Welcome to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences!
Fall 2025 PhD & MFA orientation resources
Congratulations on your admission to BU!
Welcome to Boston University! We are honored that you have chosen the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and wish to welcome you to our dynamic and diverse community of students. You are today’s visionaries and scholars and tomorrow’s leaders. You will be joining many of the best and brightest students from across the U.S. and from 140 countries around the globe in an academic environment built on a rigorous balance of intellectual development, creative innovation, and practical, real-world experience.
The students, faculty, and researchers in GRS have expanded the boundaries of knowledge for over 140 years. GRS is where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1955) fueled his fire to change the nation and the world. It’s also where Helen Magill White (1877) made history as the first woman to receive a Ph.D. at a U.S. institution. Author, speaker, and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel taught our students in the College of Arts & Sciences from 1976 until 2013 as Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities and Professor of Philosophy and Religion. Our distinguished alumni continue to make an impact as leaders and innovators in their fields in the U.S. and around the world.
The goal of GRS Orientation is to assist you in making a smooth transition to Boston University. This page will provide information about the campus community, academics, living in Boston, and the many resources available to you as a graduate student. We invite you to explore this site to find helpful information that will help you to not only survive but to thrive as you transition to life as a GRS Terrier. Please book mark this page and use it as reference as needed. If you don’t find the answer to your question here, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Welcome!
GRS Admissions, Financial Aid, Records and Student Services
Take a (virtual) walk Down Comm Ave.
Get to know BU’s campus! Whether you are in Boston already or plan to join us soon, we invite you to explore all that Boston University has to offer.
More videos of campus and life as a student can be found at Experience Boston University and A Day in the Life of a GRS Student.
PhD & MFA Student Orientation
When: Friday, August 29th, 2025 9:30 – 11:30am
Where: Tsai Performing Arts Center, 685 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215
REGISTER for PhD & MFA Orientation by: August 1, 2025
GRS PhD and MFA Orientation
Please indicate below whether you will or will not be able to attend the GRS Incoming PhD and MFA Student Orientation on August 29th, 2025.
Although orientation is mandatory, we do understand that travel might not allow you to join us. While we are not recording the event, we will be sure that you receive any relevant information via Blackboard.
If you have any questions about Orientation, feel free to reach out to grsgs@bu.edu. Be sure to check back in July and August for more details. Thank you!
Below you will find all of the resources you need to get started as a Graduate School of Arts & Sciences student.
Academics
Students who accepted the Fall 2024 admission offer before March 11, 2024, will receive an email from ithelp@bu.edu the week of March 11 to set up their BU email address and password. Students who accepted the Fall 2024 admission offer on or after March 11, 2024, will receive an email from ithelp@bu.edu 24-48 hours after accepting the offer of admission to set up their BU email address and password. After account setup has been completed, newly admitted students will receive a generic email with link to MyBU Portal and inviting to update Personal Information. Registration opens the weekend of April 6, 2024, for most Graduate Students. The University Registrar will continue to send messages about compliance (BU Alert, Sexual Misconduct Prevention, Local Address, etc.) to all entering students. As a GRS PhD or MFA student, you will be using Office 365 Outlook to access your BU email. You will not be using BU Google Mail, please make sure to sign in to Office 365. For international students, the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) will be emailing the I-20 to the student’s BU email address. Please include your BU ID in all written correspondence. If you encounter any technical issues with the setup of your BU email account, please contact 617-353-HELP (4357) or ithelp@bu.edu. Blackboard Many of your courses will have academic content available through Blackboard Learn at learn.bu.edu. To access this content, please use your BU login name and Kerberos password. If you do not see your course listed in the My Courses section, we encourage you to contact your instructor for more information. The IT Help Center will answer any questions you have concerning your Blackboard Learn course site. You can get in touch with them online at www.bu.edu/help/blackboard (or by clicking on the Help tab on any screen in Blackboard), by e-mail at ithelp@bu.edu, or by phone at 353-HELP(4357). Zoom You can log in to Zoom through BU using your BU username and Kerberos password to create your account. Students, faculty, and staff automatically receive fully licensed accounts. This site will allow you to download the Zoom app, schedule meetings, and join meetings in progress. MyBU Student Portal The MyBU Student Portal (https://student.bu.edu/) is where you can access your personal, academic, financial and other relevant information as a student. This is where you will register for classes, view and settle your student account, buy Convenience Points, check your compliance status, and maintain your personal information. You can also sponsor ShareLink login accounts to grant parents, employers, and other interested third parties secure access to view your academic and financial information — you specify the information available to each party and control the duration of access. VPN Access Boston University’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a “tunnel” between your computer and the campus network that encrypts your transmissions to BU. Terrier Card The Terrier Card is the official Boston University