Our Staff

We’re the New Student Orientation & Transitions (NSOT) Staff, and it’s our job – and our passion – to ease the transition to UMass Amherst for both you and your family. Our staff of professionals and current students are knowledgeable about and connected to the resources you’ll need as a new student. We’ll help you with orientation & your transition, introduce you to your school or college, share our campus values and expectations, and we’ll answer your questions along the way.

Staff Members

Dr. Pearson, Director

Elizabeth Conniff, Assistant Director

Rashawn McKenzie, Coordinator

Kim Allen, Coordinator

Breda Paton, Office Manager

Rissa Wade, Department Assistant

Staff are available Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 413-545-2621 or newstudent@umass.edu