Graduation and Congratulations!

By Bella Burbic

As we finish up finals and our classes, I want to congratulate all communication students for another successful semester. We have all persevered through changes and challenges throughout this whole year, and we have managed to come out stronger. There have been some great moments too, and we should all be proud of ourselves and our accomplishments. 

A special shout-out to my fellow seniors, we have come so far. We are at the finish line! As a senior myself, I am feeling many emotions, excited, fearful, proud, uncomfortable, sad, happy, and thankful, are just some of the many. I want to remind everyone to let themselves feel these emotions, because they are extremely natural. Change is hard and scary, but also a chance to allow new sources of happiness into your life. I know that the class of 2022 is going to do great things and can get through tough times, so remember to take it easy on yourself, and to try and enjoy this last week. 

It’s also time to celebrate! The university wide commencement ceremony is Friday, May 13th at McGuirk Alumni Stadium, from 4:30-6:30 pm. The college of Social and Behavioral Sciences graduation, which includes the Communication department, is on Saturday, May 14th at 1:30pm in the Mullins Center. Family and friends are encouraged to attend this graduation and your individual name will be announced. Communication professors and faculty will be attending this celebration as well. 

As I reflect on my experience, I am proud to be a part of the communication department and to have finished my undergrad degree at UMass. Whether you are finishing your first, last or spring semester, a final congratulations and a reminder to finish off strong. The future is bright for us all. Good luck on whatever’s next for you, and a final farewell from your senior Peer Advisors. It was a pleasure working with you and getting to know you!

Motivational Quotes to Get You Through Finals and The End of the Semester

Sarah Walsh

Tomorrow is the last day of classes! Which means finals are starting, and stress and anxiety are ramping up to an all-time high. The end of the semester, especially Spring semester, can bring lots of emotions. For Seniors, it’s saying goodbye to the place they’ve called home for the last 4 years, Juniors are figuring out their summer internships and jobs, Sophomores may be finalizing their choice in major, and Freshmen are returning to the place that is “home” but doesn’t exactly feel like home any more. We know this is an overwhelming time, and we want to give you some motivational quotes to help brighten your day, get you through finals, or just make you feel better since we are all dealing with a lot right now. Motivational quotes are definitely a little cheesy, but I really believe that they work and help people get through hard times, so here are some of my favorites, all from anonymous authors: 

  1. Doing your best looks different every day. 
  2. The pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow.
  3. You’re not always going to be motivated so you must be disciplined. 
  4. No regrets, just lessons. No worries, just acceptance. No expectations, just gratitude. Life is too short. 
  5. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing.
  6. Whatever is going to happen will happen, whether we worry about it or not.
  7. Stop waiting for everything to be perfect to be happy. 
  8. Some endings are sent for new beginnings.
  9. I hope something makes you smile today.
  10. Life is good when you spend it with the people who make your heart happy. 

The end of the semester is in sight, and we hope that you can finish the semester strong, happy and healthy. If the motivational quotes were not enough and you feel you require extra support, don’t hesitate to stop into the peer advising office Monday-Thursday, or make an appointment with a professional advisor on Navigate! 

Let’s Finish This Semester Strong!

By Christine Souaiden

Photo by Philippe Bout on Unsplash

With summer on the horizon and the semester coming to an end, energy levels may be running low. However, It is important that we power through the rest of the semester. Staying focused towards the end is always the most difficult. However, there are multiple ways to keep yourself on track. 

Make sure you know your academic standing in all of your classes. To do so, check your grades on the interfaces that your professors use (Blackboard, Google Classroom, Moodle…). If you do not know how to find your grades online or if grades have not been posted, do not hesitate to reach out to the TAs, or to your professors to get a better gauge at where you stand in your classes. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed with your classes and future plans, make sure to take a step back and take breaks for your mental health. Friendly reminder, nothing is more important than our health. Take random walks during the day, treat yourself to good food, reward yourself for all your hard work with some ice cream from the local creameries, make fun plans with your friends, and plan it all out to be able to balance your time between breaks and academics.

Some exciting events are going on to help us wrap up the semester nicely. On Thursday May 5th, 2022 from 5-9 pm the 2022 PondFire will be taking place. Gather a group of friends and huddle around one of the fire pits, make good s’mores, and even better memories. Do not forget to register!

The best way to destress is to do something that will make you laugh. What better way to laugh than to hang out with farm animals. On April 26th-27th, at 10am-3pm, on the lawn between Isenberg and the Fine Art Center, sheep from Hadley Farm will be visiting UMass for a day packed with student-led activities and an opportunity to learn about the use of sustainable land on campus. To learn more, visit this website!

