Resources

ODCE and ODCE ERG Coordinator

• Support and grow interest in ERGs from potential ERG leads.

• Provide training/support/consultation/on-going coaching for ERG leads/members in:

  • Communication.

  • Meeting practices.

  • Conflict resolution.

  • Decision-making.

  • Distributed leadership.

  • Problem-solving.

• Help ERG leads find the balance between creating a supportive network and being action-oriented, solution focused groups who assist UTD with recruiting, retention and other topics.

• Be available to ERG leads for up to one meeting/week during the start-up phase.

Executive Sponsor

The Executive Sponsor plays a critical role in the success of each ERG. The Executive Sponsor is not an honorary or figurehead position; Executive Sponsors should plan to play an active role with the ERG. One element of that role is to make sure the ERG stays focused on problem-solving and assistance to UTD’s diversity/inclusion efforts in the areas of recruitment and retention.

Executive Sponsors may be identified by ERG members, may volunteer or may be invited to participate by the VP of ODCE. Executive Sponsors will be selected after review by the senior leadership of ODCE.

Ideally, Executive Sponsors are:

• Leaders in highly visible positions within the Institute leadership (e.g., deans, department heads/directors, chancellor, Institute professors, etc.).
• Committed to playing an active role in developing/supporting the ERG, particularly as the group gets started (e.g., accessible to the ERG leads, coordinating with ODCE ERG Coordinator, etc.).
• Committed to a two-way developmental process: the professional development of ERG leads/members and their own development in the sponsor/advocate role.
• Willing to participate in brief cultural literacy training as part of their orientation to the ERG sponsorship role.

Executive Sponsors may:

• Be from a different demographic than the group they sponsor.
• Provide some funding to their ERG.
• Assist the ERG with locating funding beyond the minimal amount available from ____.
• Assist the ERG leads with making connections for speakers, etc.