Basic Math (R1) Skills Exemption Test

Do you want to try to exempt out of taking an R1 Basic Math course? 
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 fulfill your Basic Math Gen Ed. You can take the test multiple times if need be, without penalty, to pass.  If you're not sure if you should take the exemption test, contact your advisor.

The focus of this exam is to measure knowledge of basic math skills. Topics include:

• perimeter, area, volume
• linear equations
• averages
• fractions
• ratios
• percent increase and decrease
• interpreting graphs and tables
• compound interest

The exam will be held at 6:30pm in Marcus 131.
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!

Weekly Preview, September 10 to 17

We're headed into Week #2 of classes, and there's a lot going on! 

In addition to the events listed below, remember that Add/Drop ends Monday, September 20th.  If you have questions or concerns about your schedule, make sure you see your advisor.

Take note of the information sessions offered by departments for prospective majors.  In some cases, you cannot get into the major unless you attend an info session. 

Here's what you might want to attend in the coming week:

Monday, September 13, 3:30 pm. Public Health Group Advising Sessions. If you are interested in declaring Public Health as your major or switching to Public Health from another Major, follow the link to sign up for a group advising session. If you have recently joined the Major, it is also an opportunity to get valuable information about opportunities, courses, sequencing classes, and the field in general. Arnold House, Room 321

Monday, September 13, 6:30 pm. Basic Math (R1) Exemption Test. The R1 requirement can no longer be satisfied through the Math Placement Exam. 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. There are, however, credit courses that will also satisfy the R1 requirement.


Monday, September 13, Tuesday, September 14 and Wednesday, September 15, 6-8:00 pm. The Boltwood Project Recruitment Nights. The BOLTWOOD Project ™ is a community service learning course; interested students MUST attend one of these meetings to sign up/apply. Placements earn graded academic credit. Monday and Tuesday’s programs will be in the Student Union Ballroom; Wednesday’s event is in the Cape Cod Lounge.

Isenberg School of Management On Campus Transfer Group Information Sessions.  If you are currently a UMass student and you want to apply to enter any of the Isenberg School of Management Programs, you MUST attend an information session (for ANY/EACH major you want to apply for) and complete an application/statement of interest. If you intend to apply for any of these majors, you can click on the major (below) for more information about on-campus transfer, and plan to attend the info sessions listed below!

• Tuesday, September 14 at 5:30 pm and Wednesday, September 15 at 12:15 pm. Isenberg School of Management Group Information Sessions for the Resource Economics Major. Stockbridge 217.
• Wednesday, September 15 and Thursday, September 16 at 5:30 pm. Isenberg School of Management Group Information/Orientation Sessions for the BBA (Accounting and Information Systems, Finance and Operations Management, Management, and Marketing), Sport Management and  Hospitality and Tourism Management Majors. ISOM Bldg 206.

Tuesday, September 14, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Stonewall Center Open House. Kick off the school year by meeting new and returning LGBTQ people and allies and helping the center mark its 25th year. The event is open to all LGBTQ people and allies in the Five Colleges and the local community. Vegetarian dinner provided. Stonewall Center: Crampton House - Southwest Residential Area


Thursday, September 16, 2:30 – 3:45 pm. RefWorks Workshop. Learn how to manage your citations and create quick bibliographies for one paper or for your whole career. W.E.B. Du Bois Library, Calipari Rm.

Interested in Computer Science?

First Friday Event and Advising...

When: Friday September 10th, 2010 from 3:30 - 5:00 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 First Friday Events here.

Seminar for Veterans

Now in its second semester at UMass, the OASIS for Veterans (UNIV 125V) course is a 1-credit seminar established to assist veterans in making a smooth transition into UMass and in understanding the resources and opportunities specifically available to veteran students.
Contact Veterans Services (Whitmore 231, 545-0939) or come to the first class meeting (September 8, 4:40pm - 6:10pm in Goodell 614).

Placement Exams

Attention!

Placement Exams for Foreign Languages and English Writing will be conducted on the first day of classes, Tuesday, September 7th

Tuesday, September 7th
1:15 and 2:30 pm
Foreign Language Tests in Spanish, Latin, German and French
Campus Center 917

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Tuesday, September 7th
6:00 pm  
English Writing Placement Exam

Bartlett 109

Any Student who has not previously taken this test must do so before s/he can enroll in English Writing 112 (College Writing). Registration for the test is not needed.

For more information please call (413) 545-0610 or visit the following web site:

http://www.umass.edu/writingprogram/geninfo/placement.html

Weekly Preview: September 3-10

Welcome Back! 

As the fall semester kicks off, there are many academic activities and opportunities to keep you busy . . . not to mention getting settled into your room and getting connecting socially.  Here's what you can watch for:

Friday, September 3rd. New Student Orientation Follow-Up Program. All new students who did not attend a NSO session earlier in the summer are reminded to attend, unless they have made other arrangements. In conjunction with this NSO, there are opportunities to take some placement tests and do some pieces of ‘business’ that incoming students might need to complete.
• Foreign Language Tests in Spanish, French, Latin and German. 9/3, 1:15pm, Thompson 104
• Writing Placement & Exemption Test. 9/3, 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, Thompson 104.

