BC STUDENT FORMATION GOES
GLOBAL S
tudent formation— or the nurturing of students’ intellectual, social, and spiritual development—is essential to a Jesuit, Catholic education and remains a major focus of Boston College’s Light the World campaign. Established as part of the University’s Strategic Plan in 2009, the Center for Student Formation is perhaps the most visible expression of this commitment—with staff and faculty now coordinating nearly a dozen initiatives, including service-immersion trips, retreats, and speaker series, which enable students to critically analyze and integrate their academic, cocurricular, and volunteer experiences. As the University’s formation programming continues to expand so, too, does its international dimension. BC’s new Global Service and Justice Program (GSJP) grants students unique opportunities to examine and experience firsthand issues related to globalization and social
entering from most schools and majors. Over the next four years, these students will balance three required courses, including sophomore year’s “Contextualizing Service” seminar, with language classes and four additional electives that explore common themes, such as environmental justice and global health. To graduate with a GSJP certificate, they must also go abroad to serve communities in need, working in hospitals, schools, nongovernmental organizations, or similar enterprises. REFLECTIONS ABROAD
responsibility. Now in its second year, GSJP is sponsored by the McGillycuddy-Logue Center for Undergraduate Global Studies, itself made possible through the campaign, and balances specialized coursework with local and international service. “The goal is to educate global citizens,” says program Assistant Director Abby Berenson. “We want students to recognize what they can do individually, and as a generation, to make a difference. Whether they start their own nonprofit or become CEO of a large corporation, we hope they realize the global impact of their actions.” More than 75 students applied for the 20 available spots when the program was first offered. This year’s cohort, which begins coursework this spring, is equally distinguished, with freshmen
Students studying in Europe this spring can take advantage of another innovative formation program: BC’s inaugural Outpost Weekend. Held in Dublin, Ireland, the March retreat will give undergraduates the chance to reconnect with fellow BC students and reflect on their international experiences. “Studying abroad can be transformative,” says Michael Sacco, director of the Center for Student Formation, which cosponsors the event with the Office of International Programs. “Outpost Weekend will help students more formally explore this newfound perspective as it relates to their
Students in the Global Service and Justice Program combine tailored coursework with intensive volunteer service, both locally and abroad. 29 advancement
NEXT STEPS Discover more about student formation at the Heights: ▪ Center for Student Formation | www.bc.edu/formation ▪ Global Service and Justice Program | www.bc.edu/gsjp ▪ Outpost Weekend | www.bc.edu/outpost ▪ To support formation, visit www.bc.edu/give and type “student formation” in the designation box.
personal and academic growth.” David Quigley, dean of the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, will be a key presenter at the threeday event. Made possible by campaign support, Outpost Weekend is offered free to the more than 400 BC undergraduates studying in Europe this spring. Students securing one of 30 spaces need only pay their airfare to Dublin. “As BC grows as a global university,” says Quigley, “we hope initiatives like this will help our students better understand all they have to offer the world.”