Our work is rooted in the Catholic tradition of our University, specifically in the Catholic Social Teaching Principles, and reflects our commitment to addressing institutional racism and inequities for AHANA and low income students.
College Counseling
Pursuing a post-secondary education requires important decision-making with lifelong implications. Such decisions include selecting courses that fulfill university core requirements, are compatible with one's needs and interests, and are consistent with the requirements of a major course of study. In an effort to reduce the anxiety involved in making these decisions, the office's professional staff encourages regularly scheduled meetings with students to discuss course selection, identify personal strengths and areas that need improvement, set goals, and examine the progress being made toward fulfilling graduation requirements.
As part of our efforts to help you succeed, we offer academic performance monitoring working with faculty members to ensure your academic success. To find out more about this service and others, contact your College Counselor today.
Learning Outcomes
As a result of participating in the first BAIC College Counseling visit, students will be able to
- Establish a relationship with one of the BAIC Counselors
- Identify and understand the resources available through BAIC
- Identify and understand the relevant university resources.
- Identify and understand the university’s academic requirements
- Reflect on how their academic and personal choices will impact their professional options
If you are a NEW student to the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center please see the table below for your assigned College Counselor.
If you are a RETURNING student to the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center you can make an appointment with the College Counselor you met before.
Making an appointment
To schedule an appointment, please click on your counselor's name in the table below. If you need assistance or to schedule an appointment with Joana Maynard, please call (617) 552-3358 or stop by the office, Maloney Hall Suite 455.
| Student Last Name | College Counselor |
|---|---|
| Last name starts with A - G | Ms. Joana Maynard |
| Last name starts with H - M | |
| Last name starts with N - P | Mr. Andy Petigny |
| Last name starts with Q - Z |
Schedule an appointment with the Director, Fr. Michael Davidson, S.J.
Laptop Loan Program
The BAIC Laptop Loan Program is specifically for currently enrolled Boston College undergraduate students who need a laptop for a class or academic work, and are unable to use their personal laptop because it does not meet specific requirements or because they do not have a personal laptop. Laptops are available to students for up to one week.
Please make your request at least one day in advance. Requests cannot be made the same day.
You will receive a confirmation email if there are available loaners and with your pick up time. If there are no loaners available, you will be put on the waitlist. Please do NOT come to the office if you do not receive a confirmation email.
If you have any questions please reach out to Richard Mapeza- mapeza@bc.edu or Danielle Date - date@bc.edu.
Nursing Outreach Program
Accentuate Your Nursing Experience Through Community
The Nursing Outreach Program was started by Ms. Joana Maynard, senior associate director of the Office of BAIC, in 2010 to support nursing students academically and socially by fostering mentorship.
This program creates a space for AHANA/Multicultural/OTE (AMO) CSON students to gather for peer support and interactions with BC-AMO nursing professionals at least twice per semester.
Options Through Education (OTE) Transitional Program
Mission
The mission of the Options Through Education Scholars Transitional Program is to prepare a select group of diverse scholars who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in spite of challenging educational, personal, and/or financial circumstances. This program nurtures student’s academic, social, cultural, and spiritual development during their four years at Boston College and beyond.
Our goal is to prepare scholars who are intellectually competent, open to growth, loving, and committed to justice.
The OTE program was established in 1979 and has a proven record of success in the retention and graduation of students at Boston College.
OTE Learning Outcomes
- Facilitate student academic success and personal development by providing a community of support and resources to help students succeed.
- Expose resources at Boston College, including leadership and co-curricular opportunities, academic areas of study and work study opportunities.
- Implement weekend trips to enhance the spiritual, emotional and intellectual growth of students.
- Review available academic supports and improve study skills.
- Facilitate cultural competency workshops for students to articulate identity.
Goals
Sponsored by the Thea Bowman AHANA (African-American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native Americans) and Intercultural Center, the Options Through Education (OTE) Scholars Transitional Program has several goals we want to accomplish:
- To provide a community of support and resources to help students succeed at Boston College.
- To help students get acclimated socially to Boston College and build long lasting relationships.
- To help build academic abilities especially in the areas of Math, English, Critical Thinking, and Study Skills.
- To engage students in questions of cultural, racial, and ethnic identity development.
- To engage students in questions of spiritual development.