Tuesday, September 7. First Day of Classes.

Tuesday, September 7, 3-5:00pm. College of Natural Sciences Convocation. The College of Natural Sciences begins the academic year with a presentation of a college and departmental “Year in Review” and welcomes new CNS faculty and the expanded Center for Agriculture. A reception follows the presentation. Student Union Ballroom.

Tuesday, September 7, 6:00pm. Writing Placement & Exemption Test. Bartlett 109. Any student who has not previously taken this test MUST do so before s/he can enroll in ENGLWRIT112 (College Writing).

Tuesday, September 7, 1:15 and 2:30 pm. Foreign Language Tests in Spanish, French, Latin and German. Campus Center 917.

Tuesday, September 7, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Commonwealth Honors College Sweet Tooth Soiree. Come and relax with Commonwealth Honors College students, staff, and faculty. Create your own cupcakes and sundaes or choose your own treat at the chocolate dipping fountain. Goodell 504

Wednesday, September 8, 6:00 pm. Yuri Kochiyama Cultural Center (YKCC) Open House. Join the YKCC staff in welcoming back all of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (AIPDA) students. Yuri Kochiyama Cultural Center YKCC Activity Room.

Thursday, September 9, 6:00 pm. Cultural Connections 2010. The Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success (CMASS) invites you to join them and enjoy live music, dancing, and new friends. In addition, come learn about the recent establishment of CMASS, an organization that was formerly known as the Office of Programs and Services for ALANA Students (OPSAS). The support programs that existed under OPSAS (BCP, CCEBMS, NASS and UALRC) will all cease operation and become a part of CMASS. Campus Center Auditorium.

Friday, September 10, 3:30-5:00pm. Computer Science First Friday Event. All Majors, minors and other interested students are cordially invited to attend this academic/social event, which will be held on the first Friday of the month throughout the Fall 2010 semester (Sept. 10, Oct. 1, Nov. 5 and Dec.3). Computer Science Building, Room 151.

OASIS texts

Are you taking OASIS, Undergraduate Advising's first-year seminar course (UNIV 125)?  If so, your custom textbook is available at Collective Copies, 71 S. Pleasant St, in downtown Amherst (ask for the text for UNIV 125). For details, see http://www.collectivecopies.com/cchome.htm.

If you're having lunch or poking around in Amherst with your family when they drop you off, that would be a good time to purchase your book!

Note:  Collective Copies cannot take your U-Card for payment;  you'll need cash, a check, or a major credit card.

Optimizing Your Semester Credit Load

 

How many credits can I take in a semester?

 

To be a full time student you need to take 12 credits each semester. Most students take 15 credits a semester. To find out the maximum number of credits per semester you can take, look up your department's academic requirements. Each department has a maximum number of credits allowed during a semester. It is possible to take more than the maximum number of credits, but you must submit a Credit Overload Petition form. Further information can be gleaned from the registrar's web site here.

Due to changes in general education requirements this year, some academic departments have increased the amount of maximum credits a student can take per semester without needing an overload form. This does not necessarily mean, however, that one should take the maximum number of credits allowed in a semester; careful planning and consulting with your academic advisor are always recommended, so that you can best optimize your time, energy and resources as a UMass student. If you have questions regarding how many credits you can take this semester start by checking with your department's website or call them directly. If you can not get a hold of a department representative, try calling the Advising Center for your particular College, a list of majors and their corresponding Advising Centers can be found here.   

OASIS seminars

If you submitted a request to be enrolled in an OASIS seminar, you should now be able to find it in your schedule in SPIRE.  If it's not there, or if you'd like to join the class, please email undergradadvising@acad.umass.edu with your request. 
Remember to do this from your UMail account - it's official UMass business!

Need to Add an Extra Credit?

Want to add ONE credit to your fall schedule? Consider a first year seminar – a one credit, pass/fail course designed for entering students. It’s a great way to round out your schedule, and to transition into being a successful college student here at UMass.

Try a Faculty First Year Seminar (FFYS), which puts you in a small class (20 students or fewer) with a tenure-track faculty member teaching about a topic or subject they’re passionate about. Enrolling in a FFYS will help make the campus feel "smaller" and will also introduce you to a knowledgeable faculty member who can provide you with mentoring and advice as you begin your experience as a college student at a large research university.  Check out the FFYS webpage for more information. You can enroll in these seminars directly on SPIRE (search UNIV ‘begins with’ 197).

~ Or ~

Try an Opportunities for Academic Success with Individualized Support (OASIS) seminar, designed specifically for students entering UMass without a declared major. You’ll work closely with your academic advisor as you clarify your individual goals, explore possible majors, and develop your personal academic plan here at the University. Read more about OASIS here. To add a section of OASIS to your schedule, email KD Maynard at kdm@acad.umass.edu, make sure to include your name and student I.D. number with your request. For any student requesting an OASIS class not affiliated with a RAP, check SPIRE in mid-August to make sure the class appears on your schedule.