2025–2026
GUIDE
About This Guide
CollegiateParent has published this guide in partnership with the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Our goal is to share helpful, timely information about your student’s college experience and connect you to relevant campus and community resources.
Please refer to the school’s website and contact information below for updated information in the guide or with questions about its contents. CollegiateParent is not responsible for omissions or errors. This publication was made possible by the businesses and professionals contained within it. The presence of university/ college logos and marks in the guide does not mean that the publisher or school endorses the products or services offered by the advertisers.
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Design by Kade O’Connor
For more information, please contact Student & Family Support Services GPS Center, Suite 140 839 Merrimack Street Lowell, MA 01854
Phone: 978-934-5150
Email: Family@uml.edu
Welcome to UMass Lowell
Dear Parents and Families,
Welcome to the UMass Lowell community!
On behalf of our entire campus, I am delighted to extend a heartfelt greeting to you. It is a true honor to have your student join our diverse and dynamic university. As Chancellor, I recognize the important role that families play in the success of our students, and I am pleased that you are now part of the UMass Lowell family.
With our world-class faculty, dedicated staff and state-of-the-art facilities, we are committed to fostering academic growth, personal development and professional success of our students.
As your student embarks on this exciting journey, I want you to know that UMass Lowell is here to support them every step of the way. Our faculty and staff are not only experts in their fields but also compassionate mentors who care about your child’s well-being. We understand that this transition can be a big step for both students and their families, and we are dedicated to ensuring that your student thrives in all aspects of their university experience.
We also recognize that a student’s success is a shared responsibility. We encourage you to stay connected, ask questions and engage with our university through various resources and events designed for families like you. Together, we can help ensure your student’s academic and personal success at UMass Lowell.
We look forward to the many accomplishments they will achieve during their time here, and we are excited to support them as they reach their full potential.
Warmest regards,
Julie Chen Chancellor University of Massachusetts Lowell
UMass Lowell Parent and Family Engagement
Welcome to the River Hawk Family!
The Office of Student & Family Support Services is here to provide information, resources, communication, and programs to the parents, families, and supporters of UMass Lowell students. Your student has worked extremely hard to get to this point in their educational journey, and your guidance as family members has been a huge part of that. We believe that the partnership between parents and families and the university can play an important role in your student’s continued success, and we are excited to begin this partnership with you!
Family as Partners
Family Programs believes the partnership between the university and family members is critical to helping students achieve. Family Programs serves River Hawk families by:
• Providing helpful information and resources to encourage the most helpful level of involvement in your student’s college experience
• Keeping you informed about campus news, information, and events
• Providing opportunities to connect with university faculty, staff, and other River Hawk families
• Serving as a central hub for communication between the university and families
There are many ways for parents and families to be involved at UMass Lowell, whether that be visiting campus for Family Weekend or joining the Family Association. Check out a few of our signature programs and resources and become an active part of the River Hawk Community!
River Hawk Family Portal
The portal is designed specifically for parents and families and provides resources, university updates, important dates and deadlines, and tips for supporting your student in college. You can also customize your portal experience and join communities based on what you are interested in. The portal is regularly updated by staff from several areas of the university, so the information is always up to date and reflects what your student is experiencing on campus.
Family Orientation
Family Orientation is an opportunity for parents and families to get important information that will help your student in their transition to UMass Lowell. Family Orientation is offered throughout the summer, including weekend and virtual options.
Family Weekend
Family Weekend is a weekend full of activities that you can enjoy with your student. Programs can include events like musical and theatrical performances, a UMass Lowell hockey game, tours of local visitor attractions, family bingo, and more!
Family Association
The Family Association is UMass Lowell’s parent and family advisory group. Meetings happen virtually once each semester and give parents and families the opportunity to learn more about the university, provide feedback, and have discussions with administrators. There are also many volunteer opportunities available to Family Association members, like helping with an open house event or welcoming families at Family Orientation.
Save the date, Family Weekend is October 31 to November 2, 2025.
If you have any questions about any of our programs or services, please reach out! We’re also here to be your starting point about any questions that you might have in general. Think of us as your parent and family landing spot for the university, and we are happy to help you answer any questions you might have.
How to contact us:
Email: Family@uml.edu
Phone: 978-934-5150
Website: uml.edu/family
Family Portal: uml.campusesp.com
Family Communication
Communication between the university and families is different than what you might have experienced when your student was in the K-12 system. This can be a big adjustment for families and can sometimes come as a surprise. Here’s some helpful information to let you know what to expect when it comes to communicating with the university.
Understanding FERPA
UMass Lowell is bound by FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) in terms of what can be shared about your student. The university can only disclose information distributed in the informational directory
We know that parents and family members frequently have questions related to academic information like grades and class registration, or questions about student accounts and billing. Information related to academics or billing is protected under FERPA and is not something the university can
discuss with anyone besides the student. Students do, however, have the option of sharing this information with anyone they designate through our student information system (SIS) utilizing UShare Guest Access . UShare is an online tool that allows students to share FERPAprotected information.