student and staff identification card. Getting your Terrier Card: Photo Upload Process Terrier ID Card Pickup Process For information on obtaining a new or replacement Terrier Card or if you have any questions, please contact the Terrier Card Office located at: George Sherman Union Terrier Cards are valid for on-campus identification only. You can also purchase Convenience Points to pay for textbooks, eat at on-campus dining locations, and more using your Terrier Card. Students access their Convenience Points by using your Terrier Card, just like a bank debit card. BU Academic Policies – Here you’ll find BU’s academic policies, covering everything from registration and full-time enrollment to academic conduct, intra-University transfer, and more. GRS Academic Bulletin – The Bulletin contains official information about departments, programs, degree requirements, courses, policies, & procedures here at BU. Requirements listed in the Bulletin take precedence over information found elsewhere. “Academic misconduct is any action or attempted action that may result in creating an unfair academic advantage for oneself or an unfair academic advantage or disadvantage for any other member or members of the academic community.” Examples of Academic Misconduct include: Good Practices Include: BU’s Code of Student Responsibilities is administered through the Dean of Students’ Office. The basic responsibilities of the student include: Registration Registration for new students will take place through your academic department of admission. You will be notified by your department regarding the dates and times of advising and registration and most departments will register students during the two weeks prior to the start of the semester. Please refer to our Registration page for general registration instructions and forms. A complete academic calendar can be viewed on the Registrar’s website. Course Registration Consult your department for detailed registration instructions, info on course selection process and deadlines. Compliance Requirements for Registration As a BU student you will need to be compliant with six University requirements in order to register: Log in to the MyBU Student Portal and click on the “Personal” tab to check on these requirements and see instructions on what you need to do to fulfill them; students not in compliance will not be able to register for future semesters. You will need to make sure that all previous degrees are accurately reflected on your student record. You can verify this information by following these steps: Ten days after submitting your final transcript(s) with the degree listed as conferred or awarded, you should see it reflected in the MyBU Student Portal. If you do not see it, please contact GRS for more information. If you have not submitted your final transcript(s) in sealed envelopes from your institution as requested, please bring the transcript(s) to the GRS Office as soon as possible so that we may update your record. We are located at 705 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 112. You may also have your transcripts emailed to grs@bu.edu directly from your institution’s e-transcript service. Please note that if you received your degree from a Chinese institution and you are unable to request that your institution send your degree certificate(s) in a sealed envelope, you will need to send the degree certificates through the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC). All transcripts submitted to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences need to be in English. If your school does not provide English copies, a certified translation will be required. “Boston University has more than 12 libraries on campus which house more than 2.4 million volumes and 77,000 media titles. Mugar Memorial Library is BU’s main Humanities and Social Sciences Library Our specialized libraries develop targeted collections for area-specific research, offering access to the best available resources.” – BU Libraries website Useful links: Library & Service Hours Barnes & Noble @ BU is the place to buy textbooks, swag, home goods, and everything else you need to have a great year. The university bookstore can be accessed online or in person at their on campus location located at: If you have any questions, you can contact BU Bookstore customer service here or via email at bksbu@bncollege.com. Disability & Access Services The goal of the Office of Disability & Access Services is ” is to provide services and support to ensure that students are able to access and participate in the opportunities available at Boston University. In keeping with this objective, students are expected and encouraged to utilize the resources of Disability & Access Services to the degree they determine necessary. Although a significant degree of independence is expected of students, Disability & Access Services is available to assist, should the need arise.” – Disability & Access Services website Those who wish to use Disability & Access Services should visit their website for more information and follow these three steps: Equal Opportunity Office The Equal Opportunity Office (EOO) works to promote and realize the University’s commitment to equal opportunity and affirmative action and ensure that the University meets its obligations under federal and state laws and regulations. They offer training and advising, as well as Title IX guidance, and discrimination & harassment complaint investigation. Their website also lists several relevant policies and procedures, as well as Federal and state laws and guidance. The interdisciplinary research centers and institutes of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences complement its academic departments. Although most of these units do not offer degree programs or courses, all the faculty associated with them hold departmental appointments. Graduate students are admitted to degree programs by the academic departments but may often do much of their work in one of these centers, particularly if they are involved in advanced research. Institutes and centers conduct their own research and sponsor colloquia and guest lecture series. Further information on research centers and institutes at Boston University can be found here. Educational