Seawolf Resource Groups at SBU: A Bold Step Toward Belonging

Seawolf Resource Groups: Cultivating Community at Stony Brook

At Stony Brook University (SBU), the launch of the Seawolf Resource Groups (SRGs) marks a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and connection among faculty and staff. Recently introduced by the Diversity, Inclusion, and Intercultural Initiatives (DI3), these groups create voluntary, employee-led communities built on shared identities, experiences, and interests. They are open to all employees, encouraging everyone to engage and find their place within the university family.

What Makes SRGs Special?

The newly formed SRGs, introduced at a vibrant fair on November 10, aim to deliver multifaceted benefits designed to enhance the workplace environment. According to Assistant Chief Diversity Officer Usama Shaikh, these groups are all about connection. “We want people to know that Stony Brook is not just a great place to work, but that it is a place where they can be appreciated for being, and bringing, their whole selves,” he emphasized.

Chief Diversity Officer Judi Brown Clarke elaborated on the notable advantages that SRGs provide, including:

• Creating safe, supportive spaces for faculty and staff.

• Enhancing employee engagement through community-building activities.

• Increasing visibility of diverse ideas and perspectives.

• Helping new employees integrate into the campus culture.

• Facilitating outreach, partnerships, and local initiatives.

Building Connections: A Participant’s Perspective

For those who attended the SRG fair, like Kristyn Greco, the initiative represents more than just networking. “I was thrilled to find a couple of groups I could relate to and am looking forward to being a member on the ground floor of this exciting initiative,” she said. Greco’s enthusiasm reflects the belief that these groups can serve as platforms to tackle community-specific challenges, all while creating meaningful social interactions.

Similarly, Ed Bossong, a coordinator for the Student Support Team, values the SRG as an opportunity for professional development. “Participation in this initiative is a chance to gain valuable experience on a collaborative committee,” he explained. Such sentiments resonate with many, as the core principle of the SRGs is to facilitate collaboration and learning across diverse titles and ranks.

Seven Current SRGs: A Diverse Spectrum of Opportunities

The fair showcased seven current SRGs, each with its unique mission:

• The Honor Pack (serving Veterans, Active Duty, and Military Families)

• RISE UP (focusing on LGBTQIA+ inclusion)

• Pan African Council (PAC)

• AAPI Community Alliance

• Accessibility For All

• Colleagues in Community

• Union Universitaria Latinoamericana (UUL)

Each group aims to engage their members in ways that cultivate a sense of belonging while addressing common causes and concerns.

The Road Ahead: A Commitment to Inclusivity

Joessie Mathews, a Human Resource Services Coordinator, contemplates the SRGs as pivotal for strengthening Stony Brook’s community ties. “The launch of our Seawolves Resource Groups marks an important step forward in fostering community and connection at Stony Brook.” She looks forward to the positive cultural impact each group will have as they continue to grow.

With the promise of further SRGs being established in the spring, it's clear that SBU is committed to making everyone feel that they belong. As Shaikh noted, “We hope that employees across our campuses and hospitals will continue to join these SRGs or make new ones, reinforcing our employees’ sense of belonging.”