The University of Massachusetts Amherst

Fall 2022 RAPs for First-Year Students 

With a freshman class of approximately 5000 students, we strive to offer a variety of options that meet the diversity of interests of all incoming students. RAPs are located in most first-year residence halls in five residential areas. 

"This class has been a good introduction into college. The instructor is open and approachable if any issues or questions arise during lecture or after lecture. The workload as well is just the right amount to help me adjust into the college setting." 

 Fall 2020 RAP Student

Animated image of students studying with questions about joining a RAP. Which RAPs am I eligible to join? Who do I want to live & study with? What courses am I interested in? Where do I want to live?

Program Eligibility
Find which programs you're eligible to join using this chart.  

RAPs by Location
Review this document to see where each RAP is located on campus organized by residential area and residence hall. 

Course List  for Gen Ed RAPs
Each Gen Ed RAP has a designated course. You can review the comprehensive list to see which courses spark your interest, which RAP the course is affiliated with, and which residence hall students will live in together.

RAP classes may be located in the residence hall where the RAP is located, in a nearby residence hall or in a main campus classroom.

Gen Ed RAPs 

Are open to ALL first-year students, these RAPs are a wonderful choice if you are interested in taking a small class with people from a variety of majors (including undeclared) who live in the same residence hall.

All Gen Ed RAPs include a:

  • General Education (Gen Ed) course that will enable you to explore
  • new and interesting ideas while moving forward in meeting your
  • university Gen Ed requirements.
  • Designated residence hall where you will have the opportunity to
  • participate in various activities and events designed to enhance your experience and deepen your connection with your RAP peers.

Generating Pathways to Success (GPS)
In the fall semester, students in Gen Ed RAPs will attend a “GPS Event” where they will be introduced to and have an opportunity to engage with topics that are integral to their college success.

Fall 2022 Gen Ed RAPs:

These RAPs are by Invitation:

College/School RAPs

Are open to students within a specific collegiate unit. There are three types of RAPs that fall under this category College Connect, Majors, and Honors RAPs

College Connect RAPs are open to both declared and undeclared students within the given collegiate unit and include:

  • A 1-credit first-year seminar (capacity of 19 or fewer students) AND
  • Designated residence hall

Fall 2022 Connect RAPs:

Majors RAPs are open to students entering in specific declared majors. Students in Major RAPs often have an opportunity to meet faculty and learn about research opportunities and include:

  • Enrollment in at least one small section of a course and/or seminar AND
  • Designated residence hall

Fall 2022 Majors RAPs:

RAPs for Commonwealth Honors College Students

Programs

University of Massachusetts Amherst
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