Academic Advising

Academic advising services for nursing students are provided by the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. Academic advising services include but are not limited to course selection, program planning, summer course work, change of courses, withdrawal from the program, career advisement, and referrals for academic support. This discussion occurs on an individual basis and may be augmented as needed by referrals to appropriate student services on campus. 

Academic Advising Process 

At the beginning of the program, you will be assigned to one of the Academic Advisors for the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, Reggie Lamothe (rllamoth [at] nursing [dot] umass [dot] edu) or Amy Sliwa asliwa [at] umass [dot] edu. Questions about program, schedule, courses, retention and graduation are to be directed to the Academic Advisor.

Advising notes will be recorded in SPIRE or Navigate with the capacity for emailing a copy of the advising note to the student. Advisors are available for student consultation either during their posted office hours or by appointment. Advisors can best be reached by e-mail. 

The university designates one week each fall and spring for students to pre-register for courses the following semester. 

Although each student has an academic advisor, the student carries the responsibility for ensuring that they meet all the requirements for progression in the major and for graduation. 

Course Evaluations 

During the last weeks of each course, students are asked to evaluate the course and the clinical and/or classroom instruction by the faculty electronically using a survey called Forward Focus. Students are expected to complete this survey in order to effectively evaluate the course and provide constructive feedback for course improvement.

The Forward Focus Survey asks students to respond to general questions regarding the course objectives, teaching/learning environment, faculty instruction, clinical experience (if appropriate), and the clinical preceptor (if appropriate). Course evaluation data is confidential and assists the College of Nursing in enhancing the quality and continued improvement of the curriculum and the Nursing programs.

All responses are anonymous. Instructors receive feedback via a report with a statistical summary of multiple-choice responses and open-ended responses and comments. This is your opportunity to offer constructive suggestions and recommendations for the continued growth and development of the nursing program. Thoughtful participation in the evaluation process is appreciated

Program Evaluation 

At the conclusion of a students’ program, an End of Program or Exit Interview Evaluation is conducted with all students by the Dean or a designee, which provides valuable information for Elaine Marieb College of Nursing program review. 

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Support Services on Campus

UMass Amherst Library System

The UMass Amherst Library System has several sites, with holdings that include more that 6 million books, periodical volumes and government documents. The W.E.B. Du Bois Library is the largest site, and is the location for most reference materials, many collections and reserve materials. 

Videos covering many nursing categories, including communication, community, culture, family, fundamentals of nursing care, gerontology, health assessment, home care, holistic care, leadership, maternity, medications, pediatrics, psychiatric, research and restorative nursing are now housed on the third floor in W.E.B. DuBois Library. Please visit their website at http://www.library.umass.edu. 

The link listed above also provides a pathway to access online library databases and other resources. Please Note: Firewalls may preclude your ability to access e- journals!  Please take the necessary steps to ensure that you can access e-journals and other materials. 

Nursing Resource and Simulation Laboratories 

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing has two state-of-the-art Nursing Clinical Simulation Laboratories (NCSL) in Skinner Hall and in our Springfield center. These labs have clinical simulation rooms, a community apartment with recording and two-way mirrors for instruction, hospital bed areas, and health assessment rooms. It includes high fidelity Sim Man© mannequins, Sim Baby©, Sim Junior Kid©, Noelle Maternity©, Adult Vital Sim©, Vital Sim Babies©, Vital Sim Kid©, and other types of equipment for student and faculty learning and teaching. 

The NCSLs offer the latest in simulation technology to develop a student’s clinical and decision-making skills in a safe and controlled environment. The UMass Amherst Elaine Marieb College of Nursing is a leader in this innovative teaching methodology. Faculty develop realistic clinical case scenarios and advanced simulation mannequins serve as simulated patients. Clinical scenarios related to all clinical areas such as maternal child health, pediatric, medical surgical and critical care nursing are implemented with students. Students are able to practice critical thinking skills related to the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and evaluation), safety issues including medical error detection, communication and/or team building. The NCSLs simulate a realistic patient environment where students and faculty engage in enjoyable learning experiences with the potential to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and safety of patient care. The simulations challenge and test student’s clinical and decision-making skills, helping them to develop as a baccalaureate nurse. Students also practice nursing skills on more basic mannequins. These skills might include: injections, wound care, intravenous therapy, catheterization, oxygen therapy, central venous care, tube feedings, ostomy care and health assessment skills. The NCSLs is dedicated to supporting the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing’s vision, mission, values and goals. For more information, please contact con-simlab [at] nursing [dot] umass [dot] edu (con-simlab[at]nursing[dot]umass[dot]edu ). 

