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
Multiple opportunities exist to get involved at Vanderbilt including employee affinity groups (EAGs), the University Staff Advisory Council (USAC), and the Staff Women’s Advancement and Equity (WAVE) Council. These groups can help to connect you 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
Vanderbilt University offers a wide variety of resources that can be useful in assisting you with building community and belonging:
Diversity and campus resources
- Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Disrupting Everyday Bias Training
- Black Cultural Center
- Japanese Cultural Foundation
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, & Intersex Life
- LGBTQ At School of Nursing
- Military/Veteran
- Child & Family Center
- Family Life Resources
- Boomers, Elders & More Caregiver Group and Resources
- Peabody Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Religious Life
- Vanderbilt’s Equal Employment Opportunity Office
- Women’s Center
- Parenting Groups
Employee Learning & Engagement
Financial resources