Boston University (BU) — founded in 1839 — is a world-leading private research university spanning three primary campuses (Charles River, Medical & Fenway) that occupies 15.6 million gross square feet of space in over 370 buildings in the City of Boston and Town of Brookline. Additionally, the university has properties outside of Boston and Brookline for academic initiatives and global programs, domestically and internationally. There are 17 schools and colleges under the BU umbrella that contain a community of over 10,000 employees and a student body of more than 37,000.