Dear Students,
Welcome to Boston College for the start of the 2025-2026 academic year! We are so excited to have you here.
At Boston College, the Office of the Dean of Students cultivates a culture of care, responsibility, and growth, ensuring every student feels welcome and can thrive. Aligned with Boston College's Jesuit values and commitment to student formation, we encourage each of you to engage in self-reflection and to grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually during your time here.
During the start of this new year, we ask that you please take a moment to review the Student Code of Conduct. The Code provides information on community standards and the process to address violations of these policies, including how to report any misconduct experienced by you or another community member.
The Student Code of Conduct has many policies and procedures, and your familiarity with them is crucial. However, there are a few central policies that I would like to direct your attention to:
Hazing: Any form of hazing is prohibited by University policy and MA law. Hazing refers to any activity or abuse of power by a member of an organization/group used against an individual or group as a condition to affiliate with, hold membership, or join (or to maintain full status) that humiliates, degrades, or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of willingness to participate.
Help Seeking Policy: We encourage all students to seek immediate assistance for themselves or others in situations when help is needed due to intoxication or drug ingestion. Students who utilize this policy may not be subject to conduct action.
Misrepresentation of Identity: It is a felony to falsely make or alter a driver's license or other form of identification, and a criminal offense to use or carry a false identification card in Massachusetts. Students are prohibited from possessing fake identification or presenting themselves as another person.
Theft/Possession of Stolen Property: Theft is the unauthorized taking, appropriation, use, or possession of property belonging to another person (which includes the unauthorized taking of packages and food deliveries).
Bias Motivated Conduct: Students are prohibited from behavior and language that constitutes a violation of the Code of Conduct and demonstrates bias against others because of their actual or perceived race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, ethnicity, or status as a member of any other protected class. Bias-related incidents can be reported via the online form.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct: All forms of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking, are prohibited. The University maintains a Title IX Harassment Policy and the Student Sexual Misconduct Policy.
Copyright Compliance: Boston College requires all members of the University to comply with copyright laws and the provisions of licensing agreements that apply to software. Students are prohibited from the unauthorized copying or distribution of any material created by anyone other than themselves.
Lastly, I want to remind you all that it is normal and expected to experience challenges and conflicts during your time at BC. We encourage you to view these moments as chances to grow, engage in thoughtful, critical dialogue, and foster an environment where every student feels cared for. As staff, we are committed to supporting you through these challenges, often through the use of restorative practices, which can create spaces of trust and respect and bring community members together for difficult conversations, deep listening, and restorative dialogue.
Thank you for taking the time to review these important items as we begin the new year. I welcome your collaboration and feedback as the semester progresses, and wish you all the best for a great semester at Boston College.
Sincerely,
Melissa Hunt, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Student Conduct
Office of the Dean of Students
Division of Student Affairs
Office of the Dean of Students
Maloney Hall, Suite 448
21 Campanella Way
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-552-3470 / Email: deanofstudents@bc.edu
www.bc.edu/dos / IG: bc_deanofstudents