Tip of the Week with Jess and Matt (#3)

Tips to Avoid the Potholes on Your Path to Academic Success

     Now that we’ve told you about some of the cool ways to get involved at UMass, it’s time to consider how you’ll balance those activities with your academics. Jess and I have been around the block a few times when it comes to staying organized and managing what needs to get done. Building your time management skills is key to getting the most out of your college experience without stretching yourself too thin.
     When considering how you’ll spend your time, one of the best things to do is to figure out when you are busiest and to avoid overbooking yourself during those times. For example, map out when your major deadlines are, such as exams, papers, or presentations. If you need any help around those times, there are some great resources available to you, such as the Learning Resource Center and the Writing Center, both located in the W. E. B. Du Bois Library. Peer Mentors are also available in your residence buildings to help out with time-management!
     So there you have it folks, time-management tips in a timely fashion, what could be better (besides a Hampshire burrito)?! Keep these resources in mind when the clock strikes crunch time and you’ll surely keep your stress levels as low as Matt when he does the limbo! Until next time, keep it real; mad real.

Interested in studying abroad?

The Academic Advising Link in the Learning Commons of the library will be hosting Peer Advisors from the International Programs Office for the rest of the semester, Monday-Thursday 4-8 PM.  Visit IPO at the Link to learn more about where you can go, how and when to apply, and what kind of courses you can take while abroad!  The Academic Advising Link and IPO peer advisors are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.  No need to make an appointment--just stop by!

FREE ON-CAMPUS TUTORING!

The Learning Resource Center (LRC), located on the 10th floor of the library, OPENS SUNDAY!  The LRC offers UMass Amherst students free peer-to-peer tutoring in lots of different courses!  You can also participate in Supplemental Instruction sessions for several math, science, and economics courses.  Tutors and Supplemental Instruction Leaders are available Mondays-Thursdays 1:00 PM-10 PM and Sundays 5:00 PM-10 PM starting TOMORROW.  
Don't wait until you've fallen behind--check out the schedule for your course tutoring times.    

Writing a paper?  After stopping by the LRC head downstairs to visit The Writing Center in the Learning Commons of the library.  Here you can get 45-minute consultations with a tutor.  Just tell the tutor a little about the writing project and your concerns--whether you're at the brainstorming stage or editing your final draft--and receive useful feedback before handing your work in for a grade!  The Writing Center is open during weekend and evening hours AND, you can even schedule an appointment online.  

Weekly Preview: September 24 through October 1

Can you believe it?  October starts in less than a week!

Sunday, September 26. The Learning Resource Center will open for business for the fall semester. Check out the LRC website for information about tutoring and supplemental instruction in a variety of courses, and/or stop by the 10th floor of the W.E.B. DuBois Library to see how these services could help YOU!
 
Monday, September 27, 11:00am. Public Health Group Advising Session for those interested in the major and students in the major.  Arnold House 321. 

Monday, September 27, 11:15 am – 12:30 pm. RefWorks Workshop. Learn how to manage your citations and create quick bibliographies for one paper for for your whole career. Want to know a little bit about RefWorks?  Watch the RefWorks video posted on the Blog last week.  Calipari Room, W.E.B. Du Bois Library. 

Tuesday, September 28, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Career Connections Program: Networking with Non-Profits. Want to what it's really like to work in the non-profit sector? Learn how you can work for an organization with a mission you support and make a difference! Hear from alumni Jackye Colligan '97, founder of The Seat Swap, Laura Dilts '87, director of volunteers at Harrington Hospital, Michelle Green '10, membership and marketing director at Pittsfield Family YMCA and Travis Niles, director of volunteer services at ACT Community Services in an interactive speed networking evening. This event is sponsored by UMass Alumni Affairs; advance registration is required, as seating is limited. Free for current UMass students. Register by Tuesday, September 21, 2010 to receive free networking cards! Memorial Hall.

Wednesday, September 29, 10am to 3pm. Engineering & Technology Career Fair – 2010.  Opportunity for Engineering , Computer Science, Math and Physics majors, as well as IT minors to meet employers looking for all types of technology majors for full-time opportunities and co-ops. Campus Center Auditorium.

September 30, 12-5pm. Isenberg Career Day, 2010. You can learn about career opportunities, leave a resume with the corporate guest and make connections for future reference. Mullins Center.

September 30, 10-1pm.  SPHHS Internship and Workforce Development Fair.  Learn about the fields of Public Health and Health Sciences. Network with peers and professionals. Student Union Ballroom.

Friday, October 1, 11:00 am. Sixth Annual Faculty Convocation. The campus community is cordially invited to the Sixth Annual Faculty Convocation. During the ceremony, eight nationally acclaimed faculty members will also be presented with the Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Research and Creative Activity. Bowker Auditorium, Stockbridge Hall.
Friday, October 1, 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.

RefWorks Workshops

Learn how to manage your citations and create quick bibliographies!




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.

To attend a Workshop check out the library RefWorks workshops page for dates, places and times.

Tip of the Week with Jess and Matt

Hey ya’ll, Jess and Matt back again for another installment of Tip of the Week! We hope you guys are hitting the books and making moves on the path of success. One piece of that pie is getting involved in something that tickles your fancy. So….

Get Involved!

Now that you have your schedules figured out, it's time to get involved at UMass!!! We have over 200 Registered Student Organizations (RSO’s) and if you don’t see something you’re interested in, get a group of friends together and create one (Browse a full list on Campus Pulse)! The brand spankin’ new Recreation Center offers basketball courts, gym equipment, an indoor track, and numerous exercise classes. Intramurals are also a great way to showcase your talents and just have fun. You can put together a team or enter a pool of free agents to be picked up! However, if you want to see UMass’ finest, attend one of their home games, meets, or matches.

