Weekly Preview: October 1 - 5

Welcome to October!

TRANSFERmations concludes its programming this week with Stress Busters: Secrets to Staying Healthy During Mid-Terms.  Learn how to battle Mid-Term stress by living healthy, balancing your nutrition and getting exercise.  Sessions will be held in the Student Union, Room 314 on Monday, October 1 from 3:00pm - 4pm and again on Tuesday, October 2 from 12 noon - 1:00pm.  This event is open to new transfer students in all majors. 

Thinking about a major or minor in Computer Science?  Applications are due on Monday, October 1.  Learn more about their Advising Center hours and the admission procedure on their website.  The CS Undergraduate Advising Center is located in 144 CS Building.

On Monday, October 1 from 10:00am - 2:00pm students from the UMass Eco-Rep program will don protective suits and sort through trash that has been taken from all the residential areas on campus and emptied out onto Library Lawn. The goal is to separate actual trash from materials that COULD have been recycled.  The event is geared towards raising awareness about what we throw away and how the new implementation of Single Stream Recycling across campus can help.  For more information on this event, or if you're interested in volunteering with the the eco-reps, please contact ecorep@admin.umass.edu  This event is sponsored by the UMass Campus Sustainability Initiative.

Attending a RefWorks workshop will teach you how to manage your citations and create automatic bibliographies.  Click here to register for an upcoming session.  The next RefWorks workshop well be held on Monday, October 1 from 1:30pm - 2:30pm in the Science and Engineering Library, 3rd floor classroom (Lederle Lowrise).  Watch their video to learn more! 

On Tuesday, October 2, the Political Science department will be holding Leap Into Politics: Student and Alum Networking Event.  Are you considering a career in politics and public service? This event will provide an opportunity for students interested in politics to network with alums who have served in elected office.  **You MUST register in order to attend**.  Dress to impress.  This event is speed-networking and dinner will be provided.  Visit the event webpage to learn about the alums who will be attending and to register.  6:00pm - 8:00pm in the Cape Cod Lounge.

Representatives from Walt Disney World will be holding an Information Session on Thursday, October 4 from 1:00pm - 6:00pm in the Campus Center 904-08. Come to this session to meet with Disney representatives about their Spring 2013 College Program.

The Public Health and Health Sciences Internship and Workforce Development Fair will be held on Friday, October 5, 2012 10:00am - 1:00pm in the Campus Center Auditorium.  Discover new opportunities, network with professionals and peers, and learn about the fields of Public Health and Health Sciences.  Click here to learn more about the companies that will be represented at the fair.  Dress to impress and bring copies of your resume.  This event is open to all students.  Want to be sure you're ready?  Stop by Career Services for resume help and tips on preparing for a career fair!  Read our earlier posts for more information.

Upcoming Information and Dates

Monday, October 8 is Columbus Day and there will be no classes.  Most offices on campus will be closed.
Tuesday, October 9 will follow a Monday schedule.  The rest of the week will follow a normal schedule.
Monday, October 15 is the Fall 2012 deadline to get priority for the Spring 2013 class registration period for students planning on declaring Public Health Sciences.

DEADLINE for those interested in COMPUTER SCIENCE

Are you interested in completing a Computer Science major or minor?  Are you interested in programming and software engineering . . . or do you realize how computer literacy is essential EVERYWHERE these days, and you want to complement your academic program with a marketable skill?

The DEADLINE is MONDAY, OCTOBER 1st to apply for a CS major or minor, which will permit you to enroll for the Spring 2013 semester in CMPSCI courses that are restricted to majors only.  To apply, click here for more information and for the application form.

Find out more about the Computer Science BS degree program, the BA degree program, and/or the CS minor. 

Tutoring Options at UMass (and they are all FREE)

If you're feeling stuck or want help for an upcoming exam or even just a little extra help with your homework, there are multiple tutoring and help centers all over campus. The trick is of course that you have to seek this help out.

