Student Success
The Student Success Department is here for you, no matter where you are on your journey through higher education. Follow us on Instagram @successumass for everything from reminders and upcoming events to recipes and resources.
Newsletter for First-Generation Students
The first-gen newsletter is a digital “care package” for first-generation students at UMass Amherst. Look for one in your inbox at the beginning and end of each semester. Tailored toward your experience as a first-generation college student, the digital care packages include helpful resources, upcoming events, digital giveaways, media recommendations, and important information about what’s happening on campus.
First-Generation Events
We take every chance we get to celebrate the first-gen presence on campus. Some examples include First Connections, an annual event at the start of each school year for first-gen storytelling and resource sharing, and National First-Generation Celebration Day (which we turn into a week of celebration).
I AM FIRST-GEN Giveaways
When weather permits, you’ll find the Student Success team tabling around campus with goodie bags and giveaways. We have first-gen T-shirts and other branded items, plus current news on upcoming events and resources just for first-gen students. Follow the Student Success Instagram account @successumass for updates on where we’ll be. In the meantime, stop by 602A in the Goodell Building to grab a first-gen sticker, magnet, and/or button for your college SWAG collection.
Glossary of Terms
The last thing we want any student to be worrying about is the meaning of academic terms. Check out our glossary of terms for a full definition of terms like “Add/Drop” (and please write to us if what you’re looking for isn’t there - studentsuccess@umass.edu).
SAM (Smart About Money)
SAM is a financial wellness program serving UMass students. SAM can help you with personal finance planning, strategies for budgeting and saving, FAFSA completion, and more. SAM’s Peer Financial Coaches are available to meet for half-hour coaching sessions in person or via Zoom. Schedule a session on Navigate.
Follow SAM on Instagram for constant tips, tools, and resources for managing your financial wellness @umasssam, and listen to the special SAM episode on the Student Success podcast, Trajectory.
For more financial wellness resources, check out the SAM Financial Wellness Roadmap and the SAM resources page, where you’ll find links to our Financial Aid Office, Bursar’s Office, the Dean of Students Office (DOSO), job boards, and so much more.
If you are in need of immediate support, please reach out to us at studentsuccess@umass.edu - we can assist in connecting you to Dean of Students Office, where you can find support if you are experiencing food, financial, and/or housing insecurity (like student care supply closets, short term loans, microgrants, and more).
