Division of Student Affairs Updates
September 4, 2012
Dear Boston College Student:
Welcome back to a new year at Boston College! I hope you had a great summer and enjoyed some relaxing time with friends and family. As you can tell by the changes to our campus, it was a busy summer at Boston College. In addition to welcoming you back, I write to share news of the University's summer renovation projects and to share dates of upcoming campus events that may interest you.
If you have any questions in the days and weeks ahead, please feel free to contact our departments within Student Affairs or my office at askvpsa@bc.edu. I hold office hours for students most Fridays between 2:00-4:00 p.m., so stop by and say hello.
We’re delighted to have you on campus and wish you a successful, productive, and safe year.
Sincerely,
Vice President for Student Affairs
SUMMER RENOVATION PROJECTS
THE PLAZA AT O’NEILL LIBRARY AND GASSON HALL GARDEN LEVEL
As part of a larger plan to expand and unify green spaces on middle campus, the plaza underwent a thorough renovation, including the installation of lawns, flowering trees, shrubs, and two new walkways. Low retaining walls were installed along the Gasson side of the plaza to provide additional shaded seating.
O’NEILL LIBRARY
Renovations to the first level of O'Neill Library include the creation of new user space, including an open collaboration room with floor-to-ceiling whiteboards, additional seating, and updated bathrooms. The library also added a popular reading section with books and DVDs, and has an array of e-book selections. Ipads, laptops, and similar mobile devices are available for checkout. Librarian staff members can assist you with all your research and classroom assignment needs. For more information visit bc.edu/libraries.
“ON THE FLY” CONVENIENCE STORES, OPEN 10 A.M-10 P.M. DAILY
Three new “On the Fly” convenience stores will open at the following locations:
Corcoran Commons (second floor)
McElroy (on the third floor in the old Chocolate Bar location)
Newton Campus in Stuart Hall (between the main dining room and the
yellow room) NOTE: THE CHOCOLATE BAR will move to Stokes Hall as soon as the building opens next year. Specialty coffee will be available next to the McElroy “On the Fly” store.
STOKES HALL
Building is nearing completion on this LEED-certified structure, which keeps with the University’s "green building" commitment. Stokes Hall will feature 36 new classrooms, a commons, honors library, outdoor plaza, and amphitheater. Learn more on Stokes Hall here.
WEEKEND EVENTS
Football Game: Boston College vs. Maine
Saturday, September 8, 2012
1:00 p.m. | Chestnut Hill, MA
Paul Klee: Philosophical Vision: From Nature to Art
This series will repeat every weekend (Saturday & Sunday) through December 9, 2012
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | McMullen Museum
Mass at Fenway Park
4:00 p.m. | Saturday, September 15, 2012
The Sesquicentennial Celebration will officially begin with a Mass at Fenway Park in Boston. The Mass is open to all members of the Boston College community-students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and their families-and will be concelebrated by members of the Jesuit community and alumni priests. It will be followed by a reception and activities in the ballpark. Learn more about the Sesquicentennial program of events here; register for the Mass here.
For more events please visit MyBC community calendar.
September 4, 2012
Dear First-Year Student:
It's a pleasure to welcome you to Boston College. As you settle into your new home on the Heights, I would like to remind you that Student Affairs staff members are here to help you throughout this transition and over the next four years. If you have any questions or concerns, please visit our departments within Student Affairs or contact me directly at askvpsa@bc.edu. I also hold open hours for students most Fridays, between 2:00-4:00 p.m., so feel free to stop in and say hello.
The fall semester is an exciting time at Boston College and I encourage you to get involved in our campus community. See below for a list of some upcoming events that you should note on your calendar, including the Student Involvement Fair on Linden Lane.
We're delighted to have you with us on the Heights and wish you a successful, productive, and safe year.
Sincerely,
Vice President for Student Affairs
UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, September 7
Student Involvement Fair | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Linden Lane
This annual event offers students a firsthand look at the scores of student organizations on our campus and a chance to talk with current club and organization members.
Tuesday, September 11
Volunteer Fair | 7 p.m.-9 p.m. | Lyons Dining Hall
This event showcases the array of service opportunities available throughout the Greater Boston area.
Thursday, September 13
First Year Academic Convocation
6 p.m. First Flight Procession | 7 p.m. Convocation | Conte Forum
This special day marks the beginning of your BC journey and celebrates your place in BC’s history. (One caveat: if you have class during this timeframe, please do not miss your class.)
Saturday, September 15
Mass at Fenway Park | 4 p.m.
The Sesquicentennial Celebration will officially begin with a Mass at Fenway Park in Boston. The Mass is open to all members of the Boston College community-students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and their families-and will be concelebrated by members of the Jesuit community and alumni priests. It will be followed by a reception and activities in the ballpark. Learn more about the Sesquicentennial program of events here; register for the Mass here.
For more events check out MyBC community calendar.
