Got a Question?

We're here, at Undergraduate Advising, throughout the winter break (minus 12/25 and 1/1).  If you have any questions, you can:

• call us, at 413-545-2191;
• email us, at undergradadvising@acad.umass.edu ; 
• make an appointment to come in and meet with an advisor; and/or
• consult the Undergraduate Advising website (advising.umass.edu) or the archives of the Blog.

Oh - and enjoy your time!

Networking Over Winter Break

 Whether you're thinking about a summer job, an internship, or a job after graduation, it's clear that networking can make a difference in landing the position you want.

While you're home for Winter Break and seeing people you don't ordinarily see, pay attention to what people are doing and whether they could help you secure a spot, or if they can put you in contact with someone else who could. Work Your Contacts! If you are thinking about arranging an Informational Interview with someone who works in a field you may be interested in, check out this page for help on how to go about it and how to prepare, as well as ideas for questions and do's and don'ts.

Follow this link for some tips on career networking for college students, where they say that "approximately 70-75 % of most jobs are found through networking."

Calculate your GPA and Grades on SPIRE

Congratulations on finishing your classes for the fall! Now, wouldn't you like to see how you did this semester? You will find an automatic GPA calculator here. At this site, you can also go to the 'additional calculator' for help with calculating how you can raise your GPA.

Your grades will be released and available to you on January 4th. All you need to do is simply log on to your SPIRE account and click on the 'Grades' screen in your drop-down menu on the Student Center page. You should also review your Academic Requirements Report (ARR) while you're there to verify your geneds, credits, etc. **YOU MAY START TO SEE YOUR GRADES PRIOR TO JANUARY 4TH BUT THEY WILL NOT BE OFFICIAL UNTIL THEN. THERE WILL BE A NOTE POSTED ON SPIRE TO LET YOU KNOW THAT YOUR GRADES ARE READY**

RAP Survey

Are you in a RAP?  Did you respond to the RAP survey that was emailed to you?

If so, THANK YOU !   If you haven't yet, please do.  It'll only take a few minutes, and you could win some free movie passes.

Check your email for the link, if you're in a RAP.  And good luck on your finals.

What's Happening: December 5th through 11th

As the semester winds down, there will be a hiatus of events, information sessions and the like.  You’ll see fewer Blog postings, but keep checking to make sure you don’t miss important information!

Here’s what’s happening in the coming week: 

Monday 12/7, 6:30 pm, Marcus 131.  R1 Exemption Exam – Last chance of the semester to take the R1 Exemption test to place out of the first level of mathematical reasoning.  Not sure if you need to take it?  Check out the Blog posting from 12/3.  

Tuesday 12/8 and Wednesday, 12/9, 4:45pm, Goodell 614.  Information Sessions for Domestic Exchange Programs.  Come find out how you can experience something totally new with Domestic Exchange. Domestic Exchange offers students the opportunity to spend a semester or year at another school in the US or Puerto Rico. Applications for Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 exchanges are due in March.   

Friday, 12/11:  Last Day of Classes

Saturday, 12/12 to Sunday 12/13:  Reading Days

Ongoing: Winter & Spring Semesters: Registration for UMass Amherst Continuing and Professional Education classes.  Winter online classes begin December 21st, and on-campus classes begin January 4th.

Final Exam Schedule and Tips for Success!

Your final exam schedule is available on SPIRE under the Student Center tab. Click on it to see when and where your Final Exams will be held. You should also check to see it you have:

• two exams scheduled at the same time, OR 
• three exams scheduled on the same day.   
  

If that is the case, you MUST go to the registrar's office in Whitmore 213 TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FINAL EXAM so they can reschedule them for you. Click here for details on how to reschedule an exam.

If you get anxious during tests--or even if you're cool under pressure--you can find a Five Day Study Plan here to help you get organized and alleviate the stress! We've also outlined Ten Traps of Studying that you can avoid. Remember, plan ahead and find time to relax as well as study. And good luck!

