Public Health Info Session

Are you thinking about majoring in Public Health? There will be an information session held on April 1st at 5:30 PM in Morrill III Room 212. If you are interested, attendance is REQUIRED for those applying to the major. Click here to register!

For more information and other available dates, reread our earlier post.

Engineering Information Sessions: Monday and Tuesday!

Weekly Preview: March 30 - April 3

The Five College Interchange Pre-Registration Request period for Fall 2015 classes starts on Monday, March 30 and ends on Friday, April 17.  Visit the Five College Interchange site to learn more, and watch for a blog post with more information to post next week.  You will also be able to register for Five College courses during Add/Drop in the Fall.

Planning on becoming an Engineering major?  Attend an information session! 

• Electrical & Computer Engineering and Chemical Engineering will meet on Monday, March 30.
• Civil & Environmental Engineering and Mechanical & Industrial Engineering will meet on Tuesday, March 31.

Both sessions are in 604 Goodell at 5:30pm.  Bring an unofficial transcript!

Thinking of becoming a Public Health major?  The next information session will be on Wednesday, April 1st, 5:30PM, Morrill III Room 212.  Reread our earlier post to learn more and to see the other available dates.  Attendance is REQUIRED for those applying to the major.  Click here to register. 

Wondering if the Resource Economics major is right for you?  Learn more at an Information Session on Thursday, April 2nd at 4:00 pm or Friday, April 3rd at 12:20 pm 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. These are the last information sessions until Fall 2015, so be sure to attend if you plan on taking majors only classes in the Fall.

Preparing for Registration

It's that time of the year again! Registration is right around the corner and now is the perfect time to start preparing. Now that fall courses are available on SPIRE, here are a couple of places to start:

1. Begin to fill your shopping cart with classes. Add classes that you want to take as well as a few back-ups in case a class in which you're interested closes before you get the chance to enroll. It's also good to have your shopping cart filled before meeting with an advisor.
2. Meet with your advisor. Don't wait until the last minute when everyone else is rushing in to get advice. Schedule a meeting NOW. Plan out your classes and meet with an advisor early on.
3. Check for holds and take care of them as soon as possible! When enrollment period comes around, you don't want to find out you have a hold that prevents you from enrolling in classes. Take care of any holds you might have immediately!

The Academic Advising Link, located in the lower level of the library, is open Sunday through Thursday from 4-8 PM. Feel free to stop by and have your academic questions answered by a peer advisor. Keep these tips in mind as you beginning preparing for fall course registration!

Public Health Science Information Sessions: New Dates!

If you are interested in becoming a Public Health Science major, attend a Prospective Major Information Session!

• Thursday, March 26th, 5:30PM, WEB DuBois 720 (FULL)
• Thursday, March 26th, 5:30PM, WEB DuBois 1667 (15 Seats)
• Monday, March 30th, 5:30PM, WEB DuBois 720 (FULL)
• Wednesday, April 1st, 5:30PM, Morrill III Room 212
• Friday, April 10th, 3:30PM, Morrill III Room 212
• Wednesday, April 22nd, 5:30PM, WEB DuBois Library 720

Attendance is REQUIRED for those applying to the major.  Click here to register.

If you would like to learn more about the major but are not ready to apply, go to the information session!

Bring your unofficial transcript, personal information page and a tracking form. Tracking form should be mostly filled out.

Click here for the application materials.

Kinesiology

Are you interested in majoring in Kinesiology? The process for declaring the major has changed slightly. You now must attend a change of major meeting and fill out an application form. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 26th at 6 PM. More information can be found on the Kinesiology department website.

FINAL U @ UMass Panel TOMORROW!

