Bryant University
PA-5: Diversity and Equity Coordination

Bryant University recognizes that our position as a leader in higher education is determined both by the diversity of our campus community and our intellectual endeavors. Our commitment to link academic and social diversity for the benefit of the learning and living environment reflects its belief that excellence and diversity are mutually reinforcing objectives.
We also understand diversity as a global issue. We provide an education that offers our students the knowledge and skills to thrive in an age of global complexity and change. Our policies and programs nurture a pluralistic environment that honors human dignity, integrity, and rights.
Bryant University encourages members of its community to be independent, tolerant thinkers who possess the courage and patience to grow in their understanding of differences - whether they be ethnic, intellectual, physical, political, cultural, sexual, religious or economic. Doing so on a personal level reaffirms the critical role that divergent voices play in making Bryant University a world-class institution dedicated to teaching, learning, and producing new knowledge.
In 2020, Bryant University opened its first office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (IDEI) focuses on campus-wide strategic initiatives to create and maintain an inclusive and equitable community. IDEI works with every divisional leader to align university efforts and oversees the work of the Council for Inclusive Excellence and the Student Advisory Board for Inclusive Excellence.
The Council for Inclusive Excellence brings together members from every division to help create a more inclusive environment at Bryant University. The council is responsible for recommending and coordinating inclusive efforts broadly including training, programming, and assessment. The council works collaboratively with other campus entities to develop a campus environment that is welcoming, safe, and inclusive for faculty, staff, and students. Membership consists of senior leadership, faculty, staff, and students nominated and invited by the President of the University.
The Student Advisory Board for Inclusive Excellence ensures that student voices are always present in the planning and execution of diversity efforts. The board consists of undergraduate students of various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The board helps to inform diversity, equity and inclusion practices, priorities and accountability for access and inclusion for students at Bryant University.
IDEI works collaboratively with the PwC Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI), a department within the Student Affairs division that comprises the Intercultural Center, Hochberg Women's Center, and Pride Center. Together, they work to create a supportive and inclusive campus environment.
https://www.bryant.edu/campus-and-community/diversity-equity-and-inclusion

Diversity, inclusion, and equality are incorporated into many of the University's training and professional development program offerings as well as course curriculum at Bryant University. The following are various examples our institution’s cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings and activities offered:
Day of Understanding: Day of programming focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Faculty, staff, and students learn, share, and engage with virtual or in person sessions designed to increase their collective understanding on various DEI topics. (See 2021 program attached)
Safe Zone & Green Zone Training: LGBTQ+ and Veteran awareness and ally training workshops.
Faculty Training: What Does it Mean to Do Anti racist Classroom Assessment As Social Justice. Asoa B. Inoue
New Hire DEI Orientations for Faculty and Staff will begin in January 2022.
Inclusive Policing with DPS staff (29)
Crisis Readiness and Response Training with Administrators, Faculty and Staff
4MILE Training on Reporting to Bias Incident Committee
RA's and OL's in person Training on Reporting to Bias Incident Committee
First Year Student - Gateway/Common Read conversations on social justice, and Just Mercy book
RIHETC – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Faculty Professional Development opportunities including:
Community: Racial Equity and Intersectionality, Inclusive Leadership: Creating a Culture of Inclusion & Belonging
Other Inclusion Student Programs offered include:
Alternative Spring Break, HerStory Month, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Week, Multicultural and International Leadership Experience Program (4MILE) and National Coming Out Week