UMass Amherst

Student Advising Information

Admission

If you have been invited to join Commonwealth College, the honors college at UMass Amherst, we’d like to congratulate you. Commonwealth College gives you a chance to take smaller classes, interact more closely with faculty, and graduate magna or summa cum laude (with high or highest honors).* If you were not invited based on your high school record, you will become eligible to join as soon as you earn a 3.200 or higher grade point average at UMass Amherst, and we hope that you’ll join us then.

* [Note: Graduation magna or summa cum laude is only possible through the completion of Commonwealth College requirements. Graduation cum laude (with honors) is the highest honor that may be earned without completing Commonwealth College requirements.]

Choosing Courses

As you’re choosing your courses, keep in mind that you are in Commonwealth College as well as another academic department (so you also have a major or are undeclared just like all other UMass students). To find out more about Commonwealth College’s requirements and opportunities, view www.comcol.umass.edu and explore the links under “For Current Students.”

Requirements

As a Commonwealth College student, you are advised to take the following during your first year:

  • An Honors General Education course
  • College Writing at the Honors level (if you are exempt from this requirement, we will consider it fulfilled)
  • The first of three 1-credit Dean’s Book courses (Honors 191D)


Housing Options

Historically, about 70-75 percent of Commonwealth College students choose to live in an academic learning community (either through Commonwealth College, or in a TAP or RAP program) in which they take classes with those on their floor. Students who participate in these programs highly recommend them and report a very positive transition to college life. To find out more about these programs and which learning communities are available, please look here

Special Orientation Programs

We welcome new freshmen with two special programs:

  • Summer Welcome Program: This event immediately precedes your New Students Orientation (which will be scheduled in June or July). The Summer Welcome Program will enable you to find out more about your requirements and meet other incoming Commonwealth College students. For more information, please view http://www.comcol.umass.edu/summerwelcome/

 

  • Labor Day Orientation: Save the date! Commonwealth College will be holding our seventh annual Labor Day Orientation Friday, August 31 to Saturday, September 1, 2006. This program will enable you to move to campus early and become better acquainted with Commonwealth College and other UMass Amherst resources. To find out more, view  http://www.comcol.umass.edu/ldo/