Bentley University is responding to the growing demand to diversify its student body. The university has reached a record-high Black student enrollment of 6% in the current first-year class—a 50% increase from prior years—thanks to the work of student organizations like the Black United Body (BUB). As the institution continues to work toward making the campus more welcoming and supportive for students of color, this milestone comes at a critical time.
The increase has been fueled by BUB’s collaboration with the Admissions Department. The organization has put forth great effort to engage and encourage potential Black students long before they set foot on campus through outreach programs like the Presidential Brunch, BUB Link Up, and the BUB Bound group chat. In addition to promoting diversity, these initiatives give students who might have previously felt alienated or unsupported in predominantly white spaces a stronger sense of belonging.
BUB’s Role in Recruitment & Outreach
More than 300 Black admitted students have received personal messages, helping them feel informed, accepted, and motivated to join the Bentley community. One of the primary components of these efforts has been the Presidential Brunch, also known as Black Admitted Students Day. President Chrite and Vice President of Enrollment Management Carolina Figueroa approved and funded the event, which serves as an introduction to Bentley’s culture and gives potential students the chance to interact with important campus resources, meet Black student leaders, and connect with staff. Following this, admitted students had the chance to meet peers and current BUB members during the BUB Link Up, which is part of the broader Admitted Students Day. The high level of interest in the BUB Link Up highlights the importance of relationships, since admitted students want to interact with Black student leaders before their arrival on campus.
BUB also puts a lot of effort into making sure new students are prepared and connected before they set foot on campus. Initiatives like the BUB Bound group chat facilitate early connections among incoming students, creating a sense of belonging and offering support to one another. Another essential resource is the BUB Declassified Guide, which helps students navigate Bentley’s academic and social life while supporting them in understanding the Black student experience on campus.
The Effects of BUB Events & Partnerships
BUB’s work aims to establish a lasting feeling of community, not only to grow its membership. Prospective students can see Bentley’s active, diverse campus culture at events like the Presidential Brunch and the BUB Fashion Show. These activities demonstrate Bentley’s dedication to promoting leadership, honoring culture, and supporting students of color. Additionally, they allow students to interact with one another in a lighthearted and engaging manner, which helps them feel more at home before they even arrive on campus.
To provide a strong network of support for students, BUB also maintains tight relationships with other student groups, such as the African Student Association, the Caribbean Ancestry Student Association, Mankind Movement, and Coming Full Circle. These partnerships guarantee that students from diverse backgrounds can succeed academically, socially, and emotionally while attending Bentley.
A Welcoming Environment for All
BUB and other cultural organizations are key in creating a welcoming environment at Bentley for students from all backgrounds. Bentley showcases its dedication to inclusion by allowing students to interact with their culture, connect with others, and grow as leaders. These initiatives foster a school atmosphere where all students feel supported, heard, and recognized, reaching beyond academics.
Building the Future
A key component of Bentley’s strategy to attract and retain students of color is cultural organizations. BUB and similar organizations contribute to developing a campus environment where all students feel empowered to thrive through outreach, events, and partnerships with other student organizations. These groups will continue to play a crucial part in ensuring that all students, regardless of background, feel appreciated and included as Bentley expands.
Jaychele Nicole is class of 2026 and the 2024-2025 Black United Body President
