Bowdoin College
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

There are a number of institutionally funded student organizations for under-represented groups on campus. Additionally, the Student Center for Multicultural Life, which is comprised of two sisters spaces, 30 College Street and Russwurm African American House, serves as a hub of multicultural programming http://www.bowdoin.edu/multicultural/index.shtml . The newly created Center will be staffed by a full-time Director beginning in the Fall of 2015. The Center helps advise several student groups and works with a number of student employees to create programs not covered by student groups. Examples include MLK Day Programming, a six-week training of student facilitators to host conversations on race throughout campus, and Women of Color Retreats. In addition, the Center will work with the Dean of Students of Diversity and Inclusion to strengthen and grow current programs that support students of color and first generation college students. Such programs include a network for first generation students connecting them with other first generation upper-classmen, staff and faculty and the first-year retreat for students of color and first generation college students. The Dean's Office also works closely with Acadmic Affairs around the BASE Advising program, aimed at providing more international and invovled advising for students that may need greater support transitioning to Bowdoin. Students meet more regularly with trained acadmic advisors and attend special workshops and events. Lastly, the Resource Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity is designed to provide support and resources to Bowdoin's LGBTQ community. The Resource Center works closley with the college administration, and works with various campus groups to sponsor speaks, concerts and other events on campus, in addition to hosting discussion groups to address the diverse needs of the Bowdoin community.

Incidents of bias where the perpetrator is known are handled through the office of the Dean of Student Affairs. Complaints may be made to the Campus and Community Index via an online form. All complaints go directly to the Dean of Students and the Associate Dean of Students for Diversity and Inclusion. Where the perpetrator is unknown, the President may convene the Bias Incident Committee.