The W.E.B Du Bois library hosts a series of final study break activities. Stay up to date by checking their website for new events. The events will be listed under “Libraries Outreach Series.” To list a few, on April 28th, from 7-8pm, the library is hosting a Superhero Bingo night on the 3rd floor. On May 4th, from 7-8 pm, they will be hosting a Star Wars trivia night on the 3rd floor, do not miss out on a chance to win fun prizes!

Spring Happenings at UMass!

By Erin Diacik 

UMass Amherst Establishes New School of Earth and Sustainability | News &  Media Relations

As the daylight lasts longer and the weather starts to get warmer, it’s clear spring has arrived after a long and cold winter! As we begin to register for fall classes, make our summer plans, and wrap up our spring semester, there are plenty of events for us to take advantage of within the department, on campus, and in the surrounding areas. 

On Campus:

  • Check in on your mental health in the campus center auditorium on Tuesday, April 19th from 2-5pm during the Fresh Check Day! The event will feature food, prizes, and giveaways, and is free to all students. 
  • The UMass Football team will take on Stony Brook University on Saturday, April 20th, at 12pm. Come cheer on the Minutemen one last time this year! Admission is free for all students, friends, and families – no tickets are required.
  • Stop by Wilder Hall and join CMASS every Wednesday night from 6:30-8:30pm for the LGBTQ+ Talk Space
  • Located in Isenberg School of Management, Regina Kunzel is featured in this year’s distinguished annual lecture on psychiatry and the archives of modern sexuality. This event will take place on Thursday, April 21 at 6pm.
  • The University Programming Council is back for this year’s spring concert, featuring Jack Harlow. The concert will take place at the Mullins Center on May 1st, with doors opening at 6:30pm. You can buy tickets here!   

You can find a full list of events taking place on campus on the UMass Events Calendar and on Campus Pulse!

The Communication Department:

  • The department welcomes Charlton Mcllwain to deliver the 2022 annual lecture on Friday, April 22nd at 11:30 am. Stop by to hear this year’s lecture series topic: how to make technology antiracist.
  • Join your peers for the 11th Annual Communication Student Showcase and Awards on Wednesday, April 27th at 5pm. Awards and recognition will be given in all five categories!
  • Join the peer advisors for a de-stress day in the hub! More information to come soon – stay tuned!

Locally:

  • Want to spend some free time giving back to the community? Join in on the Community Clean-Up Day in Amherst on Saturday, April 30th, at 10am. You can get involved by registering to clean-up, dropping pins where attention is needed, or simply giving suggestions or ideas!
  • Starting on April 23rd, the Amherst Farmers Market is back every Saturday from 7:30am-1:30pm! Join over twenty local vendors for fruit, vegetables, flowers, meat, and handcrafted items in downtown Amherst. 

A full calendar of events happening in Amherst can be found on their website

Taking advantage of the community and events around you are key to having a balanced and successful end to your semester! The last month of school can wrap up fast as finals come closer, but taking some time to enjoy yourself is important too. As always, drop by the Peer Advising office in the ILC room N323 for any questions at all. Our current hours can be found here, or you can make an appointment on Navigate with a professional advisor.

Gearing Up For Registration

By Estela Suarez 

Another semester has flown by and it’s that time of year again when seniors are getting ready to wrap up and everyone else starts thinking about class registration for the Fall semester! As of right now, courses are live on Spire and ready to be added to your shopping cart, but before we get to that here are some things to look out for when registering for classes: 

When Is My Enrollment Appointment?

Registration takes place in order of seniority by credits, so the more credits you have, the earlier your appointment time will be. You can look to see when your appointment will be on Spire. This can be found under the ‘Enrollment’ tab under ‘Enrollment Appointment.’ You should be able to see the date and time that you are scheduled to pick classes. Below is the general list of ramp on dates: 

April 4: Athletes, ROTC, Veterans 

April 11-12: Seniors (87+ credits)

April 14-15: Juniors (57-86 credits) 

April 20-22: Sophomores  (27-56 credits) 

April 25-26: Freshman (</= 26 credits) 

What Classes Should I Take? 

When choosing classes you should take into account any Gen Eds and major requirements that you have left, and plan out when you will take those. To access the courses you have left to take, as well as the number of credits, you can go to the Academic Requirement Report on your Spire. To access this you’ll want to go to the Main Menu tab in Spire, click on Academics, and finally click on Academic Requirements (ARR)

Once you arrive at your ARR you should expand all tabs in order to see all of the requirements and credits that you have completed, as well as those that you have yet to complete. The classes you have passed will be marked as satisfied (marked with a green check-mark icon), the classes you are currently taking will be marked as in progress (marked with a yellow diamond icon), and your remaining requirements will be listed as not satisfied. 

Am I going to graduate on time? 

First, this is a friendly reminder that there is no “right” time to graduate and that we are all on our own timeline and journey. That being said, to graduate from UMass you need to complete a total of 120 credit hours, which will include major, college, and university requirements. In order to graduate in a 4-year timeline, you should aim to complete, on average, 15 credit hours per semester or 30 credit hours per academic year. It is always good to keep tabs on many credits you have completed, how many you are enrolled in, and how many you have left in order to determine about how long it will take you to complete your undergraduate degree.  

How to ease the registration process:

Come to Peer Advising!

The peer advisors are here to help and answer any questions you may have about this process. We recognize that registration is a stressful time of the semester, and therefore want to work with you to make this process as smooth as possible. If you feel that you have questions that don’t require an academic advisor, drop into the peer advising office in the Comm Hub (N323)!

Peer Advising drop-in hours: 

Monday: 10 am – 4 pm 

Tuesday: 9:15 am – 4:30 pm

Wednesday: 12 pm – 4 pm

Thursday: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm 

Meet with an Advisor:

We always recommend that you meet with your advisor regularly in addition to during registration time. By doing this earlier in the semester you can ease stress during the registration period and feel more at ease with the registration process. Your advisor can help answer many questions you may have, make sure you’re on track to graduate, and point you toward any resources you may need for anything outside their capacity. As registration gears up, remember that advisors will have a busier schedule than usual so book your appointment sooner rather than later! To make an appointment, log into Spire and on the bottom right-hand corner there should be a ‘Primary Advisor’ tab with your advisor’s information. 

Navigating course registration can be difficult, but it doesn’t need to be! By using resources provided to students by UMass and planning ahead this can be a pretty easy process. Good luck on registering for classes

Spring has Sprung!

By Caroline Buck

A couple of people sitting on a bench in front of a house

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Spring is finally here, and campus is starting to get warm! Yes, there are still some chilly days, but for the most part we can start putting our winter coats away. With this shift in the weather, there can now be a shift in study spots and new possibilities for outdoor activities both on and around campus. 

On campus you could have a picnic or watch the sunset on O-Hill. Get a group of friends together and play volleyball on the sand courts. The lawn at the center of campus has multiple Adirondack chairs/tables that could make for relaxing study spots. You could explore the Tropical Greenhouse on campus, where you can soak in the natural sunlight while checking out the koi fish swimming the 4,000 gallon pond. You could spread out a blanket or sit on one of the benches surrounding the campus pond. The campus pond is in between the Integrative Learning Center (ILC) and Fine Arts Center. You could shoot some hoops at the basketball court in Southwest or throw around a frisbee/ball on the field below those courts. The rooftop courtyard in the John W. Olver Design Building has tables and chairs that could make for an awesome study spot. Behind the McGuirk Alumni Stadium there is a walking trail that wraps around almost to the Sortino Softball Field Complex. 

If you are looking for places to go a little way off campus, there are some beautiful hiking trails surrounding campus. You could check out Puffers Pond for a short stroll. For something slightly more challenging you could hike up Skinner Mountain and enjoy the breathtaking views from the Mt. Holyoke Summit House. Sugarloaf Mountain is another good hiking spot about a ten-minute car ride from campus. 

There are a few farms near campus where you can visit the cows and grab some homemade ice cream (Maple Farm & Cook Farm). If you are looking for something more active there is a driving range that also has batting cages a little over ten minutes from campus (Western Mass Family Golf Center). 

Whether you have free time for an outdoor activity or need a place to study, there are so many options to be explored on UMass’s campus! So with the weather starting to taking a turn you should 

Tips for Staying Motivated Through the End of the Semester

By Sarah Walsh

Welcome back to UMass! I hope that everyone had a restful and fun spring break. I spent my week off at home with my family and dog and caught up on some much-needed sleep and quality time. 

It’s also finally Spring, which means the weather is getting nicer, the walk through the DuBois wind tunnel is getting more bearable and our classwork is picking up as final projects and papers begin to loom. For some, the sun coming out and setting later can bring more motivation, but for many, it can be just the opposite, as the thick of the semester school work picks up. Staying motivated as the flowers bloom is important for keeping up with your school work and being the healthiest you can be. Our peer advising tips for staying motivated this Spring are: 

  1. Set time aside for fun: All too often, we hear, “I don’t have time to enjoy X, Y, Z.” Whether that be spending time with your friends or doing something you enjoy, too often college kids use that excuse. College is about academics, but setting aside time for activities you enjoy is just as important and prevents you from burning out too quickly. 
  2. Plan accordingly! Check those syllabi: The last thing that you want as we near the end of the semester is to get caught off guard with a big project or test written in the syllabus that you’ve forgotten about. That kind of stress is a sure-fire way to kill all motivation. Check your syllabi, write down important dates and plan ahead! 
  3. Check-in with professors and TAs: Along with checking your syllabi, it always pays to meet with your professors and TAs during their office hours. Touching base on assignments, dates and concepts will have you feeling more prepared and supported. 
  4. Set aside time for mental and physical health: Whether that’s exercise, meditation, or calling loved ones, you need to prioritize your wellbeing. Nothing leads to faster burnout than a student who is only doing work all the time. 
  5. Get outside: There’s nothing like a warm Spring day in Amherst. Do your work outside, change your environment, go for a walk. Getting some Vitamin D after a long and cold New England winter will keep you happy and motivated till May! 

Don’t be too hard on yourself if a lack of motivation finds you this Spring. Take care of yourself first, and the rest will follow. If you are feeling burnt-out, come to the peer advising office for drop-in hours, and we will work together to help you find a solution! 

Landing a Summer Internship

By Mia Ransom Yance


Summer is slowly but steadily approaching. No matter what year you may be, you may be starting to apply for internships or are actively seeking job/internship opportunities. Here are some tips on how to find internships and set yourself up to be a great candidate!

Finding an internship

  1. Start Looking Now

It is never too early to start looking for internships. Many summer internship programs open in December-January, so keep that in mind for your future research. As internships continue to open, search Handshake, LinkedIn, SBS Pathways, and Google. There are plenty of opportunities and you will find one that connects to your interests. Make sure to actively read your emails as opportunities are frequently featured in the Comm Connection and SBS Pathways newsletters. 

  1. Apply to more than one internship

I know it can be easy to find one thing that interests you and stick with it, but it is super important to apply to more opportunities. Having more options and being able to get your foot into different fields is always better than not having a backup plan. Apply to internships that interest you and even apply to something you are on the fence about. You can learn transferable skills and strengthen your experiences. 

  1. Network 

UMass is a large campus, full of people who have had so many diverse experiences. Consider talking to a friend, professor, alumni, or even just connecting with someone on LinkedIn to learn about new opportunities. You can connect with SBS advisors to learn more about your specific interests and needs at 128 Thompson Hall or Zoom. The Communication Peer Advisors are here to help you, so if you ever want to talk about our experiences come to our office hours! 

Applying & Finding Support 

  1. Resume & Cover Letter  

Make sure your resume is updated prior to applying. Add in any experiences and skills you feel will successfully reflect your work ethic and personal goals. If you find yourself struggling with formatting or want to see a reference, check out SBS’s resume tips and tricks linked here. As a general note, keep your resume to one page, make sure the font is clear, and ensure that your bullet points are cohesive. A cover letter is not always required but is something you should learn how to do in case it is ever requested. A cover letter outlines why you are a good fit for the job, what draws you into the specific company you are applying for and gives a hiring manager a feel of who you are. For more details on cover letters, click here

  1. Scholarships 

If you have secured an unpaid internship there are resources to aid in your funding. Academic Works provides hundreds of scholarship opportunities that can help support you financially. 

Good luck with your search and let us know if you have any questions!

YAY! It’s Spring Break

By Nusrah Azeez

Spring break time is a fun time. The countdown is finally over. Spring break is here!!! If you are thinking about what to do over the break, check out these budget-friendly activities you could do with friends.

Road trip

Hit up some of your friends and go on a fun road trip, you can choose a new place nearby, or explore close to home. It could be a planned out trip or you can make it spontaneous. This trip should not break the bank because everything can be split. Gas costs, food costs, down to the hotel costs, can be shared between you and your friends. You can even take turns driving. Road trips are adventurous and can be a great way to bond. Remember to be a responsible traveler and make sure to pay attention to local COVID policies.

Night out

If you have been away from some of your friends while in school, this is the time to reconnect and catch up on missed moments. A night out is always a good move, you can do anything. Get dressed up and go to a fancy restaurant, go to the mall, go to the movies, visit an arcade, go rollerblading, ice skating, skiing, or go bowling, the list is endless. 

Hike

Being active is beneficial for your mind and health. Ditch the gym this time and go on a hike. Explore nature and take in all its beauty. You can visit some of Amherst’s hiking spots like Mount Holyoke Range State Park, Mill River Recreation Area, and Amethyst Brook Conservation Area. Don’t forget to bring your friends or dog along. 

Host a Potluck

Hosting might sound like too much work but you can make it an exciting experience. Invite a few friends over and get them involved. Everyone should bring a fancy home cooked meal, set up together, and clean up together. Hosting is less stressful when there are people to help.

Go to a concert or see a sports game live

Find some cheap tickets to a concert and have some fun. Seatgeek, Ticket club, and Vivid seats have some of the best deals on concert tickets. It is a different experience being at a concert and hearing the music live. You could also find new bands playing at local restaurants and discover some new music at no cost.

Internship

Summer is fast approaching, if you want to be a little more productive, work on your resume and apply to as many summer internships as you can. Having professional experience is a good way to learn more about your major. You can also gain a little insight into what career path interests you.

Try out food from new a restaurant 

Getting food from new places might be risky because you never really know what to expect in terms of service and food quality, but it’s time to give your taste buds something different. Go to a restaurant you have never been to and get something you have never tried. You might be surprised at the different great delicacies you find. Check out Pita Pockets, Pasta E Basta, and Miss Saigon here in Amherst.

Wishing you a happy spring break. Do not forget to have fun and stay safe.

Best Places to Study in the Center of Campus

By Emily Costello 

With midterms approaching slowly but surely, it is important for us students to find a study spot where we are both comfortable and can remain focused. Finding a good study spot can create an environment where you can be successful in your studies whether it be group work, doing homework, or studying for exams. 

W.E.B. DuBois Library 

The library is the first place that comes to mind when everyone thinks of study spots. The Procrastination Station on the first floor gives students the opportunity to grab a snack and a drink to help them stay focused. The library also has a large variety of floors to choose from. One of my personal favorites is floor 9, which is a more group-friendly environment with couches and large tables. This floor is great for group work or if you are looking for more of a loud environment. When I am looking for a quiet place to study in the library, I usually go to floor 11, which is a quiet floor with desks surrounding the windows, which adds a nice view. 

Integrative Learning Center 

As a Communication major, I have spent hours upon hours studying in the ILC. When I am looking for a louder space, I like to go to Peet’s Coffee and sit in the couches around there. The Communication Hub on the 3rd floor is also a great place to study, as it is relatively quiet and has great natural light, which I find helps me stay focused. 

Student Union 

The new Student Union is a fantastic place to get work done. I found that since the Student Union is very new, there are a lot of outlets for charging devices, and the furniture is comfortable as well. Earthfoods Cafe makes for a great place to grab a snack or meal while studying too! 

South College 

The place on campus where I have found the best to do quiet, independent work is South College. On the first floor of South College, there is a large open area with tables and chairs and I have always found this to be a place where I can focus easily. On the second floor, there are study desks and rooms which I find to be a productive environment for myself as well. 

Outside!

As the weather gets warmer, I have found that studying outside can enhance my productivity. During a busy day, it is nice to sit outside either on the steps of the campus center or the Adirondack chairs by the student union. Getting fresh air can help you think clearer, even if it is for a short time! 

Healthy Habits for a Healthy Lifestyle

By Bella Burbic

It’s almost the end of February, some of us are finally settling in, and some are still trying to find our groove. Some of us are developing a routine, while some of us are struggling to find one that works. Even for those of us with a solid routine, as the semester progresses it can sometimes be hard to maintain that routine. I have listed out here three relatively easy to adopt, healthy habits that you have heard of, but may have forgotten, in the midst of a busy semester. Adopting these habits can make your days more effective and boost both your mood and your productivity. Whether you have a routine or not, making these changes in your life will have a worthwhile impact in some way. It takes just about 21 days to form a healthy habit that can have a positive effect on your life for the long term.

Get in some type of exercise.

I know, you have probably heard this before, but exercise is one of the best ways to boost your mood, give you energy and keep your mind and body healthy. Exercise does not have to mean going to the rec center, it can mean countless things. It can look like deciding to walk to class instead of taking the bus, taking the stairs up to your dorm everyday instead of the elevator, or standing at your desk instead of sitting.. Studies have shown that just 30 minutes of exercise a day can make someone more productive and less tired. If you are looking to develop a workout routine using the rec center, I really recommend signing up for instructor-led fitness classes at the gym. You sign up using imleagues, and all classes are free for UMass undergraduate students. Signing up for classes makes you more likely to follow through with your exercise commitment, and oftentimes push yourself in a way that sometimes working out by yourself is hard to do.

Stay hydrated.

Every part of your mind, body and soul relies on water to operate effectively. Making a solid effort to increase your intake of water will significantly make you less tired and less prone to brain fog. Drinking water also reduces anxiety, prevents headaches, illness, and fatigue. Drinking water also is a great step in the direction of getting in shape as it detoxifies your body and fuels it at the same time. Drinking more water is an easy habit that makes a big difference.

Get some sleep!

As college students, this habit is probably the hardest to maintain. With our social lives, academic studies, clubs, and jobs, it sometimes seems like there isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done, let alone get a good night’s sleep. As most of us know, sleep is the most important factor in terms of mood, ability to focus and physical recovery. Planning out your day in a way that allows you to get to bed at a reasonable time is very important. My biggest advice on this one would be to set a time to unplug completely. This bedtime means no TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter after this set time. This allows your brain to relax without distractions or light from your devices keeping it awake. 

Getting exercise and drinking water have also been linked to much better sleep schedules, so grouping these three habits together will significantly change your life in a positive way without having to do anything drastic. It may seem simple, but I guarantee you, it helps!

Love and Adventure are in the Air!