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.

You will be an expert shopper in no time! 

   

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.

ISOM Application and Deadline Info.

The Isenberg School of Management (ISOM) application deadline for Fall on-campus transfer applications is tomorrow December 1.


Want to know more?
click here

Enrollment for Spring

Having trouble searching for classes? Feeling like everything you want to take is already full?

What can you do?

Be proactive about it! Don't give up. People are adding and dropping courses all the time, so seats are always opening up.

• Check SPIRE as often as you can. For example, whenever you check your email or Facebook, make it a habit to see if any classes you want have open seats.
• Get onto waitlists (if they exist for the class), and go to see the department and/or professor to register your interest in the course.
• Be creative about courses to take. Don't limit yourself to departments you are familiar with, and don't just go for the 'usual suspects' for Gen Ed classes. (Click here for general registration info, and check out the 2nd to last bullet on course suggestions.) Explore upper level classes (some don't have prerequisites!). Try something new that you've always been interested in but have never pursued.
• Be prepared to attend the first meeting of any class you want but are unable to add on SPIRE. There's no guarantee you'll get in, but at least there's a chance!

Where can I go for help?

• Make an appointment to see your advisor. (Note: Drop-In Hours in Undergraduate Advising are for QUICK questions, students contemplating a change of declared majors, or for Dean's actions . . . NOT for a full advising appointment to choose courses. If you have a short question - 5 minutes or so - you could bring it to Drop-In.)
  
• Go to the Academic Advising Link - 4-8pm, Sundays through Thursdays - for general assistance from trained peers.
  

Want to Design Your Own Interdisciplinary Major?

BDIC is accepting applications to its introductory class, BDIC 396P, Proposal
Writing. In the past, BDIC did not accept applications from freshmen. They
are now accepting strong applications from first year students until December
4.

Students in BDIC design their own majors, such as “Neuroscience and Human
Behavior” and “Information Technology and the Arts.” BDIC could be
appropriate for you if you have multiple academic interests and wish to
combine them into a challenging and coherent program of studies.

For more information on BDIC, see http://www.umass.edu/bdic/

To apply to the Proposal Writing class, go to 608 Goodell and meet with an
advisor.

Thanksgiving: It's a Networking Opportunity!

Whether you're thinking about a summer job, an internship, or a job after graduation, it's clear that networking can make a difference in landing the position you want.

While you're home for Thanksgiving and seeing people you don't ordinarily see, pay attention to what people are doing and whether they could help you secure a spot, or if they can put you in contact with someone else who could. Work Your Contacts!

Follow this link for some tips on career networking for college students, where they say that "approximately 70-75 % of most jobs are found through networking."

What's Happening - Nov. 21 to Dec. 4

With the Thanksgiving holiday, we have a short week coming up. We will also preview the following week's events, so you can plan ahead.

Monday, Nov 23, 3pm. Focus Group on Undergraduate Advising’s Blog. RSVP by calling 545-2191.

Thursday through Sunday, Nov 26-29. Thanksgiving break. Have a good one!

Monday, Nov 30. Classes Resume after Thanksgiving Break

Monday, Nov 30 and Tuesday, Dec 1. Freshmen ramp on for Enrollment Appointments. If you haven’t seen an advisor, do so! Remember that you can also find information on the Undergraduate Advising website (see Registration link, to the left), and ask general questions and get assistance with navigating SPIRE from the Academic Advising Link and/or with Peer Mentors in your residential area.

Tuesday, Dec 1. DEADLINE for application to ISOM’s BBA, HTM, and Sport Management programs.