Resource Center (ERC) The ERC supports students as they navigate BU’s rigorous academic environment and provides students with the services and resources for developing personal and academic skills. Offerings include Academic Skills Advising, the Language Link, workshops, and writing assistance. The ERC serves as an academic referral, training, and information resource to the University community. More information and a detailed explanation of these offerings can be found on the ERC website. How the ERC can help you succeed in Grad School GRS with GRS Educational Resource Center Q&A (10/1/2020) Purdue OWL – Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL serves as a great free resource and reference guide for writing research papers in proper APA, MLA, or Chicago citation and format style. Tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year are as follows: FULL-TIME STUDENTS PART-TIME STUDENTS Information on withdrawal and tuition refunds for Fall 2024 can be found with the University Registrar. This information is important if you find that you are unable to attend classes but have registered. A complete listing of the University’s tuition and fees, as well as explanations of certain fees, can be found with the Registrar. Once registered, you can view your student account on the MyBU Student Portal under Money Matters. All Graduate School of Arts & Sciences students are required to settle/pay their tuition and fees each semester by the payment deadline. The payment deadline for new graduate students who start in Fall 2024 is listed on the Student Accounting Services Payment Deadlines website. Please submit payments to Student Accounting Services per their Payment and Settlement Procedures. For information regarding fellowships, loans, external funding sources and more, please visit our Financial Aid page. Questions concerning aid should be directed to the Graduate School Financial Aid Office, 705 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 112, Boston, MA 02215 (Tel: 617-353-2696 or email: grsaid@bu.edu. Please always include your BU ID in all written correspondence). Please visit the Student Health Services site regarding insurance. This site provides important information about the BU Student Health Insurance Plan, comparable insurance requirements and waiver of the BU Health Insurance Plan. Part-time students and dependents of full-time students may choose to enroll in the insurance plan offered through Boston University. Please note that coverage takes effect once registration has been processed. To waive the insurance, please visit Student Health Services. GRS with GRS Student Health Insurance Q&A (9/17/2020) Aetna contact information: Mailing address for claim submission: To fax claim submission: (859) 455-8650 To email Customer Service: studenthelp@aetna.com Information regarding Aid for PhD Students can be found here. Information regarding Aid for MFA Students can be found here. Direct deposit is strongly encouraged for all students (for teaching fellows, research fellows, Dean’s fellows, etc.). International students do not need a Social Security Number to set up direct deposit but they need to have a bank account in the US. Eligible students may enroll by selecting Direct Deposit Authorization on the Employee Self Service tab in the MyBU Student Portal. You will need your bank’s routing number and your bank account number. Click here for written step-by-step instructions. If you have never worked for BU before, you may need to wait until after your first pay stub is generated before you can see the Employee Self Service tab and set up direct deposit. Should that be the case you will receive a paper check and the check will be mailed to your local address (if you are an international student) or your home address (if you are a domestic student) or be held at the Student Employment Office at 881 Commonwealth Avenue on the 2nd floor. If you did not receive your first payment, please contact the University’s Payroll Office at bupay@bu.edu and include your BU ID in all written correspondence. Information regarding Student Loans can be found here. Information regarding Loan Deferments can be found here. We encourage incoming international students to bookmark and explore GRS’ Newly Admitted International Students website. This website features information about visa documentation, final transcripts, immunization requirements, medical care and health insurance, Fall registration, getting your terrier card, and more! ISSO advocates for international exchange, and provides professional expertise on immigration and employment, helping ensure student, scholar, and institutional compliance with federal regulations. They can hep you determine which documents you need in order to obtain or renew your visa, make sure your immigration status is up to date, and assist with a number of other questions or concerns you may have about joining the BU community. The team of dedicated staff are available online to answer all of your questions. Additionally, they regularly update their COVID-19 FAQs section regularly as new policies and guidance is announced. BU First Class is offered through the BU Office of Global Programs and seeks to give you the tools to transition to the U.S. Higher Education system and Boston University. This is an online course that you can take from the comfort of your computer or tablet. To Experience the Course: CELOP is a part of BU’s Office of Global Programs. They work closely with other academic and administrative units on campus to enrich the international student experience at Boston University by helping international students improve their English skills and increase their knowledge and understanding of U.S. culture. To see the specific programs offered by CELOP, please visit their website. Compass is another resource offered through the Office of Global Programs. This service provides access to resources specifically for international students in four distinct areas: Housing, Academics, Community, & Career/Employment. Student Health Services Hours and Offices Student Health Services offers a range of supports for members of the BU community, including Primary Care, Behavioral Medicine, Wellness and Prevention, Sexual Assault Response & Prevention, and