Want to Design Your Own Interdisciplinary Major?

BDIC is accepting applications to its introductory class, BDIC 396P, Proposal
Writing. In the past, BDIC did not accept applications from freshmen. They
are now accepting strong applications from first year students until December
4.

Students in BDIC design their own majors, such as “Neuroscience and Human
Behavior” and “Information Technology and the Arts.” BDIC could be
appropriate for you if you have multiple academic interests and wish to
combine them into a challenging and coherent program of student.

For more information on BDIC, see http://www.umass.edu/bdic/

To apply to the Proposal Writing class, go to 608 Goodell and meet with an
advisor.

Thanksgiving: It's a Networking Opportunity!

Whether you're thinking about a summer job, an internship, or a job after graduation, it's clear that networking can make a difference in landing the position you want.

While you're home for Thanksgiving and seeing people you don't ordinarily see, pay attention to what people are doing and whether they could help you secure a spot, or if they can put you in contact with someone else who could. Work Your Contacts!

Follow this link for some tips on career networking for college students, where they say that "approximately 70-75 % of most jobs are found through networking."

What's Happening - Nov. 21 to Dec. 4

With the Thanksgiving holiday, we have a short week coming up. We will also preview the following week's events, so you can plan ahead.

Monday, Nov 23, 3pm. Focus Group on Undergraduate Advising’s Blog. RSVP by calling 545-2191.

Thursday through Sunday, Nov 26-29. Thanksgiving break. Have a good one!

Monday, Nov 30. Classes Resume after Thanksgiving Break

Monday, Nov 30 and Tuesday, Dec 1. Freshmen ramp on for Enrollment Appointments. If you haven’t seen an advisor, do so! Remember that you can also find information on the Undergraduate Advising website (see Registration link, to the left), and ask general questions and get assistance with navigating SPIRE from the Academic Advising Link and/or with Peer Mentors in your residential area.

Tuesday, Dec 1. DEADLINE for application to ISOM’s BBA, HTM, and Sport Management programs.

Wednesday, Dec 2, 5:30 pm. UMass Amherst Alumni Association Event: Got Job? Networking 101. Come hear about what networking is, why you need networking, where you need to start, and how to develop your "elevator pitch." Memorial Hall

Thursday, Dec 3, 4 pm. Startups for Journalists. Lisa Williams, founder of and fellow at MIT Media Lab (and rockstar) will talk about journalistic entrepreneurship and what you need to know to get your own thing going. Bartlett 206

Friday, Dec 4. DEADLINE for application to BDIC for their Proposal Writing Class.

and plan ahead: Monday, Dec 7, 6:30pm. R1 (Tier 1) Basic Math Skills Exemption Test, Marcus 131. Final opportunity for Fall 09!

Writing Placement Exam

Last Writing Placement Exam of the Semester!

Wednesday
Nov. 18th, 2009
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Bartlett 121

Any Student who has not previously taken this test must do so before s/he can enroll in English Writing 112 College Writing. Registration for the test is not needed.

The Writing Placement Test will not be offered again this semester!

For more information please call (413) 545-0610 or visit the following web site:

http://www.umass.edu/writingprogram/geninfo/placement.html

Focus Group Seeks Participants

Hey, you... reading this Blog... how would you like to eat some free pizza while you read?

Well, you're in luck! The Undergraduate Advising Bloggers have been working hard to get you the information you need in a way that works for you, but the only way we'll know if our efforts are working is if YOU tell us!

We'll be running a focus group on November 23rd at 3:30 in 604 Goodell. Come in, read the Blog, and let us know what's working (and what's not). If you're reading this message you're already supporting our Blog, so why not lend your support in person, with free pizza?!?

Limited computers are available so we ask that you R.S.V.P. if you're interested in participating by emailing us at undergradadvising@acad.umass.edu. Don't miss this chance to tell Undergraduate Advising what YOU THINK!

