CMASS Digital Historian Undergraduate Fellow

CMASS and the Public History Program in the History department seek a dedicated and enthusiastic undergraduate student to assist in tracking and documenting the history of the cultural centers through a digital lens. The selected fellow will work directly (via Zoom) with the Public History Program and learn innovative ways of capturing history digitally to produce a written and visual installation of the research project.

This initiative seeks to equip interested undergraduate students with the skills to research primary and secondary sources, collect data efficiently, and engage digital data effectively for public interaction.  All technology is user friendly, and accessible.  If accommodations are needed, we will provide those accommodations. We ask to have notice early within the selection process, to make sure accommodations are placed in time.  Read  more:

Good Doing Business With You: Advice From Young Alumni Entrepreneurs
Monday, September 28 |  5:30-7:30 p.m.
Zoom:  https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAoc-ChpzstHdAGVVkqkw2BUna0HpdRYZfA

This is a collaboration between CMASS and Berthiaume Entrepreneurship Center to host a panel of UMass alumni entrepreneurs.  Join to learn from their stories about resources to start your own entrepreneurship ventures.  Discuss during a challenging economy strategies for self-employment and developing an entrepreneurial identity in a moderator/panel format.

*registration via Zoom required*

Cultural Connections is a staple of Welcome Week to introduce new students to CMASS and promote positive connections and community with peers and staff.

This vibrant event is open to the campus as a celebration of our cultural plurality.

Zoom in to Join!

Thursday,  August 27, 2020 
Zoom Link: https

://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/98199423523
Time 4:00-5:00pm

Welcome and Meet our New CMASS Staff
 

Ashiah B Richeme-Alcide
Associate Director for Student Development

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Women’s Studies from Southern Connecticut State University.   Ashiah most recently served as the Equity and Inclusion Associate conducting Title IX/VII investigations at Central Connecticut State University.  She served previously as Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Coordinator of Living Learning Communities/ Residence Director, and Assistant Coordinator for New Parent and Student Orientation at Westfield State University.  She continues as Adjunct Professor for the Department of Ethnic & Gender Studies at Westfield State University where she teaches historical and theoretical background in Genders Studies to analyze and understand global cultures dominated by oppressive social constructions.

She brings a wealth of leadership experiences in the areas of campus climate assessment, bias and crisis response, student conduct, student government, study abroad, and co-curricular development to name a few.  Ashiah is passionate about “collaborative multicultural and cultural education that is engaging and promotes positive action.”

Ciara Rodriguez
Program Coordinator

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and minors in East Asian Studies and Inequality Studies from Cornell University and a Master of Business Administration with concentration in Management from Fitchburg State University.   Ciara previously held roles as Administrative Coordinator in the Multicultural and First Generation Student Support Office and as Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Clark University.  Most recently she served as the Graduate Resident Director at Fitchburg State University.  The breadth of experiences she brings include supervision, student conduct, support for survivors of sexual violence, resiliency, training development and facilitation, recruitment, and programs and services for first generation and culturally diverse populations.  She strives to be “a friendly face to foster sense of belonging and to support students in their journey to where they want to be.”

Suummer Success with CMASS Success Coaches

CMASS Success Coaches are available to support your success and wellbeing throughout the year.  Join us during drop-in hours M-Th to talk with a coach about stressors or concerns impacting your well-being, your focus on student success, and maintain motivation.

To connect with a Success Coach you will need to log into Navigate to make an appointment and  get Success Coach’s zoom meeting ID.

Remember we are in this together!

In March we posted a statement rebuking behavior fueled by bias and misinformation stigmatizing members of the Asian community.  Today we join many others across the world in rebuking the ongoing violence against Black bodies, Brown bodies and Indigenous bodies. 

Echoing our Chancellor’s statement, “[the] events in Minneapolis remind us just how far our country is from achieving anything close to equity and justice for all. We live in a time when intolerance, bigotry and xenophobia have become mainstream, even at the highest levels of our government. That is why it is so important that we stand united and reject racism and bigotry in all its forms.  Although we acknowledge that our community is far from perfect, we must always strive to be better, to foster a community that is grounded in the concept of dignity and respect for all.”