Athletic Training. SHS is available to full-time and three-quarter time graduate students, regardless of insurance choice, and any student with the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). For new students: All entering Boston University students have pre-matriculation health requirements that must be completed prior to your first term here at BU. Please visit the BU Student Health Services website for important information regarding required medical forms and immunizations. Services include (but are not limited to): Primary Care Student Health Services (SHS) is committed to providing high-quality care, inclusive of people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. We are committed to training SHS staff and improving our healthcare systems to support all students’ health and wellbeing. There are many resources available on and off campus to support the BU LGBTQ+ student community, including resources for gender affirming healthcare at BU. For Information on LGBTQ+ Resources, please visit LGBTQ+ Student Resources. We know how stressful graduate school can be. Looking for some help adjusting to life as a new graduate student in Boston? Or maybe you are simply looking for some tips on how to manage an increasing workload. If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed, Behavioral Medicine is a useful resource. Behavioral Medicine provides trained staff, psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical nurse specialists, licensed mental health clinicians, and licensed clinical social workers who are available to address the varied issues that arise in a university community. Clinicians are available 24/7, for daytime emergency triage and phone consultations, as well as mental health emergencies that occur after our clinic is closed (617-353-3569). Behavioral Medicine accepts walk-ins and their services include: The Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders is a clinic specializing in anxiety disorders and related challenges, such as mood, sleep, concentration, and pain and is open to both adults and children. Their office offers assessment and therapy on a sliding scale fee in order to accommodate individuals with limited income. For more information on who CASRD is and what they do, please explore their website: http://www.bu.edu/card/. Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders at Boston University The Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation is a research, training, and service organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons who have psychiatric disabilities. The Center offers a wide range of services for members of the BU community including: The Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation can also be reached via email (psyrehab@bu.edu) or by phone (617-353-3549). SARP is an on-campus resource that offers guidance and support for students to help them navigate difficult and traumatic situations as safely and constructively as possible. Counselors are on call 24-hours a day to respond to emergency situations, and individuals are also welcome to schedule counseling appointments during regular business hours (Monday – Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm). Be sure to visit their website to learn more about the many services SARP provides, view their mission, and explore resources and guides available to you as a member of the BU community. There are also a variety of ways to get involved with SARP.
Virtual Resources for Wellbeing The coronavirus is affecting our lives in significant ways. It’s hard to make sense of how this global crisis is impacting so many people, our personal lives, and student experiences. Heightened stress, worry, isolation, and grief are normal feelings shared by many in the BU community. The link above will direct you to a compilation of online resources for mental & emotional, social, academic, spiritual, and physical well-being that are available to all students. The Wellbeing Project is a new campus-wide initiative to support students’ health and wellness during their time at BU. We believe that everyone deserves to feel good and that how students feel matters. Our collective goal – as administrators, faculty and staff – is to inspire our students to feel fulfilled each day, despite the ups and downs of life on campus. Resources compiled by the Provost Office to help you feel your best and promote emotional, social, physical, environmental, intellectual financial, and spiritual health and wellness. The Wellbeing Project has partnered with Athletics, Graduate Education, and Student Health Services to offer all BU students FREE access to Headspace – a research-backed app for mindfulness and meditation. Over 2,000 scientific studies support the positive effects of meditation. Just 10 days of using Headspace has been shown to result in a 14% decrease in stress. Learn more. Please contact wellbeingproject@bu.edu if you have any questions or run into any issues signing up for Headspace. “The Office of the Ombuds is an independent, impartial, informal problem-solving resource serving faculty, staff, and students on the Charles River and Medical Campus. The Office maintains strict confidentiality, and provides a safe place for you to have off-the-record conversations on issues related to life, work, or study at Boston University. Talking to the Ombuds can be a good first step if you have a concern and you don’t know where to turn for help.” –Office of the Ombuds website Be sure to visit their website for more information about the Ombuds office, as well as FAQs & other resources available to you as a member of the BU community. BU’s Fitness and Recreation Center (FitRec) is free for full time students (with a nominal fee for spouses and children) and offers an array of fitness, recreation, club sports, dance, and certification programs in addition to an aquatics center, climbing wall, weight rooms, exercise machines, an elevated running track, a juice bar, and a pro-shop. Part-time students may join for a small monthly fee. Interested in remote options, or new protocols related to COVID-19? Visit the FitRec Covid-19 FAQs page for more information. The Boston University Police Department responds to all emergencies on campus, including reports of crime, medical emergencies, suspicious activities, fires, or other hazards. Additional information can be found on the BUPD website. In case of EMERGENCY, call 617-353-2121 Student-run campus security escort services (known as the Scarlet Safe Walk) are available to all students, faculty, staff, and University guests from one Charles River on-campus location to another – Just call 617-353-4877 to request this service. Additional information is available on the BU Late Night Transportation website. “Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities. Sex-based discrimination includes sexual harassment and sexual violence, such as rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual coercion. The law covers sex-based discrimination against students, faculty, and staff.