Wednesday, Dec 2, 5:30 pm. UMass Amherst Alumni Association Event: Got Job? Networking 101. Come hear about what networking is, why you need networking, where you need to start, and how to develop your "elevator pitch." Memorial Hall

Thursday, Dec 3, 4 pm. Startups for Journalists. Lisa Williams, founder of and fellow at MIT Media Lab (and rockstar) will talk about journalistic entrepreneurship and what you need to know to get your own thing going. Bartlett 206

Friday, Dec 4. DEADLINE for application to BDIC for their Proposal Writing Class.

and plan ahead: Monday, Dec 7, 6:30pm. R1 (Tier 1) Basic Math Skills Exemption Test, Marcus 131. Final opportunity for Fall 09!

Writing Placement Exam

Last Writing Placement Exam of the Semester!

Wednesday
Nov. 18th, 2009
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Bartlett 121

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.

The Writing Placement Test will not be offered again this semester!

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

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

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!

ISOM Info Sessions

There will be two upcoming information sessions on November 17th and 18h for current students who are interested in applying to the Isenberg School of Management BBA, Spt.Mgmt.or HTM programs. Both info sessions are in ISOM 206 at 5:30 PM.

Here are some tips to keep in mind if you plan on attending:

1) Get there early! To avoid fighting for a seat or worse, interrupting the session, be sure to get there approximately TEN MINUTES PRIOR to the start time. Treat it like a job interview and be professional--you don't have to wear your Sunday best, but you do want to make a good impression!

2) Know which session to attend! Upon arriving, they will direct you to different rooms based on your interests, i.e., BBA, Sports Management, or HTM. Make sure you're in the right place! If you have multiple interests in SOM (both BBA and Sports Management, for example), you should attend an info session for BOTH programs.

Remember! Sports Management requires attendance at one of their info sessions before you can take a Sports Management course!

3) Be informed! Read their website and be familiar with the program you are interested in--as well as procedures for applying. You can find information on applying here. **Note that the current application for Spring admission has not yet been posted**

4) Have an Alternate Major in mind! Remember that you will be required to apply in order to gain admission--and that applications, by nature, can be rejected. So it's always a good idea to have an alternate major in mind just in case. For more information on suitable alternates, you can call 545-2191 and make an appointment to see an advisor in our office.

History Alumni Career Night

This exciting event is the highlight of our career development program! Several former UMass history undergrads will return to campus to share their experiences working in publishing, teaching, social services, and historical and environmental outreach. Come and hear what real people have done with their UMass history degrees!

Tuesday, November 17th, 5:00 p.m

Herter 601—Refreshments provided

This event is open to all students!
For more information, contact: internships@history.umass.edu

Preview for the Week of 11/14-20

There are a lot of events and activities coming up next week - check it out!

Sun 11/15-Thurs 11/19 International Education Week at UMass Amherst. Come join International Programs at these exciting international events on campus. The week’s events include everything from international movies, performances, panel presentations, passport day and a work abroad fair. Don't miss it!


Tue Nov 17, 11:15 am RefWorks Workshop. Learn how to manage your citations and create quick bibliographies. Last opportunity for the fall semester. Library, Integrated Sciences & Engineering 3rd Floor Classroom.


Tue Nov 17, 5pm History Department Alumni Career Night. Several UMass History undergrads will return to campus to share their experience working in publishing, teaching, social services, and historical and environmental outreach. Come and hear what REAL people have done with their UMass History degrees! Refreshments will be served. Herter 601.

Tue Nov 17 & Wed Nov 18, 5:30pm Group Information/Orientation Sessions for the BBA, Sport Mgt and Hospitality Majors. Students who wish to enroll in a Sport Management course and apply to the major MUST attend one of these meetings. Students should arrive before 5:30pm to be directed to the room where the relevant session will be held. If you are interested in more than one major in ISOM, plan to attend BOTH evenings. Room 206 in ISOM Building.

Tue Nov 17, 6pm. UMass Amherst Alumni Association Event: Scholarship Information Night. Sophomores and juniors are invited to learn how to apply for merit-based scholarships, such as Rhodes, Leaders in the Making, Fulbright, Life Member Scholarship for Internships, and many more. There are over $500,000 in scholarships available each year! Seating is limited – see website for more info. Memorial Hall.

Wed, Nov 18, 12– 4:00pm Work Abroad Information Fair. Interested in working abroad after graduation? Then you won't want to miss this fair! Campus Center Concourse.

Wed Nov 18, 12:00 pm Information Session on Public Policy Undergraduate Certificate. The Center for Public Policy and Administration will host an information session for students interested in its undergraduate certificate program. Pizza and soft drinks will be served. Students planning to attend should RSVP to szoller@pubpol.umass.edu. Thompson 412

Wed, Nov 18, 3:30 – 7pm. MassAccess: A Speed Networking Event. MassAccess is a speed networking event, which provides an opportunity for young entrepreneurs, experienced entrepreneurs, industry leaders, service providers, and investors to discuss innovative ideas and prime future collaboration. Register at: massaccessamherst.eventbrite.com. Campus Center Amherst Room, 10th Floor.

Wed, Nov 18, 6-7:00pm Writing Placement and Exemption Test. Any student who has not previously taken this test must do so before s/he can enroll in English 112 College Writing. Final opportunity for the Fall 2009 semester. Bartlett 121.

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.

Veterans' Day Observance

Veterans' Day

On Tuesday, November 10, at 4pm outside Memorial Hall (on the campus pond side), there will be a ceremony in honor of Veterans' Day.

On Wednesday, November 11, in honor of Veterans' Day, there will be NO CLASSES at UMass Amherst, and most university offices will be closed.  Classes will resume, as usual, on Thursday.

Pre-Registration is underway...

Avoid registrations delays by checking for Holds today! Registration Holds may be issued by the Bursar, Health Services, your Academic Dean, and other offices on campus that need you to do something with them before you're allowed to register for Spring 2010 classes. Often these Holds require you to gather or complete documentation, visit the office in question, have an appointment, etc. It can take a few days (or more) to have such Holds lifted, so starting the process now will ensure you can actually register for classes when your Enrollment Appointment comes up!

Not sure if you have a Hold? Click here for helpful Registration information, including step-by-step instructions and visual examples of how to check for Holds!

Computer Science Counseling

REGISTRATION COUNSELING

for SPRING 2010

When: Monday November 9, 2009 from 3:30 pm-4:30 pm

Where: Room 151 of the Computer Science Research Bldg.

CMPSCI MAJORS with Advisors:

Check SPIRE for your advisor assignment. If you have two Computer Science Advisors assigned, then you have a substitute advisor for this term (remember to check the substitute advisor list). Meet with your Academic Advisor for Counseling. You will no longer be given a RAC code as this has changed with the SPIRE upgrade. You will have a RAC Hold in SPIRE that will only be removed after discussing your plan with your advisor. Contact your advisor using email to make an appointment to meet sometime on or after November 5. If you are unable to meet with your assigned advisor during the Registration Counseling Period (November 5-12) or at another convenient time, you may attend the Computer Science Counseling Meeting (November 9, 3:30-4:30, 151 Computer Science Bldg.) to obtain advising and the release of your RAC Hold.

Interested Undeclared/Other Majors:

Attend the Computer Science Counseling Meeting to keep you on track and/or obtain your RAC.

Info on Studio Art/Portfolio Review

The deadline to have your portfolio submitted for review for admission into the Studio Arts major was October 15th. However, Frances Merrigan, the Chief Undergraduate Advisor in Studio Arts, will review portfolios on a "rolling admissions" basis. Therefore, if you missed the previous deadline, you still have an opportunity to apply to STUDIO ART.

**note: THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE DESIGN (ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES) MAJOR. If you have questions regarding Design, stop by their office in 455 Fine Arts Center or call 577-0943 to speak with Jean Crossman or Stephen Schreiber**

Furthermore, Frances Merrigan recommends that interested students meet with him FIRST for a "portfolio critique" for help on deciding what they should and shouldn't include in their portfolio by bringing your artwork in for him to review. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please call Lisa Furtek at 545-1903 and ask for a hour-long appointment with him. Ideally, to be ready for Spring 2010 courses, you should meet with him before November 12!

