Bentley University
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Programs for Students 1. STEP: The Summer Transition Education Program (STEP) provides college admission support for high-potential students who may have faced academic, socioeconomic, or personal challenges beyond their control. Its benefits include: Funding for Bentley’s Orientation program (for all new students) and a six-week residential program (exclusively for STEP students) Two free summer courses Monitoring of your academic progress Mentoring, academic advising and tutoring Counseling, support and referrals Networking and professional development opportunities 2. ALANA Experience: The African-, Latino-, Asian-, Native- American (ALANA) Experience is a 3.5-day program that brings first-year ALANA students to campus one week early to meet other incoming and upper class ALANA students, get acclimated to life at the university, and build tools for academic and personal success. An additional program within the ALANA experience is the ALANA Student Advancement Program (ASAP) mentorship program. Through the ASAP, freshman and sophomore students are paired with upper class mentors to create a support system for navigating life at Bentley and promoting academic and social development. 3. Counseling Center services include: Individual, short-term therapy sessions Group counseling for issues such as anxiety, relationships, surviving the death of a loved one; and support for LGBTQ, ALANA, or international students. Group process consultations for academic groups Downloadable podcasts to help induce relaxation or sleep Disability services for students with diagnosed learning, psychiatric, medical, or other disabilities 4. ALLY group Allies are individuals who help create a safe place for our LGBTQ students, faculty and staff, and are some of the most effective and powerful voices of the LGBTQ movement. Not only do allies assist people in the coming-out process, but they also help others understand the importance of equality, fairness, acceptance and mutual respect. More than 130 faculty and staff members, representing more than 50 departments, have completed ally training to become members of the Faculty and Staff Ally Network http://www.bentley.edu/campus-life/student-life/lgbtq/allies Programs for Staff and Faculty Faculty & Staff of Color: The Faculty & Staff of Color affinity group was created to provide a forum for networking and support of employees who identify as African-American, Latino, Asian-American, Native American, or multi-ethnic. The group meets monthly during the academic year for professional development, training, and informal networking. LGBTQ @ Bentley Bentley University strives to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the LGBTQ community and their allies. Our campus fosters an atmosphere that values and supports all individuals no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Through cross departmental collaborations, educational programming and workshops, the Bentley community dedicates itself to openness and mutual respect for all.

The Office of the Ombudsman provides a safe space for students, faculty, and staff to seek advice and assistance, and to pursue the resolution of any university-related concern through an independent, impartial, and confidential process. The use of these services is voluntary and free to any member of the Bentley community. The Ombudsman is an impartial dispute resolution practitioner whose major role is to provide confidential and informal assistance to students, staff, faculty and administrators. The Counseling Center has a variety of confidential services for this matter; for example, provides group counseling for issues such as anxiety, relationships, surviving the death of a loved one; and support for LGBTQ, ALANA, or international students. If this act was committed by a member of the Bentley community, Residence Life and/or the Judicial Board will determine the facts and outcome of the case, which can include legal sanctions.

The publicly accessible inventory of gender neutral bathrooms can be found here: http://www.bentley.edu/campus-life/culture-diversity/lgbtq/lgbtq-resources