The College of Natural Sciences (CNS) works to increase the recruitment, retention, and student success of students from diverse backgrounds: specifically underrepresented minority, first-generation college, low-income, and transfer students.

Science Learning & Outreach Initiative

The CNS Science Learning and Outreach Initiative is in the process of creating a centralized network and point of contact for faculty, students and community members to engage with each other for the purpose of sharing science knowledge and increasing connections.

Office of Student Success & Diversity

The Office of Student Success and Diversity provides development and execution of programming and one-on-one support for students, faculty, and community members designed to ensure that undergraduates have every possible opportunity to be successful at UMass Amherst.

Student Resources

  • one-on-one intensive, comprehensive academic advising
  • assistance navigating campus resources
  • workshops that provide tools and techniques for achieving academic success

Faculty Resources

  • advising support for faculty with struggling students
  • advising support for referred students around academic issues
  • statistics and enrollment data about diverse student populations

Community Resources

  • outreach programs for diverse students at the high school and community college levels
  • individualized visits to campus
  • transition support for incoming students with diverse backgrounds

Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)

The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program seeks to increase enrollment, retention, graduation and participation in research of undergraduate students from underrepresented groups seeking degrees in the STEM disciplines. The program provides funding to help support student research projects with the mentorship of STEM faculty.

URIM Opportunities

URIM stands for "underrepresented in medicine." The URIM Opportunities page in Pre-Med/Pre-Health Advising lists a variety of opportunities for URIM students who fall into any of the following categories:

  • From racial or ethnic groups underrepresented in medicine and other health professions
  • From economically disadvantaged backgrounds
  • In the first generation of those in their family to attend college

William Lee Science Impact Program (Lee-SIP)

Scholars in the William Lee Science Impact Program are mentored directly by research faculty, work within a research team, and participate in professional development workshops.

Mathematics and Statistics S-STEM Scholars Program 

The Mathematics and Statistics S-STEM Scholars Program aims to increase representation of low-income students in mathematics and statistics. The program provides scholarships, research opportunities, and mentoring to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a plus-one master’s degree in either applied mathematics or statistics.