Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Student Majors Exploration Panel

Need Help Choosing a Major?

Attend the student panel discussion tomorrow and hear from students in the following majors:

BDIC, Economics, Communication, Kinesiology, and a Certificate pprogram!

March 30th
4:00 - 5:00 pm
604 Goodell Building

Open to ALL students exploring ALL majors!

Tip of the Week with Jess and Matt #5

So we’re back from spring break, all in one piece. I know, I know, you were all probably worried sick. Well we’re back safe and sound, and we still have some tips for ya. Believe it or not the semester is beginning to wind down and we want to give you guys some more specific major information that will be extremely beneficial! As each semester winds down, you should be inching closer and closer to a major decision. That’s why we want to let you know about a special event being offered this week….

Major Exploration Student Panel


We’ll be having a major exploration panel that will have students representing certain majors they’re involved with! For this panel, we’ll hear student representatives from BDIC, Economics, Communication, Kinesiology, and Certificate Programs. The panel will be located in 604 Goodell and will be from 4-5 on March 30th. This panel will help provide undeclared students with a better understanding of the major exploration process. You will be able to hear student’s perspectives from their majors as well. You need a major in order to graduate, and you’ll see that some classes require you be declared in a certain major to be eligible for that particular course. And as an added bonus, Matt will be there in attendance! He will be representing Communication, so make sure you bring your questions!

Rumor has it that questions from the audience will receive prizes, so don’t be bashful! This is an opportunity undeclared students should definitely take advantage of; spread the word and get ready to be in awe of Matt’s celebrity blogging persona!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Pre-registration for Five College courses begins TODAY!

Did you know as a UMass student you are eligible to take courses at Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith Colleges for UMass credit?

Don't miss your chance to take advantage of this opportunity! The Five College Interchange pre-registration period begins TODAY and ends April 15th! This pre-registration period is the same for ALL 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 now. If you miss this pre-registration period, you'll have to wait until Add/Drop in the Fall!

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, feel free to stop by the Five College Interchange Office in 615 Goodell, Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Weekly Preview March 25 - April 1

Registration for Fall classes begins on Monday, March 28 for Seniors. Check your SPIRE account now to see when your enrollment appointment is. Make an appointment to meet with an advisor  before this time to get advice on classes.  Print out the Advising Meeting Checklist and bring it to your appointment.  Dean’s Drop In Hours are not for course selection assistance.

Visit the Academic Advising Link in the Library Learning Commons  to meet with peer advisors to get advice on classes, ask questions about majors, get help using SPIRE and how to review your Academic Requirements Report (ARR).

Five College Pre-Registration is Monday March 28 – Friday April 15. These dates are separate from your UMass enrollment appointment. Registration forms are available through SPIRE under your Enrollment tab. You will also be able to register during UMass Add/Drop in the Fall. Browse the Five College Course Catalog  and visit the UMass Five College Interchange website to learn more.

Monday, March 28

RefWorks Workshop, 10:00am - 11:00am, W.E.B. Du Bois Library, 1620 (16th floor)  Learn how to use RefWorks, Write-N-Cite and RefShare to streamline your research and paper writing.

Distinguished Speaker Series  Career Services presents a panel group to explore Entrepreneurial Endeavors. Business leaders will talk about starting your own business.  Panel members include Tom Truong, Realty Direct; Ed Roche, Roche Architectural; Max Hartshorne, GoNomad; Chris Ziomek, CampusLive  7:00pm - 9:00pm, 168 Campus Center

Wednesday, March 30 

Do you want to network with upper-class students in BDIC, Economics, Communication, Kinesiology and Certificate Programs? Do you want to better understand the major exploration process? You should attend the Majors Exploration Student Panel session! For more information: Contact chanti@acad.umass.edu or jflorenc@anthro.umass.edu Open to students exploring ALL majors! 4:00 - 5:00pm, 604 Goodell Building

Ultimate Money Skills  Where does your money go? This dynamic and energetic presentation will provide key tips and advice on how to make the right financial decisions and develop smart money management skills in college that will lead to a lifetime of financial independence.  Find out more on the appropriate use of credit, designing your own budget, taking control of student loan debt and how to protect yourself against identity theft! Seating is limited; registration is required. 5:30PM, Memorial Hall


Thursday, March 31  

Writing Placement Test
6:00pm – 7:00pm Bartlett 310
Any student who has not previously taken this test must do so before s/he can enroll in EnglWrit 112 College Writing. Registration for the test is not needed.


ongoing

BDIC (Bachelors Degree with Individual Concentration) Information Sessions for Spring 2011  Learn about the most unique major on campus, and receive guidance on how you can design your own major. Information sessions will be held every Monday (3pm), Tuesday (1pm), Wednesday (10am), Thursday (11am), Friday (1pm) in 608 Goodell.