Weekly Preview -- March 23-27

Isenberg Info Sessions for On-Campus Transfers

March 26th at 5:30pm
Locations:
BBA - Isenberg 108
HTM - Isenberg 106
Sport Management - Isenberg 210

Writing for Non-Academic Audiences: Panel Discussion and Practicum

3/24, 11:30-1, Hadley Room CCEvent sponsored by SBS. Scholars are increasingly interested in reaching audiences beyond the academy. But how can we most effectively engage non-academics through our writing? Five panelists with experience using research to write trade books, op-eds, policy messages, press releases, and Tweets will discuss the challenges, rewards, and "tricks of the trade." Light refreshments will be served. This panel is free and open to the public 

Certificate in Civic Engagement and Public Service Info Session

3/24, 4-5, Goodell 406ACalling all majors! Learn how the Certificate in Civic Engagement and Public Service  prepares you for a life of community engagement for political and social change. Refreshments will be served. 

Getting Hands-On Experience in Health Care

3/25, 6-7, Morrill II room 222Event sponsored by CNS. Learn more about how to fulfill the crucial med school application requirement of volunteer experience in health care.

Deadlines ......It's Not Too Late!

It is easy to get caught up in the every day tasks of life and accidentally miss a deadline. It happens to everyone. You may be thinking, "I missed the deadline. It's too late to apply." However, that's not always the case! It never hurts to stop by an office and ask if there are any opportunities available after a posted deadline.  For example, if you missed the deadline for Domestic Exchange, don't fret! There are still spaces available in the program.

If you're interested in studying at another college or university in the country for an academic semester or year, check out the Domestic Exchange Program here at UMass. There are over 180 colleges and universities is 48 states, Puerto Rico, the US. Virgin Islands and Guam to choose from! Check out the National Student Exchange website to browse all the opportunities: http://nse.org

To learn more about the Exchange opportunities still available, attend 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 the deadline may have passed, it's not too late to plan a Fall Exchange today, so don't wait!

Advice from Alex: Settling in after Spring Break

Advice from Alex: Settling in after Spring Break

Hey UMass, I hope you are looking forward to your exciting Spring Break plans! Whether you are traveling near or far, it is important to stay motivated and truly hit the ground running when you return to campus. As we enter the "seventh-inning stretch" of the Spring 2015 semester, it can be difficult to regain your momentum and stay on track with your academic goals, so here are a few tips that will help you settle in after spring break....

1. Practice Weekly Calendar Reviews and Updates

With so many approaching deadlines, its easy to feel overwhelmed after returning from break. I find it helpful to review your syllabus and academic planner before the beginning of each week to keep track of any upcoming due dates. It only takes a few minutes, but it can save you a lot of stress in the long run.

2. Learn to Prioritize Assignments & Manage Your Time

If you know you have a major assignment or an exam coming up, try to plan your time effectively. The best way to tackle a large task is to break it up into manageable chunks and systematically work your way through the entire project. It can also be helpful to plan breaks to maintain your stamina and motivation. After 45 minutes of work, try taking a walk, listening to music, or do something else that you find relaxing but invigorating for 15 minutes to break up your study routine. Additionally, know when your peak energy time is so that you can take advantage of your most productive time of day. For example: I am a morning person, so I find that starting my work earlier in the day works best for me, but late afternoons can be a challenging time for me to focus. Think about the time of day where you feel most awake and focused, then build your study schedule around it.

 

3. Explore Different Study Spots

As the weather gets warmer, take advantage of this opportunity to find outdoor study places. It’s important to make sure that these locations are distraction-free, so you can stay focused but its nice to switch up your usual routine on a sunny day. Some of my favorite outdoor spaces to do homework on campus are the tables on top of the Campus Center, the benches around Durfee Conservatory, or any of the plush patches of grass by the campus pond. Just go outside, soak up some sunshine, and study, study, study!

4. Manage your Stress

One of the best ways to manage your stress on campus is to find a healthy outlet to relieve some of these feelings of being anxious or overwhelmed. Exercise is an excellent way to help burn off the energy created by stress, and it helps release endorphins that trigger positive feelings in your body. Try hitting the gym, joining a group-fit class at the Rec Center, or simply working out in the beautiful outdoors!

