UMass Boston

Urban & Off-Campus Support Services (U-ACCESS)

List of local, state, and federal resources .

The Office of the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs has seen the various non-academic challenges our students encounter on a daily basis, which has led to the establishment of the Office of Urban and Off-Campus Support Services, otherwise known as U-ACCESS. 

U-ACCESS envisions a campus where students are empowered to effectively engage in the fight against the systems of poverty, pursue economic security, and successfully achieve their academic goals at UMass Boston.

The mission of U-ACCESS is to help UMass Boston students meet their basic needs so they can achieve academic success. This office also provides leadership development and inspires student agency in mitigating systemic poverty. Along with various services to fulfill student needs, the office provides students with work and internship opportunities to empower them to fight campus poverty and support their peers.

In order to qualify for U-ACCESS services, you must be a UMass Boston student taking at least one credit. To begin receiving services, please fill out a U-ACCESS referral form. This form will help us determine any and all resources that are available to you. Please note: the University uses this form for a number of different student concerns. As it pertains to U-ACCESS, the most important information needed is a clear description of what concerns you have and the best ways to contact you.

*Please note that you do NOT need to fill out the intake form to receive tax preparation services, legal consultations, or financial counseling. Please send an email to U-ACCESS to make an appointment.


U-ACCESS offers students: 

  • Case Management
  • Regular Food Pantry access
  • Meal and snack programs
  • Meal swipe program
  • Free on-campus locker rental
  • Legal Consultations
  • SNAP application assistance (i.e. food stamps)
  • Financial Counseling
  • Emergency toiletries and school supplies
  • Information and Resource Referral

There are many ways to get involved with U-ACCESS in the fight against campus poverty.

For students:

  • Refer yourself or a friend
  • Become a U-ACCESS Ambassador
  • Take a social justice class at UMass Boston
  • Host a drive
  • Donate in-demand items
  • Donate a Guest Meal Swipe

For faculty and staff:

  • Refer a student
  • Add the basic needs blurb to your syllabus
  • Partner with U-ACCESS for internship opportunities
  • Host a drive
  • Donate in-demand items

Giving to UMass Boston

Support UMass Boston students who suffer financial and personal hardship, including poverty and homelessness through a gift to the U-ACCESS Program.

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