The Office of the Dean of Students is dedicated to supporting students' growth and we believe in appropriately partnering with faculty and staff and parents and family members to guide student's through their educational journey.
The Office of the Dean of Students works closely with faculty and staff throughout the campus community to support student development throughout the college years. Below are some frequently asked questions to assist you when working with students. If you do not find an ansewer to your question, please feel free to contact us so we can assist you.
If you would like to speak with someone regarding a student who you are concerned about, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students Team at 617–552–3470 or through our online form.
Student of Concern Reporting Form
If you have an urgent concern after 5pm or on weekends or holidays, contact BCPD at 617–552–4440. BCPD will be able to access appropriate assistance for you.
For additional information, visit our Students of Concern section.
What to do in an emergency situation:
If you believe there may be imminent danger of harm to a student or someone else, immediately call the Boston College Police Department (BCPD) for assistance at 617–552–4444 if you are off campus, dial 911. If you need help in assessing the situation, call the University Counseling Services at 617–552–3310 between the hours of 9am and 5pm; after 5pm contact BCPD at 617–552–4440.
Once the emergency situation is addressed, you should still report your concern to the Student Outreach and Support Team at 617–552–3470 or by completing an online report.
Student of Concern Reporting Form.
What to do in a non-emergency situation:
If you do not think that there is an immediate threat to someone's safety, and you would like to speak with someone regarding a student of concern please contact the Student Outreach and Support Team at 617–552–3470, or by completing an online report.
Student of Concern Reporting Form
If you feel you need to speak with someone immediately and it is outside of 9am-5pm or a weekend or holidays, contact BCPD at 617–552–4440. BCPD will be able to access appropriate assistance for you.
For additional information, visit our Students of Concern section.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) limits the information staff members are able to release to family members about a student's educational record. FERPA does offer provisions for the University to release information to parents/guardians when a student violates the institution's alcohol or drug policies. In such instances, a letter will be sent to parents/guardians of the student. However, only the specific violation and university responses are able to be released, not any information shared in the student's conduct hearing or the report.
The Disability Services Office serves students with medical, physical, psychological, and temporary disabilities.
Students with learning disabilities are served by the Connors Family Learning Center.
For additional information about eligibility for services, visit Disability Services Eligibility.
Students who are eligible for services offered by the Disability Services Office need to register by completing the Disability Services Registration form available on the Disability Services page.
Students will also need to call the Office of Student Outreach and Support Services at 617–552–3470 to schedule an appointment with Disability Services staff, and they should submit documentation from their healthcare provider stating their disability and the accommodations recommended by the provider prior to their meeting.
Students who are registered with the Disability Services Office (DSO) to receive accommodations will have submitted their professors' email addresses to DSO.
DSO will send email notifications to faculty outlining what accommodations the student is to receive in compliance with ADA regulations.
For additional information about common accommodations, notification, and descriptions of some types of disabilities, visit Important Information for Faculty.
- Listen attentively and supportively.
- Never assume anything about their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression - let them disclose those aspects of their identity at their own pace and discretion.
- Be aware of your own possible preconceived notions, lack of knowledge, and/or biases around issues of gender and sexual variance, and try your best to avoid saying anything that could inadvertently insult the student (i.e. microaggressions).
- Remember that this may be a HUGE step for them; you may be the first institutional figure or non-family member/friend they've sought out to discuss their LGBTQ identity.
- Remember that everyone's lived experiences are unique and while you can't "understand" what someone is going through, you can relate, empathize, offer support, and help create a safer, more welcoming environment.
- If you or someone close to you identifies as LGBTQ, feel free to disclose that as it may help facilitate a more meaningful conversation.
- Try not to pathologize their sexual or gender variance; don't immediately suggest counseling as they may not need it.
- If they are seeking some additional support or resources beyond your capacity, point them in our direction: Caroline Davis, Associate Dean (caroline.davis.2@bc.edu) and/or Taylor Zmijewski, Grad Assistant for LGBTQ Student Outr+each & Support (spectrum@bc.edu).
