Want to get away?

As a UMass student, the Domestic Exchange Program gives you access to the National Student Exchange 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: the priority deadline to apply for an exchange next year (whether for fall, spring, or the whole year) is FEBRUARY 8th!!!!

If you're at all interested, get to an information session A.S.A.P. 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 and Fridays from 2:30-3:15 in 615 Goodell. 

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

What's Happening This Week: January 30 to February 5

As we head into the third week of the semester, here's what you need to be aware of, in the week ahead:

Sunday, January 31, 5:00 pm.  Learning Resource Center Opens for the Spring 2010 semester.  Check out the LRC, where Tutors and Supplemental Instruction Leaders are model students trained to assist their peers in achieving academic success.  LRC hours will be Monday - Thursday 1:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M. and Sunday 5:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.  10th floor – W. E. B. Du Bois Library. 

Monday, February 1 Add/Drop Deadline.  See Blog post from 1/27 or speak with your advisor for more information.

Tuesday, February 2 or Wednesday, February 3 at 4:45 pm or Friday, February 5 at 2:30 pm.  Domestic Exchange Information Sessions.  Choose from over 180 schools throughout the U.S., Puerto Rice, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; click here for more information.  Apply NOW (2/8 priority deadline; 3/1 final deadline) for exchanges for Fall 2010 or Spring 2011 semesters.  615 Goodell.

Tuesday, February 2 at 4:00 pm or Wednesday, February 4 at 1:00pm.  Interested in Studying Abroad in Australia or New Zealand? Come to one of these mandatory information sessions to find out more information about available programs. Hills (South), Education Abroad Advising Center (Room 455).

Tuesday, February 2 at 4:00 pm and Friday, February 5 at 3:15 pm  Public Health: Open Group Advising Sessions.   If you are interested in declaring Public Health as your major or switching to Public Health from another major, please sign up for one of the group advising sessions below.  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.  Please send email to Lynn Koerbel at lkoerbel@schoolph.umass.edu if you plan on attending the open advising session.

Tuesday, February 2 at 5:30pm  Major In Resource Economics: Information Session.  Resource Economics has four options: Consumer and Family Economics, Food Marketing Economics, Managerial Economics in Food and Resource Industries, and Natural Resource Economics.  Attend this information session and/or go to their website to learn more.  Stockbridge 114

Scholarship Deadline: Feb. 4, 2010.  UMass Alumni Association is offering several scholarships. For applications and more information, click here or visit Memorial Hall.

Add/Drop Ends February 1st!!

Don't forget, 

Add/Drop ends Monday FEBRUARY 1st at 10PM.

 You can make changes to your schedule via SPIRE until then.  After that point you can no longer add or drop courses through Spire and will require additional paperwork/permissions to change your schedule. Don't wait until the last minute to make any necessary adjustments!

And remember, not attending a class doesn't mean you've dropped it! Just to be sure, double check your schedule on Spire before 10PM on Monday to make sure everything looks as you expect it should.

As always, if you any questions about your schedule, you should see an advisor.  Set-up an appointment by calling (413) 545-2191 soon.

Public Health Group Advising 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 one of the meetings.

 

Thursday, January 28, 2010 

Arnold House, Room 412

12:30 PM (Brown Bag Lunch!)

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

Five College Interchange Registration Ends Soon!

Are you considering taking a Five College class this semester?

The Five College Interchange Add/Drop period ends February 1st (that's MONDAY!).  The Interchange Registration form is available through your Spire account.  During this registration period you must obtain the instructor's signature on the Interchange Registration form in order to enroll in a Five College course.  So, don't delay!  Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith all start classes THIS week.

Still interested?  Visit the Five College Interchange website for detailed information on how to find classes and fill out the Interchange Registration form.  If you have questions stop by the Five College Interchange office in 615 Goodell Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30.

ISOM Info Sessions

There will be two upcoming information sessions on January 26th and 27h 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.

Trying to Get Into a Full Class?

Are there classes that you REALLY want to get into, but they're full? Feeling frustrated about your schedule?

What can you do?

First, be proactive about it. Don't give up. People are adding and dropping courses all the time, so seats are always opening up. Remember Add/Drop ends Monday, February, 1st.

+Check SPIRE as often as you can, especially if the course has not met yet. Note, however, that after the first few days of the semester, many faculty take the courses off-line and you need to talk with them to secure a place in the class.

+Attend the first available meeting of any class you want but are unable to add on SPIRE. Make a point of going up to the instructor after class, introducing yourself, and telling them exactly WHY it's important to you to get into the class. There's no guarantee you'll get in, but at least there's a chance!

+If you're on a waiting list, the waitlist will expire on the first day of classes. If you're not in the class, follow the instructions in the previous bullet.

+Be creative about what course(s) you can take. Don't limit yourself to departments you are familiar with. Explore upper level classes (some don't have prerequisites!). Try something new that you've always been interested in but have never pursued. If you have questions or want help, contact us at 545-2191 and schedule an appointment!

R1 Exemption Test

Basic Math (R1) Skills Exemption Test 

Monday, January 25th

7:30 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 fulfill your Basic Math Gen Ed. 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!

Need scheduling assistance this weekend?

Oh no! You just found a glitch in your spring schedule and by now advising offices are all closed for the weekend...

 No worries! You can head to the Academic Advising Link for assistance!

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 Add/Drop, stop by the Link for a little help.

The Link is staffed SUNDAY-THURSDAY from 4-8pm. 

While other offices are closed, we're here to keep you connected!

