Weekly Prevew: March 2 - 6

On Tuesday, March 3 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm in the Student Union Ballroom there will be a Service & Leadership Career & Internship Fair for students in all majors interested in Non-Profits, Government, Education and Camps.  Come meet with non-profit and other socially conscious organizations to discuss full time job opportunities, summer job opportunities, and also internships. Companies will include local and nation-wide organizations as well as summer camps.  For a list of registered organizations, click here.




The second U@UMass panel will be held on Wednesday, March 4 from 4:00pm - 5:00pm in the Bernie Dallas Room on the 5th floor of Goodell.  Come hear what your peers are up to in various majors and extra-curricular activities around campus!  You will have one more opportunity to attend a panel on Tuesday, March 24.  Don't miss out!






On Wednesday, March 4 from 11:30-1:00, join Career Services in Goodell 511 for an Open Forum Session.  Career Services and International Programs staff will be available to answer any you have regarding your job search, resume/cv, interviewing skills, employers, visa status etc...You don't have to stay the whole time, drop in anytime. Free Lunch! 

The International Programs Office (IPO) will hold its annual Education Abroad Fair on Wednesday, March 4, 4:00-6:00 p.m., in the Student Union Ballroom. Returned study abroad students, UMass study abroad advisors and faculty, and representatives from dozens of foreign universities and independent study abroad organizations will be available with information and answers to your questions.  Semester, year-long and short-term UMass faculty-led programs will be represented.  For more information, call (413) 577-3072.

Are you using LinkedIn?  Join Career Services on Thursday, March 5 from 3:30pm - 5:00pm in the Du Bois Library room 1685 for a LinkedIn Learning Lab.  Learn how to set up a LinkedIn profile for job networking and professional purposes. For beginners or students interested in more advanced needs, bring your laptop or use one there, Stop in anytime between these hours. 

The last day to W Drop or change a class to Pass/Fail is Thursday, March 5!  Completed course change request forms must be handed in to the Registrar's Office in 213 Whitmore before 5:00pm.  We'll have more information about Pass/Fail and W drop next week, so be sure to check back.  If you aren't sure how a W Drop or Pass/Fail will affect you, make an appointment to talk to an advisor or stop by the Academic Advising Link.

Wondering if the Resource Economics major is right for you? Learn more at an Information Session on Friday, February 27 at 11:15am in Stockbridge 303!  Students must attend an information session and complete the Online Statement of Interest before being invited to schedule an advising appointment to complete the change of major process.  Online Statements of Interest must be submitted by Saturday, April 25 at noon.  There will be two more information sessions in April.

Shaylene's Tip of the Week: Do you know how you're doing this semester?

Now  that we're five weeks into the semester, you may find yourself preparing for upcoming exams or papers. Perhaps you've even had your first exam already. Either way, it's a good time to start thinking about how you're doing this semester as far as class grades are concerned. It can be easy to find yourself so overwhelmed with work that you forget to keep track of your grades, but it is very important to do! College is not like high school where you had a bunch of small assignments and tests. Here, each exam, paper, and homework has great weight when it comes to your final grade. Here are some tips to figure out how you're doing and how to stay on track.


1. Talk to your professors
Talking to your professors during their office hours is the easiest way to find out your grade in the class. Simply stop by and ask them how you're doing in the class. It's good to know where you stand, so you can formulate a plan for keeping your grade up in that class. For example, if your participation grade is low, knowing that now will prepare you to participate more in class and help raise your grade. It's also a great opportunity to get feedback on exams and papers, which will help you prepare for future assignments.

2. Look at your syllabus
On every syllabus, professors list a grade breakdown as a guide for how much a certain assignment or participation is worth. Don't just brush this off as part of the syllabus and never look at it again. Since there are often few assignments in college classes, each assignment is worth a significant amount. Keep this in mind when you're studying for a test or writing an essay. If you are confused about how you are being graded based on the syllabus, ask questions!

3. Keep track of grades on exams
As you begin to have exams, make sure to keep track of the grades you receive. Again, classes often have few exams, so each exam is often worth a large portion of your grade. By keeping track of your exam grades, you are able to determine how well you need to do on your next exams and will be able to study accordingly.

4. Double check due dates 
With all the snow days that have taken place, it is very likely that some of the due dates on your assignments have been changed or moved. Keep track of this! You want to make sure to give yourself ample time to complete an assignment in order to receive the best grade possible.