Racism impacts the wellbeing of individuals and communities.  We all have agency to act in ways that are helpful to ourselves and others.  The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has compiled a list of resources for support, education and engagement to combat racism.  CMASS is one of those resources.  Here we list ways to connect with coaches and join group activities.  We will continue to provide other opportunities for connection, support and healing as dates are solidified.

CMASS Gratitude Journaling Connection Event
Grow with Gratitude
June 19, July 17 and August 21  |   2-3pm

POSTPONED:  Gratitude Journaling for Thursday, August 21 has been  postponed for a later date this fall.

Here’s the zoom link: Join Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/7926624950

Join CMASS Staff to explore how to incorporate gratitude into your daily life and grow your positive mindset. We all have something to be grateful for. 

During these 3 sessions we will look at the benefits of incorporating gratitude into your daily routine, learn about gratitude exercises /activities and engage in positive group discussion. We look forward to your active participation and self-improvement.

CMASS STATEMENT:

The ripple effect of this pandemic on the personal and systemic level is devastating. As we engage with colleagues and students, we see a great deal of concern while noticing their efforts to provide support in various ways. We draw energy from within and across and need each other to plan for a post COVID19 future that reflects the best in us.

As stated by our Office of Equity and Inclusion, we wholeheartedly rebuke behavior fueled by bias and misinformation that stigmatizes members of our community, and emphasizes the fact that our Chinese students, staff, and faculty, as well as other community members of Asian descent who may also be experiencing this bias and stigma, are valued and beloved members of our UMass community. 

There are a number of ways in which we can continue to confront and fight against bias and discrimination, educate ourselves as viruses can make anyone sick, regardless of race or nationality. Help stop the stigma related to COVID-19 by learning the facts from reputable sources such as the CDC and WHO.  Report bias or discrimination incidents using the OEI Climate Incident Report Form.  There are many support programs working to promote positive connection and coping skills through CMASS, International Programs Office, the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health, and others listed on the UMass calendar. 

Help is within reach and there is no better time than the present to connect with the campus resources in place to support our wellbeing.

UPDATES ABOUT CMASS 

Effective Monday, March 16, until further notice, in support of social distancing practice, CMASS staff is working remotely but will continue to provide services for the duration of the semester. You can connect with us by calling 413.545.2517 or by emailing us at cmass@umass.edu.

Here’s an update on how to access specific services:

Success Coaching
Students are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments through NAVIGATE, making sure to let your coach know your preferred method for contact. If you prefer to connect over the phone, ensure your number is updated in SPIRE. If you prefer to connect over videoconference download Zoom.

As we work to shift our services into virtual environments, we know that there may be technology challenges at times-do not hesitate to email your coach directly.

If you don’t have a coach and would like to work with one, email cmass@umass.edu

Success Coaches:

Michelle Youngblood – youngblood@umass.edu
Doris Clemmons – dc@umass.edu
Willie Pope – wjp@umass.edu

Financial Aid Hours
For assistance with your FAFSA or questions about Financial Aid, please contact Financial Aid Counseling or Customer Service at finaid@finaid.umass.edu during 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Let’s Talk
When something’s bothering you, talking about it is often the first step toward a solution. Let’s Talk is available by calling 413-545-2337, Thursdays from 1 – 2 p.m. “Let’s Talk” is led by clinicians from the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH).

Student Care Supply Closet
Our offices in Wilder Hall are closed, and so the Supply Closet is temporarily unavailable. If you have immediate need for supply closet items, please contact the Dean of Students Office at doso@umass.edu

Computer Lab in Wilder Hall
Our offices in Wilder Hall are closed, and so the computer lab is inaccessible at this time.

For continuous updates please visit this site frequently as well as www.umass.edu/Coronavirus