Isenberg SOM applications for HTM, SptMgmt, and BBA DUE THURSDAY!

Students who are completing the required predictor courses for majors in Isenberg including the BBA program, HTM, and Sport Management must submit an application by 5 PM December 1st (that's THURSDAY)!  All applications are online on the ISOM Undergraduate website.  If you miss this deadline you will not be able to apply again until May.  More information about these programs can be found here.

Weekly Preview - November 28 to December 3

COUNTDOWN TO FINALS!  These last three weeks of the semester will fly by . . . and your focus will primarily be on your studies.  However, there are a few items to note:

The last Writing Placement Test of the semester will be Tuesday, November 29 from 6:00pm-7:00pm in Bartlett 212.

Applying to Isenberg’s BBA, Sport Management, or HTM programs?  Fall 2011 application deadline is DECEMBER 1st!


New York City Bus Trip, Saturday, December 3, 6:30 am – 10:00 pm. The Art History Program with the Department of Art, Architecture and Art History is offering a bus trip to New York City.  Admission: $40

And Coming Soon . . . The next Basic Math Skills R1 Exemption Test will be on Monday, December 5 at 6:30pm in 131 Marcus Hall.

Check your Final Exam schedule on SPIRE!  If you have 3 exams in one day or two at the same time, GO TO THE REGISTRAR’S OFFICE IMMEDIATELY to get it changed!

Career Services offers Internship Information Sessions, Intro to Internships/CoOps, and has Walk-In hours multiple times each week.  Check them out in Room 511 Goodell..

Interested in Bachelor's Degree with Individual Concentration (BDIC), where you can design your own interdisciplinary major and curriculum under faculty guidance?  Attend an Info Session in 607 Goodell.

Finals: Fix The Conflicts Now!

You have classes in your shopping cart.

You are ready for your enrollment appointment.

You are writing papers, studying for tests, going to study groups, and finding time to socalize.

And now it's time to think about finals?

In the next few weeks we'll be sharing tips on reducing stress and creating study plans.  We'll post ideas to help keep you calm and prepared.

But there's one thing you need to do right now:

Look at your final exam schedule!  Log into SPIRE and find out when your exams are.

Do you have two (or more) exams at the same time?  Do you have three (or more) exams on the same day? 

If yes, you MUST go to the registrar's office in Whitmore 209 TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FINAL EXAM so they can reschedule them for you.  To do so, print your final exam schedule from SPIRE and take it to the Registrar's Office.  For more information, visit their final exam page.

Do not wait.  Find a moment in the next few days to head over to Whitmore.  Knowing your schedule will help you prepare.  Why add more stress to your busy life?

Weekly Preview for November 21 - 25

Thanksgiving break starts on Wednesday, November 23 after your last class.  Classes resume on Monday, November 28.  Be safe during your travels and enjoy your time off!

Career Services will be holding Introduction to Internships and Co-ops information sessions on on Monday, November 21 from 12:30pm - 1:30pm and Tuesday November 22 from 5:00pm - 6:00pm in 508 Goodell.  Learn more about the internship and co-op process, including how to apply and how to get credit.

Plan ahead...

The last Writing Placement Test of the semester will be Tuesday, November 29 from 6:00pm-7:00pm in Bartlett 212.

The next Basic Math Skills R1 Exemption Test will be on Monday, December 5 at 6:30pm in 131 Marcus Hall.


Advising appointments are filling fast.  If you have questions about your classes for next semester, make an appointment.  The Academic Advising Link in the Learning Commons in the DuBois Library is open Sunday - Thursday from 4:00pm - 8:00pm (when classes are in session) and no appointments are needed.  Peer Advisors are there and ready to help!

Schedule Change!

Wednesday, November 16th will follow a Friday class schedule.

Isenberg School of Management Information Sessions

Interested in the BBA (Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, Operations Management), Hospitality & Tourism Management or Sport Management majors?

There are two information sessions being offered this week, one on Wednesday, November 16th and the other on Thursday, November 17th.  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 haute couture, 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.  The links on the bottom will take you to the applications for the specific departments.

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 (413) 545-2191 and make an appointment to see an advisor in our office.  Don't wait to come up with a back up plan - come see us now. 

Weekly Preview: November 14 - 18

Here's what's going on this week...

On Wednesday November 16, a Friday class schedule will be followed.

So, you want to be a Resource Economics Major?  Information sessions for students interested in exploring the Resource Economics major will be held on Tuesday, November 15 at 5:30pm and Wednesday, November 16 at 1:00pm in Stockbridge 306.  For more information please contact the ResEc Undergraduate Advising Office: advising@isenberg.umass.edu.  The online Statement of Interest must be completed by November 20th at 6:00pm in order to register for Spring 2012 courses as a Resource Economics Major.

Isenberg School of Management information sessions for students interested in applying to the BBA, Hospitality and Tourism Management, or Sport Management majors will be held at 5:30pm on Wednesday, November 16th and Thursday, November 17th in Isenberg 206.  You are strongly encouraged to attend an information session if you are interested in these majors.  Stay tuned for more information on preparing for these sessions.  Applications for ISOM majors are available online and are due by 5:00pm on Thursday, December 1st.   

The Second Annual Sport Management Career Fair Presented by ADS will be held on Thursday, November 17 from 12:00pm – 5:00pm in the Campus Center Auditorium.  This is the only career fair dedicated to UMass Sport Management students. Take advantage of this tremendous opportunity to network with industry professionals while marketing yourself in the process.  Visit their website to learn more.

Walk-In Registration Assistance for Undeclared students will be held in 613 Goodell on the following dates:
Friday, November 18th, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Tuesday, November 22nd,  1:00pm -3 :00pm
Wednesday, November 23rd, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Monday, November 28th, 1:00pm - 4:00pm 
Be prepared!  You must have at least three courses on your Advisor Meeting Checklist before you walk in!

Don't want to wait for an appointment or Walk-In Registration?  Visit the Peer Advisors in the Academic Advising Link!  They're ready to help you Sunday through Thursday from 4:00pm - 8:00pm in the Learning Commons in the DuBois Library.  Stop by with your questions and get ideas for your Spring classes.

And, as always, Undeclared students can make an appointment to meet with an advisor by calling 413 545 2191 or stopping by 613 Goodell from 8:30am - 5:00pm Monday through Friday.  It is our busy time of the semester, so now's the time to call!

TONIGHT: Writing Placement Test

The Writing Placement Test will be held TONIGHT at 6PM in Bartlett Hall Rm 212. If you didn't take it during NSO (and haven't yet) and you do not have credit for College Writing, you should take this test! Contact The University Writing Program in Bartlett 305 and read up on it here.

Tip of the Week by Zoë

Hey everyone. I hope all your homes have been restored to full power (and heat!) firstly, and secondly that you had no major damage, and thirdly that your internet and cell services are back.

For today's Tip of the Week, I'm going to talk a bit about what makes a good schedule. Only you can determine the most important factors for YOU in creating the perfect class schedule, but here are a few points to think about:

1. Balancing times and days. Are you a morning person? Do you really need to eat at a certain time? It can be really helpful to establish a routine, and having classes daily often works better for students than having an exhausting couple days of the week. Maybe you have a class you need to take at 9:30am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It might be helpful to pick up a Tuesday-Thursday class at similar time, so you're waking up the same time every day.
2. Gen Ed requirements. If it's your first year, you've heard a lot about general education requirements really recently. If you're not a first year, you might not have. Either way, it's good to be aware of what you have left to do AND the time to do it in.
3. Major and Minor or Exploration courses. If you have an academic plan - a declared major or minor or certificate - then you certainly want to be continually working towards that. Not all classes are offered every semester so be aware of when you need to be taking your requirements. If you're looking into academic plans, you'll want to experience as many of your interests as possible so that you can make a decision in time to graduate. Don't worry so much about general education classes if you're undeclared. It's great if you can explore majors and fulfill general requirements simultaneously, but this won't always be possible and you shouldn't worry about it. Figure out what you want to do!
4. Variety. If your brain is anything like mine, it'll start feeling overloaded if it takes four English classes in one semester. Consider mixing right and left-brain classes. Or maybe you're someone who wants to concentrate on one thing. Pay attention to what works for you.
5. Class style. You won't always be able to pick, especially for your requirements, but you can look out for class sizes and methods of instruction. What kind of class environment do you prefer? Do you like discussions? Readings? Do you perform well in classes with only three tests, or constant homework? Sometimes you won't be able to tell if the class style is problematic until you go to the first lecture. Other times you'll be able to tell from the description. If you have to take a class that doesn't seem like it will be a good fit, perhaps you should connect with the professor early on to help the situation. Just be aware of yourself and don't wait until it's too late to ask for help.

Weekly Preview: November 7 - 11

Here's what's happening this week...

The Spring 2012 schedule is up on SPIRE!  Click to read more about registration.

Five College Interchange Pre-Registration runs from November 7 - November 18.  These dates and the registration process are completely seperate from your UMass enrollment appointment.  Click to read more.  You can also enroll in Five College courses during Add/Drop in the Spring.

The Academic Advising Link is open and Peer Advisors are ready to assist you!  Head down to the Learning Commons in the DuBois Library from 4:00pm - 8:00pm Sunday through Thursday to get help with SPIRE, talk about GenEds, go over your ARR, discuss majors and lots more.  No appointment needed!  This is a great place to start preparing for your enrollment appointment.

