collage of 4 images behind the words collective, collective as an acronym

Stetson COLLECTIVE

Stetson COLLECTIVE is a hub for employee engagement and plays a vital role in providing an inclusive 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 and identities. COLLECTIVE groups welcome all employees to reach out to the group leaders listed below for more information regarding each group. More information regarding establishing a group is included below.

Connecting Over Shared Interests 

  • Book Group (virtual): Bring what you are reading – let’s talk about it! 
  • Community Outings Group: For people looking to explore Gulfport/St. Pete dining and local events.
  • Creative Writing Group (virtual): Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, our group offers a supportive space to share your work, exchange feedback, and inspire each other. 
  • Gardening: Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a curious beginner, our group provides a welcoming space to share tips, exchange plants, and learn from each other.
  • Golf: For those interested in playing fun non-competitive rounds of golf. You don’t have to be good, you just have to want to play! 
  • People Helping People (virtual): PHP is a voluntary organization of faculty and staff at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. Founded in 1973, People Helping People provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations in western Volusia County assisting groups of people in need. 
  • READ: Reflect, Engage, and Affirm Diversity!: Stetson R.E.A.D. is an interdisciplinary initiative designed to amplify diverse voices across various fields, foster a beloved community, and provide students with leadership development opportunities. Open to all faculty, staff, community members, and students. The program integrates both fiction and nonfiction texts to encourage critical conversations and promote community building. 
  • Staff Infection Rec Teams: Our staff and faculty are welcome to join the "Staff Infection" rec. team. The Staff Infection competes against student groups as part of the DeLand students' recreational programming. Which sports are played is determined by who wishes to participate. Sign up to participate by playing or cheering!
  • Volleyball: Reach out for details. 
  • Volunteering (Happy Hatters): For those interested in representing Stetson COL at local Gulfport volunteer events.

Connecting Through Shared Experiences

  • Parent/Caregiver Support
    • This group within Stetson COLLECTIVE aims to support University employees as parents and/or caregivers and help create a “village” for those who need it. We recognize the unique challenges that employees face as parents and caregivers: finding community resources necessary for the care of children and families, balancing the responsibilities of their positions, and negotiating the time required for the care of their loved ones. Through community-building activities across both campuses, facilitating open conversations to encourage new solutions, sharing relevant information, and exploring and/or developing helpful policies at the university, this group is committed to finding helpful ways to support our parents and caregivers so they can be their best selves at home and in their professional lives.
  • LGBTQIA+
    • We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where Stetson LGBTQIA+ staff, faculty, and their allies can connect, share experiences, and support one another across all campuses and disciplines. Our mission is to create a welcoming space that values diversity, promotes empowerment, and encourages open dialogue. This group provides a platform for safe, meaningful conversations and community building. We aim to support each member's personal and professional growth through events, forums, and offering resources tailored to our community's needs. By participating in the LGBTQIA+ group within COLLECTIVE, members can expect to engage in enriching discussions, access valuable resources, and build lasting connections within an affirming and supportive network. Join us in celebrating diversity and championing equality for all. Key values of the group include: Welcoming all individuals to participate and contribute; Respecting each person's story and privacy; Limiting assumptions, recognizing that everyone's experiences are unique; Fostering mutual respect and understanding within the group; and Cultivating an environment where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work.
  • Cancer Support Network
    • We are a community of support where people can share the experiences of battling cancer (themselves or loved ones) and support one another through its life-long impact. This group connects members to local and national resources and supports the Adopt a Child program through Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. 

Connecting Together with External Networks 

In addition to the affinity groups listed above, employees may find it beneficial to connect with the following organizations:

  • ACE Women’s Network
    • ACE Women's Network is a national system of networks within each state, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia with the goal of advancing and supporting women in higher education. ACE Women's Network is not affiliated with Stetson. 
  • Stetson's ALANA-IA Caucus
    • The ALANA-IA Caucus is composed of faculty members seeking to raise awareness of the concerns faced by culturally diverse members of the Stetson community and willing to work together to find solutions that make Stetson University more equitable and inclusive.

About the COLLECTIVE

Creating a new COLLECTIVE Group:

There is no formal process for creating an affinity group at this time. Affinity groups do not need to be approved by People Operations / Human Resources. However, if you wish to have a new affinity group represented on this webpage and in future communications, please notify the Chief People Officer, Graciela Dufour, or the Executive Officer for Institutional Inclusive Excellence, Carmen Johnson. 

Leadership within the COLLECTIVE: 

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.

Requesting website updates:

The People Operations Team supports the COLLECTIVE by managing its website. Please e-mail [email protected] or [email protected] with any updates.

More information and questions:

If you have questions regarding a specific group, please reach out to the contact person/people listed for that group. For general questions about the Stetson COLLECTIVE or to share feedback, please contact the campus-based People Operations Team below: