In alignment with our university’s strategic vision to foster an inclusive, supportive, and innovative work environment, we are excited to announce the launch of COLLECTIVE.

COLLECTIVE, which is an acronym for Collaborative Opportunities for Living and Learning with an Engaged Community Together in an Inclusive and Vibrant Environment, is a hub for employee engagement and plays a vital role in providing a welcoming environment where our employee community feels valued, supported, and empowered to connect.

These employee-led groups provide opportunities for faculty and staff to engage over common interests, experiences, identities, and more.

COLLECTIVE groups welcome all employees and may be virtual, or located on the DeLand and/or College of Law campuses. We encourage employees to reach out to the groups’ primary contacts listed on our website. 

Why Join or Create a COLLECTIVE group?

• Community Building: Connect with colleagues who share similar interests, backgrounds, or experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
• Professional Development: Participate in workshops, seminars, and networking events that can enhance your skills and career growth.
• Personal Growth: Engage in activities and discussions that promote self-awareness, cultural understanding, and personal enrichment.
• Advocacy and Support: Be part of a group that advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace, providing a platform for your voice to be heard.
• Collaboration Opportunities: Work on collaborative projects and initiatives that can positively impact the university community and beyond.

Available Employee Resource Groups:

• Shared Interest: Book Group, Community Outings, Creative Writing, Gardening, Golf, People Helping People, R.E.A.D.!: Reflect, Engage and Affirm Diversity, Staff Infection Recreation League, Volleyball, and Volunteering. 
• Shared Experience: Parent/Caregiver Support,  LGBTQIA+, and Cancer Support Network.
• External Networks: ACE Women’s Network and ALANA-IA Caucus.

A Collaborative Effort:

These groups were created in collaboration with a number of constituency groups, and we are deeply grateful for the vested interest and contributions of so many wonderful colleagues at the College of Law and in DeLand. Their dedication and insight have helped shape a diverse and inclusive space for all employees.

How to Get Involved:

• Join an Existing Group: Find out more about our current groups and how you can participate by visiting our COLLECTIVE webpage. Additionally, each group acts organically, dependent on the employees who engage in each group. Given this flexible structure, groups can adapt to the desires and needs of the group.
• Create a New Group: There is no formal process for creating a new group at this time. COLLECTIVE groups do not need to be approved by People Operations / Human Resources. However, if you wish to have a new group represented on the webpage and in future communications, please notify the Chief People Officer, Graciela Dufour, or the Executive Officer for Institutional Inclusive Excellence, Carmen Johnson. 

For more information on this COLLECTIVE effort, including resources and how to get involved, please visit our COLLECTIVE webpage or contact People Operations/HR directly at:

• College of Law – [email protected] or 727-562-7345
• DeLand – [email protected] or 386-822-8710

Together, we can make Stetson University an even stronger, more connected community.