Table of Contents
Welcome…………………………………………….………………………....3
Meet the Deans……………………………………………………..………..4
Expectations…………………………………………………………………...6
SED Top Ten…………………………………………………………………….7
Visiting BU & SED ……………………………………………………………...8
SED FAQ’s ...…………..……………………………………………….……..10
Double and Dual Degree Program……………………………………,,,11
SED Specific FAQ’s………………………………………………………….12
Tough FAQs……………….………………………………………………….13
SED Majors, Minors, Clubs, and More …………………..…………..…..15
Acronyms to Avoid, and Words to Know……………………………….16
Final Tips and Notes…..…………………………………………………….17
2
Welcome!
Dear School of Education Dean’s Hosts,
Congratulations on your acceptance to the School of Education Dean’s Host program.
As a new member, you have joined a group composed of some of the most dedicated
and renowned leaders in SED. The responsibilities that you will perform throughout your
tenure as a Dean’s Host ensure that the future generations of students will be just as
successful, motivated, and excited throughout their college careers in our community.
In the early 1970s, Associate Dean Dee reactivated the Dean’s Host program, and since
then it has been comprised of individuals who have distinguished themselves both
academically and through service to the School of Education and the Boston University
community. Congratulations on all your achievements, I am proud to have you
represent our school.
Good luck and best wishes,
Hardin L. K. Coleman
Dean
3
Meet the Deans
Dean Hardin L. K. Coleman
Dean Coleman’s research has focused on the development of school-based
interventions that support the academic achievement of culturally diverse youth,
while his teaching has concentrated on equipping students and professionals to
effectively counsel and serve the needs of culturally diverse children and
adolescents. Prior to coming to SED in 2008, Dean Coleman joined the department
of Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as an assistant
professor in 1991 and beginning in 2006 served as associate dean for Continuing
Studies and Multicultural Initiatives at UW’s School of Education. Dean Coleman
obtained his bachelor’s degree from Williams College, earned a master’s degree
in counseling from the University of Vermont, and, after spending ten years as a
high school religion teacher and school counselor in Quaker schools, a doctorate
in counseling from Stanford University.
Associate Dean V. Scott Solberg
V. Scott Solberg, PhD is Associate Dean of Research at Boston University and a
faculty member in the Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership and
Counseling. Dr. Solberg has published more than 40 professional articles, chapters,
monographs and technical reports that focus on career development for youth
including how to promote optimal youth development and college and career
readiness through the use of individualized learning plans and resiliency-based
curriculum. He has served in leadership roles with the Milwaukee Partnership
Academy and Milwaukee Public Schools Small Schools reform movement and is
author of Success Highways, a proven resiliency development curriculum for
middle and high school students. Dean Solberg earned his bachelor’s, master’s
and doctorate degrees from the University of California—Santa Barbara.
Associate Dean Catherine O’Connor
Dr. O’Connor is the Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs. Dr. O’Connor’s research and
teaching interests are in linguistics and applied linguistics. Her current work in
linguistics includes a cross-linguistic study of the morphosyntax and pragmatics of
complex noun phrases, and on-going work on Northern Pomo, a previously
undescribed indigenous language of North America. Within applied linguistics, her
work centers on classroom discourse, the role of language in standardized
assessments and in literacy development and in mathematics learning. She is
currently principal investigator of a grant funded by the National Science
Foundation on the strategic use of discussion in middle school mathematics
classrooms. She has published books, journal articles and book chapters in on her
linguistic and applied linguistic research. In addition to her teaching in the Literacy,
Language and Cultural Studies specialization, Dr. O’Connor is also director of the
Program in Applied Linguistics in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
4
Meet the Deans
Associate Dean Donna Lehr
Dr. Donna Lehr is the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. Dr. Lehr has focused her
teaching and research on issues related to educational services for students of all
ages who have severe handicaps and young children with special needs. Dr. Lehr
has directed national projects which have developed and demonstrated
innovative methods for providing educational programs to children with special
needs and their families. Currently, Dr. Lehr’s work focuses on: the inclusion of
students with severe disabilities in general education, and issues and practices in
educating students with complex health care needs and standards-based reform
for students with severe disabilities. Her writings have included numerous journal
articles, book chapters, and books on individuals with severe disabilities.
