Events and Programs

The Graduate Affairs team hosts a variety of events and programming for both prospective and current underrepresented graduate and professional students. The Graduate Affairs Faculty Fellows for Diversity & Inclusion work to connect prospective URM graduate students with each other and with various resources and opportunities at BU. Signature events are outlined below. 

Annual Events and Programs

Receptions for Underrepresented Graduate and Professional Students

During both the fall and spring semesters, we host two receptions for underrepresented graduate and professional students. The receptions are an opportunity for students from across BU’s graduate schools and colleges to connect and build community. The reception locations alternate between BU’s Charles River and Medical campuses. Underrepresented graduate and professional students from both campuses are welcome to attend all receptions.

Building Community Among Underrepresented Early-Year PhD Students

Three times per year we provide an opportunity for underrepresented first and second year PhD students to meet each other, the Graduate Affairs Faculty Fellows for Diversity and Inclusion, and representatives from key student organizations. These informal gatherings enable PhD students across programs and campuses to socialize and to share successes and challenges as they transition to being in a PhD program and to life in the city of Boston.

Being U @ BU

Prospective PhD applicants can apply to our Being U @ BU program for a chance to visit Boston University to learn more about our PhD programs. The Being U @ BU (pronounced “Being you at BU”) is a 3-day visit during the fall semester, where prospective participants can:

• Connect with current students and faculty about the PhD experience;
• Attend BU’s 3-minute thesis competition event, called PhD on Tap;
• Learn about the unique professional development programming and resources for PhD students at BU;
• and get a chance to explore the surrounding Boston community.

The application for, “Being U @ BU” will go live at the beginning of summer 2024. We will provide housing, transportation, and meals for the duration of the visit. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact yzheng93@bu.edu.