Book Navigation Links
Getting Started
- See the main office Paige Lab room 208 for how to get a key to your building (Paige, Bowditch, and Fernald) and the lab you will primarily be using.
- International students: Contact the International Programs Office (IPO) as soon as you have arrived on campus, and make an appointment to meet with an IPO advisor.
- Get a “UCard” campus ID from Whitmore Room 168. Start at the UCard website.
- You will receive a "NetID" and password from OIT (Office of Information Technologies), Log into SPIRE, our student information system, where you can change your password and update your personal information, including preferred first name and pronouns. Class rosters and other important documents use your SPIRE information, so it is a good idea to make corrections to your personal information before joining our campus.
- Share your email address with Sara Kelley, the Graduate Program Director Assistant in Paige Room 201, and with your faculty advisor. You will want to check your UMass email address daily as all official University correspondence will be sent there.
- If you are receiving a stipend, see Sara Kelley in Paige 201 to sign paperwork so you can start getting paid.
- IMPORTANT: Payment of your stipend may be contingent upon the University receiving a complete record of vaccination, including for TB. Contact University Health Services: https://www.umass.edu/uhs/ and provide your proof of vaccination or make an appointment to receive vaccination as soon as you arrive on campus.
- Sign up for and attend a lab safety training session with Environmental Health and Safety. For more information please contact Samantha Glaze-Corcoran.
- Discuss planned courses and timing for your degree with your advisor.
- More places on campus you may want to check out:
- Campus Center for UMass Store and Blue Wall Café
- UMass Dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner commons
- Peoples Market for snacks and coffee
- Recreation Center for gym membership
- Mullins Center for hockey, basketball games and shows
- University Health Services for doctor appointments.
- Useful University links: