Vision & Planning
The Quad is the beating heart of our campus.
UMass Boston's Quad was envisioned in 2009 as a central, green connector bringing students, faculty, staff, and our visitors together when crossing the campus via a number of paths, to interact with each other and enjoy the outdoors. This six-acre quadrangle opened in 2024 and is the centerpiece of "UMass Boston 2.0." As Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco said upon its opening, “In so many ways—symbolically, aesthetically, functionally—at universities across our country, the Quad is the beating heart of the campus, a place of study, reflection, discovery, collaboration, socializing, and fun."
The Quad was created to move the campus away from its original inward-facing layout, creating a welcoming environment with buildings well-connected to the landscape, the waterfront, and the surrounding communities. Much of the massive demolition and construction project was completed during the COVID pandemic. It included workers from every trade union and exceeded its targets for minority and women worker participation, achieving 40 and 10 percent, respectively. Check out the video of several years of work to transform our campus core into the lush green oasis it is today.
On the Quad Experiences
Each semester, UMass Boston hosts dynamic Quad events that help cultivate a thriving campus community. These outdoor experiences foster curiosity, well-being, inclusivity, and sustainability through a rich blend of scholarship, culture, and reflection. By combining learning, research, engagement, and fun, the Quad acts as a vibrant space for connection and growth. Check out some of our recurring Quad events below.
Chancellor's BBQ
At the start of each semester, all are welcome to kick off the semester with food, fun, music and more! Grab a bite to eat, enjoy free novelties, and take the opportunity to meet new people over a delicious barbecue meal.
Beacon Wellness Walk Fair
Join UMass Boston Health Services and Dining Services and various on-campus departments for an outdoor fair featuring booths from several departments, offering wellness resources and freebies, a smoothie bike, a hydration station, lawn games, fun activities, a reflective space at the Overlook, and giveaways along a scenic walk through the Quad.
Rec the Halls
An evening of festive fun hosted by UMass Boston Recreation each December, including free ice skate rentals, tasty treats from the Cookie Monstah food truck, an inflatable fun zone, and some sweet giveaways.
Pop-Up Game Kiosk
Looking for a fun way to unwind between classes or hang out with friends? Look for our Pop-Up Game Kiosk on the quad! We're bringing you classic games, but with a twist. Challenge your friends to a game of giant Jenga, strategize your next move in giant chess, or test your aim with cornhole. And don't forget about the classic Connect 4! It's all the fun of your favorite childhood games, scaled up for a bigger, better experience.
Amenities
The Quad has a variety of features for everyday community enjoyment. Some are seasonal, so be sure to check out what’s in season today.
- Basketball Court. No reservation required, just grab a ball and dial in your hoop skills!
- Recreation Field. A hub for recreational athletics, check out umb.edu/athletics/recreation/ for a current list of outdoor activities to get your game on!
- The Upper Lawn. When major programs aren't happening, this is a great place to sit in the grass, read a book, or even watch the clouds and planes pass by.
- The Gathering Grove. A cool place to meet up with friends and chat in the open air.
- The Overlook. This cool little hidden gem is a nice place for a study group session or even a club meeting.
Some Quad Numbers
