Reaching New Heights!
Ascend is a program for first-year women through the Center for Student Formation where participants have an opportunity to meet new peers, engage in meaningful conversations about life at BC, and connect with upperclass women mentors. The program consists of weekly small group meetings (two leads, eight first-year women) facilitated by junior and senior women, small group activities, optional program-wide events, and one off-campus overnight. The Ascend program officially launches at the start of Spring semester, but applications and interviews will take place during Fall semester.
The transition to college can come with its fair share of joys and challenges. Take this chance to connect with upperclass women who have been in your shoes, build community, and talk about the shared experience of navigating life at BC. You, Boston College women, have the opportunity to build a great experience. We want to help you reach new heights!
After participating in Ascend as a first-year participant, students will be able to:
- Identify one mentoring relationship at Boston College
- Indicate willingness to be more vulnerable in interpersonal relationships
- Articulate a sense of belonging to a community at Boston College
After participating in Ascend as a junior or senior leader, students will be able to:
- Identify one mentoring relationship with a first-year student at Boston College
- Demonstrate growth in small group facilitation and leadership skills
- Report an increase in sense of self-confidence
The Center for Student Formation is committed to inclusive programs that welcome all students.
The Ascend application opens at the beginning of the Fall semester!
First-Year Women
First-year women meet weekly with their small groups in the Spring semester—with selection happening at the end of the Fall semester. Weekly 60-90 minute meetings occur with your small group of eight first-year women and two junior or senior co-leaders. Weekly meeting times are determined by the group before the start of the Spring semester. Other commitments include an all-program off-campus overnight (Friday, January 24th - Saturday, January 25th, 2025), 1-2 small group activities, and optional program-wide events.
The application process includes an online application and an interview with our Ascend Leads during the Fall semester.
The program itself kicks off in January 2025 with an off-campus overnight and continues through the end of Spring semester.
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Junior & Senior Women
Ascend Leads help first-year women build a great BC experience through community, conversations, and mentorship. Interested in learning more about becoming an Ascend Lead? Visit the Ascend Lead page or
contact us at ascend@bc.eduThe Ascend Lead Application will be open at the beginning of the fall semester.