The Office of the Dean of Students is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for all students and to positively impact and improve the LGBTQ+ student experience at Boston College.  
 

Through individual support, programming and outreach, we strive to support gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning students and their allies by creating safe and affirming spaces for self-discovery and acceptance around gender and sexuality, building community, and providing education and resources.

Programs and Resources


 

Welcome!

We hope that this page helps you learn about the support, programs and events offered for LGBTQ+ students and their allies from our Office of the Dean of Students and connects you to resources on and off campus. We are excited to get to know you and to support the LGBTQ+ community on campus to flourish with PRIDE!  

Please feel free to email any member of our team or our general email, spectrum@bc.edu

Caroline Davis

Caroline Davis, M.A.

Associate Dean

 

Need Support?

Part of being human and in community is sometimes needing support from others.  We are here for you!   

If you are in crisis:

If you think you are at risk of harming yourself or others please immediately call University Counseling Services at 617–552–3310, during regular working hours. If after hours you can still contact UCS at 617-552-3310 and follow prompts to speak with a clinician. More information can be found at the UCS website.  Students can also call BCPD at 617-552-4444 for any emergency situation or to ask for help.

Other LGBTQ-specifc crisis hotlines are:

  • The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
  • The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564
  • Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860

 

If you are not in crisis:

The professional and graduate student staff in Student Outreach and Support Services are here to help. You do not have to be sure that you are part of the LGBTQ+ community to reach out for support and we support students with more than just aspects of their sexuality or gender identity. We routinely work with students who are exploring or questioning their identities and also with LGBTQ+ students who need support in other areas of their lives.  You can call us at 617-552-3470, email: student.support@bc.edu, or email any of our staff directly.

You can also join us at our weekly discussion groups

If you feel that you have been subject to a violation of the University’s “bias-motivated conduct policy,” please also see information from the Office of the Dean of Students regarding reporting any allegations of misconduct.

 

Pride Peers

Pride Peers is a mentoring program that pairs LGBTQ+ first year students and new transfer students (or any student interested) with upper-class LGBTQ+ peers and creates spaces to bond and reflect on sexuality and gender identity. 

If you are interested in having a mentor, fill out this online form

We will start our full program in September but we are happy to connect incoming first year/transfer students to an upper class Mentor over the summer so that you already have a connection before you come to campus!

Upper class LGBTQ+ students, if you are interested in becoming a mentor, fill out this online form.

We will outreach to mentors over the summer and schedule interviews and training prior to the start of the fall semester.  If you have any questions please email: caroline.davis.2@bc.edu

 

 

Discussion Groups 

Student Outreach and Support Services offers private, reflective, and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ students to meet and engage in meaningful discussion around identity development.

Groups meet weekly for an hour and are open to anyone who wants a private and comfortable space to interact with peers exploring similar issues around what it means to identify as LGBTQ+ at BC and in the world. No appointments, formal arrangements, or commitments necessary--drop in whenever the support group is meeting and we'll be there waiting to welcome you with open arms, hearts, and minds!

QBIPOC Discussion Group

QBIPOC is a group for queer, Black, Indigenous, and people of color providing support, discussion, and community. Facilitated by QBIPOC graduate students. Starting Fall 2023; Date, time, and location TBD. Email spectrum@bc.edu with questions.

Prism

Change to “Prism is a group for all LGBTQ+ and questioning students. Facilitated by queer and trans graduate students. Starting Fall 2023; Date, time, and location TBD. Email spectrum@bc.edu with questions.

Transcend

Transcend is a group for trans, nonbinary, agender, and genderfluid students as well as students who want a space to talk about exploring their gender identity. Starting Fall 2023; Date, time, and location TBD. Facilitated by nonbinary and trans graduate students. Email spectrum@bc.edu with questions.

Transcend
Prism
QBipoc Discussion Group

Spectrum Weekend Retreat

Spectrum is a confidential, free weekend away for LGBTQ students. In this welcoming environment, participants will be encouraged to engage in conversation and reflection about their personal identities and to discern who they are and who they are called to be at Boston College and beyond.

