Student Life

Community Standards

The Office of Community Standards upholds the Code of Community Standards and all Emerson policies to ensure that Emerson is a safe and welcoming community to learn, live, and work. The Office is committed to balancing the needs of the student and greater campus community by promoting community standards and responding to student concerns. For information on your rights and responsibilities as well as more information about Community Standards and the Code of Community Standards please visit: emerson.edu/departments/community-standards. Please also review The Student Handbook for additional information related to life as an Emersonian: emerson.edu/departments/student-affairs/undergraduate-student-handbook.

The Code of Community Standards as well as all Emerson policies applies to all registered students (any person admitted to, registered in, enrolled in, or attending any course or program at Emerson College, whether on a part-time or full-time basis) regardless of whether they occur in person or in online or remote educational settings.

Alcohol and Other Drug Policy

Emerson College is determined to establish and maintain living and learning environments that are free from the negative effects of alcohol and other drugs (AOD). Focusing on responsible decision-making, the College offers a variety of health and wellness programs to increase education and awareness about AODs with the goal of reducing problems associated with them.

While the College encourages responsible decision-making regarding the use of legal drugs (alcohol, pharmaceuticals, etc.), it does not condone their abuse, underage use, or the use of any illegal drugs. The College will identify resources and provide assistance for students who engage in alcohol or drug use as well as those who have or who develop problems with AODs.

Students are expected to observe and comply with all College regulations regarding AODs. Please note  any report regarding a violation to AOD policies will be sent to the Office of Community Standards for review and follow-up. 

A complete copy of the Emerson College Alcohol and Other Drug Policy, including specific regulations, appear in significant detail in the Student Handbook and on the web at emerson.edu/policies.

New Student Orientation

Orientation is the time set aside before the start of each academic semester to acclimate new students to Emerson and the city of Boston. Academic possibilities are explored through meetings with advisors and peer orientation leaders, and various social and administrative activities are planned to assist students in acclimating to their new environment. During Orientation, students are introduced to many of the co-curricular and extracurricular activities that complement the College’s academic programs. New Student Orientation is coordinated by the Office of Student Transitions and Family Programs, located at 120 Boylston Street, and can be reached at 617-824-8638. The website is emerson.edu/orientation.

172 Tremont Street and the Student Performance Center

172 Tremont Street is where collaboration meets community. It’s a destination where Emersonians come together for work and play, to share moments that contribute to the collective Emerson experience, and to be themselves. 172 Tremont is used as a central place to study, meet, socialize, or relax between classes. Located within 172 Tremont Street are: meeting and study spaces; the Owen’s Room; “The Hub” social lounge; a Community Kitchen; the Cultural Center; the Center for Spiritual Life, including the Reflection Room and an ablution and private prayer space; and a service desk. Spaces within 172 Tremont can be booked through the service desk located on the main level or online through Spacebook (spacebook.emerson.edu). 

The Student Performance Center (SPC) is located on the lower level of the Little Building at 80 Boylston Street. Featuring two primary venues, the SPC Theatre and the SPC Black Box, as well as two studios, three rehearsal rooms, a production space, and a large social lobby, the Student Performance Center is the premier location for student events.

The larger venue, the SPC Theatre, can host events of almost any size or shape for up to 120 people, while the smaller SPC Black Box can hold up to 60 people. The spaces can be set up with rows of chairs for performances, completely open for rehearsals or film shoots, or with tables for a reception or workshop. The neutral black box setting of either venue allows it to be dressed up or down, which is perfect not only for theatrical productions but for other events as well. Event hosts can add fine table linens and light music for a formal event or break out the decorations and add colored lighting for a festive, casual event.

A complete array of theatrical audio and lighting and video systems, as well as flexible staging systems and a variety of furniture options, are available in either venue. These spaces are also fully supported with student staff to assist in setting up or running events. Spaces within the SPC can be booked through the service desk located within the SPC or online through Spacebook (spacebook.emerson.edu).

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center is the hub for career education, resources, and experiential learning opportunities at Emerson College. The office offers students and alumni a variety of services including, but not limited to, resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, and individual career counseling.

Students can connect with the Career Center as early as their first year by connecting with their major-specific counselor in an individual appointment. The Career Center also promotes professional workshops, employer programs, and events offered throughout the academic year, including the Internship and Career Fair that is hosted every semester. 

In addition to the 1-credit Professional Development Experience (see the Academic Regulations section of this catalog for more information about the PDE), the Career Development Center also coordinates the following 1-credit non-tuition opportunity: APL 200 Where We Are: Career & Intercultural Awareness and the CDE, Community Development Experience (see the Academic Policies section of this catalog for more information about non-tuition credits).

This course explores topics on diversity and inclusion as it relates to students’ identity and career development. Students will learn about the career competency of global and intercultural fluency and have discourse about diversity and inclusion in the arts and communication. Students will define and highlight their intercultural experiences for their professional brand, clarify their values about diversity as they assess career opportunities, and learn about allyship and change initiatives in their fields.

Counseling and Psychological Services

Counseling services, part of the Emerson Wellnes Center (EWC), are available for Emerson students who wish to talk about relationship conflicts, feelings of loneliness or depression, anxiety, support after a sexual assault, support with issues of cultural or systemic oppression, LGBTQIA+ support, eating disorders, and grief and loss. EWC serves as a resource to assist students in developing their potential and removing obstacles that interfere with their success. To achieve this goal, a variety of services are provided, including:

• Short-term individual therapy;
• Substance abuse counseling;
• Group therapy;
• Urgent care hours: Monday-Friday, 2:00-3:30 pm;
• Medication consultation for students in therapy
• Referrals and case management to off-campus therapists and/or psychiatrists for students who would benefit from more frequent or longer-term therapy; and
• After-hours crisis line: Students can call 617-824-8666 and select to talk to a live therapist when counseling is closed evenings and weekends.

Clinical services are free and confidential. No information is given to anyone, inside or outside of the College, without the student’s knowledge and consent within the guidelines of professional ethics or as required by law.

Location: 216 Tremont Street (Union Bank Building), Second Floor

In case of emergency when counseling is closed, call 911 or Emerson Police at 617-824-8888. Visit the website at emerson.edu/counseling-center for more information.

Health and Wellness

Health services, part of the Emerson Wellness Center (EWC), strives to meet the immediate health needs of both resident and off-campus students. It provides general medical care, GYN services, STI testings, PrEP, health counseling and education, nutrition counseling, laboratory testing, and referrals to other health specialists when appropriate. Confidentiality within the guidelines of professional ethics and legal principles is guaranteed to all students. The staff consists of trained and licensed professionals including nurse practitioners, a registered nurse, a nutritionist, a certified health education specialist, and a consulting physician. The center also provides wellness education outreach programming relevant to college-aged students.

Health Services provides both telehealth and in-person clinical evaluations during the academic year. The center is closed on weekends, holidays, and winter break. Day and evening hours are posted on the EWC website. EWC will follow all applicable CDC, MDPH, and local Boston Public Health (BPHC) guidelines with respect to provision of care, and reporting of COVID-19 and all other reportable infections according to state and local regulations.

Emerson College is situated in an area within two miles of five major hospital emergency rooms and walking distance of an urgent care center that is open seven days a week. When the center is closed, on-campus students may seek phone consultation with the consulting physician practice by contacting the on-call resident director. All students with urgent and emergency care needs should be seen at the nearest emergency center. Transportation for non-emergency transport can be arranged through one of the local cab companies that Emerson has agreements with utilizing EC Cash. The on-call residence director can assist in facilitating this process. Students should also be familiar with phone consultation services that are available through their health insurance carrier. When possible, non-urgent care should wait until the center reopens to avoid unnecessary medical bills. A full listing of local resources and contact information for urgent care, cab companies that accept EC Cash, as well as a listing of local dentists and dental schools that provide services to students is available on the website at emerson.edu/departments/emerson-wellness-center/student-resources.

All students are required to submit the following medical documentation: health history, immunization verification, telehealth agreement, and tuberculosis risk assessment. Students will be required to submit this information via a secure online student health portal. Information regarding health matriculation requirements and access to the online student health portal can be found on the accepted student webpage: emerson.edu/departments/emerson-wellness-center/health-services/student-health-portal

Health Insurance

Massachusetts law requires all students enrolled in a college at least ¾ time, who are not enrolled in a short-term course or an online program, to be covered by a qualifying health insurance plan. The plan must meet established minimum benefit guidelines as defined by state law. 

Coverage under a health benefit plan is comparable if:

1. The health benefit plan provides to the student throughout the school year reasonably comprehensive coverage of health services, including preventive and primary care, emergency services, surgical services, hospitalization benefits, ambulatory patient services (including laboratory testing), and mental health services throughout the school year.
2. The services covered under the health benefit plan are reasonably accessible to the student in the area where the student attends school. 

On an annual basis, all students enrolled at least 75% FTE (9 credits for undergraduates and 6 credits for graduate students) are automatically enrolled in the College-sponsored insurance plan unless they demonstrate that they have comparable qualifying coverage, provided by an insurance carrier based in the United States. Students with qualifying coverage can opt out by submitting an online waiver annually. 

The College-sponsored BC/ BS plan administered by University Health Plans benefits summary can be accessed at: universityhealthplans.com/emerson. Students enrolled solely under the College-sponsored program are not required to obtain a referral from the health services prior to seeking care outside of EWC. 

International Student Affairs

In the International Student Affairs Office, students can come and find support and resource referrals for most situations they would encounter on campus. The Office of International Student Affairs strives to provide relevant up-to-date information on F-1 student visa issues. Staff are available to process immigration forms; provide advice regarding I-20s; and help provide practical training and programming in conjunction with other campus offices, including discussing issues related to academics and adjustment to the United States. The director plans orientation, informational meetings, and social programs for international students. The Office of International Student Affairs is located on the 10th floor of 120 Boylston Street and can be reached at 617-824-7858; its website is found at emerson.edu/international-student-affairs.

Optional Practical Training

Optional practical training (OPT) is a type of work authorization benefit available to most F-1 students. OPT is available for a total of 12 months during or after completion of studies. Students may choose to do some, all, or none of the optional training before graduation, but most students choose to take their 12 months of OPT after graduation. Students are eligible to apply for post-completion OPT no earlier than 90 days prior to the last day of the graduating semester and no later than 14 days prior to the last day of the graduating semester. Students are encouraged to plan ahead and apply early to avoid any delay or problem in the application process.

Intercultural Student Affairs

Intercultural Student Affairs (Intercultural) affirms and centers the experiences of Emerson students who identify as students of color, LGBTQIA+, international, and individuals with disabilities. Intercultural encourages and supports these and all students’ identity exploration and cultural expression while working in partnership with Emerson faculty, staff, students, and alumni to provide opportunities for praxis (action and reflection) as well as the dynamic celebration and affirmation of culture and identity. Intercultural supports all organizations whose missions align with Intercultural’s mission: to honor, celebrate, and validate the narratives of marginalized voices. In short, Intercultural Student Affairs strives to create and hold space for people to be who they are.

The Emerson Intercultural team is located on the 4th floor of 172 Tremont Street. Intercultural Student Affairs can be reached at 617-824-8642 or by emailing intercultural@emerson.edu. For additional information, visit emerson.edu/intercultural-student-affairs.

Cultural Center

The Cultural Center was established to enhance the educational, cultural, and social needs of the campus community. It hosts a variety of formal and informal events for students, faculty, and staff. The Cultural Center is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm as a drop-in lounge for the entire community. After 5:00 pm, the space is reserved for cultural organizations’ weekly meetings. The Cultural Center has occasional availability and can be reserved for special intercultural events and meetings. Reservations can be requested online via Spacebook. Approval is contingent upon availability. The Cultural Center is located at 172 Tremont Street, Room 406, overlooking the Boston Common. For more information, visit emerson.edu/intercultural-student-affairs/cultural-center.

Off-Campus Student Services

Off-campus or commuting students live at home with family members, in apartments by themselves, or with roommates. The Office of Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) supports and serves this population by providing a variety of resources and programs. OCSS coordinates the discounted MBTA pass program, provides information relative to the apartment search and off-campus living, maintains a vacancy listings database, and assists students with roommate matching. Emerson students can access apartment listings on the web at offcampushousing.emerson.edu. Students can use this site to post and view requests for roommates, apartment searches, home furnishings, and subletting. Off-Campus Student Ambassadors partner with the assistant director of OCSS to provide a blog and a series of events, both on and off campus, for socializing and support. The Office of Off-Campus Student Services is located at 120 Boylston Street and can be reached at 617-824-8620; its website is emerson.edu/off-campus-student-services.

