Our mission is to create a campus environment where all community members can achieve their highest potential.
We cultivate a campus culture where every individual feels seen, supported, and empowered – through transformative learning, strategic partnerships, discrimination prevention and response and brave conversations – creating a more connected, respectful, and inclusive Bentley where everyone can thrive.
Meet the Offices
The Division of Equity and Inclusion consists of two offices: the Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Both offices serve unique purposes for the campus community and collaborate to build an equitable campus experience. See below for more information about the two offices.
Office of Institutional Equity
The Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity (OIE) is responsible for cultivating a respectful and equitable campus community by addressing concerns related to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct and retaliation. Our work centers collaborative information sharing, supportive measures, policy stewardship, community education and fair resolution processes designed to ensure that all employees and students can work and learn in an environment where care and accountability are upheld.
Unique Work
- Formal and informal resolution of sexual misconduct and discrimination complaints
- Prevention education, compliance and campus partnerships
- Policy development and alignment with state and federal policies
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) is responsible for fostering an inclusive community by leveraging interactions between offices, educating the entire community and working to increase the diversity at all levels of the University. Our work centers proactive, strategic work intended to build Bentley to be a university where our core values are constantly upheld to provide the chance for all community members to thrive.
Unique Work
- Triennial Bentley Equity Experience campus climate survey
- Diversity and inclusion learning and development through the Inclusive Excellence Learning and Development Model
- Marque university programs including the annual MLK Morning Celebration and the Rainbow Lunch
Our Approach
The Division of Equity and Inclusion utilizes a pragamatic, institutional effectiveness lens to build equitable practices on campus. This includes building capacity for individual members to promote an inclusive campus environment and creating response mechanisms for when individuals are harmed. Our approach centers four pillars, which are described below.
Transformative Learning
Learning and development are necessary for Bentley to continue meeting the evolving needs and perspectives of our community members. The Division of Equity and Inclusion provides opportunities for learning, engagement and reflection to grow Bentley’s understanding of what diversity, equity and inclusion means in theory and practice.
Our learning and development work includes:
- The Inclusive Excellence Learning and Development Model
- Bentley Baseline and Continue Learning Workshops
- Conflict Resolution for Managers
Brave Conversations
Discussing topics where disagreement exists can be uncomfortable, particularly if we have a passion for the ideas we share. However, engaging with these ideological differences is necessary to build understanding of and empathy for those with views different from us. The Division of Equity and Inclusion is dedicated to building capacity for Bentley community members to engage in brave conversations.
Our brave conversation initiatives include:
- Bentley Brave dialogue programming
- Restorative practice and alternative resolution work
Strategic Partnerships
Bentley recognizes that creating a safe, accountable, and inclusive campus requires collaboration across the entire University community. The Division of Equity and Inclusion has and continues to foster strong connections that advance Bentley’s shared goal of ensuring every member of the Bentley community can thrive, prosper, and learn free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual violence.
Our strategic relationships include:
- The Bentley Equity Experience Campus Climate Survey
- Inclusive Excellence Council
- LGBTQ+ Steering Committee
Discrimination Prevention and Response
Bentley takes reports of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct and retaliation seriously. When prohibited conduct occurs, we seek to remedy its effects through supportive measures, accountability processes and other appropriate interventions. The Division of Equity and Inclusion works proactively to identify and address emerging trends, implement effective policies and practices and foster a culture of respect and inclusion.
Our discrimination prevention and response works includes:
- Overseeing Title IX reports and processes
- The Bias Incident Response Team
Reporting Resources
The Division of Equity and Inclusion responds to incident of sexual misconduct, discrimination, harrassment and stalking. Below are links to resources if you need to report and incident.
Title IX and Gender-Based Misconduct Reporting
This form may be used to submit concerns about sexual or gender-based misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking and dating/domestic violence. The Office of Institutional Equity will reach out to reporting parties to discuss next steps.
Anonymous Title IX Reporting
This form may be used to submit anonymous Title IX reports.
Get Help Now
In the immediate event of an emergency, please call the numbers below:
On-Campus Emergency:
(781) 891-3131
Off-Campus Emergency:
9-1-1
For additional support, please review the resources by clicking the button below.
Collaborate with Us
Our division values the partnerships we have built across campus. And we are constantly looking to build greater relationships across campus. Below you will find information about our learning and development opportunities and how we can collaborate.