The first place to look is the WEB Du Bois library. There on the 10th floor you will find the Learning Resource Center (LRC), which offers free, walk-in tutoring for many first and second year courses. You can see the tutor schedule here.

If you go, remember to bring your ID card!

The LRC also offers Supplemental Instruction (SI) for certain courses, and the LRC describes it as such:

"Supplemental Instruction (SI) are informal, peer facilitated review seminars for a particular course and section and sessions meet regularly...During SI sessions, students compare notes, discuss readings, develop organizational tools and predict test items. A student who has successfully completed the course and who is currently attending, leads the course. Research has found that groups developed around an academic program have a positive impact on students' academic adjustment and performance."

You can find the SI schedule here.

The LRC is open Sundays-Thursdays from 1:00PM to 10:00PM

There are also many subject-specific help centers available all over campus. See a list here.

Be sure to read our post on The Writing Center!

 

DON'T WAIT UNTIL YOU NEED HELP TO GET HELP!

INFO about the Writing Center - NOW OPEN!

The University Writing Center is OPEN. It is located on the lower level of the W.E.B. DuBois Library. 

Making an Appointment:  Students are strongly encouraged to make an appointment online by going here and clicking on the "make an appointment" icon. Those visiting the Writing Center for the first time will need to register once in order to create log-in information.  After registering, students can schedule a one-hour appointment but should note that the tutorial session runs 45 minutes, leaving the tutor 15 minutes to do a bit of work after the writer leaves.  Students should come prepared with the assignment prompt, a draft (a print copy or an electronic copy), and any relevant materials.  For more information, please contact the WC via email or 413.577.1293.

A message from the WC Director, Donna LeCourt: The Writing Center is a great resource for any writer, whether struggling with a class assignment or looking for another response to his/her writing.  Every writer needs a reader.  This is a mantra in writing centers, and our tutors will respond to student writing in order to help students develop a draft, clarify an argument’s logic, gain control over sentence structure and grammar, find and own their purpose, and learn to reflect on their writing practices.  Students generally benefit from talking with writing tutors when they are asked to clarify ideas and explain why they made the writing choices that they did.  All writers—whether they love writing, struggle with writing, are mystified by writing, or all of the above—are welcome.

Fall Hours:  Sunday, 12:00-pm-6pm, Monday - Wednesday, 10am-9pm, Thursday, 10am-6pm, Friday, 10am-2pm

Tip of the Week: 8 Great Places to Study on Campus

Congratulations on almost completing your first month at UMass! My name is Paul and I’m a junior working as a Peer Advisor for the Undergraduate Advising Office. My fellow Peer Advisor Gabby and I will be writing for the blog giving you helpful advice on how to take full advantage of your college experience and the resources available.

Whether you are a freshman or a returning student, everyone has questions, so stop by the Academic Advising Link Sundays through Thursdays from 4-8 pm in the Learning Commons of the Dubois Library for advice about SPIRE, classes, majors, GenEd requirements, etc. We are super friendly and here to help!

With the workload of everyone’s classes starting to pick up, I figured it would be beneficial to start talking about great places to study on campus.

Having trouble studying in your dorm? Your neighbors listening to that loud dubstep song on repeat? Can’t find your perfect little nook to get your homework done? Well, your search has come to an end! Here are 8 great places to study on campus ranging from the obvious to some more unusual spots that might be the perfect place for YOU.

1.  The W.E.B. Dubois Library

Everyone knows the place to study is the library. Most people don’t know that the library is open from Sunday at 11:00 AM all the way to Friday at 9 PM and it’s open from 9 AM to 9 PM on Saturdays. Plan on studying for a long time or pulling an all-nighter? The library’s your best bet.

Explore the library! With 26 different floors ranging from the basement where you are allowed to quietly talk, to complete quiet floors where you might get a couple of dirty looks if you answer your phone, there is a place for everyone. Find the floor that fits your study habits. Seeing all these other students studying might be the best motivator to get you in the mood to do the same.

