Bentley Introduces Office of Gender and Sexuality Student Programs

A new Office of Gender and Sexuality Student Programs will focus on gender equity and LGBTQ+ programming to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for students around gender and sexuality.

The new office will be part of the university’s Student Equity and Inclusion team, which was created as part of a reorganization to support Bentley students and reflect the university’s core values. In fall 2019, the Multicultural Center, Center for International Students and Scholars, Spiritual Life and Equity Center were also brought under the Student Equity and Inclusion umbrella.

The Student Equity and Inclusion team includes full-time staff members who provide support, advocacy and care to students as they explore their identities. They work daily with students to deepen their connections with one another by challenging Bentley community members to value the individuality that every person brings. The mission is to equip all students with the awareness to be successful in an increasingly diverse campus and world, with particular support of gender equity, students of color, faith-based students, international students and LGBTQ+ identified students.

“We are excited about how these changes will foster a more inclusive community and make it easier for students to get involved and be supported,” said J. Andrew Shepardson, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “In higher education, trends and behaviors are constantly evolving, so we want to continue evolving, too, to support our students the best that we can.”