R1 Exemption Test, Monday 12/7--LAST CHANCE FOR FALL SEMESTER!

The FINAL Basic Math (R1) Exemption Test of the semester is being offered

Monday, December 7th
6:30 p.m.
Marcus 131

Passing the test exempts you from the Basic Math Gen Ed requirement.

Now that you know when and where the exam is, how do you if you should be taking it?

The most important consideration is your academic track--majors, minors, and certificates you have declared or are considering. Do any of your current or intended tracks require math-based courses? If so, the R1 Exemption Test may not be the best option for you. The test is only used to satisfy your Gen Ed requirement--it does NOT prepare you for further math-based courses.

If you do not intend to pursue an academic path that requires math-based courses, the R1 Exemption Test is a great way to get your Basic Math Gen Ed out of the way! You can learn more about what to expect on the test from the Math Department's website and you can take the test multiple times if need be, without penalty, to pass.

As always, if you have any questions (like if you're not sure what majors/minors/certificates you might consider pursing or whether what you have already declared requires math-based courses) contact an advisor today!

Attention First-Year Students!

You have a great, once in your college career opportunity to work closely with a tenure/tenure track faculty member and boost your credit count next semester!  Faculty First Year Seminars (FFYS) offer you direct access to distinguished UMass faculty members and a chance to work with these faculty on a subject they are passionate about.  An FFYS is a great chance to make a large campus feel much smaller and to help you establish a close relationship with a faculty member on campus.  If you have space in your schedule, check out the FFYS offerrings for spring 2010.


Find something you like?  You can add the course right from Spire!  Space is limited as some seats are being reserved for freshmen arriving during January orientation, so if you see something you like, don't hesitate!  Also, if you have already taken a FFYS this fall, please do not enroll in another this spring.

Focus Group Seeks Participants

Hey, you... reading this Blog... how would you like to eat some free pizza while you read?

Well, you're in luck! The Undergraduate Advising Bloggers have been working hard to get you the information you need in a way that works for you, but the only way we'll know if our efforts are working is if YOU tell us!

We'll be running a focus group on November 23rd at 3:30 in 604 Goodell. Come in, read the Blog, and let us know what's working (and what's not). If you're reading this message you're already supporting our Blog, so why not lend your support in person, with free pizza?!?

Limited computers are available so we ask that you R.S.V.P. if you're interested in participating by emailing us at undergradadvising@acad.umass.edu. Don't miss this chance to tell Undergraduate Advising what YOU THINK!

Five College Interchange, pre-registration has begun!

Have you heard of Five College Interchange?  Did you know as a UMass student you are eligible to take courses at Smith, Mount Holyoke, Amherst, and Hampshire Colleges for UMass credit?

Don't miss your chance to take advantage of this GREAT academic opportunity!  The Five College Interchange pre-registration period began today.  This pre-registration period is the same for all UMass students, regardless of class year, and is separate from your Spire Enrollment Appointment!  As long as you're going to be at least a second semester freshman in good academic standing you can submit a Five College Enrollment Request between now and November 20th (if you miss this date, you'll have to wait until Add/Drop). 

Think you're interested?  Browse the five college course catalog to check out course offerings.  The registration procedure for five college courses is very different from your regular UMass enrollment process, so once you find the course(s) you want, make sure to read through these DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS carefully.  If you have questions, stop by the Five College Interchange Office in 614 Goodell Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30.

Want to get away?

As a UMass student, the Domestic Exchange Program gives you access to the National Student Exchange Program with over 180 colleges and universities in the 48 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.  Through a domestic exchange you can take advantage of the opportunity broaden your undergraduate experience by spending a semester or a full year at another institution!

Sound like a great idea?  Just make sure you plan ahead: all applications are due March 1st to go on exchange the following academic year (whether for fall, spring, or the whole year).

Check out an information session to learn more about where you can go, what you need to do before you go, and to receive an application.  Info sessions are underway 

Tuesdays and Wednesday from 4:45-5:30, from now through early December, in 614 Goodell. 

You can also visit the Domestic Exchange website for more information.

Don't Forget...

The MAJORS FAIR is TOMORROW!

Stop by the Campus Center Auditorium between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. tomorrow and explore the range of majors and resources UMass has to offer.  This is your once a year opportunity to speak with representatives from over 75 departments, programs, and resources all available to you in one convenient location! 

Not sure where to start or what to say?  Check out these suggested questions or complete this worksheet to discover a list of majors that may interest you.

Don't miss this opportunity to get connected!

Explore Your Future...

Still undecided about a major?  Curious about minors or certificate programs?  Thinking of studying abroad, going on domestic exchange, taking a five college course, or finding an internship?  If you answered "yes" to any or all of these questions than Undergraduate Advising has an event for you!

The annual Majors Fair is being held Wednesday October 28th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Campus Center Auditorium.  The Fair offers you a chance to talk to representatives from nearly all academic departments on campus and many other support services and co-curricular opportunities as well.

For more information and tips of how to prepare for this great networking and information gathering experience, check out the Majors Fair website.  This is an opportunity you don't want to miss!

Should you take the R1 Exemption Test?

The second Basic Math (R1) Exemption Test of the semester is being offered

Wednesday, October 14th
6:30 p.m.
Marcus 131
Passing the test exempts you from the Basic Math Gen Ed requirement.

Now that you know when and where the exam is, how do you if you should be taking it?

The most important consideration is your academic track--majors, minors, and certificates you have declared or are considering. Do any of your current or intended tracks require math-based courses? If so, the R1 Exemption Test may not be the best option for you. The test is only used to satisfy your Gen Ed requirement--it does NOT prepare you for further math-based courses.

If you do not intend to pursue an academic path that requires math-based courses, the R1 Exemption Test is a great way to get your Basic Math Gen Ed out of the way! You can learn more about what to expect on the test from the Math Department's website and you can take the test multiple times if need be, without penalty, to pass.

As always, if you have any questions (like if you're not sure what majors/minors/certificates you might consider pursing or whether what you have already declared requires math-based courses) contact an advisor today!

Spire is getting a new look!

Starting Thursday, October 8th at 5pm, Spire will be down so the system can be upgraded over Columbus Day weekend.  While Spire as a whole should be back up the next week, Degree Progress Reports will be unavailable until the end of the month!  What does this mean for you?  

You may want to consider printing a copy of your Degree Progress Report so you have access to your academic enrollment and requirements during this "down time."  Having a hardcopy will come in especailly handy if you plan on meeting with an advisor during the month of October!

Plus, did you know every student received 100 free prints on their UCard at the start of the semester?  Take advantage of this free credit and head to the Learning Commons to print your Degree Progress Report before October 5th!

So you'd like to be a Psychology major update...

As of October 1, 2009, students who would like to declare the Psychology major must either be currently registered in a course that fulfills the R1 gen ed requirement or have completed their R1 gen ed BEFORE they can declare the major. The R1 can be fulfilled by taking an appropriate course(s) or passing the R1 exemption test. For more information regarding the Psychology department and psych major requirements please visit the Psychology department, located in 501 Tobin Hall, to meet with an advisor during the following hours:

Mondays 11:30-3:30

   Tuesdays 2:00-5:00 

 Thursdays 2:00-5:00

You should bring a copy of your unofficial transcript (printed from Spire ) with you.  If you need help printing your transcript, click here.

How to Declare a Major

All UMass majors are either restricted or open. Restricted majors have certain requirements you must fulfill before you can declare. These requirements may be pre-requisite courses, minimum GPAs, personal essays, or attending an information session. In some cases you may need all of these things compiled into an application that will be reviewed by that department to determine if you meet their qualifications. It is important to keep in mind that if you are considering a restricted major, you should also have an alternate or two in mind!

Open majors do not have specific requirements that need to be completed before you can declare, although some departments may only allow you to declare during certain times of the year. Undeclared students who are ready to declare an open major should:

• Obtain a Change of Major form from the Registrar's Office (213 Whitmore) or from Undergraduate Advising
  
• Have the form signed by someone from the department/major you are declaring
• Bring the signed form to Undergraduate Advising to be signed out of Undeclared
  

Sound confusing? The best way to determine whether a major is restricted, open, or open with certain declaration periods is to check the department website, meet with an advisor, and stay tuned to this blog!

Volunteer while earning credit!

The Boltwood Project is a community service learning program that gives you the opportunity to give back to the community and help people with special needs while earning academic credit.  Interested students MUST attend a Recruitment Night meeting.   

Meetings are being held:

 TODAY

Tuesday, September 15th 

Wednesday, September 16th

All recruitment meetings are from 6-8 PM in Room 101 of the Campus Center.  

 Don't miss out on this rewarding opportunity!

Plan Ahead . . . Week of September 14th

Mark your calendars, if you plan to attend any of these events coming up during the next week:

Monday, 9/14, 1:00 pm or Thursday, 9/17 at 11:30am, or Friday, 9/18 at 3:00pm, Goodell 608. BDIC information session on creating your own major through interdisciplinary studies. Click here for more information.

Monday, 9/14, 6:30pm in Marcus 131: Math R1 Exemption Test. Passing the R1 exam (at least 12 out of 20 correct) will satisfy the R1 requirement for graduation but will not result in the awarding of any credits. Click here for more information.

Wednesday, 9/16, and Thursday, 9/ 17, 5:30 p.m. in ISOM 206. Isenberg School of Management, On-Campus Info Sessions for current UMass students interested in applying to the BBA, Hospitality and Tourism Management, or Sport Management majors. **If you want to apply to SOM, you MUST attend! Click here for more information.

Get Connected at the Academic Advising Link

The Academic Advising Link is a service desk in the library's  Learning Commons designed to help both declared and undeclared students with quick advising questions.  So, if you're still looking for scheduling help or Spire navigation assistance as we near the end of the first week of classes, stop by the Link for assistance.
The Link is staffed SUNDAY-THURSDAY from 4-8pm.  While other offices are closed, we're here to keep you connected!

Happy Summer!

CONGRATULATIONS - by now, you've finished with your finals and the academic year!

Enjoy your summer fully . . . and here are a couple of (small) reminders to carry you through August:

• check SPIRE to make sure your contact information (home and cell phone numbers, etc) is correct and current (campus profiles>student contact information)
• read (and respond, if requested) to UMass email - remember, this is the University's official means of communication with you!  
• if you're hoping to gain access into specific courses, check SPIRE regularly, and if you're making changes, use SWAP, so you don't risk losing a seat in a class

Undergraduate Advising will remain open throughout the summer, although during New Student Orientation days, we will have very limited staff available.  Have a question or want to come in to talk with an advisor?  Call 5-2191 to set up a time.

FINALS Fast Approaching!

 

Don't let yourself get overwhelmed by finals... start prepping now!

+ Block off enough time in your schedule to prepare for each test or paper individually including time to gather and organize your notes, make flashcards, attend review sessions. Try this study plan to avoid last-minute cramming!

+ KNOW WHAT YOU'RE IN FOR! Is the exam cumulative or only covering certain chapters? Is it multiple choice or short answer? How long does the final paper need to be?

+ Take advantage of campus resources: study with friends or in a private study carrel at the library and while you're there stop by the Learning Resource Center for some peer-to-peer tutoring or have a paper edited at the Writing Center!

Remember, the sooner you start, the less overwhelmed you will feel!

Don't Forget the Link!

Need help with SPIRE?   Finding Gen Ed courses?  Understanding requirements, rules, and regulations? 

The Academic Advising Link (AAL), located in the Garden Level of the Learning Commons at DuBois, is a great place to go for general academic advise and for direction to offices and resources that could help you out. 

Drop by -

• Sunday 3:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
• Monday - Wednesday 2:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
• Thursday 2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Or email the AAL at: advisinglink@acad.umass.edu

Monday is a Holiday; Tuesday is Monday

Remember:

Monday (4/20) is a holiday; there are no classes and most offices will be closed.

Tuesday (4/21) will follow a Monday class schedule.

What's Your Major Got To Do With It?

How do you go from getting an Econ degree from UMass to being an Emmy-nominated screenwriter? Come find out!

Mark Wilding '79
Producer and lead writer from Grey's Anatomy

Tuesday, April 28
4-5:00 pm
Memorial Hall

Click here for more information.

Writing Program Placement Test

Remember, to register for English Writing 112 you need to take the Writing Placement Test! 


The next test will be offered on SOON, on Thursday, April 16th at 7 pm in 224 Herter Hall. There is not another test scheduled yet, so make sure you go to this one!