What’s Happening: Week of January 23 to 29

There's a LOT happening this week . . . check out your options!

Monday Jan 25, 3:00 pm  or Wednesday Jan 27, 2:00 pm.  Australearn: Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific Study Abroad Information Session.  Interested in studying abroad in Australia or New Zealand? Come to one of these mandatory sessions to find out more information about available programs.  Hills (South) Education Abroad Advising Center (Room 455).

Monday Jan 25, 7:30 pm.  R1 Exemption Exam.  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 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.  131 Marcus Hall.

Monday January 25 or Tuesday January 26 or Wednesday January 27, 6-8:00 pm.  Recruitment Night for The Boltwood Project.  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.  

Tuesday January 26 and Wednesday January 27, 5:30pm.  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 one of these programs, you MUST attend – and if you’re interested in two different programs, plan to attend TWO times!

Wednesday Jan 27, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.  Study Abroad Australia Info Table.  Interested in studying abroad in Australia? Stop by this info table and pick up some information on studying abroad opportunities all throughout Australia.  Campus Center Concourse.

Wednesday, January 27, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.  Winter Warm Up Activities Expo.  The Activities Expo is a great way to find out how to get involved at UMass Amherst.  Think about activities that will give you career-related experience!  Come to recruit new members, join an organization, meet new people, or just have fun.  Student Union Ballroom.

Thursday, January 28 (and other dates): Study Abroad in China, Japan and Asia Information Meetings.   If you are interested in studying in an Asian country, check this meeting schedule.

Thursday, January 28, 9:30am.  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).  Calipari Room, W.E.B. DuBois Library.

Interested in COMP SCI?

Prof Barrington will be holding an Open Advising Session for students interested in the CMPSCI major.

OPEN ADVISING SESSION
Friday, January 22, 2010
3:30-4:30 PM
150 CS Bldg

Bring your questions, or just come to learn more!

Space Available in Faculty First-Year Seminars

Great one-credit (pass/fail) classes available to First-Year students!

If you are interested in a small class taught by a distinguished UMass professor, check out the variety or topics for Faculty First-Year Seminars (FFYS). The full schedule is available on Spire: search UNIV "begins with" 197.
Topics include:
 

§         Art, Science, and the Brain  

§         The Light Fantastic: Wonders of Biology Under the Microscope

§         Comic Books and Graphic Novels 

§         Sleep On It! 

§         Live Art and Audience

§         Crime Scene Chemistry: The truth and lie behind CSI

§         Wild Child

§         Looking at Art; Listening to Artists

§         Scientific Background behind Targets for CO2 and Consequences for Sea Level Change

Undecided?

If you're undecided about what you want to major in or in what direction you want to head with your academic program, consider taking the OASIS seminar (EDUC125), which is designed for first-year undeclared students.

In OASIS classes, students work closely with their academic advisor (who teaches their seminar) as they complete exercises and activities to help clarify their individual goals and plan the academic route that will help them achieve those goals. Students also explore UMass requirements, services, resources, and opportunities, to help them maximize their UMass experience.

Moving Forward (EDUC192G) is a variation on the OASIS course, designed for undeclared students who were placed on probation after their first or second semester at UMass.

Still not sure if you want to take OASIS or Moving Forward? Make an appointment to see an advisor, and talk it over with them.

What's Happening This Week: January 19-23

 Welcome Back for the Spring 2010 Semester!

Here's a preview of what's happening this week:

Through January 19: Spring Session Registration for Continuing and Professional Education classes. Most online and on-campus classes begin January 19. Visit CPE for particular details about your class of interest.

Monday, January 18: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – HOLIDAY. Many university offices are closed.

Tuesday, January 19: First Day of Classes for Spring 2010 semester.

Wednesday, January 20, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Transfer Student Social. The University Programming Council is holding an event just for transfer students. There will be food, crafts, karaoke, games, and information about UMass that orientation may not have covered. Student Union Ballroom

Thursday, Jan 21, 2010, 4:00 pm. Australia/New Zealand Study Abroad Information Session. Interested in studying abroad in Australia or New Zealand? Come to one of these mandatory sessions to find out more information about available programs.  Hills (South) Education Abroad Advising Center (Room 455)

COUNTDOWN!

In ONE week, you'll be headed back to classes at UMass!

Here are some suggestions for you to check into TODAY, to ease your transition back into the spring semester:

• Review your schedule on SPIRE.  Do you have at least 12-15 credits?  Courses that make sense for you?   (If you failed any classes that are prerequisites for the spring classes you've signed up for, speak with an advisor ASAP).
• If you're hoping to get into a course that's full, do you have your strategy set?  Have you contacted the instructor?  Plan to attend the class during Add/Drop, to give yourself the best chances of getting in - and introduce yourself to the instructor, saying why you want to get into the class.  Note: after the first few days of class, many instructors will take courses off-line, so you'd need to speak with them to get into the class.
• On SPIRE, don't DROP courses when you change your schedule - use the SWAP function.
• Are you undecided about a major or what direction you should be taking with your academic plan?  Consider signing up for EDUC 125, the OASIS seminar for undeclared first-year students, where you'll do self-assessment, career exploration, and then see what majors will get you where you want to go.
• If you were put on probation following your first semester at UMass, please contact the Undergraduate Advising Office ASAP, if you have not already done so (413-545-2191)
  

Academic Discpline

If you are facing academic discipline (suspension or dismissal) please be sure to read the email you recently received from the University Registrar.  It was sent to your UMass Amherst email account.

Be sure to follow the instructions carefully!