Deadline to declare Sociology is MONDAY!

Monday (November 1st) is the final day this semester to declare your major in Sociology!  Students interested in ALL CONCENTRATIONS of the major should go to the Sociology Advising Office in 720 or 722 Thompson Hall before the end of the day.  Declaring now will ensure you can access major courses come pre-registration time and make progress toward graduation.  Don't miss this deadline!!!

For those who do declare Sociology, there will be a New Majors Orientation held Tuesday, November 2nd from 4-6 p.m. in the Campus Center Room 162-75.  There you will learn what you need to know about the major and get your first bit of advising as a new major.

Weekly Preview: October 29 through November 5

We're approaching the final third of the semester . . . November will go quickly, with the Veterans Day holiday on 11/11 and the Thanksgiving break 11/25-28.  It's already time to be planning ahead for next semester; the courselist for Spring 2011 should be posted by Thursday, November 4th. 

Here's what you'll be able to take advantage of in the coming week:

Friday, October 29, 3:30 – 4:30 pm. RefWorks Workshop. Learn how to manage your citations and create quick bibliographies for one paper or for your whole career. Want to know a little bit about RefWorks? Watch the RefWorks video posted on the Blog previously. Library, Integrated Sciences & Engineering, 3rd floor classroom.

Friday, October 29-Sunday, October 31. Family Weekend 2010. Bring your family and join others at an array of activities throughout the weekend.

DEADLINE NOVEMBER 1. For the fall 2010 semester, students can only declare the Sociology major during September 15-November 1. For more information, go to the Sociology Advising Office in 720 or 722 Thompson Hall.

Tuesday, November 2, 4:00pm. New Sociology Major Orientation. Campus Center Room 162-175.

Wednesday, November 3 12:30 pm. RefWorks Workshop. Learn how to manage your citations and create quick bibliographies for one paper or for your whole career. Want to know a little bit about RefWorks? Watch the RefWorks video posted on the Blog previously. W.E.B. Du Bois Library, Calipari Room.

Thursday, November 4, 3-3:45pm. Public Health Group Advising Session for those interested in learning more about the Public Health major. Please contact Lynn Koerbel at lkoerbel@schoolph.umass.edu so she will know how many will attend. Arnold House 321.

Thursday, November 4, 4:00pm. Becoming a History Teacher. Faculty from the School of Education will talk about their programs that can help you become licensed as an elementary, middle, or high school teacher, including STEP (Secondary Teacher Education Program), and CTEP (Collaborative Teacher Education Program). Refreshments will be served. Herter Hall 601.

Friday, November 5, 3:30pm. Computer Science First Friday Event & Registration Counseling Meeting. Interested undeclared students or other prospective majors are cordially invited to attend this meeting so they are on-track! Computer Science Building, Room 151.

(Ongoing)  Through the end of final exams, every Wednesday through Friday at 2:30-3:30 and every Wednesday from 4:45-5:30. Domestic Exchange Information Sessions for Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 Exchanges. Want to spend a semester or year at another college or university in the U.S.? Check out the list of institutions in the National Student Exchange (nse.org) and also to the University of Massachusetts Exchange Schools, which currently include UMass Boston, UMass Dartmouth, and UMass Lowell. Students MUST attend an information session to apply (and will receive applications and all the information necessary to apply). The deadline is March 1st for FALL 2011 AND/OR SPRING 2012. (There is also a Priority Deadline of February 7th. Meeting the priority deadline does increase the chances of a student placement.) 604 Goodell.

(Ongoing)  Monday, October 25- Monday, January 3. Winter Session Registration, through Continuing & Professional Education. Registration is now open for UMass Amherst Winter Session. Online classes start December 20. Face-to-face classes start January 2. Speak with an advisor and/or the Financial Aid Office to understand how these courses work in your academic program. For more information visit www.umassulearn.net and/or SPIRE.

(Ongoing)  For the Fall 2010 semester, BDIC will be holding information sessions every Tuesday at 11am and Friday at 2pm. BDIC Information Sessions. Cannot find exactly what you are looking for in a major on campus? Attend a BDIC information session to learn about designing your own interdisciplinary major. 608 Goodell.

