What are Residential Academic Programs (RAPs)? 

Residential Academic Programs are small communities of first year and transfer students, who live in the same residence and enroll in the same course together. For more than 50 years, Residential Academic Programs (RAPs) have supported incoming students as they begin their college careers. RAP has grown and changed over the years, but students joining a RAP have always benefited from having a small community on a large campus.  

RAP Goals

• Support students in achieving a smooth transition to college life. 
• Provide students with the opportunity to develop lasting connections with their peers and RAP instructors. 
• Inform students of the multitude of resources and opportunities that are available at UMass Amherst. 
• Help students embrace the relationship between healthy living strategies and academic and personal success.  
• Guide students in the development/advancement of various skills to achieve success in college and beyond. 

RAP Programming

In the fall semester, students who choose to participate in a RAP will live together in the same residence hall and enroll in at least one RAP course together.

RAPs vary by structure, and some RAPs are reserved for students who meet certain eligibility criteria. Students can choose a RAP based on: 

• Their major 
• An interest in the course subject  
• Their preferred residence hall 

Review full program details on the First-Year RAPs page.  

During some spring semesters, first-year students have an opportunity to enroll in a General Education course sponsored by Student Success Academic Programs. 

Every RAP course enrolls up to 30 students and integrates the RAP goals highlighted above.