History of RAP
The concept of Residential Academic Programs has served students at UMass Amherst since 1964. Webster Hall, with its great expansive glass windowed classroom, served as the “RAP classroom” for many years, with courses hosted by the Faculty in Residence members who lived there for years. Though the program has changed over the years to stay contemporary with UMass students' needs and evolving organizational structures, one thing remains constant: having students take classes with a small group of residential peers, taught by an instructor who cares deeply about their experience and their success, has been a recipe for long lasting positive impact.
Students from the 1960's learning in the Webster Hall classroom
In Their Own Words
For years, students have remarked about the value that being in a RAP has added to their UMass Amherst experience. At such a large institution, RAP helps students make connections right away and be introduced to staff, instructors, and peers who care about their success, challenge their ideas in and out of the classroom, and learn about integral campus resources designed to help them meet their goals.
Students who have participated in a RAP have said:
“I didn't have any trouble settling into college life because I had such a great group of friends living not even twenty feet away from my room. It was always a great bonding experience to go to classes, study, and write papers together, and I would 100% recommend that a new first-year student join a RAP that interests them.”
“Having all of us in a class together and live on the same floor created a strong sense of community throughout the group. It was nice to have something in common with most of the people on your floor because it creates a common ground for everyone to bond about.”
“I really enjoy the community aspect of the RAP course. The instructor is very kind and is very knowledgeable in the field. What's normally a large lecture course has been condensed into a class of thirty students. It makes class more intimate and facilitates class discussion better. It also helps that we all live on the same floor. We have been able to bond over this course together and we are able to help each other out when we are struggling.”
“I always had my RAP as the foundation for the house that I would build for myself at UMass and I’m so happy I did it!”
RAP Goals
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Support students in achieving a smooth transition to college life
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Provide students with the opportunity to develop lasting connections with their peers and RAP instructors
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Inform students of the resources and opportunities that are available at UMass Amherst
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Help students embrace the relationship between healthy living strategies and academic and personal success
- Guide students in the development of various skills to achieve success in college and beyond