Inclusive Excellence Employee Resource Groups (IEERGs)
Diverse, equitable, and inclusive practice is vital for WPI’s ability to grow and innovate in a fast-changing environment. To help drive change in these areas, WPI is forming employee-led, self-directed voluntary Inclusive Excellence Employee Resource Groups—great minds at work.
IEERGs offer opportunities for employees to network internally, to provide the inclusion of ideas and solutions, and to create opportunities for mentoring and career development. These groups highlight WPI’s commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across campus and to supporting employees’ professional development. IEERGs help attract a diverse employee base and further tap the extraordinary resources and talents of WPI’s employees.
WPI seeks to build groups in these IEERGs affinity areas:
- Women in STEM
- Veterans/Military
- Young Professionals
- LGBTQIAP+
- Working Parents/Guardians
- Social Justice
- Cognitive and Physical Challenges
- Expatriates
Available Inclusive Excellence Resource Groups
Accessibility Network
Mission Statement
The Disability IEERG serves as a resource for employees to increase awareness, share ideas, news and resources on disability topics. The Disability IEERG provides an opportunity to develop strong relationships and create a positive work environment for all employees whose lives have been impacted by disability. The Disability IEERG supports WPI’s commitment to diversity and inclusion to foster a welcoming, accessible and supportive environment to the WPI Community through the exploration of topics of employment and workplace issues facing employees with disabilities.
Goals
This year's goals (2019-2020) are to assess the current or future needs for WPI employees, increase awareness of the resource group and expand our numbers in the next year. More info to come on announcements such as upcoming meetings, events, focus groups, etc.
Members
Roxanne Gardner
Stephanie Pasha
Gregory Palmerino
Mark Taricco
Jane Lapierre
Bill Batelle
Elizabeth Chirico
Amy Curran
Heather Mulry
David Pula
Beckley Schowalter
Jessica Szivos
Christopher Chagnon
Caitlin Keller
Resources
Accommodations through Talent & Inclusion Office
A WPI employee may request a disability accommodation needed to perform a job effectively by using the Accommodation Request form available on the HR Forms page. The employee will work with his or her supervisor and with the Division of Talent & Inclusion to find mutually acceptable solutions that comply with all state and federal regulations. More details for reasonable accommodation requests can be found in the WPI Employee Handbook.
Office of Accessibility Services
The Office of Accessibility Services provides resources and support in efforts to provide equal access to members of the campus community. If you have experienced a barrier to access on campus (i.e. faculty accessible door openers, technology accessibility, etc.), please complete the report of barrier form.
Campus Building Accessibility Issues
For elevator malfunction or snow removal barrier, please contact Facilities at 508-831-5500. If after business hours, please contact Campus Police at 508-831-5433.
If there is a card access issue, then a ticket should be created by emailing its@wpi.edu
WPI Working Parents/Guardians
Mission Statement
The Working Parent/Guardians IEERG offers support, sparks conversation and provides educational opportunities for WPI employees who care for children aged birthed to beyond.
LGBTQIAP+ IEERG
Mission Statement
The mission of the LGBTQIAP+ IEERG is to establish a space for Worcester Polytechnic Institute's LGBTQIAP+ community and allies to come together; providing an inclusive environment in line with the mission of WPI.
Equity & Access Book Club
Mission Statement
The mission of the Equity & Access Book Club is to read and discuss books related to access and equity issues in Higher Education.
Find Out More About IEERGs
Great Minds at Work...
Best practices in higher education institutions indicate that when these groups are established, employees become more engaged in identifying ways to leverage diversity and increase inclusion and equity across the organization. The groups will have the flexibility and autonomy to operate independently to create a vision and follow through according to the group’s decisions.
Objectives for IEERGs
- create communities across WPI that align with the institution’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- create connections with others, share knowledge, raise and build cohesiveness
- collaborate with colleagues to support personal growth and professional development
- share best practices and learnings with other IEERGs across the campus and externally