How can I best support my student this school year?
As a college parent myself, I know college is a huge transition. It’s a wonderful new adventure, but it can also be intimidating sometimes. BC is such a special place, and we have an enormously talented student population. It’s only natural that every student will sometimes doubt themselves. If the transition ever gets them down or overwhelms them, you can remind them that they deserve to be here, and there are so many resources here to support them. BC truly has something for everyone: introverts, extroverts, students who love sports, students who want to dive into service or the arts. As a parent, you can access our online engagement platform to see all the opportunities that are available to your student, from Weeks of Welcome events to the over 300 student organizations on campus. It’s also important to remind students they don’t have to do everything. My advice about extracurriculars is: pick two. Do one activity you already love, and another you want to learn more about. First and foremost, we want our students to concentrate on their academics and their formation journey, but we also want them to have fun, and that means resting—taking a walk around the reservoir, or having a conversation with a friend.
Spotlight on Health and Wellness
We have several resources to help students stay healthy in mind, body, and spirit. The Center for Student Wellness offers virtual check-ins, health and wellness coaching, alcohol and drug education, support with nutrition and body image, and more. University Counseling Services offers one-on-one and group therapy to all students.
What new initiatives is Student Affairs launching this year?
During Opening Weekend, we’re introducing a new slate of events called the CURA Series. Cura is Latin for care, and the focus of the weekend is on preparing students to care for their whole selves and their new community at BC.
After hearing from our Welcome Speaker, they’ll split off by residential floor to connect with the new neighbors who’ll become their first “BC family.” They’ll get the chance to share about their families, hometowns, and what makes them who they are. On day two, we’ll talk about healthy communication—how can we bridge differing values and engage while respecting one another? Finally, on Sunday, we’ll celebrate BC’s diversity with events ranging from a Multi-Faith Mixer to the Thea Bowman Center welcome event.
During the year, we’re also expanding homecoming into a full-week celebration, and we’re planning to make last year’s Marathon Monday concert an annual tradition. There are going to be so many opportunities for students to get together and get involved.
What are you looking forward to the most in the year ahead?
I’m excited to keep the opportunities for learning and connection going throughout the academic year through ongoing dialogues around identity and social justice, like Courageous Conversations and the Bowman Center’s annual BRAVE Conference. Our Weeks of Welcome are going to be packed with perennial favorites, from Red Sox games and BC Boardwalk to the annual DiscoverBOSTON trip into the city. Above all, I’m looking forward to meeting students and helping them find the BC experience that’s right for them.