Our 3 Structural Reforms

CCDB Mission and Vision Statement: 

Community is the centerpiece of our campaign. We believe that UGBC needs to connect with students to empower, elevate, and advocate for them. But in order to do that work, we must first listen to students in the communities that they exist in. The following policies and collaborative ideas are dedicated towards making a stronger community, hopefully with a little bit of fun along the way

Advocacy and Cooperation with Administration: 

1. Lobby the Board of Trustees for a Student Union space.

1.1 Build coalitions amongst the student body to demonstrate a need for spaces where students can meet, collaborate, and advocate for themselves. 

1.2 Form community and coalitions of students through the initiatives below.

2. Work with Dean of Students to have a successful and larger rollout of the Community Connectors program.

3. Work with administrators to develop clear, actionable plans for UGBC's response to crisis incidents that arise on campus. 

4. Work with OSI to streamline the process for booking spaces and areas for tabling. 

4.1 Increase accessibility to the booking process, especially for outdoor spaces.

4.2 Work to identify a way for students not affiliated with a student organization to table for causes important to them. 

5. Clarity from OSI on how to start your own organization.

Campaigns, Student Engagement, and Student Empowerment: 

6. Develop a UGBC Division dedicated to community care, development, and belonging  

7. Work with the administration to create a monthly challenge that incentivizes students to explore new places and activities.

7.1 This challenge is an opportunity for students to check out a variety of resources and spaces in an effort to promote community sociability and engagement.

7.2 This challenge will build bridges between BC and its greater communities of Newton, Brookline, and Boston to pop the BC Bubble.

7.3 Challenges may include going to specific dining locations, going to a club event, going on a walk around the Rez, meeting with an advisor, administrator, or wellness coach, visiting common/community places in surrounding areas, or utilizing certain public resources provided by surrounding communities or provided by BC (e.g. free entry to the MFA or New England Aquarium). 

7.4 A certain number of challenges must be completed, proof of completion will be submitted in a google form, and, if approved, those who completed the challenge will be entered into a lottery for a monthly prize provided by UGBC and/or campus partners. 

8. Create a version of Discover Boston in the Spring.

9. Establish a Say “Hi” Campaign.

9.1 The goal of this campaign is to find ways to improve and counteract the “BC Lookaway.”

9.2 This will be inspired by the “Heads Up” BC Campaign and in collaboration with the Murray Center for Student Wellness.

10. Create more sociability in the Dining Halls.

10.1 Designate tables where people sitting there are open to new conversations.

10.1 Create themed events in dining halls to build community, such as March Madness, Karaoke, Sweet Treat Tuesday, community building in dining halls.

11. Improve Residential Communities.

11.1 Hold optional “Open Door Days” in Residence Halls to increase communal connections in the dorms. 

11.2 Advocate for increased funding and partnerships between RA programs and student organizations.

11.3 Work to create innovative opportunities for RA programming that expand beyond the residential dorms.

11.4 Push for programming events to be in public spaces such as lobbies. 

a.) e.g. “Waffles in Walsh” program that has happened previously. 

11.5 Work with students to find ways to develop a stronger sense of belonging between on-campus and off-campus students.

11.6 Advocate and work with campus offices and UGBC to hold more events on the Brookline Campus open to all students, to encourage inter-campus relationships and experiences. 

Event Planning and Facilitation: 

12. Collaborate with CAB to create #PackTheQuad initiatives to hold more communal events.

a.) Host movie nights on Stokes Lawn.

b.) Provide Lawn Games on Stokes Lawn during pleasant weather for all to use.

c.) Provide games such as Volleyball, Spikeball, Cornhole, Big Jenga, Big Chess, Big Connect 4 games on Stokes Lawn for all to use. 

d.) Host occasional tournament Fridays nights.

e.) These would be less formal than the intramural leagues. 

f.)  Advocate for more decorations during the Holiday Season.

g.) Collaborate with music, dance, art clubs, and administration to have public displays, showcases, and teaching sessions throughout the semester. 

