We are so excited to have you join us for the Spring semester. While every transfer journey is different, you have all chosen to be a part of this community that we couldn’t be happier about. My name is Katrina Harte, and I am the Coordinator of Transfer Initiatives at UML. That means I oversee TAP and work with our awesome peer allies and faculty/staff on campus to support UMass Lowell’s transfer student population.

It wasn’t too long ago that I, like you, was a new transfer student to UML. Later, I joined the TAP program as an inaugural peer ally to help connect students to people and resources in ways that were not available to me when I transferred! Now that I’ve graduated, it’s a pleasure to continue to support the program as Coordinator.

Every few weeks, you will receive a TAP newsletter with upcoming activities as well as tips for thriving at UML. This month’s newsletter is about everything you need to know before the semester begins, like parking, immunization records, and checking out clubs and groups on campus. 

But first ...

Join us at the TAP Welcome event on Thursday, Jan. 22 from 1-2:30 p.m. in the University Crossing lobby. This is a great opportunity to get last-minute questions answered, make connections, and have some fun!

Meet other transfer students from your major and college, the TAP peer allies, and other UML support persons.

Your student ID is called a UCard. Your UCard will connect you to your meal plan, printing services, and access to various locations on campus. You will need to scan your UCard to enter all parking lots, sporting events, dining halls, resident halls, and the Campus Recreation Center (CRC). It also will contain your numeric student ID number, which you need as well. Here is the link to start creating your UCard on the UCAPS website in case you need it for anything else.

Once the form is completed, you can pick it up at UCrossing, located at 220 Pawtucket St. (in the back building – use the same entrance for the campus Police Department). If you have the time, you can skip the form and head right over there and have them take your picture/make the card on the spot. Either way, you will need your card before the semester starts to access the campus parking lots.

Parking passes are a one-time rate for the year that will allow entry into designated parking lots depending on if you are a residential or commuter student. Apply by filling out this parking form. Luckily for you, this will be cheaper because you will only be paying for the spring semester!

Nevertheless ... If the pricing is a little too steep for you, or you want help with a payment plan, you can apply to receive grant money to cover it, or it can be set up with an invoice system through UCard, Access and Parking Services (UCAPS).

Remember to submit immunization records.

These records do not transfer with you, so they need to be submitted to UML.  Failure to do so will lead to a delay in your enrollment in Spring 2025 classes. Please take care of this if you haven’t already.

Don’t miss UML’s Engagement Fair. It is a great opportunity to learn about and meet people from various organizations. This semester, the fair takes place Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 5-7 p.m. in University Crossing.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) is a good place to start to learn what is here for you. They have 37 cultural and spiritual groups listed on their website. Take a look, and check out one or more of these groups. You will also find links to the LGBTQ+ Center, the Social Justice Center, and more!

The OMA staff are great people, approachable and helpful.  They will be happy to connect you to a group you can enjoy and that will support you as you navigate UML.

Check out CampusGroups to learn about many more groups and organizations at UML. Many colleges and academic departments also have clubs and organizations, so keep your eye out for invitations to get involved.

Finally… 

We know it can be difficult transitioning to a new university halfway through the academic year. If you are ever feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone, and I encourage you to reach out to a friend, a peer ally, an RA, or even myself to help connect you to resources that can help support you.

Wishing you an exciting and successful start to your first semester. Please reach out if you have any questions. I can help you with!

Cheers!

Katrina Harte, Coordinator of Transfer Initiatives, UMass Lowell