Wednesday, November 9

Interested in Communication?  Attend the Communication Registration Workshop from 12:15pm - 1:15pm in Machmer E-37.  This workshop will tell you what you need to know to declare Comm for Spring 2012.

Learn more about Financial Aid from 6:00pm - 8:00pm in Wilder Hall.  Learn the basics, how your parents' and guardians' income affects your eligibility, and what you need to do to apply.  Hosted by CMASS and the Financial Aid Office.

Thursday, November 10

The next Writing Placement Test will be held at 6:00pm in Bartlett 212.  If you didn't take it during NSO (and haven't yet) and you do not have credit for College Writing, you should take this test!

Today is the deadline to declare Sociology!  If you have more questions, stop by the Sociology Advising Office in Thompson 720, visit their advising page and check out their blog.

Friday, November 11

Today is Veterans' Day.  There are no classes.

On Wednesday November 16, a Friday class schedule will be followed.

Ongoing and Upcoming Events

Domestic Exchange information sessions are held on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.  Visit their webpage to learn more.

BDIC information sessions are held Monday - Friday.  Visit their webpage to learn more.

Career Services holds internship information sessions on Mondays and Tuesdays.  Visit their webpage to learn more.

Study Abroad holds information sessions weekly. Visit their webpage to learn about Peer Advising as well as country specific sessions.

Are You Ready to Register for Spring 2012?

The Spring 2012 schedule is now up on SPIRE and registration begins for Seniors on November 14.  Here are some tips and information to make sure you're ready!

When do you register?  Log on to your Student Center in SPIRE.  On the right hand side under your Holds and To Do List are you Enrollment Dates.  Click "Details" to find out the date and time you can begin to register.  This is the date & time that SPIRE will allow you to begin adding classes--it is not a scheduled appointment with an advisor.  You can (and should) add classes to your Shopping Cart prior to this date--that way you can monitor your choices and keep track of space available as your Enrollment Appointment nears.

Make sure you don't have any HOLDS on your account! Registration holds can be issued by any office on campus that needs you to do something with them before you're allowed to add classes for Spring 2012. Often these holds require you to gather or complete documentation, visit an office on campus, have an appointment, etc. It can take a few days (or more) to have such holds lifted, so start the process now! Click here for help finding out if you have a hold.

November is a very busy time in most advising offices!  Just because your Enrollment Appointment may not be until the end of the month doesn't mean you can't meet with an advisor before then.  In fact, coming in early will be more beneficial by helping you prepare.  Waiting until last minute to schedule a meeting may mean there are no appointment times available or cause you to have to delay having your questions answered until AFTER you've added classes.  Be proactive and make an appointment prior to your enrollment appointment.  If you're undeclared, call (413) 545-2191 to schedule a meeting with an advisor.  If you have a declared major, contact the advisor or advising office listed on your SPIRE homepage.  Once you have a scheduled meeting with an advisor, print, complete, and bring this form with you to your appointment!

Pre-Registration for Five College Courses Starts Soon

Have you started thinking about classes for the spring?  Don't forget that as a UMass student you can take courses at Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith Colleges for UMass credit!  And, even better, at no additional cost!

Don't miss your chance to take advantage of this GREAT academic opportunity.  The Five College Interchange pre-registration period begins Monday, November 7th.  This pre-registration period is the same for all UMass students, regardless of class year, and is separate from your SPIRE Enrollment Appointment!  If you're going to be at least a second semester freshman and are in good academic standing, you can submit a Five College Enrollment Request between now and November 18th.  The paperwork you need is available through SPIRE.  Just log in, click 'Enrollment' (on the left), then 'Five College Enrollment.' 

Think you're interested?  Browse the five college course catalog to check out course offerings.  The registration procedure for five college courses is very different from your regular UMass enrollment process, so once you find the course(s) you want, make sure to read through these DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS carefully.  If you have questions, stop by the Five College Interchange Office in 613 Goodell Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30.

CMASS 2011 Open House

Come learn all about CMASS at the 2011 Open House!

Thursday, November 3 from 4:00pm - 7:00pm, Wilder Hall

This is your opportunity to meet the CMASS Staff and learn about the programs, events and services they offer to the University Community. Refreshments will be served.

The Center for Multicultural Advancement & Student Success provides academic support, cultural enrichment, student development as well as support for institutional diversity on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus.

Whether you're looking for peer mentoring, social connection, exposure to national student leadership conferences, help navigating offices of the Bursar, Registrar or Financial Aid, or more - CMASS is here to ensure that you have the resources to thrive in an inclusive and multicultural environment during your time at the university.