Information Technology 

All students are required to have a NET ID, which is generated by IT once the students pay their deposit and are matriculated into the program. The NET ID will be sent via their non-UMass email address or to their home if there is no non-UMass email address on file. Consultants are available in each area to check out materials and to assist users with machine malfunctions and basic software problems. 

Additional software help is available from the IT HELP Desk in A109 LGRC (545-9400). Walk-in consulting for academic computing data analysis is available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, in LGRC room A121. For more extensive consulting, phone (413) 545-2836. A complete list of services can be viewed on their website at https://www.umass.edu/it/support. 

Campus Organizations and Resources 

Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success (CMASS): www.umass.edu/cmass 

The Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success (CMASS) opened doors in 2011 to support the student success and sense of belonging of first generation, students of color, multiracial students, and low-income students. Check out Your CMASS and the Cultural Centers to learn how you can benefit from our programs and services, or the Calendar to find out what is happening in our locations. Our programs and services are open to anyone. If you are not receiving our weekly bulletin yet we encourage you to join CMASS. 

Disability Services: www.umass.edu/disability 

Disability Services at UMass Amherst is committed to full access for all persons at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and embraces the philosophies of diversity and multiculturalism. 

Direct services are provided for all types of disability. Disability Services also provides information and referral on issues of accessibility, as well as training and staff development to the University community. 

Equal Opportunity and Diversity: https://www.umass.edu/equalopportunity/ 

Ombuds Office: www.umass.edu/ombuds  

Undergraduate Admissions: https://www.umass.edu/admissions/diversity  

Writing Center: www.umass.edu/writingcenter 

Writing Center tutors work with undergrad, graduate & postdoc, staff, and faculty writers on any academic genre at any point in the writing process. Tutors meet individually with writers in 45-minute consultations both face-to-face and online. After an initial conversation about the writing project, the tutor and writer read the text and discuss options for its revision. Writers often bring just an idea or an assignment to the Center and work with a tutor on how to begin writing. 

For additional campus organizations and resources, see the A-Z directory at www.umass.edu. 

Financial Aid for Undergraduates 

Financial Aid Services is committed to working with students and families to provide the best possible financial resources available. We want to ensure that a University of Massachusetts Amherst education is affordable. Many university scholarship opportunities, as well as other helpful financial aid and student loan pages, can be found at   https://www.umass.edu/financialaid/undergraduate/types-aid . There are also additional outside scholarship resources such as the College Resource Network  www.collegeresourcenetwork.com.  Scholarship availability varies year to year. Financial Aid Services can assist you with any questions you may have regarding your financial aid award, student employment, debt management, scholarship searches and financing options that may be available for your college education. Financial Aid Services can be reached at 413-545-0801; by visiting our website at https://www.umass.edu/financialaid/undergraduate or in person at 255 Whitmore Administration Building, M-F from 8-4pm.or in person at 255 Whitmore Administration Building, M-F from 8-4pm. 

In addition, certain nursing organizations such as the Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. (http://n-e-f.org/) and Sigma Theta Tau International (https://www.sigmanursing.org/) offer scholarships. Scholarships for baccalaureate students in good academic standing are available through the National Black Nurses Association http://www.nbna.org. The National Association of Hispanic Nurses has a scholarship program for students who are current members in good standing for at least 6 months before the scholarship application deadline in March (https://nahnnet.org/about/awards). The American Association of Men in Nursing also offers scholarships to eligible students. https://www.aamn.org. 

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Undergraduate Student Scholarships, Awards and Recognition

a. General Information 

There are multiple nursing scholarships available for Elaine Marieb College of Nursing students from all undergraduate nursing tracks (nursing major, accelerated, and RN to BS) through umass.academicworks.com. Applications are open for a few weeks in September and October; all students will receive email communications with exact dates to apply.

These scholarships are available to nursing students as long as they will be enrolled for the following fall semester, as awards are given a year after applying. All applicants will be notified by email by December 31 of their award status; recipients will be notified by April 30 of their award amount and will receive the actual funds in their Bursar’s Bill Account by September 30, a full year after applying.

Awardees are required to attend the Scholarship Award Ceremony during the spring semester (usually held at the end of April, exact date to be communicated) unless there are extenuating circumstances.

b. Awards and Recognition

College and university achievement award winners are honored at the end of the spring and fall semesters at their respective Scholarship and Awards Ceremony:

ELAINE MARIEB COLLEGE OF NURSING LEADERSHIP AWARD: The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing recognizes the extraordinary leadership of an undergraduate student nurse from each of the undergraduate tracks (Four-year Major, Accelerated, and RN to BS). This award is presented to an undergraduate student who has a 3.2 grade point average or higher; has shown evidence of consistent leadership relative to student activities and Elaine Marieb College of Nursing activities; is someone who has enhanced the visibility of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing on the university campus, and in the community at large.

