Boston University Marsh Chapel

How to Hold a Vigil

From time to time events of local, national or international importance compel the Boston University community to come together in solidarity and support with each other and those immediately affected by the event in question. Sometimes such vigiling is organized and coordinated by chaplains at Marsh Chapel, but most frequently the impetus for such community wide responses comes at the initiative of students, faculty, staff and administrators. This page is meant to be a resource and guide for those who would organize such an event.

1. Book the Plaza or the Chapel. This should be done at least two weeks in advance through the Chapel Director, Ray Bouchard, who can be contacted at 617-358-3390 or at chapel@bu.edu.  In cases of short notice, please still contact Ray and/or one of the chaplains as soon as possible so that we can make arrangements and be as helpful to you as possible.
2. Contact chaplains, speakers, musical guests, etc. as appropriate to the purpose of the vigil.
   • Dean Elmore and his staff are very accessible and will be able to help you contact other BU administrators.

     BU Administration	Dean of Students
     Office	GSU, Second Floor
     Phone	617-353-4126
     Email	dos@bu.edu; kennmore@bu.edu

   • The chaplains are happy to participate and share resources for the vigil.

     Chaplains	Marsh Chapel
     Office	Basement of Marsh Chapel
     Phone	617-353-3560
     Email	chapel@bu,edu

   • If contacting outside speakers be sure to give them as much lead time as possible and make any arrangements for payment ahead of time. Please note that BU SAO groups are NOT allowed to enter into contracts with speakers and instead must go through SAO first.
3. Marsh Chapel has vigil candles available for your use. If your group is able, we do ask that you reimburse us at cost.
4. Advertise:
   1. Flyers
   2. Email
   • Deans of the Schools
   • RAs
   • Student Groups
   • Heads of Departments
   • etc.
   3. Create Facebook events
   4. etc.
5. Get it in the news. Be sure you establish one or two main contact persons for the event and pass their information onto news media, administration and speakers who may be attending/covering the event.
   • BU Today
   • Daily Free Press
   • Larger news affiliates as appropriate