“ Title IX Responsibilities, Procedures, Policies, and Resources at BU More on Sexual Misconduct, Title IX, & Safety Title IX/Sexual Misconduct Resources Brochure Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training All graduate students at Boston University are required to complete the Sexual Assault Prevention for Graduate Students training. This course is confidential, research-backed, and part of BU’s commitment to student well-being. Those of you who will be joining us as Teaching Fellows in the fall will receive content and orientation sessions geared specifically towards your needs. We encourage you to also familiarize yourself with the many resources available through our BU partners, and contact your program for course specific requirements. GRS has partnered with the Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) to create a comprehensive Blackboard course in order to assist you in preparing for your teaching fellow position. This Blackboard course is designed to provide resources, guides, and materials to help you adjust to and succeed in your role as an instructor at Boston University. Providing these resources remotely ensures that you will be able to access them at your convenience and continue to reference them throughout your time as a Teaching Fellow. How to access the TF Blackboard site: If you are unable to access this course or have any questions as you view the materials provided, please contact GRS (grsgs@bu.edu) or the Center for Teaching & Learning (ctl@bu.edu). Fall Operation of the CAS Advising Center CAS Academic Advising is available for advising appointments and meetings. Please feel free to reach out and/or refer students to their office at any time through the contact information provided below. CAS Advising Center Reporting Students of Concern CAS Advising has created a mechanism for you to easily report students of concern. The CAS Student Report form is a way for you to let them know when you are concerned about a student. The reasons could range from attendance and connectivity issues to concerns about a student’s overall wellbeing. CAS Advising will then follow up with CAS students and work to connect them with the appropriate campus resources and forward reports for non-CAS students to their respective schools and colleges. We ask that you do not report students for low scores on assignments, quizzes or exams unless it is part of a greater concern or the student is clearly on track for a “D” or “F” grade in the class. This form can also be used to report students who are not being compliant with Covid-19 protocols. CAS Advising will work directly with the Dean of Students Office on issues related to non-compliance. In all cases they will work to let you know if/when there is information to share about the reported student. Please keep in mind that rules around student confidentiality may limit the information that can be shared. Please bookmark the CAS Student Report form and when in doubt, submit a form. Academic Misconduct As you may know, the shift to remote learning presented some significant challenges, not the least of which was the inability to effectively proctor quizzes and exams. Not surprisingly, there has been an increase in the number of academic conduct cases that involved students accessing outside resources during quizzes and exams. In many cases, this included websites (i.e., Chegg, Course Hero) but it also included inappropriate collaboration with classmates and others. CAS Advising will be reminding students that “Unauthorized downloading, uploading, sharing, and/or duplicating course materials including, but not limited to, assignments, exams, quizzes, slides, videos, and any other material created and/or provided by the instructor without the instructor’s express permission” is a violation of Academic Conduct Code. We recognize, however, that the hybrid approach employed this semester will continue to impact your ability to effectively proctor quizzes and exams. The recommendation is that you inform students, both verbally and in writing, of your expectations regarding academic integrity. We would also ask that you inform students if you decide to create questions on quizzes or exams that could identify students who access an outside source. Please consult the Academic Conduct resources on the CAS Advising website for more information about the process for reporting academic misconduct. CTL works to assist graduate students develop and excel as teachers. They offer a number of workshops for graduate students that will allow you the opportunity to: Graduate students may also consult with CTL staff for further individualized help on topics such as facilitating classroom discussions, crafting a teaching statement, and designing a syllabus. Check out the CTL’s first day of checklist for the first day of class for handy information to help you prepare for the start of the semester. Digital Learning & Innovation is available to you as a graduate student and offers consulting, training, funding, and project management services to help you with technological teaching and learning. They also offer several guides and online resources to help you in the classroom, which can be found on their website. Classroom Tech Videos These “What to Expect” videos were created by Digital Learning & Innovations Educational Technology team and highlight a variety of technology-specific, classroom set-up options for Charles River & Fenway campus classrooms. You can access