On Feb. 5, 2025, Boston University College of Communication’s 2025 Grad Council Board was announced comprising 10 members including a president, vice-president, and eight others tasked with overseeing different aspects of student life.
Since his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued mandates that have sparked fierce debate, including ones surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and institutional funding, which may impact students.
We spoke to the new appointees Onari Lawson, chair of Academic Policy Committee, and Emily Watson, chair of Social Affairs Committee, about the national political and cultural climate’s impact on their roles and responsibilities as representatives of an international and diverse college that focuses on media and communication.
While companies like Target scale back DEI efforts, Onari Lawson, chief of academic policy, hopes universities will remain steadfast in their commitment to diversity. “Yes, things are different politically, but universities are different. There’s always going to be a focus on diversity efforts,” said Lawson. She emphasizes that it is a top priority to welcome people from diverse backgrounds.
Emily Watson, chair of the Social Affairs Committee, agrees that with the current state of the country, it is hard not to have conversations about diversity. “It’s really important, we all think so, especially with rollbacks,” Watson said.
Lawson is responsible for the graduate student peer mentorship program that takes place each fall. She was a participant in 2024 and is eager to revitalize the program. She wants to increase retention and make it “something people want to go to,” and a medium for new students to “feel more connected.” Lawson aims to revamp the program so the diverse and international incoming graduate student body feels seen and welcomed.
Watson oversees the social events, which on face value, are separate from the peer mentorship program. However, her goals demonstrate the consistent alignment between grad council responsibilities. Watson wants to increase attendance at social events by creating experiences that are attractive to all graduate students, regardless of age or experience, in order to foster a community outside of the classroom.
“Everything is an intersection,” said Watson, as she outlined how the grad council hopes to execute social events that are infused with culture and diversity relevant to the student body. Often, students want to attend events that are not geared towards academic thinking. “With classes and jobs, it’s important to have a relaxing and inviting environment,” said Watson.
The most recent Grad Council event, Pitch Please, was an open invitation for graduate students to pitch their ideas and initiatives to the council. The turnout was great, and “the ideas are really really good,” said Lawson. Ideas ranged from a kettle in the student lounge to movie nights. The common thread throughout the pitches, according to Lawson, is that “people want to feel more connected to the community.”
Trivia night, baseball games, outdoor movies, and the Museum of Fine Arts, are just a few ideas Watson is toying with. Building community in a relaxed environment that is not a classroom is a key part of her vision. She applied for her position because she “wanted input into what we [COM graduate students] did, instead of having events picked for us.” At the end of her term next fall, Watson’s hope is to plan events that people want to go to. “I’d feel proud, like I accomplished something,” said Watson.
The council acknowledges the reality of graduate student life. It is busy and stressful, but they want it to be more. “I’ve observed people come and go, not making the most of the grad school experience,” Watson said. “Hopefully, through what we do, that can change.”
Right now, more than ever, cultivating an open and inviting space is important. The country is in the midst of a cultural realignment. “More people might be stressed about immigration and job prospects, so that’s something we want to make sure they feel heard on,” said Lawson. She’s focusing on ways to take the stress away at least temporarily, through community.
Through mentorship programs, cultural events, and student-led initiatives, the grad council hopes to leave a lasting impact making COM a place where every student feels a sense of belonging. Lawson is optimistic that they can “move the needle forward” in tightening the social fabric of the college of communication by the end of their term in December 2025.
Follow the COM Grad Council on Instagram for latest updates and events.
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