What's Coming Up? Week of 11/7-13

Nov 9, 9:00– 10:15 am.  RefWorks Workshop.  This workshop covers basic skills such as how to access RefWorks, search catalogs, import references from library databases, retrieve and manage citations, and create bibliographies according to various citation styles (e.g., MLA or APA).  W.E.B. Du Bois Library, Calipari Room.

Nov 9, 3:30-4:30pm  Computer Science Counseling Meeting for Undeclared/Other Majors.  Interested in learning more about the CompSci major or minor?  Want to try out a course, but not sure which one to take?  Here’s your opportunity to speak with an advisor from the department.  151 Computer Science Building. 

Nov 11  VETERAN’S DAY HOLIDAY – NO CLASSES!

Nov 12  Registration begins for Spring 2010.  Students will be “ramped onto the system” by seniority. 

Nov 12  Registration for Five College Interchange starts.

Nov. 13, 1pm  Plan Your Future with Career Services, 508 Goodell

Interested in taking a course over winter break?

Enrollment for winter session courses has begun!  You can view a list of available undergraduate courses here.

Winter session runs from December 21st through January 16th.  This is a little earlier than years passed, so keep this time frame in mind as you make plans to head home for the holiday season.  Also, most of the courses offered are taught online, which is a very different experience than in-person classes.  Be sure to plan ahead and stay on top of your workload if you choose to take an online course this winter!

If you have any concerns about how to do this, visit an advisor before you register.  If you're ready to enroll, click here.  The deadline for Adding/Dropping a winter session course is December 23rd.

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.

Public Health Info Sessions

Are you interested in declaring Public Health as your major or switching to Public Health from another Major? If so, please sign up for one of the group advising sessions below!

Furthermore, 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, so plan to attend one of the meetings.

 

Monday, November 2, 2009 

Arnold House, Room 321

1:00 PM

Or

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Arnold House, Room 321

3:00 PM

Please send email to Lynn Koerbel at lkoerbel@schoolph.umass.edu if you plan on attending.

REMINDER!! The Deadline to Declare Sociology is MONDAY Nov 2nd!

If you plan on declaring Sociology and haven't done so, you MUST DECLARE BY MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd.You must fill out a Change of Major Form and get it signed by Sociology in 704 Thompson Hall before the end of that day. Remember that many upper level courses are closed to non-majors so you must be a declared Sociology major in order to enroll via SPIRE. You can visit the Sociology Advising page for more specific info and you can follow their blog.

NEASC Accreditation

The meetings with members of the NEASC external evaluation team will all be held Nov. 2nd, at 4:00pm. The locations of the meetings are as follows:

Faculty: Amherst Room, 1009 Campus Center
Staff: 904 Campus Center
Students: Reading Room, across from the Blue Wall

Every 10 years, the University of Massachusetts Amherst develops a comprehensive Self-Study as part of its re-accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The Self-Study report was completed and mailed to NEASC on Sept. 18, 2009. It is presented here for review.

The 2009 Self-Study is a starting point for an external evaluation team, which is assembled by NEASC and is charged with appraising UMass Amherst operations. The re-accreditation process will culminate Nov. 1-4, when the evaluation team visits campus to meet with faculty, staff and students and to gain a firsthand knowledge of the institution.

Upcoming Events 10/31-11/6

Planning for next week? Here are some options to consider:

Monday, 11/2 – Deadline to declare a Sociology major.

Monday, 11/2, 4pm - Open Sessions with NEASC Reaccreditation Team As part of the site visit by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), open sessions will be held for faculty, staff, and students wishing to discuss reaccreditation issues. The NEASC accreditation standards, as well as the campus’ self study submitted to NEASC, may be found at www.umass.edu/neasc. The meeting for students will be held at 4:00pm. in the Reading Room of the Campus Center, across from the Blue Wall.

