2024 Session Dates

The BCE Two-Week Non-Credit Program is an academically intensive program open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors (ages 14 and older) and covers areas such as business and leadership, economics, history, government, history, philosophy, forensics, design thinking, and college and creative writing. There are select courses offered fully online asynchronously with no on-campus component as well.

Two-Week, Non-Credit Program Session Dates

Session 1: Monday, June 24 – Friday, July 5
Please note: There will be no Thursday class due to observance of the July 4th holiday.
Move-In/Orientation: Sunday, June 23rd ; Move-Out: Friday, July 5th by 5 p.m.

Session 2: Monday, July 8 – Friday, July 19
Move-In/Orientation: Sunday, July 7; Move-Out: Friday, July 19th by 5 p.m.

Session 3: Monday, July 21 – August 2
Move-In/Orientation: Sunday, July 20th ; Move-Out: Friday, August 2nd by 5 p.m. 

Students may attend up to two (2) two-week sessions, but only one course per session. Those who are interested in applying to more than one two-week session must apply  by April 8, 2024. Applications for the two-week in-person courses will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Students must be fourteen (14) years old at the time and those applying to in-person/on-campus courses must be fully vaccinated by the time they arrive on-campus. Not all courses run in every session. Students who successfully complete the course(s) will receive a certificate of completion. Please see the eligibility for a certificate of completion in the last tab on the left (Non-Credit Program Evaluation).

International students (i.e., students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States) should be aware that acceptance in the Two-Week Non-Credit Courses does not constitute the basis for securing a student visa. Boston College does not issue student visa for non-credit programs. International students should enter the United States in a visitor status instead of F-1 student status. For citizens of countries requiring a visa to enter the U.S., participants should obtain a B-2 “Visitor for Pleasure” visa to come to the U.S., which allows you to engage in tourist-related plans as well as to participate in these programs. Citizens of countries who enjoy the benefits of the Visa Waiver Program should enter the U.S. in WT “Waiver Tourist” status, which permits the same activity. Please see the the U.S. Department of State’s policy on short periods of recreational study for more information.

7:30–9:00 a.m.

Breakfast

 

9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Chosen Non-Credit Course

12:00–1:00 p.m.

Lunch

1:00–3:00 p.m.

Chosen Non-Credit Course

3:00–5:00 p.m.

Workshop & Guest Speaker Series

5:00–7:00 p.m.

Dinner

7:00–9:00 p.m.

Planned Social Activities On-Campus

10:00 p.m.

Curfew

Each afternoon from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. students will engage in the mandatory Life Skills Workshop and College Prep Guest Speaker Series.

College Prep Guest Speakers Series

Students will meet staff from various leaders on the Boston College campus from offices such as Admissions, Global Education, Campus Ministry, and others. BCE Students will also have an opportunity to hear from current BC students directly during our Ask a BC Student series. The BC students will discuss their journey to BC, their major, and give BCE students first-hand knowledge of the campus. Participation is mandatory.

Life Skills Workshop

Students will choose from various topics ranging from Resume Writing Skills, Student Leadership, and faculty presentations. Participation is mandatory.

 

Over the course of the two-week program, there will be a mandatory weekend excursion. This excursion will be connected to the chosen two-week course. Program tuition will cover related transportation and excursion fees. Weekend Excursions are mandatory and will involve an academic assignment related to the experience.

During the program regular organized evening activities will be scheduled. Commuter students can participate in programming that does not take place in the residence hall. Residential students are expected to take part in these programs, as they are essential to obtain the full value of the BCE residential experience.

  • Past Weekend Excursions: Museum of Science, tour of Fenway Park, and Institute of Contemporary Art
  • Past Residential Programs: Karaoke & Cupcakes, Family Feud Game Night, and Pop Tart & Mario Kart Tournament

BCE Non-Credit Program Evaluation Levels

At the conclusion of the Boston College Experience, BCE student participation will be assessed and assigned an evaluation level:

Met All Requirements

This is issued to students enrolled in a BCE non-credit course who complete all of the following:

  • Attend both morning and afternoon classes and workshops and have less than two absences.
  • Participate fully in class and workshops.Complete and hand in all assignments related to class and workshops.
  • Complete final project or presentation.
  • Students who complete the above will receive a certificate of completion and may request a letter of recommendation from their course instructor(s). 


Met Minimum Requirements

This is issued to students enrolled in a BCE non-credit course who complete the following minimum requirements:

  • Attend both morning and afternoon classes and workshops and have less than two absences.
  • Participate in class and workshops.
  • Complete and hand in most assignments related to class and workshops; failed to hand in two assignments or less.
  • Complete final project or presentation.


Students who complete the above will receive a certificate of completion and may request a letter of recommendation from their course instructor(s).

Did Not Meet Requirements

This is issued to students enrolled in a BCE non-credit course who have one or more of the following:

  • Missed more than two morning and afternoon classes and/or workshops or have two  absences.
  • Did not participate in class and workshops.Failed to hand in more than two assignments.
  • Did not complete the final project and presentation.


Any one of the above indicates that the student did not meet the requirements of the course and therefore does not meet the standard for course completion. Students who fall into one or more of the above will NOT receive a certificate of completion and may NOT request a letter of recommendation from their course instructor(s).

Documentation for BCE Non-Credit Courses

BCE students may earn Met All Requirements, Met Minimum Requirements, or Did Not Meet Requirements as a final program evaluation. BCE non-credit courses do not carry credit hours; academic standing is not kept as part of a pre-college academic record. However, students can email bce@dos5.net to request a Letter of Non-Registration which will include the name and dates of the course and the student’s earned program evaluation level. 

Letters of Recommendation

Students who receive a Met All Requirements or Met Minimum Requirements are eligible to request a Letter of Recommendation from their instructor(s). Students should contact the instructor(s) within three months of the conclusion of the course to request a letter of recommendation. If the instructor(s) agrees to supply such a letter, the student must provide the instructor(s) with the name and address of the college or university to which the recommendation will be sent. Recommendations will not be sent directly to the student.