Q&A with Roatha Kong, Ed.D.
How does the Office of Student Involvement (OSI) help students find a sense of belonging and get involved? College?
At its heart, the Office of Student Involvement is here to make a large university feel like home. We believe that a true sense of belonging begins when a student finds their community. Our team facilitates this by serving as a bridge to over 200 student organizations, leadership initiatives, and campus-wide programs. Whether it’s through joining the Undergraduate Government (UGBC), participating in one day student leadership experience, or simply attending a Friday night event in the O’Connell House, we help students move from the sidelines to the center of campus life, ensuring they have the mentors and peers they need to thrive.
What drew you to a career in student involvement, and what do you find most meaningful about supporting students during their time at BC?
My own undergraduate years were transformative because of the student organizations I joined; they are where I found my lifelong friends and discovered my professional voice. That personal experience, combined with graduate research on how involvement directly improves student success and retention, cemented my path. The most meaningful part of my work at BC is watching that "lightbulb moment"—when a student moves from feeling like a face in the crowd to realizing they have the power to lead, create, and impact this community.
What are some signature events or traditions—like the Christmas Tree Lighting, Marathon Monday, or Senior Week—that you see as essential parts of the BC experience?
Traditions are the "social glue" of the Heights. Events like the Christmas Tree Lighting, Showdown, and Marathon Monday aren't just dates on a calendar—they are shared milestones that connect generations of Eagles. From the friendly (and very messy!) competition of Mudstock to the bittersweet celebrations of Senior Week, these traditions give students a sense of shared identity and memories that last well beyond graduation..
Beyond joining clubs and organizations, what programs or opportunities does OSI offer to help students grow as leaders and develop lifelong skills?
Leadership at BC is about more than a title; it’s about stewardship. Students can take on high-impact roles within student governance, such as the Student Organization Funding Committee or the Board of Student Organizations, where they manage real budgets and advocate for their peers. We also co-sponsor the BC Summit and several UGBC speaker events, which bring world-class perspectives to campus, challenging our students to think critically about their roles as ethical leaders in a global society.
Are there any new or particularly exciting initiatives your office is focusing on this year—whether related to campus programming, community building, or student well-being?
Community Connectors is an exciting initiative that I’m particularly excited about. My team has been working with the Office of Vice President of Student Affairs on connecting students who are having a hard time navigating getting involved or still trying to find their footing at BC. Students are paired up with an upperclass student leader who can offer a listening ear, offer recommendations through their networks, and provide mentorship and support. It’s a great way to lean into the peer to peer support model, which we see work really well.
What advice would you offer parents who want to encourage their students to get involved, while also allowing them the space to explore and make their own choices?
My best advice is to remind your students that campus is one of the few places in life designed specifically for them to try, fail, and try again in a safe environment. I often tell students that stepping outside their comfort zone is like expanding their radius; every time they try something new, their world at BC gets a little larger and more familiar. Pretty soon, the entire campus feels like home.
As a parent, the most helpful thing you can do is listen and ask open-ended questions. Instead of suggesting specific clubs, try asking, 'What’s one thing you’ve heard about that sounds interesting, even if it’s a bit outside your comfort zone?' Every student’s journey at the Heights is unique. Our office is here to act as a safety net and a guide, helping them find the path that makes their undergraduate experience truly their own.