By Christine Souaiden

We are kicking off the fourth week of the semester with Valentine’s Day, the day of love! It is important to remember to be kind to yourself and others today. More importantly, do not forget to treat yourself with some chocolate and maybe even flowers! Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day, there are a couple ways to celebrate. Have a night in, buy some chocolate, and put on a good movie! If you like to celebrate in a more social setting, go out to dinner and top it off with dessert from some of Amherst’s local bakeries.

After we celebrate the day of love, there are a lot of fun events to explore, let’s run through some of them! Calling out to all the new students. On Wednesday, February 16th at 7pm, a New Student Bingo Night is being held at the Student Union Ballroom. Join for a night of fun, an opportunity to meet new people and maybe even win some prizes. Do not forget to RSVP!

While we are in the midst of Black History Month, we are celebrating with many events, here are some that you cannot miss! On February 17, the 2019 Academy Award winner in Costume Design for her work on Marvel’s Black Panther, Ruth E. Carter will be offering the keynote speech for CHC’s Annual Black Heritage Month. The event will take place at Bowker Auditorium starting at 5pm. As a tribute to the musical legacy of Frederick Tillis, on Sunday February 20th, the Department of Music & Dance is honoring the founder of UMass’ Jazz and African American Music Studies Program. The event will take place at the Tillis Performance Hall starting at 4pm. 

As classes lock in and the semester starts to pick up, it might feel like things are getting a little overwhelming. Take advantage of the fun activities that are being hosted on campus to get away from academic stress for a little while. On February 17th, starting at 7pm, the library is hosting a paint night. The event will be held at the W.E.B Du Bois Library, Floor 22. Registration is required to attend the event, click here to lock in your spot. 

We are ending the month with a big event. On February 25, American rapper Polo G will be performing at The Mullins Center. The doors open at 6pm and the show starts at 8pm. Attendees must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative result taken within 72 hours prior to entry. Face coverings will be required at the event and must be worn at all times. Follow this link for more information and to buy tickets.  

Valentine’s day is the perfect reminder for us to spread love. It is important for us to carry out every action with compassion for others. For the rest of the week, be mindful of your thoughts towards yourself and others. Try to shift into a more positive and loving mindset. You know what they say… love conquers all. 

Winter Outdoor Adventures!

By Caroline Buck

1,273 Kids Sledding Illustrations & Clip Art - iStock

Getting back into the semester groove can be difficult, especially with the cold weather and short days. Despite these factors, fresh air is important for a variety of health benefits. If you are averse to the cold weather, here are some tips and tricks to possibly open your mind to spending some more time outdoors in the winter season, enjoyably! 

Bundle up! I know it seems like a simple concept, but it is typically overlooked. You should ask yourself: are you cold or do you just not have enough layers? The right number of layers can make all the difference in having an enjoyable outdoor experience. Materials such as wool, polyester, and synthetic blends, will keep you warm in the coldest of weather. Make sure to avoid cotton, as it is not good for cold weather since it absorbs moisture and lacks insulation. 

Go for a walk! Take a break from your work to stretch your legs. Walking can brighten your mood and increase your blood flow. Walking may seem like a mundane activity, but it has been known to improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your bones/muscles, improve sleep, increase energy levels, strengthen your immune system, reduce stress, etc. You can enjoy this time by listening to a podcast/music or even bring a friend along. Some close-by hiking locations include Mill River Conservation Area, Amethyst Brook Conservation Area, and Mount Warner Trailhead.

Go sledding! There are plenty of sledding hills spread around the campus, so pick one and go for it. Yes, a sled would be ideal for this situation but if you do not have the means to find a sled you can be creative and make one. Cardboard is a great substitute for a plastic sled.

Snowball fight! Build a snowman! You could get a group of friends together for a good ol’ fashioned snowball fight/snowman building. There is still a decent amount of the winter season left, so you could even find a time while it’s snowing. 

Try skiing or snowboarding! Join the UMass Amherst Ski and Board club for a trip to the mountains. All ages and skill levels are welcome. As a skier myself, I can assure you many people learn to ski and board later in life, so it’s never too late to give it a shot! 

With the cold month of February just beginning, try to keep some of these activities in mind. Keeping your body moving and blood flowing during these dark winter months will improve both your physical and mental health. If you bundle up properly, you may find an activity that makes winter y our new favorite season!

Getting Back Into the Groove of the Semester

by Estela Suarez

Creative office workspace Clipart Image

After six weeks away it can be difficult to get back into the groove of classes and campus life. Everyone deals with this transition differently, but here are a few things that could help you ease back into it all: 

Find a way to track your schedule

Whether it is an old-fashioned pen to paper agenda or using Google calendar, figure out the best way for you to track your schedule. Between classes, extracurriculars, and job schedules, being a college student can be quite hectic. To avoid double booking yourself, make sure to track your commitments through a calendar so you know what to expect each day and when you have open availability. 