ISOM Info Sessions

There will be two upcoming information sessions on November 17th and 18h for current students who are interested in applying to the Isenberg School of Management BBA, Spt.Mgmt.or HTM programs. 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 Sunday best, 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. **Note that the current application for Spring admission has not yet been posted**

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 545-2191 and make an appointment to see an advisor in our office.

History Alumni Career Night

This exciting event is the highlight of our career development program! Several former UMass history undergrads will return to campus to share their experiences working in publishing, teaching, social services, and historical and environmental outreach. Come and hear what real people have done with their UMass history degrees!

Tuesday, November 17th, 5:00 p.m

Herter 601—Refreshments provided

This event is open to all students!
For more information, contact: internships@history.umass.edu

Preview for the Week of 11/14-20

There are a lot of events and activities coming up next week - check it out!

Sun 11/15-Thurs 11/19 International Education Week at UMass Amherst. Come join International Programs at these exciting international events on campus. The week’s events include everything from international movies, performances, panel presentations, passport day and a work abroad fair. Don't miss it!


Tue Nov 17, 11:15 am RefWorks Workshop. Learn how to manage your citations and create quick bibliographies. Last opportunity for the fall semester. Library, Integrated Sciences & Engineering 3rd Floor Classroom.


Tue Nov 17, 5pm History Department Alumni Career Night. Several UMass History undergrads will return to campus to share their experience working in publishing, teaching, social services, and historical and environmental outreach. Come and hear what REAL people have done with their UMass History degrees! Refreshments will be served. Herter 601.

Tue Nov 17 & Wed Nov 18, 5:30pm Group Information/Orientation Sessions for the BBA, Sport Mgt and Hospitality Majors. Students who wish to enroll in a Sport Management course and apply to the major MUST attend one of these meetings. Students should arrive before 5:30pm to be directed to the room where the relevant session will be held. If you are interested in more than one major in ISOM, plan to attend BOTH evenings. Room 206 in ISOM Building.

Tue Nov 17, 6pm. UMass Amherst Alumni Association Event: Scholarship Information Night. Sophomores and juniors are invited to learn how to apply for merit-based scholarships, such as Rhodes, Leaders in the Making, Fulbright, Life Member Scholarship for Internships, and many more. There are over $500,000 in scholarships available each year! Seating is limited – see website for more info. Memorial Hall.

Wed, Nov 18, 12– 4:00pm Work Abroad Information Fair. Interested in working abroad after graduation? Then you won't want to miss this fair! Campus Center Concourse.

Wed Nov 18, 12:00 pm Information Session on Public Policy Undergraduate Certificate. The Center for Public Policy and Administration will host an information session for students interested in its undergraduate certificate program. Pizza and soft drinks will be served. Students planning to attend should RSVP to szoller@pubpol.umass.edu. Thompson 412

Wed, Nov 18, 3:30 – 7pm. MassAccess: A Speed Networking Event. MassAccess is a speed networking event, which provides an opportunity for young entrepreneurs, experienced entrepreneurs, industry leaders, service providers, and investors to discuss innovative ideas and prime future collaboration. Register at: massaccessamherst.eventbrite.com. Campus Center Amherst Room, 10th Floor.

Wed, Nov 18, 6-7:00pm Writing Placement and Exemption Test. Any student who has not previously taken this test must do so before s/he can enroll in English 112 College Writing. Final opportunity for the Fall 2009 semester. Bartlett 121.

Five College Interchange, pre-registration has begun!

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

Don't miss your chance to take advantage of this GREAT academic opportunity!  The Five College Interchange pre-registration period began today.  This pre-registration period is the same for all UMass 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 between now and November 20th (if you miss this date, you'll have to wait until Add/Drop). 

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 614 Goodell Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30.

Veterans' Day Observance

Veterans' Day

On Tuesday, November 10, at 4pm outside Memorial Hall (on the campus pond side), there will be a ceremony in honor of Veterans' Day.

On Wednesday, November 11, in honor of Veterans' Day, there will be NO CLASSES at UMass Amherst, and most university offices will be closed.  Classes will resume, as usual, on Thursday.