Focus Connections RAP Fall 2013

Undecided? This RAP can help you explore your options!

Focus RAPs are designed for first-year students who enter UMass Amherst without a declared major.

When you join this RAP you will:

Enroll in a unique a 1-credit seminar designed to help you explore a wide range of majors at UMass.
Engage with an academic advisor to identify your interests, strengths, and values in order to pursue your academic goals.
Share your living-and-learning experience with other first-year students who have not yet declared a major. This gives all students in the RAP a chance to get to know each other and take some classes together. It's also a great way to make a successful transition to the academic and social life of the University.

Focus Connections is a great RAP for you if you think you are interested in a major in social sciences, humanities or the arts. It is also a great choice if you have no idea what you may want to major in. The OASIS seminar provides you with an opportunity to confirm an idea you have or to explore and identify various other possibilities. The other classes connected to this RAP will give you an opportunity to learn about different options while completing pre-requisites for some of the majors, and making progress on your University General Education requirements.

In addition to living with students in your classes, all Focus RAP students participate in OASIS First-Year Seminar, a one-credit seminar taught by your academic advisor from the Undergraduate Advising office. In this class you will work closely with your advisor to explore various majors and determine how to best match UMass Amhersts' academic options with your interests and abilities.

The OASIS seminar helps you to identify and refine your personal approaches to learning in a college setting, so you can make efficient use of your study time and get better results. You will also be introduced to the wealth of resources on campus that can assist you with academic, social, and personal issues.

Be sure to visit the How to Join page on this website to learn about the process and important timelines you must follow to become a member of this fantastic program!

Students in a RAP

Classes and Location

Fall 2013

All Focus Connections students will enroll in the following classes:

"College Writing" - English Writing 112 (Gen Ed CW), 3 credits
*In the residential area

AND

"OASIS First-Year Seminar" - UNIV 125 taught on the main campus
AND
A small Gen Ed class in the residential area - SEE CHOICES BELOW, BY LOCATION *

Southwest Area:

Moore Hall
"Human Nature" - Anthropology 100 (Gen Ed SBG), 4 credits
OR

"Social Problems" - Sociology 103 (Gen Ed SBU), 4 credits

Central Area:

Van Meter Hall
"The World & Rising West" - History 111 (Gen Ed SBG), 4 credits

"Introductory Psychology" - Psychology 100 (Gen Ed SB), 4 credits

*Holding a spot in a RAP guarantees you a space in ONE of the associated Gen Ed classes. Registration into the specific classes takes place during NSO and classes are filled on a first come, first served basis.

Home About RAP FAQ RAP Facts & Features Contact Us How to Join Resources & Links Academic Support For Faculty & Instructors Thatcher Language House Accommodation Policy Focus Connections RAP Fall 2013 Undecided? This RAP can help you explore your options! Focus RAPs are designed for first-year students who enter UMass Amherst without a declared major. When you join this RAP you will: Enroll in a unique a 1-credit seminar designed to help you explore a wide range of majors at UMass. Engage with an academic advisor to identify your interests, strengths, and values in order to pursue your academic goals. Share your living-and-learning experience with other first-year students who have not yet declared a major. This gives all students in the RAP a chance to get to know each other and take some classes together. It's also a great way to make a successful transition to the academic and social life of the University. Focus Connections is a great RAP for you if you think you are interested in a major in social sciences, humanities or the arts. It is also a great choice if you have no idea what you may want to major in. The OASIS seminar provides you with an opportunity to confirm an idea you have or to explore and identify various other possibilities. The other classes connected to this RAP will give you an opportunity to learn about different options while completing pre-requisites for some of the majors, and making progress on your University General Education requirements. In addition to living with students in your classes, all Focus RAP students participate in OASIS First-Year Seminar, a one-credit seminar taught by your academic advisor from the Undergraduate Advising office. In this class you will work closely with your advisor to explore various majors and determine how to best match UMass Amhersts' academic options with your interests and abilities. The OASIS seminar helps you to identify and refine your personal approaches to learning in a college setting, so you can make efficient use of your study time and get better results. You will also be introduced to the wealth of resources on campus that can assist you with academic, social, and personal issues. Be sure to visit the How to Join page on this website to learn about the process and important timelines you must follow to become a member of this fantastic program! Classes and Location Fall 2013 All Focus Connections students will enroll in the following classes: "College Writing" - English Writing 112 (Gen Ed CW), 3 credits In the residential area AND* "OASIS First-Year Seminar" - UNIV 125 taught on the main campus AND A small Gen Ed class in the residential area - SEE CHOICES BELOW, BY LOCATION * Southwest Area: Moore Hall "Human Nature" - Anthropology 100 (Gen Ed SBG), 4 credits OR "Social Problems" - Sociology 103 (Gen Ed SBU), 4 credits Central Area: Van Meter Hall "The World & Rising West" - History 111 (Gen Ed SBG), 4 credits OR "Introductory Psychology" - Psychology 100 (Gen Ed SB), 4 credits Holding a spot in a RAP guarantees you a space in ONE* of the associated Gen Ed classes. Registration into the specific classes takes place during NSO and classes are filled on a first come, first served basis.
Pamela R. Marsh-Williams, Ph.D. Assistant Provost & Dean This website is part of Undergraduate Advising & Learning Communities. We provide undergraduate students a variety of opportunities and services designed to facilitate the best academic experience possible. 609 Goodell Building, UMass Amherst. UA&LC Units: Undergraduate Advising, Residential Academic Programs, Domestic Exchange Programs, Five College Interchange
Important Note for ALL students: 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. Web Hosting by GAIA Host Collective