the videos here. Professional Development and Postdoctoral Affairs (PDPA) supports Boston University doctoral students in their professional development journey. Professional development for doctoral students encompasses the activities and resources that can help you sharpen your skill set for the work that you’re doing now and in the future, while also helping you maintain a sense of well-being along the way. Whether you’re exploring career options or looking to build transferable skills, resources and programming exist to support you. PDPA offers a variety of workshops in the areas of Writing & Communications, Teaching, Career Planning, Project Management, and Leadership, as well as panels and events supporting career exploration and networking. You can find more information about PDPA in the Career & Professional Development section of the Graduate Education website. Or reach out to us directly at gradpd@bu.edu Providing Access to Online Resources for Your Class Access to these books is a multi-step process. Students should follow the step-by-step instructions outlined in the Libraries’ Remote Teaching & Learning Guide. Access to Librarians (including class visits) for Students and Faculty To learn more or arrange a visit from a librarian, email Ken Liss at kliss@bu.edu Research Guides & Search Tools Research & Information Literacy Get Social with the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences! Follow us and stay connected for information on events, GRS news, and life at BU. Tag us and use #GRSlife in your posts to get featured! Office of Diversity & Inclusion The Office of Diversity & Inclusion leads the University’s efforts to advance a culture that values and supports diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across our campuses. The Associate Provost works collaboratively with academic and administrative leaders to establish programs and initiatives that support BU’s diversity goals; implement and maintain best practices across the University that ensure shared accountability and progress; and nurture an inclusive and welcoming campus climate for students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds. The Office of Diversity & Inclusion invites you to spend some time looking around their new website— some pages we would like to highlight are the Curated, Crowdsourced, Cultural Guide to Boston, BU’s notable DEI history, a neighborhood guide, a list of programs and events, and the Events Archive, where you can view recordings of past events. Diversity & Inclusion Resources Statement on Diversity Boston University’s Official Statement on Diversity is as follows: “Boston University’s founders opened its doors to all students without regard to religion, race, or gender. Building and sustaining a vibrant community of scholars, students, and staff remains essential to our mission of contributing to, and preparing students to thrive in, an increasingly interconnected world. We strive to create environments for learning, working, and living that are enriched by racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. We seek to cultivate an atmosphere of respect for individual differences in life experience, sexual orientation, and religious belief, and we aspire to be free of intellectual parochialism, barriers to access, and ethnocentrism. Success in a competitive, global milieu depends upon our ongoing commitment to welcome and engage the wisdom, creativity, and aspirations of all peoples. The excellence we seek emerges from the contributions and talents of every member of the Boston University community. Diversity and Inclusion at the College of Arts and Sciences We have a Diversity and Inclusion Office that is a great resource to our students! The BU Graduate Education website has an extensive list diversity of resources for graduate students, including: Additional information and a full list of resources can be found here: https://www.bu.edu/grad/community/diversity-inclusion/ In addition to the numerous student groups and associations open to you as a graduate student at BU, The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences has two college-wide groups that are unique to GRS. These two distinct groups are the Graduate Student Organization (GSO) & Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (GWISE). Both are open to any and all GRS students and offer a wide range of academic, professional development, and social opportunities, such as pub nights, conference and research travel grants, yoga, job talks, book clubs, and much more. If you are not already familiar with these two great organizations, take a minute to check them out! The Newbury Center for First-Generation Students was created with support from Boston University and with an endowment established by funds received from Newbury College to foster the success of first-generation students at Boston University. The center’s goal is to become a highly visible, transformative unit of Boston University, offering programming and services designed to ensure that first-generation students experience the same sense of well-being, belonging, self-efficacy, and academic accomplishment as their continuing-generation peers. Newbury Center Graduate & Professional Student Newsletter oSTEM@BU is a student organization committed to fostering a supportive community for and promoting the professional development of BU’s LGBTQIA+ graduate students in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields. Through social events, invited talks, collaborations with other organizations, and the annual conference of the national oSTEM organization, we offer connections to LGBT peers, a space for queer voices in STEM, and resources and opportunities for career building. oSTEM is open to all who share our mission, whether they identify as LGBTQIA+ or not. Any graduate students interested in learning more can visit our website at sites.bu.edu/ostem, email us at buostem@gmail.com, or attend our first event this semester in September. The Boston University Arts Initiative works to deepen the presence and impact of the arts in the academic life of the university, ensuring that the arts are fundamental to the BU student experience. Push your boundaries. Deepen your understanding. Try on a new perspective.
