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UMass Amherst

Stockbridge Facts and Figures

Faculty

Stockbridge faculty are members of the University of Massachusetts who also teach in baccalaureate and graduate degree programs. Many are nationally and internationally recognized, are authors of notable publications, and are actively engaged in research. Stockbridge faculty have demonstrated a strong commitment to their students and a conviction about the lasting values of a Stockbridge education.

Student Body

Approximately 300 students are presently enrolled in the Stockbridge School. Of these, 70 percent are Massachusetts residents and 25 percent are women. Generally, forty percent of each graduating class transfer to the University to complete a bachelor degree.

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Internship

Occupational work experience is required for first-year students during the last six weeks of the spring semester and throughout the following summer. Prior to the internship, freshmen are considered full-time students during the first eight weeks of the semester. (For students in Equine Industries and Turfgrass Management, the internship lasts only three months, June through August.)

Students are responsible for finding their own internship position, although assistance can be provided by their departments. All internship positions must be approved by academic advisers. Positions should be secured which will enable students to gain practical experience in their field of specialization. Check out the Stockbridge JobNet for job listings.

Students are required to complete the work experience without unnecessary absences. Although wage rates vary, students may expect to earn normal entry level rates.

Requirements for the internship may be obtained from the internship coordinator, who will be responsible for grading and supervising the internship. A minimum grade of "C" is required for graduation.

Employment Opportunities

Opportunities for trained men and women, especially those with previous experience, are excellent. The Stockbridge School office maintains a current employment opportunities web site at http://www.umass.edu/stockbridge/jobnet/. An annual Job Fair, held in February, offers an opportunity for employers to recruit Stockbridge students. Departmental advisers also provide assistance to students seeking employment. Students who request a recommendation from Stockbridge must be of good character and have good records of academic performance.

Stockbridge alumni/ae currently hold jobs as arborists, farm managers, floral designers, fruit and vegetable producers, garden center managers, golf course superintendents, greenhouse technicians, farm and home loan administrators, horse trainers, integrated pest management technicians, landscapers, landscape designers, riding instructors, agricultural agency administrators, estate caretakers, park superintendents, stable managers, agricultural sales representatives, and journalists for technical publications.

The Career Services offers assistance with writing resumes, career resources and career counseling.

Student Activities

Alpha Tau Gamma

Alpha Tau Gamma is the social fraternity of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Founded in 1919, ATG has maintained a long-standing tradition of service to the University and local communities. ATG also stresses the importance of good academic standards. Membership is limited to Stockbridge students and alumni who have transferred into a baccalaureate program at the University of Massachusetts. Additional information about the brotherhood and residence for incoming freshmen can be obtained by contacting Alpha Tau Gamma at 413-549-9678.

Athletics

Due to a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) policy, students enrolled in two-year curricula may not participate in varsity teams at the University of Massachusetts. However, Stockbridge has its own athletic program with competition schedules in basketball and golf against small fouryear schools, preparatory schools and community colleges. Competition is challenging and care is taken to avoid conflicts with class schedules. The sports teams are offered as another facet to the total education at Stockbridge. Stockbridge students may also try out for the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association equestrian team and Intercollegiate Dressage Association team at the beginning of the school year. These teams compete throughout the year with other colleges in the Northeast. Students may also take advantage of many noncompetitive recreational opportunities, or participate in the University's intramural program, one of the largest in the East.

Clubs

Stockbridge students have the opportunity to join and actively participate in a variety of on-campus clubs and organizations. Students in each major may organize their own club and offer educational and social opportunities unique to the major.

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Equestrian Team

Ask anyone what he or she thinks of when it comes to sports teams at UMass, and you will undoubtedly get answers like football, basketball or lacrosse. Although these teams do make up a huge partof the athletics at this university, there is a lesser-known team, the University of Massachusetts Equestrian Team, which has consistently been competitive with the former national champions of their sport, Mount Holyoke College. The UMass Equestrian Team is a force to be reckoned with among New England collegiate riding teams.

 

Livestock Classic

This is a day-long event held once each year, in the spring, when Stockbridge and College of Natural Resources and the Envrionment students enter farm animals in competition. Students are judged on their animal's appearance and performance as well as on their ability to show and handle their animal. There is no admission charge and all students and the general public are invited.

Stockbridge Student Board of Directors

The Board of Directors allows Stockbridge students to plan and participate in various student activities. The Board meets weekly and helps to instill a sense of camaraderie to the Stockbridge School student body by meeting the social needs of Stockbridge students.