network, strategize on how to leverage campus resources, build internal and external partnerships, and promote personal and professional development. Inclusive Excellence would like to welcome faculty and staff interested in being part of an ERG to complete this survey. The IE division will consult with members on governance, structure and together outline expectations in alignment with university policies and procedures.

ERGs are voluntary and are open to all faculty and staff*

Discrimination Statement
Interim USU Policy 305 prohibits discrimination, including harassment, in USU's programs and activities, including admissions, employment, and housing offerings. Prohibited discrimination and harassment is treatment based on a person’s protected characteristic(s) that negatively impacts the person’s employment or educational experience. Read USU’s notice of non-discrimination and learn more about discrimination.

Sign up for an affinity group
If you would like to sign up or get more information about an affinity group, please fill out the form linked below!

IE Core Values & Definitions

 

LGBTQ+ Affinity Group

In commitment to the mission of Utah State University to be a premier land- and space-grant institution committed to excellence, access, and inclusion, the LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group at our university is a safe and inclusive space for employees who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and/or any other marginalized orientation or gender identity. Our group aims to create a supportive community for LGBTQIA+ staff and faculty to connect, network, and share experiences. We advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and provide educational resources to increase awareness and understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues. Our group also strives to collaborate with other resource groups and campus organizations to promote intersectionality and social justice.

Levi Leckie (he/him/his)
Office of the Provost Business Manager II
(435) 797-5717
levi.leckie@usu.edu

lgbtq+

lgbtq+

Learning Circles

Mission: Utah State University is a premier land- and space-grant institution committed to excellence, access, and inclusion.

Group Purpose: Utah State University (USU) FSDI promotes Inclusive Excellence (IE) within USU and its surrounding community while fostering a sense of belongingness. The organization connects initiatives, provides resources, and facilitates educational opportunities to make USU more welcoming and inclusive. By doing so, USU FSDI aims to create an environment where all members feel a sense of belongingness.

Nate Trauntvein
Kinesiology and Health Science
Phone: (435)-797-1509
Email: nate.trauntvein@usu.edu

Anna Miller
Quinney College of Natural Resources | USU Extension
anna.miller@usu.edu

 

 

Women in Academe

As part of USU's institutional commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion, the Women in Academe Affinity Group provides community for faculty and staff who identity as female. Our group is a safe space where female faculty and staff can connect, network, seek advice, and share experiences. We advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace to increase awareness and understanding of these issues at USU. Our group collaborates with diverse entities and resource groups across campus to promote a more fair and equitable experience for everyone at USU.

Sierra Law
Parent & Family Specialist
 (435) 797-7557
sierra.law@usu.edu

Elizabeth Vargis
Biological Engineering
Associate Professor
Phone: (435) 797-0618
Email: vargis@usu.edu

Laura Gelfand
Art History
Professor
Phone: 435-797-3425
Email: laura.gelfand@usu.edu

woman at desk

bipoc

The BIPOC Affinity Group

The BIPOC Affinity Group at USU is a safe and inclusive space for employees who identify as a racial minority including but not limited to: Black, Indigenous, or other Person of Color. Our group aims to create a supportive community for BIPOC staff and faculty to connect and share experiences. This is a place for celebration of identity, collaboration, mentorship, and conversation that seeks to uplift BIPOC staff and faculty at USU and provide them with the support they need to thrive at USU. We recognize the need for BIPOC mentorship for USU students and seek to be a space where students can locate possible mentors who can help them navigate USU. While we primarily serve as a support group for BIPOC staff and faculty, we also advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and provide resources and education to increase awareness and understanding of BIPOC issues and anti-racism. Our group strives to collaborate with other resource groups and campus organizations to promote anti-racism, intersectionality, and social justice.

Cree Taylor (she/her/hers)
Lecturer; Special Assistant to the Dean for Inclusive Excellence
cree.taylor@usu.edu

Sean Camp
Social Work - Clinical Associate Professor | USU Toole
(770) 318-6157
sean.camp@usu.edu

Jenn Van Cott
Associate Vice President | USU Toole
(435) 797-9931
jennifer.vancott@usu.edu

Athena Dupont
Senior Program Coordinator for Student Research
(435) 797-3762
athena.dupont@usu.edu

Faculty/Staff with a Disability

The USU Staff and Faculty Disability Resource Group is committed to promoting USU’s mission as a land and space grant institution by fostering a sense of belonging and providing a safe and inclusive space for people with disabilities of all kinds to be understood. Our group aims to create a supportive community for staff and faculty to connect, network, share experiences as well as promote awareness and visibility for people with disabilities at USU. We advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workspace and provide educational resources to inspire, empower, and equip our peers to achieve excellence.

Megan Sills
Sociology & Anthropology
Staff Assistant
(435) 797-0219
megan.sills@usu.edu

Jana Johnson
Kinesiology & Health Science
Advisor
jana.perkova@usu.edu

 

disability

caregiver

Faculty/Staff with a Caregiving Role

The Caregiving Role Affinity Group at Utah State University is a community of individuals who share a common bond of being caregivers to family members or loved ones who are sick, disabled, elderly, or children. The community seeks to provide a safe space for employees or members to share their experiences, challenges, and successes as caregivers. The main objective of a Caregiving Role ERG is to create a supportive environment that fosters mutual understanding, emotional support, and practical advice among members. Members of the group may include people who are currently caregiving, those who have previously been caregivers, and those who may be anticipating future caregiving responsibilities.

Dannon Loveland
Career Design Center
Career Coach
dannon.loveland@usu.edu

 

 

International Affinity Group

In line with USU's unwavering dedication to excellence, accessibility, and inclusivity, the International Affinity Group serves as a vibrant hub for our international faculty and staff. We deeply appreciate and value the distinct perspectives and journeys of our international colleagues, and thus, we endeavor to create an environment where these experiences can be openly shared and genuinely understood. Additionally, our aspiration is that this group will foster meaningful connections among its members, enabling them to build valuable networks, extend mutual support, and exchange valuable advice.

Yenny López
Latinx Cultural Center
Program Coordinator
435-797-0446
yenny.lopez@usu.edu

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Group of people holding hands in a circle

Scholars for Anti-Racist Fellowship in Education (SAFE)

Scholars for Anti-Racist Fellowship in Education (SAFE) at USU is working to create a safe space in academia for critical anti-racist dialogue and self-reflection. The goal is to promote ongoing and intentional conversations around equity, inclusion, diversity, and anti-racism at USU.

Breanne Litts  
Instructional Technology & Learning Sciences
Associate Professor
breanne.litts@usu.edu

Christina Morgan
Instructional Technology & Learning Sciences
Graduate Student
christina.morgan@usu.edu

Melissa Tehee
Psychology
Associate Professor
melissa.tehee@usu.edu

Nicole Vouvalis
Human Research Protections
Executive Director
nicole.vouvalis@usu.edu