Frequently Asked Questions
Admission
Departmental Honors
Capstone Experience: Getting Started
Capstone Exprience: Finishing Up
Commonwealth College Graduation Clearance
Community Service Learning
Research: Human Subject Testing
Transfer Student FAQ
Admission
Why Commonwealth "College"?
In 1996, the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education determined to
institute a new "public honors college" serving top high school graduates
from across the Commonwealth. This new college would be located on the
Amherst campus and would replace the University's long-established honors "program." It
would be called " Commonwealth College."
Like other colleges within the larger University, Commonwealth College
has a dean, instead of a program director. Though most honors courses
are still taught within regular academic departments, Commonwealth College
faculty now direct and teach specially designed interdisciplinary honors
courses. Finally, as a college, ours offers students a number of residential
living options or "Learning Communities."
Primarily, though, Commonwealth College is distinguished by 1) the
depth and breadth of its course offerings, 2) its greatly expanded advising
and support services, covering such areas as national scholarships, research
opportunities, community service, and local, national as well as international
exchange, and 3) the involvement of students in all aspects of college
operations and governance through the highly respected Student Advisory
Board.
Can I graduate with honors from UMass Amherst and not be a member of
Commonwealth College?
Yes, students may receive Latin honors (cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude) based upon their final cumulative GPA and college/school class rank. Please see the UG Registrar's site for further details.
I'm a newly accepted transfer student at UMass Amherst. Can I join Commonwealth College?
See our Transfer Student FAQ.
Departmental Honors (DH)
Where do I start for Departmental Honors?
Consult the Departmental Honors section of our web site for information about DH tracks. You must have a declared major before you may declare a DH track.
Capstone Experience: Getting Started
What's the difference between a Course Capstone and an Independent Capstone?
A helpful metaphor is a tour bus vs. a motorcycle. The Course Capstone (tour bus) offers a structured classroom environment with a defined syllabus and topic taught by an instructor. Research is conducted in a group environment based upon the instructor's topic and guidance. Course Capstones and registration instructions can be found listed in our on-line Honors Course Guide.
An Independent Capstone (motorcycle) offers students an independent study approach with the student selecting and negotiating a topic with a Capstone guidance committee comprised of two faculty members. Independent Capstones are registered using the Independent Capstone Contract on our FORMS web page.
Students in both Capstone options produce a Capstone manuscript which details the goals, methodology and outcomes of their research. For more details, see the Capstone Experience section of our web site
How do I go about finding a topic for an Independent Capstone?
Consider doing research on a topic you are curious or passionate about. Or assess your preparation for grad school or a career and consider doing research in an area you are weak in. Another option is to assist a professor with his/her own professional research.
We further encourage you to consider research which may benefit others as well as yourself, such as a community service research project.
How do I find faculty to serve on my Independent Capstone committee?
A good place to start is to speak to professors you may have had for other coursework and who have an interest or expertise in your topic area. You could also consult Departmental Honors Coordinators for assistance identifying appropriate faculty.
Can I choose anyone to serve on my Independent Capstone guidance committee or must I have faculty from my major and the Commonwealth College office?
Please read the Capstone Guidance Committee section on our web site for details regarding committee member criteria.
Can I do my Capstone Experience during a summer/winter session or all in one semester?
Yes if it is an Independent Capstone and your guidance committee approves your time frame. Be advised that Continuing Education registration fees will apply for summer and winter session enrollment.
Course Capstones are generally not offered during summer/winter sessions but may be offered as a one-semester 6 or 7 credit option. You'll find them listed in our onine Honors Course Guide.
I'm going abroad in my senior year; what are my Capstone Experience options?
If you are studying abroad for a full year, plan to complete your Capstone Experience in your Junior year. If you will be gone only one semester, you may complete your Capstone during your Junior year or negotiate a one-semester 6-credit Capstone in your Senior year for the semester you will be on the UMass campus.
What's the latest I can hand in my contract and proposal for registration for an Independent Capstone?
You may submit your contract and proposal through the end of the Add/Drop period for the semester in which you wish to be enrolled.
If I'm already working in a lab, and wish to continue the resesarch for my Independent Capstone, what do I have to do?
You must complete the Independent Capstone Contract (on our Forms web page) and attach a proposal for the six credits of research you intend to do. You must also establish a Capstone faculty guidance committee according to the guidelines in the Capstone Experience section of our web site
Can I use my summer lab research for an Independent Capstone if it was not conducted at UMass Amherst?
If your research was not supervised and graded by a UMass Amherst faculty member, then the likelihood is no. But you should discuss your particular situation with a Commonwealth College advisor.
How will my Capstone be graded if it's a two-semester Capstone?
Please review our CE Grading web page for the grading options for Course and Independent Capstones. (Note: the web page information is directed to faculty).
Capstone Experience: Finishing Up
Do I have to submit a CE manuscript to the Commonwealth College office?
Only if you are seeking honors distinction. In addition to submitting the CE manuscript you must also:
- Satisfactorily complete of all Commonwealth College requirements
- Have a minimum 3.400 cumulative GPA
- Have a minimum B+ grade for each of your Capsteon Experiences
- Have a minimum B+ grade for the final assignment for the Course Capstone option
If you receive less than a B+ for any of the grades, you do NOT need to submit a CE manuscript to the Commonwealth College office.
How long must my Capstone manuscript be?
Capstone manuscripts will vary in length based upon the topic, content, and expectations of your guidance committee. For content guidelines please see our Capstone Documentation web page
My Course Capstone was a film project. What do I submit for archiving in the W.E.B DuBois library?
You are required to submit any "artifact" such as a video, CD, or screenplay along with your Capstone manuscript if the artifact was the focus of your Capstone project.
Artifacts must be accompanied by a manuscript of at least 5-10 pages. Refer to our Project documentation and formatting guidelines.
How do I format the title page and abstract?
The title and abstract pages must be formatted according to the Commonwealth College formatting guidelines.
Where do I start the page numbering?
Do not number the title or abstract pages. Begin your numbering on whatever page comes after the abstract page.
How do I format charts/page numbers/citations/etc. in the main body of my manuscript?
If your department has a preferred style (MLA, Chicago , Latex, etc.) you may use those guidelines. Alternately our web site describes general formatting guidelines which should be followed for the body of your manuscript.
Am I supposed to have an oral defense?
If you are enrolled in an Independent Capstone we expect that your committee will require some kind of oral defense. Your committee members should discuss this with you; it may be formal or informal at their discretion. Students enrolled in a Course Capstone will generally be expected to give a formal presentation to their classmates at the conclusion of their research.
My CE instructor, chairperson or committee member is unavailable to evaluate my work/sign my paperwork. What should I do?
You should have a discussion with your instructor, chairperson or committee member to negotiate an acceptable solution. In emergency situations, signatures by proxy are acceptable with written notification to the Commonwealth College office, from the instructor who is unable to sign (email notification to our office is acceptable). Typically the other committee member, Chair of the Department or DH Coordinator is acceptable as a proxy.
I can't complete my CE coursework by the final grade deadline. What should I do?
Discuss your situation with your CE instructor or chairperson & committee member; alert the Commonwealth College office so we can note it in your file. In extenuating circumstances your professor may grant an INC. If so, please provide the Commonwealth College office with a signed "INC" contract which should include:
- Clear description of remaining requirements
- Timeline/deadline for completion of work
- Notation of current grade status prior to completion of work
- Signature of instructor or committee chair & member and student, with the date
Do I have to submit my CE materials in person? Can I have my instructor or friend deliver them? Or mail them?
We recommend that you deliver your materials in person since we can immediately review your materials and alert you to any problems that need your attention prior to your leaving campus. We also recommend that you email yourself a copy of your manuscript prior to submitting your materials to our office. This will facilitate easy retrieval/revision/reprinting here in the office in the event we do discover problems.
I won't be able to submit my CE materials by the last day of final exams. Can I turn them in late and still graduate with my class?
You will have approximately one month after the deadline to submit your materials and still be eligible to graduate with your original Class year. After that your graduation clearance may have to be moved to the to the next appropriate grad clearance cycle (Feb, May or Sept). (See question above if the delay is caused by incomplete coursework.)
After I've submitted my CE materials what happens next?
After final grades have been posted on SPIRE we review your file for honors clearance and notify you and the UG Records office of your honors clearance status. The UG Registrars office will then notify you of your UMass graduation status. Diplomas usually follow within 2 months. Make certain you have an accurate mailing address listed on SPIRE for our use! Please continue to read your @student email accounts for a period of about 4 months following graduation in the event any office at UMass is attempting to communicate with you.
Commonwealth College Graduation Clearance
How will I know if I'm all set for Commonwealth College graduation clearance?
You may either meet with a ComCol advisor to review your status or wait to receive our honors clearance status letter a month after your final semester grades are posted on SPIRE. Typical problems which hold up honors clearance include INC, NR or Y grades, GPA < 3.200, unfulfilled ComCol course requirements, or lack of submission of Capstone Experience materials for Latin honors.
You can help by
- asking your professor(s) to submit missing grades to Whitmore
- informing us if you plan to postpone graduation to do further coursework
- emailing us to request withdrawal from ComCol if you do not intend to complete our requirements
I need to postpone my graduation to take care of outstanding problems (Inc grades, etc). How will you know to clear me for ComCol graduation when my problems are all resolved?
We won't know unless you alert us! Please contact us (email or phone) after you see that SPIRE has recorded all the changes you were awaiting and you are ready for us to resume your honors clearance.
Can I graduate from the University if I haven't finished my ComCol requirements?
Your UMass graduation clearance is dependent upon many factors, including completion of your Commonwealth College requirements. If you do not intend to complete our requirements and want to be cleared for graduation, you will need to notify us to request withdrawal from Commonwealth College.
When I put on my graduation cap and gown, which side does my cap tassel go on?
The tassel is placed on your right hand side and is moved to the left side after your degree is conferred at the UMass commencement ceremony.
Honors Seminar Series
For answers to your questions about the Honors Seminar Series, see the Honors Seminar Series website.
Research
My research involves human subject testing -- are there special rules or forms I need to know about?
Yes, please refer to the University's web site on human subject testing.
Frequently Asked Questions: Transfer Students
Commonwealth College Membership
What is Commonwealth College?
Commonwealth College (ComCol) is the honors college for the University of Massachusetts Amherst. UMass students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.200 are eligible to participate.
What's my current status with Commonwealth College?
Incoming transfer students are eligible for ComCol membership if they have
- completed at least two 12-credit semesters at their previous school
- achieved a 3.200 semester and cumulative GPA for each 12-credit semester completed at their previous school
If you meet this criteria, you may receive a ComCol membership invitation in your UMass acceptance letter. Concurrently you will be coded in the Registrar's database as a member of ComCol, subject to our requirements. We do this to facilitate honors course registration during New Students Orientation.
If you wish to stay a member of ComCol, you must confirm your participation by signing and submitting to our office a "Commonwealth College Contract." Contract signing sessions are typically held during New Students Orientation and the first two weeks of the semester. Check our Events Calendar for session dates and times.
If you do not wish to participate in ComCol, you must request withdrawal from Commonwealth College via email, phone or in-person to avoid subsequent problems with your UMass Amherst graduation clearance. See our Contacts page for email and phone information.
What are the requirements for Commonwealth College?
The standard program requires eight honors courses, with grades of "B" or better, combined with a cumulative GPA of 3.200. Full details can be found in the requirements section of our website.
Please note that transfer students are frequently eligible for adjustments to our standard requirements due to advanced credit standing. You should speak with a Commonwealth College advisor as soon as possible to discuss your situation. Bring along your Transfer Credit Evaluation to assist with the review.
How do I benefit from ComCol membership?
Three of the obvious benefits of membership are:
- enhanced preparation for graduate school or a career via small honors courses and research opportunities
- higher honors credentialing upon graduation (i.e., Commonwealth Honors with distinction, great distinction or greatest distinction) awarded solely to graduates of Commonwealth College)
- scholarships
Many transfer students additionally appreciate the opportunity to design their own honors work via an Honors Independent Study or Independent Capstone Experience. Some enjoy participating in Community Service Learning and Student Advisory Board activities. Others will make their mark working closely with faculty on research projects, followed by participation in the Undergraduate Research Conference held annually.
These are only a few of the many benefits addressed on our website.
Transfer Credit
I have questions regarding my Transfer Credit Evaluation. What should I do?
The majority of transfer courses are frequently accepted toward elective credit rather than being equated to specific UMass Amherst major or General Education requirements. This is because the Transfer Credit Evaluator must initially make determinations based soley upon course titles on your transcript.
If you believe a transfer course might satisfy a specific UMass requirement, you will need to provide a course description or syllabus for further evaluation. If your request pertains to:
- a Gen Ed requirement: present the course description to the Transfer Credit Evaluator in the Undergraduate Admissions office
- a college requirement: present the course description to your Academic Dean's office
- a major requirement: present the course description to the Chief Undergraduate Advisor for your major
Advising
Who is my advisor? Where is s/he?
UMass Amherst has a tiered advising system; each student has several advisors assigned to help with various categories of requirements:
- University requirements: see the Undergraduate Records Office in Whitmore Administration Bldg.
- College requirements: see the Academic Dean's advising office for the college of your major (e.g., College of Arts and Sciences for English, School of Management for Accounting)
- Major requirements: see the Chief Undergraduate Advisor in your major department (e.g., English, Accounting)
- Commonwealth College requirements: see an honors advisor in Commonwealth College, 504 Goodell.
You may start at the Commonwealth College office if you aren't sure where to begin!
Make sure to schedule a visit with your ComCol and Departmental advisors. October is a nice time to make an appointment as there are fewer students in the office and advisors are able to focus more of their time on you.
Honors Courses
How do I know which honors courses to take?
A consultation with an honors advisor during your New Student Orientation will help you determine which honors courses are appropriate for your interests, academic plans and goals.
Two considerations when selecting honors courses are:
- which courses will satisfy your remaining Commonwealth College requirements
- which type of honors course best suits your needs: honors, seminar, honors colloquia, honors independent study, etc.
Prior to meeting with an honors advisor, we recommend that you read more about the various types of honors courses
How do I find an honors course?
Start with our online Honors Course Guide (HCG). This is a searchable database of courses offered as honors. Initially search for courses that you need to complete for your major or Gen Ed requirements. You may also register for honors courses for elective credit. Once you've found a course, proceed to the SPIRE database to register or follow alternate instructions listed in the HCG course description.
Must I take an honors course each semester?
Not necessarily. You may adjust your schedule as necessary to accommodate other interests such as internships or extra-curricular activities. Just plan ahead to avoid a backlog of requirements in your final two semesters and stay in touch with your advisors.
How hard are honors courses?
The challenge of an honors course will vary with its content and professor, but the focus of honors work is enrichment through engagement vs. difficulty. Honors courses may not be any more difficult than their non-honors counterparts but the benefits are great!
Honors courses offer students the opportunity to engage in active learning in a class of 25 or fewer students. Oftentimes research opportunities and an increased level of faculty mentoring are provided beyond those in non-honors courses.
What is the Capstone Experience requirement?
The Capstone Experience (CE) is a six or more credit research requirement normally completed in the senior year. You may choose from an Independent Capstone or Course Capstone. Each leads to a research manuscript in the form of a traditional thesis or a project manuscript with accompanying artifact(s). For details see the Capstone Experience section of our website.
How do I participate in the five college system?
By doing a cross registration, students can take courses and receive credit for courses at Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mt. Holyoke, or Smith College. To get help with this, you can meet with an advisor at ComCol.
Services and Resources
Where can I purchase textbooks ?
Students can purchase books at designated locations: Textbook Annex, Amherst Books, Food for Thought, and/or Jeffrey Amherst Books. Otherwise you can find books online at efollet.com, amazon.com, etc.
What does the library have to offer besides books?
Students can use library resources:
- Learning Commons (basement)
- Reserves for courses (3rd floor)
- Best view of campus & sunset/sunrise (23rd floor)
- Procrastination Station: coffee, pastries, fruit, etc.
- 100 free prints from library computers ($5 on your UCard for this)
Are their any places on campus to practice my instrument?
Goodell building is open until 9pm. If there are no programs happening students are welcome to use the space to practice. There are also rooms in the Fine Arts Center (FAC). You just look at the signup sheets outside the door and get a spot where no one is signed up.
Are there other places on campus, besides the library, that I can access computers ?
There are many locations on campus that provide quick computer access:
- You can use OIT computer kiosks placed around campus: multiple labs in the library, laptops that you can sign out, Bartlett Hall, Lederle Graduate Research Tower, Fine Arts Center, Thompson Hall, Goodell Bldg, and Whitmore Administration Building.
- The Learning Commons in the library has a lot more space than it seems. If you go either left or right and go all the way down, you will see more computers that are available.
- Specific floors in the library have computer labs. Look on the index in the elevators to see which floors have labs.
Where can I find wireless internet access?
There are many Wi-Fi hot spots around campus:
- On Campus: Dining Commons, Newman Center, Campus Center, Library, most academic buildings, North apartments, etc.
- In Town: Starbuck's, Bart's Homemade Ice-Cream, Rao's Coffee, and more.
How do I figure out how to use all of the school's computer programs: OWL, Spark, OIT software, etc.?
Go to OIT to see if they have software and programs for free or at a discounted rate. You can get free security software and free copies of Microsoft Office programs right off of their website. Otherwise, approach ComCol with your concerns, and they could ask OIT to provide a tutorial on all of the programs.
Do the ATMs on campus charge fees?
ATMs on campus do charge fees.
Do I have to pay to ride the bus?
Ride the bus! Buses on campus are free with provided you have your ID card; the fee is already worked into your bursar's bill, so use it! You can find the UMass Transit schedule and times online at: http://www.umass.edu/transit.
How do I get help finding a post-graduation job?
Career services is located in 511 Goodell. Advisors there will assist you with resume writing, internship and co-op information, job searching, interviewing skills, and self assessment.
Housing and Social Activities
How do I meet other ComCol students?
By participating in student programs such as Pizza & Prof, Weekly Wednesday Workshops, Sweet Tooth Soiree, Film Series, and Faculty Lectures, you will it very easy to meet other ComCol students. Also, most of these programs provide food from local vendors! In addition, you can get to know other students in your honors courses.
How can I find out about housing options off-campus?
See Commuter Services and Housing Resource Center.
How can I find out about activities in the area?
Check out the Amherst Chamber of Commerce website.
Where should I eat?
In Town:
- Antonio's: Awesome pizza and crazy toppings. Open late!
- Amherst Brewing Company: Local brewery and restaurant. Live jazz on 1st and 3rd Monday of every month.
- Amherst Coffee: Inexpensive and relaxed. Live jazz every Thursday
- The Lone Wolf: Breakfast at its best! (Next to Amherst Town Hall)
- Rt. 9 Diner: So many different choices. Open 24 hours.
- Panda East: Excellent Vegetarian options as well as the classics.
On Campus:
- Franklin, Worcester, Berkshire, and Hampshire Dining Halls
- Student Union: EarthFoods Café, People's Market, The Hatch
- Campus Center: Blue Wall, Pita Pit, Café Talesai
- Whitmore Administration Building: Whitmore Café
- Newman Center: Newman Center Café
- Greeno Sub Shop: Basement of Greenough Hall in Central
- Sweets and More!: Field dorm in Orchard Hill
What can I do for fun?
Off Campus:
- Puffer's Pond: Swimming, small beach, walking trails. It is located off of Pine Street in Amherst
- The Holyoke Range: Great hiking! Along Rts 116 and 47
- Iron Horse, Pearl Street Ballroom, The Calvin: Concert venues in Northampton Center
- Look Park: Bumper boats, paddle boat, tennis courts, etc. Located in Northampton
On Campus:
- Mullin's Center: Free ice skating at designated times. See the rink schedule: http://www.mullinscenter.com/ice_rink.html
- The Grad Lounge: Located across from the Blue Wall in the Campus Center
- Coffee House: Sponsored by RSO's, like Greeno Sub Shop
- Student Union: Craft Center, Union Billiards
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