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Intersections Villa Faculty Writing Retreat

Institution Name: Boston College
Program Contact Name: Burt Howell
Program Contact Email: howellbu@bc.edu
Program Contact Phone Number: (617) 552-6141
Short Program Description:

Through the Intersections Villa Faculty Writing Retreat, members of the Boston College faculty spend five days on the coast of Maine for a writing retreat that allows them to focus on one aspect of their role in the Jesuit mission of higher education—that of scholarship or creative work.

Program Goals/Intended Outcomes:

*Introduce the spirit of the Catholic and Jesuit mission through a formative experience close to professors’ hearts.
*Motivate faculty to want to learn more about how to integrate the mission into their teaching, research, and mentoring.
*Build trust between professors and University Mission and Ministry (UMM) and enable UMM to connect faculty to future opportunities.

Intersections Villa Faculty Writing Retreat Website
How long does it take to complete the program?: Multiple Days
Total Program Length: Five day retreat
Key University/Other Partners: Provost's Office
Funding Source(s): University Mission and Ministry
Stipends Paid or Other Participant Benefits: Other
Other Stipends: Gift of time
Program Material 1: 2025 Villa Invitation Letter
Program Material 2: 2025 Villa Meal Schedule
Program Material 3: 2025 Villa Participant Research Interests
Program Material 4: Villa Hotel and General Information Email
Lessons Learned:

Connecting with faculty through the mission is delicate work. Some are wary of getting involved with University Mission and Ministry: the Villa is a way to welcome faculty on terms that they find compelling. The program strives to invite a mix of new faculty and senior scholars, as well as a Jesuit faculty member who offers daily Mass. The retreat atmosphere is remarkable; professors are profoundly grateful and more open to engaging with an institution that is willing to care for them in this way.

Assessment Data:

Reflections are held at the beginning and at the end of the retreat. Retreat coordinators are often amazed at the emotion shared from very serious academics about what the week means to them professionally and personally. They are sometimes moved to tears of gratitude and express a desire to engage more with Intersections and UMM. This program is the place where coordinators begin to draw up lists to nominate professors to make a pilgrimage and/or a silent retreat. Without it, no other similar programs would include faculty.