5. Make sure to study and understand the material 
If you're struggling to understand the material or didn't do as well as you wanted on your first exam, don't just brush it off. There are many resources available to help you! Talk to your professors if you have questions in class or stop by the Learning Resource Center (LRC) located on the tenth floor of the library for tutoring help in any of your classes. These resources are there for you to take advantage of and it's a great way to make sure you do well this semester.

What can a first-year student get out of Career Blast 2015?

Career Blast 2015 is tomorrow. Maybe you're a first-year student wondering what's in it for me? Even if you aren't quite ready to apply for a job or internship, attending a career fair still a good idea! Use this opportunity when the pressure is low to observe the set-up and people so you know what to expect when you attend for real. 

Career Fairs are hectic! There are lots of students and employers in limited space. Did you go to the Majors Fair? Think about that level of people traffic. Getting a feel for how these things are set-up now will prepare you for navigating the crowds later. Observation is a great learning tactic! Look around, not just at the set-up, but at the people. How are job/internship candidates dressed? What are they using to organize copies of their resumes? What kinds of questions do you hear potential employers asking? A quick walk-through will not only give you the lay of the land, but will also allow you to listen in on the kinds of conversations employers and potential hires are having.

Using the upcoming Career Blast as a dress rehearsal will increase your confidence and help you know what to expect by the time you are ready to apply for your first internship or are ready to hit the job market.

Want to Apply to Public Health? Info Session Tomorrow!

Are you planning to apply to the Public Health Major?  As of February 2, 2015, all UMass prospective public health major applicants must attend an information session and complete the application to be eligible to apply to the Public Health Sciences major.  If you would like to learn more about the major but are not ready to apply, attend an information session and hand in the application at a later date in the Peer Advising Center in Arnold House, Room 330.

All information sessions will be held in the W.E.B. Du Bois Library Rm 720

• Tuesday, February 24 at 5:30pm
• Monday, March 30 at 5:30pm
• Friday, April 10 at 3:30pm

Bring an unofficial copy of your transcript and sign up for an information session early: http://bit.ly/1JCUhGc  All UMass prospective public health majors are encouraged to meet with a Public Health peer advisor during drop-in hours before attending an information session.  Click here for the schedule.

Weekly Preview: February 23 - 27

Ready for a career fair?  Reread our earlier post about how to prepare!  Don't forget to visit Career Services for help!

 

The Diversity Career Fair will be held on Monday, February 23 from 1:00pm - 5:00pm in the Student Union Ballroom.  Meet employers looking to diversify their workforces and who want to speak with students of all majors for full-time, co-op or Internship opportunities. Some employers will be scheduling follow-up interviews, so have your schedule available. Professional attire is required.  Click here to see the list of registered organizations. 

Are you planning to apply to the Public Health Major?  As of February 2, 2015, all UMass prospective public health major applicants must attend an information session and complete the application to be eligible to apply to the Public Health Sciences major.  If you would like to learn more about the major but are not ready to apply, attend an information session and hand in the application at a later date in the Peer Advising Center in Arnold House, Room 330.

All information sessions will be held in the W.E.B. Du Bois Library Rm 720

• Tuesday, February 24 at 5:30pm
• Monday, March 30 at 5:30pm
• Friday, April 10 at 3:30pm

Bring an unofficial copy of your transcript and sign up for an information session early: http://bit.ly/1JCUhGc  All UMass prospective public health majors are encouraged to meet with a Public Health peer advisor during drop-in hours before attending an information session.  Click here for the schedule.

Career Blast 2015 will be happening on Wednesday, February 25 from 10:00am - 3:00pm in the Campus Center, Lower Level.  All majors and degree level students will find a variety of employers available to talk with them about full-time employment, internships, co-ops and summer jobs. It is for all UMass students campus-wide.  Students should prepare beforehand by reviewing the organizations that will be attending, dress professionally, plan on enough time to visit organizations of interest, ask well-researched questions, and give out flawless resumes.  Some employers do schedule follow-up interviews, so have your schedule available.  Click here to see the list of registered organizations. 

Join TechTalks - Women in Technology Careers at ESPN on Thursday, February 26 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm.  There are many opportunities for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers and many different majors and jobs that lead to these positions. This talk will feature five women, including a UMass Amherst alumna, who currently work for the Technology Division at ESPN. They will describe each of their very different paths that lead to their current positions at ESPN and will focus on the diverse opportunities that are available to women in technology and beyond.  Registration is required!  Click here to sign up.
 

