Family Checklist

1. Get to know technology.

• Student Email: The most helpful thing you can do for your student is to remind them to check their UMass student email. UMass email is the primary form of contact between your student and the university, and any announcements, updates, and information will be emailed to their student accounts.
• SPIRE: SPIRE is the University's secure online student information system. This system houses academic and financial information. Students have the ability to grant parents/family members access to their information with you. You can learn more here.

2. Review the New Student Checklist with your student to make sure they are up to date.
 

3. Sign-up for on-campus housing.

• New undergraduate students will request on-campus housing using the Housing Preference Application on SPIRE. For step-by-step instructions on how to submit the Housing Preference application, please watch the Online Video Tutorials.

4. Access Guide to the U.

• The Guide to the U is an interactive online guide that introduces new students and family members to the university's values, resources, and departments. Families can access the Guide to the U. Family members must use the Guest Login Page and create a Guest Account.

5. Register for Family and Guests Ready for the U.

• Information about supporting your student is available through both Guide to the U and Ready for the U. We offer three modalities to provide parents, family members, and supporters increased flexibility to access information.

6. If applicable, Register with Disability Services.

• If your student has a disability and requires accommodations, they should connect with Disability Services as early as possible to ensure they receive the necessary support.

7. Ensure that your student has Uploaded their UCard (student ID) photo prior to Ready for the U.

• Your student must submit a photo for their UCard before arriving on campus. This ID will be used for meal plans, residence hall access, library services, and more.

8. Review Meal Plan options with your student.

• UMass Amherst offers a variety of meal plan options to accommodate student needs and dietary preferences. Review the available plans together to select the best option.

9. Complete the University Health Services New Student Checklist.

• All incoming students must complete the New Student Checklist through University Health Services (UHS), which includes submitting immunization records and health insurance information.

10. Sign-up for UMass Amherst Emergency Alerts.

• Parents/guardian, text UMassAlert to 78015 and your number receive emergency alert text messages indefinitely.

11. Start (or continue) family conversations about your student's transition to college.

• Start talking to your student to establish mutual expectations about their transition to college. This can include talking to them about how your student will communicate with you while they are away, as well as conversations about difficult topics like budgeting/money, drinking, sexual health and safety, and mental health. You can use our Crucial Conversations Guide for these conversations.

12. Make hotel reservations for move-in.

• Move-in day can be busy, and nearby hotels fill up quickly. Book accommodations in advance if you plan to stay overnight.

13. Subscribe to the e-newsletter for updates on campus happenings, deadlines and events!

• Stay connected with UMass Amherst by signing up for our family e-newsletter, which provides important updates, deadlines, and upcoming events to help you stay engaged in your student’s college experience.