Come alive with us. At the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, the goal is to create community through conversation and shared experiences. Founded by Dean George K. Makechnie in 1986, the HTC has been a source of programs, events, and experiences that foster critical thought, encourage new connections, and provoke conversation on the issues of the day. The conversations vary in range and intensity, covering topics from domestic and international politics, to the history and future of Boston, to more local conversations like the best ways to study for exams at Boston University. BU and Boston offer a number of family and child-friendly resources and activities that we hope you will find helpful and exciting during your time as graduate student. The BU Graduate Education website features a Kids & Family page that is full of information for graduate students with families, including parenting resources, lactation room information, policy information, childcare and preschool program details, family support services, and a list of some ideas for fun places around Boston to explore with the whole family. Information about the Office of Family Resources and BU Children’s Center can be found here. You can also contact the Children’s Center via phone (617-353-3413) or email (chldcntr@bu.edu) and read all about their expanded facilities and see additional pictures of the center’s newly renovated classrooms, grounds, and play spaces in BU Today. Community Service Center – The CSC provides an opportunity for students to form partnerships and contribute to the community through volunteer efforts and programming Boston is an incredible city, and a great place to call your new home. From centers for science and innovation, to world class museums and arts centers, to green spaces and salt water views, and major league sports teams there is so much to explore. Here are some local publications to help keep you in the loop with what is happening around campus and around Boston: In Boston At BU On Campus Housing Boston University does have a limited number of on campus housing opportunities for graduate students. There are several residences to choose from on the the Charles River Campus (CRC); you can learn about those here. BU Housing E-mail address: Fax number: Address Off-Campus Housing Off-campus housing information can be found on the Off-Campus Services website. Use this site to connect with other terriers to find a roommate, explore housing options around Boston, or list properties. They also provide an excellent collection of resources, tips, and tricks for living in the city. We encourage you to explore the graduate education website as you begin your search. This site has has been updated with an FAQ page regarding off-campus housing in Boston as a graduate student. Finding housing in Boston can be a stressful process (even without a global pandemic!), so we hope this can serve as a helpful resource for you as you navigate this transition. The Living in Boston section may also provide some helpful information. Get to know your local Boston neighborhoods! The city of Boston, Cambridge, and the surrounding areas have a number of eclectic and exciting options for you to explore when deciding where to live, or even how to spend a free day in the city. Our local neighborhoods each have their own unique vibe, so you are sure to find something for everyone. For full details about each neighborhood, including a brief description of the area and information about how far they are from campus, please see the Nearby Neighborhoods section of the Graduate Education website. BU Today’s Boston Neighborhood Guide is also an excellent resource for getting to know the culture of Boston and its surrounding neighborhoods, as is the Office of Diversity & Inclusion’s Neighborhood Guide. Nearby neighborhood include: Information on BU Student transportation permits and passes can be found here. The T There’s a very good chance that you will make use of Boston’s rapid transit system (the MBTA, or simply, “the T”) while you are a student at BU. Boston University is located at several stops along the Boston College branch (B Line) of the Green Line. The MBTA’s Student Semester Pass allows students to prepay for their monthly “T” passes and thereby save approximately 11% off the regular monthly “T” pass price. Information about subway schedules and fares can be found here. The MBTA has incorporated a number of new protocols and procedures to ensure the safety of all riders due to COVID-19. Please see the Ride Safer page for more information. Parking on Campus If you plan on driving a car to classes, you should take a look at the Office of Parking Services’ website. The BUS BU also offers a free shuttle service (called the BUS) on Comm. Ave and between the Medical, Fenway, and Charles River campuses on weekdays and evenings. BUS information, live tracking, and shuttle schedules can be found here. Biking You can register your bike, find resources, safe routes, and bike racks, or rent a bike room online. More info can be found on the BU Bike Safety website. There are also several bike share options, such as BlueBikes, with locations around Boston where you can rent a bike for as long as you need and drop it off at the nearest docking station when you’re finished. Ride Sharing Other forms of readily available transportation in the city includes ride share apps such as Lyft and Uber, which allow you to order rides from your smart phone. You can download the Lyft app here and the Uber app here. Boston also has an number of taxis that you can flag down or call to pick you up and take you where you need to go. Boston University Center for Career Development All graduate students may use the Center for Career Development (CCD). They offer sessions with experienced career counselors, workshops, programs, and much more to help you reach your career goals. From networking to job opportunities to salary negotiations, the CCD offers a seasoned professional staff, a suite of online resources, and a wide variety of events and programs available for students to help you grow your professional life and keep it humming well beyond graduation. Take Charge of your Career Journey Through the CCD you will also have access to VMock, a smart resume platform that helps to review your resume online and provides detailed feedback to help you craft the strongest resume possible. Handshake Handshake is BU’s online hub for career resources, including internship and job listings, in the U.S. as well as around the world. These are provided exclusively for undergrads, graduate students, and alumni. You’ll have 24/7 access and be able to register for events, schedule a career counseling appointment, and upload multiple resumes, cover letters, and other employment-related documents. Handshake is available through the Center for Career Development. For more information, or to create your account and log in now, please visit the CCD website. As a Boston University student, you have the option to order personal business cards online through BU-preferred vendor, Artcraft. The turnaround time is generally 7-10 business days. When creating your business card, keep the design simple. 