May 4, 2012
Dear Boston College Student:
I know you are all very busy preparing for finals and I am writing to let you know about some resources that might help you in the days to come. Please be aware that there are numerous locations on campus designated as quiet study areas. In addition to extended hours at our libraries, the Media Lab, and designated dining halls, all classrooms are open 24 hours a day, including weekends, during study days and the examination period, so long as a room is not in use for an exam.
Additional non-academic spaces to keep in mind include Hillside Café, O’Connell House, and for Newton Campus residents, Trinity Basement. We invite you to take advantage of free coffee, hot chocolate, and tea at several of these locations during designated times.
For more information visit our study days website here, which includes a comprehensive listing of available study space and final exam schedules for undergraduate, graduate, and Woods College of Advancing Studies students.
I wish you the best on your finals on behalf of all members of the Division of Student Affairs.
Sincerely,
Vice President for Student Affairs
May 1, 2012
Dear Boston College Community Members:
I write to share information regarding services for Michael Gannon, a sophomore in the Carroll School of Management who passed away on April 28. Michael’s wake will be held Friday, May 4 from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Wenban Funeral Home, 320 East Vine Ave., Lake Forest, Illinois. Michael’s funeral Mass will take place Saturday, May 5, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Mary, 175 East Illinois Road in Lake Forest.
Students planning to attend Michael’s services this weekend should contact the Office of the Dean for Student Development at odsd@bc.edu regarding shuttle bus service to the airport on Friday morning. For those not able to attend, expressions of sympathy can be sent to the Gannon family at 55 E. Onwentsia Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045.
The news of Michael’s untimely death has saddened our community. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our staff in Counseling Services, Residential Life and Campus Ministry, if needed, and to each other. As a community we depend upon one another, and can all benefit from our shared strength, comfort, and care.
Please know that Michael will be remembered in all campus liturgies for the remainder of the semester. Additionally, Campus Ministry will offer its annual Service of Remembrance for all members of the University community who have passed away this year, including Michael. The Service of Remembrance will take place on May 7 at 5:15 p.m. in the Shea Room in Conte Forum.
I know you will join me in extending your thoughts and prayers to all members of the Gannon family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Vice President for Student Affairs
April 19, 2012
Dear Members of the BC Community:
As some of you may have heard, Boston College Police received two reports this weekend from a BC student stating that she had twice been the victim of a racially motivated assault.
BC Police met with the individual and investigated the complaint. Other administrators also met with the student over the weekend to offer support, and the incident was reported to the Office of Institutional Diversity according to the guidelines of the University Hate Crimes Protocol.
The University treats allegations of this nature with the utmost seriousness, and is committed to addressing them to the fullest. All of us reject intolerance of any form, and we all share in a desire to live in a community free from violence and hate.
In carefully reviewing the matter, however, aspects of these incidents as reported proved to be inconsistent with BCPD’s investigative findings. As a result, BCPD has concluded that no threat was ever present to the BC community or to the individual. Members of our staff are continuing to provide assistance and support to the student as needed. The investigation remains open, should anyone have information that they would like to share with BC Police or with administrators in Student Affairs.
There have been reports on the web and social media regarding this incident that are inaccurate. They only serve to undermine trust in our community.
In a separate incident, a BC student also reported this week that a driver yelled a racial epithet at her while she was walking near Campanella Way. BCPD is investigating this incident and welcome any information you have at 617-552-4440.
In my conversation with this student, I witnessed her disappointment and anger. In meetings or correspondence over the past 24 hours with members of UGBC, Black Student Forum, OLAA, and others, I have been reminded about how firmly committed you are to strengthening our University. I look forward to continuing to work with you to achieve this goal.
I hope this information will help to clarify questions regarding these incidents. As always, we in Student Affairs are available to work hand-in-hand with students on issues of concern in our community.
Sincerely,
Vice President for Student Affairs
April 15, 2012
Dear Boston College Community Members:
I write to share information regarding services for Boston College student Franco Garcia.
The wake for Franco will take place on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at St. Mary’s Church at 133 School St. in Waltham, from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. The funeral Mass is scheduled for Wednesday, April 18 at St. Ignatius Church in Chestnut Hill at 11:00 a.m.
Boston College will provide transportation for students who wish to attend Franco’s wake service in Waltham on April 17. Buses will be available at More Hall Circle at 3:30 p.m. and will leave every half hour for St. Mary’s in Waltham until 8:00 p.m. The final bus back to campus will leave St. Mary’s Church at 9:00 p.m. If you plan on attending, please confirm your bus reservation by emailing VPSA@bc.edu and plan on boarding the bus at the More Hall Circle between 3:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
If you are not able to attend, expressions of sympathy can be sent to the Garcia family at 128 Webster Street, West Newton, MA 02465.
I know you and all members of our University community join me in extending our thoughts and prayers to all members of the Garcia family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Vice President for Student Affairs
April 9, 2012
Dear Boston College Student:
I had the privilege of watching the NCAA Division I championship in Tampa on Saturday night. It was an amazing evening for our Eagles and Boston College, from the pep band that rallied fan and player spirits, to the incredible support from parents and alumni, to Eagles goal tender Park Milner’s recognition as the Frozen Four’s Most Outstanding Player.
