DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INTEGRITY, AND BELONGING (DEIB)

Diversity and inclusion are important to the BAU community, our students, faculty, and staff members. BAU is committed to providing every individual with an unparalleled academic experience, regardless of age, ancestry, disability, nationality, race, religion, sex or gender identity, and sexual orientation. We advocate for inclusion, facilitating diverse communities through student education and faculty/staff training. Together, we can create an accepting and safe environment for everyone who walks through the doors of Bay Atlantic University to pursue their education.

We expect members of the BAU community to treat one another with respect; to strive for high academic achievements; to express diverse ideas and reflect diverse backgrounds; and to approach their personal and academic lives with integrity. The more we embrace these values in our daily lives, the more we create and sustain an environment of trust, cooperation, lively inquiry, and mutual understanding, the better we can advance our commitment to education, which all of us share.

Two students wearing BAU t-shirts, one in navy blue and the other in orange, standing in front of a Bay Atlantic University banner.

Diversity:

“Individual differences (e.g., personality, prior knowledge, and life experiences) and group/social differences (e.g., race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, and ability as well as cultural, political, religious, or other affiliations).” The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU) definition

Equity:

“The creation of opportunities for historically underrepresented populations to have equal access to and participate in educational programs that are capable of closing the achievement gaps in student success and completion.” The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU) definition

Inclusion:

“The active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diversity…in ways that increase awareness, content knowledge, cognitive sophistication, and empathic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact within systems and institutions.” The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU) definition

Belonging:

“A perception or feeling that one is a part of a group. Belonging is a basic emotional need. People have an inherent need to feel like they are part of a group. This helps them to feel socially and emotionally connected to something that is bigger than themselves. When someone has a sense of belonging, they feel that they have a connection with the people in the group that is greater than familiarity or simple acquaintance.”

Understanding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

• Diversity is a Fact
• Equity is a State
• Inclusion is an Act
• Belonging is the Feeling

As the majority of students at BAU are international and come from different backgrounds and cultures, they are not always familiar with some sensitive issues in U.S. history and culture. That is why, to increase awareness, BAU offers workshops and organizes other events to create an atmosphere of mutual understanding, tolerance, respect, and belonging. Some examples are celebrating special days of different cultures and religions, Black History Month, and Hispanic Heritage Month.

BAU decided to integrate all these activities into a DEIB plan that will be ready to implement in the 2023-2024 academic year. The BAU DEIB task force is currently administering surveys to students, faculty, and staff to finalize the plan.

Bias Incident Report Form

For more information, please contact Director of Student Services, Renee McKie, at [email protected].

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