Monday, November 2, 4:00– 5:30 pm. Open Forum with Chancellor Holub. Come to an open forum to discuss the university budget with Chancellor Holub, Vice Chancellor Hatch, and Dean Mullin; share your concerns and questions. Campus Center, 174-176.

Monday, November 2, 1:00pm. or Thursday, November 5, 3:00pm. Public Health Group Advising Session. If you are interested in declaring Public Health as your major or switching to Public Health from another major, you should sign up for one of these group advising sessions. 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. If you plan to attend, please send an email to Lynn Koerbel at lkoerbel@schoolph.umass.edu .

Thursday, November 5 – Deadline to submit an Online Statement of Interest for the Resource Economics major, if you wish to register for Spring 2010 courses as a ResEc major. Within the ResEc major, there are options in Consumer & Family Economics; Food Marketing Economics; Managerial Economics in Food and Resource Industries; or Natural Resource Economics.

Orientation Session for NEW Sociology Majors Oct 29th and info on declaring Sociology

There will be an Orientation Session for New Sociology Majors Today, October 29th from 4:00-6:00PM in Machmer W-26. If you are thinking of declaring Sociology but haven't done so, the deadline to declare this semester HAS NOW CHANGED TO MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd. You can still attend the orientation session if you are interested in declaring Sociology by the deadline. In order to declare, you must go to 704 Thompson Hall and have them sign a change of major form. You can pick up a blank change of major form from Undergraduate Advising in 615 Goodell.

For more information on Sociology, you can visit their advising page here. And you can also visit/follow their blog here. As always, if you would like to discuss Sociology as a major, you can make an appointment in the Undergraduate Advising office by calling 545-2191.

Writing Placement Exam

Thursday

Oct. 29th, 2009

6:00-7:00 pm

Bartlett 121

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.

The Writing Placement Test will be offered again next month on Nov.18th, from 6-7pm in Bartlett Rm. 121

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

Majors Fair article in Collegian

Read all about the Majors Fair in Monday's Collegian by linking on the heading above. Also, remember you can get information to help you prepare, and also get worksheets to assist you at the Fair by going to the the Majors Fair section on the Undergraduate Advising website.

The MAJORS FAIR is today, Wednesday 10/28, from 5:30-7:30!

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!

So, you want to be a Resource Economics Major?

On Campus Transfer Information Sessions

Information sessions for UMass students interested in exploring the Resource Economics major are welcome to attend one of the following sessions in Stockbridge 114:

Monday October 26, 2009 - 12:15-1:15 Tuesday October 27, 2009 -5:00-6:00 Friday October 30, 2009 -1:30-2:30




For information please contact the ResEc Undergraduate
Advising Office: advising@resecon.umass.edu

Coming Next Week: October 24-30

Here’s some of what you could participate in, over the next week:

10/26, 12:20pm. RefWorks Workshop. Learn how to manage your citations and create quick bibliographies. Integrated Science and Engineering Library (ISEL) - 3rd floor classroom.

10/26, 1:00pm; or 10/29, 11:30am; or 10/30, 3:00pm. BDIC Information Session. Learn about creating your own major through interdisciplinary studies. Goodell 608.

10/26, 12:15-1:15 or 10/27, 5-6:00pm or 10/30, 1:30-2:30. Resource Economics On Campus Transfer Information Sessions: Information sessions for UMass students interested in exploring the Resource Economics major are welcome to attend. Stockbridge 114.

10/28, 5:30-7:30. THE MAJORS FAIR. The annual Majors Fair brings together representatives from over 75 departments and programs. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the impressive array of majors and resources available at UMass! Campus Center Auditorium.

10/28, 5:30-7:30pm. UMass Amherst Alumni Association Event: 5 Under 25: Life after UMass Amherst. A panel discussion that gives students a glimpse of where their UMass Amherst education and experiences can take them. Memorial Hall.

