You can choose to live in a space with other students who share your interests and passions. Your housing community will engage in additional programs, studies and opportunities with the support of a faculty or staff partner. Each community is also connected to a partner office or organization on campus.
First-year students who choose Defined Communities also move-in a day early to participate in a leadership retreat. You’ll start building a supportive community at Bentley right away.
Defined Communities for First-Year Students
The Arts Community is for students who want to explore their creative side and connect with like-minded people.
Location: Miller Hall
Community Partner:
- Dr. David Szymanski, Associate Professor, Natural and Applied Sciences
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.)
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:
- Stephanie Cohen, Program Coordinator; Office of the Dean of Student Affairs
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)
Brave is for students who are interested in meaningful, intentional and open discussions about identities and societal issues. With guidance from faculty and staff, they learn about race, religion, sexual identity, socio-economic status, gender and gender identity.
This community is designed to be a "brave space" for students to challenge themselves and engage in thought-provoking topics and viewpoints.
Location: Miller Hall
Community Partner:
- Kiana Pierre-Louis, J.D., Lecturer, Law, Taxation, and Financial Planning; The Office of Diversity and Inclusion
You may be interested in this community if you have participated in:
- Human Rights Organizations (Amnesty International, UNICEF)
- Identity and Cultural Based Organizations (Culture clubs, Pride, Black Student Union, GSA, Asian Student Association, etc.)
- Advocacy and Activism Organizations (Student Government, Environmental Activism)
- Political Organizations (Political Party Organization, Campaign Organizations, Climate Change Organizations)
- Community Service (Key Club, Habitat for Humanity, National Honors Society, Big Brothers, Big Sisters)
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:
- Center for Women and Business
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)
First-year Honors Program students can choose to live together to make strong friendships and lean on one another for academic support. The Honors lounge houses also has its own printer, TV, gaming system and spaces to relax and study.
Location: Slade Hall
Community Partner:
- The Honors Program and Academic Support Services
You may be interested in this community if you have participated in:
- Academic clubs/organizations
- High school honors programs
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:
- Center for Wellness and Health Promotion
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)
Defined Communities for Returning Students
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
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