Student Clubs & Organizations
Research shows that involvement in campus activities lead to stronger on-campus friendships and actually seems to increase the likelihood that students will persist and complete their education. BCC clubs offer students the opportunity to pursue special areas of interest that enhance their educational experience. These opportunities are open to all BCC students. A student organization is defined as any organization whose full membership is comprised of students with students in leadership roles for the group that has been recognized by the college.
All students organizations must abide by the policies and procedures as outlined in the Student Organization & Club Handbook. Student organizations are responsible for knowing and abiding by all college policies and local, state, and federal laws. There are a variety of student clubs and organizations that plan social, cultural, educational and community service projects. All clubs are open to all students. For more information on clubs and activities, visit the Office of Student Life, G102 or call x.2222. In New Bedford, call x.4003.
The following clubs and organizations are currently active on campus:
Cambodian Student Association
The Cambodian Student Association promotes and creates an awareness of the Khmer culture, history and tradition to the community.
Advisor: Sarah Morrell, x2324
Catholic Student Association (CSA)
CSA provides opportunities for spiritual growth and development. The group meets weekly for Scripture reading, faith sharing, and fellowship. CSA sponsors liturgies and prayer services for students, faculty, and staff on Holy Days and during Lent. CSA also offers retreat experiences, plans a variety of activities, and organizes service projects.
Advisor: Sr. Faye Medina, 2247
Christian Fellowship
The BCC Christian Fellowship is an interdenominational Christian student organization seeking to provide a spiritual environment for students.
Advisor: Patti Hiscock, x2109; Rodney Clark, x2177
Clinical Lab Science Club
The club seeks to enhance the College experience by encouraging future Clinical Laboratory Technicians to participate in both social and professional activities. The club members will be encouraged to raise funds to help members participate.
Advisor: Paulette Howarth, x2390
Club Theatre
BCC Club Theatre invites students from all majors to share and explore their interest in theatre in its many forms. This club is open to everyone with or without theatre experience. Dedicated to bringing in speakers, performers, and plays, scheduling field trips to shows and theatre events, and promoting campus awareness of our resident theatre company, BCC Theatre Rep, this club is made up of people who wish to join hands in partaking in this lively art.
Advisor: Rylan Brenner, x2440
Coalition for Social Justice
The Coalition for Social Justice promotes and educates students and the community on national and international social activism and encourages related participation.
Advisor: Dan Gilbarg, x2208
Complementary Health Care and Therapeutic Massage Club
The Complementary Health Care and Therapeutic Massage Club promotes student success through its members and promotes the ethics and professionalism inherent in the code of ethics.
Advisor: Sharon Tilton, x2262
Criminal Justice Society
The Criminal Justice Society prepares its members for future criminal justice careers and actively participates in and initiates social and community activities. Members often work with local, state and federal criminal justice agencies.
Advisor: Alan Rolfe, x3081
Deaf Studies
The ASL club focuses on the appreciation, promotion and comprehension of American Sign Language, its culture and history among the members, the college and the community.
Advisor: Larry Stephen, x2858
Dental Hygiene Club
The Dental Hygiene Club prepares its members for their future role in the profession of dental hygiene through active membership in the student American Dental Hygienists’ Association, and raises funds to help club members participate in dental conferences. The Dental Hygiene Club is affiliated with the Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Alpha.
Advisor: Jayne Timberlake, x3109
Environmental Club
The Environmental Club actively works towards fostering a healthy environment on the BCC campus and in the communities representing the student body at BCC. Activities include informing the student body and community about local environmental issues and improving the quality of life and health for improving the quality of life and health for Southeastern MA residents.
Advisor: James Pelletier, x2200
Gay Straight Alliance (GSA)
The GSA provides a safe, open and sharing environment for members of both the gay and straight communities. It strives to welcome individuals of all groups and to educate the BCC community as to the role of the various members of the gay community including gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered.
Advisor: Raymond Puchot, x3078
Habitat for Humanity
We build houses and Community! Come join this international movement to eliminate inadequate housing-one home at a time. BCC Habitat works on building in the greater Fall River Area (no experience necessary!) and also fundraises so homes can be built.
Join us in making a difference. The club works in conjunction with the Fall River Chapter of Habitat for Humanity.
Advisor: Adam Souza, x2027
Human Services Club
The Human Services Club exists to provide useful, up-to-date information about the focus and specifics of area human/social services agencies, as well as employment and volunteer opportunities. The Club strives to supplement theory learned in class(es) with practical field applications, thus helping students to more easily select a future career focus and, if applicable, make a more informed and satisfying choice of agency for an internship and/or other volunteer experience. Participation allows networking with other students and provides a forum to discuss relevant issues on campus and in the community as a whole.
Advisor: Kevin Garganta, x2001
International Club
The International Club sponsors cultural and social activities to encourage greater awareness of the many cultures represented on campus. The club is open to all students, and strives to increase interaction among the international students and those born in the U.S.