10/28 , 6:30 pm. Teach For America Information Session. Come learn more about Teach For America and how you can help end educational inequality in the United States. Malcolm X Cultural Center.

10/29 6:00pm. Writing Placement & Exemption Test. Any student who has not previously taken this test MUST do so before s/he can enroll in ENGLWRIT112 (College Writing). Bartlett 121.

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!

Journalism Career Night

JOURNALISM CAREER NIGHT:
How I Got My Job and What You Need to Know to Get One Like It.

Thurs., Oct. 22, 5:30-7, Herter 227

Featuring panelists / Journalism alumni:
Elisa Thomas, Creative Director of Jack Morton Digital;
Eric Athas, news producer of Washingtonpost.com;
Matt Vautour, sports writer for Daily Hampshire Gazette; and
Carol Cambo, editor, UMass Magazine and freelance magazine writer.

W DROP DEADLINE IS APPROACHING!

The deadline to drop with a W is THURSDAY OCT 22nd (tomorrow!) AT 5PM! If you need to know more on dropping with a W, you can go here.


 

Public Health Info Session

Are you interested in declaring Public Health as your major or switching to Public Health from another Major? If so, please sign up for the group advising session below!


Furthermore, 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, so plan to attend.

 

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Arnold House, Room 321
3:30 PM

Please send email to Lynn Koerbel at lkoerbel@schoolph.umass.edu if you plan on attending.

Get Ready for Midterm Exams!

On Thursday, 10/22 at 5pm, the SBS Advising Center is presenting a Study Habits & Test Preparation Workshop, at the SBS Advising Center (128 Thompson Tower). Even if you've already had midterms in your classes, this workshop can help you adjust your strategies for the remainder of the term and for finals.

What’s Happening Next Week? (October 17-23)

In addition to midterms, papers, and the routine obligations of a college student, here are some opportunities that might interest you in the coming week:

10/21, 6-8 pm,  "The Indispensible Librarian: Confessions and Tales from a Proud Profession"  26th Floor W.E.B. DuBois Library.   Interested in the library profession?  Curious about what librarians do and how they got into that line of work?  Come to this Library Career Session.  Space is limited, RSVP to libadm@library.umass.edu by Monday, October 19.
 
10/22, 5pm, “W” Deadline.  Registrar’s Office.

10/22, 5:30 pm, UMass Amherst Alumni Event: Networking with Attorneys.  Thompson 128.  You are cordially invited to meet and network with College of Social and Behavioral Sciences alumni currently working in the field of law. This is your opportunity to ask about their practice, what law school is "really like" and what the future holds for the employment market.

10/ 22, 3:30 pm, Public Health Group Advising Session.   Arnold House, Room 321.  Information Session for students interested in switching to the major, or who recently signed into the major.  Please send email to Lynn Koerbel at lkoerbel@schoolph.umass.edu if you plan to attend.


10/22, 5 and 7 pm  and 10/23, 12:00pm.  Disney College Program Presentations.  Campus Center 804.   The Disney College Program is a paid internship in either Orlando, FL or Anaheim, CA. Disney sets you up with a great job and provides you with housing in which you live with other program participants. Disney also offers classes which earn you college credit, so you won't even get behind in school!   

Dropping With a 'W': The Basics **DEADLINE 10/22/09**

Dropping with a W is a standard practice. It is not punitive and will not count against you should you decide to apply for/declare a major (as long as you have completed whatever pre-requisites and predictor courses and meet the requirements for that specific department).You should consider dropping a course with a 'W' if you know that you will not do well in it (C- or below) especially if your major/application expects a strong cumulative GPA. Here are a few things you should know if you are considering dropping a class with a 'W':

• Unlike dropping a class during Add/Drop, when you drop a class with a 'W', it WILL show up on your transcripts. But once you drop, you are out of the class and will not receive a grade.
  
