BCaring Homecoming Week celebrates the spirit, mission, and tradition of Boston College. Throughout the week of events and activities, students, faculty, staff, and alumni come together to foster a sense of community, connection, and pride in BC. At the heart of the week is a commitment to caring for one another and creating a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
BCaring Homecoming Week
Rolling Recognition
The BCaring Campaign celebrates moments when students cultivate care for the Boston College community. Nominate a student who has demonstrated care for others, big or small. Selected nominees will be recognized at "BCaring Champions" and invited to participate in the coin flip on the October 17, 2026 football game.
Letters From Home
Throughout the week of October 13–18, students may be surprised with a special letter from a loved one at home. Students are encouraged to join us for the Gratitude Card Kickoff on Tuesday, October 13, and write a card home to someone they care about!
Children's Book Drive
This BCaring Week, help us spread the joy of reading by donating a book to a local nonprofit that provides books and literacy resources to children in our community. Want to participate? Drop off a gently used book to Maloney Hall 448 or visit our Amazon Wishlist to choose a book to donate. Books purchased through the wishlist will be delivered directly to the Office of the Dean of Students and donated.
Winter Coat Drive
Consider donating to $uccessful Start's Annual Winter Coat Drive. Students can drop off new or gently used coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and professional wear at Lyons Hall (1st floor), Maloney Hall 413, Devlin Hall (1st floor), or the Cadigan Alumni Center (Oct. 19 - 28). Students can also purchase items to donate from the Amazon Wishlist or money donation link. Links are on the $uccessful Start website.
Random Acts of Care Day
To mark the start of BCaring Homecoming Week, students are encouraged to show care for their friends, classmates, and the BC community during this themed day. Students can also nominate a friend or classmate who has demonstrated care for others, big or small. Selected nominees will be recognized at "BCaring Champions" and invited to participate in the coin flip on the October 17, 2026 football game.
Snacks for Fr. Jack
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Quad | UGBC
Join UGBC as they welcome Fr. Jack to his new role as Boston College’s president! Stop by for a snack, learn a few fun facts about Fr. Jack, and write a note of welcome. Students, faculty, and staff can also add their signature to a community banner in celebration of his inauguration.
Gratitude Card Kickoff
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Maloney Fourth Floor | VPSA
Kick off BCaring Homecoming Week by taking a moment to show someone you care! Stop by to write a gratitude card to a loved one, friend, or mentor, and enjoy some free wings while you’re here. It’s a simple way to spread a little appreciation and care beyond the Heights.
SEASA Night Market
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | O'Neill Plaza | SEASA and OSI
Students Association’s Night Market brings the vibrant energy of Southeast Asia to campus with food and music inspired by the region’s bustling street markets. Open to the entire BC community, the event celebrates culture, community, and connection.
Newton Karaoke Night
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Stuart Dining | CAB
Join CAB for a late-night takeover at Stuart Dining Hall on Tuesday, October 13th, from 9:00-10:00 pm! Stop by to enjoy some karaoke and reconnect with friends after fall break!
Disconnect to Reconnect Day
Students are encouraged to disconnect from their phones or screens as much as possible on this theme day. We encourage students to prioritize face-to-face conversation and communication with one another. The Office of the Dean of Students is also offering the "One Hour No Power" competition. Students can visit Maloney Hall 448 to "brick" their phone for at least one hour for the chance to win a brick of their own.
Circles on the Move
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | O'Neill Plaza | Office of the Dean of Students
Students are encouraged to visit our table with a friend, pick up a conversation card, and go on a walk to discuss their topic. We will serve fall treats and give out red bandanas to all participants.
How Can UGBC Care For You?
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Academic Quad | UGBC
Stop by the UGBC table to share your perspective, ideas, and feedback on how UGBC can better serve and care for the Boston College student body. Your voice matters! Enjoy free snacks and enter for a chance to win a raffle prize while you share your thoughts.
The Conversation Table
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Lower Dining and McElroy | Community Connectors
Community Connectors will be at Lower and McElroy Dining Halls handing out Mission Moments cards designed to spark meaningful conversation and reflection. Students are encouraged to eat, drink, talk, and think while taking a break from their phones.
Pause, Think, Post
Middle Campus | Center for Student Wellness
"Pause, Think, Post" is a digital Wellness campaign designed to help students consider the impact of their comments and engagement on anonymous social media applications. Wellness Coaches from the Center for Student Wellness will kick off the campaign across campus.
Fall FanFest at Baldwin's Backyard
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Baldwin's Backyard | CAB
Join CAB at Baldwin’s Backyard outside the Rec Center for their annual celebration of Boston College! Come enjoy food, games, and plenty of fun to celebrate Homecoming and get hyped for the upcoming football game. Make your own BC spirit gear, grab some fall treats, and show off your Superfan spirit with friends. Get ready to cheer on the Eagles and celebrate all things BC!
