BGU | Fundraising Handbook

BGU’s vision states that uncommon perspectives generate remarkable results, discovery, and impact, highlighting the following two perspectives (out of a total of five perspectives) which relate to diversity and inclusion: Multicultural Perspective: Inclusion of the wealth of human diversity across religions, sectors, gender, and economic backgrounds. Personal and Shared Perspective: From the personal journey of each researcher, student, and partner – creating connections and working toward common goals. BGU has a well-established track record of reaching out to the diverse communities across the Negev and welcoming a wide range of students to its programs that make learning accessible to growing numbers of Israelis. The University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, and recognition of its importance led to the establishment of the Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at BGU in 2021-22, headed by Prof. Sarab Abu-Rabia-Queder, along with the initial roll-out and adoption of the brand. BGU’s dedication to diversity and inclusion has not diminished since the Hamas attack on October 7. On the contrary, it has strengthened. The ongoing war and current fractious state of Israeli society require all academic institutions to insist on creating shared spaces and partnerships among different groups. At BGU, we are committed to building relationships as the foundation for a brighter future in the Negev. Our unwavering efforts focus on promoting diversity and inclusion, bridging divides, and fostering successful collaboration and coexistence. Addressing Societal Rifts, Fulfilling BGU’s Purpose, and Realizing the Potential of All Israelis The rifts we have witnessed between different groups within Israeli society – before and during the Iron Swords war – raise questions regarding BGU’s role in establishing the future leadership of Israeli society. For example, “What role can the University play in fostering a democratic society based on equality, equity, and diversity?” The stakes are high. If we fail to fulfill the potential of encounters within academic spaces, we may miss a critical opportunity to create a better future for Israeli society. The academic arena offers many Jews and Arabs their first significant opportunity to be in a shared space

level, parity also positively influences the University’s overall development and improves its ability to achieve academic excellence. Today, diversity and inclusion are more important than ever before. Diversity and inclusion become crucial issues in times of emergency and war. Crises and war prompt distance and fear between groups. Many reports and studies have pointed to the fear, mistrust, and perceived need to entrench each group’s “tribal” identity, as well as the feeling of being threatened by the ‘other.’ Many of our behaviors in times of emergency stem from the separateness that characterizes our daily routines. Higher education, which brings students from diverse backgrounds together for shared goals, has the potential to break down barriers, create understanding, and meaningfully bring people together. Inclusion in higher education will also play a critical role in Israel’s future. The challenges facing Israel in the years to come will be great, and the solutions required to effectively address them demand the input and involvement of educated and informed people across Israel’s population. Academia serves as an inclusive platform from which all can become part of the social discourse and leadership, to effect change, create and implement solutions, and drive Israel forward. Similarly, Israel’s economic growth and advancement demand the involvement and maximum employment of all segments of the population. With a desperate need for healthcare professionals, engineers, teachers, and other professions, the importance of participation of all segments of the population in higher education and the need to increase access to higher education cannot be overstated. BGU’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion BGU is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion, celebrating differences, and prioritizing inclusivity. This commitment was underscored during a strategic branding process initiated several years ago, as highlighted in the University’s strategic plan. Recognizing the absence of a comprehensive branding effort, BGU embarked on a collaborative, multi-stage process to develop a purpose-driven brand. This initiative aimed to align with the University’s mission, principles, and values, while showcasing its unique strengths and telling its story in a distinctive way. In this thoughtful process the University defined its purpose, stating, along with two other core beliefs, that “we believe that bridging disciplines and cultures is critical to the success of research and scholarship.”

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STUDENT ACCESS AND SUPPORT

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION