CNS Student Success and Diversity

Bio-Pioneers is a residential academic program (RAP) celebrating first-generation students in CNS who are life sciences majors (biology, microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology, animal sciences, environmental sciences, veterinary technology, and pre-veterinary science).

The Bio-Pioneers program helps students transition to college and prepares them for a career in science. Students in this RAP take specially designed seminars during their first year, including their required first-year seminar (fall). They also complete the required introductory biology courses (151, 152, 153) in a small-sized class. Program participants will interact with CNS faculty members and staff and learn about research opportunities.

The William Lee Science Impact Program (Lee SIP) is a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program designed to expand and broaden participation in undergraduate research. The program provides students the opportunity to work on fun, novel, and interesting scientific questions by matching them with faculty members with similar research interests. Lee SIP scholars are mentored directly by research faculty, work within a research team, and participate in professional development workshops.

The Transfer Student Alliance Program was created to assist transfer students with their unique needs in transitioning to the university. 

The Forsythe Grange Mentoring Program creates opportunities for undergraduate students to be engaged in mentorship, especially students belonging to underserved groups in science disciplines, such as first-generation and those demonstrating financial need. Students receive scholarships and serve as mentors—sharing experiences and knowledge about their science area with incoming first-year students.  

Program Benefits 

The Forsythe Grange Mentoring Program creates opportunities for all undergraduate students to be engaged in mentorship, especially students belonging to underserved groups in science disciplines, such as first-generation, underrepresented minorities, and those demonstrating financial need. The program is looking for academically talented students who are willing to serve as mentors, open to sharing experiences and knowledge about their science area with incoming first-year students, and passionate about science and helping their peers. 

Forsythe Grange Scholars: 

• Receive financial support
• Learn effective mentoring approaches
• Gain valuable communication and leadership skills
• Develop personally and professionally
• Network with faculty 

Mentees: 

• Participate in a key educational component
• Have a student peer to connect with at UMass
• Receive personalized academic direction
• Discover more about their science area of interest 

The Office of Student Success and Diversity supports the recruitment of students interested in the sciences through programming for students from local high schools and community colleges and participation in university-wide recruitment efforts.

Campuswide Programs
In collaboration with several offices across campus, the Office of Student Success and Diversity participates in campuswide recruitment events.

Community College Day
This event, hosted by the office and other STEM colleges, is a fantastic opportunity for students and faculty from community colleges to learn about new opportunities and initiatives at UMass that are offered for transfer students. This event is open to all community colleges, but focuses on those in Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin Counties. Also, please contact us to schedule a virtual or in-person visit to your community college! 

STEM Starter Academy
This partnership between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts, and Greenfield, Holyoke, and Springfield Technical Community Colleges encourages community college students to pursue majors in the sciences and successfully transition to UMass. Events include hosting current community college students for on-campus visits as well as a summer bridge program for incoming transfer students. Learn more about Stem Starter Academy. 

High School Visits
We promote higher education and pursuit of degrees in science disciplines by hosting high school students for day visits to the college. Please contact us to schedule a virtual or in-person visit to your school! 

We have an active social media presence that we use to highlight the variety of programs our college and university offers. Our #WeAreCNS campaign, for example, allows students to tell us about their lives. You can find us on Instagram.

UMass Amherst has a range of resources you can tap into to support your student success.