The weekend also builds community among gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning students, staff, and faculty at Boston College. Every year, participants say that the retreat was transformational, with many claiming it was their best experience at BC thus far.

Space is limited, so we encourage you to register ASAP, as we reserve on a first come, first served basis with preference toward those who have never attended Spectrum.

Spectrum February 2024

Applications open November 2023

Lavender Graduation

Lavender Graduation is a celebration that recognizes LGBTQ+ students of all backgrounds and acknowledges their contributions to the University. Graduating LGBTQ+ seniors and graduate students are recognized for their leadership, successes, and overall commitment and contributions to the LGTBQ+ community. Through such recognition, LGBTQ+ students may leave Boston College with a positive final experience, filling them with pride both in themselves, and in their college experiences.

Community Events

Even when we can’t meet as a large group in person, there are lots of great events coming up for the 2022-2023 school year!

To stay up to date, join our email listserv or keep an eye out on the Division of Student Affairs Division News emails!

 

Clubs and Organizations 

 

For Undergraduate Students:

Allies of Boston College

A group of LGTBQ+ and allied students working to foster a more inclusive Boston College community.

Aidan Seguin, Co-Predsident | seguina@bc.edu
Wellington Arkins, Co-President | arkins@bc.edu

GLBTQIA+ Leadership Council (GLC)

A governing body of UGBC focused on GLBTQ+ issues.

Wellington Arkins, President | arkins@bc.edu
Aneesa Wermers, Vice-Chair | wermersa@bc.edu

 

For Graduate Students:

Gaudete

LGBTQ+ graduate student group at the School of Theology and Ministry.

Website: Gaudete


Graduate Pride Alliance (GPA)

An organization sponsored by the Graduate Student Association (GSA) for any LGBTQ+ grad students & allies across all grad schools and programs at BC.

Sam Moore, President | mooreik@bc.edu

Website: GPA


Lambda Law Students Association

LGBTQ+ student group at the Law School.

Nonie Andersen, Co-Chair | anderajd@bc.edu and

Mathew Santiago, Co-Chair | santiama@bc.edu

Group Email: lambdabclaw@gmail.com

Spectrum

LGBTQ+ student group at the School of Social Work.

Email: spectrumbcssw@gmail.com

 

View additional club and organization contacts

 

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LGBTQ Resource Guide

LGBTQ+ Services and Resources

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Get Immediate Help

Get Immediate Help

Need Support?

Part of being human and in community is sometimes needing support from others.  We are here for you!   

If you are in crisis:

If you think you are at risk of harming yourself or others please immediately call University Counseling Services at 617–552–3310, during regular working hours. If after hours you can still contact UCS at 617-552-3310 and follow prompts to speak with a clinician. More information can be found at the UCS website.  Students can also call BCPD at 617-552-4444 for any emergency situation or to ask for help.

Other LGBTQ-specifc crisis hotlines are:

  • The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
  • The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564
  • Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860

 

If you are not in crisis:

The professional and graduate student staff in Student Outreach and Support Services are here to help. You do not have to be sure that you are part of the LGBTQ+ community to reach out for support and we support students with more than just aspects of their sexuality or gender identity. We routinely work with students who are exploring or questioning their identities and also with LGBTQ+ students who need support in other areas of their lives.  You can call us at 617-552-3470, email: student.support@bc.edu, or email any of our staff directly.

You can also join us at our weekly discussion groups

If you feel that you have been subject to a violation of the University’s “bias-motivated conduct policy,” please also see information from the Office of the Dean of Students regarding reporting any allegations of misconduct.