Don't forget to stop by the Academic Advising Link in the Learning Commons in the basement of the library Sunday to Thursday from 4-8pm. Our friendly and helpful peer advisors can answer your questions. We've been where you are now and we love helping out other students.

If this is the view from the 9th floor of the library, I wonder what the view from the 26th floor is like…..?  Go find out for yourself!

2.  Studio Arts Building

For all you students living in Central who don’t want to walk all the way to the library to study, try the Studio Arts Building! It’s located on the bottom of the hill right near Gorman and Hills House. On the 2nd floor, there are comfy couches, chairs, and desks. It’s a nice open area with large windows and colorful lights- perfect to calm your mind and get you in the study mood!


Get creative in the Studio Arts Building!



3.  Isenberg Atrium

Located inside the Isenberg School of Management near Mahar and the Fine Arts Center, is the Isenberg Atrium. If the hustle and bustle of Isenberg students working on group projects doesn’t make you want to do work, I don’t know what will.

4.  Student Union

Located in the middle of campus is the Student Union. There are comfy chairs on the ground floor and some desks on the 2nd floor. It’s a convenient spot on campus if you want to get some quick studying done in between classes. Check out all the student organizations and events going on while you’re there. Plus, if you need to print something quickly before class, check out Campus Design and Copy!

5.  Integrated Science Building

The newly built Integrated Science Building is perfect for everyone on campus, especially those who live in the Northeast Area. With its sleek, modern design, you can’t help but be amazed while inside. There are new desks and chairs to do homework, and if you go while after classes are done for the day, it’s typically really quiet. Located right next to Worcester Dining Hall, ISB is a beautiful place to relax and get some work done.

6.  Earthfoods and People’s Market in the Student Union, Greeno Sub Shop located in Greenough Residential Hall, Sweets n More located in Field Residential Hall

These locations aren’t going to be the quietest but if you are trying to get a little grub, try out a new place on campus you have never been to. Go to these places if you’re looking for a new, relaxed atmosphere to study in. Don’t just stick to the Dining Commons. You might find a new place to study but you also might find your new favorite place to eat on campus. While there is no seating, if you’re looking for a quick snack or coffee during a study break, check out People’s Market- it’s cheap, there’s great music, and the co-managers are always friendly.

Note: Some of these places only accept YCMP if you have the YCMP meal plan.

7.  Durfee Conservatory

The Durfee Conservatory is a hidden gem that many UMass students are unaware of. Located across from University Health Services, once you go there for the first time you can’t help but go back. Outside, there are gardens and inside there are several plants and a breath-taking rainforest room with a couple of benches to sit on. You won’t exactly be able to write your 50 page thesis here, but the Durfee Conservatory is a great place to relax, enjoy nature, and read a book. It’s open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM-4:00 P.M.

8.  Outside!

It’s important to spend as much as time outside as possible before it gets too cold. On top of the Campus Center are desks that students like to study and hang out at on a beautiful day. There are also benches outside the Student Union, the library, and plush areas of grass all around campus. So go outside, enjoy the sunshine, and study, study, study!


Go check out these places! This campus is so huge and not exploring everything would be a shame. Look for other places to study, you never know what little study spot you will find next. Do what you need to do to get your work done in a comfortable environment.

Weekly Preview: September 24 - 28

TRANSFERmations continues this week with Off-Campus, On-Track: How You Can Broaden the Academic Experience.  Hear from the folks at Career Services, Study Abroad, Domestic Exchange, and the Five Colleges about how to expand your academic experience to worlds beyond UMass.  This session will be held on Monday, September 24 from 3:00pm - 4:00pm and again on Tuesday, September 25 from 12 noon - 1:00pm.  Both sessions will be held in the Student Union, Room 314.

Interested in studying or working abroad?  Come to the International Programs Office (IPO) Study & Work Abroad Fair where dozens of representatives from UMass Amherst and beyond can answer your questions, provide you with resources and giveaways, and get you started on your quest.  Over 65 organizations represented!  Talk with returned UMass study abroad students about their experiences and learn how YOU can study abroad, too!  Monday, September 24 at 4:00pm in the Student Union Ballroom.


