Learn basic information about telephone services—including conference calling—for students, faculty, and staff.

Phone Basics

Local Calling

  • Campus calls to BC faculty/staff (552 exchange): Dial 2 + 4-digit number
  • Toll free: Dial 9 + 1 + 8xx + 7-digit number
  • Toll free directory assistance:  Dial 9 + 1 + 800 + 555-1212
  • Metro Boston & local off campus: Dial 9 + area code + 7-digit number


Long Distance Calling for Faculty & Staff

Use of the Boston College telephone system, both for local and long distance calling, is restricted to Boston College business only. All personal calls must be made on your personal mobile phone.

Long Distance Calls From an Administrative Office (552) Phone
  • Domestic US: Dial 9 + 1 + area code + 7-digit number
  • International: Dial 9 + 011 + country code + city code + number + # (pound sign)

Personal Long Distance Calls

You have two options for making personal long distance calls on-campus:

  • Call from your own mobile phone.
  • Use the long distance calling card of your choice (dial 9 and follow the instructions on your calling card).

Faculty & Staff Phones

Print

Student Phones

New undergraduate students may request their own BC phone number (starting with 617-641) by calling the Help Center at 617-552-HELP (4357). This phone number will be active until the August following their graduation.

To use this number in the residence halls, students need a touch-tone phone with working # and * keys. You can dial 6-3333 to test your phone keys to verify that they are recognized as the "pound" and "star" key respectively. Cordless phones are not recommended because of the large number of lines in such a small area, which can cause interference and static. A simple, inexpensive desk phone is sufficient for use in the residence halls. For undergraduate students living off campus, their BC phone number will serve as a voicemail box where they can receive messages.

Troubleshooting

If you don't hear a dial tone when you plug your phone into your jack, use a nearby phone and call 617-552-4357 from your mobile phone to report a phone jack problem. When you call, be prepared to provide your Eagle ID number, a phone number where you can be reached (your roommate's, for example), and your EagleNet box number (located on the left-hand side of the EagleNet box below the phone and computer icons).

Conference Calling

Information Technology Services offers two options for conferencing calling at Boston College:

  • Meet Me Conference Bridges (3 units available - reservations should be made a minimum of 3 business days prior to the intended call.)
  • Conference Quality speakerphones (several units available - reservations should be made a minimum of 5 business days prior to the intended call.)


Members of the BC community are welcome to utilize either of these services by calling the reservation line at 617-552-1820 (2-1820 from on-campus). This line is monitored by our staff and messages will be returned promptly. If insufficient notice is given, scheduling cannot be guaranteed.

WiFi Calling

Wi-Fi Calling is a carrier-provided feature that allows you to make or receive a phone call or SMS text message if you have a Wi-Fi connection in an area with little or no cellular coverage. Once enabled, cellular phones automatically use WiFi Calling when needed.


  1. Ensure your device is connected to both your cellular network AND eduroam.
  2. Turn on WiFi Calling
    • iOS devices:
      • Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling
    • Android devices:
      • Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi Calling
      • Settings > Connections > Voice Networks > Wi-Fi Calling
      • Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi Calling
      • Or just search Settings for Wi-Fi Calling.
  3. Follow the prompts to confirm your address for emergency services.