13. Collaborate between UGBC and campus partners to host more opportunities to interact with and support students. 

13.1 Work with DOS to host Deans and Donuts in more public spaces to be more accessible.  

13.2 Develop other creative ways for administration to engage and connect with students. 

14. Advocate for collaboration between student artists and sustainability-focused organizations on campus beautification efforts in The Rat, Eagles Nest, and outdoor areas around campus. 

    1. Improving lighting and decoration. 

    2. Advocating for more liberty in BC posting policy. 

    3. Pollinator patches. 

Leave of absence 

1. Expand clarity and advising for students pursuing leave of absence, regarding credits, financials, and resources.

1.1  Make resources for leave of absence requests and additional support systems more publicly accessible to the student body. 

Murray Center for Student Wellness and Engagement Campaigns 

2. Create a UGBC partnership with UCS and the Murray Center for Student Wellness centered on discussion and guidance on how to effectively launch mental health campaigns and initiatives best suited for college students. 

2.1 Work to promote already existing Murray Center for Student Wellness programs and activities.

2.3 Create a partnership and supporting relationship between UGBC and Murray CSW’s Eagles for Wellness Club.

a.) Collaborate during brainstorming sessions of Mental Health campaigns.

b.) Send a UGBC representative/ liaison to biweekly meetings.

2.4 Develop programming recommendations for high-stress periods (midterms, finals, post-break).

a.) Publicize wellness resources in the UGBC newsletter and social media accounts.

3. Work with the Women's Center to expand and improve efficiency in sexual violence prevention training and Title IX procedure programming in residential halls.

4. Work with UCS to create an online booking & appointment cancellation system for returning students.

4.1 Push for support for accessing mental health care off-campus through improving the referral system in UCS. 

5. Collaborate with Campus Ministry to publicize spiritual wellness opportunities such as retreats, ministry, and pastoral counseling. 

5.1 Brainstorm ways to continue to develop opportunities for reflection and spirituality throughout all four years of BC in partnership with FYE, Campus Ministry, the Center for Student Formation, Resident Ministers, and other campus partners. 

Resources 

6. Training and empowering UGBC Members on resources that exist for wellness so they can further expand accessibility and information to the student body. 

6.1 Develop an ongoing collaboration between the Dean of Students (DOS) and UGBC to inform students of all the services and resources available through DOS. 

6.2 Develop an ongoing collaboration between the Murray Center for Student Wellness (CSW) and UGBC to inform students of all the resources that the Murray CSW offers. 

6.3 Share videos of UGBC reps walking from common locations to resource centers to inform the student body, particularly new students, where resources are. 

7. Advocate for revamping the BC Wellness Canvas Page to be more accessible, up-to-date, and thorough in the resources it provides. 

Resolutions and Advocacy 

1. We will work toward a culture of transparency, accountability, and integrity on-campus through acknowledging student needs, demands, and hardships.  

2. Release an Executive statement and advocate for a Senate resolution to condemn the 2025-2026 response to ICE, and reaffirm UGBC’s stance against ICE infringement on campus and Boston College’s support for all students. 

3. We recognize that Boston College was founded, built, and designed for low-income Irish Catholics, and a large section of the student body does not fit that demographic. 

3.1 While governing, we will continue to analyze the policies and practices that impact students’ experiences and question whether these guidelines are the best way to steward the current identities and experiences of the student body. 

4. We are committed to supporting the general student body as well as those who may need additional support. If elected, UGBC will not compromise support of low-income, AHANA, LGBTQ+, disabled, first-generation, or international students, or any student in pursuit of other goals.

4.1 If we are unable to take action to support the Boston College student body, we will be as transparent as possible as to why we are unable to do so.

5. Advocate for the Dean of Students Office to publish a “Bias Incident Report” at the beginning of every academic year sharing the bias incidents that occurred on-campus in the previous academic year. 

5.1 All information will be de-identified, only quantitative information will be shared. 

5.2 Train UGBC in the details of the bias-related incident process so that student advocates can be better equipped to understand and advocate for improvements to the system.

6. Continue to support the development of a relationship with the admissions office and the office of First-Year Experience to inform prospective and support incoming LGTBQ+ and AHANA students.

