Lifebook

Welcome to the Boston University (BU) community. As a vibrant, international, comprehensive, private research university, BU is not only committed to educating students to be reflective and resourceful members of our society but also to providing a rich campus life filled with opportunities for personal and professional growth. The Lifebook serves as an essential resource for all students, providing a complete guide to the community standards, expectations, and policies that govern student life. Whether you are living on campus or commuting from off-campus, the Lifebook outlines the key guidelines that help maintain a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone.

There are two sections to the Lifebook: Section 1: A Guide for All Students which applies to all students in our community and Section 2: A Guide to Residence Hall Living which applies to all students living in our residences.

Section 1: A Guide for All Students

You are now a member of the Boston University community. Beyond your academic responsibilities, life at BU includes interactions with peers, faculty, and staff, as well as participation in various extracurricular activities. The Lifebook covers important aspects of these experiences, ensuring that all students are aware of their rights and responsibilities within the BU community. Remember, the principles outlined in the Lifebook apply not only within the classroom but also in all aspects of your daily life at BU. By familiarizing yourself with these guidelines, you contribute to the positive culture and shared values that make Boston University a welcoming and dynamic place to learn and grow. The team in the Dean of Students Office and Division of Student Affairs is here to support you along this journey.

• Alcohol & Illegal Substances
  BU complies with state and federal law, but we have our own policy for students too
• Animals on Campus
  Pets, service animals, and more
• Campus Parking Permits
  Where to get a permit and penalties for falsifying one
• Acceptable Use of Computing Services Policy
  Rules for using our computing facilities
• Annual Notice Concerning Peer-to-Peer File Sharing
  The University’s notice regarding peer-to-peer file sharing
• Events and Demonstration Policy
  Learn more about how to book a space on campus or use a space to have a demonstration
• Firearms & Dangerous Substances
  From guns and flammable liquids, to the safety of knowing how to use mace and pepper spray responsibly
• Grievance & Complaint Procedures
  Covering general grievances, cases of discrimination or harassment, and disability discrimination
• Hazing Prevention & Reporting
  Details for what constitutes hazing and what to do if it happens
• Jury Service
  The benefits of serving and how to arrange missed classes and more if you’re called up
• Publications & Publicity
  Everything from student opinion journals to chalking, free expression boards and brochures
• Absence for Religious Reasons
  Excused absences from attending classes or participating in examinations, work, or study requirements to accommodate the observance of religious faiths.
• Records
  Address changes, disciplinary records, and your privacy rights (FERPA)
• Suspension & Credit
  Rules for credit taken outside BU while suspended
• Terrier Card (BU ID)
  Where to get yours and how to replace one
• Tolerance & Religion
  Showing respect for the beliefs of others is part of BU life
• Sexual Misconduct Policies
  What we define as sexual misconduct, and how to prevent and eliminate any such behavior

Section 2: A Guide to Residence Hall Living

Our team at Residence Life and the Dean of Students Office welcomes you. Living in a campus community can be new and exciting for students. We want all of you to live in an engaging, safe, and affirming community while you are at BU. Students living on-campus housing must understand their rights and responsibilities as residents of our halls and are expected to uphold these responsibilities for themselves and others. Residents’ conduct, in and out of the facility, must be considerate of others, their rights, and in accord with the Residence License Agreement, applicable laws and other university policies.

• Residential Policies
  Everything a BU resident needs to know, from what’s allowed in our halls to what we expect of you
• Residential Conduct & the Judicial Process
  If a rule is broken or an investigation found necessary, here’s how it plays
• Graduate House Rules
  A list of important house rules that residents of graduate housing are expected to respect.