The Bentley Buzz

Since arriving on campus just over a month ago, director of the newly established Office of Institutional Equity Kelly Downes has been hard at work getting to know more about the students, faculty and staff of the Bentley community. In that time, she’s made it her goal to listen closely to those she’s connected with to understand the needs of our community. Under Kelly’s leadership, this new office will provide reporting options, individualized support and accountability for all forms of identity-based harm including sexual misconduct, relationship violence, stalking, discrimination and harassment based on other identities protected by law. In the next few months, Kelly plans to review policies and procedures, hire staff and make recommendations for aligning reporting systems for all forms of discriminatory conduct.

“There's a lot of really great work being done to advance equity throughout campus,” said Kelly. “But bringing it all into one centralized office is really a tremendous opportunity for Bentley.”

Kelly and the Office of Institutional Equity will play a key role in that centralized support system, building on her extensive experience in higher education and as an attorney where she first cultivated a passion for advocacy and equity. “My passion for this work really began when I was an attorney serving as an advocate for those who didn’t have a voice when it came to situations of sexual or physical abuse,” said Kelly. “Since then, equity has really been at the forefront of my career interests.”

After years of working in law and investigations, Kelly shifted her career focus to higher education in 2017 when she took on an investigator role at Simmons University before joining Berklee College of Music as their chief equity officer and Title IX coordinator. For Kelly, bringing her years of expertise to a campus setting was a natural next step. “I was really interested in working in the Title IX field and more broadly in discrimination and harassment to combat issues holding back equity on college campuses,” she said. “Working on a college campus was a natural progression that allowed me to build on my career interests and the things that I’m passionate about.”

In addition to her experience on a college campus, Kelly is also well equipped to understand the challenges and barriers students may face when it comes to equity thanks to another role she holds — a mother of three. “I have three kids, two of whom are college-aged, so I think I have a good sense of the challenges facing college students today.” In particular, Kelly understands what many students have gone through over the course of the pandemic in the way of balancing social lives, mental health and well-being, planning for careers and academic responsibilities.

As she continues getting acclimated to the Bentley community, Kelly looks forward to building out the Office of Institutional Equity and helping students, faculty and staff know about the resources available to combat all forms of identity-based discrimination and harassment. “I'm really thrilled to be here. It’s a very exciting opportunity for me, and I look forward to having an impact on not only students but also staff and faculty as well. We intend to be a support for everybody on campus.”

With the holiday season around the corner, there are a few important steps we can all take to make sure we’re able to celebrate with our family and friends in the safest possible way. Here are a few helpful tips to consider in the weeks ahead:

• Make sure you’re up to date on your COVID-19 boosters and flu shots! The new bivalent booster shot is safe and very effective at preventing severe illness from COVID-19. Guidelines for booster eligibility can be found from the CDC here. Additionally, as you may have heard, flu has made an early entry this year and is expected to increase over the coming weeks. Be sure to get your flu shot as soon as you’re able. We’ll be hosting the final COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinic for this semester on campus this Tuesday, Nov. 8 for those in need of an appointment. Schedule your shot here and stop by to see us! 

• Take a rapid test before gathering with family or friends who may be at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Even if you think it's “just a cold” or “probably my allergies,” it's better to be safe for the health of your loved ones.

• If you have an inventory of rapid tests at home, make sure to check the expiration date to confirm they are still usable. Rapid tests have a shelf life and may not be accurate if used past the expiration date. Most insurance plans cover the cost of eight rapid tests per month, so be sure to check with your provider if you need more. Those using a Bentley insurance plan can learn more about ordering tests here. 

• Consider wearing a mask during holiday travel or in crowded public places before holiday gatherings. In addition to the risk for COVID-19, flu and typical cold viruses, respiratory syncytial virus or R.S.V. are also circulating and causing illness in children and adults alike. 

All of us at the Health Center wish you a healthy and safe remainder of the semester and a restful holiday season!

Each November, Transgender Awareness Week celebrates, remembers and honors the lives and dignities of transgender people across the word. This year, Bentley’s Trans Awareness Week Planning Committee is bringing a series of events and development opportunities dedicated to furthering transgender equity and inclusion to the campus community. Check out the engagement and learning opportunities and be sure to download your Transgender Awareness Week Zoom backgrounds below. 

Trans Pride Flag Raising
Monday, Nov. 14, 10:00 a.m.
Morison Flag Pole

PRIDE Film Screening
Monday, Nov. 14, 9:15 p.m.
Gender and Sexuality Student Lounge (Student Center 310A)

Bentley T-Party
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. 
Gender and Sexuality Student Lounge (Student Center 310A)
Enjoy tea, mini sandwiches and community with colleagues and peers. 

PRIDE Open Forum
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Join Virtually | Zoom ID: 988 6123 2015

Trans Ally Training
Thursday, Nov. 17, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Register Here
This training takes participants through self-reflection activities and action planning in order to foster a more welcoming and inclusive campus community.

Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil
Thursday, Nov. 17, 5:00 p.m. 
Sacred Space (Student Center 325 and 335)
Join in remembrance of each person who lost their life to transgender violence in the U.S. in the past year as the community lights a candle in their honor and gathers for a time of reflection, learning and compassion.

Download the Zoom Backgrounds

Version #1     Version #2     Version #3

Kognito is a new online educational program on campus designed to educate students, faculty and staff about mental health. Through role-play, users build knowledge and skills around mental health and suicide prevention. Kognito is also designed to support academic performance, student retention and campus safety. Faculty, staff, and students can access Kognito and use the platform at any time by following the instructions below:

1. Visit bentley.kognito.com.
2. Sign in using your Bentley email address and password.
3. Select your primary “User Type.”
4. Select your “Role” if an employee, “Class” if student and confirm by clicking “Submit Query.” You are not required to provide additional information.
5. Launch the module from the course page.

Sign up and check out the new resource today! 

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