ELAINE MARIEB COLLEGE OF NURSING CLINICAL SCHOLAR AWARD: The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing recognizes the extraordinary scholarship of an undergraduate student nurse from each of the undergraduate tracks (Four-year Major, Accelerated, and RN to BS). Special recognition is given by the clinical faculty of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing to an undergraduate student who: has a grade point average of 3.2 or higher; actively participates in a scholarship project while matriculated in the program; has exceptional abilities in caring for clients and families; has confidence and competence in practice; has the ability to work collaboratively with peers and staff; and demonstrates evidence of leadership.

ELAINE MARIEB COLLEGE OF NURSING DIVERSITY AWARD: The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing recognizes the extraordinary work in promoting and improving diversity of an individual or group in the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing community who is committed to the health of disenfranchised or underrepresented communities through teaching, outreach, or scholarship.

NURSING SERVICE LEADERSHIP AWARD: This award was established to honor a nursing leader in the community who has provided generous support to the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing and its programs.

GLEN GORDON FRIEND OF NURSING AWARD: This award was established in 1994 by the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing to honor the outstanding contributions of Dr. Glen Gordon as a friend and supporter of Nursing. It is given each year to an individual who is not a nurse, but who has strongly supported the mission and goals of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing.

UNIVERSITY AWARDS

SENIOR LEADERSHIP AWARD: Recognizes graduating seniors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service to the UMass Amherst community. Award recipients have distinguished themselves through important contributions to student organizations and campus jobs, through academic excellence, and through public and community service.

LEADERS IN THE MAKING: Supports the pursuits of promising sophomores and juniors. Recipients have diverse records of achievement in scholarship and volunteerism, and are student role models.

21st CENTURY LEADERSHIP AWARD: These awards are designed to recognize students who are academically accomplished and who have contributed to the University by exceptional achievement that distinguishes them or enhances the reputation of the campus. The recipients are nominated by faculty for strong leadership qualities; noteworthy original research; community service; the achievement of success by overcoming extraordinary personal circumstances; or public presentation through art, performance or athletic ability.

WILLIAM F. FIELD ALUMNI SCHOLAR AWARD: Recognizes juniors for outstanding academic achievement, as well as their respective contributions to the arts, athletics, research, or service to the campus community.

Actions

Organizations and Associations

AALANA

The mission of AALANA is to celebrate diversity within the College of Nursing and create safe spaces for historically underrepresented students to connect and mobilize resources needed to thrive. The goals of AALANA are:

1. Create a safe space for underrepresented students within the College of Nursing.

2. Establish communication and peer mentorship among cohorts.

3. Provide opportunities for networking and creating professional connections.

4. Mobilize resources for underrepresented students in the College of Nursing.

5. Connect AALANA members with the broader campus community.

6. Develop outreach programs and collaborate with surrounding communities. Leadership: AALANA Nursing is for students and by students. Its leadership comprises a dynamic e-board. The AALANA faculty advisor collaborates with the e-board and provides mentorship and advocacy. The organization holds a general meeting once a month. Activities include social events for networking and peer mentorship, conversations with senior students and alumni and information about various College of Nursing and other professional opportunities.

The faculty advisor for AALANA for 2023-2024 is Dr. Memnun Seven, Mseven [at] umass [dot] edu.

American Association for Men in Nursing 

https://www.aamn.org

The AAMN’s mission is to shape the practice, education, research, and leadership for men in nursing and advance men’s health. The purpose of AAMN is to provide a framework for nurses, as a group, to meet, to discuss and influence factors, which affect men as nurses.

The National Black Nurses Association- Western MA Chapter

https://www.nbna.org/about https://www.nbna.org/AF_MemberCommittee.asp?committeeid=63

The National Black Nurses Association was organized in 1971 in Tuskegee, Alabama and represents approximately 200,000 African American nurses from the USA, Canada, Eastern Caribbean and Africa, with 115 chartered chapters nationwide. The NBNA mission is to provide a forum for collective action by African American nurses to represent and provide a forum for black nurses to advocate for and implement strategies to ensure access to the highest quality of healthcare for persons of color. NBNA is committed to excellence in education and conducts continuing education programs for nurses and allied health professionals throughout the year. The association provides annual scholarships for students. Dr. Gabrielle Abelard is the UMass faculty advisor: gabelard [at] umass [dot] edu.

