BC Companions is a yearlong immersive program on the BC Campus. This program is a full-time commitment during spring and fall semesters as well as part of June. Spring semester starts with a retreat and orientation in early January. Then in-person classes begin mid-January and end mid-May. Fellows will travel for a pilgrimage in June and have an option to participate in a silent retreat. Fall semester begins in late August and continues through the third week of December. There are no commitments on BC’s campus from late June to mid-August, so Fellows may choose to leave the Boston area.
Fellows who commit to being on campus most days of the week will get the most benefits from the program. Committing to the full experience includes taking classes, being engaged with the larger campus community, and being available to participate in social gatherings with cohort members during the week and on weekends.
- Spring semester begins with a three-day orientation, including a day of reflection. Fellows take courses across BC’s schools and colleges and take part in the curriculum specifically designed for the cohort.
- In May, there is a pilgrimage trip to Spain and Rome for Fellows and spouses, as well as an optional five-day silent retreat. Additionally, Fellows can pursue a range of professional and civic engagement opportunities, schedule intentional conversations to help build new professional networks, or try new activities as they consider their next phase.
- Fall semester begins in late August. Fellows continue to take courses with BC students while continuing the cohort-specific curriculum. The program concludes in December with a retreat and cohort send-off celebration.
Each Fellow will enroll in two or three undergraduate or graduate courses each semester from BC's schools and colleges.
Liberal arts classes in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences enable Fellows to probe the eternal questions of meaning, purpose, and beauty, and to explore complex problems and enduring questions within the larger world.
Courses in human-centered engineering and the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society offer opportunities to examine the most pressing societal issues of our time in the areas of energy, global public health, and the environment, with a focus on responsible innovation.
Classes in management, law, nursing, education, and social work help to provide insights in how to address these and other challenges, while classes in theology and ministry help to examine the questions of belief and transcendence.
- We welcome all individuals who are curious and open to imagining how the next stage in life may differ from their accomplished careers and who are ready to explore new ways of being in a supportive and lasting community.
- Exceptional individuals who have built careers with major accomplishments (at least 20-30 years).
- Individuals who are ready to journey with other cohort members and the larger BC community while sharing their lives, gifts, and hopes together.
- Individuals who embrace differing opinions and further appreciate how participating in a multigenerational learning setting will contribute to their success.
- Individuals open to exploring how they may leverage skills and contribute to solving complex problems and enduring questions within smaller communities and the larger world.
- Individuals who are committed to being on campus most weekdays in order to derive the most benefits from the program. The full Companions experience includes taking classes, being engaged with the larger campus community, and being available to participate in social gatherings with cohort members during the week and occasionally on weekends.
- Individuals from all faith traditions and spiritual backgrounds are welcome.
- For an additional fee, spouses may accompany the Fellow as a program participant or opt to participate in social events, including travel experiences. If spouses want to join the cohort, then they will be asked to submit additional information.
Individuals in the program will reflect on their experiences, find deeper meaning and purpose, and consider the next chapter in life’s journey. For some that may be discovering a new vocation. For others it may be continuing in their current life’s work while contributing in a different way. For some it may lead to involvement in the non-profit world while others may become entrepreneurs. Some Fellows may decide to live in another country. Others may pursue collaborating on a project with their spouse, partner, or friends. There are countless scenarios, and all Fellows will have the opportunity to reflect on their lives so far and consider what is next – and leave their year in Chestnut Hill with the tools to keep reimaging how one might live differently.
Program fees for the full academic year are commensurate with a year of study at Boston College. Spouses may participate as a full-time Fellow at a reduced program fee. Financial assistance is available to individuals who have spent their careers in public service or the nonprofit sector.
Housing is the responsibility of each Fellow. Boston College can share information about local off-campus housing and residential hotels.
The selection process involves submitting a current CV or resume, a brief bio, and statement of purpose, followed by a Zoom interview and personal references.
Please complete the Google form with your name and email address. This initial introduction serves as a first step in the selection process and will ensure that you receive additional information about the BC Companions program.
Please contact Margaret A. Laurence with questions: companions@bc.edu or 617-552-8070.