The Boston University calendar is a bustling hub of academic, cultural, and social events, offering a diverse range of activities and experiences for students, faculty, and the local community. Each month brings a new set of exciting opportunities, and this guide will take you through the highlights, from inspiring lectures and workshops to vibrant performances and community engagements. Whether you're a student looking for ways to enhance your academic journey or a community member seeking intellectual stimulation, the Boston University calendar has something for everyone.
January: A New Year, A Fresh Start
The start of a new year often brings a renewed sense of motivation and ambition. Boston University kicks off the year with a series of events designed to engage and inspire the student body and the wider community.
MLK Day of Service
Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Boston University organizes a day of service, encouraging students and faculty to give back to the community. This year, the focus is on environmental initiatives, with tree-planting drives and clean-up campaigns across the city.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| MLK Day of Service | January 16th |
Winter Lecture Series: Innovation in a Changing World
This month-long lecture series brings together experts from various fields to discuss the impact of innovation on our rapidly changing world. Topics range from technological advancements in healthcare to sustainable practices in business. The series culminates in a panel discussion, offering attendees an opportunity to engage with the speakers and share their own perspectives.
| Speaker | Topic | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Sarah Green | The Future of Sustainable Energy | January 10th |
| Prof. Robert Johnson | AI and its Ethical Implications | January 17th |
| Ms. Emily Parker | Innovative Approaches to Mental Health | January 24th |
February: Love is in the Air
February is a month of love and celebration at Boston University. With Valentine’s Day and various cultural festivals, the campus buzzes with excitement and creativity.
BU Film Festival: Love Stories
A week-long film festival showcasing romantic comedies, dramas, and documentaries from around the world. The festival includes Q&A sessions with filmmakers and industry experts, offering insights into the world of cinema.
| Film | Director | Showtime |
|---|---|---|
| When Harry Met Sally | Rob Reiner | February 7th, 7 PM |
| Amélie | Jean-Pierre Jeunet | February 8th, 5 PM |
| Call Me By Your Name | Luca Guadagnino | February 14th, 8 PM |
Lunar New Year Celebration
A vibrant celebration of the Lunar New Year, featuring traditional performances, cultural exhibits, and delicious food. The event aims to bring the Boston University community together to learn about and celebrate Asian cultures.
March: Spring’s Arrival
As the snow melts and the sun shines brighter, Boston University’s calendar blooms with outdoor events and community initiatives.
Spring Fling
A week-long celebration of the arrival of spring, featuring outdoor concerts, art installations, and a vibrant farmers’ market. The highlight of the week is the Spring Fling Festival, a day-long event with live music, food trucks, and games.
Community Garden Dedication
Boston University officially opens its new community garden, offering students and faculty a space to grow their own produce and learn about sustainable agriculture. The dedication ceremony includes speeches from university officials and a workshop on urban gardening.
April: Academic Excellence and Spring Break
April is a month of academic achievements and much-needed relaxation at Boston University.
Research Symposium
A two-day event showcasing the cutting-edge research conducted by Boston University’s graduate and undergraduate students. The symposium includes poster presentations, oral sessions, and a keynote address by a renowned scholar in the field.
Spring Break Community Service Trips
Boston University students have the opportunity to participate in community service trips during their spring break. This year, the trips focus on environmental conservation, with students traveling to various locations to engage in projects such as reef restoration and sustainable agriculture initiatives.
May: Graduation and End-of-Year Celebrations
May is a month of celebration and reflection as Boston University’s graduating class prepares to move on to the next chapter of their lives.
Senior Week
A week-long celebration for graduating seniors, featuring exclusive events and activities. From a senior-only concert to a graduation brunch, the week is designed to honor the achievements of the graduating class and provide them with memorable experiences before they depart.
Commencement Ceremony
The highlight of the month is the commencement ceremony, where Boston University’s graduating class receives their diplomas. The ceremony is a grand affair, attended by faculty, alumni, and proud families, and is followed by a reception and alumni networking event.