(Ongoing)  Tuesday, October 19 – Wednesday, November 17. Applications can be submitted for Curricular Alternative Spring Break with Grassroots Community Development. Interested in an Alternative Spring Break – doing some community service? Consider taking this 5-credit honors course, Grassroots Community Development (Anthropology 397H). Each spring the class studies grassroots development and organizing through examining ways that communities use local knowledge and other local assets to combat poverty and political disenfranchisement. During spring break, the class travels to communities to work side by side with members of a grassroots organization. UACT (UMass Alliance for Community Transformation) is accepting applications for Spring 2011. For more information or to download a copy of the application, go to their website.

Prepare Ahead of Time for Success at the Majors Fair

The annual Majors Fair, sponsored by Undergraduate Advising, is this week.  Matt and Jess already told you what a great opportunity this is to chat with department representatives, explore major, minor, and certificate options, and learn more about other programs like study abroad or domestic exchange...

That being said, the Fair gets pretty PACKED!  Start preparing now to make the most of your time there!

• First, you can preview a map of the Fair's layout through the Undergraduate Advising website.  You might want to get an idea of where the departments you're interested in are located.  

• Not sure who you want to visit with yet?  From the same website you can complete a "Linking Your Interests to Possible Majors" worksheet to begin narrowing down your choices. 

• Once you get an idea of the departments you want to visit, you might be wondering what exactly could/should you be asking the department representatives?  Well, we can help with that too!  On the Majors Fair website you can also find a worksheet with common, helpful questions to ask department representatives.  Consider printing this worsheet and bringing it with you to the Fair--this way you can keep track of what spring classes to consider taking toward the programs that interest you, any application process that may be necessary, and even what career or internship opportunities exist in that field!

The more thought you put into preparing for the Fair, the better your results will be!  Check out the resources we've provided to help you get ready and create your plan of attack!  Should you have questions or need guidance when you arrive, we'll even have an "Advising Room" packed with professional, graduate, and peer advisors on hand to help you navigate your way through the Fair!  

So don't forget, the MAJORS FAIR is THIS WEDNESDAY from 5:30-7:30 in the Campus Center Auditorium and First-Floor Concourse.  We'll see you there!

and now, A Majors Fair Message from Jess and Matt...

Weekly Preview: October 22 through 31

OK - it's a busy week, coming up!  Here's what's on tap:

(Ongoing) Monday, October 25- Monday, January 3. Winter Session Registration, through Continuing & Professional Education. Registration is now open for UMass Amherst Winter Session. Online classes start December 20. Face-to-face classes start January 2. Speak with an advisor and/or the Financial Aid Office to understand how these courses work in your academic program. For more information visit www.umassulearn.net and/or SPIRE.

Tuesday, October 26 (11am) and Friday, October 29 (2pm). BDIC Information Sessions. Cannot find exactly what you are looking for in a major on campus? Attend a BDIC information session to learn about designing your own interdisciplinary major. For the Fall 2010 semester, BDIC will be holding information sessions every Tuesday at 11am) and Friday at 2pm. 608 Goodell.

(Ongoing) Tuesday, October 19 – Wednesday, November 17. Applications can be submitted for Curricular Alternative Spring Break with Grassroots Community Development. Interested in an Alternative Spring Break – doing some community service? Consider taking this 5-credit honors course, Grassroots Community Development (Anthropology 397H). Each spring the class studies grassroots development and organizing through examining ways that communities use local knowledge and other local assets to combat poverty and political disenfranchisement. During spring break, the class travels to communities to work side by side with members of a grassroots organization. UACT (UMass Alliance for Community Transformation) is accepting applications for Spring 2011. For more information or to download a copy of the application, go to their website.

Tuesday, October 26, 2:00 pm. Public Health Group Advising Session for those interested in learning more about the Public Health major. Arnold House 321.