5
Expectations
As ambassadors for the School of Education, it is imperative that we act as a team that agrees
on the following expectations in a professional manner. These expectations are intended to
hold each of us accountable to our peers, and to maintain the high standards of the Dean’s
Hosts program.
Dress professionally
Engaged & Enthusiastic
Articulate without Acronyms and filler words (i.e. um, like)
Notify co-presidents about any absence ASAP*, along with suggestions and concerns
Sustain good academic and judicial standing
Honest and Helpful (if you don’t know something, find someone who can help)
Organized & On Schedule (be aware of mandatory events, and your 3 optional events)
Smile & be yourself
Teach!
*All meetings, along with most events are mandatory. In the event of an emergency absence,
you are expected to contact the presidents as soon as possible. Other wise, we expect to
receive notice of an expected absence at least two weeks in advance.
Failure to adhere to these expectations may result in a strike and warning email on the first
offense. A second offense may result in a second strike, followed by a meeting with the
presidents and Lauren, where your possible termination from the program will be discussed.
Each incident will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you have any questions or thoughts about these expectations, please contact us at
sedhost@bu.edu. Thank you for your continued dedication to the program.
6
Top 10 Reasons to
Come to SED
1. During your freshman year, you'll have the chance to be placed in an elementary or middle
school through the School of Education course ED 100: Introduction to Education.
2. You'll have the community feel of a small school along with the opportunities and resources
of a large university. The School of Education even has an Education House where you can live
with other School of Education students.
3. Qualified students can graduate with TWO degrees — one through the School of Education
and the other through another college at Boston University. So if you want to major in both
psychology and early childhood education or English and English education, it is possible at
Boston University.
4. All majors, with the exception of Deaf Studies, will be recognized by the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts for initial licensure with reciprocity in 44 states.
5. You can make a difference in the lives of Boston school children through our dozens of
programs in the Boston Public Schools.
6. When you graduate, you'll join a huge alumni network including university presidents, the
former Washington, DC, Superintendent of Schools, and a U.S. Ambassador.
7. You can work in both suburban and urban school systems — through internships, student
teaching opportunities, and our 30-year old consortium of Boston-area school districts and
social service agencies.
8. After a short ride on the "T" (Boston's subway system), you'll have access to an entire city —
along with its rich history and endless opportunities. Boston is a great city!
9. You'll work with some of the nation's best leaders in education who will teach you their latest
research findings in your area of study and connect you to a network of experts in your
intended field.
10. We're the only private university that accepted responsibility for the day-to-day
management of a public school system — Chelsea Public Schools. We're now working with two
Boston public schools — the William Monroe Trotter Elementary School in Dorchester and the
English High School in Jamaica Plain — in an unprecedented collaboration with the Boston
Public Schools and the City of Boston. The School of Education provides comprehensive,
coordinated services aimed at improving student performance, instruction and tutoring, afterschool support, student wellness and safety, and family and community engagement.
7
Visiting BU & SED
Throughout the year, high school juniors and seniors are encouraged to visit campus. There are many
different options for prospective students to consider scheduling.
Boston University
Students may schedule the following through the Office of Admissions website, www.bu.edu/admissions:
1) “Meet Boston University” Information Session (1 hour)
Prospective students and their families will get a warm welcome, an introduction to BU and helpful
information about admissions and financial aid policies. This session is a great opportunity to ask
questions about the University.
2) Terrier Tour (1-hour campus tour)
A student volunteer will lead you on a walking tour of campus where you’ll see everything from
the Castle to the student union to the BU “Beach.” This tour should give you a good sense of our
campus.
3) Ultimate Terrier Tour (3 hours)
See, hear and even taste what it’s like to be a BU student. You and your family will attend an
information session, take a campus tour including our West Campus facilities —Student Village
residences and Fitness & Recreation center — and have lunch in the West Campus Dining Hall.
