A headline from the March 1966 issue of The Heights read "Local paper cites wild off-campus BC parties." Some might say things haven't changed. Others, especially those working to improve off-campus life and increase communication among neighbors, students, and Boston College administration, might disagree.
In January, the Office of the Dean for Student Development (ODSD) created an e-mail address to serve as a centralized place where students living off campus could ask questions or file complaints. "The e-mail address serves as a place where students can write any concerns - questions about a landlord, neighbor relations, or policy enforcement," said Judy Robinson, assistant dean of the ODSD. The e-mail address, offcampushelp@bc.edu, has only received one e-mail this semester. Visibility and accessibility seems to be an issue.
The impetus for the creation of the e-mail address was the off-campus report released in the fall by the Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC) Senate Select Committee on off-campus policies. The Committee, led by Sean Scanlon, A&S '08, and Jonathan Karl, A&S '09, detailed some of the common problems BC students face when living off campus. The report included testimonials from students, and seven recommendations for the BC administration on how to improve the quality of life for students grocery shuttles], and it's my hope that the students grab a bus to the grocery store to do their shopping," Cappadona said.
Though directed toward those without meal plans, the grocery shuttle looks to service all students. In addition to students with kitchens, many off-campus students and international students utilize the shuttle for their food needs.
With the limited number of parking spots both on and off campus, only a small number of upperclassmen have cars available for transportation, making the shuttle even more valuable to juniors and seniors.
Many students also found that the shuttle that ran before the week of first semester finals was especially convenient.
"[The shuttle] really helped last year when I was weighed down with finals to have one less obstacle to getting food, and I'm glad they'll be doing it again," said Matthew Erickson, A&S '08. "It's a benefit in terms of time, cost and planning."
There were also a number of freshmen that took the shuttle to obtain snacks and drinks that the dining halls did not provide.
"All people who used it first semester thought it was wonderful, and we received lots of positive feedback," Bisanz said. "[The shuttle] made things really convenient."
The UGBC has finalized the grocery shuttle system and hopes students use the new service. "[The grocery shuttle service] is something that started almost a year ago, and it's nice to see this go through and continue into next year," Bisanz said.
The Sundays that the bus will run trips to Star Market include: March 16 and 30, April 6, 13, 20 and 27, and May 4. "I think [the UGBC] serves the students well, and they will come to the appropriate office to make positive and necessary changes," Cappadona said.
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