The emotional, spiritual, and health issues during a pregnancy can seem overwhelming. At Boston College, we make every effort to provide you with a supportive environment intended to assure confidential, non-judgmental, caring, professional assistance. We also provide support to others affected by the pregnancy. There are many resources  available to you that will assist you in continuing and completing your degree.

The goal of the University is to provide a comprehensive support team that emphasizes caring and personal respect. If you are pregnant, or you know someone who is pregnant, the following information describes the support services available at Boston College as well provides information and the names of individuals who are ready to assist you. Please feel free to contact Katie Dalton, at the Women’s Resource  Center, or any of the individuals or offices listed for a consultation. All consultations will be handled confidentially.

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FAQ

What should I do if I think I might be pregnant?

First, know that you are not alone. Boston College is a supportive community that has many resources available to you.

Call the pregnancy helpline at 617 552-3227 to speak with a professional from  Counseling Services. Or make an appointment to see a counselor by calling 617 552-3310.

BC Health Services provides free pregnancy tests on a walk-in basis. Health    Services is located on the first floor of Cushing Hall. You may also wish to make an appointment to see one of the Nurse  Practitioners who provide women’s health evaluations. To do so, call 617 552-2225 Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm, or 617 552-3227 after 5pm on weekdays and on weekends.

If I reveal I’m pregnant, will I be dismissed from the University?

No. The Boston College community will make every effort to provide you with a caring, supportive environment, and will provide academic and practical resources to assist you in completing your degree.

Can I take a leave of absence? 

Yes, some pregnant students decide to take a leave of absence, although it is not required. Your academic dean can help you coordinate your academic plans. See Academic Planning section.

If I am raising the child, how will I manage after the birth? 

University Counseling Services is able to assist students in problem-solving about how to manage student life as a parent. The Women’s Resource Center also has a variety of resources available on parenting.

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ON-CAMPUS SERVICES

Health Services

University Health Services provides confidential, free pregnancy testing. Call 617-552-3227 to make an appointment. Health Services can also help arrange referrals with  off-campus physicians, provide nutritional guidance, and answer questions about what to expect during pregnancy.

Thomas I. Nary, M.D. , Director
617-552-8493 or thomas.nary@bc.edu

Nancy Baker, Associate Director
617-552-3226 or nancy.baker@bc.edu

 

Counseling Services

Boston College offers the services of caring, trained professionals to help you explore your feelings – about yourself, the father of the child, family and friends – and help you cope with other pregnancy-related issues you may be facing. Please feel free to make an appointment by calling Counseling Services at 617 552-3310. 

Dr. Thomas McGuinness, Director
thomas.mcguinness@bc.edu

Dr. Erin Curtiss, Associate Director
erin.curtiss@bc.edu

 

Pastoral Care

Boston College Office of Campus Ministry offers a vibrant and gentle approach to pastoral care.

Tammy Liddell, Campus Minister
617-552-3170 or tamara.liddell@bc.edu

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ACADEMIC PLANNING

You are welcome to remain a student at  Boston College throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Becoming pregnant does not mean you have to give up pursuing your degree. You are strongly encouraged to meet with your academic dean to discuss options for academic planning.

Academic Advising Center

Akua Sarr, Interim Director
617-552-6870 or akua.sarr@bc.edu

Carroll School of Management

Richard Keely, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Program
617-552-4014 or richard.keely@bc.edu

College of Arts and Sciences

William H. Petri, Senior Class Associate Dean
617-552-2800 or william.petri@bc.edu

Michael Martin, Acting Junior Class Associate Dean
617-552-6870 or michael.martin.2@bc.edu

Clare Dunsford, Sophomore Class Associate Dean
617-552-3274 or clare.dunsford@bc.edu

Akua Sarr, Freshman Class Associate Dean
617-552-6870 or akua.sarr@bc.edu

Connell School of Nursing

Catherine Read, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Program
617-552-6418 or catherine.read@bc.edu 

Lynch School of Education

Audrey Friedman, Interim Associate Dean of Undergraduate Student Services
617 552-1901 or john.cawthorne@bc.edu

Woods College of Advancing Studies

Mary Hennessey, Coordinator of Student Services
617 552-3455 or friedmaa@bc.edu

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ADDITIONAL PLANNING

Housing

If you are currently living in University housing, you are welcome to remain there during your pregnancy. While children are not allowed to live with either parent while on  campus, the Office of Residential Life can   assist in locating off-campus living arrangements for students returning to classes with their babies, through the off-campus housing office.   

Chris Darcy, Associate Director
617-552-4957 or christopher.darcy@bc.edu

 

Educational Financing, Financial Services, and General Student Services

Should you choose to take a leave of absence, the University may be able to arrange for a credit or refund of tuition, as well as a credit or refund of room and board charges and other fees based upon your withdrawal date. Your Financial Services Associate can explain to you any possible impact to your   financial aid package and help you understand the process. Finally, Student Services will confirm that your academic and financial     arrangements have been properly recorded – and will ensure the confidentiality of all of your records. 

Louise M. Lonabocker, Director of Student Services
617-552-3318 or louise.lonabocker@bc.edu

Kathleen McGuinness, Director of Academic and General Service
617 552-4976 or kathy.mcguinness@bc.edu