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Student Equity & Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Bentley

We celebrate our differences and encourage curiosity. Diverse backgrounds, beliefs and life experiences all come together at Bentley, making it a vibrant place to live, learn and explore.

Through conversation, programs and events, we’re shaping the world we want to live in. Please join us.

The Student Equity & Inclusion Team

The Student Equity & Inclusion team provides support, advocacy, advising and care to students with the goal of enhancing student success. In particular, we support gender equity, spiritual health, students of color, religiously-affiliated students, international students, and LGBTQ+ identified students throughout their Bentley experience. 

Student Equity & Inclusion departments not only act independently to provide services to diverse populations of students, but also work as a unified team to create intersectional programs. We encourage identity development and implement campus-wide educational and celebratory programming with the over-arching mission of fostering a sense of belonging for all students. 

Signature Programs

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Cultural & Heritage Months

The SEI team collaborates with student organizations throughout the year to honor Heritage Months and Cultural Recognitions. CultureFest is a week-long assortment of events, from late October to early November, that culminates in the vibrant Diwali celebration. Events are held in a hybrid format, combining in-person, hybrid, and virtual experiences to ensure inclusivity. CultureFest encourages introspection and learning about various cultures, subcultures, and countercultures. The goal is to foster a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted cultures represented on our campus and to emphasize that culture is an inclusive concept that embraces everyone. 

CultureFest24 was celebrated from October 21st - 26th, 2024.

Submit program proposals for CultureFest25 soon!

Valuable Tip: If you're considering hosting an event that aligns with CultureFest, we suggest scheduling it during the week CultureFest25 will take place. 

Apply to join the CultureFest Planning Committee here.

For questions, please contact GA_CultureFest@bentley.edu  

SEI Mentorship Lunch Program

SEI Mentorship Lunch Program

The SEI Mentorship Lunch Program offer Bentley students the opportunity to engage in one-on-one meetings with a member of the SEI team over lunch. These sessions are designed to be relaxed yet semi-structured, providing a supportive environment for meaningful conversations.

 

These mentorship lunches aim to foster connections, provide support, and enhance student programming through the exchange and intersection of ideas.

 

- Request an SEI Mentorship Lunch here.

  For any questions, please email clookner@bentley.edu

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Student Equity and Inclusion (SEI) Student Consultants

Aligned with Bentley University’s core values of collaboration, diversity, and impact; Student Equity, and Inclusion (SEI) Student Consultants are available for hire as representatives of the Student Equity and Inclusion team, at no cost to your department. Our student consultants help offices design impactful, inclusive, and equitable programming. They can:

•    Assist in developing and refining proposals and programs
•    Conduct data analysis and generate reports
•    Gather and apply real-time feedback from peers 
 

Get Involved:
•    Faculty and staff can request SEI Student Consultant services by filling out this form.
•    For any questions, please email clookner@bentley.edu
 

Staff

We support your personal and spiritual growth at Bentley

Our Communities

Multicultural Community

The Multicultural Center supports students of color and their allies by creating safe spaces for dialogue and providing resources they need to succeed. Learn about different cultures, find classmates with similar experiences, or become an ally for your new friends.

Learn More

Multicultural Community
Festival of Colors

International Community

Bentley is a more vibrant place to live and learn because of its international community. The Center for International Students & Scholars supports international students and scholars with important visa and travel guidance, and with programming like WorldView to help international students get connected and feel at home.

Learn More

Gender and LGBTQ Community

We welcome, value and support students of all gender identities and sexualities. And we’re always learning how we can build a more inclusive, informed and compassionate community. Bentley’s Gender and Sexuality Student Lounge is a welcoming, inclusive space designed as a home base for students who identify as women and/or as LGBTQ+, and their allies, where they can engage others and advance social justice issues. In addition, the Office of Gender and Sexuality Student Programs, in partnership with the Center for Women in Business, offers programs focused on critical workplace diversity issues and strategies for self-advocacy and inclusion.