National Association of Hispanic Nurses
https://nahnnet.org/
Western Mass Chapter https://www.facebook.com/NAHNWMASS/

The NAHN-WMASS Chapter promotes nursing leadership of Hispanic nurses through healthcare awareness, advocacy, collaboration, and educational advancement. Competent quality healthcare is delivered through community partnerships who pledge to promote health equity within the Hispanic communities in Western Massachusetts. Our mission is to empower Hispanic nurses to improve the health and well-being of individuals, groups, and communities by the use of action-based, culturally sensitive, evidence-based nursing practices. We welcome membership participation from students in the effort to reduce health disparities and improve healthcare outcomes for culturally diverse populations.

National Student Nurses’ Association and UMass Student Nurses’ Association
https://www.nsna.org

The National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) is an organization that was established in 1952, with the assistance of the American Nurses Association and the National League for Nursing, to prepare nursing students to be active nurse leaders and participants in their professional organizations. NSNA strives to provide the opportunities necessary to explore and understand the many different aspects of the nursing profession. Through the guidance of prominent nursing leaders and peers from around the country, students will learn self- governance, advocacy for student rights and the rights of patients and to take collective, responsible action on vital social and political issues. Membership in NSNA is voluntary and is open to all nursing students.

The Student Nurses’ Association (SNA), a chapter of the national association, is a UMass registered student organization (RSO) that has been formed in conjunction with the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing at UMass. SNA was developed to meet the needs and goals of student nurses while enabling them to grow socially and professionally. The SNA is a very active organization focused on leadership and fellowship. In a community-focused atmosphere, SNA allows the student to explore the many aspects of the nursing profession. All nursing students at the university are encouraged to participate actively in SNA. Students are able to learn leadership and organizational skills, which are expected in the practice of professional nursing. Several programs that SNA has sponsored throughout the years have gained the support of the student body and have contributed to the ongoing success of this organization within the Commonwealth and nationally. There are biweekly SNA meetings in Skinner Hall. The faculty sponsor for 2023-2024 is Dr. Kristy Pereira, kpereira [at] nursing [dot] umass [dot] edu

Sigma Theta Tau International
https://www.sigmanursing.org/

Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), Honor Society of Nursing, was founded in 1922 by six nursing students at Indiana University. Sigma Theta Tau International now is the second largest nursing organization in the United States and among the five largest and most prestigious in the world. Sigma Theta Tau was organized to encourage and recognize superior scholarship and leadership achievement at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Nursing. Membership is available by invitation through active chapters and assumes acceptance of the purposes of the society and responsibility to participate in achieving the goals consistent with the professional and scholastic character of Sigma Theta Tau. The Beta Zeta-At-Large Chapter at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst was established in 1972 as the fifty-second chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. It amended its charter in 2002 to include affiliation with Elms College, Chicopee, MA. In 2006 the chapter again amended its charter to include American International College in Springfield MA and later, Westfield State University Westfield, MA. It is committed to serving its growing membership in the development of knowledge, encouragement of professional achievement and the advancement of nursing through research. Membership is conferred upon students in baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs and nursing leaders in the community, who demonstrate exceptional achievement in the nursing profession. Membership is by invitation and takes place in the fall semester for those students at the junior and senior level. Membership criteria and further information are available on the website.

Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Alumni Association

Every graduate of a nursing program of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing is automatically a member of the college Alumni Association. The Association’s Board of Directors is a group of tremendously enthusiastic and loyal alumni engaged in many different areas of nursing. Nancy Thompson is the current chair of the association. Each year, the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing organizes several events to provide opportunities for alumni networking. One such event is our annual luncheon during Homecoming Weekend, which includes an exciting and timely educational program as well as the presentation of Outstanding Alumni Achievement awards. The Alumni Association is an important vehicle that creates and sustains alumni support, enthusiasm and participation essential for promoting the college’s mission, “To provide an affordable and accessible education to enhance health and healing through nursing leadership in teaching, scholarship, practice and service.”

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Student Participation in Governance

As stated in the Faculty By-Laws, there is student representation on various committees. The student representatives on these committees are elected by their peers. Although each committee has a specific number of students in voting positions, committees welcome any additional student(s) who wish to attend the meetings. Student representatives are available to their classmates to answer questions and/or hear concerns to be presented at committee meetings. Elected students are representatives with voting privileges on the committees on which they serve including:

• Committee on Undergraduate Academic Matters  (Undergraduate Curriculum) 
• Committee on Master's Academic  Matters (Graduate Curriculum)
• Committee on Doctor of Nursing Practice Academic Matters (Graduate Curriculum)
• Committee on PhD Academic Matters (Graduate Curriculum) 
• Committee on Faculty and Student  Matters 
• Committee on Diversity and Social  Justice 

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