Keep track of your syllabi

As a continuation from the last step, you’re going to want to make sure you include all due dates, exam dates, and other important assignments in your calendar. This way you are always on top of your work and can easily see when things are due throughout the week or month. In my opinion, it helps to have all my due dates as well as schedule dates on the same calendar so I can plan my time accordingly. 

Set yourself up for a successful semester

If you know that there are little things that help you succeed in school make sure you complete those tasks! So for me, I like to set alarms and reminders for assignments that are due so that I always meet my deadlines. I also know that I need a good night’s sleep before having a full day of classes so I try not to be up too late the night before. Try to figure out what your best practices are this semester and do your best to stick to them. 

Don’t stop doing activities that make you feel fulfilled

With the hustle and bustle of the start of the semester it can be  hard to keep up with things that we do solely because we enjoy them. Something I have found helpful is putting “me time” into my calendar. This is time that I schedule out of my week to do things that I enjoy and are not school or work related. Some days it’s learning a new recipe, some days it’s ordering take out and not leaving my couch, some days it’s going to the gym, and some days it’s seeing my friends. You can’t pour out of an empty cup, so make sure to not only keep filling your own cup but make it a priority. 

Here at the Communication department we look forward to a bright and successful semester. If you have questions or concerns regarding classes please come into the Peer Advising drop-in hours!

Welcome Back!

By Erin Diacik

Welcome back to campus for the 2022 Spring Semester! After a long, and hopefully relaxing, winter break, classes for the spring resume on Tuesday, January 25th. As we approach another on campus semester, keep reading for some helpful reminders and tricks to start this spring off strong. 

  • The Faculty Senate Rules Committee has approved extending the official add/drop deadline to be a two-week time period instead of one week.This puts the last day to add or drop classes with no record as Monday, February 7th. If you are a full-time student, you must be enrolled in at least 12 credits, so double check your schedule to ensure your status as either a full or part time student. 
  • Take note of the Spring 2022 Academic Calendar. This calendar provides dates for any holidays, including spring recess and important registrar deadlines. Make sure to keep track of these important dates to look back on later. 
  • As per UMass policy, all eligible students and faculty are required to have their Covid-19 vaccine booster prior to the start of the semester. As always, remember to mask up wherever they are required, and take advantage of UMass’s unobserved testing. 
  • If you have any questions or concerns, schedule an appointment with a professional advisor via Navigate, or drop in to the Peer Advising office, located in N323. No appointments are necessary to speak with the Peer Advisors. They are a great resource for quick or last minute registration questions! Their current drop-in hours are listed on the Department of Communication web page

As we begin another semester during a time of uncertainty, make sure to take care of yourself during the cold winter months. While you keep up with your academics, don’t lose track of your mental health. Whether that be starting a daily journal, speaking with a professional, or moving your body, take some time each week to do something for yourself. The Department of Communication wishes you a healthy and successful spring semester! 

Introducing the 2020-2021 Communication Peer Advisors!

 

By Summer Kaeppel

This year has been uniquely challenging and it feels as though seemingly everything has changed. Though the Communication Peer Advisors have not been able to provide support to students in person, we have created new models of providing guidance and support to both our students and to each other. It is unclear what exactly the future is going to look like, but one thing that is certain is that this department will continue to be present for its students. 

Many of the Peer Advisors, myself included, will be graduating in May. The end of our undergraduate career and our roles as PAs is bittersweet; though many of us are sad to be leaving behind a position that was formative to our senior year, it also means that we are opening up spots for younger students to have their turn. I caught up with the incoming PA team for the 2020-2021 school year and am excited to introduce each of them!

Rebecca Aiken ‘21: Along with being a Communication major I’m also a Journalism major. My favorite class that I’ve taken so far in the Comm Department was Prof. Anderson’s COMM 231: Intro to Film & TV Production Concepts. I’ll be a senior when I’m a PA. I love to travel, I write for Amherst Wire, I love to take the fitness classes at the Rec Center, I work at the Student Success Office, and I’m super outgoing, so I’m excited to meet all of the students that come in for advising! What I’m most excited for while being a PA is getting to help others solve problems and hopefully have them leave with a smile after we meet.

Kyle Balis ‘21: I am currently a junior at UMass, and I got the opportunity this past semester to study abroad in Manchester, England, before unfortunately having to come home due to the pandemic, but it was an amazing experience. I am from Dedham, MA. I am very passionate about film and am currently going through the process of applying to BDIC, to double major Film Studies with Communication. One of my favorite Communication classes I have taken is Comm 441: Principles and Techniques of Film Style Production, where you make short films that really require you to think creatively. I am very excited to be a Comm PA this semester because I’m sure the fall is going to be very busy as everyone returns to campus after a long time away and I’m excited to not only be able to help during this time in any way I can but also to learn a lot along the way!