- Emphasizing personal growth and development, the OTE program provides an introduction to the academic and social aspects of college life. An intensive and enriching experience, the OTE program balances a challenging academic curriculum (English, Math, and Communication Skills) with tutoring services and a variety of social activities.
OTE Yearbooks
- 2020 OTE Yearbook
- 2019 OTE Yearbook
- 2018 OTE Yearbook
- 2017 OTE Yearbook
- 2016 OTE Yearbook
- 2015 OTE Yearbook
Frequently Asked Questions
The Undergraduate Admission Office and the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center select a diverse group of students based on rigorous criteria of accomplishments, determination, leadership, talents, and potential in spite of challenging educational and financial circumstances.
25 students
Check-in: Sunday, June 19, 2022 | Check-Out: Saturday, August 6, 2022
- Waived from $500 enrollment/deposit confirmation fee
- FREE 7- week college summer transitional program at BC (includes tuition, housing, and meals, social events, trips, and more!)
- Earn graduation credits for courses passed during the summer; BC Literature Core requirement will be fulfilled
- On campus housing for four years
As an OTE Scholar, you will receive academic, financial and counseling support and build a community of peers, upperclassmen, faculty and staff during your 4 years at Boston College through some of the following programs/services (to name a few):
- Lift As You Climb Peer Mentoring Program
- Mays Mentoring Program
- Monthly meetings with your BAIC advisor
- Semester check-ins with the BAIC director
- Dr. Donald Brown OTE Scholars Book Award (financial assistance for textbooks)
- Sr. Thea Hospitality Closet (access to hygienic/toiletry products)
- Professional Development and Internship Opportunities
The OTE Selection Committee believes that participating in the program will help selected students build on their strengths and prepare them to succeed at Boston College.
Courses, campus housing, meals, social events, and trips are FREE. You will need to bring personal spending money for any additional needs during the program (e.g., buying souvenirs during trips, eating off-campus, etc.).
All OTE scholars will be enrolled in English, Math, Skills for Success Workshop and the BC 101 Seminar in the summer. You will receive 6 college credits for the English and Math course and the English course will be counted towards the Boston College Literature Core requirement! Additionally, students will take a one-credit Student Success Seminar in the fall.
Each Saturday, all students will take trips planned by the staff to various points of interest in the Greater Boston area. In previous years, activities included the Boston Duck tour, a tour of Fenway Park, Martha’s Vineyard, the Boston Food Bank, Six Flags New England, bowling, etc. Students have also organized talent shows, parties, sports tournaments, and more. These trips and activities are important in building community, developing friendships, and gaining exposure to the New England area.
Prior to accepting your offer to BC, students must speak with the Coordinator of the OTE program about any specific circumstances that may require an exemption to missing any part of the program.
Students are expected to participate in ALL events, including Saturday outings. If you live locally, you can check out Saturday evening if there are no Sunday activities planned but you must be back by Sunday at 5 p.m. We have one free weekend when students can plan to go home.
No. Due to the rigor of the program and the activities you must participate in, we do not allow any students to work during the program.
Yes. Please register for Orientation Session II.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at 617-552-3358 or OTE@bc.edu.
Study Abroad Summer Tuition Remission
This program aids in the retention of students by providing the opportunity to study abroad.
Contact bowmancenter@bc.edu with any questions.
The purpose of the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center (BAIC) Study Abroad-Summer Tuition Remission service is to cover the cost of tuition only for undergraduate Boston College students who wish to study abroad.
The grant is weighted by the following criteria, in no ranking order:
- Your academic transcript (Degree audits will not be accepted)
- Completed application
- Compelling essays
- Utilization of BAIC programs and services
- Meet with Your BAIC Advisor at least 3 times
- First time studying abroad
- Financial need
- A shown attempt, or receipt, of additional funding to participate in summer study abroad
Study Abroad-Summer Tuition Remission is one of our most popular services. Our office receives more than 150 applications and we are not always able to help those who are truly in need due to limited funding. Please take this information into consideration when you apply, particularly if and when you receive your award. Please follow all instructions in the application material. Incomplete or printed applications will not be accepted.
- Please complete application online via MyBC.
- If a question does not apply to you, write N/A (meaning “Not Applicable”) next to the question.
- Please DO NOT call for results. Results will be sent via e-mail Friday, February 4, 2022 by 5:00 p.m.
- Completed Applications Must Be Submitted by Sunday, January 23, 2022 by 11:59 p.m.