Important Information and Upcoming Dates

Isenberg School Of Management Information Sessions for current UMass students interested in applying to the BBA (Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, Operations Management) , Hospitality & Tourism Management or Sport Management majors will be held on the following dates:
Tuesday, April 5, 5:30 pm ISOM 206
Wednesday, April 6, 2010 5:30 pm ISOM 206
For more information, please contact the Isenberg Programs Office in ISOM 206  413-545-5610.  The deadline for BBA, HTM, and Sport Management applications is May 1 at 5:00pm.

Isenberg School Of Management Information Sessions for current UMass students interested in applying to the Resource Economics major will be held on the following dates:
Tuesday, April 5 11:15 am Stockbridge 201
Wednesday, April 6 5:30 pm Stockbridge 201
In order to register for Fall 2011 courses as a Resource Economics major, students must complete an on-line Statement of Interest by April 15

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Clear up those HOLDS!

Holds are now listed on SPIRE. If you see something like this when you log on to SPIRE it means you have a HOLD on your account:

SOME HOLDS MAY PREVENT YOU FROM ENROLLING IN COURSES!

Click on the link to the right of your schedule in SPIRE and it will tell you why the hold is there. DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO CLEAR IT UP!

Some 'common' holds are:
Bursar bill not paid--See the Bursar in Whitmore!
Incomplete Immunization Records--Go to Health Services for info!
Academic Advising Needed--You must make an appointment with your Advisor!

Don't let a hold keep you from getting into classes you need!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

W-Drop & Pass/Fail Deadline Today!

~ Attention ~

Today is the last day to Withdraw from a course with a W or switch to the Pass/Fail option!

Please see your academic advisor or your academic dean's office for further questions or help.

If you do not know who your advisor is, or how to contact your dean's office, you can call the Undergraduate Advising Office in 615 Goodell at (413) 545-2191 for assistance.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Weekly Preview March 21 - March 25

Are things are starting to feel hectic?  Take a deep breath!
The Fall 2011 class schedule and enrollment appointments are now available on SPIRE.

Registration for Fall classes begins on Monday, March 28 for Seniors. Check your SPIRE account now to see when your enrollment appointment is. Make an appointment to meet with an advisor well before this time to get advice on classes.  Dean’s Drop In Hours are not for course selection assistance.

Visit the Academic Advising Link in the Library Learning Commons to meet with peer advisors to get advice on classes, ask questions about majors and review your Academic Requirements Report.

Monday, March 21
 
Classes resume. Welcome back!
 
RefWorks Workshop
1:00pm – 2:00pm, Integrated Sciences Building, 3rd floor classroom
Learn how to use RefWorks, Write-N-Cite and RefShare to streamline your research and paper writing.

Tuesday, March 22

Today is the last day for Undergraduates and Continuing Education students to drop courses with a “W” or to change a course to Pass/Fail.

Read our blog entry for more information. Still have questions? Set up an appointment to meet with an advisor!

Computer Science Advising Meeting 
4:00pm, 151 Computer Science Building.  Come learn more about the Computer Science major!  Check out the Top Ten Reasons to major in CS and come to the advising meeting with your questions.

Thursday, March 24

Students considering Sociology are strongly encouraged to attend the Orientation for new Sociology Majors and Info Session for Prospective Majors. 4:00pm – 5:00 pm, 917 Campus Center.  Students interested in Sociology must declare by Friday, March 25. For advising appointments, visit the Sociology blog and click the Advising link.  Read our blog entry for more information.

Economics Career Networking Night
6:00pm – 8:00pm, Memorial Hall.  Registration required through the event website.  The Department of Economics, Undergraduate Economics Club (UEC), in partnership with the UMass Amherst Alumni Association, invite you to meet and network with successful alumni working in a variety of fields. This is a great opportunity to find out how their degree helped shape their career path.  For more information, contact Nicole Dunham, ndunham@econs.umass.edu, 413-545-3815

(ongoing)

BDIC (Bachelors Degree with Individual Concentration) Information Sessions for Spring 2011  Learn about the most unique major on campus, and receive guidance on how you can design your own major. Information sessions will be held every Monday (3pm), Tuesday (1pm), Wednesday (10am), Thursday (11am), Friday (1pm) in 608 Goodell.

