History of the Diversity Initiative — Traces key
components of the effort since its inception in 1993
Vision for Diversity at Bentley — Describes why
diversity is a priority and what we seek to achieve
Progress to Date — Presents a sampling of what has
been accomplished
Diversity Council — Introduces a key institutional committee working on diversity
History of the Diversity Initiative
It is impossible to establish a single starting date for diversity efforts at Bentley. People have been working for decades on issues, challenges and opportunities related to the mix of people that make up this institution. In 1993, Bentley created a formal “diversity initiative” to build on and coordinate the many diversity-related efforts already underway on campus. Since then, different structures, committees and approaches have been used to develop and implement strategies intended to improve the diversity climate on campus, yet the commitment has been continuous. Diversity work at Bentley has been concerned with both:
One of the most visible elements of the diversity initiative has been two-day off-site retreats to which all members of the faculty and staff are invited. Among the participants in the very first retreat in 1993 were the president, vice presidents, and deans. Bentley has sponsored more than 60 retreats since then, and approximately 900 faculty, staff, and administrators have participated. More detailed information about the retreats is available here.
While the retreats have been an important component of Bentley's efforts to become more inclusive and take fuller advantage of its diversity, they certainly have not been the only important activities. The diversity initiative has also included:
Vision for Diversity at Bentley
Of course, it is the right thing to do to create an institution in which people do not experience barriers because of aspects of their identity unrelated to their performance. This is a central reason for our diversity work. Three additional goals drive this effort:
To truly educate all our students: The recognition that diversity is a business imperative for the 21st century lies at the heart of our concern with diversity. As the workforce in the United States becomes increasingly diverse and the economy becomes ever more global, we must address these issues if we are to fulfill our responsibilities to all of our students. Our graduates cannot be successful if they are unprepared to work with a wide variety of people.
To maintain our institutional viability: Broadening the pool from which we attract our students, faculty and staff promises to increase our quality. Especially as the groups from which we have traditionally drawn our people represent a smaller proportion of the population, adding people of color, women, international citizens and people from other underrepresented groups will contribute to our long-term viability.
To enhance our organizational effectiveness: As we become more diverse, we must also increase our ability to work effectively across differences if we are to fully utilize all the available resources. Our increasing diversity offers additional opportunities, but it also presents significant challenges. Ultimately, the goal is to create an institution in which all of us can fulfill our potential. To meet this goal it is particularly important that members of the Bentley community who are “in the majority” develop their effectiveness in relation to diversity.
Progress to Date
While much work remains to be done to accomplish our vision, significant strengths related to diversity at Bentley can be identified:
Diversity programming is frequent, deep and broad through speakers, events and activities sponsored by many groups on campus.
Offices, programs and affinity groups provide substantial support: the Multicultural Center, International Services, the Spiritual Life Center, Disability Services, LGBTQ@Bentley, and the Women's Center, to name just a few.
More women are in top administrative positions such as department chairs, deans, vice presidents and president.
There is greater comfort in reporting incidents among staff, faculty and students and Bentley seems to have greater capacity to respond to crises.
Diversity Council
Comprised of staff members from throughout campus who have explicit responsibility for diversity issues, the Diversity Council meets regularly to facilitate communication and collaboration, and develop input to senior administration. For more information on Offices currently represented on the Diversity Council, see the Diversity Council page.
Student Diversity Council
The Student Diversity Council, established in AY 08-09 is comprised of representatives from diversity-oriented student organizations - Bentley Cultural Council, PRIDE, the religious organizations, Women's Center - as well as other major student organizations - Greeks, Residence Life, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Student Government Association and Campus Activities Board. The purposes of the Council are to: