Grad School 101: Commonly Asked Questions from New Students

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Image of Office of Global Affairs staff attending the Grad School Resource Fair.

Welcome to UMass Amherst! The Graduate School team understands how overwhelming things might seem as you begin to settle into campus and your department. To help you prepare for your grad experience, our team has put together a helpful guide featuring some of the most commonly-asked-questions we receive from new students.

To get started, we encourage you to get to know the Graduate School Dean, Katherine Reeves, who recently assumed her position in August. This is an exciting time to join our graduate community as we begin a new chapter in empowering and elevating your UMass experience!

How does UMass support me?

Graduate students are tied to a constellation of support services, resources, and staff members across all of UMass. One thing you should get to know early is how accessible and attentive the folks within your academic department are to your needs. In addition to being the official 'home' on-campus for your faculty, your Department is also your source for:

  • Academic advising and course selection
  • Checking in on academic program graduation requirements
  • Ongoing advising and referral to other support services

Your department should be your first stop if you have questions. Beyond your department, however, you also have access to unique services within your specific college or school. One of these services includes comprehensive career advising.

Chart composed of four overlapping circles. Inner circle contains info about Departmental support, which includes: Faculty, Classes, Graduation requirements, and Advising. Next circle: Contains information about support within one's college/school, which includes career advising. Next circle: Contains information about how UMass overall supports students, which includes health and counseling, off-campus housing, and writing center support. Outer circle: Graduate School supports professional development.

All UMass students have access to the following benefits and services: Mental Health Counseling ; Off-Campus Housing Assistance; Writing Center Support. 

Within the Graduate School, we primarily oversee administrative support for your department's Graduate Program Director (also known as a GPD), and we offer many professional development workshops and signature events for students throughout the year.

Where do I go to get...

  • Keys? Contact your department and confirm that your department has coordinated a request.​ Your department can confirm the status of the request and if your keys are available to pick up  at the Lock Shop, 360 Campus Way (Physical Plant building), room 203 between 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

  • A parking pass? Parking Services! Obtain an official permit, or utilize metered parking on campus.​ Find a map of UMass parking options here.

  • A student ID? Called a UCard at UMass!​ Get started by visiting the UCard Office website.

    • Submit a photo through MyPhoto (available online)​

    • Pick-up in the UCard Office in Whitmore​ once you've been emailed that it is ready

What is a GPD?

Your Graduate Program Director oversees all of the many policies and requirements tied to your academic program. You'll want to get to know your GPD early (and engage with them often) as this is a faculty member designated to specifically support graduate students.

  • A GPD might…​

    • Be an advisor for new students​

    • Keep an eye on your timely time-to-degree progress​

    • Oversee awards, TA assignments, or other department concerns​

Click here to view a list of current graduate program directors (GPDs).

Where do I go for questions about: Employment? Assistantships? Fellowships?

Graduate Assistantship Office, contact at gradappt [at] umass [dot] edu (gradappt[at]umass[dot]edu)

Where do I go for questions about: Enrollment? Transcripts? Graduation Paperwork?

Visit the Graduate Student Service Center, open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, located in Goodell Hall on the 5th Floor. The Graduate School Handbook is a detailed guide for all your administrative questions.

What kind of other support does the graduate school offer?

The Graduate School provides support through specific mentoring and professional development-focused workshops. Specifically, we host a variety of programs related to:​

Watch for our email every Tuesday morning at 10am!​ It contains the latest upcoming events.

What about other available resources?

What if I get sick?: All UMass Amherst students have access to comprehensive healthcare services through University Health Services (UHS). Students can utilize UHS, regardless of their insurance status. UHS provides services such as primary and specialty care, laboratory services, urgent care, and much more.

Where can I receive support as an international student? 

The Office of Global Affairs (OGA) is home to many services supporting international and domestic scholars interested in global education. If you are looking for information regarding your current status, paperwork-in-process, or OPT authorization, OGA is your best source for support.

Where can I go for article databases, book rentals, and available media services? 

The team over at the W.E.B. Du Bois Library and the Science and Engineering Library can assist you! Every program has their own dedicated librarian who can help you with everything from conducting research to finding course materials. Master's and Doctoral students have access to a wide array of services, along with access to a unique coworking space on the 5th floor— the Graduate Commons! You can also reserve study rooms and carrels to work with friends or solo. 

How can I get help for my computer/software/technology? 

View the full IT services catalog to find just what you need for your specific issue, or request help through the IT Service Desk. You can also visit the Service Desk in-person from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. in Campus Center. 

How do I print? 

Students have $20 worth of printing credit uploaded to their accounts automatically every semester. Printing is available in the basement of the DuBois library and the main floor of the Science & Engineering library. Access Uprint services here. Your program may have other options, so make sure to ask your department administrator! 

How do I connect to the WiFi? 

Connect to Eduroam, the cross-campus WiFi network, by following the instructions here. 

Want to learn more?

Stay up to date on the latest news from the Graduate School, as well as our upcoming events calendar.

If you have questions, please feel free to grad-communications [at] umass [dot] edu (contact us any time!)

Article posted in News for Prospective students and Current students