Learning Community Options

As a first-year student in the Isenberg School of Management, you will be able to take advantage of the best of both worlds: you will have all of the excitement and diversity of a large national University, and also be a part of the close-knit community of involved students that exists within the Isenberg School. Every first-year Isenberg School student is a member of our Transitions Learning Community, but in addition you can choose to be involved in one of several other Learning Community options. Here's a brief overview of each Learning Community opportunity and how you can get involved.

Isenberg Fellows Residential Academic Program (RAP)

You can apply to one of two Fellows groups, where you engage in focused activities mentored by Isenberg faculty. Themes for the groups are Business in Society, and Diversity & International Business. Jumpstart your college career by immersing yourself in your area of interest. Admission into the Isenberg Fellows Program is by application only and can be done online on this website. The deadline for applications is May 1.  Accepted fellows will be notified by May 29. 

Isenberg Honors Residential Academic Program (RAP)

The Isenberg Honors RAP is a new Residential Academic Program that will be offered to students accepted to both the Isenberg School and Commonwealth College.  It is offered for the first time Fall 2009.  The Isenberg Honors RAP is an exciting opportunity for first year Isenberg honors students to engage in academically challenging courses in an enriching living and learning experience.  This RAP will also include a semester long seminar lead by the Isenberg Undergraduate Dean, a distinguished speaker series, and programming events with upper class Isenberg honors students.

Commonwealth College Honors Residential Academic Program (RAP)

Students accepted into the University's honors program, Commonwealth College, can choose to live in clusters of approximately twenty other Commonwealth College students, primarily in the Orchard Hill Residential Area. Students in these learning communities will take two courses in their first semester with the other students in the cluster. The courses in the clusters share a common theme and usually fulfill some of the University's General Education requirements, which all students are subject to. Students may elect to live in a Commonwealth College Honors RAP starting on May 15.  If you have questions before then, contact the Commonwealth College Office (504 Goodell; 413-545-2483).
 

University Residential Academic Programs.

Isenberg School students may elect to participate in one of the University's first-year Residential Academic Programs (RAP) that are available to students in all majors. As a RAP participant, you will take residentially based courses in your first semester which means that you will be attending classes and studying with other students who live in the same residence hall as you. The communities are thematically based, and course selection is very broad, and almost all will fulfill University General Education requirements. Currently, there are Residential Academic Programs in the Central, Orchard Hill, Northeast, and Southwest residential areas. Students may choose to participate in RAP on a first-come, first-served basis. You can reserve a spot online beginning May 18.  You will confirm participation by enrolling in the associated courses at New Student Orientation this summer.

If you choose not to participate in one of the specialized options above, know that our Transitions Learning Community provides every first-year student with an immediate connection to the School. The centerpiece of Transitions is a weekly first-semester seminar to help you learn about yourself, your fellow students, and the many resources and options available to you at the University. You will work together throughout the semester in small teams mentored by Isenberg School faculty, staff and upper class students. Our goal with Transitions and all of our Learning Community options is to help you take full advantage of the many resources that the Isenberg School and UMass have to offer. Build the bridge to your future in your first year by becoming an active and involved member of our community!