Building Community

Vanderbilt recognizes the importance of building and supporting members of its community.  Community is a space (virtual and/or physical) where people sharing common interests, and/or experiences come together to connect, exchange ideas, and work toward shared goals.  It creates a sense of belonging, an essential component of social identity.  While fostering connections, community empowers motivation, inspiration, and learning in support of the community, and the mission of Vanderbilt University as a whole.

Groups: Multiple opportunities exist for you to get involved with employee affinity groups (EAGs), the University Staff Advisory Council (USAC), and the Staff Women’s Advancement and Equity (WAVE) Council. These groups can help you to connect with colleagues from across the university, and to begin to build relationships.  Participation in these groups is open to staff who work remotely, though some events may be held in-person; consult websites and event announcements for more information.

• Employee affinity groups - which currently include the following, and which are open to everyone:
  • Association of Vanderbilt Black Faculty & Staff (AVBFS)
  • Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander
  • Disabilities and Chronic Health Conditions
  • Golden Dores
  • LGBTQ+
  • Single Parents
• University Staff Advisory Council (USAC)
• Staff Women’s Advancement and Equity (WAVE) Council

Vanderbilt University offers a wide variety of resources that can be useful in assisting you with building community and belonging:

• Wellbeing resources
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Occupational Health
  • Aetna
  • Wellness
• Diversity and campus resources
  • Child and Family Center
  • Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center
  • Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center
• VUPS R.A.D. Self-Defense
• Employee Learning & Engagement
  • Employee appreciation
  • Employee perks: Abenity
  • Rooted in Learning newsletter
  • Vanderbilt Leadership Academy
  • Vanderbilt Leadership Enrichment
• Financial resources
  • Faculty and staff critial support fund
  • Vanderbilt Credit Union
  • Fidelity

To discover events and opportunities around Nashville: Work Life Balance Nashville newsletter 3 smart ways to get to know your team (& get noticed) as a remote worker (The Muse)