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Defined Communities at Bentley

Find Your Community

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The Defined Communities at Bentley provide an enhanced environment of learning within the residence halls. Each community provides dedicated spaces for students with similar interests and passions to live and learn around a central theme or academic focus.

Why should you join a Defined Community?

  • Live in a space with peers who are passionate and motivated by common interests.
  • Each community partners with a faculty and/or staff member from across campus who also shares interest in that specific community.
  • Enjoy dedicated space for themed programming, study, and engagement opportunities.
  • First-Year Defined Communities will enjoy an early move in and participate in a half-day leadership retreat focused on bringing their community together.

Defined Communities for First-Year Students

Arts Community

The Arts Community is for students who want to explore their creative side and connect with like-minded people. Students in this community have exclusive access to a special Arts Lounge located within the community that features a piano, visual art materials, and much more!

Location: Miller Hall

Community Partner:

You may be interested in this community if you have participated in:

  • Music Organizations (Band, Choir, Singing, Instrument)
  • Performing Arts (Musical Theater, Dance, Stage Crew, Makeup and Costuming, etc.)
  • Visual Art (Drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, etc.)
  • Technology and Art (Graphic Design, electronic music production, filmography, etc.)
  • Professional Arts Organizations (Creative Industries, Music Production, Marketing, etc.)

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Blueprint Community

Blueprint challenges first-year students to develop into leaders on campus. Residents get to explore their career, leadership and engagement goals by connecting their academic work with hands-on experiences in their community.

Location: Slade Hall

Community Partner:

You may be interested in this community if you have participated in:

  • Business Organizations (FBLA and DECA)
  • Student Leadership Groups (Student Government, School Spirit Community, Pep Club, Class Councils)
  • Community Service (Key Club, Habitat for Humanity, National Honors Society, Big Brothers, Big Sisters)
  • Community Leadership Groups (Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, ROTC)
  • Leadership and Executive Board Positions (sports team captain, member of student organization leadership)

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Herstory: Women Leaders of Today

Herstory provides a space for women who are passionate about gender issues. Through programming, conferences, and other opportunities, Herstory residents are empowered to take their place in the business world.

Location: Miller Hall

Community Partner:

You may be interested in this community if you have participated in:

  • Business Organizations (FBLA and DECA)
  • Student Leadership Organizations (Student Government, School Spirit Community, Pep Club, Class Councils)
  • Women's Professional Organizations (Women in STEM, Women in Business, etc.)
  • Women's Leadership and Empowerment Organizations (Her Campus, Girl Scouts, Gender Equality Clubs)
  • Leadership and Executive Board Positions (sports team captain, member of student organization leadership)

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Honors First-Year Experience

First-year Honors Program students can apply to live together to make strong friendships and lean on one another for academic support. Students in this community have exclusive access to a special Honors Lounge that serves as a study area and community lounge space. Space is limited.

Location: Slade Hall

Community Partners:

You may be interested in this community if you have participated in:

  • Academic clubs/organizations
  • High school honors programs

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Thrive Community

The Thrive Community is devoted to exploring five distinct areas of holistic wellness: Career, Social, Financial, Physical and Community. Residents will evaluate their well-being and take actions to become healthier individuals.

Bentley’s racquetball court and a fitness studio are located in Slade Hall, so Thrive residents have easy access to workout facilities.

Location: Slade Hall

Community Partner:

You may be interested in this community if you have participated in:

  • Sports/Athletics (JV, Varsity, Club, intramural sports etc.)
  • Spiritual and Religious Organizations (Church involvement, interfaith groups, youth group)
  • Wellness Activities (Meditation, Yoga, Mindfulness Groups)
  • Wellness Advocacy (Mental Wellness Ambassador, Student Wellness Team, Peer Health Educator)
  • Fitness, Exercise, and Nutrition (CrossFit, Healthy Lifestyle Groups, Dance, Yoga and Pilates)

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FirstGen Community

FirstGen Community Logo

The FirstGen Defined Community, located in Miller Hall, is designed for students who are the first of their family to attend college. First-generation students within this community create a social support network, participate in floor programs, visit surrounding areas, and interact with faculty and staff to enhance their sense of belonging at Bentley.

You may be interested in this community if you:

  • Would like to meet and learn from faculty and staff partners who also identify as first-generation
  • Are interested in learning how to self-advocate and effectively use available campus resources
  • Are interested in engaging as a peer in a community-wide first-generation support system

Location: Miller Hall

Community Partner(s):  To be announced

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Defined Communities for Returning Students

Emerging Leaders Community

emerging leaders logo

This Community is available to rising sophomores who want to become more effective and engaged student leaders. Following a leadership development plan, residents develop their leadership identity, learn essential leadership skills, network with campus leaders, and participate in programming opportunities.

Location: Fenway Suites

Community Collaborations: Student Programs and Engagement

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Honors Upper-class Experience

honors upperclass logo

This community is for upper-class residential honors students who want to maintain a close relationship with the Honors Program. Space is dedicated for programming, study opportunities, and to connect with other upper-class community members. Residents will also mentor students in the first-year Honors community.

Location: Falcone North

Community Collaborations: The Honors Program

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to live in a Defined Community?

First-year students interested in living in a Defined Community will apply in the First-Year Housing Application, which is made available via the Housing Portal over the summer. Returning students interested in a Defined Community will apply during the Housing Selection Process in the spring.

Do I have to live in a specific location if I am a member of a Defined Community?

Yes. When you agree to live in a Defined Community, you are agreeing to live in the residence hall and floor in which the community is housed.

Does applying to a Defined Community guarantee me placement in that community?

Defined Communities are limited in size. We can only accommodate as many students as there are rooms/beds in the community, so not every student who applies to a particular community will be accepted into that community. The essay you submit as part of your application will be used to help in the selection process. We urge you to apply for multiple communities if interested.

What are you looking for in a Defined Community application essay?

We are looking for students who are enthusiastic about living in each community and excited about being active participants in programs and events. Please note that for the Honors Communities you must be enrolled in the Honors Program in order to be eligible to live in the community.

What events and programs will I have access to as a member of a Defined Community?

Defined Community students have gone to Broadway shows, overnight visits to New York, museums, the Harvard Women in Business Conference, and much more. These trips, events, and programs are available for Defined Community students only.

Whats next after I am accepted into a Defined Community?

If you are a first year student you be placed into the community you were selected into and will received further communication in the upcoming weeks about your early move in. If you are a upper class student you will receive further communication regarding verifying your roommates in the upcoming weeks.  

Are all Honors Students accepted into the Honors Defined Commuinty?

No. Both the First Year and Upper class Honors Community has limited spots. We can only accept as many students as there are rooms in the designated area. 

I am a Honors student do I have to live in the Honors Defined Commuinty?

No. It is your choice if you would like to apply for the community. 

I am a First Generation Student do I have to live in the First Gen Community?

No. It is your choice if you would like to apply for the community. 

I am in the Women's Ledership Program do I have to live in the Women's Leadership Community?

No. It is your choice if you would like to apply for the community. 

I was selected to be apart of a Defined Community, can I room with a friend who did not get accepted into the same community as me?

If you are accepted into a defined community and your roommate(s) of choice did not, you will not be able to live in the community together. You can either choose to remain with your chosen roommates and live elsewhere or choose to live in the community with others who were accepted into the community.