Signature Events & Programs
Mark your calendars for these annual events! In addition to the range of professional and personal development workshops and social events we hold throughout the year, the Newbury Center hosts a set of signature events, held at the same time each year to celebrate and strengthen BU’s first-gen community.
Newbury Center Orientation
Orientations provide first-generation students a warm welcome to BU. Held at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, these events introduce students to the resources of the Newbury Center, teach them some ins and outs of being a first-gen student at BU, and help them begin building community. We host orientations for undergrads on the Charles River Campus and orientations for graduate and professional students on both the Charles River and Medical Campuses.
Terrier F1RSTS Library Connections Program
Did you know that you can have a personal librarian who can help you learn how to research resources for your papers and projects? Designed for first-generation students (undergrad, grad, & professional students), this program matches each participant with one of BU’s amazing librarians. The librarians will introduce students to BU’s various resources, services, and spaces. At the beginning of each semester, students can sign up to be matched with a librarian who will serve as a point-person for information about library resources.
Newbury Center Art Competition
To celebrate the Newbury Center at Boston University, we love to add personality to our space! Launched in 2021, each year, students are able to submit any 2-D art to tell us what it means to be a first generation student at BU – how you interpret this is up to you, but keep it positive! First, second, and third place are rewarded with prizes as well! Each of the winning art pieces are exhibited in the Newbury Center as well as showcases in the upcoming addition of Elevate magazine. Drop by the Newbury Center to see each of these beautiful pieces in person!
National First-Generation College Celebration
November 8 is Celebration Day! Each year, BU joins colleges and universities across the country in celebrating the success of first-generation students—and educating our communities about systemic barriers to higher education and how to help first-gen students overcome them and thrive on campus. Our celebratory events are planned in collaboration with the Center for First-Generation Student Success and the Council for Opportunity in Education.
Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony
The Boston University Gamma Iota Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (or Tri-Alpha)—an honor society for first-generation college students, faculty, and staff—holds a ceremony to induct new members each fall and spring. During the ceremony, inductees hear inspiring speakers and receive a certificate and pin to signify their membership in the society. At the Graduation Pinning Ceremony in May, graduating Tri-Alpha members receive silver and dark blue double honor cords to wear with their cap and gown at Commencement.
Elevate Magazine
Each year, we ask our Terrier F1RSTS to submit a piece of work to us about what being a first-generation means to them. The submissions vary from photographs, poems, collages, and more, and is a publication by first-generation students for first-generation students. The compilation of our Terrier F1RSTS pieces come together to in the form of our yearly Newbury Center’s Magazine, Elevate!
Terrier F1RSTS Graduation Pinning Ceremony
Graduation is always a reason to celebrate, but it’s an especially proud occasion for first-generation students. Before Commencement each May, we hold a pinning ceremony to celebrate BU’s first-gen graduates. Each student participating in the ceremony invites a guest—a family member or other supporter—who will have the honor of “pinning” the graduate with a commemorative Terrier F1RSTS lapel pin.
Professional Clothing Closet
Made possible by a collaboration between the Center for Career Development and the Newbury Center, the BU Professional Clothing Closet provides students with FREE professional attire appropriate for interviews, networking events, career fairs, and the workplace.
Fuel Up Fridays and Coaching Sessions
Every Friday during the academic semester, the Newbury Center hosts “Fuel Up Friday”, where you are able to join us for our “grab and go” light breakfast and say hello to fellow first-gen students! You also have a chance to meet different campus partners who table during the event, as well as an opportunity to meet with a wellness coach. We begin at 9:00 am and continue until the food runs out, but no later than 11:00 am.