The Belonging Advisory Council

The Belonging Advisory Council (BAC) is composed of members of the student body who are passionate about creating a welcoming environment for the Smith community. The responsibilities of BAC include fostering a sense of belonging in the Smith school, representing the collective views and opinions of the student body, facilitating productive dialogue among the lines of difference, promoting respect and appreciation within the student body, and collaborating with Smith students to celebrate and amplify all voices.

Apply to join the DSAC

All Council Information Session
Thursday, March 5, from 5 to 6 p.m., Van Munching Hall, Room 1528
Learn about each council’s mission, expectations and application process before applying.
Register to attend.

Mission

The mission of the belonging advisory council is to represent the collective views of the student body, empower students and provide comprehensive support in their undergraduate journey, foster a welcoming and belonging community, and unite Smith so that we may thrive together, rather than struggle separately.

Task Forces

Purpose: To gain a comprehensive understanding of the international student experience within the Smith School and ensure these students are fully integrated into the community.

Objectives:

Collect and analyze data directly from international students regarding their unique experiences and challenges.
Propose targeted, beneficial resources tailored to their specific needs.
Develop strategies to increase international student participation and visibility in Smith-wide events.

Purpose: To ensure that all ethnicities and cultures within our diverse student body are recognized, celebrated, and valued, with a specific focus on smaller or less visible groups.

Objectives:

Address the lack of visibility and appreciation for underrepresented student populations.
Create initiatives that actively celebrate and highlight diverse individuals, cultures, and demographics.
Foster a more inclusive environment where every student feels seen and appreciated by the broader community.

Purpose: To address the limited visibility of diverse alumni and maximize their potential as essential mentors, speakers, and role models for current students.

Objectives:

Investigate the impact that a strong, diverse alumni presence has on current students' academic and professional development.
Assess and improve the experience of diverse alumni when returning to the Smith School.
Leverage partnerships with affinity organizations to feature diverse alumni stories in community newsletters.
Utilize campus plasma screens, specifically those in front of the EOD desk, to proudly showcase and welcome alumni back.

Purpose: To bridge the disconnect between underrepresented minority students and highly competitive career opportunities, specialized recruiting pipelines, and Smith fellowships.

Objectives:

Identify and address the barriers to entry that minority students face when pursuing roles at top-tier firms.
Develop effective communication strategies to inform minority students about specialized fellowships and programs.
Create preparation pipelines to equip underrepresented students with the tools needed to successfully navigate competitive recruitment cycles.