4) Day and Overnight Program (From a few hours to overnight)
Spend time attending a class, eating lunch in one of our dining rooms, touring campus or staying
in a residence—all with a student host. Visits are available Monday through Thursday during both
semesters while classes are in session. Advance notice of at least two weeks is required.
5) Have Lunch On Us (About 1 hour)
Visiting students can join a current student for lunch and find out about dorm food. These lunches
are a great way to ask questions of a BU student and gain insights into BU from the student’s point
of view. This option is open to students only, Monday through Friday at 12:30 p.m. Space is limited
and advance notice of at least two weeks is required.
6) Fitness & Recreation Center Tour (About 30 minutes)
See our state-of-the-art 18,000-square-foot “FitRec” Center firsthand: the Climbing Wall, Aquatic
Center, Dance Theatre, elevated jogging track, gymnasia, racquetball and squash courts. Then
check out the dozens of classes offered. Sailing, anyone? Space on this tour is limited, and
advance notice of at least one week is required.
7) Boston University Experience (About 25 minutes)
This unique multimedia presentation showcases the University’s role as a force for positive social
change throughout its history. You’ll come away with a whole new image of BU as a diverse,
involved and dynamic institution. Space is limited and advance notice of at least one week is
required.
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School of Education
After students have scheduled visits with the Office of Admissions, they may schedule the following
through the School of Education’s Office of Student Services at 617-353-3177 or sedstdt@bu.edu:
1) Visit the School of Education
A Student Services Work Study or a Dean’s Host will lead you on a tour of the building. You will
have the chance to see what a typical classroom looks like, while also learning about the majors
and minors that we offer. You will also learn about our various clubs, programs and services as you
visit our library, student lounges, Instructional Materials Center, and Early Childhood Learning Lab.
2) Meet with Senior Student Services Coordinator, Lauren Kudisch
During this informal meeting, students will receive information about SED programs and
opportunities. They will also have a chance to ask questions about the school.
3) Experience a Class
A Dean’s Host, hopefully of the same major you’re interested in, will take you to one of their
classes for you to experience a typical college course. You will also have the opportunity to speak
with that student, and possibly other students and the professor of the course, to learn more about
academics on campus.
4) Have Lunch On Us
Join a Dean’s Host for lunch and find out about dorm food. These lunches are a great way to ask
questions of a School of Education student, and gain insights into BU and SED from the student’s
point of view. Both parents and students are welcome!
RECAP:
1. Students should first schedule events through the Office of Admissions website
2. Then, students should call Lauren Kudisch’s office to set up an appointment
NOTE: You may be asked to accompany a student to class or lunch based on your major and availability.
We will ask for your schedule each semester so we are able to coordinate these visits.
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SED FAQ’s
Here are many common questions that you may come across at an Open house with sample
answers. Make sure you are sharing the correct information with prospective students and
parents, but don’t feel like you need to stick to a script.
Can I double major?* Many students in the School of Education pursue a double major.
Students may major in two concentrations within the School of Education (for example,
Elementary and Special Education). Often, this leads to a dual licensure, as well.
Can I get degrees from two schools or colleges at Boston University?* Qualified students may
enroll in a double degree program through the Boston University Dual Degree Program (BUDD).
BUDD provides students an opportunity to major in two concentrations at different schools or
colleges within Boston University. For example, a student could complete BUDD requirements for
Early Childhood Education and Psychology and earn a Bachelors of Science from the School of
Education and a Bachelors of Arts from the College of Arts and Sciences.
Can I minor in education? Yes. The School of Education sponsors three minors for students
enrolled in other schools and colleges within Boston University. Minors are offered in General
Education, Deaf Studies, and Physical Education, Health Education, and Coaching. SED minors
do not meet requirements for teacher licensure.
How do I transfer to the School of Education? The School of Education welcomes
undergraduate transfer students who have completed a minimum of one semester of postsecondary study. The evaluation of transfer credits is made on the basis of achievement and on
how appropriate the student's experiences are to the selected program. In instances where
students wish to seek Massachusetts licensure, credit toward licensure is evaluated in light of the
competencies and experiences required. The sum of all semester courses accepted from other
institutions cannot exceed the total of 80 semester hours.
