New Graduate Students
Welcome to the UMass Graduate School!
About
Welcome to the UMass Graduate School!
Welcome to graduate life at University of Massachusetts Amherst! Whether you’re arriving from across the globe or just across the state, you’re joining a vibrant community of scholars, researchers, creators, and changemakers. Graduate school is an exciting opportunity to deepen your expertise, build lasting connections, and discover new possibilities both inside and outside the classroom. Orientation is designed to help you get started — introducing you to campus resources, academic expectations, community life, and the people who will support you throughout your journey at UMass Amherst.
Where to Begin:
To help you prepare for life as a graduate student, we’ve developed a series of programs and resources to Welcome you to UMass Graduate School (WUGS)!
The main event is WUGS, an in-person orientation experience for incoming students will be held right before the start of the fall semester. WUGS 2026 will be held on Friday, September 4th! Details of WUGS 2026 are in planning and will be shared once finalized.
Get Ready for the Semester
Are you unsure of what tasks you might need to complete leading up to the first day of classes? The New Student Checklist will help ensure you are ready for graduate school.
Supportive Campus Offices, Centers, and Services
There are many campus offices, centers, and services at UMass to help you succeed as a graduate student. Check out the resource page to learn more about student support and services, academic resources, and the Amherst community.
Start Attending Professional Development Workshops
Start attending live events (virtual on Zoom) with the Graduate School Office of Professional Development (OPD) to build on the WUGS foundation, further develop your skills, and find community at UMass.
Contact
Anders Houldcroft