Advisors: Diane Manson, x2450; Farah Habib, x2692; Regina Pirtle, x2476
Indoor Field Hockey Club
The Indoor Field Hockey Club will provide an opportunity for all students to actively play competitive indoor field hockey as well as to emphasize the development of teamwork.
Advisor: Nancy Kocur, x2196
Latino Club
The Latino Club strives to promote awareness and understanding of the Latin Culture and cultural identity within the college community. A voice for Latino students, the Latino Club serves as a catalyst to unite students from all Latin/Spanish cultures and to educate the community regarding the Latino/Spanish diaspora. The club provides support and assistance to its members along with opportunities to develop leadership and participate in various community events and projects.
Advisor: Milton Clement, x2240; Raymond Puchot, x3078; Eduardo Soren Triff, x2212
MASSPIRG
MASSPIRG is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to serving as a watchdog for the state’s citizens and environment. MASSPIRG combines the expertise of professionals with the power of citizens in defense of clean air and water, strong safeguards for consumers and students, a free and vigorous democracy, and a way of living today that ensures a better quality of life tomorrow. The base of MASSPIRG’s support comes from students on college campuses, like those at BCC, who volunteer or earn internship credit while working with organizers on campaigns on campus and in the Fall River community that uphold these principles.
The BCC MASSPIRG office is located in the Commonwealth College Center (G101), x2557.
Medical Assisting Club
The Medical Assisting Club provides activities that assist members in enhancing their administrative and clinical office skills. Functions include fundraisers and presentations by guest speakers. Membership is open to students in the Medical Assisting Certificate program as well as those wishing to enter the profession.
Advisor: Lisa Wright, x2629
NALS
Advisor: Diana Yohe, x2404
Nursing Club
The Nursing Club fosters rapport among students, promotes a strong sense of campus unity, and acts as an aid to aspiring nursing students.
Advisor: June Sanders, x2969; Melane Paranzino, x2333
The Observer
The Observer is the college’s student-run newspaper. Students on the Observer staff learn writing, reporting, editing, photojournalism, design, layout techniques and desktop publishing, and can also gain business experience through management and advertising sales.
Advisor: Kenneth J. Souza, x2132
Occupational Therapy Assistants Club
The purpose of the Occupational Therapy Assistants Club is to inform members of trends and issues related to students and practitioners in the field. The club hosts the "COTA Forum" professional meeting and encourages attendance at other social and professional activities.
Advisor: Cynthia Brenner, x2331
Office Administration Club
The organization provides students with an opportunity to develop leadership and organizational skills, as well to enjoy the company of fellow students. Club membership is open to all interested students.
Advisor: Diana Yohe, x2404
Portuguese Club
The Portuguese Club sponsors cultural activities to promote interest in the Portuguese language and culture. The club is open to all students and works closely with Luso Centro.
Advisor: Jose Costa, x2362; Carlos Almeida, x2091
Rotaract Club
The BCC Rotaract club is a community-based club for young men and women ages 18 to 30 and is sponsored by the Fall River Rotary Club. Our credo is “Service Above Self.” Through the Rotaract program, young adults address the physical and social needs of their communities while promoting international understanding and peace through a framework of friendship and service.
Advisors: Ron Santos, rsantos@bristol.mass.edu, Richard Partridge, x2578,
Dr. Michael Vieira, x2123.
Science Club
The Science Club promotes educational and social opportunities for those interested in the world of science. Members participate in fairs, leagues and competitions.
Advisor: Jim Pelletier, x2200
Ski and Snowboarding Club
The ski and snowboarding club provides a social environment while skiing and snowboarding at local ski areas.
Advisor, Nicole Heaney, x2471
Soccer Club
The soccer club provides the opportunity for all students to actively practice and play competitive soccer and to emphasize the development of team work.
Advisor: David Allen, x2515
Socrates Café
The Socrates Café is to encourage the spirit of philosophical inquiry and promotes philosophical inquiry. The Socrates Café welcomes campus personnel (especially students) in active though informal philosophical inquiry.
Advisors: G.K. Maravelas, x2345
Students in Free Enterprise, Inc.
S.I.F.E. members establish and direct student generated free-market educational programs for schools and community organizations to bring a better understanding of the current economic issues and a greater appreciation for the American free enterprise system.
Advisor: Dennis Grieco, x2033
Tutoring Club
All Students interested in the field of education can benefit from participation in club activities. Informal social gatherings, field trips, and conference attendance help students develop their skills and explore careers in education.
Advisor: Ron Weisberger, x2444
TV Club
The TV Club provides a creative outlet to students through TV and helps students improve their communication skills.
Advisor: Keith Thibault, x2354
Video Game Club
This club promotes the understanding of video games play and development and to provide a forum for discussion on game design, game play, and to establish contacts and relationships within the industry.
Advisor: Ray Steele, x2739
Visual Arts Clubx
The Visual Arts Club provides the opportunity to expand the BCC art experience beyond the classroom. Sponsored activities include field trips to Boston and other locations, screenings of art films and film about art.
Advisor: Elizabeth Dooher, x2291