Off-campus students: Do you ever feel disconnected from the rest of the Heights? Perhaps the new off-campus student council, organized by the Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC) in conjunction with the Office of the Dean for Student Development (ODSD) can help. The formation of the council, which aims to voice specific concerns regarding off-campus issues, was announced in the inaugural issue of the University's off-campus student newsletter on Nov. 9.
"We want to keep students living off campus connected. They are still part of the BC community and we want to keep them connected, especially if they are the only BC students in their apartment building," said Judy Robinson, interim assistant dean of ODSD.
Robinson proposed the idea of an off-campus student council to Mike Delsesto, UGBC director for residential life and A&S '08. "The idea isn't new and novel, but it's new to BC," Robinson said.
Robinson and Delsesto said that the council is still in the planning stages, and they are looking for interested students to give their input as to its direction. The first meeting is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m., where students will articulate the council's mission, goals, and the initiatives they hope to undertake. Students who are interested in joining the council should e-mail either Robinson or Delsesto.
All off-campus students are welcome to attend, both UGBC and non-UGBC members, as well as students who have faced disciplinary action while living off campus. Both Robinson and Delsesto said that these students in particular are often a great resource for administrators, helping them understand the challenges of living off campus.
When asked about the most common issues resulting from off-campus living, Delsesto, who has lived off campus, said that student rights typically top the list.
"Students want to know what their rights and responsibilities are as a tenant. Suddenly you're off campus dealing with landlords, and some are good but some are bad," Delsesto said. Students also look for answers to questions about BC policies off campus and information about on-campus events.
2008 Woodie Awards