Circle Up, Latinas!
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM | TMA Commons | Women's Center
Join us for fellowship, connection, and shared reflection on the Latina experience at Boston College. Through a community circle, participants will have an opportunity to share experiences, listen to one another, and build connection in an open and supportive space.
Shades of Racism
7:00 pm | Maloney 455 | Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center
The Shades of Racism Workshop series will be led and facilitated by the Bowman Advocates. The Bowman Advocates will facilitate discussions surrounding anti-Blackness and proximity to Whiteness in different affinity groups throughout the United States.
Craft and Care with CAB
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Lyons Dining | CAB
Join CAB in Lyons Dining Hall to get creative with an arts and crafts Night! Come hang out, get crafty, and make something that’s uniquely yours. Create collages, design vision boards, bedazzle your favorite items, and more! CAB will provide plenty of supplies, but feel free to bring your own items to decorate and make your own.
Unsung Hero Day
Students are encouraged to show appreciation for the facilities, transportation, dining, and other staff members who work behind the scenes to keep the Boston College community safe, clean, fed, and moving. The Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs will celebrate these employees through a “Mission Moments” social media video highlighting their essential contributions to the BC community.
Bus Stop Breakfast
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM | South Street | Office of the Dean of Students
To celebrate BCaring Week, Bus Stop Breakfast is coming to you! Drop by the South Street BC Shuttle Stop between 8:30 and 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 15 for some FREE coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts brought to you by the Office of the Dean of Students!
BCaring With Your Language
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Academic Quad | UGBC
Stop by UGBC’s table to sign the pledge to "Spread the Word to End the Word." This is a global grassroots campaign that works to eliminate the use of the R-word and promote social inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
First Year Experience Fall Fest
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | O'Connell House | Office of First Year Experience
Join the Compass Mentoring Program, First Year Experience, and Dean of Students for a Fall Festival at the O'Connell House as part of BCaring Week. Take a moment for some self-care with pumpkin painting, apple cider donuts and Chick-fil-A!
School Spirit Day
Show your BC pride as the Boston College community comes together to celebrate the inauguration of Rev. Jack Butler, S.J., as the University’s 26th President! Students are encouraged to wear their Boston College colors, attend Inauguration events, and celebrate the spirit, traditions, and community that make BC special.
A Sweet Start: Celebrating a New Chapter
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Mods | ResLife and DOS
Staff from the Office of the Dean of Students and Residential Life will visit each Mod with donuts and information about the day’s Inauguration events. Stop by, grab a donut, learn more about the celebration, and join us in welcoming Rev. Jack Butler, S.J., as Boston College’s 26th President!
Inauguration Mass
10:00 AM | Conte Forum
The Inauguration Mass, with Archbishop Richard G. Henning as the celebrant representing the Archdiocese of Boston and diocesan priests, includes principal concelebrants from various religious orders that have been especially influential in Fr. Butler’s intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth. Bishop Joel Konzen, one of Fr. Butler's most influential high school teachers, will be the homilist. Brother Adam Zielonka, O.C.S.O., will serve as the cross-bearer for the Mass.
Inauguration Ceremony
3:00 PM | Conte Forum
Light the Heights
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Middle Campus
Celebrations across middle campus, inspired by Father Jack’s deep connections across the BC community, will treat guests to musical performances, invite attendees to contribute to a collaborative mural, and engage in conversations with friends, old and new, around fire pits.
A Thousand Points of Brilliance
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Middle Campus
The Heights will shine as the evening begins. Gasson Hall will be cloaked in color as lights beam across Middle Campus.
Wander Through the Wonder
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM | Middle Campus
Guests are invited to conclude the evening by taking time for quiet reflection as Middle Campus is illuminated with wondrous displays.
BCaring Homecoming Tailgate
9:00 AM | Outside Comm Ave Garage | Office of the Dean of Students
Join the Office of the Dean of Students for a tailgate between 9 AM and 11:30 AM, with free burgers, hot dogs, snacks, and red bandanas as we celebrate the Homecoming football game vs. Pittsburgh, starting at 12:00 PM.
Boston College v. Pittsburgh
12:00 PM | Alumni Stadium
Breakfast Club
10:30 AM | Greycliff Hall | Office of the Dean of Students
Wrap up BCaring Homecoming Week by volunteering to clean up the local off-campus neighborhood. Volunteers meet at 10:30 a.m. and are provided with gloves, a trash bag, a BC Breakfast Club t-shirt, and a sense of fellowship. Cleanup is followed by a free and tasty meal at Eagle’s Deli.
BCaring Champions of the Past
Meet Some of Our BCaring Champions from @deanofstudents!