Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Employee Resource Groups at Oberlin

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Oberlin College create spaces for faculty and staff to connect, share resources, and support one another through common experiences, interests, and identities. They serve as hubs for community building, professional growth, and employee well-being.

This program reflects Oberlin’s commitment to cultivating a supportive and welcoming campus community, where all employees are encouraged to engage meaningfully with one another. By recognizing the value of employee leadership and lived experience, ERGs provide a channel for faculty and staff to highlight emerging needs and develop creative solutions.

Participation is open to all Oberlin College and Conservatory employees, and any employee may propose or start an ERG.

Log into the HR Intranet page on Employee Resource Groups to find descriptions and contact information for ERGs, important forms, and deadlines. 

Our Approach to Training

At Oberlin College, trainings focused on diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DIB) are designed to strengthen the institution’s longstanding commitment to diversity and social justice. These programs support faculty and staff in building a campus environment where all students and colleagues—across identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences—can thrive.

Oberlin’s DIB trainings provide practical frameworks, shared language, and skill-building opportunities that help faculty and staff integrate inclusive practices into their daily work. These sessions are interactive, reflective, and grounded in research and lived experience. They are tailored to the specific responsibilities of faculty and staff, whether in hiring, teaching, supervising, advising, or student support roles.

Why These Trainings Are Important

1. Advancing Academic Excellence
Inclusive environments promote intellectual rigor and creativity. When faculty and staff are equipped to engage difference thoughtfully and equitably, they contribute to a more dynamic and innovative academic community.

2. Strengthening Recruitment and Retention
Equitable hiring and supervision practices help attract and retain diverse faculty, staff, and students. Inclusive excellence in hiring ensures that talent is recognized broadly and fairly.

3. Enhancing Student Experience and Success
Students learn best in environments where they feel seen, respected, and supported. Faculty and staff who understand bias, identity, and belonging are better positioned to foster inclusive classrooms and co-curricular spaces.

4. Supporting Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
Training helps ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws and institutional policies while reinforcing Oberlin’s ethical commitments to equity and justice.

5. Building a Culture of Belonging
Beyond compliance, these programs cultivate a campus culture where individuals are encouraged to bring their full selves to their work. By addressing bias, strengthening supervision practices, and embracing gender diversity, faculty and staff help create a community grounded in dignity and mutual respect.

Log into HR's intranet on Workshops and Trainings to view a list of available trainings and make a request for your team.