Week in Review, April 3 to 9

 We've got another full week coming up - lots of opportunities to explore majors and what you'll do with them after you graduate!

Monday, April 5, 11:00am; Thursday, April 8 at 2:00pm; or Friday April 9 at 11:00am.  BDIC Information Session.  Can't find exactly what you’re looking for in a major on campus? Come to an information session where you can learn all about designing your own major in BDIC.  Goodell 608. 

Tuesday, April 6 and/or Wednesday, April 7, 5:30pm.  Isenberg School of Management Information Session for On-Campus Transfers to the BBA (Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing Operations Management), Hospitality & Tourism Management, or Sport Management majors. Each program offers a different curriculum and has a different set of requirements for admission.  It is important that students fully explore all of their options prior to applying.  This exploration includes reviewing requirements for admission as well as learning about what each program's curriculum entails.  Any current UMass Amherst student who is interested in learning more about the Isenberg School is strongly encouraged to attend an information session, and may need to attend two different sessions to get information about different programs.  ISOM 206

Tuesday, April 6 – Thursday, April 8, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm.  VASMA Presents "Coming Home."  UMass VASMA will be presenting a two-day series highlighting service members and the issues they face, as experienced by student veterans. On April 6th we will be screening the HBO film "Taking Chance" with Kevin Bacon, followed by a student veteran panel titled "UMass Soldier Stories."  After the screening, UMass student veterans from multiple military branches will hold a panel answering questions and highlighting their experiences while overseas, as well as their experience with adapting to student life.  Campus Center.

Wednesday, April 7, 7:00 pm.  Panel Discussion: The Department of Communication Alumni Career Night. Wondering what you’d do with a degree in Communication?  Come and find out at a panel discussion featuring alumni of the Department talking about the many different careers and activities they are engaged in. Get advice on what kinds of things you should be doing regarding your own future career.  In addition to five panelists, there will also be conversations with alumni in other states and other countries via Skype.  Food and drinks from Antonio's Pizza will be served.  Register for the event; space is limited.  Bernie Dallas Room, Goodell.
Panelists include:
- Mr. James Daddona '82, freelance sports producer/director (ESPN, NHL, NCAA, NBC, NESN)
- Mr. Erik Ewers '91, editor with Florentine Films
- Ms. Nadia Guessous '96, Five College fellow in the department of women's and gender studies at Amherst College
- Ms. Erin Martin Kane '91, principal with EMK Public Relations
- Mr. Adam Martignetti '01, chief of staff, Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
- Ms. Lori Osborne '96, customer business planning manager with CPG Sales at ConAgra Foods

Thursday, April 8, 11:00am.  RefWorks Workshop.  The first part of each workshop covers how to access RefWorks, import references from library databases and catalogs, retrieve and manage citations, and create bibliographies using various citation styles (e.g. MLA or APA).  The second part covers in-depth applications such as Write-N-Cite for adding references to a Word document and RefShare for sharing folders with other researchers.  Integrated Sciences Building, 3rd Floor.

Thursday, April 8, 4-5:30pm.  Communication Major – Information Meeting for Prospective Majors.  Machmer E-33.

Thursday, April 8, 6:00 pm.  Student-Alumni Networking Event: Dinner with Strangers.  UMass Amherst alumni and students come together over dinner and network about life after college. UMass Amherst alumni host current students at their dinner table on campus to share personal and professional experiences and stories. Each student may select the alumnus/a they would like to dine with in an informal setting. Join us for a night of networking and fun. It's more than just a meal – it's a part of the student experience!  Business professional attire is recommended. Advance registration is required, as seating is limited. TO REGISTER, call the Student Alumni Association (SAA) at 800.456.8627 or 413.545.2317. Memorial Hall.
Alumni hosts include (with additional hosts coming soon):
- Mr. Boutilier '01, Computer Science; Vice President and Production Manager with Anzovin Studio in Northampton, MA
- Jonathan Fortescue '89, English, Linguistics and German; Managing Director with J. Robert Scott Executive Search in Boston, MA
- Denise Gaudet '77, Economics; Assistant General Counsel with Sovereign Bank in Boston, MA
- James O. Pearson '78, Mechanical Engineering; President of J.O.P. Consulting in Holliston, MA

Friday, April 9, 1:00pm.  Getting the Most out of your Public Health Practicum.  Listen to presentations from current graduate students and Career Planning on how Public Health graduate students can get the most out their upcoming practicums.  Arnold House, Room 321.
Presentations of Practicums by Current Students:
• Alexander Nits, Epidemiology, “Assessment and Surveillance of Health Problems in Hampshire and Franklin Counties”
• George Kamukala, Community Health Education, "Is drinking water from the tap safe? A close look at the West Springfield Water Department”
Planning for Your Practicum:
• Mary Ellen Liseno, Assistant Director for Career Planning, “Getting the Most out of your Public Health Practicum”

Friday, April 9, 2:00pm.  Public Health Sciences Information Session with the Associate Dean Dan Gerber.  Incoming SPHHS students are invited to come and chat with the Associate Dean.  412 Arnold House.

Friday, April 9, 3:00pm.  Public Health Sciences: Group Advising Session.  If you are interested in declaring or switching to the Public Health Sciences major, or if you have recently joined the major, you should attend one of these information sessions to learn about opportunities, courses, sequencing courses, and the field in general.  412 Arnold House.

Friday, April 9, 3:00 pm.  Find a Public Health Internship or Volunteer Opportunity.  This workshop will introduce students to strategies for finding public health summer internships or volunteer opportunities in order to enhance academic learning and classroom experiences on campus.  321 Arnold.

Curious About Computer Science?

First Friday Event and Advising...

When: Friday April 2, 2010 from 3:30 pm

Where: Room 151 of the Computer Science Research Bldg.









All Computer Science Majors and Minors and all students interested in Computer Science are cordially invited.

Find out more about the Computer Science academic program here.

SPIRE Shopping Cart--

Having trouble navigating the new shopping cart system in SPIRE?

Do you find yourself in a fog of confusion? 

Do not fret, navigating the new cart system is easy if you remember a few helpful tips! :

1.) Your cart shows classes that you have selected, but not yet enrolled in for the term.

2.) Link to your shopping cart through the link below your current enrollment on your SPIRE home page, or through the left menu under Enrollment > ADD Classes. 

3.) Once in your cart view, you can add classes by clicking the green search  button under the heading Add to Cart:, Remember (Adding courses to your cart does not mean you are enrolled in them, it is merely a holding place until you actually enroll). 

4.) Once you have the courses you want in your cart, you can begin to add them to your schedule. First, select the courses you want to enroll in by clicking the little box next to each course you want to add (make sure your courses don't overlap time wise or you will get an error msg). Second, once you have the course boxes selected, click the little green enroll button below the list of courses in your cart queue. Finally this will bring you to a screen that asks you to Finish Enrolling, click this green box and wait to see if you get a green check mark (which means you have successfully enrolled in the cart) or a red X (which means there was some sort of error enrolling and a short msg detailing why). 

5.) If you keep getting an error msg when trying to enroll in a course that you believe you are eligible to enroll in, try contacting the department where the class is being offered, otherwise contact your academic advisor in your appropriate dept. or you can try seeking help from the Academic Advising Link.

6) Remember to maintain your shopping cart AFTER you've enrolled! Go here for a quick demo!

You will be an expert shopper in no time! 

   

Five-College Pre-Registration has begun!!!

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

Don't miss your chance to take advantage of this opportunity!  The Five College Interchange pre-registration period ends April 16th.  This pre-registration period is the same for ALL 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 now.  If you miss this date, you'll have to wait until Add/Drop in the Fall! 

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.

Thinking of becoming a Sociology Major?!

If you've been considering declaring Sociology, the deadline is fast approaching!  Sociology is an open major, but has a limited window of opportunity in which you can declare each semester.  If you want to pursue upper-level courses/requirements for the major in the Fall, you should declare by the April 1st deadline (THAT'S TOMORROW!!!) for the widest range of course options.  You can declare by going to the Sociology office in 704 Thompson Hall and have a Change of Major Form completed A.S.A.P.

All new majors must attend an Orientation on Thursday from 4-5:30 PM in Dickinson Rm 112.   

Here you can meet faculty and staff, learn about departmental resources and opportunities, and get to know the Sociology department's Peer Advisors!  YOU CAN ALSO DECLARE YOUR MAJOR AT THIS MEETING, if you don't make it to the Sociology office before then.

Weekly Preview: March 27 to April 2

It's a busy week, coming up.  In addition to these events, plan to see your advisor WELL BEFORE your enrollment appointment, so you're able to sign up for fall classes as soon as possible.  Click here for a checklist you can use to help you prepare to speak with your advisor.

Here's what's happening next week:

Monday, March 29.  Pre-registration for Five-College Interchange (Fall 2010) begins, and will run through April 16th.  To take courses at Amherst, Hampshire, Mt. Holyoke, or Smith, print out the Five-College Enrollment form from your SPIRE account.  Visit the UMass Amherst Five-College website  and/or search the Five-College website for courses.

Monday, March 29.  4th Annual Undergraduate Life Science Research Symposium.  See what research projects undergraduate students are doing!  The Symposium showcases interdisciplinary life science research at the undergraduate level. The event begins with a poster session at 1:00 p.m. in the Campus Center Auditorium, where undergraduate students present their research to the broader UMass scientific community.  At 4:00 p.m. in the Engineering Lab II 119 Auditorium, Darrell Irvine, from MIT, will give this year's keynote lecture, "The Bionic Immune System: Using Biomaterials to Empower and Understand Immunity".

Monday, March 29, 10-11am.  RefWorks Workshop.  The first part of each workshop covers how to access RefWorks, import references from library databases and catalogs, retrieve and manage citations, and create bibliographies using various citation styles (e.g. MLA or APA).  The second part covers in-depth applications such as Write-N-Cite for adding references to a Word document and RefShare for sharing folders with other researchers.  Calipari Room, Du Bois Library.

Tuesday, March 30, 6-7pm.  Writing Placement Test.  Students who wish to enroll in ENGL WRIT 112 (College Writing) who have NOT previously taken this exam MUST do so to qualify.  Remember - ENGL WRIT 112 is a General Education requirement, unless you have placed out of it.  Bartlett 302.

Wednesday, March 31, 4-5pm.  Need Help Choosing a Major?  Student Panel Discussion.  Attend this student discussion to hear from students in BDIC, Economics, Communication, Biology and Certificate Programs.  Learn about the process of choosing a major: the pros & cons, internship opportunities, courses in majors, and more!  Refreshments will be served.  604 Goodell.

Wednesday, March 31, 6pm.  The Student Alumni Association (SAA) and the UMass Amherst Alumni Association are proud to present the Campus to Career program, Changing Course: Navigating Your Career Path.  Not all fulfilling careers have a direct path from point A to point B. Are you prepared if your journey takes you off course? Join our alumni panel as they discuss how they still found their career success when their current profession differed from their original degree.
Alumni panelists include:
– Stephen Andrews '76, Education (Physical/Athletic Training); Senior Vice President of the Treasury Group with Sovereign Bancorp, Inc. in Boston, MA
– Timothy Haarmann '68, Sociology; Vice President and Senior Client Services Portfolio Manager with Loomis Sayles in Boston, MA
– Julie Delvecchio-Savage '79, '84G, '90PhD, Environmental Design, Industrial Engineering and Industrial Engineering and Regional Planning; Executive Director with the MITRE Corporation in Bedford, MA
– Benjamin Scott '99, Physics; Vice President with Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. in Prides Crossing, MA
Light refreshments will be served.  Memorial Hall.

Thursday, April 1, 4-5:30pm.  Info Session for Prospective Sociology Majors and Orientation for new Sociology Majors.  All new majors MUST attend this meeting and students considering Sociology as their major are strongly encouraged to attend.  Meet faculty and staff, learn about departmental resources and opportunities, and get acquainted with Sociology’s peer advisors.  Light refreshments will be served.  For more information, email ADVISING@soc.umass.edu.  NOTE:  April 1 is the deadline for declaring a Sociology major this spring . . . after the end of this meeting, you will not be able to declare Sociology until next fall.  112 Dickinson. 

Friday, April 2, 3:30pm.  Computer Science: First Friday Event and Advising.  General information and advising for Computer Science Majors and Minors and all students interested in Computer Science. 151 Computer Science Building.

Clear up those HOLDS!

Holds are now listed on SPIRE. If you see something like this when you log on to SPIRE:

Then you have a HOLD on your account! Some holds MAY PREVENT YOU FROM ENROLLING IN COURSES! Click on the link to the right of your schedule in SPIRE and it will tell you why the hold is there. DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO CLEAR IT UP!

Some 'common' holds are:
Bursar bill not paid--See the Bursar in Whitmore!
Incomplete Immunization Records--Go to Health Services for info!
Academic Advising Needed--You must make an appointment with your Advisor!

Don't let a hold keep you from getting into classes you need!

So you want to be a Resource Economics major?

If you're interested in pursing a Resource Economics major, the deadline to complete an Online Statement of Interest is fast approaching!  You must complete this form BY MARCH 26TH--THAT'S THIS FRIDAY--in order to register for Fall courses as a major.  In other words, if you want the most choices in terms of course access, you should complete the form by the deadline above.  Once you do, you'll receive an email within 7 days to schedule an advising meeting, where you'll be able to formally declare your major.

Need to know more before you decide?  

Attend an Info Session TONIGHT at 6pm in Stockbridge Room 114 or 

Have a look at the department's very detailed undergraduate handbook

FALL 2010 SPIRE--CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION APPOINMENTS!

How time flies! Class offerings for next semester are up on SPIRE. If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss next semester call us at 545-2191. Keep in mind that we do get busy, so the sooner you call the better your chances of getting a time that best suits your needs.
Also be sure to check your registration appointments--so if you want help with courses, try to set up your appointment with us BEFORE your enrollment appointment begins!

W Drop and Pass/Fail Deadline Today!

~ Attention ~

Today is the last day to Withdraw from a course with a W or switch to the Pass/Fail option!

Please see your academic advisor or your academic dean's office for further questions or help.

If you do not know who your advisor is, or how to contact your dean's office, you can call the Undergraduate Advising Office in 615 Goodell at (413) 545-2191 for assistance.