• Also unlike Add/Drop, dropping with a W cannot be done on Spire. You must fill out a COURSE CHANGE REQUEST FORM and have your instructor sign the form before you submit the completed form to the registrar's office.
• THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT THE SIGNED COURSE CHANGE REQUEST FORM IS OCTOBER 22nd! REMEMBER! THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE CLOSES AT 5PM! DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO SUBMIT THE FORM! For more info about the registrar's office, you can read their FAQ page here. 
• What if I miss the deadline? There will be no extension to the deadline. If you want to drop a course after the 10/22/09 and you are an undeclared student, you will need to attend Undergraduate Advising / Dean's Office Drop-in Hours and complete a type-written petition that will be reviewed by the Academic Review Committee (within the Dean's Office). 
  
• Be sure that you do not drop a class if doing so will leave you with fewer than 12 credits. **Remember** you must be enrolled in 12 CREDITS OR ABOVE in order to be considered a full-time student. 
• And remember, while dropping with a W isn't punitive, amassing a group of 'W' drops, say more than 5-6 during your time at UMass, may not look favorably for you when, for example, a graduate program reviews your transcripts. 

If you would like to speak to an advisor about dropping with a W, please call 545-2191 and make an appointment, or come to Drop-In Hours at 615 Goodell, from 10:30-11:30 and 3-4 daily.

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!

Upcoming events for the week of October 10-16

 Here's what will be happening next week:

October 12  (Monday)  Holiday - no classes.

October 13  (Tuesday)  Monday class schedule

October 14   R1 Exemption Exam   6:30pm, Marcus 131  Looking to test out of your R1 math requirement?  This is the second of three times you can take the RI Exemption Test this fall semester.

October 13, 15 or 16   BDIC Information Session  (Mondays @ 1pm; Thursdays @ 11:30am and Fridays @ 3pm throughout the month of October, in 608 Goodell)  Learn about designing your own major.

October 14   RefWorks Workshop  2:30-3:45pm, ISEL 3rd floor classroom.   Learn how to manage your citations and create formatted bibliographies in various output styles.

Columbus Day Reminder

Don't forget that there are no classes next Monday, 
Oct. 12th, Columbus Day!

~ also ~


Tuesday Oct. 13th, follow your Monday class schedule!
The rest of the week follow as normal.

Enjoy the long weekend...

Visiting a Professor during Office Hours: What do I say?

It's October. The semester is in full swing. Midterms are coming up. Papers are due. And your professor or TA doesn't know you by name in those 300+ lecture classes in Mahar 108 or Marcus 131 or Bartlett 65. They have office hours listed--but why bother visiting them for a class of 300+ students? What would you say to them anyway?

Does that sound like you?  If so, you can read Meeting With A Professor, or for a quicker version, here are some things to think about:

You don't have to wait to 'have something to say/ask' in order to say hello. It can be as simple as saying: "Hi, I'm in your M/W/F class and I just wanted to introduce myself..." If you DO have questions or concerns about an upcoming test or paper, then don't hesitate to stop by and ask--that is EXACTLY what professors' hold office hours for. And that may make the class feel smaller, despite the size.

Plus, If you WANT to stand out, stopping by during office hours will leave more of an impression than a PRS or Blue Book exam; this is especially useful if you are considering declaring your major in that department. It's never too early to network. As corny as this may sound, professors are people too! They will probably appreciate interested and engaged students asking follow-up questions and most are eager to help. But if you don't ask, then how will he or she know you ARE interested?

By the way, if you can't make it during their office hours, try emailing and requesting a meeting.

REMEMBER! Spire will be down from Oct. 8th-Oct. 14th and degree progress reports will be unavailable until November--so PRINT YOUR DEGREE PROGRESS REPORTS BEFORE 5PM on Oct 8th if you plan on meeting with a professor and requesting advice on classes, majors, etc.

Good luck!

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!