OFFICE OF BELONGING AND INCLUSION IMPACT REPORT
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JULY ‘25 - JUNE ‘26
A note from our Senior Director of Belonging and Inclusion and College Chaplain, Denicia Ratley. This year, OBI centered creating intentional spaces and experiences that strengthened students’ sense of connection, belonging, self-identity, and community, by designing programs, opportunities, and gatherings that responded to student experiences, interest, and evolving needs. My team was empowered to continue to be visible, supportive, and accessible to students and community members as we navigate sensitive and ever changing social and political climate. Some things we noticed this year: An increase in students requesting support for individual needs, club/org conflict, and/or peer tensions. Strategic collaboration efforts with campus partners increased our physical and digital footprint and expanded our opportunity to tailor outreach for niche audiences. Some areas of growth in the past year include: Redesigned and restructured signature events and initiatives to expand the scope of diverse perspectives, identities, and practices. Chaplains and Office staff increased their visibility with monthly tabling in Trim dining hall and Reynolds Student Center, providing more learning opportunities about our spiritual life offerings and cultural heritage/history celebrations. Structured and institutionalized Diversity Lead Scholars monthly gatherings, cohort meetings, and end of the year celebrations, caused students to have a deep sense of belonging and pride in their scholarship and contributions to Babson. Amplified MLK Legacy Day with a luncheon with local high school choir and cultivated the signature gathering specific to the speakers’ interest which enriched community members experience and created lasting impact on current and potential future Babson students.
BE BABSON. BELONG AT BABSON.
EVEN MORE IMPACT!! ELEVATED STUDENT VOICE AND LEADERSHIP
OFFERED STUDENTS REFLECTIVE AND CREATIVE SPACES TO EXPLORE IDENTITY, BELONGING, AND EXPRESSION THROUGH ART AND DIALOGUE
DEVELOPED PROGRAMMING THAT RESPONDED TO STUDENT INTERESTS AND NEEDS
COLLABORATED WITH MULTIPLE CAMPUS PARTNERS ON LOVE YOURSELF DAY, GRAD CHILL, ARTS FEST AND MORE
ASSISTED STUDENTS IN ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL SUCCESS STRETEGIES
CREATED SPACE FOR STUDENTS TO SEE THEMSELVES REFLECTED IN LEADERSHIP
ESTABLISHED COMMUNITY EVENT SPACE FOR WOMENCENTERED ENTREPRENEURS
ENGAGED STUDENTS IN CREATIVITY AND CONSIDERATION THROUGH A MONTHLY PEACE INTENTIONS WALL INSTALLATION
SIGNATURE EVENTS Welcome Receptions and Peace Circle
LGBTQ+ Conference
Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month Block Party
Student Send-offs and Baccalaureate Ceremony
MLK Legacy Day
8+ weekly programs