Family News
Berklee’s Equity and Title IX Team is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. Here is an update on how the team has supported the students this academic year so far, plus a glimpse at our upcoming programming:
January 2026: Understanding Generation Z Training for Faculty
The Equity and Title IX Office was thrilled to participate in this year’s Berklee Teachers on Teaching (“BTOT”) event alongside our outstanding colleague from Student Life, Dr. TaLaya Clanton. BTOT is an annual conference hosted by Berklee’s Faculty Development team and is described as “a vibrant gathering of educators who come together to share, reflect, and grow as teachers, artists, and human beings.” During this event, faculty come together to learn through collaboration and dialogue to explore new ideas, challenge assumptions, and learn about the evolving landscape of arts education.
The Equity Team’s presentation, Understanding Gen Z: Teaching a Generation Shaped by the Digital and Influencer Worlds, focused on research-based insights into how Gen Z’s digital upbringing and societal shifts shaped their worldview, behavior, and learning needs. The session also provided practical strategies to help faculty engage, support, and motivate Gen Z learners while fostering connection, accountability, critical thinking, and resilience in the classroom.
January 2026: Stalking Prevention Awareness Month Highlights
In recognition of National Stalking Awareness Month, the Equity Team designated January as our Stalking Prevention Awareness Month (“SPAM”). This initiative is part of a national effort to increase awareness, support those affected, and promote prevention and safety strategies.
Young adults ages 18–24 experience some of the highest rates of stalking victimization among adults. With this in mind, we hosted a series of programs and outreach efforts designed to educate students, increase awareness, and ensure they know where to turn for support.
- SPAM Tabling Event: The Equity Team hosted an educational tabling event featuring our beloved Community Resource Dog, Barklee. Students were invited to stop by for donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate while learning about what stalking is, how it can present in different contexts, and the campus and community resources available for support. The Equity Team encouraged students to download the Berklee Public Safety Rave Guardian app to their phones.
- Educational Messaging: Throughout the month, we shared educational messaging across campus, on the Berklee Hub, and through Instagram. These posts focused on defining stalking behaviors, identifying warning signs, and outlining steps students can take if they or someone they know is impacted. Our goal is to proactively equip students with the knowledge and resources they need to recognize concerning behaviors early and seek support when needed.
February 2026: Healthy Relationships Month Highlights
February often centers on relationships, connection, and care for one another. As part of our ongoing commitment to relationship-centered education and awareness, the Equity Team highlighted the 10 signs of healthy relationships and the 10 signs of unhealthy relationships to help students better understand relationship dynamics.
- Sexual Health Week Resource Fair: Hosted by our Survivor Advocate, this resource fair connected students with both on- and off-campus sexual health resources. More than 300 students visited our table to learn about healthy relationships and available support services while enjoying boba tea and donuts in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.
- Caffeine Break: During this informal Student Life gathering, the Equity Team engaged students during a study break with coffee and snacks. We shared educational information on the 10 signs of healthy relationships and 10 signs of unhealthy relationships, drawing on materials from the One Love Foundation to promote awareness and prevention.
- Healthy Relationships—Grab-and-Go Chocolates: In the lead-up to Valentine’s Day, students received grab-and-go bags with chocolate hearts and informational materials outlining the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships. This initiative offered students an accessible way to reflect on relationship dynamics during a season that often emphasizes connection.
- Educational Messaging: We provided Resident Assistants with educational materials highlighting the 10 signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships to display on bulletin boards throughout campus housing. This ensured students had consistent, visible access to information and campus support resources in their living spaces. The Equity Team also shared educational messaging on the Berklee Hub and through Instagram.
Follow along in the next Family Newsletter for information regarding the Equity Team’s programming and events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April.
Required Online Courses
All incoming students for the Spring 2026 semester are required to complete their online courses by February 26, 2026. If you have not yet completed by that date, a restriction has been placed on your account that prevents you from registering for next semester. To have the restriction removed after the February 26, 2026, deadline, you must complete the course and then email the Equity Team at equity@berklee.edu to confirm completion.