How many people will be in my classes? At the School of Education, the average class size is 25
students. Introduction level liberal arts courses will be larger; however, most of these courses are
broken into small discussion sections each week.
Will I be involved in field experience course? School of Education undergraduate students
begin field experience in their first year of study. In addition, students will gain field experience in
pre-practicum and full-time student teaching practicums.
Will I be able to participate in a Study Abroad program? The School of Education offers students
in most programs the opportunity to complete their student teaching practicum in London,
England; Sydney, Australia; or Quito, Ecuador. Boston University also runs numerous liberal arts
programs, language programs, and internship programs abroad around the world that School
of Education students may participate in during the regular academic year or in the summer.
One of the School of Education’s new partnerships for university studies or internship programs is
in Auckland, New Zealand.
*More information about double and dual degrees on the following page.
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*Dual and Double
Degree Program
BU Dual Degree Program
Students can earn two bachelors degrees from two undergraduate schools of colleges simultaneously. A
second degree can be an advantage in launching a successful career with a professional edge. The
dual degree program is planned with a student’s advisor after they’ve already enrolled at BU.
SED/CAS Double Degree Program
http://www.bu.edu/sed/academics/undergraduate/majors
Students can earn a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree simultaneously through the
SED/CAS Double Degree Program. This program allows highly motivated students to earn two degrees in
the majors of their choice from both the School of Education and the College of Arts & Sciences. For
example, you can pursue studies in Science Education (SED) and Biology (CAS); or Modern Foreign
Language (SED) and French (CAS). Incoming first-year students can apply directly to this program on their
September application to BU. Applicants must meet all of the admissions requirements for the School of
Education and the College of Arts & Sciences.
Double Degree Opportunity Majors
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English Education
Latin & Classical Studies Education
Mathematics Education
Modern Foreign Language Education: French, German, Russian, Spanish, Italian
Science Education: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, General Science, Physics
Social Studies Education: History, Political Science
Why the double degree program?
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Currently, students in SED actively participate in the dual degree program at BU. The double
degree program allows students to start early, to optimize class scheduling and registration right
from the beginning at BU!
If students are interested in pursuing career pathways in academia (becoming a University
professor), this opportunity allows them to get the necessary liberal arts content to pursue
graduate degrees but also prepares them for the teaching opportunities that often accompany
advanced graduate studies.
This opportunity is ideal for a student that wants to pursue a professional degree/licensure but also
wants to engage deeply in a liberal arts curriculum.
One of the barriers to entering the teaching profession is that students are concerned that they
won’t have a degree that is marketable outside of teaching; this will help alleviate that fear.
Studies show that teachers who have advanced content knowledge perform well in the
classroom, which benefits schools, teachers, and students (Mullens, Murnane, & Willett, 1996)
o Teacher content knowledge influences how teachers engage students with subject matter
o Teacher content knowledge influences how teachers evaluate/use instructional materials
o Teacher content knowledge is related to what students learn (Luger, 2012)
11
SED Specific FAQ’s
Will I receive credit for Advanced Placement courses? The School of Education offers college
credit or advanced placement in certain courses for students submitting satisfactory scores
from College Board examinations. Students who have completed an International
Baccalaureate program are also eligible for college credit and advanced placement.
Information about AP credit can be found online.
Can I receive credit for courses I have completed at a college/university prior to enrolling at
Boston University? Students who have taken courses at other colleges/universities prior to
enrolling at Boston University, or who wish to take courses over the summer can have them
evaluated with guidance from the Student Records office. Courses will be evaluated by the
appropriate academic department on an individual basis. A maximum of 80 credits, including
a maximum of 64 credits from two-year institutions, may be transferred into the School of
Education.