There’s something for everyone! See ya next time, you CrAzY kIdS!

ADD/DROP ENDS... in just a FEW HOURS!

The Add/Drop ends tonight at 10 pm. You can make changes to your schedule through SPIRE until then, but if you need to speak with an advisor, an instructor, or another office on campus for an override, most offices will close by 5:00pm.

ADD/DROP ends Monday, Sept 20!

Don't forget!

Add/Drop ends Monday September 20 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 it 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 have any questions about your schedule, you should see an advisor. Undeclared students can set up an appointment by calling (413) 545-2191.  Undergraduate Advising also has Drop-In hours daily from 10:30-11:30am and 3-4:00pm.

Weekly Preview, September 17 to 24

Don't Miss Out . . .

There are some important deadlines and meetings to learn about opportunities to broaden your academic experience at UMass this week. Mark your calendars!


Monday, September 20. Add/Drop Period ENDS.  You can make changes to your schedule through your SPIRE account through 10pm on Monday. Remember: if you need to speak with an advisor, an instructor or an office on campus for an override or for other information, those offices will close by 5:00pm.

Monday, September 20, 5:00pm. Five College Interchange Add/Drop Period Ends September 20  (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. All signed forms must be dropped off to the Five College Interchange office in 615 Goodell by 5:00pm.

Monday, September 20, 4:00–6:00 pm. Education Abroad Fair. Find out about how to study abroad and what your options are by attending the Education Abroad Fair. Speak with returned study abroad students, advisors from the UMass Amherst International Programs Office, and representatives from dozens of foreign universities and independent study abroad organizations. Students from all majors can choose from hundreds of programs in over 50 countries! Student Union Ballroom

Tuesday, September 21, 1:00pm. Group Advising Session for Public Health. If you are interested in declaring Public Health as your major or switching to Public Health from another Major, sign up for an information session by sending an email to Lynn Koerbel at lkoerbel@schoolph.umass.edu. Arnold House, Room 321.

Tuesday, September 21, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm. Panel Discussion: "How Can a Textbook Be Free? Keeping Higher Education Affordable With Open Resources."  The panel will include Stephen Carson from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Eric Frank ’92 and Michael Boezi from Flat World Knowledge. Open Educational Resources (OER) are free educational materials and resources for anyone to use. Examples of OER include textbooks, journals, course materials, and software to support learning. Campus Center, Room 163C

Wednesday, September 22 or Thursday, September 23, 2:30pm or 5:00pm. Undergraduate Advising Check-In. All new undeclared students (except those currently enrolled in OASIS) must attend this important check-in event with your advising office. You’ll hear from the deans and advisors from Undergraduate Advising about important strategies to promote success during your first semester.

Thursday, September 23, 11:15 am. RefWorks Workshop. Learn how to manage your citations and create quick bibliographies for one paper or for your whole career. Integrated Sciences Building 3rd floor classroom.

Thursday, 9/23, 12:00pm. Public Health Group Information Session. For students already in the Public Health major. Arnold House, Room 321.
Saturday, September 25, 10am - 3pm. Anthropology Alumni Panel  on: "The Future of..." As part of the Anthropology Weekend Celebration, hear the panelists discuss:
   The Future of the Academy (Stanton Green and James Moore)
   The Future of Archaeology (Kenneth Sassaman)
   The Future of Materiality Studies (Elizabeth Chilton)
   The Future of Anthropological European Studies (Broughton Anderson)
   The Evolution of Happiness (Stephen Loring and Joan Gero)
The panel will be moderated by Stephen Perlman. Thompson Hall 102

ISOM Information Sessions THIS WEEK!

Considering applying for on-campus transfer to any of Isenberg School of Management's majors? 
Don't miss the information sessions being offered this week!  To apply for on-campus transfer into any of the Isenberg School of Management programs, students MUST attend an information session (for any or each of the majors they wish to apply for) and complete an application / statement of interest.

If you're interested in the Resource Economics major, Group Information Sessions will be held Tuesday, September 14 at 5:30pm and Wednesday, September 15 at 12:15pm.  These meetings will be held in Stockbridge 217.

If you are interested in applying to the BBA, Sport Management or Hospitality and Tourism Management programs, there are two information sessions being offered this week, one on Wednesday, September 15th and the other on Thursday, September 16th. These info sessions will both be held 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, Sport 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: Sport Management requires attendance at one of their info sessions before you can take a Sports Management course!
3. Be informed! Read the different websites and be familiar with the program you are interested in--as well as procedures for applying. You can find general ISOM information about on-campus transfer here. **Note that the fall application deadline will be December 1st.**
4. Have an Alternate Major in mind! Remember that you will be required to apply in order to gain admission to ISOM--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 (if you're currently undeclared), you can call (413) 545-2191 and make an appointment to see an advisor in the Undergraduate Advising Office.

Resource Economics Information Sessions

Interested In learning more about the Resource Economics Major?

Then attend of one the available Information Sessions going on today and tomorrow!

Tuesday, Sept 14, 2010 at 5:30 pm Stockbridge 217

and

Wednesday, Sept 15, 2010 at 12:15pm 

Stockbridge 217

To learn more click here.

New Student Events at Schools and Colleges

Calling All New Students . . .  

Your School or College will be inviting you to a welcome / check-in event over the coming weeks.  Each School or College is approaching it a bit differently, but the basic notion is that they want you to have a good sense of where you fit in the University, where you can go with questions and concerns, and what to pay attention to as you embark on your first semester at UMass. 

Click here for a listing of the welcome events for all schools and colleges, and watch your UMail for more specific information.

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 the meeting.

Click here for further information!

Monday, September 13th, 2010
Arnold House, Room 321
3:30 PM

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

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

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.