Wondering if the Resource Economics major is right for you?  Learn more at an Information Session on Friday, February 27 at 11:15am in Stockbridge 303!  Students must attend an information session and complete the Online Statement of Interest before being invited to schedule an advising appointment to complete the change of major process.  Online Statements of Interest must be submitted by Saturday, April 25 at noon.  There will be two more information sessions in April.

Brian's Tip of the Week: Email Etiquette

Email Etiquette

Email mannerisms can leave big impressions on professors, supervisors, advisors, and coworkers, and as a student at UMass, you can expect you'll send thousands. College is the time for students to blossom into adults, so it’s time to start emailing like one. To receive the timely and clear information you desire from your contacts, there are many things to remember and avoid when writing proper messages. Here’s a list of necessary tips that will transform your messages into irresistible, eye-catching emails.

1. Make sure your subject line is clear and direct

Don't try to be mysterious or humorous; stay on-topic and be concise. The recipient will want to know exactly why you're sending the email. Don't be too vague, either. For example, if emailing a Teaching Assistant about a lab conflict, don't say, "Chemistry 112 Question." Instead, say, "Chemistry 112 Lab Schedule Conflict." The TA will appreciate your direct approach a lot more than one with irrelevant information.

2. Don't use an unprofessional address

Your school email is easy to use, and includes your name, so the contact immediately knows who sent the email. If you're working for a business, a company address is perfectly acceptable, as well. Definitely do not use junk addresses, or any with inappropriate names, such as, "kittenkrusher@..." or, "babygirl@..." You will not be taken seriously, and you will probably not receive a response.

3. Avoid casual, improper greetings

Don't say "Yo." Don't say "Whaddup." Don't say "Hey, Hey, Hey guys." Be formal and address each recipient with respect. Keep it classy and just use, "Hello _____," or "Mr./Mrs./Dr. ______," Simple and proper salutations are like the virtual business handshake. If you want to be treated like a professional, you have to greet like a professional.

4. Watch out for "Reply All"

Nothing is more annoying than having your inbox continuously clogging with emails that don't concern you at all. It's almost too easy to start a small conversation with an unnecessary number of recipients by accident. Professors, bosses, and coworkers do not want to waste time digging through long conversations, trying to figure out if they're actually involved. This happens far too often, so it's your job to keep your eyes peeled and triple-check before hitting "send."

5. Reply to all of your emails

Pay your contacts the courtesy of letting them know you're on the same page. Even a simple, "Thank you," or, "Okay," message will inform them that you've received and seen their message. Also, it's important to reply to emails that weren't intended for you. The sender may not notice that they accidentally sent important information to the wrong person. Notify him so that he may fix the mistake!

6. Don't overuse humor, if any

Sure, everyone enjoys a good pun now and then, but be very careful if you choose to mix humor into your email. Be sure that your humor is appropriate, and not entirely irrelevant. Don't use too much, either. It can be distracting from the matter at hand, and lead to off-topic, time-wasting tangents.

7. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

Typos must not be overlooked! They are easy to catch, and they can change the tone of the email. Spelling and grammatical errors are huge red flags for anyone receiving the email, so make sure you read your whole email backwards and forwards! If you're not confident in your proofreading skills, have a peer look it over. Two heads are better than one!

U @ UMass Student Panels: TOMORROW!

Domestic Exchange Program

Are you interested in studying at another college/university in the country for an academic semester or year? There are OVER 180 colleges and universities in 48 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam to choose from! Meet new students, take classes at another school, and experience life in another state! Check out the National Student Exchange website to browse all of the opportunities: http://nse.org

If you are interested, attend an information session. They are offered three times a week in 613 Goodell every Wednesday at 4:45 PM and Thursdays and Fridays at 2:30 PM while classes are in session. Learn more about the different opportunities and great experiences offered through Domestic Exchange.

The  deadline for a Fall 2015/Spring 2016 Exchange is March 1st.  Whether you are thinking about going on Exchange next year or sometime in the future, come to an information session soon! Don't wait! Start planning your exchange today!

Schedule Change

Monday, February 16 is Presidents Day.  No classes will be held and most university offices are closed.

Tuesday, February 17 is a Monday class schedule.  The rest of the week follows a normal schedule.

Weekly Preview -- February 16-20

Tuesday is a Monday Schedule!

• Remember: Monday 2/16 is President's Day. Enjoy the holiday, and remember that Tuesday 2/17 will follow a regular Monday Schedule. Make sure you go to all of your Monday classes on Tuesday 2/17!