- Completed Applications must include the following:
- Completed application, (incomplete applications will not be considered). Printed paper applications will not be accepted.
- Your most recent unofficial transcript, degree audits will not be accepted. Transcript can be uploaded on the application. Unofficial transcripts can be requested and picked up from Student Services in Lyons hall.
- Results are sent via e-mail.
- Once you received your results, the funding will be applied and reflected to your student account no later than August
- See BAIC Advisor: If you receive an email indicating “BAIC Advisor", you have to see your counselor Immediately. This could mean that more information is required of you in order to finalize the decision. It could also mean your counselor wants to see you to provide you with further instructions. Call the office at 617-552-3358 or call your Advisor directly to make the appointment immediately.
Who is eligible during the summer?
Awards will be based on the criteria below:
- Your academic transcript.
- Completed application.
- Compelling essays.
- Utilization of BAIC programs and services.
- First time studying abroad.
- Financial Need
- A shown attempt, or receipt, of additional funding to participate in summer study abroad.
- Students MUST meet with a BAIC Advisor to be considered for STR funds.
Is there a contractual agreement?
No, but Study Abroad summer courses are granted with the understanding that you will successfully complete the course with a grade of C, or better. Students who have received summer tuition in the past, who did not receive a C or better, or who withdrew from a course without notifying a BAIC staff member, may not be considered.
How do I apply to the BAIC Summer Tuition Remission Program?
- To apply, you must submit an application online through MyBC and a copy of your most recent unofficial transcript (not a degree audit).
Where can I get an application?
- MyBC.
When is the application deadline?
- January 23, 2022 by 11:59 p.m.
When will I find out if I have been awarded Study Abroad Summer Tuition Remission?
- Friday, February 4, 2022 by 5:00 p.m.
What is the maximum number of courses that are allowed?
- A maximum of ONE study abroad course is allowed for the summer.
Who will make the decision?
- A committee consisting of the staff in the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center will make the decisions.
Can I receive aid for housing and meals?
- No. Our Study Abroad Tuition Remission Program covers ONLY the class tuition portion needed to study abroad.
Are there penalties involved?
- OIP Penalty: For more information on OIP's withdrawal policy, please click here.
- BAIC Penalty: Yes. If you withdraw and do not return your grant by April 1st you will not be eligible for STR in the future.
If I am awarded what are the next steps?
- Please make sure you are still able to study abroad. This means that you have enough funding to secure your air fare, meals, and miscellaneous expenses. Please also be sure to note whether or not your program has not been closed.
If I am not awarded can I apply for On-Campus Summer Tuition Remission?
- Yes! The On-Campus Summer Tuition Remission application will be available mid February.
Sr. Thea Hospitality Closet
The BAIC is motivated to assess and support the needs of the whole student.
The hospitality closet is designed to discreetly provide various hygienic products for immediate relief.
Please use this form to request an item. Please choose one item from the drop down. Requests are not guaranteed.
Sister Thea's Closet is only open on the following days for pick up:
Tuesdays: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Wednesdays: 1–2 p.m.
Please make your request two days in advance. Requests cannot be made the same day.
You will receive a confirmation email to pick up your requested item. Please do NOT come to the office if you do not receive a confirmation email.
If you have any questions please reach out to Richard Mapeza- mapeza@bc.edu or Danielle Date - date@bc.edu.
Summer Tuition Remission On-Campus
The purpose of the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center (BAIC) On -Campus Summer Tuition Remission Program is to aid in the retention of students by providing resources to afford those experiencing academic difficulty the opportunity to improve their status at Boston College. Any student with such difficulties and (who wish) to take summer courses should first seek assistance from their college counselor at the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center. If after utilizing available support services, the student finds that they still need to take summer courses, they should apply to the BAIC Summer Tuition Remission Program. Students interested in taking courses for academic enrichment may also apply, but need to explain their reason for taking the requested course during the summer.
Summer Tuition Remission is one of our most popular services. Our office receives over 150 applications and we are not always able to help those who are truly in need due to limited funding. Please take this information into consideration when you apply, and if and when you receive your award. Summer Tuition Remission funds are NOT guaranteed. Please follow all instructions in this application material.
Learning Outcomes
As a result of participating in the Summer Tuition Remission Program students will be able to:
- Reduce the number of deficiencies
- Advance in their academic requirements
- Take a course abroad