Office of Housing and Residential Education

Emerson residence halls offer students the opportunity to live in the city of Boston and develop responsibility and independence through active participation in their community.

Residency Requirement Policy

New first-year students entering college for the fall semester are required to live on campus for their first six semesters at Emerson College. Housing cannot be guaranteed for students after completion of the residency requirement. 

New first-year students entering college in a spring semester are required to live in College housing for their first five semesters at Emerson College. Housing cannot be guaranteed for students after completion of the residency requirement.

Transfer students are able to complete a non-guarantee housing application. This application places a student within the non-guarantee housing pool in the event we are able to offer the student a space on campus.

Students returning from a Leave of Absence (LOA) will be offered on-campus housing pending availability and must contact HRE during their re-admittance process to start the non-guarantee application process.

Housing contracts extend through the full academic year (fall and spring semesters), and students living on campus or a third-party entity in the fall semester are obligated to remain in on-campus housing for the fall and spring semesters. All resident students are required to select one of the College-sponsored meal plans.

External Programs or Approved Study Abroad Program

Students who entered Emerson College as incoming first-years and have not yet completed their residency requirement and who are attending an Emerson external program or approved study abroad program are required to live in on-campus housing during the semester they are attending classes on the Boston campus. 

Seniors attending an Emerson external program or approved study abroad program will be given priority to be housed based on the timely completion of the non-guarantee housing application process during the semester they are attending classes on the Boston campus opposite the semester they are participating in the offsite program.

Exemptions

Exemptions to the residency requirement may be granted by the Office of Housing and Residential Education (HRE). Students seeking an exception must submit a Request for Exemption to Residency Requirement Form along with supporting documentation. Exemptions are typically reviewed over a four- to six-week period and students receive a result of their exemption request via email. Students should not commit to any off-campus housing without first being approved for a housing exemption.

Students are expected to pay room and board fees in full by published payment deadlines unless they have received a residency requirement exemption from HRE. If a student’s request for exemption from the residency requirement is granted after payment is made, they will be issued a refund or credit. For consideration, the form must be received by HRE no later than June 1 for new students scheduled to be in housing for the fall semester, and no later than December 1 for new students admitted for the spring semester.

Exemptions are typically granted when: 

• The student lives at home with an immediate family member (parent, grandparent, or sibling) who is over the age of 25. If the student changes residence, it is their responsibility to promptly notify the Office of Housing and Residential Education. 
• The student is able to demonstrate a financial hardship that would otherwise prevent them from attending Emerson.
• The student has a disability that precludes living in a residence hall. Documentation of the student’s disability is required from a qualified professional who has direct knowledge of the student and their condition, e.g., a physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist. This documentation must meet the guidelines described in the Student Accessibility Services Office statement of policies and procedures (found on the Student Accessibility Services page at emerson.edu/student-accessibility-services). 
• The student is married and/or is a parent with whom one or more dependent children reside.
• The student is 25 years of age or older prior to September 1 of the academic year in question. 
• The student has served in the military as verified by a discharge certificate.

Housing Selection and Residency Requirement

During the spring semester of each academic year, the College administers a housing selection process for the following academic year. Students will be automatically assigned a housing selection date and time based on their residency requirement as defined above. Students who wish to be considered for on-campus living past their residency requirement will have an opportunity to complete a non-guarantee housing application. Housing can be offered based upon two factors: date of completed non-guaranteed housing application and availability of space on campus.

Failure to settle Emerson College accounts in full, obtain required vaccinations, or abide by the Code of Community Standards can result in the loss of student housing. Students who are not able to fulfill the residency requirement due to their own actions, including failure to comply with College policies, may also be dismissed from the College.

If you would like more information, please visit emerson.edu/policies/residency-requirement.

