Thursday, May 31, 2012

Welcome, New Students!

Summer New Student Orientation (NSO) for freshmen and transfers will run from the beginning of June through mid-July. If you're an incoming student and you haven't yet signed up for an orientation session, click here for more details. 

Advisors from Undergraduate Advising and each of UMass' schools and colleges will be working with incoming students to set up their class schedules for fall, and incoming students will also be participating in a jam-packed schedule of activities designed to set them up for success at UMass community in the fall and beyond.

If you're on campus, say hello to students wearing nametags on a lanyard around their neck. If you're trying to get in touch with an academic advisor, know that we're focused on new students for much of the coming weeks. Feel free to email us or call for an appointment (413-545-2191) - just know that you may not connect with your advisor immediately.



Monday, May 21, 2012

Grades & Academic Discipline

Spring grades are now available on SPIRE.  Look over everything carefully and contact your instructor if something seems wrong.

The Registrar's Office sent a UMail on Friday, May 18 to students who are facing academic discipline (suspension or dismissal). 

Be sure to completely read the email, carefully follow the instructions, and regularly monitor your UMass Amherst email account for new information or instructions on how to proceed. You may also want to consult the Undergraduate Advising website for information on academic status.

If you plan to appeal...

If you plan to appeal your suspension or dismissal you must e-mail or fax your appeal to your Academic Dean by Tuesday, June 12 at noon. However, the earlier the better; don't wait until the last minute! All appeals must be completed on the one-page appeal form available here:

Academic Suspension/Dismissal Appeal Form

If you do not plan to appeal...

If you do not plan to appeal your suspension or dismissal and have an on-campus housing assignment for the fall, it will be canceled automatically.

Be sure to check your UMail regularly over the summer!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Summer Communication: Stay In Touch!

Official UMass business is conveyed via your UMail email address, and this includes anything that happens during the summer. Make sure you check your UMail on a regular basis, read any messages completely, and respond promptly, if required. Don't miss the deadline to apply for a special scholarship or appeal a suspension because you didn't read your UMail!

Make sure your personal information on SPIRE is up-to-date. Does SPIRE have your cell phone number? Correct address?  Review your information and make sure it is both correct and complete. It can be a bit embarrassing if someone from a UMass office calls to change the time of an appointment and reaches your parent, not you!

Read the Undergraduate Advising Blog during the summer to make sure you don't miss important information. While many posts will be directed to incoming students, watch for information that might pertain to you, your schedule, or your academic program. Be among the first to know when grades will hit SPIRE or which department is hosting an info session the first week of class!