On Campus Allies and Resources

On Campus Allies and Resources

Athletics

Carly Pariseau, Associate Athletic Director
Conte Forum 308 | 2-6210 l carly.pariseau@bc.edu  

Boston College Police Department (BCPD)

Jeff Postell, Lieutenant
Emergency  2-4444 | Non-Emergency 2-4440 l jeffrey.postell@bc.edu

Campus Ministry

Ellen Modica, Campus Minister
McElroy 226 | 2-4665 | ellen.modica@bc.edu

Rick Rossi, Campus Minister for Pastoral Counseling
McElroy 227 | 2-6592 | richard.rossi@bc.edu

Career Center

Joseph DuPont, Associate VP for Student Affairs
Southwell Hall | 2-3430 | joseph.dupont@bc.edu  

Connors Family Learning Center

Kathleen M. Duggan, Director
O’Neill Library 200 | 2-0893 | kathleen.duggan@bc.edu  

Counseling Services

Gasson 001 | 2-3310 
Craig Burns, Director l craig.burns@bc.edu
Selina Guerra, Assistant Director l  selina.guerra@bc.edu

First-Year Experience

Mike Sacco, Executive Director
Stokes 179S | 2-3281 | michael.sacco@bc.edu                                              

Graduate Student Life

Hannah Chalufour, Assistant Director
Murray Graduate Student Center | 2-1855 l hannah.trost@bc.edu

Montserrat Coalition

Fr. Michael Davidson, S.J., Director
36 College Road| 2-3140| michael.davidson.3@bc.edu

Center for Student Wellness

Jeannine Kremer, Director
Gasson Hall 025 | jeannine.kremer@bc.edu

Office for Institutional Diversity

Patricia Lowe, Director
Brighton Campus, 129 Lake Street, Room 213 l 2-2323 | patricia.lowe@bc.edu

Office of Global Education

Samantha Lee, Program Assistant
Hovey House 105  | 2-0627 | oip@bc.edu

Office of Student Involvement

Roatha Kong, Interim Director
Carney Hall, Suite 147 | 2-3480 | roatha.kong@bc.edu

Office of University Fellowships

Jason Cavallari, Administrative Director
Stokes, S140 | 2-9259 | jason.cavallari@bc.edu

Residential Life

Dorrie Siqueiros, Director, Residential Education
Maloney Hall, Suite 413 | 2-3129 | dolores.siqueiros@bc.edu

Student Services

Agnes Jordan, Associate Director, General Services
Lyons Hall 101 | 2-3318 | agnes.jordan@bc.edu

Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center

Yvonne McBarnett, Director
Maloney Hall, Suite 455| 2-3359 l yvonne.mcbarnett@bc.edu

Undergraduate Admission

Grant Gosselin, Director
Devlin Hall 208 | 2-3100 | john.mahoney.2@bc.edu

University Harassment Counselor

Contact Page
Marie Elena Gioiella, University Harassment Counselor
129 Lake Street, Room 240D | 2-3340 | harassmentcounselor@bc.edu

University Health Services

Madelyn Rivera-Bellino MSN, ANP-BC (she/her/hers), Nurse Manager
2150 Commonwealth Avenue, Room #020 l madelyn.rivera@bc.edu 
Phone: 617-552-2659 | Fax: 617-552-3603

Women’s Center

Katie Dalton, Director
Maloney 441 | 2-6919 | kathryn.dalton@bc.edu

 

 

Off Campus Referrals

Off Campus Referals

Boston Alliance of LGBTQ Youth (BAGLY) 
28 Court Square, Boston, MA | 617-227-4313

Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) 
989 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA  
24-Hour Hotline: 800-841-8371 

Boston GLASS 
75 Amory St. Jamaica Plain, MA | 857-399-1920 

Bisexual Resource Center | 617-424-9595 

Fenway Community Health Center 
1340 Boylston Street, Boston, MA | 617-267-0900 

Sidney Borum Jr. Health Center 
75 Kneeland Street, Boston, MA | 617.457.8140

South End Community Health Center 
1601 Washington Street, Boston, MA | 617-425-2000

The Network/La Red (TNLR) 617-742-4911 (voice) | 800-832-1901 (Toll-Free) 

Trans LifeLine 24-Hour Peer Support Hotline | 877-565-8860 

The Trevor Project 24-Hour Hotline | 866-438-7386

Campus Clubs and Organizations

Campus Clubs and Organizations

For Undergraduate Students:

Allies of Boston College

A group of LGTBQ+ and allied students working to foster a more inclusive Boston College community.