- Boston College, as a Catholic and Jesuit University, has a responsibility to promote the pastoral care of all members of the university community and is committed to the intellectual, social, and spiritual development of all our students. The University seeks to foster a campus culture that welcomes diversity, embraces inclusivity, promotes dialogue, and creates a safe and supportive environment for all.
- Visit LGBTQ Student Outreach & Support for resources for Boston College students who may be questioning their sexual or gender identity, have questions arising from their sexual or gender identity, have general questions about the GLBTQ community, or just need someone to dialogue with about their personal lives and how to be their most authentic selves. While an ally is listed for each office, it by no means indicates that this particular individual is the only person in the office who can provide assistance.
- The variety of these resources reflects the commitment of Boston College to providing a safe, caring, and supportive environment for the healthy development of all of our students. Connecting students with this information promotes wellness and fosters greater opportunities to learn about respect, equality, and identity while contributing to the development of a more just and authentic community.
The Office of the Dean of Students (DOS) is dedicated to supporting students’ growth in the areas of personal responsibility, citizenship, and informed decision making in order to facilitate their overall development, commitment to community service, and holistic learning. We believe in partnering with parents and family members to guide student's through their educational journey.
If you would like to speak with someone concerning a student in distress between the hours of 9am and 5pm contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 617–552–3470 or University Counseling Services at 617–552–3310. After 5 pm or on weekends or holidays, contact BCPD at 617–552–4440. BCPD will be able to access appropriate assistance for you.
For additional information, visit the Student Outreach and Support Services, Students of Concern website.
What to do in an emergency situation:
If you believe there may be imminent danger of harm to a student or someone else, immediately call the Boston College Police Department (BCPD) for assistance at 617–552–4444; if you are off campus, dial 911. If you need help in assessing the situation, call the University Counseling Services at 617–552–3310 between the hours of 9am and 5pm; after 5pm contact BCPD at 617–552–4440.
What to do in a non-emergency situation:
If you would like to speak with someone concerning a student in distress between the hours of 9am and 5pm contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 617–552–3470 or University Counseling Services at 617–552–3310. After 5pm or on weekends or holidays, contact BCPD at 617–552–4440. BCPD will be able to access appropriate assistance for you.
For additional information, visit Student Outreach and Support Services, Students of Concern website.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) limits the information staff members are able to release to family members about a student's educational record. FERPA does offer provisions for the University to release information to parents/guardians when a student violates the institution's alcohol or drug policies. In such instances, a letter will be sent to parents/guardians of the student. However, only the specific violation and university responses are able to be released, not any information shared in the student's conduct hearing or the report.
The Disability Services Office serves students with medical, physical, psychological, and temporary disabilities.
Students with learning disabilities are served by the Connors Family Learning Center.
For additional information about eligibility for services, visit Disability Services Eligibility.
Students who are eligible for the services offered by the Disability Services Office need to register by completing the Disability Services Office Registration Form available on the Disability Services page.
Students will also need to call Disability Services at 617–552–3470 to schedule an appointment with Disability Services staff, and they will need to submit documentation from their healthcare provider stating their disability and the accommodations recommended by the provider prior to their meeting.
Boston College, as a Catholic and Jesuit University, has a responsibility to promote the pastoral care of all members of the university community and is committed to the intellectual, social, and spiritual development of all our students. The University seeks to foster a campus culture that welcomes diversity, embraces inclusivity, promotes dialogue, and creates a safe and supportive environment for all.
Visit LGBTQ Student Outreach & Support for resources for Boston College students who may be questioning their sexual or gender identity, have questions arising from their sexual or gender identity, have general questions about the GLBTQ community, or just need someone to dialogue with about their personal lives and how to be their most authentic selves. While an ally is listed for each office, it by no means indicates that this particular individual is the only person in the office who can provide assistance.
The variety of these resources reflects the commitment of Boston College to providing a safe, caring, and supportive environment for the healthy development of all of our students. Connecting students with this information promotes wellness and fosters greater opportunities to learn about respect, equality, and identity while contributing to the development of a more just and authentic community.