There are always people who chat occasionally or constantly in Quiet Zones (like the 4th floor large tables).

There are always people who chat occasionally or constantly in Quiet Zones (like the 4th floor large tables). I want to use these spaces to study but I cannot concentrate. Reminding them is sth easier said than done.
There are always people who chat occasionally or constantly in Quiet Zones (like the 4th floor large tables). I want to use these spaces to study but I cannot concentrate. Reminding them is sth easier said than done.

I’m sorry you’re encountering this problem; it must be frustrating to seek quiet spaces, and find that those spaces are not, in fact, quiet. I will let my assistants know. Thanks for making some noise about the noise!

What are the purposes of all those named “houses” on College Road? I never see them used…

What are the purposes of all those named "houses" on College Road? I never see them used...
What are the purposes of all those named “houses” on College Road? I never see them used…

Those buildings house institutes, centers, and other organizations. For instance, Faber House is the home of the Jesuit Institute, Donaldson House is where you would find the Center for Student Formation, and in Manresa House you’d find Campus Ministry. To find out more, I recommend searching house names through BC search (use the magnifying glass icon on any bc.edu page).

Could/would the Library host a poetry “read-in” in memory of the late great Mary Oliver?

Could/would the Library host a poetry "read-in" in memory of the late great Mary Oliver?
Could/would the Library host a poetry “read-in” in memory of the late great Mary Oliver?

I’ll have my colleagues ask around and get back to you.

The library would certainly consider providing space for such an event were someone to organize it; perhaps you could reach out to faculty in the English Dept. affiliated with the Creating Writing Seminar (bit.ly/bc-cw-seminar) or Creative Writing Concentration (bit.ly/bc-cw-concentration), or perhaps students who publish a student literary magazine such as Stylus, Epicenters or Elements. If you would like to schedule an event in library space, contact the administrative office at 617-552-4470.

What is the secret to getting into Boston College?

What is the secret to getting into Boston College?
What is the secret to getting into Boston College?

It’s no real secret; it’s just become a very competitive process. You best bet is to follow the requirements (bit.ly/BC-admissions), and put good effort into your application and essays, and into choosing the teachers who will evaluate you. Wishing you all the luck!

Why can’t we get new library printers?

Why can't we get new library printers?
Why can’t we get new library printers?

The library printers are only 3 years old, but with about 10 million pages printed each year at BC, it’s no wonder that the printers are getting finicky. Library and ITS staff have already started exploring which printers and print management systems will replace what we currently have.

Why is the mens bathrooms in O’Neill so disgusting? Can BC clean more often?

Why is the mens bathrooms in O'Neill so disgusting? Can BC clean more often?
Why is the mens bathrooms in O’Neill so disgusting? Can BC clean more often?

You are not the first to complain about the condition of my long-suffering colleagues, the bathroom walls. Crews clean them several times a day, but that doesn’t always keep up with the heavy use. Requests to have the bathrooms refinished have been put on hold pending decisions on larger renovation plans. For now, I’ll ask you to please treat the bathrooms with the respect they deserve even if they don’t always show their appreciation.

Why’s this semester so much more tiring than the last

Why's this semester so much more tiring than the last
Why’s this semester so much more tiring than the last

Spring semester always seems to be rougher on humans than fall. With fall you have all the energy saved up from the summer, but spring semester starts suddenly and it tends to be cold and snowy, and that makes everything a little more physically challenging, too. Take care of yourself. Get lots of rest. Try and stay cozy and warm.

Why is it so cold in Boston?

Why is it so cold in Boston?
Why is it so cold in Boston?

It has always been thus. Actually, it’s not as cold as it once was. The “Little Ice Age” that bedeviled Europe & North America for several hundred years ended at about the onset of the 20th Century. Colonial era Boston was much colder than now. For warmth, I recommend the hot chocolate at El Pelon and a scarf and hat.

Isn’t it unfair that BC doesn’t give financial aid to international students unlike Harvard, MIT, Amherst, etc.?

Isn't it unfair that BC doesn't give financial aid to international students unlike Harvard, MIT, Amherst, etc.? How can we attract the best of the world if it is unaffordable to go here ??!? #injustice
Isn’t it unfair that BC doesn’t give financial aid to international students unlike Harvard, MIT, Amherst, etc.? How can we attract the best of the world if it is unaffordable to go here ??!? #injustice

Well, my assistants called around campus, and though I don’t have an answer to “why,” I do have a clarification: BC does not offer financial aid to students who are not permanent residents or citizens. This is a decision made at levels higher than, say, the Student Services office, who only carries out policy. Federal financial aid, on the other hand, is only ever available to permanent residents or citizens. If you want to challenge that policy, I suggest garnering support from UGBC and approaching the administration.

Why is there a lack of diversity of food choice at the student dinning hall? Shouldn’t the dinning hall honor student’s diverse background and food preference? :)

Why is there a lack of diversity of food choice at the student dinning hall? Shouldn't the dinning hall honor student's diverse background and food preference? :)
Why is there a lack of diversity of food choice at the student dinning hall? Shouldn’t the dinning hall honor student’s diverse background and food preference? 🙂

Let Dining Services know what you’d like to see by leaving them a comment: bit.ly/BCDiningComment. Please keep in mind that cost and how easy it is to cook for LOTS of people are just a couple of the things they’re juggling in planning menus.

Are there any anthropologists teaching at BC?

Are there any anthropologists teaching at BC?
Are there any anthropologists teaching at BC?

Yes, there are! Faculty members in the Lynch School of Education, Patrick McQuillan, Ph.D., and Gabrielle Oliveira, Ph.D., have backgrounds in anthropology. And Theology Department faculty member Mary Ann Hinsdale, Ph.D., teaches Theological Anthropology (THEO 796801).

Why is that the university counseling service so few staff? Everyone knows students need more mental health services + the “Whole-person” education mission should care for students’ well-being, then why don’t BC expands the service?

Why is that the university counseling service so few staff? Everyone knows students need more mental health services + the "Whole-person" education mission should care for students' well-being, then why don't BC expands the service?
Why is that the university counseling service so few staff? Everyone knows students need more mental health services + the “Whole-person” education mission should care for students’ well-being, then why don’t BC expands the service?

It sounds like you’re frustrated with a long wait, and have heard from other students who are as well. It’s good of you to commiserate with them; everyone needs an understanding ear. My assistants have communicated your frustrations to Student Affairs; when they respond, I’ll post it here. I hope you get the help you seek in spite of a long wait.

Student Affairs responds:

While UCS is staffed at levels at least equal to most of our peer institutions, and is always available to students in crisis that day, there is still the reality that students seeking ongoing longer term therapy may have to wait up to a couple of weeks for an appointment. We are piloting a new initiative offering same day consultation appointments for students seeking to address an identified problem in a rapid access fashion. We hope that this will help more accurately and quickly meet student mental health needs. We are always interested in feedback of all sorts, and strive to improve our service to the BC community.

Please do something about the people who go up to the fifth floor & talk on their phones… So annoying!! :(

Please do something abou tht epeople who go up to the fifth floor & talk on their phones... So annoying!!
Please do something about the people who go up to the fifth floor & talk on their phones… So annoying!! 🙁

I understand your frustration! We are working on developing more effective ways of conveying and enforcing building policies. Very soon you will see new signage that will hopefully encourage users to comply with policies intended to maintain a comfortable and respectful library environment.