Our residence halls are conveniently located near all of the College’s academic and administrative buildings. The residence hall locations are: 

• Little Building, 80 Boylston Street, Boston 
• Piano Row, 150 Boylston Street, Boston
• Colonial Building, 100 Boylston Street, Boston
• Paramount Center, 555 Washington Street, Boston
• 2 Boylston Place, 2 Boylston Place, Boston

The Little Building offers housing in singles, doubles, and triple rooms with shared community restrooms, as well as suite-style living. The Student Mail Center is located in the Little Building. Piano Row offers housing in double occupancy rooms within four- and six-person suites. A café and convenience store are located in Piano Row. The Colonial Building offers students the opportunity to live in single or double rooms within suites for four to six students. The Paramount Center houses students in double rooms within four- and six-person suites as well as off-hallway double rooms that include a private bathroom. In addition to the residence hall, some of the features in the Paramount Center include a café, rehearsal and class rooms, the Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre, and the Bright Family Screening Room. 

2 Boylston Place houses students in single, double, and triple rooms within six- or eight-person suites. There are also off-hallway triple rooms that include a private bathroom. 

The College provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the College Dining Center for students living on and off campus. The meal plan is mandatory for all undergraduate students living in the residence halls.

All students living in the residence halls are required to sign a room and board contract for the full academic year. Students are obligated to fulfill their full-year commitment unless they graduate mid-year.

Learning Communities and Shared Interest Living

Housing and Residential Education provides specialized housing in learning and communities as well as within spaces where students can be housed by special interests. These communities offer students the opportunity to form and participate in residence hall learning groups organized around common academic and/or intellectual interests related to the College’s mission, or a specific area of growth and development. Choosing to be a part of any of the communities listed here involves a commitment to fellow students living within the cluster. They are assigned on a space-available basis. For more information about this specialty housing, including their locations, please visit emerson.edu/departments/housing-residential-education/residence-halls/specialty-communities.

Learning Communities

Film Immersion

The Film Immersion Learning Community is a great way to begin to network with others interested in the art of film and includes those whose interest is in writing, production, as well as post-production. Regardless of experience or skill level, all that is needed to be a part of Film Immersion is to have a desire to be a part of the filmmaking process. Students in the Film Immersion community will see guest speakers and participate in film screenings among other film-related programs.

Performing Cultures

Students who have an appreciation for performing arts or are performing artists themselves find a home in the Performing Cultures Learning Community. Whether a student likes the spotlight or thrives behind the scenes, the Performing Cultures Learning Community is the place where residents learn from others on the floor and make connections with student groups on campus.

Through workshops and field trips, students will be actively engaged in and exposed to both the Emerson and Boston arts scene. They will take their newfound skills and knowledge to execute their final capstone performance. Students in this learning community work together as a production team in order to produce a completely student-driven show that they create themselves. This exciting opportunity typically provides the Performing Cultures participants with the rare occasion to gain hands-on experience in areas of directing, producing, stage management, house management, company management, box office management, marketing, choreography, music and vocal direction, props, hair and makeup, costumes, set design, sound design, and lighting design.

Writers’ Block

Members of the Writers’ Block are a close community of new and experienced writers who strive for writing excellence in coursework, workshops, and community events. Open to all students, regardless of major or experience level, this learning community comes together in an informal setting to share ideas about writing, experience the vibrant literary landscape in Boston, and practice their craft. Students in this learning community have a wide range of writing styles and interests, from slam poetry to avid zine collecting. Writers’ Block has its own graduate assistant dedicated to coming to the Piano Row Residence Hall to facilitate workshops on a weekly basis. Writers’ Block produces a yearly literary anthology, which is created entirely by students. It also hosts writing-related events and fundraisers to showcase members’ talent. Students who choose this learning community reside in the Writers’ Block residential area (on a space-available basis) and participate in informal writing workshops in the residence hall.

Comedic Arts

The newest Learning Community at Emerson College is the Comedic Arts Community. This community is open to students majoring or minoring in Comedic Arts as well as those looking to learn more and explore different types of comedy. Students in this community will explore comedic writing, performance, literature, media, and production-and ranges across the comedic formats, from sketch comedy to improv and standup to Shakespeare both in and out of the classroom. The Comedic Arts Learning Community is where students will find a creative, collaborative, and supportive environment intent on fostering and developing students’ individual comedic voices.

Shared Interest Living

Quiet Living

If you work best in or enjoy the quiet, this option will allow you to reside with others committed to providing a respectful and peaceful living environment. This may be a room, suite or group of rooms where occupants agree upon extended quiet hours within the shared living space.