Boston University is huge! How will I be able to cope with such a large school? The School of
Education at Boston University offers students a unique experience. While offering students the
resources and excitement of a large university, the School of Education is a small, close-knit
community with a current enrollment of 425 undergraduate students. With the Transitional
Mentor Program, first year students in the School of Education have the opportunity to meet
upperclassman and other first-year students at many events in the fall. First years are
encouraged to join many of the clubs and programs offered through the School of Education
(see list on page 14). Many School of Education students also participate in a wide variety of
programs throughout the university including community service, theater, acappela, sports and
political groups, just to name a few. (Note: this question gives a great opportunity to bring in
personal experience.)
Will I have time to participate in extra-curricular activities? With proper time management,
students enjoy participating in many extra-curricular activities. Make sure to check out club
information at SPLASH and SED Get Active in September. (Note: this question gives a great
opportunity to bring in personal experience.)
I know I want to teach but I don’t know what subject yet, why isn’t there an undeclared major?
Though there is not an undeclared major, there is room in our academic planning to
accommodate undecided future educators. Because there are humanities, social science,
and math requirements for all degrees you can transfer your credits to each of these divisions
once you have decided on a major. It is also easy to transfer these credits to another college in
BU should you decide that teaching is not the right path for you. (Note: don’t stress this unless
prompted, considering we are at an SED open house and want to recruit them as education
students).
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FAQ’s:
The “Tough Ones”
These questions are more likely to be subjective than previous FAQs. Thus, they are not
associated with specific facts to keep in mind. We have provided suggestions for how to
answer, but some of the best answers are personal and relatable. Ultimately, it is up to you to
use your best judgment if approached with one of these questions.
Why did you choose to come to Boston University and the School of Education? What other
schools did you consider in your decision?
Make sure to think about this question before open house. Prospective students and guests are
looking for why SED is a better choice than other schools. Remember not to put down other
schools. Rather, focus on SED’s strengths, such as small class sizes, practicums each year, our
small school within a large university, the easy access to Boston, etc.
What is the value of a $60,000 degree from a school of education vs. going to a state school?
This question often follows the concerns of the previous question. You can stress the
individualized attention we receive through our small class sizes, our esteemed faculty, our
collaboration with Boston Public Schools, access to urban and suburban school systems,
preparation for licensure with reciprocity in 44 states, as well as the countless non-academic
programs and activities available to students.
Do you feel like a number? Where’s your campus? I heard you don’t have a football team?!
How much financial aid did you get? What was your GPA in high school?
These questions often come from nervous parents or students. Reassuring and calming the
parent or student down is the most important step here. If confronted with rapid-fire questions,
take them one by one to help the prospective sort his or her own thoughts. You are not required
to answer the financial aid or GPA questions; tell them that there is an information session on
financial aid and the application process at open house, while there is also an appeals process
if they are not satisfied with their financial aid. For questions focused on “how do I get
accepted to BU,” stress that SED is looking for well-rounded students, who not only show
academic strength, but involvement in community and extracurricular activities, especially in
situations related to leadership or teaching. The admissions essay should be focused on these
attributes. Finally, you may remind them that attendance at an open house demonstrates
interest in the school, and will help with their application.
What’s drinking like on campus? What’s the drug of choice? Where do I go to parties?
Questions about alcohol, drugs, and parties are more based in information, but can prove to
be awkward. Focus on these points: as with any college campus there are parties, however it is
the student’s choice to partake in these activities; BU has a zero tolerance policy for underage
drinking; there are many other events (often free!) on campus.
13
What is one thing you don’t like about BU and how would you change it if you could?
Keep these answers positive yet realistic. Don’t say there’s nothing to change; we’re all human!
One suggestion could be that our stairwells are narrow, but they add to the quirk of our building
having half floors since two brownstones were combined. Another suggestion is that the BU
Shuttle is not always on time, though they have recently created an app where the live tracking
app is pretty reliable. Try to think of at least one other idea on your own so we don’t all say the
same thing and appear scripted.
Since Boston University is right in the city, is campus safe?
Point out that, as with any city environment, there is need to be cautious (for example, not
walking alone at night, and being aware of your surroundings). Boston University has many
programs to ensure safety. We have 4 police forces patrolling campus (BUPD, BPD, MITPD, &
Brookline PD) that trained in the same manner as the MA state police. We also have the escort
service (with the phone number on our Terrier Card), along with the blue light service where at
least one light is always in view throughout your walk on campus. BU also offers discount RAD
(Rape Aggression Defense) classes.
