University Affiliates Program

All Boston College employees (faculty, staff, administrators) who will have completed a minimum of one year of professional (or equivalent) work experience at Boston College by the start date of the Affiliates Program, with the support of the applicant’s University department, are eligible to apply. 

The Affiliates Program consists of a rich variety of enrichment experiences and activities including presentations and discussions with various Boston College senior leaders, ongoing one-on-one mentorship with a desired Boston College senior leader, relationship building with fellow members of the Affiliates cohort, and a number of professional development and formation-directed reading, reflection, and writing assignments throughout the year. 

As such, Boston College employees willing, able, and seeking to actively invest in such growth experiences and activities should consider applying for the Affiliates Program.   

Having at minimum of a year or more of faculty, staff, or administrator experience within the Boston College community permits a reasonable period of time for the applicant to 1) transition well into their role or position, understanding their individual, team and departmental commitments for the entire cycle of a year, and 2) foster a baseline of comprehension, curiosity, goal development, and overall experience of the broader Boston College community, all of which are valuable contributions to the Affiliates Program.  

Only full or part-time Boston College faculty, staff, and administrators may apply and be fully considered for the Affiliates Program. 

Typically, each of the general sessions consists of a combination of presentations and/or activities led by one or more campus speakers and facilitators, covering a range of topics from departmental and university strategic planning insights, personal and professional development storytelling, and more. Discussions ranging from mentorship, navigating one’s career path and the Boston College community, mental health and wellbeing, networking, relationship and skill building, and other topics are individually reflected upon and shared in smaller and larger group formats. A light breakfast and full lunch is provided at each of these fully in-person sessions.   

While there are educational, even instructive components of the program, no, we do not consider the Affiliates Program a "training." It is a year-long professional development, learning, and formation-based experience, one that is highly interactive, relational, and continuous, as opposed to conventional training exercises.  

Yes. Reading, reflecting, and hands-on written or journaling assignments are routinely expected, oftentimes to be completed in-between general meeting sessions. Activities such as mentorship check-ins solely take place outside of the general sessions. Staying up-to-date on these responsibilities ensures the best readiness and engagement during the program, alongside developmental opportunities to take learning into practice, resulting in the most optimal experience. A year-long program syllabus and respective resources are communicated and provided during the first session orientation.   

Attendance in each and every session is expected, and should be the intention of each applicant and future participant of the Affiliates Program. While emergencies and other unforeseen circumstances can arise and will be taken into consideration, it is the principal responsibility of the applicant to have as accurate an understanding of their commitment and availability to fully maximize the Affiliates Program at the outset of the year, and to communicate any potential conflicts as early as possible. 

The Affiliates Program sessions are conducted fully in-person at this time. While we strive to remain as flexible and creative as possible especially in the event of unforeseen circumstances that may arise, the program is not designed for a hybrid or virtual format. Applicants should be aware of this as they consider applying for the Affiliates Program. Likewise, the expectation is that if accepted to the Affiliates Program, the applicant is making a commitment to attend the full day of each session (i.e., 9:00am to 2:00pm, subject to change) as opposed to solely a morning or afternoon period of the sessions.

No. While potentially useful and welcomed, a nomination is not required in order to apply for the Affiliates Program. A nomination is considered a reference (written or verbal) by an individual such as a supervisor, Vice President, Dean, Affiliates Program alum, etc. On the other hand, a letter of recommendation IS required. This letter of recommendation is an official document, written by your direct supervisor (e.g., Director, Dean, Vice President) that acknowledges the program’s time commitment, while articulating the anticipated value that the applicant will provide to the program and vice versa. 

After the submission of your application materials, you can expect to receive a confirmation regarding the receiving of your materials within 48 business hours. Application decisions will be determined and communicated by the end of August and before the start of the fall semester. If in the meantime after submission there is a change in your interest, availability, or other pertinent information as it relates to your prospective involvement in the Affiliates Program, please notify Jabril Robinson as soon as possible at jabril.robinson@bc.edu.