Making your freshman year a success
- Orientation
- Courses
- Placement tests
- Computer purchases
- UMass pass
- Car on campus?
- Advisors
- Not sure about your major?
- Finding help
- General education
Orientation
The two-day orientation session during the summer will give you information and advice about UMass Dartmouth and college life. Workshops cover topics such as dealing with roommates and study skills. You'll discuss subjects ranging from diversity on campus, to drugs and drinking, to managing your time well; sophomores, juniors, and seniors are on hand as orientation leaders.
For families of incoming freshmen, there is a one-day session with programs on topics such as financial aid and the changes students go through during their first year in college.
Courses
A key part of orientation is the selection of your courses. You'll meet with a faculty advisor who can guide you on academic and career questions, and you will receive your schedule of first semester courses.
Programs of study vary with a student’s major. But there are a number of courses in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences which first-year students frequently take, so you'll meet many other freshmen your first year.
Placement tests
Before orientation, you will take placement tests in math and English. All students take a class in each subject, and the tests help determine the level that's most appropriate for you.
Computer purchases
Computing and Information Technology Services (CITS) provides guidelines to assist students who plan to purchase a computer. Some colleges (Business, Visual & Performing Arts) also provide specific recommendations for laptops.
UMass Pass
Your UMass Pass is your all-purpose ID. It gives you access to your residence hall and other places such as the fitness center and the library (where you'll use it to borrow books and other materials). You can also open an account that lets you use the card rather than cash for purchases, and a number of area stores offer discounts to students with the pass.
Car on campus?
You can bring a car to campus as a freshman. All students with cars must register them with the Public Safety Department; you can pick up your parking decal at the UMass Pass office.
Advisors
UMass Dartmouth’s faculty also serve as student advisors. You'll first meet a faculty advisor during orientation, who can answer questions you may have on your assigned courses. Then, throughout your time here, a professor from your college is your assigned advisor: someone with whom to discuss your choice of courses, career plans, the requirements for your degree, and difficulties you may be facing. You see your advisor before each semester for an okay on your course schedule.
Not sure about your major?
Many college freshmen aren't sure about a major, so we have a "social sciences/humanities unspecified" program. Your courses, selected by the Academic Advising Center faculty, will encompass a range of disciplines. You have the time and opportunity to decide what area most appeals to you, so you can select a more specific major by your junior year.
Getting help
When you need help, there are people who can answer your questions and steer you in the right direction.
At the Academic Advising Center, faculty and staff can help you on all sorts of issues, academic and otherwise.
The Academic Resource Center is the place for help with writing papers, understanding course material, preparing for exams, improving study skills and tutoring.
Visit the Admissions student services page for descriptive information about many of our student services; the student affairs page also offers links to a variety of services and resources.
General education
The general education program at UMass Dartmouth gives students a solid foundation in areas such as computer literacy, communication skills, and global awareness. Through “Gen Ed,” you study a range of subjects, learn how to examine issues thoughtfully, and develop ethical, socially responsible attitudes.
