Boston College Pregnancy Services

The emotional, spiritual, and health issues during a pregnancy can seem overwhelming. At Boston College, we will make every effort to provide you with a supportive environment intended to assure caring, confidential, non-judgmental, professional assistance and to support others affected by the pregnancy as well. 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 if you know someone who is pregnant, this website describes the support services available at BC. It provides basic information and the names of individuals who are ready to assist you. Please feel free to contact any of the individuals or offices listed to discuss your situation. All consultations will be handled confidentially.

PREGNANCY HELPLINE: 617-552-3227
There is a 24-hour helpline available to Boston College students who become pregnant or who need information about determining a pregnancy.

HEALTH SERVICES
University Health Services provides confidential free pregnancy testing. Call 552-3227 to make an appointment. Health Services can 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, University Health Services
617-552-4668
Nancy Baker
Associate Director, University Health Services
617-552-3226
Yolanda Hobin
Nurse Practitioner, University Health Services
617-552-2652

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.

Catherine-Mary Rivera
Associate Director
617-552-4710, susan.robertson.1@bc.edu
Marianne Carrabba
Assistant Director, Off-Campus Housing
617-552-4729, marianne.carrabba.1@bc.edu

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 encouraged to meet with your academic dean to discuss your options.

Lynch School of Education

John E. Cawthorne
Assistant Dean for Students and Outreach
617-552-4204

Carroll School of Management
Richard Keeley
Associate Dean
617-552-4014

College of Arts and Sciences
Sr. Mary Daniel O’Keeffe
First Year Class Associate Dean
617-552-3286

Clare Dunsford
Sophomore Class Associate Dean
617-552-3274

Akua Sarr
Junior Class Associate Dean
617-552-6870

William H. Petri
Senior Class Associate Dean
617-552-3272

School of Nursing
Joellen Hawkins
Faculty, Maternal/Child Health Nursing
617-552-4252

Woods College of Advancing Studies
Mary D. Hennessey
Coordinator of Student Services
617-552-3455

EDUCATIONAL FINANCING
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 Service Associate can explain to you any possible impact to your financial aid package and help you to 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 your records

FINANCIAL SERVICES &
STUDENT GENERAL SERVICES
Kathleen McGuinness
Director, Academic and General Service
617-552-4976

OFF-CAMPUS RESOURCES
Boston College does not officially endorse specific agencies that deal with pregnancy. Further information is available through the contact information listed.

Pregnancy Help
A confidential information help-line sponsored by the Archdiocese of Boston. Free Counseling and testing are available.
Dr. Maria Ferreira, Medical Director
77 Warren Street, Suite 256
Brighton, MA 02135
(617) 782-5151
(888) 771-3914
www.pregnancyhelpboston.com

Pregnancy Helpline: 617-552-3227

COMMON QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS:

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 psychologist from Counseling Services
• Health Services provides free pregnancy tests on a walk in basis on the first floor of Cushing Hall, or you can make an appointment to see one of the Nurse Practitioners who provide women’s health evaluations by calling: 552-2225 Monday –Friday, 8:00-5:00, or 552-3227 after 5:00 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 this is not required. Your academic dean can help you coordinate your academic plans. See Academic Planning and Educational Financing, below.

 

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.

 

COUNSELING
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: Should I marry the child’s father? Should I put the child up for adoption? What do I want to do about my educational and career plans? The University also will provide counseling for the father of the child.

Please feel free to contact any member of our University Counseling Services, Campus Ministry Office or Women’s Resource Center to discuss your concerns.

Christine L. Merkle, Ph.D.
Senior Staff Psychologist
University Counseling Services
617-552-3927

Tammy Liddell
Campus Minister
617-552-3170

Sheila McMahon
Director, Women's Resource Center
617-552-3489
www.bc.edu/wrc
wrc@bc.edu
The Women’s Resource Center also offers a support group for pregnant students, based on student interest. Please call 2-3489 for more information.