UMass Boston

• Energize students to engage in deep learning, and to acquire relevant knowledge & work-place competencies.  
• Transition new students to the academic rigors of university life.
• Provide enrichment opportunities via the First Year Stem Communities, and college-wide events.
• Guide students to pursue purposeful pathways that are aligned with their academic/professional interests, talents, and values.
• Help students start and stay on track by empowering them to carefully plan their degree requirements each semester.
• Connect students to key campus resources supporting their overall well-being, social development, and career planning needs.
• Provide opportunities for students to develop into productive citizens and apply their knowledge, talents, and skills for the betterment of society at large.

Welcome to the College of Science & Mathematics at UMass Boston! All new students are asked to do the following to best prepare for their New Student Orientation Advising & Registration session.  These same activities are helpful for after you enroll, and to give you a strong start to the semester. 

1. Claim your umb.edu email and set up the multi-factor authenticator app before your orientation session. You will need both to register!
2. Log into WISER and get familiar with its layout and features. 
3. Questions about waitlists, permission numbers, family member access to your records:?   Visit this Registrar's Webpage for the answers. 
4. Complete the ALEKS Math Placement. Unless you are transferring in the equivalent of Calculus I, you need to take ALEKS, at least once, if not twice. Skipping this step will likely delay your enrollment. A strong math foundation is particularly important for STEM students. Make smart decisions about your choice of a math course, and learn how to take the ALEKS Math Placement Test.
5. Understand that college level math is more advanced than high school level math courses.  Make every effort to prepare for your upcoming math course for your first semester by reviewing the Math Department's Course Syllabi and Measurable Outcomes:
   • Math Sample Syllabi (MATH114QR - MATH345)
   • Measurable Outcomes: Measurable outcomes are common learning expectations that have been implemented in many of the Mathematics Department's 100-level courses. Information on measurable outcomes is available for the following courses:
     • MATH115 - College Algebra
     • MATH130 - Precalculus
     • MATH140 - Calculus I
   • Regardless of which math course you take, plan to engage in additional academic support either through subject tutoring or from the Math Department's tutoring office. 
6. Read your Audit in advance. Watch this helpful video to become more familiar with your degree requirements, and to which requirements you still need to complete, given any transfer credits accepted.  In the future, your will work with your SSC Advisor to develop a realistic academic plan for graduation. 
7. Learn how to search and enroll in your first semester courses. Please watch this video to help guide you.  Put your desired courses in your WISER Shopping Cart, and be sure to include many alternates as back-ups to your first choice courses. 
8. Review sample graduation plans to learn how you can start and stay on track. Select your sample graduation plan here.
9. Please refer to our Advanced Placement Credit Policy Chart to determine the equivalent UMass Boston courses. In many cases, students choose to forfeit their STEM AP course credits and thus take the equivalent course at UMass Boston. By doing this, students solidify and master the foundational knowledge needed for future major courses. This is especially necessary if a course is serving as a prerequisite for the next course in the sequence such as; Calculus I preparing students for Calculus II, or Biology 111 preparing students for Biology 112. Please speak to your SSC advisor to explore the option of forfeiting your AP credit, or to assess if keeping the AP course credit is a better option for you. 
10. Get a strong start to upcoming semester by thoughtfully completing the CSM Student Success Planner.  Follow up with your advisor for personalized guidance. 

• Additionally, if you attend a virtual advising session, please attend via a computer or a laptop, and not through your phone (if at all possible).   Please also make every effort to be in a distraction-free environment, be ready to take notes and to be fully engaged in the advising session.  We will not be able to assist you if you are driving, on the T, or are otherwise not safe to participate in the session.
  
  
• Take a few moments to review the pertinent overview documents as they will be referenced at your advising session: First Year Orientation Summer 2025, or Transfer Orientation Summer 2025.  Additionally, here are First-Year Class Recommendation Handouts for each major:
  • Computer Engineering & Electrical Engineering Class Recommendations - First Year
  • Chemistry / BioChemistry Class Recommendations - First Year
  • Biology Class Recommendations - First Year
  • Physics / Engineering Physics Class Recommendations - First Year
  • Math Class Recommendations - First Year
  • Information Technology Class Recommendations - First Year
  • Computer Science Class Recommendations - First Year

• Drop-In Hours for International Students & International Student Handbook
• ALEKS Instructions & Math Department Student Resources
• Academic Calendar
• GPA Calculator
• How to Access a Degree Audit
• Class Schedule Worksheet
• Time Management Calculator
• Grading System & Dean's List Criteria
• CSM Student Success Planner
• Questions about waitlists, permission numbers, family member access to your records:?   Visit this Registrar's Webpage for the answers. 
• Remove your Emergency Contact & Address Hold on WISER