10 point font or larger is usually ideal. Your contact information should match that which appears on your resume including your full name, your phone number and your email address. Include the school name and your degree (concentration or certificates are optional) and year of graduation with the term “Candidate” if you are a current student. The Office of Professional Development and Postdoctoral Affairs (PDPA) provides a supportive environment for postdoctoral training, offering professional development opportunities to postdocs, doctoral students, and faculty mentors, track postdoc data, and informing BU policy development. Learn more by visiting the PDPA website. Career Planning and Professional Development for PhD Students from the Graduate Education website Boston University policies help connect our daily activities with the University’s mission by setting expectations and clarifying processes for individual members of our community. The Lifebook covers BU’s nonacademic policies—everything from the rules of the residences and replacing a Terrier Card to your privacy rights and records, as well as BU’s policies related to alcohol, hazing, weapons, and sexual misconduct. Additional university-wide policies exist governing wide range of issues, including: GRS Academic Bulletin– The Bulletin contains official information about departments, programs, degree requirements, courses, policies, & procedures here at BU. Requirements listed in the Bulletin take precedence over information found elsewhere. Specific GRS Policies can be found here: https://www.bu.edu/academics/grs/policies/ Boston University reserves the right to suspend, remove funding, or dismiss any student for failure to maintain a satisfactory academic record, acceptable personal behavior, or satisfactory standards of health. All allegations or instances of a violation of a code is overseen by the Office of the Associate Dean, Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. All students have the right to appeal a decision to the Dean, CAS, and the Vice-Provost of Graduate Affairs. The Graduate Education website is your one stop shop for information and resources relevant to the Boston University graduate student population. This site features an exhaustive set of resources for living and learning in Boston, including student group listings, family resources, international student resources, community building opportunities, career development, and funding opportunities. Information Services & Technology (IS&T) provides general-access computing and communications facilities for the entire University community. Links for computing resources on campus, as well as information on where to obtain support for your personal computer can be found at www.bu.edu/tech. IS&T will be sending an email with instructions on accessing Boston University’s Early Access Program. This program allows incoming students to create a BU email account and allows early access to some online services. If you have received the ‘Welcome Email’ and do not receive the email for setting up access after three weeks, please contact IS&T directly at 617-353-2780 or at ithelp@bu.edu. CAS Information Technology is the technical support group for the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Their office is located in CAS, Room 331. Please visit their website and take advantage of the services offered to GRS students, such as providing card access to several CAS/GRS computer labs. Additionally, Teaching Fellows and those in active research labs may benefit from the technical support CAS IT provides to CAS/GRS-owned equipment. Smart Money 101 is a BU Financial Assistance initiative established to provide the Boston University community with online tools, information and other resources to promote effective money management. Access resources related to financial literacy, financial planning, and financial fitness: Boston University’s Sustainability Program comprises a broad range of stakeholder groups on campus to provide the greatest diversity of representation and opinion. The program is made up of BU Sustainability and Dining Services Sustainability. Sustainability is a movement globally, but it is also a movement here at BU. The mission of BU Sustainability is to lead the University to a more sustainable future and integrate sustainability into the culture and structure of Boston University. Implementing the Climate Action Plan will allow the University to reduce its use of natural resources, operating costs, and improve environmental and social impacts. The office addresses a variety of topics, from waste minimization to climate action planning (including a carbon neutrality goal of 2040). Getting involved can be as simple as visiting one of our events or adopting new sustainable behaviors. Here are some easy and fun ways to be a part of the sustainability community at BU: University Service Center– The University Service Center can assist with questions or issues that don’t fall within any of the more specialized offices at the University. BU Dining Services is a great resource that lets you know what’s open and what’s being served on campus, as well as proving information about how to purchase a meal plan or convenience points if you are interested in those dining options. No matter what your study style is or individual study needs are, BU has plenty of options. Please know that the availability and hours of study spaces may change to ensure compliance with health and safety protocols. Please reach out to our office with any questions. Associate Dean Admissions Financial Aid Records Graduate ServicesGetting Started: Blackboard, Zoom, the Link, VPN Access, & getting your Terrier Card
Boston University Login and Email
New students will need to upload their Terrier Card ID photo via the MyBU Student Portal, please see the photo upload procedure and guidelines available on the Terrier Card website. Please note upload your photos by TBD to ensure you can receive your ID card when you arrive.
775 Commonwealth Avenue, Lower Level
617-353-9966, tco@bu.edu.Academic Expectations and Misconduct
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Tuition (12 – 18 credit hours) — $33,335/semester
Student Services Fee — $209/semester
Health & Wellness Fee — $269/semester
Basic Medical Insurance — $3,401/year
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Student Services Fee — $60/semesterStudent Accounts & Tuition Payments
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GRS Teaching Resources Blackboard Course
All GRS Teaching Fellows have been granted access to this site able to view it by logging in to Blackboard with your Kerberos username and password and clicking on “Graduate Student Teaching Resources” under “Courses”.CAS Advising & How to report Academic Misconduct/Non-Compliance
Yawkey Center, Room 401
M-F, 9am – 5pm
casadv@bu.edu
617-353-2400
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Like us on Facebook and be sure to join the GRS Fall 2022 Incoming Students group to connect with your fellow graduate students, network, ask questions, and share information with each other.Diversity & Inclusion
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617-353-5136
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Always be sure to consult this website and/or the appropriate office with any questions.
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GRS Contact Information
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