Summary:
Boston University has many plans in place to help students achieve their academic goals and personal growth. The institution is committed to providing an environment where students feel heard, included, and inspired, fostering a sense of community, and belonging. Through their efforts to engage, elevate, and transform their students, Boston University has established itself as a top-tier educational institution dedicated to helping its students thrive in all aspects of their lives. Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to their beliefs and values, which they communicate on their website. Their ideal reader could be someone that has felt cast away from society and seeks comfort in areas where all differences are welcomed and encouraged. They use Tone and Imagining Ideal Readers as their rhetorical strategy to convey their message.
Analysis:
The website’s unreserved approach to presenting information is evident in the way they openly share their views and opinions. They are not afraid to voice their stance on controversial topics and do not shy away from discussing potentially polarizing issues. This directness fosters transparency and authenticity, which can be refreshing in a world where many websites and organizations tend to be guarded and politically correct. Interestingly the website has a subsection labeled “Voice & Tone,” in which they say “Our voice is vibrant, smart, bold, and authentic…We want to speak clearly, simply, and see the world through our audiences’ eyes, not ours.” (BU Voice & Tone). With this information, the reader can have a sense of being heard and comforted. Overall, the website’s candid tone creates an atmosphere of honesty and trust, which is crucial in building strong relationships with its readers or users.
Throughout this website, they do show that they are bold, for example, if you go to the subtitle “How to report a safety, harassment, or ethical issue” they recognize their obligation to promote the safety of their students and faculty. In the subsection they say, “Boston University recognizes its obligation to promote the safety and health of students, employees, and constituents on campus, and to maintain the highest ethical standards in the classroom, lab, and workplace.” (BU How to report a safety, harassment, or ethical issue) they know this is an important thing to talk about and they show this in their tone. By using words such as “highest” and “obligation,” the university conveys the urgency and importance of this matter. The use of the term “highest” implies that this issue is of utmost significance, while the word “obligation” suggests that the university understands and accepts its responsibility to address it. Overall, the university’s tone conveys a sense of seriousness and dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of its community.
Boston University is a university that is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community of learners, and they make this clear on their website. By highlighting their history of diversity and inclusion, they seek to subtly communicate to their ideal readers and future students that they are a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. On their “Our Vision” page, Boston University highlights their commitment to diversity and inclusion by highlighting the achievements of prominent figures from their past. For example, they note that they awarded the “…first Ph.D. to a woman at a US university, produced the first Black psychiatrist in the United States, and was the first to admit female students to a US medical school. Additionally, Boston University bestowed a doctoral degree in theology on Martin Luther King, Jr. (GRS’55, Hon.’59), and graduated Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (CAS’11), the youngest woman to serve in the US Congress.” (BU OUR VISION) These examples not only underscore Boston University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, but they also serve to inspire and motivate their ideal readers and future students to strive for greatness in their endeavors.
Boston University’s website strategically highlights influential achievements and figures to imply the characteristics of their ideal readers and future students. The showcased figures are widely recognized, beloved by many, and have achieved notable success in their respective fields. Furthermore, the fact that many of these figures are alumni of Boston University underscores the institution’s commitment to producing exceptional graduates. By focusing on the resourcefulness, tenacity, and drive of these successful individuals, the website sends a powerful message to potential students. Boston University seeks to attract clever, innovative, and forward-thinking individuals who are dedicated to academic and personal excellence. By highlighting these influential figures’ achievements, the website encourages prospective students to emulate their determination and drive to achieve their success.
Additionally, by highlighting the tenacity and drive of successful individuals, Boston University communicates that they value perseverance and hard work. These characteristics are important for success in academics and beyond. Boston University in addition encourages their students to embody them. Overall, the website’s subtle messaging about the qualities of their ideal readers and future students underscores Boston University’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and perseverance. It communicates to readers that Boston University is a place where they can develop and hone these qualities and be part of a community of learners who value and celebrate them.
Response:
The university seems to be an inviting and stimulating environment, with many opportunities for personal and professional growth. Upon exploring the university’s website, I was struck by the impressive array of achievements and successes of their past attendees, which is a testament to the quality of education and resources available. Although Boston University’s specialization in Marketing and Business is certainly intriguing, I have a strong desire to expand my knowledge and skills in Engineering. Therefore, I feel it would be prudent to explore other universities and programs that align more closely with my academic and professional aspirations.
During a recent in-class discussion, I was asked to identify three core values that resonated with me. After thoughtful consideration, I settled on Achievement, Personal Growth, and Open Communication. As I was browsing through the website, I noticed that Boston University aligns perfectly with my core values. After examining the website, it is evident that Boston University places a strong emphasis on open communication, which is a crucial component of daily life. The University’s commitment to fostering an environment of transparency and dialogue is impressive.
The University’s inclusive environment left a lasting impression on me, and it was evident that this commitment played a significant role in the institution’s success as a renowned institution of higher learning. I was thoroughly impressed with how the University prioritizes creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes excellence. After seeing the University’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion, I was left feeling inspired and hopeful for the future of education. It is reassuring to know that there are institutions like Boston University that prioritize creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. I look forward to watching the University’s continued growth and success in the years to come.
Works cited:
“Homepage.” Boston University, https://www.bu.edu/.