Governance, People and Policies

In recent years, diversity and inclusion have become key elements of Bocconi’s overall strategic priorities, a shift that has accelerated through the establishment of a dedicated Deanship, among the first of its kind in Europe. With the creation of the role of Dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Sustainability, activities in this area now have a single point of reference and a figure responsible for their coordination. The Deanship is currently held by Professor Paola Profeta.

To support the work of the Equal Opportunities Committee, diversity delegates have been appointed in each Department. These delegates serve as a link to foster cooperation with Departments and improve information provision on diversity-related issues within Departments.

The Inclusion, Disability and Wellbeing Committee is currently in charge of inclusion policies for students with physical disabilities and learning disorders and deals with mental health challenges and equal opportunity issues (such as LGBTQIA+ issues, and religious and ethnic differences). The primary objective is the complete inclusion of all students in the processes of learning, taking exams and living on campus, while developing and making the most of their potential, knowledge, competencies and abilities, irrespective of their disability, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity or religion. The Committee is chaired by the Dean of Diversity of Inclusion and includes members of Bocconi faculty, staff and students appointed by the Rector.

The Equal Opportunities Committee protects, enhances and promotes a culture of equity and empowerment within the Bocconi community to ensure that all members of the Bocconi community receive – and offer to others – equality of opportunity and treatment, irrespective of their gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability, age or economic background.

Bocconi is based on a strong system of values including pluralism of ideas, moral integrity, inclusion, solidarity and social mobility. Firmly believing that moral dimensions cannot be separated from economic ones, in 2008 Bocconi fully recognized social commitment and responsibility as founding values of its identity and set up the Community and Social Engagement Committee. It is chaired by a Full Professor appointed by the Rector, and is composed of the Dean of the Graduate School, the CLEAMM Program Director, the Dean of Fundraising and Alumni Engagement, a former Director of SDA, a Full Professor, the head of the Students Unit and the former scholarship manager.

The committee currently coordinates three programs, which are made up of a certain number of projects:

• Civic and social engagement of Bocconi students: To help students experience the importance of helping others as a necessary element for their professional future. 
• Social mobility: To give economically disadvantaged students the opportunity to study at Bocconi.
• Studying in prison: To allow young inmates to change their lives through higher education.

The CASA Committee supports inclusion initiatives for students by reviewing and approving student-led activities proposed by student associations. It reviews the proposals for the establishment and renewal of student associations. It also supports the communication and outreach activities of student associations with the student body. The activities of student associations on campus help foster the integration of students on the Bocconi campus.

Bocconi University’s strategies include the fostering of diversity, inclusion, accessibility, equity and multiculturalism thanks to an environment that allows the individual potential of each student, faculty and staff member to thrive.

The Inclusion Service supports this strategy by implementing a number of projects, initiatives and services in collaboration with other organizational units at the University.

The University publishes and circulates the Code of Conduct for Faculty and Students and the Honor Code. These documents commit everyone within the Bocconi Community to maintaining an academic environment for all students that is free from all forms of discrimination based on race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation.

The Inclusive Gender Equality Plan maps diversity within the Bocconi community whilst being sensitive to the interconnected nature of various categorizations, such as gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, nationality or mental health needs, which create overlapping forms of discrimination, disadvantage and marginalization. It also outlines the University’s inclusion practices and sets an agenda for future initiatives and procedures.