Packet for Transfer Students

Transferring to a new university can be stressful. We hope this packet will give you the necessary information to hit the ground running after transferring to UMass Amherst. We look forward to speaking with you, helping you, and watching you succeed.

Tips for Transfer Students

Always plan with your advisor to stay on track. Ask questions about your ARR to make sure everything is accounted for.
Communicate any questions or concerns with professors/advisors.
If you are concerned about doing well in a class, say something/email the professor right

away (in the beginning of the semester). This will show initiative on your part and raise

awareness for the professor. Professors appreciate communication and transparency.
Advocate for yourself! If you think something is unfair, respectfully email the professor

saying why you feel that way.
Organize class documents/files for efficiency. When less time is spent looking for something,

more time can be spent working on an assignment or studying.
Use a calendar to maximize productivity and minimize anxiety.
Practice mindfulness and set aside a little bit of time for yourself each day.
Fuel your body with nutritious meals.
Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members.

Course Sequence Alteration Suggestions for Transfer Students

Since Sophomore Seminar (CHEM 290A) and Quantitative Analysis (CHEM 315) are not typically offered at community colleges, there are a couple of suggested changes to both course sequences. These changes only apply if all other necessary courses were completed at community college before transferring.

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry:

Fall Semester of Junior Year - Take Sophomore Seminar, Junior Year Writing, Inorganic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry 1.
Spring Semester of Junior Year - Take Quantitative Analysis, Inorganic Chemistry Lab, Physical Chemistry 2, and begin Independent Research (more about that later).

Fall Semester of Senior Year - Take Physical Chemistry Lab , Independent Research, and advanced courses.
Spring Semester of Senior Year - Take advanced courses.

Tip for B.S. Chemistry Transfers: It is really helpful to take Physical Chemistry Lab (CHEM 477) fall of senior year, after you’re able to experience Quantitative Analysis Lab. Both of those labs are taught by the same professor, and students learn a lot of necessary skills in Quantitative Analysis Lab that are not reviewed in Physical Chemistry Lab because it does not line up sequentially with the suggested course sequence.

Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry:

Fall Semester of Junior Year - Take Sophomore Seminar, Writing in Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Elementary Physical Chemistry/Physical Chemistry 1.
Spring Semester of Junior Year - Take Quantitative Analysis, Inorganic Chemistry lab, Physical Chemistry 2 (if following that sequence), and Independent research or an alternative upper-level elective. While independent research is not necessary, it can help students develop a relationship with a faculty member so they would be able to write a recommendations letter for graduate school, jobs, or a professional school.
Fall Semester of Senior Year - Take second semester of Independent Research(or another alternative upper-level elective), along with advanced courses.
Spring Semester of Senior Year - Take advanced courses.

B.A. Chemistry Transfers: Requires four semesters of language that can be met in a variety of ways. Some students may be able to test out of those requirements, but always talk to your advisor and plan accordingly.

General Tip for Chemistry Transfers: Try to plan with your advisor as much as possible. Transfer students need 45 residential credits to graduate, so look at a couple of nonrequired classes that seem interesting to know which semester they are offered. Add up the number of credits required for chemistry courses and create a solid roadmap for your journey at UMass. Planning the process takes away a lot of the unnecessary stress, letting you focus on what matters. Plus, no one wants to get to the last semester of senior year and find out they are missing a requirement for graduation.

Undergraduate Research

CHEM 396 and 388/499 Requirements

Undergraduate research is coordinated by the Undergraduate Program Director, Hans Mentzen. Please contact him if you are looking for an undergraduate research mentor.

hmentzen@chem.umass.edu

Support Resources

Ruthanne Paradise plays many important roles within the chemistry department, Chief

Undergraduate Advisor, Senior Lecturer, and Director of Analytical/Physical Labs. She also runs the

UMass Chemistry Club; in case you want to get involved with that. If you have any questions or

concerns relating to chemistry or the chemistry department, Ruthanne can probably help.

rparadise@chem.umass.edu

https://www.chem.umass.edu/undergraduate-students/chemistry-clubs

Other faculty members that play key roles within the chemistry department at UMass Amherst can be found in the department directory.

https://www.chem.umass.edu/about/department-directory

Mental Health

Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH) offers a wide variety of mental health services to students, including, crisis services, individual therapy, psychiatric services, specialty services (assessing learning disorders, eating disorder, substance abuse, etc.), online resources, and more!

https://www.umass.edu/counseling/