Don't feel lost in translation!  Here is a guide to a few of the many acronyms, abbreviations, and other BC Lingo that you'll hear around campus.

Agora Portal = Central place to access information and services/ access for reading, searching, updating, and personalizing the information and services in your student portal.

GS A&S = Graduate School of Arts & Sciences

AHANA = African-American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native-American

BCPD = Boston College Police Department

BlackBoard Vista = Course management system used at BC. It is an eTeaching application that complements classroom instruction. Accessed through the web, it provides a secure environment for sharing materials, as well as a number of tools and features that enhance learning.  

CTRC = Campus Technology Resource Center

ERC = Educational Resource Center, library located in the basement of Campion

GA = Graduate Assistant

GEA = Graduate Education Association

GISA = Graduate International Students Association

Grad AHANA = Graduate African-American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native-American

GSA = Graduate Student Association

GSL = Graduate Student Life

CSOM = Carroll School of Management

CSON = Connell School of Nursing

GSSW = Graduate School of Social Work

ITS = Information Technology Services

LSOE = Lynch School of Education

Mac = McElroy (Here you can find the campus bookstore, and several dining options.  Whatever you do, don't pronounce it the way it's spelled.)

MGC or GSC = The Murray Graduate Student Center (aka The Murray House)

OASP = Office of AHANA Student Programs

OISS = Office of International Students and Scholars

The Plex = Flynn Recreation Complex (BC's gym and fitness center)

SPO = Student Programs Office

STM = School of Theology and Ministry

The Rat = Welch Dining Room in Lyons

U-View = Through University's Information Services (BC UIS), you can register for classes/ browse courses

VPSA = Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

VSLC = Volunteer and Service Learning Center

WRC = Women's Resource Center

Residential Life Terms:

RA = Resident Assistant

GSA = Graduate Staff Assistant (not to be confused with the Graduate Student Association GSA!) 

GRD = Graduate Resident Director

RD = Resident Director