June: Summer Sessions and Community Engagement
As the academic year comes to a close, Boston University shifts its focus to summer sessions and community engagement initiatives.
Summer Courses: Explore Your Interests
Boston University offers a range of summer courses, allowing students to explore new subjects and delve deeper into their passions. From art history to computer science, the summer courses provide a unique opportunity for academic exploration and personal growth.
Community Partnership Day
A day dedicated to strengthening Boston University’s ties with the local community. Students, faculty, and staff volunteer their time and skills to various community projects, such as tutoring at local schools, organizing donation drives, and supporting local businesses.
July and August: Summer Activities and Research
The summer months at Boston University are a time for research, exploration, and fun activities.
Summer Research Symposium
A showcase of the research conducted by Boston University’s students and faculty during the summer months. The symposium provides an opportunity for researchers to present their findings and engage in discussions with their peers, fostering a culture of academic collaboration and innovation.
Summer Concert Series
A series of outdoor concerts featuring local and regional artists, offering a perfect blend of music and summer vibes. The concerts are open to the public and provide a great opportunity for the Boston University community to come together and enjoy live music under the summer sky.
September: A New Academic Year Begins
As the summer comes to an end, Boston University gears up for a new academic year, welcoming a fresh batch of students and kicking off a new cycle of events and activities.
Welcome Week
A week-long orientation program for new students, designed to help them settle into campus life and make new friends. The week includes campus tours, ice-breaker activities, and workshops on academic resources and student support services.
First-Year Lecture Series: Discovering Your Path
A series of lectures and workshops aimed at helping first-year students explore their academic and career interests. The series features talks by alumni and industry professionals, offering insights into various career paths and providing guidance on academic planning.
October: Fall Foliage and Cultural Events
October brings the vibrant colors of fall and a range of cultural events to Boston University’s campus.
BU Film Festival: Horror Extravaganza
A week-long film festival dedicated to the horror genre, featuring classic and contemporary films, as well as discussions on the art and craft of horror cinema. The festival includes a costume contest and a special screening of a local filmmaker’s horror short film.
Halloween on the Plaza
A family-friendly Halloween celebration, featuring a costume parade, pumpkin carving, and spooky stories. The event is organized by Boston University’s student organizations and is open to the entire community, offering a fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween.
November: Thanksgiving and Community Service
November is a month of gratitude and community service at Boston University.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Boston University students and faculty come together to collect non-perishable food items for local food banks. The food drive aims to ensure that everyone in the community has a nutritious meal during the holiday season.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
A free Thanksgiving dinner open to the entire Boston University community and the local neighborhood. The dinner is a chance for students, faculty, and community members to come together, share a meal, and express gratitude for their blessings.
December: End-of-Year Celebrations
As the year draws to a close, Boston University hosts a series of end-of-year celebrations, reflecting on the past year’s achievements and looking forward to the future.
Holiday Concert Series
A series of concerts featuring Boston University’s talented musicians, performing a range of holiday music. The concerts are a chance for the community to come together and celebrate the season with festive music and holiday cheer.
New Year’s Eve Gala
A formal gala to ring in the new year, featuring a gourmet dinner, live music, and a champagne toast at midnight. The gala is a chance for the Boston University community to celebrate the end of the year and look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
How can I stay updated on Boston University’s events and activities?
+You can stay updated on Boston University’s events and activities by visiting the university’s official website, which has a dedicated events calendar. You can also follow the university’s social media accounts, which often feature highlights and promotions for upcoming events.
Are these events open to the public or only for Boston University students and faculty?
+Most events on the Boston University calendar are open to the public, with some specifically tailored for students and faculty. However, certain events, such as lectures and workshops, may require registration or have limited seating, so it’s always a good idea to check the event details in advance.
Can I volunteer for community service events organized by Boston University?
+Absolutely! Boston University often seeks volunteers for its community service events. You can find more information and sign up through the university’s community service portal or by contacting the relevant student organizations or community engagement offices.