Teresa Goyette
Director, Student Success Center

Teresa has worked for the University for over 33 years, mainly in the University Advising Center, and now most recently in the CSM Student Success Center. Teresa is passionate about incorporating a strengths-based advising approach to aid students in discovering academic programs and careers that align with their talents, interests, and values. Teresa is an advocate of the appreciative advising model, and she is a certified Strengths Coach through the Gallup Organization.
Contact: Teresa.Goyette@umb.edu | 617-287-5524
Office: Wheatley Hall, 4th Floor, Suite 151 - Student Success Center

Victoria (Tory) Fahey
Assistant Director, Student Success Center

Victoria Fahey joined the College of Science and Mathematics Student Success Center in June 2018. A proud alumna of UMass Boston, Victoria is excited to be back on campus and working with CSM students during their academic careers. Victoria’s professional interests include helping first year students transition to the university and focusing on mental health for college students. Throughout her career Victoria has worked to encourage students to be active participants in their college careers through social media, events, and opportunities. A fun fact about Victoria is that she is an avid reader, and is never without a book! Victoria has a MEd in student affairs counseling from Bridgewater State University, and a BA in art from the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Contact: Victoria.Fahey@umb.edu | 617-287-3103
Office: Wheatley Hall, 4th Floor, Suite 151 - Student Success Center

Madison Cammarata
Student Success Advisor

Madison Cammarata received her BA in Human Development & Education and an M.Ed in Higher Education Administration from Merrimack College. Through personal interactions and experiences, she has developed a deep understanding of the impact that structured support and community can have on the student experience. It is her goal to empower students to develop confidence and skills to prepare them for their future. She believes that learning is an iterative process, and she aims to create a space where students are not afraid to fail, but excited to learn. She takes pride in her ability to build relationships with others while maintaining professionalism to ensure overall student success and retention. 
Fun fact: Madison loves dogs. Especially goldendoodles and she goes to visit her family’s doodles in NY frequently. 
Contact: Madison.Cammarata@umb.edu | 617-287-3116
Office: Wheatley Hall, 4th Floor, Suite 148 - Student Success Center

Ashley Coady
Student Success Advisor

Ashley Coady is a proud UMass Boston alumna, having double majored in Criminal Justice and Psychology.   Ashley is eager to help students become members of the UMass Boston academic community through connections to co-curricular, research, and service opportunities.  Through a holistic advising approach, Ashley inspires students to think critically about their educational and professional aspirations, and she prepares them for meaningful post-graduation experiences whether it be continued graduate education, or a job of their dreams. 

Ashley is an avid concert-goer, and a huge Boston sports fan. Having grown up on Cape Cod, she can be found on the beach with a book in her hands whenever possible.

Contact: Ashley.Coady@umb.edu
Office: Wheatley Hall, 4th Floor, Suite 148 - Student Success Center

Trish Drew (she/her) received a BA in psychology from UMass Boston and an MS in applied educational psychology with a specialization in college student development and counseling from Northeastern University. Trish joined the College of Science and Mathematics in November 2016 as a student success advisor working within the Student Success Center. Previously, she worked as an academic advisor within the College of Liberal Arts for three years. Trish very much enjoys working with students and helping to support them through their educational experience here at UMass Boston. 
Contact: Patricia.Drew@umb.edu | 617-287-5867
Office: Wheatley Hall, 4th Floor, Suite 148 - Student Success Center

Kathryn (Katie) Jenkins
Student Success Advisor

Katie Jenkins joined the College of Science and Mathematics Student Success Center in June 2021. She graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a B.A. in Communication and a minor concentration in Psychology and Child Development, and from Northeastern University with a M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration. She joins the SSC staff after spending four years working with students in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at Northeastern University. Katie’s professional interests focus on ensuring that every college student has access to the resources needed to be successful through student centered academic advising, academic support, and student engagement. Fun facts about Katie are that she loves dogs (especially rescues), is an avid Celtics fan, and when not walking or playing with her dogs, you can find her in the gym.
Contact: Kathryn.Jenkins@umb.edu | 617-287-3143
Office: Wheatley Hall, 4th Floor, Suite 148 - Student Success Center

Michael O’Keefe
Student Success Advisor

A native of Worcester, MA, with a professional background in social work and the non-profit arena, Michael O’Keefe has consistently centered his career around student support, as well as forging connections among students and colleagues in order to build relationships and drive collective impact. 
 
Prior to joining the Student Success Center, Michael worked as the Assistant Directory of First Year Recruitment in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, where he helped to usher in the three classes of Beacons. Passionate about the academic achievements and personal growth of the undergraduate population, Michael is thrilled to be a part of the Students Success Center where he will continue to devote his energy and expertise to serve the UMass community. 
 
Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from La Salle University and is currently enrolled in the MBA program at UMass Boston. When not on Columbia Point, Michael can be found exploring his beloved New England with a fishing rod in hand. 
Contact: Michael.OKeefe@umb.edu | 617-287-3121
Office: Wheatley Hall, 4th Floor, Suite 148 - Student Success Center

Danny O'Hara
Student Success Advisor

Danny O'Hara is a first-generation graduate of UMass Boston, where he earned his B. A. in English in 2019 and his M. A. in English in 2021. Danny has experienced UMass Boston as a student, teacher, and staff member. As a student, he was an English tutor and a tour guide, and after graduating, he returned to UMass to teach in the English department. He then transitioned to working with international students in the English Language Program, where he developed a passion for helping UMass Boston's global population of students. He joined the Student Success Center in September 2023 as a Life Sciences Advisor. He is committed to providing students with assistance and information that will help them navigate their academic journey, and he is particularly interested in aiding first-generation and international students during their transition to UMass Boston. In his free time, Danny enjoys reading, writing, and watching movies.

Contact:  Daniel.OHara@umb.edu
Office: Wheatley Hall, 4th Floor, Suite 151 - Student Success Center

Joey Paladino
Student Success Advisor

Joey received his BA with honors in Social Psychology with minors in Philosophy and Creative Writing from UMass Boston in 2020. As a first-generation college student, Joey immersed himself in college life at UMB, and began working as a Beacon Ambassador in Undergraduate Admissions, where his passion for higher education work first sparked. After a year of career advising at Montclair State University in New Jersey, Joey joined the SSC in October of 2023 to serve the students of his alma mater!

Contact: Joseph.Paladino@umb.edu | 
Office: Wheatley Hall, 4th Floor, Suite 151 - Student Success Center

Cameron Ramos
Student Success Advisor

Cameron Ramos (he/him/his) first joined the Student Success Center in September 2019 as a Graduate Intern. Since then, he graduated from Bridgewater State University in May 2020 with his M.Ed. in student affairs counseling, and has joined the Student Success Center as a Student Success Advisor. Cameron is a proud first-generation college graduate and is passionate about working with this population of students and helping them make the transition to higher education. Cameron’s other professional interests also include student leadership development, learning communities, and utilizing technology to reach students. A fun fact about Cameron is that he is a big fan of all things Disney, Star Wars, Marvel Comics, and New England Revolution soccer. 
Contact: Cameron.Ramos@umb.edu | 617-287-3101
Office: Wheatley Hall, 4th Floor, Suite 151 - Student Success Center

Students who wish to return to the university and resume their studies must complete the appropriate re-enrollment application. If you are not sure what Re-Enrollment Application you should submit, please email reg.forms@umb.edu include your full name & Student ID number. 

Important Considerations: 

• If you have been away from the university for four or more consecutive semesters, you may be required to observe academic requirements in effect upon your return.
• Students who have been suspended or dismissed from the University and wish to resume their education should follow the instructions on the re-enrollment form which includes writing a letter of appeal addressed to the Standards and Credits Committee of their college. Include dates
• If you have completed courses at another institution, send those transcripts to the UMass Boston Registrar's Office at, registrar@umb.edu
• Learn about University dates and deadlines by visiting the Registrar's Academic Calendar. 

Academic Advising is an opportunity to design your educational and career goals, and to create an academic plan and a timeline for graduation.  While degree planning is a shared partnership between you and an advisor; ultimately however, it is your responsibility to fulfill the University's graduation requirements through the use of advising tools, such as the degree audit, WISER pre-requisite information, plans to graduation, and the undergraduate course catalog.

Your Potential & Purpose.  Together, let's explore ways to reach your potential and to realize your academic & vocational purpose.  If you're experiencing any bumps in road, please let us know so we can help you problem-solve.  Also, be sure to tell us what's working well!  Which courses do you enjoy the most?  What extra-curricular activities have you engaged in?  Are you getting to know your professors and your classmates?  What are you learning about yourself?   Tell us all of that!  

Your advising responsibilities.  Read your degree audit frequently and carefully.  The degree audit helps you plan and track your progress toward your degree as it connects with the information in WISER to keep track of university, general education, and major/minor requirements. 

Register early. For the best course selection, register as soon as your enrollment appointment begins.  The months of November and April are the two busiest times of the year.  Start earlier and avoid the rush to ensure a more relaxed planning session. 

• • Learn when you’re eligible to register, a time period known as your enrollment appointment, which you will find when you log-on to WISER and view your Student Center page
  • See if you have any holds that prevent you from registering, such as advising, immunization, bursar’s, or Writing Proficiency holds. 

Prepare.  The better prepared you are for your advising session, the more you’ll accomplish when you sit down face to face with your advisor.  Read your audit in advance, make a tentative course schedule, have questions ready, and be prepared to take notes.  

Click here to view advisors' contact information.  Or, using your phone, scan the QR code to download your advisor's contact information to your contact list.