Living & Learning
Overview
of First Year Halls and Academic Learning Communities
On This Page
First
Year Residence Halls
Residential Academic Programs (RAPs
General Education RAPs
Commonwealth College
Talent Advancement Program (TAPs)
Isenberg Fellows Program
How do I apply?
First
Year Residence Halls
When you choose to live in a First
Year Hall, everyone around you has similar experiences and
you all jump into the adventure together. You will find easier
ways to get involved with campus activities, to get to know
faculty, and to find leadership opportunities. You will live
in a community where collaboration and mutual support leads
to academic success. You will also have access to the resources
you need when you hit an academic or personal challenge or
you just need a
little advice, and you will become a pro at navigating university
life.
To learn more, visit the Residential
First Year Experience website.
Residential
First Year Experience Academic Learning Communities
Residential Academic Programs (RAPs)
As a first year student, you are encouraged to add an academic component to your Residential First Year Experience (RFYE) by participating in a Residential Academic Program (RAP). RAPs work in concert with the RFYE and together offer a truly rich and broad university experience.
Residential Academic Programs are designed specifically to help first year students in their transition to college by providing unique living and learning opportunities. When you participate in a RAP, you may take one or two of your courses and/or discussion sections in your residential area and live with others who share similar academic interests. At UMass Amherst, and throughout the country, students have found that when they live and study together they do better academically, form lasting friendships, and have a more satisfying college experience. To see a current list and complete description of all RAPs, and to find the program that best fits your interests and goals, visit the RAP website.
General Education RAPs
General Education RAPs are designed for students who want to live with others in their major and for those who want to live with students who have similar interests, whether or not they have declared a major. RAPs cover a wide range of academic interests and are offered in various residence halls across campus. The course selections are very broad, and the majority fulfill university general education requirements. Some RAPs offer one-credit seminars designed to unify the RAP group, enhance academic skills, and help students select a major or confirm their initial choice. RAPs also provide opportunities to make meaningful connections with faculty members.
For students who meet certain criteria, the following RAPs are also an option.
Commonwealth
College Honors RAPs
If you are admitted as a first year honors student, you are welcome to join one of the Commonwealth College Honors RAPs. These interdisciplinary programs are designed to build thriving intellectual communities both inside and outside the classroom. Residents live and study with other highly motivated students and take two classes selected to fulfill both honors and UMass Amherst requirements. In addition to small classes, the programs feature special seminars, field trips, academic enhancement opportunities, and other activities. For more information, visit the Commonwealth College website.
Talent
Advancement Programs (TAPs)
A few departments at UMass Amherst invite incoming first year students to participate in a TAP. Invitations to join these programs are extended in the early spring to those students who meet the criteria for their specific program (as determined by the academic department). When you participate in a TAP, you live and learn with other students in your major. TAPs may also include special faculty seminars and assigned mentors. You will find more detailed information on TAPs on the RAP website.
Isenberg Fellows
Program
This Residential Academic Program is specific to students admitted to the Isenberg School of Management. The program is divided into two areas: Business in Society, and Diversity & International Business. Choosing to be a Fellow provides an opportunity to explore current business issues with a small group of students who live in the same residence hall. All participants enjoy the benefit of faculty mentors, focused activities, shared courses, and an immediate connection to the Isenberg School of Management, where they receive personalized and dedicated attention. You must complete an application to participate in the Isenberg Fellows Program. Visit the School of Management website for an application and complete information.
How do I apply
to live in a First Year Experience Residence Hall or Residential Academic Program (RAP)?
For information on being assigned
to a First Year Residence Hall, see the Housing Assignment
New Undergraduate Students page. If you would like more information about living in a First Year Experience Residence Hall visit the Residential First Year Experience website. If you are interested in joining an Residential Academic Program, please visit the RAP website for details.
Students who wish to join one of these
communities but require accommodations due to mobility or
other disabilities should contact Disability Services at
413-545-0892 for assistance and additional information, as
all such students must first register with Disability Services
in order to qualify for services. Disability Services and
the Housing Assignment Office will work with otherwise qualified
students to accommodate their needs. The University has a
practice of relocating programs and activities when necessary
to make the programs and activities accessible to persons
with disabilities.