Tuesday, October 26, 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Career Connections Program: Networking with IT Professionals. US News and World Report predicts that jobs in the IT industry will grow by 32% in 2010. Are you thinking about working in information technology but aren't sure where or how to get started? Attend this interactive speed networking evening and learn what skills are needed to start and succeed in the IT industry. Hear from fellow alumni currently working in the technology sector:

- Ed Drabek '82, security assurance specialist at MassMutual

- Tom Galanis '99, adjunct professor and portal manager at Westfield State College

- Joe Guarino '97, CEO of Evolutionary IT

- James Woods '97, compliance consultant at MassMutual

The event is free to current UMass undergraduates. Advance registration is required, as seating is limited. Register by Tuesday, October 19, 2010 to receive free networking cards. Memorial Hall.

Tuesday, October 26, 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Writing Placement Test 2010. Any student who has not previously taken this test must do so before s/he can enroll in ENGLWRIT112 College Writing. Registration for the test is not needed.

Wednesday, October 27, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Annual Five College Graduate and Professional Schools Information Day. Open to the Western Massachusetts college community, the Annual Five College Graduate and Professional Schools Information Day offers students a chance to explore different graduate school options and learn about various programs all over the country and abroad. Representations from Kaplan will also be available to talk about graduate examinations. Student Union Ballroom.

Wednesday, October 27, 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Cognizant Technology Solutions Info Session. Cognizant Technology Solutions is looking for qualified candidates from University of Massachusetts who want to transform the way organizations compete and innovate. We’re now hiring for full-time positions nationwide. Campus Center, 804-08

Wednesday, October 27, 5:30 – 7:30 pm. The annual Majors Fair will provide a chance for students to explore potential areas of study: majors, minors, certificates, study abroad, domestic exchange, and other options available at the University. Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to check out the impressive array of academic programs and other resources available at UMass. Representatives from over 75 different departments will be present to answer questions and provide literature about their programs. Campus Center Auditorium.

Thursday, October 28, 12:30pm. Resource Economics On-Campus Transfer 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. Interested in applying for on-campus transfer? The deadline for your Statement of Interest is November 21 at 6:00pm. Stockbridge 217.

(Ongoing) Thursday, October 28, 2:30-3:30 (and repeating, through the end of final exams, on this schedule: every Wednesday through Friday at 2:30-3:30 and every Wednesday from 4:45-5:30). Domestic Exchange Information Sessions for Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 Exchanges. Want to spend a semester or year at another college or university in the U.S.? Check out the list of institutions in the National Student Exchange (nse.org) and also the University of Massachusetts Exchange Schools, which currently include UMass Boston, UMass Dartmouth, and UMass Lowell. Students MUST attend an information session to apply (applications and all the information necessary to apply will be distributed at the meetings).  The deadline is March 1st for FALL 2011 AND/OR SPRING 2012. (There is also a Priority Deadline of February 7th. Meeting the priority deadline does increase the chances of a student placement.) 604 Goodell.

Friday, October 29, 3:30 – 4:30 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 previously. Library, Integrated Sciences & Engineering, 3rd floor classroom.

Friday, October 29-Sunday, October 31. Family Weekend 2010. Bring your family and join others at an array of activities throughout the weekend.

Ongoing: For the fall 2010 semester, students can only declare the Sociology major during September 15-November 1. For more information, go to the Sociology Advising Office in 720 or 722 Thompson Hall.

W-Drop Basic Information / 10-21-10 Deadline

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 21st! 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 10/21/10 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 (413) 545-2191 and make an appointment, or come to Drop-In Hours at 615 Goodell, from 10:30-11:30 and 3-4 daily.

Weekly Preview: October 15 to 22

Overwhelmed by the aftermath of midterm papers and exams?  Don't forget to check out all of the academic supports and resources available . . . the Learning Resource Center, Writing Center, etc.  Be proactive and ask for help!

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

Monday, October 18, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Boren Awards Information Session. The Boren Scholarship provides opportunities for undergraduate students to study in countries that are generally underrepresented in study abroad (including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East). The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded. Boren Scholars are awarded up to $20,000 for an academic year and Boren Fellows are awarded up to $24,000 for one academic year. For more information contact the International Programs Office, 545-2710.

Tuesday, October 19, 11:15 am. 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 previously. Calipari Room, W.E.B. Du Bois Library.