Important Information and Upcoming Dates

The Spring Final Exam Schedule is now available through SPIRE. To view it, log in to SPIRE and select "Final Exam Schedule" under "Student Home". It is also available on the Registrar’s website.
Students enrolled in courses with conflicting scheduled exams or who have three or more exams scheduled in one calendar day should contact the Registrar's Office immediately for assistance in resolving the problem.

Five College Pre-Registration is Monday March 28 – Friday April 15. These dates are separate from your UMass enrollment appointment. Registration forms are available through SPIRE. You will also be able to register during UMass Add/Drop in the Fall. Browse the Five College Course Catalog  and visit the UMass Five College Interchange website to learn more.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Back to reality...



As you enjoy your last few days of spring break, don't forget that lots of things are happening when you return to campus... In particular, the W Deadline is Tuesday March 22nd!  If you need to drop a class (or change a class to P/F grading) you MUST get the necessary paperwork to the Registrar by 5 PM that day.  If this is an option you need to take advantage of, considering preparing your paperwork and seeking out your professor as soon as you return.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Considering Sociology?

If you've been considering declaring Sociology, the deadline is fast approaching... in fact, it's shortly after we return from spring break! Sociology is an open major, but has a limited window of opportunity in which you can declare each semester. If you want to pursue upper-level courses/requirements for the major in the Fall, you should declare by March 25th to gain access to the widest range of course options. You can declare by going to the Sociology office in 704 Thompson Hall and have a Change of Major Form completed.


All new Sociology majors must attend an Orientation on Thursday March 24th from 4-5 PM in 917 Campus Center.

Prospective majors are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting as well to meet faculty and staff, learn about departmental resources and opportunities, and get to know the Sociology department!

YOU CAN ALSO DECLARE YOUR MAJOR AT THIS MEETING, if you don't make it to the Sociology office before then.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

What you need to know about the mid-semester date

Dropping with a W is nothing to be afraid of.  It will not count against you should you decide to apply for/declare a major (as long as you have completed all the pre-requisites, predictor courses, and any other requirements). Dropping a course at this point means a W will always remain on your transcript, but you will not receive a grade for that class, so the class will not affect your GPA.  The W just means that you dropped a course beyond the Add/Drop deadline.  HOWEVER, unlike Add/Drop, dropping a course at this point cannot be done on SPIRE.  There is actual paperwork required and you need your instructor's signature.  So, don't wait until the day of the deadline to make your decision--especially since the deadline is right after spring break (March 22nd)!

You should consider dropping a course with a W if you know that you are not doing well in it and there is little chance you can remedy that, especially if your intended major expects a strong cumulative GPA or specific grade in that class.  Be careful though that you are not going below 12 credits (full-time) in doing so.

The mid-semester date is also your last chance to change a class to Pass/Fail grading.  Rather than dropping a course from your schedule you can elect to remain in the class, but instead of getting a letter grade, your transcript will just indicate a P (if you pass) or an F (if you fail).  A P will not affect your GPA, but an F will.  If you're considering the P/F grading option, be careful!  There are many things to consider before making this choice, including the fact that courses taken P/F may not count toward Gen Eds, major reqs, or predictor courses.  Just like dropping with a W, electing to take a class P/F requires paperwork (but not an instructor's signature). 

You should see your advisor soon if you're considering either taking a W or changing a course to P/F.  You can pick up the necessary paperwork in Undergraduate Advising (if you're Undeclared) or the Registrar's Office in 213 Whitmore.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Tonight: Writing Program Placement Test


tonight at 6:00 pm in Bartlett 310.

The Placement Test asks students to respond in essay format to a short text (200-300 words). Placement essays should demonstrate clear organization, relevant support and examples, and an adequate understanding of sentence structure.

