Orientation
Once you’ve decided to enroll at UMass Amherst, you will participate in several New Student and Family Programs (NSFP).
Online Advising & Course Registration
All new Commonwealth Honors College (CHC) students will receive welcome materials that will:
- Help you understand the purpose and benefits of an Honors education
- Introduce you to your CHC support team and resources
- Provide an overview of CHC’s curriculum options
- Show you how to incorporate CHC requirements into your course schedule for your first semester
- Prepare you for your individual advising appointment with your major advisor
All CHC transfer students will also be invited to schedule a one-on-one meeting with a CHC advisor for an individualized conversation about your CHC options.
As part of NSFP, you'll have an individual advising appointment with an advisor from your major. During this appointment you’ll register for your first-semester classes. It is recommended that CHC students take one Honors course per semester. Here are some options to consider:
- ENGLWRIT 112H: College Writing — Recommended for all first-year CHC students. Ideally students should take this course in their first year, unless they already have credit for a College Writing equivalent (AP credit, transfer credit, exemption).
- HONORS 201H: Ideas That Changed the World — Recommended for first-year CHC students but can be taken in a later semester.
- An Honors General Education course — There are many courses that fulfill both a UMass General Education requirement and a CHC requirement. Recommended for CHC students who still need to fulfill UMass General Education requirements.
- Any Honors course — Incoming CHC students with many AP or transfer credits that fulfill College Writing and other General Education requirements may consider taking any other type of Honors course instead.
If you’re in an Honors Residential Academic Program (RAP), you must take the Honors courses listed for that RAP. Please note that any one-credit seminars associated with an Honors RAP do not satisfy a CHC curriculum requirement.
Housing and RAP Choices
- During NSFP, you must confirm your housing and RAP choice.
- Only Honors students may choose to live in Commonwealth Honors College Residential Community housing.
- If you have decided not to be in a RAP, you will need to confirm your housing preferences online.
Ready for the U: Commonwealth Honors College Welcome Meeting
For students participating in two-day on-campus Ready for the U sessions, Commonwealth Honors College hosts a welcome meeting first thing in the morning to connect fellow CHC students and learn more about the benefits of the Honors experience. Please note that CHC will not offer a session for one-day on-campus or virtual Ready for the U participants. Similar meetings and opportunities for connection will be offered in the Fall semester.
Welcome to the U: Commonwealth Honors College Induction & Reception
Commonwealth Honors College begins each fall semester with an Induction Ceremony welcoming new students to our living and learning community. This time-honored tradition is a way for each member of our community to celebrate and thank new students for choosing to share their UMass journey with us. The Commonwealth Honors College induction ceremony is a milestone that marks our collective commitment to academic excellence. This event showcases our dedication to curiosity and the exploration of ideas as we strive to develop a deeper understanding of today’s real-world challenges.