About the Center

The Newbury Center opened its doors in January 2021 with the goal of fostering the holistic success of first-generation students at Boston University—students we refer to as “Terrier Firsts.” We aim to become a highly visible, transformative unit of the 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. The center is located in the heart of campus, at 755 Commonwealth Ave. and is primarily funded by an endowment established with funds received from Newbury College, a private liberal arts college that served many first-generation students in nearby Brookline before closing its doors in 2019.

Specific initiatives include:

Support for navigating the financial aid system and developing financial literacy.

Programs and systems to help students know where to turn for academic support
and how to make the best use of the many available resources that ensure academic
success, such as writing programs and course selection advice.

Support for taking full advantage of internships and study abroad opportunities.

Cohort and mentoring programs to foster a sense of belonging.

Outreach to families to build understanding and shared commitment to academic
success and cocurricular engagement.

Students

Part of fostering the first-generation student is providing them resources to help them succeed.

Also in this section:

Center News

BU’s Newbury Center Hosts Sixth Annual First-Gen Graduate Student Symposium

Keynote speaker is alum Jonathan Allen, cofounder of Boston-based nonprofit Leadership Brainery The graduate student experience can be drastically different from the undergraduate experience. From research and conferences to teaching responsibilities and finding off-campus housing, there are plenty of new, confusing frontiers to navigate—and doubly so if you’re the first person in your family to […]

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Newbury Center Welcome and Orientation – Spring 2023

What is a first-generation undergrad student?  A student in the first generation of their family to go to college (i.e., a student whose parents/guardians/caregivers did not earn bachelor’s degrees, although elder siblings and cousins may be attending college already or have earned four-year degrees). What is a first-generation graduate/professional student?  A student whose parents/guardians/caregivers did […]

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Upcoming Events

First-gen Undergrads First-gen Grad & Professional Students

(CCD) Resume & Cover Letter Review Drop-Ins

Day: Tuesday Mar 28th Time: 12:00pm - 2:30pm Yawkey Center for Student Services. 100 Bay State Rd Room 101.
First-gen Undergrads First-gen Grad & Professional Students

(CCD) CDWS: LinkedIn I: Developing Your Online Profile

Day: Tuesday Mar 28th Time: 1:00pm - 1:30pm Yawkey Center CCD - 613A&B, 100 Bay State Rd or ZOOM
First-gen Undergrads First-gen Grad & Professional Students

(CCD) CDWS: LinkedIn II: Networking & Leveraging Connections

Day: Tuesday Mar 28th Time: 1:30pm - 2:15pm Yawkey Center CCD - 613A&B, 100 Bay State Rd or ZOOM

First Generation Students Support Group

Day: Tuesday Mar 28th Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm 755 Commonwealth Avenue, Newbury Center, Suite B18
First-gen Undergrads First-gen Grad & Professional Students

(ERC) Gear Up for Midterms: Study Strategies & Test Taking

Day: Wednesday Mar 29th Time: 3:30pm - 4:30pm 100 Bay State Road, Room 545A or on Zoom

Advocating for Yourself in Writing

Day: Wednesday Mar 29th Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm Newbury Center, 755 Commonwealth Ave, Suite B18
First-gen Undergrads First-gen Grad & Professional Students

(CCD) Resume & Cover Letter Review Drop-Ins

Day: Thursday Mar 30th Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm Yawkey Center for Student Services. 100 Bay State Rd Room 101.
First-gen Undergrads First-gen Grad & Professional Students

(CCD) Boston University Nonprofit Career Fair

Day: Thursday Mar 30th Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm Yawkey Center for Student Services. 100 Bay State Rd