Fall NSO Program Session Descriptions
At Fall NSO you'll learn more about what it means to be a student at UMass Amherst and a member of our community. Check out as many of the program sessions as you can to learn about student health, managing money, becoming a leader on our campus, and much, much more. Below you'll find descriptions of all of the programs presented during Fall NSO.
Ask the Sexperts!
Presented by the Center for Health Promotion
At this interactive program you will have the chance to ask anything you ever wanted to know about sex and sexuality, anonymously or out loud. Two sexperts will answer students’ questions in a fun interactive format with science-based information! Free Prizes!
Be Smart. Eat Smart. Live Smart.
Presented by Dining Services
Learn to become savvy in food selection to: 1) Keep your mind fueled to get better grades, 2) learn a lifetime of healthy eating, 3) unwind between classes while enjoying some of the best food in the country.
Birds Of the Same Feather Flock Together: Is it True for Me?
Presented by the Center for Women and Community
The saying, “birds of the same feather flock together” means that folks who share similarities gravitate to each other. Increasingly, the United States is becoming more of a diverse society and some think we live in a “post-racial” society. What do these terms mean? And are these terms true for our lived experiences? Why or why not? Participants will be introduced to the Women Of Color Leadership Network, explore these concepts, and engage in an interactive activity in smaller groups.
Building Connections to the LGBTQ & Ally Community at UMass Amherst
Presented by the Stonewall Center
Led by staff members of the Stonewall Center (the LGBTQ and ally center at UMass), this session will help attendees get connected to the campus LGBTQA community. UMass Amherst is considered one of the most LGBTQ-supportive colleges in the country. Come find out why and how you can get involved.
Classroom Tours
Tour will depart from the Haigis Mall and Campus Center, Bluewall Side.
Presented by UMass Amherst Tour Guides
Bring a copy of your class schedule and get a head start on finding out where your classes are.
Community Expectations: Creating the Environment for Success
Presented by the Dean of Students Office
Coming to UMass Amherst may be the most memorable time of your life. High behavioral expectations are outlined in the Code of Student Conduct and Jackson Katz, UMass Amherst alumnus, educator, author, and filmmaker, will prepare you for those expectations and discuss how to create an environment where all can thrive and succeed free of harassment, violence, and incivility.
Digging for Gold in SPIRE
Presented by the Office of the Registrar
SPIRE puts a lot of information at your fingertips. This session will offer a brief overview of what is available (transcript, requirements, course search, transfer courses, financial, etc.) and give you a chance to surf your records on your own.
Engaging Social Media and Social Justice
Presented by the Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success, CMASS
Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. This is especially true for students. As the world has changed and adapted, so has social media and its uses. In this session, we will explore the relationship between social media and social justice. We will creatively engage social media as a tool to build stronger individual and collective relationships, support a deeper understanding of diversity and social justice and support the development of a stronger community here at UMass and in the larger world.
Gentle Yoga
Presented by the Recreation Center
Gentle Yoga presents an introduction to basic yoga poses. The class emphasizes stretching, coordination of breath with movement and attention to alignment. The class is designed to create breath awareness, enhance balance, and increase flexibility. Gentle Yoga is for people new to yoga or those who are experiencing joint sensitivity, overall stiffness due to lack of activity, or other physical limitations. All yoga classes end with deep relaxation and a guided visualization to help release tensions and reduce stress.
Guided Meditation
Presented by the Office of Religious Affairs
A guided journey to mindfulness and relaxation.
How Not to Go Broke In College
Presented by the UMassFive College Credit Union
Test your money skills and win prizes while discussing how to avoid common expensive financial mistakes, so you can spend money on the things you really want to spend money on!
It’s All In Your Mind: Four Secrets to Launching Your College Career
Presented by the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health
This is an interactive seminar where you will learn the four secrets to making the transition to college healthy, successful, satisfying and fun. It also includes information on how to manage and cope with stress and self-care.
Law and Order: UMass Amherst
Presented by Student Legal Services
This will be a fun and interactive discussion about how to enjoy your college years at UMass Amherst safely and legally.
Level Up Your Avatar: Introduction to the Leadership Certificate Series
Presented by Student Activities and Involvement
Looking to find a way to get connected to campus in a way that helps you continue to develop leadership skills that will help you in college and beyond? Check this session out! We will cover programs and organizations that can help you level up your leadership avatar.
Minute(man) to Win It!
Presented by the Student Philanthropy Committee
Are you cool under pressure? Think you already know all there is to know about UMass Amherst? Try to beat the clock as you complete challenges and answer trivia questions inspired by UMass Amherst history and traditions. Have fun, win prizes, and learn ways you can become involved in these time-honored traditions. There will be plenty of giveaways and prizes. This is one you don’t want to miss!
Mythbusters!
Presented by the Center for Health Promotion
Do UMass students really drink every night? Does it really snow in May here? Will your skirt really blow off if you walk by the library? Get the lowdown on what UMass students really do to stay healthy and happy here.
So You Want to Be an RA?
Presented by Residential Life
Are you thinking about becoming a Residential Assistant for the 2013-2014 school year? Want to learn more about what the Residential Assistant role is? Come to this session! Learn about the RA role, review the application process and hear current RAs share their stories. Applicants that wish to be considered for next year MUST take education 319 R this semester, so don't miss out on the information you need!
Quest for Leadership
Presented by the Residence Hall Association and House Councils
The Residence hall Association represents all students living within the residence halls to the Student Government Association and Residential Life. The organization makes an effort to support residents of UMass Amherst. It provides various leadership opportunities such as leadership conferences and retreats.
The Fraternity and Sorority Network: Connecting to UMass
Presented by Greek Life
Members of the OFS staff and student leaders will guide you through the landscape of the fraternity and sorority program. Through student narratives and visual slides, the presenters will share information about the benefits of fraternity and sorority membership, the foundational values, and the various networks to which members have access.
U-Lead UMass: Student Government Association
Presented by the Student Government Association, SGA
Learn how to get involved with the Student Government Association and how you can work to create positive changes for your peers. The SGA can provide opportunities for you to explore your interest while simultaneously representing your fellow students!
University Store - Textbooks & More!
Presented by UMass Auxiliary Services
Come discuss the benefits of purchasing and renting textbooks from the University Store and how you can save money! Get information about the many options available to students, such as used and digital books; as well as information on computer hardware, software, and other services.
Using Social Media to Enhance Your UMass Experience
Presented by Jack DeManche, UMass Amherst ‘11
Jack DeManche (UMass '11) is the Digital Media Manager at Dailybreak a Boston based online media company. Listen as he discusses how he was able to leverage social media through his years at UMass to not only enhance the college experience but use that experience to land him a job after graduation. You'll learn some tips, tricks, and hear first-hand advice to make the most of social media as a college student.
What Does Success Look Like?
Presented by Dean Steven Goodwin
This will be an opportunity for us to think out loud about what success in college might mean and what success in life might mean; and then ask ourselves the important question, "Is there a connection between the two?”
Working on Campus & Paying for School
Presented by Financial Aid Services
Nervous about financing your education? Come learn from the experts on how to be a pro at the financial aid process and also get the inside scoop on how and where to find a job on campus so you can start getting PAID!
