Student Leadership Opportunities
The Connell School nurtures leadership—in the classroom, in the community, in practice, and in research. Engaging with student organizations and enriching programs builds confidence and capabilities to serve your future.
Get Involved
Student Nurses' Association
Boston College Student Nurses' Association is a local chapter of the National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA). This organization enables students to gain a broad perspective of various facets of nursing, including community health, legislation, and education. The local chapter meets monthly, participates in campus events, and offers peer networking as well as opportunities to travel to state and national meetings.
School of Nursing Senate
The Nursing Senate is the official representative of the undergraduate students in the School of Nursing. Among its purposes are to aid in the development of the nursing student, to contribute to standards of nursing education, to serve on School of Nursing committees, and to collaborate with the Boston College Student Nurses' Association as well as other nursing related organizations.
Undergraduate Research Fellows Program (UGRF)
Through the UGRF, students work alongside faculty members on research projects, gaining invaluable exposure to scholarly work while earning a monetary award.
Freshman Leadership Seminar
This semester-long course helps ease the transition for first-year students. Freshmen gather weekly in small groups led by CSON seniors and juniors to discuss a variety of topics, including clinicals, academics, service trips, and time management.
SCRUBS Retreat
SCRUBS (Sophomore Connell Retreat for Undergraduate B.S. Students) is a collaboration between the Center for Student Formation and the Connell School. It is a two-day retreat for sophomores to reflect and prepare for the academic changes ahead—specialized upper-class courses, simulation labs, clinical and post-graduation job opportunities. It features presentations by professors, alumni, and upperclassmen, along with professional development workshops, small-group breakout discussions, and unstructured time for students to relax and recharge during the heart of the academic year.
Graduate Nurses' Association (GNA)
Dedicated to improving the lives of all graduate students at the Connell School, the GNA represents the interests of students to deans and leadership, acts as a change agent for various issues, and facilitates community outreach. Students can run for various executive board positions.
Teaching Assistantship Opportunities
Graduate students may apply for full- and part-time teaching assistant positions—earning a stipend while gaining invaluable experience working alongside faculty mentors. Work may involve preparing and monitoring exams, doing first reads on papers, and clinical teaching.
Sigma Theta Tau, Alpha Chi Chapter
Nursing’s international honor society, Sigma Theta Tau International, recognizes superior achievement and the development of leadership qualities. Activities and resources also foster high professional standards, encourage creative work, and strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession.
Represented in more than 70 countries, Sigma Theta Tau International members put themselves and the nursing profession at the forefront of health care. The Alpha Chi Chapter at Boston College develops innovative programs that contribute to the international society’s mission and commitment.
Keys to Inclusive Leadership in Nursing (KILN)
Every year, more than 50 undergraduate and graduate students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in nursing get help maximizing their leadership potential through the KILN scholarship program. The program prepares participants for the challenges of providing nursing care in our increasingly multicultural society and nurtures their ability to create positive social change.
KILN scholars receive financial support, faculty mentorship, and opportunities to network with nurse leaders. This work has been generously supported by the Price Family Foundation.