Get Involved at Boston University
There are many ways for students in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences to get involved with the BU and Boston communities! With a range of student groups and associations in GRS and across BU, you are sure to find a way to connect with your peers. Seek growth and connection in your professional life, find people who share your interests, impact your community, or just have some fun!
Student Groups & Associations
GRS Student Groups
GRS has two distinct student groups on campus: The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) & Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (GWISE). The GSO is the official representative body of the graduate students in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at Boston University. GWISE strives to create a community to support and promote women in science, technology, engineering, and math fields.
Both are open to any and all GRS students and offer a wide range of academic, professional development, and social opportunities, such as pub nights, conference and research travel grants, book clubs, and much more. If you are not already familiar with these two great organizations, take a minute to learn more about them!
More Boston University Groups & Associations
In addition to GSO and GWISE, Boston University has a wide variety of groups and associations that may be of interest to GRS graduate students.
American & New England Studies Student Association
The American & New England Studies Graduate Student Association fosters community networking and represents student interests in an official manner to the university.
Biomedical PhD Student Association (BPSO)
The Biomedical PhD Student Organization aims to build and strengthen the community among PhD programs at BUMC and to cultivate camaraderie among Biomedical Science PhD students.
Biostatistics Student Association
The BSA fosters discussion and debate around current issues in the field of Biostatistics, as well as networking with like-minded individuals within Biostatistics and related fields.
Graduate Chinese Students and Scholars Association
The CSSA was formed to promote academic and cultural exchange with other communities of different cultures, and to enhance the communication, interaction, understanding, and friendship in the BU Chinese community.
Graduate Entrepreneurship and Innovation Club
The Graduate Entrepreneurship and Innovation Club seeks to provide support, education, and resources to disruptive and entrepreneurial thinkers at BU.
Graduate Music Society
The Graduate Music Society at Boston University fosters an environment for graduate students of all disciplines to discuss and debate current issues in the fields of musicology, music theory, and ethnomusicology.
Graduate Student Advisory Board
The Graduate Student Advisory Board advises the Associate Provost for Graduate Affairs on a range of issues affecting the graduate academic experience. The board meets quarterly with the Associate Provost, sharing concerns of fellow students and ideas for improving graduate and professional education.
Korean Graduate Student Association
An organization of students within the BU community who gather to celebrate and participate in Korean culture.
Minority and International Scientists Organization (MISO)
The Minority and International Scientists Organization provides a supportive and enriched environment to the diverse population of Boston University scientists via various social and academic events.
oSTEM
Queer and LGBTQIAPP+ folks are an underrepresented population in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. oSTEM is a national student society, dedicated to increasing the participation of queer people in disciplines related to these STEM fields and lines of work. We aim to provide social, networking, educational, and career-building opportunities for queer students, staff, faculty, and allies in the sciences.
Pardee Graduate Council
The Pardee Graduate Council (PGC) is the official graduate student organization of the Pardee School. This vibrant student group organizes a variety of activities to enrich students’ lives, including dinners with faculty members and social events.
Project Management Club
BU’s Project Management Club brings together those who want to advance their practical knowledge of project management in fun and interesting ways, providing opportunities for individual and group development with activities and real projects. Anyone at Boston University with an interest in the art and/or science of project management is welcome – including BU students (graduate or undergraduate, full-time and part-time), faculty, and staff.
School of Theology (STH) Student Groups
The inclusive community groups of the School of Theology seek to enhance the graduate student experience at STH and BU. There are a number of organizations, including the School of Theology Student Association.
Science and Technology in Public Policy (STEPUP)
The Science and Technology in Public Policy group at Boston University is committed to fostering a community of scientists engaged in public policy.
Underrepresented Graduate Student Organization (UGSO)
The UGSO is the only university-wide group for underrepresented minority students, and is open to all students that identify underrepresented in higher education.
Urban Planning Association
The Association hosts social, service, learning, and networking events meant to bolster the sense of community within the program and to further student and alumni interests into the various fields of planning.
Women in Physics
Women in Physics aims to highlight the achievements of successful women physicists, educate the physics community on issues relevant to women physicists, encourage a diverse and supportive work environment, strengthen relationships among physicists and other scientists, and support the Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (GWISE) in their stated purpose.
Women’s Professional Development Committee
The Women’s Professional Development Committee provides a supportive space to host professional development opportunities for graduate-level women in science at Boston University through establishing and cultivating a network of exemplary mentorship with women in a diversity of scientific careers.
More Opportunities to Get Involved
BU Community Service Center
The Community Service Center provides an opportunity for students to form partnerships and contribute to the community through volunteer efforts and programming. You can get involved with one of their many programs, or pursue their one-time service opportunities.
Sustainability @ BU
Sustainability is a movement globally, but it is also a movement here at BU. The mission of sustainability@BU is to lead Boston University in a more sustainable direction and integrate sustainability into its culture and structure. The office addresses a variety of topics from waste minimization to climate action planning. Getting involved can be as simple as visiting one of our events, joining a club, or simply turning off the lights.
Here are some easy and fun ways to be a part of the sustainability community at BU:
- Earn points and compete with your friends on the sustainability@BU app!
- Visit us at the Sustainability Festival in September
- Join one of many sustainability-related graduate student organizations or participate in environmental service projects, with Advocates for Literacy in Environmental Sciences , Environmental and Energy Law Society, Energy Club, Net Impact, and thECOlogy.
Club & Intramural Sports
With 34 different student-run club teams to choose from, you will likely find a sport that interests you! Full-time grad students are eligible to play both club sports and intramural sports. Some are casual, others highly competitive. Look at the listings to find what you love.
Music at Marsh Chapel
A vibrant part of the greater university community, Music at Marsh Chapel enjoys a rich heritage of quality music making both in worship and concert. Organizations include the Marsh Chapel Choir, the Marsh Chapel Thurman Choir, and the Inner Strength Gospel Choir. Visit their website for information on joining a choir!
FitRec Dance Program
Do you have a background in dance or looking to pick up a new hobby? You can take a class, perform in the Dance Theatre, or go see a show at FitRec’s dance program! Their aerial, Pilates and pole classes are great for conditioning and muscle toning. If you love dance as a form of creative expression, they’ve got technique and repertory classes that focus on the art and joy of movement. You can also book private lessons! Visit their website for more information.
Religious Life
There are diverse religious communities on campus at Boston University, and there are many ways to connect with people from your religious group. You may get involved in a group that reflects a lifelong commitment to a religious tradition, or you may seek out a group that practices a faith completely new to you. The Religious Life Office at Marsh Chapel, BU Hillel, the BU Catholic Center, and the Islamic Society of Boston University and Religious Life Student Groups provide students with opportunities to connect with one another through weekly group meetings, worship opportunities, and special events.
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