Wednesday, October 20, 5:30 pm. Campus to Career Program: Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Rewards. Have a dream and a passion to start your own company? Join us and hear Bob Lowry '93, founder and owner of Bueno y Sano, discuss the highs and lows of ownership and how to better prepare and position yourself to be a successful entrepreneur. Sponsored by the Student Alumni Association (SAA) and the UMass Amherst Alumni Association. Seating is limited. Register ahead. Memorial Hall.

Thursday, October 21.  LAST DAY TO DROP COURSES WITH A “W” OR TO CHANGE A COURSE TO PASS/FAIL.
Not sure what this means, or what the ramifications of a "W" or a Pass/Fail are?  Watch the Blog for more information, and if you have questions about your personal situation, see your advisor!

Thursday, October 21, 3:30pm. Public Health Group Advising Session for those interested in the major . Arnold House 321.

Tip of the Week with Jess and Matt (#5)

Wazzzzzzzzzup! Jess and Matt here again to blow your minds with another tip of the week. This time we’re coming at ya’ll with some stress busters, pow pow! Exams are coming and so is that stress, so take advantage of these great….

Stress Relievers!


UMass offers some great stress tips through University Health Services. Here you can find resources to manage your stress and find a health topics list that can give you insight into other possible causes of stress. If that doesn’t make your boat float, then check out the Recreation Center’s group exercise classes which include: Zumba, Pilates, Stretch-N-Tone, and much more. The list is categorized by intensity and class size to help you find what’s right for you! If you don’t mind paying for a class fee, the Rec Center also offers several yoga programs.

Wow Jess, I’m already feeling better about this! We can now conquer our stress and still make it to Late Night! YUM!

Especially for TRANSFERS . . .

There is a special orientation to the library and RefWorks that will be presented for TRANSFERS at three different times:

• Tuesday, October 12, 1:00PM - 2:30PM,
• Wednesday, October 13 10:30AM - 12:00PM, or

• Monday, October 18, 3:00PM - 4:30PM.

All sessions will take place in the Calipari Room of the W.E.B. DuBois Library. 

Learn how to make use of the incredible resources at UMass - it will save you time and produce better results!

TUESDAY IS MONDAY . . .

. . . at least as far as the course schedule goes. 

Make sure you go to the right classes!

Weekly Preview, October 8 through 15

As we approach mid-semester, this week starts out with a holiday and ends with Homecoming Weekend.  Plan accordingly for a good balance of studying and play!

Monday, October 11. Columbus Day Holiday; no classes.

Tuesday, October 12. Due to the Columbus Day holiday, a Monday class schedule will be followed today.

Tuesday, October 12, 6:30 pm. R1 (Tier 1) Basic Math Skills Exemption Test. 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. A student ID and a #2 pencil are required. A calculator is recommended. There is no limit on the number of times a student may take this test. The focus of this exam is to measure knowledge of basic math skills. See website for details on topics covered by the test. This exam will be offered one more time in the Fall 2010 semester (December 6). Marcus 131.
Wednesday, October 13, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Fall Into Success-Get a Headstart on Your Resume, Internship or Co-Op. Want to get a headstart on your resume this year? Interested in an internship or co-op? The Alumni Association, in partnership with Career Services, will be set up on the lawn to help you fall into success with all the career tools you need! Learn how to dress for success, get immediate feedback on your resume, find out about the Minuteman Mentor program, and speak directly with our trained career team that day. Memorial Hall.

Wednesday, October 13, 5:30 pm. Homecoming Etiquette Dinner. Do you know how to handle yourself in a professional dining setting? You will after you join us for the Homecoming Etiquette Dinner, sponsored by the UMass Amherst Alumni Association, the University Club and the Student Alumni Association (SAA). Interact with UMass Amherst students, alumni and campus community members during a multi-course meal and take away essential skills and information. This dinner will lead you through the potential pitfalls of a business dinner with various "challenging" foods. Learn proper meal etiquette and how to navigate a formal dinner place setting, as our etiquette professional answers all your questions. NOTE: Advance registration is required; the event was full as of the time of this posting. Plan ahead and watch for the event at another time! University Club.

Thursday, October 14, 8:30 – 10:30 am. Alumni Faculty & Staff Appreciation Morning Mixer. All UMass Amherst students, alumni, faculty, and staff are invited to stop by the Alumni Faculty & Staff Appreciation Morning Mixer and start your day off with a complimentary breakfast of delicious bagels, fresh fruit, coffee and assorted juices. Memorial Hall.