7. Expand Kosher and Halal meal accessibility in dining halls.

8. Increasing visibility and awareness of the Kosher and Halal Kitchen.

AHANA Care 

9. Use the UGBC-SOS report and testimonials from meetings with AHANA students and faculty to draft and present tangible resolutions to the administration and advocate for the needs of AHANA students.

9.1 Improve AHANA mental health support and resources in response to bias-related incident reports.

9.2 Improve the procedure for addressing bias-incident reports to address the expressed needs of AHANA students.  

10. Implement more initiatives to support pre-professional and higher education prep for AHANA, first-generation, and international students.

LGBTQ+ Belonging and Well-Being 

11. Present a resolution in the Senate disagreeing with incoming University President Fr. Butler's stance that an LGBTQ+ Resource Center will not happen.

11.1 Work with QLC and the BAIC to publicize use of LGBTQ+ resources and spaces around BC to develop demonstrated interest in the use of a full LGBTQ+ Resource Center. 

12. Meet with QLC to identify issues queer activists face and develop a plan to overcome institutional obstacles. 

13. Continue to advocate for the humane treatment of transgender students, specifically with ResLife and the BAIC as well as generally in areas of IT Service, academic classes, mental health resources, physical health resources, administrative support, and amongst the general Boston College community. 

14. Continue to advocate for top-down LGBTQ+ resources with administration and develop new relationships with students and groups that support the LGBTQ+ community through a bottom-up approach. 

15. Arrange a town hall meeting with QLC, other LGBTQ+ resources, and members of the student body regarding the needs of LGBTQ+ students. 

15.1 Draft and present tangible resolutions based on the town hall to the administration and advocate for Queer students' needs.

16. Facilitate conversations between QLC, BAIC, and First-Year Experience (FYE) to determine if the best home for the Pride Peers Mentoring program is under FYE or the BAIC. 

16.1 If changed, this would model Pride Peers after the Compass mentoring program. 

Support for Students in Messina College 

17. Advocate for the rising Messina class that is choosing to transfer into one of the Chestnut-Hill schools, in regards to academic transparency and cooperation, housing, financial aid, and on-campus opportunities.  

18. Develop clear and concise answers from faculty and administration surrounding Messina College in regards to academic planning, on-campus employment, and other on-campus opportunities. 

Transfer Student Experience 

19. Collaborate with First-Year Experience and Dean of Students to design a more comprehensive and relevant orientation experience for transfer students. 

19.1 Detail ways to use different campus facilities and resources (e.g., The Plex, Montserrat House, etc.)  

19.2 Inform students regarding on and off-campus housing, and the appeal process. 

International Student Experience 

20. Facilitate conversations between DOS, Office of International Students and Scholars, UHS, and Financial Aid, to better support international students navigating U.S. health insurance and infirmary services. 

21. Introduce a pilot program in partnership with BC Law for information sharing and resource guidance, individual meetings with international students and study abroad students regarding current U.S immigration policies, visa holder status, U.S. citizenship protections and resources abroad, on-campus resource directory, and clarity on immigration enforcement access to campus resources.

Resolutions and Advocacy 

1. Advocate for fossil-fuel divestment.

1.1 Lobby the Board of Trustees and administration to publicize the BC investment portfolio 

1.2 Lobby the Board of Trustees to divest from unethical funds and uphold Jesuit, Catholic values at all levels of BC administration

Initiatives and Programming 

2. Restore and expand climate-conscious practices and research initiatives that were previously halted due to the closure of the Office of Sustainability.

2.1 Student-facing initiatives, like tabling, merch distribution, and maintaining a community garden.

2.2 Administrative and Sustainability student organization collaboration, focused on recycling and composting efforts.

3. Expand programming for Earth Day and other sustainability-driven activities for the student body. 

3.1 Establish an end-of-the-year BC thrift market tradition in the Quad.

3.2 Work with facilities to plan pollinator patches on-campus.

Cooperation with the Division of Environmental Sustainability (E&S) 

4. Elevate the Division of Environmental Sustainability through prioritizing climate-driven policy based on data and advising.

