February 3, 2015
Greetings from the Office of Parent Services!
It’s only been a couple of weeks since we welcomed students back to campus and already they’re off to a great start! We wish them much success this spring semester. This issue contains updates on the university’s inclement weather policy, 1098-T forms, flu vaccinations, upcoming career-boosting opportunities for your student and more.
Inclement Weather Policy
Winter weather conditions in New England are ever changing. In the event of bad weather, students are notified of closings by email; those who’ve signed up for UMass Amherst Alerts also receive a text message. Closings are posted on the home page of the university’s website and on a dedicated webpage. A telephone hotline, (413) 545-3630 is available 24/7 with a recorded message about closing status; announcements are also made on local TV and radio stations.
Taxes and the 1098-T
To assist students in filing their 2014 taxes, the university issues 1098-T statements indicating the qualified educational expenses students were billed for in the 2014 tax year. Statements are available to students online through SPIRE; the link to request online access is in the Finances section. Students who do not request online access should have already received the 1098-T form through U.S. Mail. For more information on these important documents, visit the Bursar’s information page.
The Isenberg School of Management also offers a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program to help domestic and international students prepare their state and federal taxes.
Career-Boosting Opportunities
During the spring semester, Career Services offers two large career fairs and a networking night. Students of all levels and majors are encouraged to attend and meet recruiters searching to fill both full-time job and internship positions. Remind your student to dress as for an interview and bring professional, up-to-date resumes to these events.
- The Diversity Career Fair (formerly the ALANA Fair) is Tuesday, Feb. 24, 1 – 5 p.m. in the Student Union ballroom. Representatives of 65 organizations are expected to be on hand.
- Many of these organizations are also attending an interactive Networking Night that same evening, beginning at 7 p.m. on the 10th floor of the Campus Center. Networking Night offers more in-depth conversation and mentorship opportunities.
- The Career Blast takes place Wednesday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. This is the largest career fair in Western Massachusetts, with approximately 135 organizations and close to 1,300 student participants.
- Career Services offers walk-in peer assistance appointments every weekday, 1 – 4 p.m. in Goodell 511. All students needing help with a resume or cover letter are welcome to stop in for a 15-minute session – no appointment necessary!
Adding Emergency Contacts in SPIRE
All students are encouraged to enter an emergency contact on their SPIRE account. Your student can easily do this by logging into SPIRE, going to the Main Menu, selecting My Personal Information and then Emergency Contacts. If your student’s already entered their contact information, remind them to check once a semester to make sure it’s up-to-date.
Flu Vaccinations
The flu has already hit people hard this year. The CDC recommends flu vaccination for everyone six months and older, and it’s not too late to get one! Appointments are available at University Health Services (UHS); students should call (413) 577-5101. Both injected and inhaled forms of the flu vaccine are available. Immunizations are billed to your student’s health insurance; remind them to bring their plan ID card with them. For practical tips on staying healthy, suggest they check out the infographic on the flu information page of the UHS website.
Commencement Weekend Updates
Senior Portraits
GradImages® will be on campus taking cap-and-gown photos during the spring semester. There is no sitting fee and no obligation to purchase. Graduating seniors who participate receive a free 5x7 coupon. All sessions are in the Campus Center, rooms 811-15 on the dates below. Students should pre-register here.
February 3 & 4, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. • February 5, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. • March 3 & 4, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. • March 5, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. • April 7 & 8, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. • April 9, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Special Graduation Announcements
UMass Amherst Print Services offers graduation announcements personalized with the graduate’s name, degree and major. Many styles are available, with standard or customized texts. For information, prices or to order, graduating seniors should visit Print Services.
Amtrak Vermonter’s New Route
Amtrak’s Vermonter has ended its passenger service to Amherst. The Knowledge Corridor, a new high-speed service, is now stopping at Northampton’s Union Station, with additional stops in Springfield and Greenfield. The reroute is expected to reduce overall travel time, improve on-time performance and increase ridership. Students who usually use this service should visit Amtrak’s website for more information.
UMass Transit, operated by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, offers free transportation from Amherst to Northampton with a valid UMass Amherst student ID card.
Important Dates
February 3: Last day to add/drop classes
February 6: Last day to complete MyStudentBody (new students only)
February 16: Presidents Day (no classes)
February 17: Monday class schedule followed
February 24: Diversity Career Fair, 1 – 5 p.m., Student Union ballroom
February 24: Networking Night, 7 p.m., Campus Center 10th Floor
February 25: Career Blast 2015, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Campus Center lower level
February 28: Last day to waive the Student Health Benefit Plan
March 1: Fall semester Education Abroad application deadline
Helpful Links
Amtrak Vermonter
Career Services
Commencement Weekend
Tax information
University Health Services
Best of luck making it through this winter season! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the Office of Parent Services. Our office is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. We’re more than happy to assist you.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Horrigan, Director
Office of Parent Services
Treating Our Parents as Partners
5 Arnold House
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
Email: umassparents@umass.edu
Phone: 413-577-4444
Fax: 413-545-9631
Office of Parent Services Website
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