UMass Boston

Join CLA First!

Join the CLA First! Learning Community

  • First-time first-year students in the College of Liberal Arts, including students who have not yet decided or declared their major, are welcome to join CLA First!
  • CLA First! is a small and supportive learning community within the larger university and includes:
    • Academic Advisors who partner with you from new student orientation through graduation to build a strong academic foundation and achieve personal, professional, and community engagement goals;
    • Supportive peer mentors who know what the transition to college is all about;
    • Cohort classes that fulfill general education requirements taught by professors committed to student success.
    • Start Smart! workshops geared towards helping you get the most out of your college experience;
    • Academic and social programming to build your UMB community!
    • Fulfill general education requirements, including the First Year Seminar requirement (upon successful completion of the year-long program)

 How do I sign up? 

  • After signing up for new student orientation, keep an eye on your email for information from CLA First!
  • Once at orientation, join a group advising session with CLA First! academic advisors and peer mentors to get registered for the fall.
  • Check out our course descriptions and sample class schedule!

 Frequently Asked Questions 

  • What is a learning community?

A learning community is a group of students who have something in common and who take some courses together. All members of CLA First! are first-year students planning to complete a major in the College of Liberal Arts. At a school as large as UMass Boston, having a smaller group to connect and learn with can make a big place feel a bit smaller!

  • What are the advantages of belonging to a learning community like CLA First!? 

CLA First! gives you a chance to do something interesting and unique during your first year of college. As a member of the CLA First! community, you have the chance to work with a smaller group of peers who have similar interests. You are paired with a peer mentor to support your transition to college and have access to weekly programming and special activities designed to enhance your college experience, such as alumni speakers, trips in and around Boston, and opportunities to connect with faculty, staff and other students.

  • Will I meet other students besides those in my learning community cohort?

Your CLA First! classes make up part of your schedule. You also have the chance to enroll in other courses within your major or in other areas of interest. This allows you to connect with both CLA First! participants and other students here at UMass Boston.

 Follow us!

Get a running start on academic success. Join CLA First!

For more information, email Rachel Puopolo, Director of CLA First! or call 617-287-5721