Tip of the Week with Jess and Matt #4

Jess and Matt back in action once again and just in time before spring break…which is in FOUR days. EEEEK! We’re currently having difficulties containing our excitement, but the show must go on. Now that spring break is coming up, it’s time to come to terms (I know, we’re pretty punny…I mean funny) that we’re near the mid-semester point. So because we’re so great, we just wanted to bring your attention to some important academic dates that will be happening in the not-too-distant future. Why? Because we got yo’ backs. So please pay attention to…

Academic Deadlines

Now we could talk all day about academic deadlines, so to spare you the information density, we’re going to let you in on a few important ones. First off, check Spire for your final exam schedule. That’s right, they’re up and it’s a good idea to check it out and plan a future schedule. Once you log into Spire, check your student center on the left-hand tab and select Final Exam Schedule.  Also, if you have MORE than 2 finals on the same day, you are eligible to take a make-up exam for one of those classes, which is determined by the Registrar. For FULL details, check out the Registrar’s site.

Before we let you go, we’ve got one more deadline for you. March 22 is the last day to drop with a “W” (withdrawal) and the last day to elect a class pass/fail. Course change forms are available in Undergraduate Advising and the Registrar’s office.

So that’s it! Those are some important deadlines that you guys should definitely take note of. So now that y’all are taken care of, we’ve got some packing to do! We’re taking this break to relax and see family & friends. We advise you all to do the same! Have a good break and we’ll be back next Tuesday!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Tonight: Basic Math Skills (R1) Exemption Test


tonight at 7:30pm in Marcus 131. 

Bring a #2 pencil, ID, and calculator.

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.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Weekly Preview March 4 - March 11

Before you leave for Spring Break...

The Spring Final Exam Schedule is now available through SPIRE. To view it, log in to SPIRE and select "Final Exam Schedule" under "Student Home".  It is also available on the Registrar’s website.  Students enrolled in courses with conflicting scheduled exams or who have three or more exams scheduled in one calendar day should contact the Registrar's Office for assistance in resolving the problem.  Don't wait until the week before finals to resolve conflicts!  

Friday, March 4 

Career Services Fun Fridays  Join Career Services for "Fun Fridays" as we focus on dressing for success and model appropriate interview attire. Pizza, raffles, and prizes will be on hand and any students who come dressed for an interview can pose to have their pictures taken and posted to the Career Services website. Contact Hope Rideout for more information. ccnhelp@acad.umass.edu, 413-545-2224 

Monday March 7

Basic Math Skills (R1) Exemption Test 7:30pm Marcus 131

Tuesday March 8

Writing Placement Test  6:00pm Bartlett 310

(ongoing) 

BDIC (Bachelors Degree with Individual Concentration) Information Sessions for Spring 2011.  Learn about the most unique major on campus, and receive guidance on how you can design your own major. Information sessions will be held every Monday (3pm), Tuesday (1pm), Wednesday (10am), Thursday (11am), Friday (1pm) in 608 Goodell.

Approaching Deadlines and Important Dates

Monday, March 21

Tentative date for the Fall 2011 class schedule and enrollment appointments to be available on SPIRE.

Tuesday, March 22

Last day for Undergraduates and Continuing Education students to drop courses with a “W” or to change a course to Pass/Fail. It’s better to have a “W” than to fail. Have questions about withdrawing from a class? Set up an appointment to meet with an advisor!

Thursday, March 24

Students considering Sociology are strongly encouraged to attend the Information Session for Prospective Sociology Majors.  4:00pm – 5:00 pm, 917 Campus Center.   Students interested in Sociology must declare by Friday, March 25. For advising appointments, visit the Sociology blog and click Advising.


Spring Break begins after your last class on Saturday March 12!
Be safe and have fun!


Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Tip of the Week with Jess and Matt #3

Thank goodness it’s Tuesday! Or as Jess and I like to call it, TGIT. Jess and I decided that it’s time to have the ‘talk’ with you kiddos. You’re young, perhaps undeclared, and it’s time you guys hear it. Now we don’t want to drag it out anymore, so without any further discussion, it’s time we talk about…


Mid Semester Check-Up

I know, I know, how EMBARRASSING! But it’s for your own good. There’s no mid-semester progress report or any of that jazz anymore. It’s up to YOU to check out how you’re doing, and what still needs to be completed. Review class syllabi and see what readings you’ve missed, what exams are coming up, or what homeworks still need to be completed. Get your papers, OWLS, SPARK assignments, whatever it may be in check! It’s important to track how you’re doing so you won’t find yourself struggling and cramming at the end of the semester. Even though it can be hard to stay on top of things, when it comes time for that big exam, you won’t be as stressed and will be more prepared and relaxed.

See? That wasn’t so bad. Now y'all be prepared when the big day comes. You’ll all be as cool as a cucumber, trust us. Preparing now and checking up on your work is a great way to stay on top of your game!