Academic Advisors
Academic Advisors are faculty and staff who support your success through academic planning, connections, and resources that help chart your pathway to graduation.
Talk to academic advisors about:
- Your transition to UMass Amherst
- Creating an academic plan
- Classes and academic strategies
- Planning short- and long-term goals
- Campus resources and opportunities to get involved
- Degree requirements and academic policies
UMass Amherst Academic Advising Mission Statement
At the University of Massachusetts Amherst, academic advising is a collaborative process with students that engages them in learning and self-discovery, as well as intellectual and personal growth. Members of the advising community guide students to develop an individualized plan that will allow them to reach their evolving academic, career, and personal goals. Our advising practices prioritize student wellbeing and equitable access to meaningful opportunities and resources.
Instructors & Teaching Assistants
Course instructors are experts in their field and can be a powerful resource to you. Build relationships with your instructors and TAs by paying attention during class, participating in class conversation, and visiting during office hours. Use office hours as a time to share what you’re struggling with, what you’re enjoying, and what you want to know more about.
Peer Leaders
Peer Mentors, tutors, and Peer Advisors are student leaders committed to helping you figure out how to be the best student possible. Be sure to talk to peer leaders about what strategies they recommend, what campus resources they’ve used, and what information they think you need to know.
Learning Resource Center (LRC)
The Learning Resource Center offers academic support through Supplemental Instruction (SI), course tutoring, and study skills tutoring. Staff and students who work in the LRC are trained to provide quality support for your classroom experience and strengthen your academic skills. Visit the LRC website to make an appointment.
Writing Center
The Writing Center is the place to go for all types of writing support. Peer Writing Consultants are undergraduate and graduate students trained to assist with all stages of the writing process. The Writing Center can help with:
- Brainstorming ideas
- Organizing content
- Integrating research
- Polishing a draft
- Citing sources and avoiding plagiarism
- Cover letter and resume editing
Visit the Writing Center website to learn more and schedule a meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Office of Undergraduate Research & Studies (OURS) is a resource for all undergraduate students in all majors who are interested in finding research and scholarly opportunities. OURS Research Mentors are undergraduate students who can talk with you about your interests and help you navigate opportunities. Make an Appointment with an OURS Mentor.
Check your course syllabus. Can’t find your syllabus? Check the course page on Canvas, Moodle, or Blackboard. You can also log into UMass’s online advising and appointment system and send your instructor a message.
An RA is live-in student staff member who can serve as a mentor, campus resource guide, mediator, and residence hall policy monitor for residents. A PM is also a live-in student staff member, but their role is focused on supporting first-year students in their academic success and general transition to UMass. Learn more about the staff in your residence hall.
Your academic advisor is an individual who works in your school or college. They may be a professor who teaches and advises students or a staff member who serves as a professional, full-time advisor. They are your best resource for learning about your degree requirements and navigating your academic plan for graduation. Find your major advising information in the Academics tile on your SPIRE Student Center.
"Success is not a destination. Success is a journey." -Danush Reddy, UMass Amherst Student