How Can We Help?
When challenges get in the way of your BU experience, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Student Support Services is here to help you navigate personal, academic, social, and financial challenges.
Our team will listen, connect you with the right resources, and support you in moving forward. Whatever you’re facing, we’re here to meet you where you are.
Direct Financial Support
Helping you explore emergency funding and other financial resources for unexpected expenses. We’ll work with you to identify available options and connect you to the support that best fits your situation.
Guidance & Advocacy
Listening without judgment, helping you understand your options, and advocating for you when appropriate. We’re here to help you navigate challenges and feel supported every step of the way.
Campus Connections
Connecting you with the right people, offices, and services across BU. Whether you need academic, financial, health, or personal support, we’ll help you find the right place to start.
Life Navigation
Supporting you through complex, unexpected, or overwhelming situations that may be affecting your well-being or success. Together, we’ll create a plan and identify next steps that work for you.
Off-Campus Resources
Researching and connecting you with trusted community organizations and local services when support beyond BU is needed, including housing, food, and other essential resources.
Personalized Support
Providing one-on-one support tailored to your unique circumstances. Every student’s situation is different, and we’ll work with you to understand your needs and develop a plan that helps you move forward.
When to Submit a Request
You can reach out to Student Support Services at any point—whether you’re dealing with an immediate concern or navigating something ongoing or more complex.
We can help you:
- Talk through what’s going on
- Identify next steps
- Connect with campus and community resources
- Navigate university processes and advocate for you
You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. We’re here to meet you where you are.
What to Expect
After you submit a Support Request Form, a member of our team will follow up within 48 business hours (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.) to schedule a meeting.
Meetings are typically:
- 30 minutes
- In person or via Zoom
- Focused on understanding your situation and identifying next steps
During your meeting, you’ll have space to share what you’re experiencing, ask questions, and work with a Student Support Services staff member to explore options and identify next steps. Follow-up meetings can be scheduled as needed.
Privacy & Confidentiality
Privacy & Confidentiality
Student Support Services is a private, non-confidential resource. Information you share with us is generally kept private and only shared with relevant campus partners on a need-to-know basis. There are some situations where university employees are required to report certain concerns.
If you’re looking for confidential support, you can connect with:
- Student Health Services, including Counseling and Psychiatric Services (SHS/CAPS) and Survivor Advocacy, Response & Prevention (SARP)
- Office of the Ombuds
What’s the difference between private and confidential?
Private: Most university staff keep information private and only share it with relevant campus partners when needed. Some concerns, such as discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or safety concerns, may require reporting or additional action.
Confidential: Confidential resources generally do not share information with others without your permission, except in limited situations involving safety or other legal requirements.
Important Policies
Mandatory Reporting
Most Boston University employees, except designated confidential resources, are mandated reporters. This means they may be required to report concerns related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, sexual misconduct, or potential harm to self or others to the appropriate university or emergency resource.
FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student education records. Boston University generally does not share personally identifiable information from student education records without appropriate authorization, including with family members.
Ways We Can Help
Student Support Services can help with financial challenges, access to basic needs, university processes, and other situations affecting your BU experience. Visit Our Services to learn more.