UMass Welcomes Students

UMass Amherst welcomed new and returning students to campus during the fall move-in weekend, August 31 – September 3. A full schedule of “Welcome to UMass” events marked the students’ return and the start of the new academic year. View highlights from the weekend and Chancellor Javier Reyes’ video message to campus.

Alumni and friends also play an essential role in student success at the Flagship Campus. Last year, over 3,500 talented students received scholarship support totaling more than $20 million, which is only available because of generous gifts made through the UMass Amherst Foundation.

In addition to scholarships, alumni support emergency funds for students who come across unforeseen expenses that would affect their education. These emergency funds are available through the schools and colleges and the Student Care and Emergency Response Fund (SCERF) administered by Student Affairs and Campus Life.

SCERF recently received a transformational commitment to create a $500,000 endowment. When realized, this endowment will permanently fund approximately 40 microgrants annually to help students facing financial hardships to stay in school. Even when financial aid covers tuition expenses, students are often left to cover the cost of other necessities. SCERF funds help students cover expenses such as food and housing, medical needs, childcare, international visas and travel, family caregiving, and technology.

Without alumni supporting and participating in programs (Women for UMass, MinuteFunds, and the ConnectUMass online community, to name a few), the UMass experience would not be as revolutionary as it is.

Go UMass!