• The deadline for applying for a Fall 2015/Spring 2016 Domestic Exchange is March 1st. If you are interested in going on exchange, come to an info session on Wednesdays at 4:45 or Thursdays/Fridays at 2:30 in 613 Goodell. 

• The Pre-Law advising office will be closed from Feb. 17-20.

• The first U@UMass Student Panel will be Feb. 19th from 4:00-5:00pm in the Bernie Dallas Room on the 5th Floor of Goodell. Come hear what your peers are up to in various majors and extra-curricular activities around campus!

• 2/19, 10-3, Civil & Environmental Engineering Career Fair. The Career Fair will be held in the Gunness Student Center, Marcus Hall, University of Massachusetts Amherst on Thursday, February 19 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.   In case of the University closing due to inclement weather, the Career Fair will be held on Thursday, February 26. For more information contact Jodi Ozdarski at Ozdarski@ecs.umass.edu

• 2/20, 1:30-3, Amherst College Nonprofit & Government Career Fair. **No Exact Location Listed** The fair, hosted by Amherst College, highlights jobs and internships in nonprofit and public service and is open to students from all of the Five Colleges (Amherst, Mt. Holyoke, Hampshire, Smith and UMass Amherst). If you have any questions about the event, please contact Laura Litwiller, Assistant Director for Career Advising, llitwiller@amherst.edu or Pat Brown, Employer Engagement Coordinator, pebrown@amherst.edu, both can also be reached at (413) 542-2265.

Haley’s Tip of the Week: Meet with Your Professors!

Sometimes at such a big school it’s easy to simply go through the motions and let other students take the lead. But this doesn’t have to be you! Meeting with professors is a great way to advocate for yourself and establish roots here at the university. It’s a simple action with optimal benefits.

One main benefit is your grades. Having a discussion about the course your professor is teaching often promotes higher marks. Find out when their office hours are and pay them a visit! As a first year student, I often felt nervous and intimidated when meeting with a professor. I was embarrassed when I had questions or wasn't grasping the concepts like other students. I eventually accepted that it was not the time to be shy, and I urge you to do the same! Many students feel that they need to have a specific question in order to attend their professor’s office hours but this is not the case. In general, professors really enjoy discussing their field and love when students express interest in course content. Having this face-to-face contact shows the professor that you are invested and have taken the time to do well in the course. This is usually remembered when final grades are prepared.

Another great benefit of meeting with your professor is building a personal and professional relationship with a faculty member on campus that can be extremely rewarding.  This may be someone you return to to ask advice about future course selections or activities on campus. This connection could end up being a key part in your future. Professors often have many networking opportunities and are eager to share them with engaged students. These relationships are also crucial when it comes to planning for after graduation where most positions and graduate schools require recommendation letters. As someone who knows you and your academic history, they may feel comfortable and confident in writing you a strong letter.

So, the sooner you meet with your professor the better! Try not to wait until the end of the semester to have a chat. 

Isenberg Info Sessions!

The next Information Sessions for On-Campus students interested in transferring into the Isenberg School of Management are THIS THURSDAY, Feb. 12th! Make sure you attend if you plan on applying to any of the Isenberg majors.

Career Fairs: Why, When, and How?

Many employers use career fairs to promote their job opportunities and to pre-screen applicants. Most of these fairs consist of booths and tables staffed by recruiters and other representatives from each organization. For students, a career fair can be an excellent place to gather information about potential employers, make contacts that could lead to a job, learn more about an employer’s application process, and discover new possibilities.


UMass Amherst Career Services sponsors a number of career fairs throughout the year and several will be happening in the coming weeks. The Diversity Career Fair is February 24th, Career Blast 2015 is February 25th, and the Service & Leadership Career & Internship Fair is March 3rd! Be sure to check out the on-going calendar of events.

Not sure how to proceed? Stop by Career Services on the 5th floor of Goodell during their walk-in hours, Monday-Friday from 12 to 4 p.m. You can also visit Career Services online to see the planning timeline recommended for each year as well.

Weekly Preview: February 9 - 13

The Malcolm X Cultural Center of the Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success Center (CMASS) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites the campus community and general public to join us in celebrating Black History Month 2015. This year’s events are hosted by the Malcolm X Cultural Center, CMASS, W.E.B. DuBois Department of Afro-American Studies, W. E. B. Du Bois Library, Students of Caribbean Ancestry, Commonwealth Honors College, and the African Student Association.  For more the schedule of event, click here.  

