Bryant University
PAE-8: Support Programs for Underrepresented Groups

4MILE@bryant is a unique program for incoming international and multicultural students. The 4 stands for the 4 years at Bryant and MILE stands for “Multicultural and International Leadership Experience”. 4MILE develops the whole student. The pillars of this leadership experience are Cultural, Academic, Personal and Social support systems. Strengthening these areas are keys to success at Bryant University and beyond. The program is designed to provide international and multicultural students with a positive transition into their college career. The week consists of sessions and team building exercises along with an interactive introduction to Bryant University. Incoming students are assigned mentors who will serve as a support to them during their first year. 4MILE@bryant provides a connection to the resources and networks necessary for success at Bryant University. More information can be found at our website: http://web.bryant.edu/~icc/4MILE.html. Foundations for Learning (FFL) is course for first year and transfers students. FFL utilizes a combination of teaching methods, including lectures, class discussions, one-on-one conferences, guest speakers, and participation in co-curricular activities. FFL is taught by a variety of instructors, including tenured and tenure-track faculty, academic support services staff, as well as administrators such as Bryant’s own President Machtley. Each brings an interesting and unique perspective to the classroom. FFL is a 1 credit course that meets once per week for 50 minutes. Typically, the class size is kept to 20 students per instructor. Each FFL section is assigned to an academic advisor who visits the class and supports each student as they plan out their educational career. Sections are cohorted for special populations, including transfers, international students, athletes, and International Business majors.

Bryant University offers a full-week faculty orientation for new faculty that incorporates a diversity awareness session, designed to enhance community relationships and the development of a support network, as well as developing expectations for personal responsibilities for equity and inclusion. Also included in the orientation week is a diversity faculty panel of recently hired faculty who share their experiences and offer to serve as mentors to new faculty. A similar but more abridged orientation is also provided for adjunct faculty.

Bryant Pride is an organization that has and continues to represent the interests of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) students, faculty and staff. Along with the support of straight allies, Bryant Pride promotes GLBT acceptance, educates the Bryant community on issues related to sexual orientation, and advances Bryant to achieve a higher quality of life on campus. The LGBTQ and Allies Faculty and Staff Caucus is the faculty and staff arm of Bryant University Pride. It offers members of the Bryant community someone to talk to for support. The Hochberg Women's Center at Bryant offers education for the entire Bryant community about issues that affect women, both on- and off-campus. Annual events celebrate the diversity and contributions of women at Bryant, and around the world, and provide a forum for discussing issues facing women in business and society. The Women’s Center at Bryant serves not only as a support service/resource center for women on campus but provides educational programming to student groups and to other areas of the University focused on equity and inclusion.