Employee Resource Groups

Find Your Community at Rice

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary employee-led groups that foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with the values of the University.

ERGs provide employees the space to connect around a shared characteristic or interest. They are vibrant communities where employees can connect around shared characteristics, interests, and experiences, and they are vital partners in building our culture and living our university values every day.

What ERGs Strive to Achieve

Rice's ERG program is designed to empower employees and strengthen the university. It aims to:

  • Champion a culture of belonging, by creating a welcoming and supportive environment where all employees feel valued, heard, and respected for their unique perspectives.

  • Offer opportunities for members to develop leadership skills, build professional networks, and find mentorship.

  • Drive university-wide Impact through serve as thought-partners to university leadership, providing valuable insights on community issues, needs, and policies to help shape a more inclusive and equitable Rice.

  • Build bridges, foster connections, collaboration, and understanding among diverse groups across our campus, strengthening our collective community.

Current ERGs

For FY26, the following ERGs are operational:

  • Rice Black Professional Network
  • Rice Pride Professional Network
  • Working Parents and Caregivers
  • ISD Parents and Supporters (as a subset from Working Parents and Caregivers)

University Provided Resources

ERGs approved by Rice University may be eligible to access certain university resources, such as financial and administrative support, meeting space, and training. ERGs are guided by an ERG Governance Committee, which includes passionate leaders and advocates from across the university. This committee provides strategic direction, mentorship, and ensures ERGs have the resources they need to succeed. Day-to-day operational support, facilitation, and resources are provided by Human Resources' People & Culture team.

Criteria and Procedures

Periodically, Rice University will invite employees to apply to form an ERG. Groups seeking to form an ERG must:

  1. Have executive buy-in (approval from their supervisor to allocate a part of their work week to working on ERG-related activities).

  2. Have at least three current employees expressing interest in membership.

  3. Have a mission that aligns with the university's mission and core values.

  4. Submit a completed proposal application.

If you'd like to know more, reach out to us on ergs@rice.edu.