Thursday, October 14, 12:00 – 1:30 pm. College of Natural Sciences - College Day Cookout. This annual celebration of the College of Natural Sciences is a great mix of music, grilled food, ice cream, and science fun. You can meet the Deans, learn more about our 16 departments, pet the animals, try your skill on the putting green, and check out our special guests and gifts. Please note: brand new location - Computer Science Building Courtyard.

Thursday, October 14, 5:30 pm. Alumni Association Campus to Career Program: Hello City: Washington D.C. The Student Alumni Association (SAA) and the UMass Amherst Alumni Association are proud to present the Campus to Career program, Hello City: Washington D.C. Our alumni guests will discuss life in and around the nation's capital, Washington D.C., from finding an apartment and identifying what neighborhood is best for you, to searching for a job and leads on networking opportunities in the city. This program is open to all current UMass Amherst students, faculty, staff and alumni. NOTE: see the event website to register. Seating is limited. Refreshments provided. Memorial Hall

Friday, October 15, 12:00 pm. Afro-American Studies Meet and Greet. Join Afro-American Studies students, faculty, and staff to celebrate the Department's 40th Anniversary and the recent renovation of New Africa House. Pizza, wings, and soft drinks will be served. New Africa House, Shirley Graham Du Bois Reading Room (Central Residential Area).

Tip of the Week with Jess and Matt (#4)

So your big Econ exam is coming up FAST and it seems like the circus has made a stop at your residential building and if you hear your neighbor blast Katy Perry's newest song one more time, you're going to weep like a little school child. Fear not, for Jess and I are experts at hittin' the books and can help you out. All you have to do is find a....

SUPER SWEET STUDY SPACE

Your dorm is too loud and you’re afraid of not being able to get some ample study time. Never fear, we know all the hotspots on campus.

Did you know that on the 2^nd and 4^th floor of the library are quiet floors? No phones, no talking, just good ol’ fashioned studying. There are also desks on the floors with book stacks.

Not a library person? No problem! Check out the new and stunning Integrated Science Building. Just take a hike up the stairs and you’ll see some great work space cubbies.

Not on that side of campus? Well you better believe we have some more places for you! One of Jess’ favorite spots is the Tobin Bridge. There are desks and chairs with a vending machine right down the hall! One of Matt's frequent stops is the Machmer lounge area on the third floor. This floor is equipped with comfy chairs and a great view of students walking to and from class. The second floor of the Studio Arts Building also sports a view and a fantastic studying environment. Lastly, right down the road is the Isenberg School of Management. You can study in the atrium or take it up to the second floor for some study cubbies complete with whiteboards!

Now trust us, these aren’t the only spots to study but it’s a good way to study in a more suitable environment. Distractions should be limited from the dorms and you’ll hopefully be able to ace that next exam.

Now excuse Jess and me; we have to go study because we are true scholars. Straight up.

Weekly Preview: October, 1st to 8th

 

October is here, and so are many first exams, time to hit the books!

  Friday, October 1. The Writing Center is a place where students, faculty, and staff in the university can work with a knowledgeable tutor on their writing. Check out the Writing Center's web-page for more information and create your online user account today for making appointments faster and easier!

Monday and Tuesday, October 4th, 5:00 pm and  October, 5th, 12:45 pm. Career Services Internships and Co-Ops Information Sessions presents: Field Experience Information Sessions. For further information regarding Internships and Co-Ops, click here! Goodell 508 both days.  

Monday, October 4, 10:00 am – 11:00 am. 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 previously. Science and Engineering Library, 3rd floor classroom (Lederle Low-rise).   

Wednesday, October 6, 2:30 pm. Public Health Group Advising Session for those interested in the major and students in the major.  Arnold House 321.

Wednesday, October 6, 4:00 pm. John Jacobs '90, chief creative optimist and co-founder of Life is good®, comes to UMass Amherst! Hear John share the phenomenal success story of his company, which he started with only a dream, his UMass Amherst degrees, and a van! You will be inspired by the company's vision, mission, and dedication to children's welfare and philanthropy. Student Union Ballroom