Substance Free

Students living in Substance Free spaces commit to leading a holistic, healthy lifestyle free of alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs. Open to all students, these rooms, suites or groups of rooms can share ideas, techniques, and programs surrounding being holistically well in mind, body, and soul. Whether a substance-free lifestyle is new to you or something you have practiced for years, these spaces can be a great place to learn, share, and experiment with wellness concepts and ideas that may not be familiar to you.

Women’s Community

This cluster (a room, suite or group of rooms) is created to provide space for women to live, support, empower, and encourage one another!

Center for Spiritual Life

The Center for Spiritual Life is an inclusive, multifaith hub for religious and spiritual programming, support, and education for the Emerson community. Its services and goals include:

• Supporting the role of religion and spirituality within the context of higher education and the Emerson community;
• Offering opportunities for religious and spiritual practice, learning, dialogue, service, and holiday observance;
• Programming across departments and disciplines to foster religious literacy and connection on campus;
• Providing one-on-one spiritual counseling to help Emerson community members cope, make meaning, and thrive amid struggle and loss, spiritual exploration, and life milestones;
• Bearing witness to injustice and oppression, and modeling good stewardship of the Earth; and
• Advocating for the needs of underrepresented groups.

The center encourages people of all spiritualities and worldviews to take part in CSL events. The CSL offers weekly meditations as well as a lunch series called “What Matters to Me and Why.” These programs and gatherings are open to all students, staff and faculty. Student spiritual life organizations include: Muslim Student Association; Hillel (Jewish); Newman Club (Catholic); Mystic (for student interested in astrology, pagan practices, and “all matters that fall under the category witchy”); Emerson Christian Fellowship (Protestant); and the Kindling Zine (multifaith).

The Center for Spiritual Life is located at 172 Tremont Street. To find out about upcoming CSL programs or gatherings, follow CSL on instagram @cslemerson or find the center on EmConnect. For general assistance and questions, email Director of Religious and Spiritual Life and Campus Chaplain Rev. Julie Avis Rogers at julie_avisrogers@emerson.edu.

Prayer and Meditation Spaces

The Center for Spiritual Life (172 Tremont Street, 4th floor) offers quiet, peaceful spaces for spiritual and religious practices. The Reflection Room is regularly used for events such as guided meditations, prayer services of many faiths, and sacred text studies. Emerson community members can reserve the Reflection Room via Spacebook.

Our Private Prayer and Meditation Room (also on the 4th floor of 172 Tremont Street) is open anytime for individual usage and daily prayer practices. There is a dividing wall for two individuals to use the room simultaneously and no reservation is needed to use the room. The room faces in the direction of Mecca and prayer rugs are also provided to support Muslims in prayer. 

An ablution room in the Center for Spiritual Life is also available for wudu, or ritual ablution, before prayer. To access the ablution room after business hours, please contact spiritual_life@emerson.edu.

Student Engagement and Leadership

The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL) supports and fosters the development of student-led co-curricular and extracurricular activities at Emerson. Emerson clubs and organizations provide students with valuable opportunities to connect their classroom learning to practical experiences outside the classroom. Students have the opportunity to be involved in management, leadership, and interpersonal relationships that encourage them to develop both personally and professionally while building meaningful networks with fellow students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members.

With more than 90 recognized student organizations, plus countless departmental opportunities, there are plenty of chances to channel your creative energy and find your niche. Whether you know exactly which group you want to join or just want to try something new, there is no wrong or right way to go about it.

EmConnect is a tool that makes it a little easier to find your fit with a student organization. Access all of our registered student organizations and campus departments by logging into emconnect.emerson.edu using your Emerson credentials and searching for areas of interest. You’ll also find lists of upcoming events and activities as well as important news items.

Types of organizations found in EmConnect include:

• Advocacy
• Comedic Performance
• Dance Performance
• Fraternity and Sorority Life
• Multicultural and Intercultural
• Musical Performance
• Political, Service, and Social Advocacy
• Print and Publishing
• Professional
• Programming and Special Events
• Religious and Spiritual
• Student Governance and Councils
• Student Media and Productions
• Theatrical Performance
• Visual and Media Arts

In addition, Student Engagement and Leadership supports the campus community through the management of 172 Tremont Street and the Student Performance Center, as well as hosting programs such as the Emerson Recognition and Achievement Awards (ERA), Student Organization Reactivation Workshops, Emerson Mane Events (EME) Programming, Strengths Seminar, and Leadership workshops.