Are you starting to think about upcoming Career Fairs?  Do you have questions about putting together a resume?  Stop by Career Services in 511 Goodell on Monday, September 24 from noon - 4:00pm for RESUMANIA!  Bring your resume and get a head start on the semester.  Career Fair Prep Workshops will be held at 1:30pm and 3:00pm.

Isenberg Career Day will be held on Tuesday, September 25 from 11:00am - 4:00pm in the Campus Center Auditorium.  The Isenberg School of Management Career Day is the kick-off event for the fall recruiting season. Approximately 100 companies and 1700 undergraduates attend.  Click to see the registered employer list and get additional information.  Dress to impress and bring copies of your resume.

Career Services will be holding a Career Fair Prep workshop on Tuesday, September 25 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm in the Campus Center, Room 162-75.  Issues such as what to wear, what to bring, and what to say will all be covered. Open to all students!

SCA, the Student Conservation Association, is the leading provider of expense-paid conservation internships in the nation, completing over one million hours of service annually. Participants enjoy exciting and challenging work and service opportunities in more than 50 different disciplines in all fifty states. Interns have the opportunity to work in national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and with other resource management agencies on a state, local, and federal level.  A representative will be on campus on Wednesday, September 26 from 5:30pm - 6:30pm in Goodell 508 to answer questions about the program and explain the application process. 

The Engineering, Sciences and Technology Career Fair will be held on Thursday, September 27 from 10:00am - 3:00pm in the Campus Center Auditorium.  Learn more about opportunities in Engineering, Computer Science, Math or Sciences  Please click here for registered employer list.  Dress to impress and bring copies of your resume.

Join the Center for Public Policy and Administration for a talk and conversation with Alex Morse, the 23-year-old mayor of Holyoke and the youngest in the city’s history. Since being sworn into office in January 2012, Morse has spent much of his time working on early childhood literacy; building a local economy around art, innovation and technology; supporting community policing initiatives; and marketing Holyoke as a great place to live, work and recreate. During his visit to UMass, Morse will talk about his historic election and how he is working to revitalize his hometown both economically and socially.  Thursday, September 27 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm in the Cape Cod Lounge, Student Union.

Career Services

With lots of career fairs on the horizon (check back here frequently for posts on these!) you might be feeling a little intimidated or confused. Fortunately, the office of Career Services can help you out.

Check out the calendar for upcoming events, and be sure to explore the website for helpful tips on career planning and exploration, internships, and searching for jobs.

Finally, you can go to drop-in hours or even make an appointment, and begin to demystify the process of beginning to think about careers.

Attend a Career Fair? WHO, ME???

The UMass Amherst Career Services Office sponsors a number of career fairs throughout the year - and several will be happening in the coming weeks (check out their on-going calendar of events).


As the Career Services website tells you, 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 options.

Not sure how to proceed? Stop by Career Services (5th floor, Goodell), and take a look at their website.  See the planning timeline recommended for each year,  and/or download their handouts on "Make Your First Professional Contacts at the Career Fair" and "Sell Yourself at the Career Fair" for tips on making the most of these events.

Ready to Declare Sociology?

If you are ready to declare Sociology, you can now officially do so! The Sociology declaration period begins today. It runs from September 18th to November 2nd. Declaring Sociology prior to November 2nd will ensure that you can enroll in courses restricted to majors only and make progress toward graduation.

If you have more questions, stop by the Sociology Advising Office in Thompson 720, visit their advising page and check out their blog. And be sure to check out their facebook page!

Add/Drop Ends at 10:00pm!

After 10:00pm tonight, you will no longer be able to make any changes to your schedule in SPIRE.

Read our earlier post about Add/Drop and check to make sure that your schedule is correct!  If you need to make any changes after 10:00pm tonight, you must complete paperwork at the Registrar's Office, with your instructor, and/or your Academic Dean.