Another way to help blow off some steam during a busy week is to check out some of the amazing events offered on campus. With the end of the semester approaching, many registered student organizations (RSOs) host a variety of exciting activities, so grab some friends and explore new opportunities. For the most up-to-date information about events at UMass, check out Campus Pulse at https://umassamherst.collegiatelink.net/. 

5. Take Advantage of Your Support Systems

In addition to the amazing academic resources available to students on campus, don’t forget to rely on instructors, teaching assistants, and fellow classmates for support. 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. Always ask questions and seek out help when you need it!

 

 I hope my A+ Advice will help you stay motivated when you return to campus after Spring Break, and I wish you all luck as we near the end of a great Spring 2015 semester. Let’s finish strong UMass!

Isenberg Info Sessions THIS THURSDAY

The next round of information sessions for prospective Isenberg School of Management students is THIS THURSDAY at 5:30. Click through for more information, and make sure you attend if you are interested in any Isenberg programs.

Weekly Preview: March 9 - 13

Join the Graduate History Association for its inaugural Special Panel Teaching for Social Justice and Change: A Conversation Among Scholars.  Saturday, March 7 from 2:15pm - 3:45pm in ISOM Auditorium 137.  Chaired by Professor Barbara Krauthamer, Graduate Program Director.  Participants include Professor Julio Capo Assistant Professor of History; Professor Richard T. Chu of Associate Professor History; Professor Libby Sharrow, Assistant Professor of History and Political Science.  *The Special Panel will take place during the Transcending Borders and Disciplines: The Global Importance of Transnationalism.

Daylight Saving Time 2015 begins at 2:00am on Sunday, March 8.  Set your clocks ahead one hour!

There will be an R1 Basic Math Skills Exemption Test on Monday, March 9 at 7:00pm in Marcus 131.  You do not need to pre-register.  Bring your UMass student ID, #2 pencils and a calculator.  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.  No record of the test appears on your ARR unless you pass.  There is no limit to the number of times a student may take this test.  The focus of this exam is to measure knowledge of basic math skills.  This test is intended for students who are interested in majors that do not require math.

On Tuesday, March 10 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm in New Africa House Room 203, Join the Center for Women & Community and the International Programs Office for a Celebration of International Women's Day 2015!  The evening will feature various performances, children's activities, henna designs, international hors d'oeuvres and much more.  Students, families with children and community members are welcome! The event is free and wheelchair accessible.

Interested in the Isenberg School of Management?  Attend an Information Session on Thursday, Thursday, March 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 210

Visit the On Campus Transfer Guide for updates and more information.  Attending an Information Session is required before applying to the Sport Management or HTM majors and highly recommended before applying to the BBA program.  Plan on meeting with an advisor to discuss a backup plan!

Interested in publishing your writing, artwork, or photography? The editorial staff of mOthertongue, UMass Amherst’s multilingual journal of arts, is seeking submissions for our 2015 edition! The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 11 and should be sent to mothertongue@umass.edu. To take a look at last year’s publication, go to their Scholarworks site.

Spring recess begins after the last class on Saturday, March 14. Classes resume on March 23.  

Most university offices and campus services remain open during the recess.

Eric's Tip of the Week: Secrets Surrounding Our Campus!

Hey Everyone! This is Eric again here to talk about some hidden places around campus that you might not have known about! These are unique places that stick out from the usual places everyone goes, but they are also mysterious enough that not many people have checked them out. These places serve various purposes, but incorporating all three into your routine might make your time on campus a bit more enjoyable.

