Focus Connections RAP – Fall 2008
Focus RAPs are designed for first-year students who enter UMass Amherst without a declared major. In addition to the benefit of living with students in your classes, all Focus RAP students participate in OASIS First-Year Seminar , a one-credit class taught by your academic advisor from the Undergraduate Advising office. In this class you will work closely with your advisor to explore various majors and determine how to best match the academic options with your interests and abilities. The OASIS seminar explores ways for you to learn and apply essential strategies in the areas of time management and study/test-taking skills. You will also be introduced to the wealth of resources on campus that can assist you with academic, social, and personal issues. |
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Focus Connections is a great RAP for you if you are interested in a major such as Psychology, Sociology, English, or History. It is also a great choice if you have no idea what you may want to major in. The OASIS seminar provides you with an opportunity to confirm an idea you have or to explore and identify various possibilities. The classes connected to this RAP also give you an opportunity to learn about different options while completing pre-requisites for some of the majors, and making progress on your University General Education requirements.
Be sure to visit the How to Join page on this website to learn about the process and important timelines you must follow to become a member of this fantastic program!
When you join this RAP you will:
- Enroll in a unique a 1-credit seminar designed to help you explore a wide range of majors at UMass.
- Engage with an academic advisor to identify your interests, strengths, and values in order to pursue your academic goals.
- Share your living-and-learning experience with other first-year students who have not yet declared a major. This gives all students in the RAP a chance to get to know each other and take some classes together. It's also a great way to make a successful transition to the academic and social life of the University.
Classes
All Focus Connection RAP students will enroll in the following:
- College Writing 112 in the residential area
- A small Gen Ed class in the residential area *
- Educ 125 – OASIS First-Year Seminar
- An option of choosing a reserved seat in a popular Gen Ed lecture class on the main campus.
* Holding a spot in a RAP guarantees you enrollment in ONE of the associated Gen Ed classes. Registration into the specific classes takes place during NSO and classes are filled on a first come, first served basis.
John Adams Tower location in Southwest
General Education course choices (small lecture class in the residential area)
- Psychology 100 – Introductory Psychology
- Sociology 106 – Race, Gender, Class & Ethnicity
Van Meter Hall location in Central
General Education course is
- Anthropology 100 – Human Nature(small lecture class in the residential area)