And of course, the SEAL team is available for assistance with individual initiatives or the creation of new organizations. For general assistance or questions, email the SEAL team at SEAL@emerson.edu.

Honorary Societies

Gold Key Honor Society

The Gold Key Honor Society is Emerson’s official academic honor society. To qualify, a student must be either a junior or senior, with no fewer than 48 credits earned at Emerson College. Inductees into Gold Key are those juniors at the top 5 percent of their class, and seniors at the top 10 percent of their class (including seniors inducted in their junior year).

Lambda Pi Eta

This national honor society is for students who have achieved academic distinction in communication and is open to juniors and seniors in the Department of Communication Studies. Eligible students must have achieved a 3.8 or higher and have earned 60 or more credits.

For an expanded description of student clubs and organizations, visit emconnect.emerson.edu.

Athletics and Recreation

The Department of Athletics coordinates the College’s varsity, intramural, and recreational sports programs and operates the Emerson College Fitness Center. Athletics at Emerson is an opportunity for student-athletes to bring out their best through competition and to learn valuable lessons on and off the field that will stay with them throughout their lives. Lessons about teamwork, self-discipline, accountability, and dedication help shape a well-rounded individual.

Varsity Program

Athletics at Emerson offers a wide variety of sports in which today’s student-athlete can participate. Student-athletes can display their skills in 14 varsity sports. The Lions field varsity teams in:

Emerson College is a Division III member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC), and the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC). The Athletics Department is located at 150 Boylston Street, Lower Level 2, and can be reached at 617-824-8690 or at emersonlions.com.

Please note: Students on academic probation are not allowed to compete with varsity athletic teams.

Intramural Program

Having fun, exercising, and competing at a friendly level is the successful formula that defines the Emerson intramural sports program. The intramural program allows students the flexibility to choose to participate in sports as their time and interest permit. The Brown-Plofker Gym, opened in September 2006, allows greater opportunity for indoor varsity and intramural sports.

Lester Rotch Field

Located a mile from campus, Rotch Field is home to Emerson’s soccer, lacrosse, and softball teams, as well as intramural and recreational outdoor sports. It was completely rebuilt in 2004, opened in Spring 2005, and renovated with state-of-the-art turf field and stadium lighting in 2018. Rotch Field contains a clubhouse that houses team and officials’ locker rooms, a conference room, and an athletic trainer’s room.

Fitness Center

The Emerson College Fitness Center (ECFC) offers exercise and wellness programs designed to meet specific interests and goals including proper diet and nutrition, stress management, sports conditioning, and general physical fitness. At no cost to the Emerson community, the ECFC provides state-of-the-art strength training, cardiovascular and free weight equipment, and a studio where a daily schedule of aerobic, dance, yoga, and conditioning classes are offered. The Fitness Center is located at 52 Summer Street and can be reached at 617-824-8692.

Alumni Relations

The Office of Alumni Relations and the Emerson College Alumni Association work together to promote institutional pride, professional development opportunities, and lifelong connections among Emerson alumni and with the College. The office enables students and alumni to benefit from the experiences of alumni and other members of the Emerson community through a variety of activities, including virtual and in person events, volunteer opportunities, and online resources including our Emerson-only career community, Emerge. Explore ways alumni stay engaged with the College for life at emerson.edu/alumni and follow us on all major social channels. Alumni Relations can be reached at 617-824-8535 or alumni@emerson.edu.

Emerson College Alumni Association

The Emerson College Alumni Association exists to inspire and encourage alumni participation in the life of the College; uphold and extend the influence of Emerson and its alumni; strengthen the bonds among alumni and between alumni and Emerson College; create an ongoing relationship between students and alumni so as to develop future active alumni; and foster moral and financial support for Emerson College. All graduates and all current and former students who have attended Emerson College for at least two semesters are members of the ECAA, which is led by volunteer leaders on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, supported by the Alumni Relations Office.