• Newman Center Cafe: This one is a personal favorite of mine. The Newman Center is located across the street from the Studio Arts Center and next to Isenberg School of Management. From the outside it may look like a standard church but there is a little hidden cafe in there and I believe it to be one of the best on campus! One of the best things about the menu is that they serve breakfast ALL DAY! No need to having to run to the dining common before 11:00am during the week if you are really craving breakfast. Also whenever you want breakfast for dinner you know where to go! From omelets and breakfast sandwiches to bagels, there is always something you can get there for your breakfast craves. Did I also mention the grinders and sandwiches they serve? They serve all that you can think of! Cheeseburgers, meatball subs, steak & cheese, salads, pitas—you name it they probably have it! Also, a nice bonus is that they have arcade machines and ping-pong tables for you and your friends to have some fun while there! This cafe is for students to enjoy so please go check them out! Check out their website too.



• Durfee Conservatory: Durfee Conservatory, which is located across from University Health Services, is an amazing place to go and relax while studying. The conservatory is split into different houses with the biggest one being the tropical house. I highly recommend Durfee Conservatory as a place to go check out where you can relieve that extra stress that might be hitting right now. It is also a nice reminder of what it looks like to have plants around even in this harsh winter months! My favorite room is the tropical room where there is a nice wooden bridge over a pond of fish and benches all around for people to sit and read, eat lunch, or even study. There is a man who works there cultivating the plants and if he finds you looking at the fish in the pond he will give you fish food to even feed them! There is also the bonsai tree room which has bonsai trees of different ages from students that brought them over on exchange. Each tree has a story to it as well, so that is also something to check out in the mean time while exploring the conservatory. The Durfee Conservatory is a nice hidden diamond in the rough where your stress just flows away like the water in the streams there.




• Academic Advising Link: Have you ever wanted some advising help but didn't have enough time to make it to your advisor before they leave? Or have you ever wanted some advising help from someone other than your advisor to see from a different point of view? This is the place for you! The Academic Advising Link is located in the basement of the library right next to the Calipari Room! There are students there called peer advisors who have trained and worked with regular advisors to help students with issues relating to classes or interests! They are open Sunday-Thursday from 4-8 (excluding holidays). I highly recommend checking them out. They can help you find out what gen-eds you need to fulfill or what majors require for you to graduate. Do not let this opportunity pass you by because you didn't know about it! Please go check them out; they are more than happy to assist with your advising needs! 

Those are the three secrets I have to share with you guys today! Remember: there is more to UMass than the Library and Student Union, so go explore! You might find out something or someplace secret that no one else knows about!

No, not those secrets....

IPO Education Abroad Fair

The UMass 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.  Find out about semester, year-long and short-term program options. 

This is the perfect chance to ask questions about studying abroad and get information about all the opportunities available to you! It's a great event, so make sure to check it out!

U @ UMass Student Panel: TOMORROW!

W-Drop and P/F Deadline!!

The Mid-Semester date is Thursday, March 5th! This is the deadline to drop a class with a "W" or choose to take a course Pass/Fail.

Dropping a class with a "W" will not count against you. It will remain on your transcript, but you will not receive a grade and therefore your GPA will not be affected. The "W" indicated that the course was dropped after the Add/Drop period. Just make sure that you are not going below 12-credits, which is the necessary amount of credits to be considered full time. 

A course change form  with an instructor's signature is required to withdraw from a course, So make sure to get all of your paperwork taken care of before the deadline!

The mid-semester date is also the deadline for changing a class to Pass/Fail. Instead of dropping a class, Pass/Fail will allow you to remain in the class, but instead of receiving a letter grade, your transcript will indicate P (pass) or F (fail). Passing will not affect your GPA, but failing will. Keep in mind that P/F grading will not count toward Gen Eds, major or minor requirements, predictor courses etc.

A course change form is also necessary when changing a course to Pass/Fail, but an instructor's signature is not required.

You can pick up the necessary paperwork in Undergraduate Advising (if you're Undeclared) or the Registrar's Office  in 213 Whitmore.

All paperwork must be COMPLETED and submitted by 5:00 pm on Thursday!