You don’t need to be a hockey fan to appreciate the sense of purpose, respect, and commitment shared by the BC Men’s Hockey team, their coach, Jerry York, and all members of the coaching staff. From team captain Tommy Cross to Steven Whitney to Johnny Goudreau to Brian Dumoulin, the Eagles maintained a shared vision. While their story has the compelling elements of a dream come true, their victories have been grounded in reality—marked by countless hours of preparation, physical and mental exertion, and time spent on the road in pursuit of each win.
We can all learn from their inspiring teamwork and dedication. And we can all join in their victory, one that further strengthens the bonds that bind our Boston College community.
Join me tomorrow, April 10, at 5:30 p.m. on O’Neill Plaza to salute our 2012 NCAA Division I champions, coach Jerry York, and all members of the Eagles coaching staff.
So if your class schedule allows, put on your favorite BC garb and drop by O’Neill to celebrate our Eagles and the incredible spirit that binds our University community. I look forward to seeing you there!
Sincerely,
Vice President for Student Affairs
P.S. In case you missed it, here’s a video clip of highlights from the BC Men’s Hockey team winning the National championship.
Update: April 3, 2012
Dear Boston College Student:
I am writing to wish you all a safe and happy Easter break with family and friends. If you are staying on campus and would like to attend a Catholic mass, a schedule for Easter liturgies will be posted on the Agora Portal by the end of today.
Please also join me in extending good luck to the Boston College Men’s Hockey Team for this Thursday’s game against Minnesota and for making it to the 2012 NCAA Frozen Four.
(Find a schedule of games here.)
Go Eagles!
Sincerely,
Vice President for Student Affairs
March 15, 2012
Dear Boston College Community Member:
I write to update you on the search for our missing Woods College of Advancing Studies student, Franco Garcia. Unfortunately, there are no new developments to report. The investigation, led by the Newton Police Department, with assistance from the Boston Police, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Boston College Police Department, remains ongoing and the Newton Police request that anyone with information regarding this case contact them at 617-796-2100.
The University community continues to pray for Franco and his family. We ask that you continue to remember him in your prayers. We will update you if we receive any further information regarding the status of this investigation.
Sincerely,
Vice President for Student Affairs
February 29, 2012
Dear Boston College Graduate Student:
Law enforcement continues their search for Franco Garcia, the Woods School of Advancing Studies student who went missing on the evening of February 21, 2012. As you know, many members of the Boston College community are also working with law enforcement and Franco’s family to assist with this search effort and we continue to have hope for Franco’s safe return.
This incident has affected many in our community and I want to remind you that the University has a number of resources available to students, including our Counseling Services Office at x2-3310, the Office of Residential Life at x2-3060, the Office of the Dean for Student Development at x2-3470, and Campus Ministry at 2-3475. If you wish to talk with someone outside of our regular office hours (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), please contact the Boston College Police Department at x2-2440 at any time (24/7). BCPD can put you in touch with our psychologist on call (24/7), as well as the resident minister on call (24/7).
We will share news regarding the search for Franco as it becomes available. The Newton Police Department, the law enforcement agency in charge of this investigation, asks that anyone with information regarding this case contact them at 617-796-2100. All police agencies are involved in search-related activities. The BCPD contact person is Sergeant Jeff Postell (jeffrey.postell@bc.edu) who should be contacted to ensure that all search-related activities are coordinated and meet with the approval of local and State Police officials.
I know you join me in keeping Franco and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Please do not hesitate to contact my office, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, at x2-3280, if we can be of any assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Vice President for Student Affairs
February 29, 2012
Dear Boston College Community Member:
Law enforcement continues their search for Franco Garcia, the Woods School of Advancing Studies student who went missing on the evening of February 21, 2012. As you know, many members of the Boston College community are working with law enforcement and Franco’s family to assist with this search effort and we continue to have hope for Franco’s safe return.
This situation has affected many in our community and I want to remind you that the University has a number of resources available to students, including our Counseling Services Office at x2-3310, the Office of Residential Life at x2-3060, the Office of the Dean for Student Development at x2-3470, and Campus Ministry at 2-3475. If a student wishes to talk with someone outside of our regular office hours (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), they can contact the Boston College Police Department at x2-2440 at any time (24/7). BCPD can put them in touch with our psychologist on call (24/7), as well as the resident minister on call (24/7).
We will share news regarding the search for Franco as it becomes available. The Newton Police Department, the law enforcement agency in charge of this investigation, asks that anyone with information regarding this case contact them at 617-796-2100. All police agencies are involved in search-related activities. The BCPD contact person is Sergeant Jeff Postell (jeffrey.postell@bc.edu) who should be contacted to ensure that all search-related activities are coordinated and meet with the approval of local and State Police officials.
I know you join me in keeping Franco and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Please do not hesitate to contact my office, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, at x2-3280, if we can be of any assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Vice President for Student Affairs