Belong at UMass Boston
UMass Boston offers several special academic programs which have unique orientation models. Below is information about these programs and their orientation structure.
Directions for Student Potential (DSP)
- The Directions for Student Potential (DSP) program is a free, 6-week, pre-admission summer program that guides students to improve their college reading, writing, and math skills prior to their first semester at UMass Boston. Students in the DSP program attend orientation during the first week of their summer program. The orientation is a one day program which includes an overnight stay in our campus residence hall.
Pathway Program
- UMass Boston’s Pathway Program provides students referred to the program an opportunity to begin their college coursework as a non-degree student with the goal of enrolling as a degree seeking student in the spring semester. Students in the Pathway Program will attend a two-day, overnight orientation program unless approved for the shortened virtual option.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
- The Accelerated Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at UMass Boston is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to become a nurse. The ABSN orientation is two-parts with an on-campus and virtual component that is offered once per admission cycle.
Nursing for RNs to BSN (RN-BS)
- UMass Boston’s RN to BSN program prepares registered nurses (RNs) with an associates degree in nursing or a diploma from a hospital school program to earn your bachelor of science in nursing in as few as three semesters. Orientation for the RN-BS program is virtual with multiple dates to choose from.
Steps to Register for Orientation
Follow these steps below to select your orientation date:
1. Pay Your Deposit
- Pay your new student deposit on the Beacon Gateway.
- It can take up to 2-3 business days for your deposit to process.
- If you have questions about your deposit, please contact Undergraduate Admissions at (617) 287-6100 or undergrad.admissions@umb.edu.
2. Register for a Session
- Once your deposit has processed, return to the Beacon Gateway and click on the 'events' tab.
- Under the 'events' section you will see New Student Orientation.
- Click 'Find a Session' under New Student Orientation to select a date that works best for you.
- Complete the questionnaire and be sure to click SUBMIT to confirm your registration.
3. Check Your Email
- Once you register, a confirmation email will be sent to your application email and your new UMass Boston email address.
- Reminder emails with additional details will be sent prior to your orientation session. Please check your email regularly and review this important information.
4. Review the Checklist
- Prior to your Orientation, review the Pre-Orientation Checklist to prep for your session.
- If you have any questions, contact the orientation team at orientation@umb.edu.
Orientation Facts
Explore the following key statistics and gain valuable insights into our orientation programs.
3100
new undergraduate students became Beacons in summer 2023
95%
of students feel prepared to succeed at UMass Boston after orientation
87%
of students feel a stronger sense of belonging at UMass Boston after orientation
