The Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) focuses on highlighting the Student Life curriculum of Identity, Community, Critical Thinking, and Cultural Appreciation. This office celebrates, embraces and promotes the diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences, as well as the intersectionality of the different identities that each member of BC brings to the community. We seek to engage the many voices and perspectives that exist within our community through our varied programs and services.
DEI Programs
We offer a variety of programs throughout the entire academic year and present students with opportunities to explore and engage in conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice to increase understanding across differences and to enhance a more welcoming and a more inclusive campus climate for all. We prepare our students to live and work in community with others and we provide them with intercultural skills, awareness and knowledge they will need to be leaders in our global society. Our programs and events serve as a catalyst for building bridges between people through dialogue, development of intercultural competency, empathy and social and interpersonal interactions.
Safe Zone workshops, DEI trainings, heritage month celebrations, informal gatherings, educational engagements, presentations and campus-wide events are among the programs sponsored by our office. Additionally, our team is available to advocate for student success, as well as provide one-on-one time with members of the BC community.
Spiritual Life Programs
Bridgewater College was founded in 1880 by the Church of Brethren (COB). Our affiliation with the COB is grounded in the College’s mission to uphold the ideals of goodness, truth, beauty, and harmony, which serve to animate and inspire us to take a holistic approach to student learning. As a liberal arts institution, the College has always placed a high value on engaging students to think critically, broadly, and deeply, about all facets of their experience. As a liberal arts college that educates the whole person—mind, body and spirit—Bridgewater encourages its members to actively pursue their spiritual path within an open, inclusive and supportive learning community. The College chaplain oversees the spiritual life program and offers spiritual counsel and personal support to all members of the campus community. The chaplain also plans and provides meaningful programming for the campus including discussion groups, worship services, spiritual exploration, religious holiday observances, retreats and conferences, and other events that support the religious and spiritual needs of the campus community.
Student Clubs and Organizations
DEI clubs bring people together to create awareness and appreciation for the many axes of identity at BC. The Assistant Director of Diversity, Education, & Advocacy serves as a co-advisor for all identity clubs at BC.
- African Student Association (AFSA)
- Asian Student Association (ASA)
- BC Allies
- Black Student Alliance (BSA)
- Latinx Student Association (LSA)
- Women at Work
Spiritual Life clubs welcome students of all religious and spiritual beliefs, and philosophical perspectives. Our College Chaplain provides spiritual guidance and support for all - regardless of religious tradition or spiritual orientation.
- Brethren Student Movement (BSM)
- Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU)
- Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM)
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- Muslim Student Association (MSA)
- Round Table Regional Youth Conference (RRYC)
IDEA Center
The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy (IDEA) Center is a multicultural space on BC campus. This space is intended to enhance, enrich, and elevate identities of all our students. It celebrates and promotes the diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences that each member of BC brings to the community. This space is used for a variety of DEI programs and presents students with opportunities to explore and engage in conversations to enhance cultural understandings across differences. The IDEA Center house has a multipurpose room that can be used for small meetings, a living room space for larger meetings, a newly created meditation and prayer space, a well-stocked kitchen, and a backyard. The IDEA Center is located at 112 College View Drive.
Eagle Success Program
The Eagle Success Mentoring Program is a mentoring program designed to assist first-generation and historically underrepresented students as they transition from high school to Bridgewater College. First-year students are paired with more experienced students who are trained to provide support, resources, and opportunities necessary for these new students to excel at BC. We highly encourage you to enroll for the Eagle Success Program at BC if you are an incoming first-year student. We also encourage you to serve as an Eagle Success Team Leader if you wish to hone your leadership skills.
Team and Office Location
The office of DEI consists of three team members. The Associate Dean of Students for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Assistant Director for Diversity, Education, and Advocacy, and the College Chaplain. The team has offices in the Student Life Suite in Kline Campus Center and in the IDEA Center. If you wish to contact us, please email us at idea@bridgewater.edu.
Students are encouraged to engage with the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) within the Department of Student Life to investigate their personal identity and expand their knowledge about other cultures. By meeting and engaging with people from all walks of life, you will learn about different cultures, hear new perspectives and step outside your comfort zone.