Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Boston University prides itself on a history of inclusion, admitting students regardless of race, religion, or gender since our founding in 1839. That legacy includes one of BU’s most renowned graduates, Martin Luther King, Jr. (GRS’55, Hon.’59). Today, our students, scholars, and faculty represent more than 140 countries and all 50 states, reflecting an exciting range of worldviews and life experiences.

Yet there is still work to be done. So, we’re redoubling our efforts and commitment to attracting, supporting, and promoting a wide variety of voices and backgrounds at BU, including, but not limited to, individuals who are historically underrepresented in the academy, are first in their families to attend college, are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and who live with physical, learning, or mental disabilities.

The Graduate Affairs team in the Office of the Provost focuses on the recruitment, admission, retention, and community-building in graduate education. Working closely with our 17 graduate schools and colleges, our goal is to foster community and cultivate resources to promote success, inclusion and equity. Our Graduate Affairs Faculty Fellows for Diversity and Inclusion, Anita DeStefano (Professor of Biostatistics, SPH) and Simone Gill (Associate Professor of Occupation Therapy, SAR) serve as points of contact to connect graduate faculty, staff, and students with DEI resources. Centrally-coordinated efforts include, but are not limited to: programming for underrepresented minority (URM) graduate students, participation in the Equity for Graduate Education Consortium, and centrally-coordinated recruitment initiatives for prospective URM PhD students.

At Boston University, our goal is to ensure that BU is a university not only where everyone can participate and thrive, but one that harnesses intellectual innovation and interconnection, and capitalizes on, and exalts, the dynamism that true diversity can offer.