Aidan Seguin, Co-Predsident | seguina@bc.edu
Wellington Arkins, Co-President | arkins@bc.edu

 

GLBTQIA+ Leadership Council (GLC)

A governing body of UGBC focused on GLBTQ+ issues.

Wellington Arkins, President | arkins@bc.edu
Aneesa Wermers, Vice-Chair | wermersa@bc.edu

 

 

For Graduate Students:

Gaudete

LGBTQ+ graduate student group at the School of Theology and Ministry.

Website: Gaudete

 

Graduate Pride Alliance (GPA)

An organization sponsored by the Graduate Student Association (GSA) for any LGBTQ+ grad students & allies across all grad schools and programs at BC.

Sam Moore, President | mooreik@bc.edu

Website: GPA

 

Lambda Law Students Association

LGBTQ+ student group at the Law School.

Nonie Andersen, Co-Chair | anderajd@bc.edu and Mathew Santiago, Co-Chair | santiama@bc.edu

Group Email: lambdabclaw@gmail.com

 

Spectrum

LGBTQ+ student group at the School of Social Work.

Email: spectrumbcssw@gmail.com

Signature Programs and Events

Signature Programs and Events

Our office works to improve the LGBTQ+ student experience by offering support, education, outreach, programs, and opportunities for LGBTQ+ students including:

Pride Peers 

A mentoring program that pairs LGBTQ+ undergrads with upper-class LGBTQ+ peers and creates spaces to bond and reflects on sexual and gender identity.  

LGBTQ+ Community Dinners 

Casual monthly dinners where all LGBTQ+ and allied students are welcome to come together to eat, chat, laugh, and foster our community at Boston College!    

Discussion Groups

The Office of the Dean of Students offers private, reflective, and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ students to meet and engage in meaningful discussion around identity development.

Groups meet weekly for an hour and are open to anyone who wants a private and comfortable space to interact with peers exploring similar issues around what it means to identify as LGBTQ+ at BC and in the world. No appointments, formal arrangements, or commitments necessary--drop in whenever the support group is meeting and we'll be there waiting to welcome you with open arms, hearts, and minds!

Prism -a group for all LGBTQ+ and questioning students. Facilitated by queer and trans graduate students.

Transcend - a group for trans, nonbinary, agender, and genderfluid students as well as students who want a space to talk about exploring their gender identity. Facilitated by nonbinary and trans graduate students.

Lavender Graduation

A celebration that recognizes LGBTQ+ students of all backgrounds and acknowledges their contributions to the University. Graduating LGBTQ+ seniors and graduate students are recognized for their leadership, successes, and overall commitment and contributions to the LGTBQ+ community. Through such recognition, LGBTQ+ students may leave Boston College with a positive final experience, filling them with pride both in themselves and in their college experiences.

Spectrum Retreat

A free, confidential spring retreat where LGBTQ+ and questioning undergraduate students engage in reflection and exploration of their sexual and gender identities with LGBTQ+ student leaders and faculty mentors. 

Individual Support

Our doors are always open to anyone seeking support!  Please call or email Angelique or Caroline anytime.

Information for Faculty and Staff

Information for Faculty and Staff

The Office of the Dean of Students is proud to offer training to any department or office that would like us to work with their faculty and/or staff to ensure competence and confidence when working with our LGBTQ+ students!  Our sessions can be tailored to your needs in terms of length and content, and will cover many topics affecting LGBTQ+ identity construction so that you can be the best possible resource for LGBTQ+ students at BC.  

Contact Caroline Davis or Taylor Zmijewski for more information.