As fall fades into winter (it will happen one day) and pumpkin spice lattes transition to peppermint mochas (I swear Starbucks isn’t paying me), there are a few important dates coming up at UMass Boston that you may want to jot down on your calendar.

December 10 – Showcase Saturday – Come visit UMass Boston, take a tour, check out housing options and talk to counselors. Sign up here.

December 15 – Spring 2012 application deadline.

December 15 – Beacon Beginnings Orientation begins. If you’re a newly accepted student for Spring 2012, don’t forget to register

January 23 – Spring semester classes begin!

February 1– Fall 2012 application deadline for our nursing program.

 ****Spring 2012 accepted transfer students:  Please do not forget to send us a copy of your most recent transcript as soon as those fall 2011 grades are posted, so we can update your transfer credits!****

Stay warm, everyone!

Ten reasons why I’m thankful for UMass Boston (in no particular order):

1. Admissions team – Our admissions team is dedicated to helping you along the application process, answering your questions and informing you of all the things UMass Boston has to offer. Stop in and say hello!
2. Location, location, location – Just 3 miles from downtown Boston. Think of the opportunities!
3. Diverse population on campus – Our students, faculty and staff are from all walks of life.
4. Amazing advising team – Our wonderful advisors are dedicated to helping students stay on track for graduation.
5. Class selection – Our course/academic program selection is as diverse as the student population it serves.
6. The catwalk – The catwalk connects the buildings on campus. Regardless of the weather, you can rest assured your walk to and from classes will be a comfortable one!
7. 100+ student clubs and organizations – Whether you are interested in politics, dance, community outreach, or all of the above, our student clubs and organizations are a great way to connect and get involved.
8. Cost – We offer a top-notch education at an affordable price, approximately $11,000 for the year (in-state). With Boston at your fingertips, the internship & networking opportunities are endless!
9. Faculty – At UMass Boston our courses are almost always taught by faculty (not teaching assistants), who are dedicated to their field. Alice Carter, a professor in the Psychology Department, was recently published online in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry for her research on diagnosing autism at an early age and creating more customized treatments.
10. Financial Aid – $125 million in financial aid is awarded to our students annually, meeting 92% of student need. UMass Boston believes the cost of education should never keep students from achieving an education.

What are you thankful for?

Here’s wishing everyone a happy, safe and healthy Thanksgiving!

Not only does UMass Boston have a 96% green rating (thank you, Princeton Review) but we also have our own secret garden right in the heart of campus. If you haven’t checked out the Biology Department’s greenhouse yet, you certainly should: It is a little piece of serenity in the middle of our lively campus. It houses many different species of plants. Not only is it a great place to learn about plant diversity and get hands-on experience outside of the classroom, but it’s a beautiful place to spend some time on a break or just to clear your head.

So as the weather begins to cool off, which it eventually will, you can get your dose of spring, summer, and the tropics by stopping by the greenhouse.

You’re welcome!

“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.”  ~Sydney J. Harris

As travel season winds down, I find myself reflecting on the experiences I had connecting with students on the road. Today I had a great conversation with a student at North Shore Community College. She walked up to my table with pep in her step and a smile on her face. She was looking for more information on just a few of the many programs UMass Boston has to offer. As our conversation continued, she opened up to me a little bit about what she was looking for in a college–specifically, the college’s atmosphere and student population.

She lives in a very small rural town about 45 minutes north of Boston and told that she is one of two Asian women who live in her community. She was drawn to UMass Boston for 3 very big reasons:

1. Our diverse student population. 12% of our student population are Asian, 15% are Black or African American, 9% are Hispanic of any race.
2. Our major in Asian Studies, BA. UMass Boston is one of the few colleges in New England to offer Asian Studies as a major.
3. Our non-traditional student population.

It was important for this student to find a school where not only will she receive a great education and opportunities, but also one where she will feel a connection with students and faculty. That is why she came to me, specifically looking for UMass Boston.

Hey Everyone!

As I was taking a walk on a break this afternoon, I came across something really cool. Samsonite was having a promotional event right out in front of our Campus Center. They were giving away free stuff and there was even an inflated obstacle course (think bouncy house). I couldn’t resist sharing this with you.

Not only do our students get a great education, make a difference in their community, and make long-lasting friendships, but UMB students aren’t afraid to have a little fun from time to time!

Who doesn’t need to unwind after a long day of classes?

“Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence.” ~ Abigail Adams

The beginning of the fall semester at UMass Boston brings more than new faces, new classes, cooler weather and pumpkin spice lattes-it marks the start of a brand new cycle for us in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Very soon, I will be hitting the road (pumpkin spice latte in hand) to speak with prospective transfer students about everything that UMB has to offer. These college fairs can get a little busy, so here are answers to some of the questions you may forget to ask:

• How many credits will you accept? 70 from a two-year school, 90 from a four-year school.
• How will I know what will transfer? After you receive your acceptance packet, you will receive a Transfer Credit Evaluation in the mail. This shows you all of the courses you completed at your previous school (with a grade of C- or higher) and what they will transfer in as.
• How do I update my financial aid? Visit the FAFSA website and update your schools by adding UMass Boston.
• When can I visit? We have information sessions and tours Monday-Thursday at 3pm and Fridays at 2pm, just call 617-287-6000 and let us know you’re coming. You can also call 617-287-6100 to make an appointment to meet with a counselor.
• When is Open House? Saturday October 15, 2011. To register, please visit our Open House website and click on the “Sign up NOW!” bubble.

I am excited to get out there and speak with you one-on-one, so if you see me standing behind a blue UMB Banner, don’t be shy-come on over and say hello!