Be Bentley

Community members most often described Caring through everyday acts of kindness, support, and genuine concern for others' wellbeing. Caring was frequently connected to relationships, student support services, and moments when people felt seen as whole individuals.

“The Caring core value at Bentley is not just an abstract ideal posted on a wall. Instead, it is a tangible, lived experience woven into the fabric of our daily campus interactions... a fellow student is always there, rushing ahead to pull open the heavy door and hold it, ensuring I can pass through without having to put everything down. This small, seemingly insignificant act...demonstrates an awareness of others beyond their own immediate goals...” — Undergraduate Student

“As a new hire to Bentley, I can write first-hand on how the core value of caring has been upheld by those throughout the campus community.... Since my onboarding, my team has been extremely understanding and patient... Frequent 1-on-1 check-ins...These practices of kindness...have been incredibly beneficial in allowing me to love my new job and put forth the best-possible effort in completing it each day.” — Staff

Collaboration was described as a defining feature of the Bentley experience, particularly through group work, partnerships, student organizations, and cross-functional relationships that help people work toward shared goals.

“At Bentley, the core value of Collaboration is reflected in the way students, faculty, and staff work together to achieve shared goals. Collaboration can be seen in group projects, team-based assignments, and discussions where students are encouraged to share different perspectives and learn from one another.” — Graduate Student

“I work with students and faculty from every department, and staff from every division, frequently on a daily basis. I feel very fortunate to work with people that see a common mission, saying ‘yes...and’ to my ideas, even in the darkest of times. In my eyes, Collaboration is not only a Core Value at Bentley, it's also a key differentiator in higher education and a great source of pride.” — Faculty

Respondents highlighted Diversity as both a visible strength and an ongoing commitment, emphasizing the importance of belonging, representation, cross-cultural engagement, and learning from different perspectives.

“I am a recent graduate degree student at Bentley HFID Program. While in my first days I was struggling to find someone like ‘me’ I really enjoyed my boarding times with my friends but I was looking for something more than that. Attending MLK Day, with appreciation to my professor...I felt like I was belonging to this community. seeing people from my own culture and community felt very engaging. I am truly happy to be a part of this.” — Graduate Student

“Diversity at Bentley looks like classrooms where different perspectives are genuinely welcomed and encouraged, not just tolerated. It shows up when professors intentionally include authors, case studies, and examples from different cultural, racial, and global backgrounds so students can see themselves reflected in the material. It also looks like group projects where students value different communication styles and lived experiences instead of defaulting to one dominant voice.” — Undergraduate Student

Honesty was most frequently connected to integrity, transparency, accountability, and academic ethics. Many respondents reflected on how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are reshaping conversations about honesty and learning.

“Having participated in a number of academic integrity hearings, it feels good to see the students on those panels sticking up for honesty and integrity. The students on those hearings are thoughtful and compassionate, but they also see and voice the value (for themselves, for others, for the value of their degree) of being honest academically.” — Faculty

“I think this is an especially poignant core value to consider in today's academic space because of the use of AI. I see so many students generating entire essay responses and submitting them as their own work then claim in class that AI should only be used as a tool. When it's so easy to just replace your own workflow and spend time doing things that are easier, how can you get the most out of your education and find it more worthy than just the certificate at the end? Honesty is important to uphold both to your own development and growth as well as the people around you, in academic and professional contexts.” — Undergraduate Student

Community members described Impact through mentorship, leadership, service, civic engagement, and efforts that positively influence individuals, organizations, and the wider community.

“I believe that the close work with that the BSLCE does organizing, engaging and connecting students, faculty and community partners is a wonderful example of the impact that Bentley has on the Waltham and Greater Boston Community. Anyone that engages in community, volunteer and social justice work should receive strong recognition, not only by the BSLCE, but also by the wider Bentley Community.” — Faculty

“Through various classes, I've had plenty of professors that really showcase their care for students more than others. These professors really highlight the core value of impact on campus [showing] care for their expertise they bring to Bentley.” — Graduate Student

Learning was consistently described as central to Bentley's identity, extending beyond the classroom to include personal growth, experiential learning, curiosity, and lifelong development.

“In our everyday teaching at Bentley, learning is always a top priority that is respected. We teachers are well prepared and ask challenging questions and encourage argument which is itself a learning experience. Students are attentive and tolerant of other points of view and an open discussion is always encouraged. I am proud of the learning experiences I encounter in class and the intelligent and thoughtful responses in writing.” — Faculty

“I believe there are two types of learning. The first is information based, having a knowledge of material. The professors here do a fantastic job of teaching this way. The second type of learning is experience based. Though both types of learning are very important and beneficial, I believe the latter to be more impactful long-term; it is empirical knowledge in action. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had through a variety of on-campus organizations, in particular the Bentley Consulting Association, to practice and refine this skill.” — Undergraduate Student

Respect was most often experienced through everyday civility, listening, inclusion, professionalism, and recognition of the dignity and worth of others.

“In my involvement in athletics, respect looks like listening to the captains, following coach's orders, and supporting teammates. It's showing up for each other and getting the work done to help us collectively reach toward our team goal. Since we all want to athletically succeed, we know how we should show up for one another to help each other get there. Respect plays a role because this behavior impacts everything, from how we approach situations to how we speak and listen.” — Undergraduate Student

“I was recently at an alumni and admitted student event. The room was filled with donors, VIP's, Alumni and other [dignitaries]. I witnessed President Chrite stop to take a few minutes to speak with a prospective student for the graduate school. Amidst all of these important people he treated her just as important as everyone else in the room that night. It was so nice to see and made me feel very proud to work at Bentley where leadership at the highest position, demonstrates respect across the board.” — Staff