What if I’m not sure about going into education?
The SED degree program is founded in the liberal arts, so degrees in education are easily
transferable to law, math/science, humanities, social science, or other specialized degrees or
professions.
14
Majors, Minors,
Clubs & More
Majors (11)
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Bilingual Education (ESL)
Deaf Studies
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
English Education
Latin and Classical Studies
Mathematics Education
Modern Foreign Language Education
Science Education
Social Studies Education
Special Education
Clubs
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Minors (3)
Undergraduate Student Gov.
and Intramural Sports
Character and Ethics Club
Deaf Studies Club
Early Childhood Educators Club
Elementary Educators Club
Exceptional Educators Club
(BU has 500+ student organizations)
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General Education
Deaf Studies
Physical Education, Health Education, and Coaching
Academic programs in SED consist of four components:
1. General studies in the liberal arts and sciences.
2. Specialized knowledge based on a concentration in
a discipline or field.
3. Professional studies in instructional design, human
development, communication and evaluation.
4. Practical skills acquired through guided and
supervised field experience.
Programs
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Transitional Mentors
Dean’s Hosts
Community Service Center
First Year Student Outreach
Project (FYSOP)
College Opportunity and
o Career Help (COACH)
Jump Start
BU Initiative for Literacy
o Development (BUILD)
SED Green
Activities
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TM Events
SPLASH
SED Splash
Floor Events
(Residence Life)
ED 100
Education House
BU Knowledge- Look it up!
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9 undergraduate schools and colleges—full names (Hint: listed on the following page)
~16,000 undergrads—we’re one of the nation’s largest urban private teaching universities
Residence halls, dining halls and other food locations (Hint: some listed on following page)
Programs and services offered at the George Sherman Union, 881 Commonwealth Avenue,
100 Bay State, and 19 Deerfield Street
Boston University motto: Learning, Virtue, Piety
Boston University founding: 1839
Boston University Terrier teams: NCAA’s Division I
Boston University mascot: Rhett the Terrier
Fun Fact #1: the BU Bridge is the only place a plane can fly over a car (next to bikers and
pedestrians), going over a train, going over a boat
Fun Fact #2: cows crazed the campus until 1943
15
Acronyms to Avoid,
and Words to Know
Undergraduate Schools and Colleges at Boston University (BU)
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SED: School of Education
CAS: College of Arts and Sciences
COM: College of Communication
ENG: College of Engineering
CFA: College of Fine Arts
CGS: College of General Studies
SAR: College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Sargent College)
SHA: School of Hospitality Administration
SMG: School of Management
Programs on Campus and in the School of Education
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TM: Transitional Mentor Program
SEDSG: School of Education Student Government
FYSOP: First Year Student Outreach Project
CSC: Community Service Center
Places on Campus
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GSU: George Sherman Union
“Bay State” (Dining Hall): The Fresh Food Company at Marciano Commons, or 100 Bay
State Road
FitRec: Fitness and Recreation Center
SHS: Student Health Services
“the T”: our public transportation system
o MBTA: Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Comm Ave: Commonwealth Avenue
Residence Halls
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Danielson: Danielson Hall
Hojo: 575 Commonwealth Avenue
Shelton: Kilachand Hall (the dorm was renamed in 2013 as it provides services for
Kilachand Honors Students)
Myles: Myles Standish Hall
Warren: Warren Towers
Towers: The Towers
West: Rich Hall, Claflin Hall, and Sleeper Hall
StuVi: Student Village 1 and 2
Other Words to Know
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16
Practicum: student teaching placement
MTEL: Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure
Final Tips
and Notes
Helpful Hints
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Follow the three P’s: be positive, professional and personable.
Answer honestly; if you don’t know something, find someone who does. Don’t make
anything up!
Use full names for people, places and programs; avoid acronyms.
Remember, you’re representing SED. Make other people want to come here!
Notes:
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