UMass Boston offers a unique experience for students due to its commuter style. In many cases people don’t experience student life the way they might on a campus equipped with dorms. Therefore, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Patrick Day and Kelly Meehan have revamped the back to school ceremonies with two weeks jam-packed with events. According to Kelly Meehan, Special Asst to VC Day, “Getting to know your fellow students, connecting with faculty, staff and administration and becoming familiar with the many resources and services the University offers are so important to your success. We want you to enjoy UMass Boston – which is what Let’s Get it STARTED is all about … to kick off a great year!” Kelly also tells TMM “We want students to know they’ve made the right choice. The new Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Patrick Day, is the impetus behind this new approach. He’s committed to doing everything in Student Affairs bigger and better before. Good enough is no longer the standard that we live by at UMass Boston.”
INFORMATION STATION: Lost? Have questions? Tables staffed by University faculty and staff are located through the campus to assist students. These stations are extremely important to new students. I remember being lost, unable to use the computer systems and just totally bugging, but having these stations around every corner really put my mind at ease. There is no way to prevent the first day of school jitters but these staff members can certainly help, don’t be shy to ask for assistance.
PIT STOP: Stop by for free coffee, bagels, cookies and cider @ Campus Center Upper Level (CC – UL.)I recommend taking UMB up on this offer, because the price for coffee and breakfast on campus is a bit much.
Tuesday Sept. 5:8:00A – 6:00P: Information Station
8:00P – 9:30A: Pit Stop
11:00A-2:00P: JAM’N 94.5 Campus Invasion Tour Music, events and activities with Boston’s Official #1 for Blazin’ Hip Hop and R&B
11:00A-1:00P: UMB Treasure HuntersGot a minute? Take a whirl in the cash box to see how much money you can put your hands on. Can you follow clues? Enter our Treasure Hunters contest for a chance to win an XBOX 360.
12:00P – 1:15P: Harbor CruiseTour the Harbor Islands on our new vessel the Columbia Point @ Fox Point Dock.
8:00A – 6:00P: Taste of Boston Welcome Reception Sample some of Boston’s best food. All students welcome @ M1-W2 – CC2 – CC UL – S2 – Q2
Wednesday Sept. 6:8:00A – 6:00P: Information Station
11:00A – 3:00P: Get the Scoop! Student Services FairJoin us for Snow Cones and learn about all the great services and programs that you will need to succeed! @ CC Terrace.
12:30 / 2:00 / 3:30P: Boston Bike Tours Guided bike tours to Castle Island along the Harborwalk Trail – all equipment provided.
4:30P – 6:30P: Pit Stop
Thursday Sept. 7:8:00A – 6:00P: Information Station
8:00A – 9:30P: Pit Stop
11:00A – 3:00P: You’re Hired! Student Employment Showcase. Learn about great employment opportunities on and off campus @ CC Terrace.
1:00P – 4:00P: Sail Away with MeUMB Sailing Program Open House – Come to the Fox Point Pavilion to take a free sail with the Sailing Program. RelKick back with a smoothie in your hand, the wind in your hair, and the sounds of a Steel Band ringing in your ears.
4:00P – 5:30P: Harbor Cruise Tour the Harbor Islands on our new vessel the Columbia Point @ Fox Point Dock
5:30P – 7:30P: Graduate Student Welcome ReceptionAll graduate students are invited to join the Graduate Student Assembly for a sunset reception at the pavilion with new & old friends, music, food, and spectacular views.
3:30P: Meet Me at the Game Women’s Soccer – Beacons vs. St. Joseph College
7:00P – 12:00P: Colossal Comedy Featuring Godfrey as seen on VH1 & Comedy CentralAfter Party with DJ Massive Hip Hop @ CC Ballroom
Friday Sept. 8:8:00 – 6:00: Information Station
9:00 – 3:00: Good Neighbor DayMake a positive impact in our community! Roll up your sleeves and join us as we work together to make a difference @ CC Lawn.
11:00 – 3:00: Beacons on the Campus Center Plaza Show your school spirit! Games, prizes, giveaways, and more on the plaza. Wearing UMB apparel makes you an instant winner.
11:00 – 3:00: Beacon Fitness Open HouseVisit our fabulous fitness center (free to all students), run a virtual 5K and sign up to win prizes.
5:00 – 9:00: UMass Boston Nights on the Town The Museum of Science: attend a special evening featuring the new exhibit Body Worlds 2. Free admission for all UMB students and free IMAX tickets for the first 150. Discounted parking available. T accessible.