Sade Brooks ‘22:  I’m a rising junior, a Communication major and a French minor. I’m involved in the Black Student Union (BSU) and the NAACP organization on campus. I was previously a History major and I have a strong interest in social justice reform/issues. I’m a dog lover, I have a Havanese-poodle named Milo, he’s 4. One cool thing about me is that I am currently learning two languages: French and Amharic. A life goal of mine is to become fluent in at least five languages. The most exciting aspect of Peer Advising I look forward to is connecting students to academic resources and hosting professional development events. 

Hannah Ellison ‘21: I am a rising senior Communication major with a minor in Spanish. I’m from East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, which is a small town near Springfield.  When I came to UMass Amherst I was undeclared and so unsure about what I wanted to study, but when I learned about the Communication major, I knew it was a fit! Out of all the classes I’ve taken I’d have to say my favorite has been Comm 228: Visual Communication. Besides my studies here, I work as an Office Assistant for University Relations and am part of the Marketing Club. UMass and the Communication Department have made me feel so at home and I hope as your Peer Advisor l I can help answer any questions you have! 

Gabby Grondalski ‘21: Aside from being a senior Communication major, I am also pursuing the Education Minor and Media Literacy Certificate. I am from Charlton, MA, which is located in Central Mass. Since my freshman year at UMass, I have been a member of the tuba section in the Minuteman Marching Band. I am also currently a sister of the Music Fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota and will be the Chapter President this upcoming year. This is my first year as a Peer Advisor, and I am excited to help provide guidance to students who are looking to join or are already a part of the Comm Major!

Elizabeth Jacobs ‘22: I am a Communication and Marketing double major pursuing a film studies certificate. My favorite Communication class I have taken so far is COMM 597: Advanced Video Production with Professor Kevin Anderson. I love film production and being in a small class with upperclassmen was super fun, as I was a freshman when I took the course.

Over the past two years I have interned for the Film Studies Department at UMass, doing social media and helping out with the Massachusetts Multicultural Film Festival and the Latin American Film Festival. I am currently working on my honors thesis, which is a feature-length documentary film on my adoption from Cambodia and the baby trafficking scandal behind it. In addition to my interest in film production, I love photography and music. What I am most excited to do as a Comm PA is to organize more events on film production and spur an interest in students about film. I am also excited to meet students and become a friendly face around campus for them to ask any questions that they have.

Grace Keller ‘22: I am a junior Communication major with an IT minor here at UMass. I am from Northborough, a small town in central Massachusetts. I spent my freshman year commuting to Framingham State University, where I took some general education courses. I decided to transfer to UMass my Sophomore year because of all the opportunities I knew UMass held for their students. After getting situated on campus, I joined a few clubs such as Women in Business, the social entrepreneurship club, as well as Campus Crusade. I am constantly looking for new opportunities at UMass and being a Peer Advisor is one I am extremely excited about. I am eager to use my experiences in order to help other Comm majors with their time here at UMass!

Estela Suarez-Hernandez ‘22: I’m a rising junior at UMass, double majoring in Communication and Journalism. I grew up in South Florida and decided to come to UMass for my undergrad education, which was a big adjustment. I have loved my time as a Communication student and  I believe my favorite class so far has been Comm. 287: Advertising as Social Communication with Professor Sut Jhally. In addition to being a student at UMass, I am also in a sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, and hold an on-campus job doing marketing and communications for Smart About Money, a peer-to-peer financial wellness organization. I am excited to be a part of the Comm. PA team, especially getting to know and helping other students! 

Emaan Tariq ‘22: I’m a Communication major and my favorite Comm class has been Comm226: Social Impact of Mass Media because it is very relevant to media and the culture that comes out of it, and what culture goes into media. I’m on the board for the Pakistani Students Organization which is a great way to keep involved with the UMass community as well as my culture. As Comm PA, I’m most excited to meet new people as well as become more accustomed to the major!

In addition to our new PA’s, two of our current PA’s who are not graduating this May will be continuing on with the team. Kayla Noel and Aaliyah Quintal will be helping our new PA’s transition into the position.

Kayla Noel: I am a double major in Communication and Journalism. I’m here to help you accomplish your academic, social, or spiritual goals. I recommend you write them down and let’s work on them together. College is a different world; take your time, ask questions, be in the moment, and most importantly be yourself. You’re going to accomplish great things!

Aaliyah Quintal: I am a junior English and Communication, double major. I am from Fall River, Massachusetts and I love fashion, gaming, and red lipstick. I am very excited to meet you all and provide whatever help I can to ensure your year goes as smoothly and enjoyably as possible. As your peer advisor, I hope that I can be a friendly face around campus for you all to come to, whatever your needs may be.

Congratulations to the PA’s of 2020-2021, both new and old! This diverse group of student leaders were carefully selected to ensure that Communication students have the best support possible.