Are you considering a major in the Isenberg School of Management?  Attend an Information Session on Thursday, February 12 at 5:30 pm to learn more about the application, required predictor courses, deadlines and GPA requirements.

• BBA Program: Location Isenberg 108
• Hospitality & Tourism Management: Isenberg 106
• Sport Management: Isenberg 108

Visit the On Campus Transfer Guide for updates and more information.

Advice from Alex: 5 Awesome Academic Resources to Take Advantage of Now

Hey UMass, I hope you are enjoying your first few weeks of Spring 2015! The start of a new semester is often full of excitement, new possibilities, and maybe a few challenges as well. At such a large university, there are countless opportunities available to you; however it can also feel difficult to navigate the ins-and-outs of UMass. Here are a few amazing on-campus resources that will assist you with your academic goals throughout the semester...

1. The Learning Resource Center (LRC) is located on the 10th floor of DuBois Library, and offers FREE peer-supported academic tutoring and supplemental instruction for over 180 courses at UMass. Tutoring support at the LRC is available for individual or small group sessions on a walk-in basis.They also assist students with learning workshops to improve your note-taking, studying, time-management or problem-solving skills. Its important to be proactive about your academic goals, so if you think you might need some additional support, feel free to stop by the Learning Resource Center or visit their webpage for more information.

2. The Writing Center can be found in the Learning Commons within the basement of DuBois Library. At the Writing Center, students can receive one-on-one support with all aspects of the writing process from beginning to end. The Writing Center tutors meet with writers in 45 minute face-to-face or online consultations. If you need help with anything from getting your ideas onto paper to revising your last draft, then check out their website to schedule an appointment with a Writing Center tutor.

3. Also located in the basement of DuBois Library is the  Academic Advising Link, where Peer Advisors like me are ready for anything! These Peer Advisors from Undergraduate Advising can assist you with the course selection process, answer questions about academic requirements, promote major exploration, and much more. Swing by the Academic Advising Link in the library Sunday-Thursday from 4-8pm to have an awesome Peer Advisor assist you.

4. Check out the Tutoring Centers available in the Lederle Graduate Research Tower if you need some assistance with various Math or Stats department courses. These centers are staffed by instructors, graduate TAs, and undergraduate peer TAs who are always happy to provide some assistance and math review. For the most up-to-date information regarding the time and room numbers for each tutoring session, please review the Tutoring Centers website.

5. The DuBois Library offers an Ask a Librarian service to assist students with both understanding the borrowing or inter-library loan process, and locating the materials they need. They can also teach students how to utilize the library equipment, learn to use RefWorks, and more. Students can email, phone, IM, text, or visit the reference desk in the basement of the library within the Learning Commons in order to Ask these Librarians anything. Feel free to visit their website for more information.

One of the best pieces of advice I can offer to any of my fellow students is to always ask questions, and seek out help when you need it. These are just some of the many wonderful resources available to you at UMass--don’t forget that your instructors, teaching assistants, and classmates also serve as support systems for you too! 

I hope my A+ Advice will inspire you to take advantage of these Academic Resources this semester.

Domestic Exchange!

If you're interested in traveling across the country, this is the opportunity for you! Take advantage of the Domestic Exchange Program here at UMass!

Are you interested in studying at another college/university in the country for an academic semester or year? There are OVER 180 colleges and universities in 48 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam to choose from? Meet new students, take classes at another school, and experience life in another state! Check out the National Student Exchange website to browse all the opportunities: http://nse.org

If you are interested, come to one of our information sessions. They are offered three times a week in 613 Goodell every Wednesday at 4:45 PM and Thursday and Friday at 2:30 PM while classes are in session. Learn more about the different opportunities and great experiences offered through Domestic Exchange.

The  deadline for a Fall 2015/Spring 2016 Exchange is March 1st. Whether you are thinking about going on Exchange next year or sometime in the future, come to an information session soon and learn more about the program.

Don't wait! Start planning your exchange today!

Looking for a summer job in Amherst?

New Students Orientation is starting the search for the 2015 orientation leaders. They are looking for engaged student leaders who are enthusiastic about UMass and excited to share their experience with new students and parents. 

If you're an active member of the UMass community, excited to share your love for UMass with incoming students, and have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, you can apply! 

The application and more details about the position are available online at:

www.umass.edu/newstudent/join-nso-team

The application deadline is February 6, 2015.