5. Reinstate Green Ambassadors (GAs) through E&S.

5.1 GAs work at home football games to encourage composting and recycling during events 

6. Empower E&S to collaborate and support all sustainability-oriented organizations on-campus 

7. Facilitate collaboration between E&S, sustainability organizations, academic departments, schools, ResLife, and facilities. 

Direct Student Support 

1. Develop a UGBC Division dedicated to serving Financial Equity.

2. Expand scholarship opportunities for summer classes and summer abroad stipends. 

3. Increase financial clarity for students on mental health leave of absence. 

4. Facilitate access to course material funding through UGBC, the Bookstore, academic departments, and Montserrat for all students.

4.1 Advocate for professors and academic departments to develop syllabi that rely on accessible materials and digital resources.

5. Continue to expand the free laundry supplies program to all residential communities

6. Develop an emergency toiletries relief program in Soph+ areas that provides free toilet paper and is restocked weekly.

6.1 Long-term advocacy for BC to become a laundry-fee-free school 

7. Develop a UGBC resource guide on resources for governmental and non-profit assistance for students, e.g. SNAP Benefits. 

Collaboration with Montserrat, Dean of Students, and Campus Offices   

8. Advocate for on-campus offices (e.g., Campus Ministry, FYE, Women’s Center, etc.) to utilize a common fee waiver form for all retreats and programs with financial barriers to entry for Montserrat students to reduce administrative burden for all involved. 

9. Cooperate with the Montserrat Office to increase the course material funds available to students.

10. Cooperate with Montserrat to increase access to events through non-lottery dependent systems.

11. Work with the Montserrat Office to ensure their website is updated and maintained frequently.

12. Work with ResLife and RA Council to make resident assistants receive more equitable compensation for holiday duty shifts.

12.1 Long-term advocacy for increased wages for RA.

13. Collaborate with the Dean of Students, ResLife, and Montserrat to expand access to winter housing alternatives for students experiencing unstable housing circumstances. 

14. Cooperate with BC Dining to find ways to cut costs for students, while maintaining the University's commitment to livable wages for employees. 

14.1 Develop a survey for the student body regarding BC Dining meal options and affordability, so frustrations can be specified and addressed in meetings with data and testimonials. 

15. Work with student employment services (Student Services) to ensure the maintenance of accurate on-campus job listings, especially for federal work-study awards. 

16. Facilitate conversations between DOS, UHS, and Financial Aid to better support students navigating the BC health insurance plan.  

Resolutions and Advocacy 

17. Advocate for clear and direct communication between student employers and students seeking employment, through collaboration between UGBC and the Office of Student Services. 

18. Strengthen advocacy for Questbridge Scholars, especially regarding “hidden fees.” 

19. Provide clarity through collaboration with the Financial Aid Office surrounding federal work-study (FWS) awards. 

Student Support 

1. Create a central and accessible student resource gateway portal to consolidate the various and often unknown resources across offices and departments on campus, and categorized by student needs. This initiative would include:

   1. International Student, Scholar & Study Abroad Resources; FERPA & laws, immigration advocates network, professional development resources for working internationally or in the U.S., FAFSA and BC financial aid deadlines and resources.

   2. Information on academic advising, important forms and deadlines, and upcoming opportunities. 

   3. Scholarship, internship, conference, and summer opportunities throughout BC offices 

Care for and Empowerment of Students with Disabilities

2. Meet with representatives from the Office of Disability Services (DSO) and Connors Family Learning Center to influence initiatives targeting barriers in academic accommodation and accessibility for students in areas such as: 

   1. Expanding visibility for resources offered by academic support offices and disability services.

   2. Advocate for on-campus testing for disabilities, like ADHD, therefore reducing financial barriers to receiving accommodations. 

Transportation 

3. Advocate for and initiate a plan to update the Transloc app for reliable transportation times and increased accessibility.

   1. Transloc needs improvement during the holidays and winter months when service gets disrupted. 

   2. These issues and inconsistencies with transportation lead to students being late and missing class or work.

      1. Students living off-campus, on Brookline or Newton campuses, are often disadvantaged due to transportation. 

Resource Access and Advocacy 

4. Work with IT to develop a more user-friendly internal review system for professors and courses to boost response rates.