Learn More

Pride Parade
Spiritual Life

Spiritual Life

Bentley is home to students from around the world, and all faiths are welcome. We honor the perspective and values our diverse students add to the community. Spiritual Life also dedicates space, staff and resources for your spiritual journey.

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First-Generation College Students

Bentley works hard to help first-generation students navigate and take full advantage of the many services and programs available to them here. Our inclusive environment embraces the first-generation student, developing opportunities for them to interact with each other, instilling confidence in them so they can reach their full potential, and recognizing their accomplishments and contributions to Bentley, both inside and outside the classroom.

Learn More

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Resources and Information for Students with Complex Immigration Statuses

Bentley University is committed to providing institutional support and resources to maintain an equitable and inclusive campus community. We understand that students with complex citizenship status often face challenges while navigating campus resources and financial support. To navigate these barriers, this resource page serves to support undocumented, refugee, DACA and other mixed-immigration status students.

Admission and Financial Aid

Bentley welcomes applicants regardless of citizenship status to its undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Bentley offers academic scholarships to qualified students of all citizenship statuses. For more information on the application process, please visit our admission sites. 

Undergraduate Admission 

Graduate Admission 

International and undocumented students, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, are not eligible for need-based institutional or federal student aid such as Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study, and Federal Direct Loans. However, students that hold certain other non-citizen statuses may be eligible for federal aid. For more information, visit Federal Financial Aid for Non-US Citizens. 

In January 2024, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education launched the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). This form provides a way for certain students in Massachusetts—who are unable to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) due to their immigration status—to apply for need-based state financial aid. Learn more about Massachusetts need-based aid through the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance.

External Scholarship Resources

College Scholarships.orgUse this financial aid database to search awards from corporations and nonprofit agencies.

Fastweb.com: Enter your strengths, interests and skills, and Fastweb will match you with scholarships that align with your profile.

Scholarships for Development: Find up-to-date listings of international scholarships open to students from developing countries.

Practical Resources

Driver’s Licenses: Eligible Massachusetts residents can apply to obtain a standard driver's license regardless of immigration status.

To make an appointment for a permit exam or a driver’s test, schedule it online at Mass.Gov/myRMV.  Proof of identity, proof of date of birth, and documents proving Massachusetts residency must be presented.  Proof of immigration status is not required. For the expanded list of acceptable documents, see Mass.Gov/WFMA.

Social Security Number: A Social Security number is required to work and receive compensation in the United States. Some noncitizens, such as DACA students, can be authorized to work in the United States by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and can get a Social Security number. Other non-US citizen students are ineligible for a Social Security number but are eligible to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is a number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) if you need a U.S. taxpayer identification number for federal tax purposes but you are not eligible for a Social Security number.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Is U.S. citizenship required for admission to Bentley University?
    • No, Bentley admits students based on academic qualifications regardless of their immigration status.
  • If I discuss my undocumented status with a counselor in the financial aid office at my school, is the counselor required to report me to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)?
    • No, financial aid counselors are not required to report undocumented students to ICE or USCIS.
  • Am I eligible for need-based financial aid?
    • Undocumented students, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, are not eligible for need-based institutional or federal student aid such as Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study, and Federal Direct Loans. However, students that hold certain other non-citizen statuses may be eligible for federal aid. For more information visit Federal Financial Aid for Non-US Citizens.
    • Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid: In January 2024, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education launched the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA)This form provides a way for certain students in Massachusetts—who are unable to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) due to their immigration status—to apply for need-based state financial aid. Learn more about Massachusetts need-based aid through the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance.
  • Do undocumented students with DACA status need to submit a FAFSA?
    • No, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not required for undocumented students with DACA status.
  • What is Bentley’s policy regarding law enforcement on campus?
    • Bentley is committed to following federal and state laws while protecting the privacy rights of our students, faculty, and staff. For more information, please visit the University Police website.
  • Are undocumented or DACA students allowed to work on campus?
    • Any student who provides valid work authorization documents can work on campus.
  • What rights do undocumented or DACA students have?
    • Everyone has guaranteed rights under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of immigration status. We encourage you to visit the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) website to learn more about your rights.