Students can also authorize Residence Life staff to speak with parents and family members by logging into the Online Housing Portal and completing a FERPA Waiver Form.
Communication from UMass Lowell to Families
There are times when UMass Lowell may communicate directly with parents or family members. The following list includes those circumstances:
• Alcohol or drug incidents involving your student
• Conduct related change of status
• Medical transport
• Missing student Start talking to your student over the summer to set mutual communication expectations. This can go a long way in preventing any misunderstandings once the semester starts!
Emergency Communication
• In an emergency situation, families can contact the UMass Lowell Police Department (UMLPD) at 978-934-4911. The non-emergency number for UMLPD is 978 -934-2398.
• Your student will automatically receive any emergency campus alerts via their UMass Lowell email. Students can also register for emergency text alerts through the My Alert website: uml.edu/alert
• Families can opt in to receive emergency text alerts by texting “UMLalerts” to 22-6787 for 180 days of emergency text alerts.
• Any weather-related changes to campus operations (like closures due to snowstorms) will be communicated by the campus alert system. Weather-related changes will also be posted to the top of the UMass Lowell website as they occur.
Technology
There are a lot of different technology systems to navigate as your student starts at UMass Lowell. We know this can sometimes feel confusing, so here’s a handy overview of the websites and dashboards your student will encounter.
River Hawk Family Portal
An information portal designed specifically for parents and families! This includes customized communication preferences, communities, and a calendar of important events. Parents and family members can sign up for this portal themselves, no student information is needed!
Admissions Portal
This will be the first portal your student is introduced to as they apply and are admitted to UMass Lowell. This portal will feature an “admitted student checklist” with important action items that your student needs to complete prior to the start of the fall semester. The portal will have important tasks and deadlines, so it’s necessary your student completes this checklist.
SIS
UMass Lowell’s Student Information System. SIS is used for everything from registering for classes, paying the bill, and viewing financial aid packages.
USHARE
A guest login account that students can create for their parents/families that will grant access to their student SIS. Guest access will allow you to view the areas of your student’s record for which your student has authorized you, including the e-bill and online tuition payment.
NOW Dashboard
This is a user-friendly interface that provides mobile-friendly access to class schedules, grades, holds, open to do items, parking garage availability, campus recreation center use, shuttle bus tracking, dining hall menus, and the student mosaic builder. This is a centralized location for many aspects of student life.
Student Health Portal
This is where your student’s health records are stored and is managed by the Office of Health Services.
Online Housing Portal
This portal contains all information regarding your student’s on-campus housing. This is where your student will submit their housing application each year, select their room, and find contact information for their future roommates.
Academic Support
Your student was admitted to UMass Lowell because they have demonstrated the ability to be a successful UML student! The transition to UMass Lowell coursework can still be challenging though, but there are many resources available to help and support your student.
Each first-year student is assigned a Professional Advisor. Advisors help assist with course registration, academic coaching, and they’re also there to support your student through any academic difficulties they may encounter.
For their first semester, incoming students are pre-assigned into classes that correspond to the requirements of their major. Your student will receive this schedule during their orientation session, and can work with their advisor if any changes are needed.
There are a variety of free academic support resources available to your student offered through the Centers for Learning, Advising & Student Success. This includes tutoring, the writing center, testing accommodations, peer advising, and academic success coaching. It’s never too early for your student to start utilizing these resources!
Centers for Learning, Advising, & Student Success (CLASS)
Centers for Learning, Advising, & Student Success offers a variety of services designed to help your student in their academic journey. This includes advising for transfer students, tutoring, major and minor exploration, individualized study skills sessions, and academic coaching.
Tutoring Services through Centers for Learning
Faculty-recommended peer tutors provide tutoring and academic support in over 100 courses. Tutoring is offered both one-on-one and also in a group format. Students can search the online schedule for available sessions. If your student is in a class that does not have a scheduled tutoring session, they can submit a request to the Centers for Learning.
The Writing Center
Peer tutors at the Writing Center work with students throughout all stages of the writing process.
UMass Lowell Library and Learning Commons
The UMass Lowell Library offers two locations on campus, one in O’Leary Hall on South Campus and one in Lydon Hall on North Campus. The library offers extensive services to support students in their academics, and library staff are available to help connect students to resources, databases, literature, and to offer support in any other class-related research they might need.
Disability Services
Staff in the Office of Disability Services are available to assist students with documented disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations, coordinating services, and creating accessibility through assistive technology. The Disability Services website provides more information about registering and accessing their service.
Money Matters
The Solution Center as a centralized hub designed to streamline administrative processes for students. Located in University Crossing, it integrates services related to registration, financial aid, and student accounts, aiming to provide a convenient “one-stop shop” for students’ essential needs. By offering assistance via phone, email, and in person, the Solution Center strives to simplify interactions with the university and allow students to focus more on their academic pursuits.
Your student will receive an email notification to their university email address informing them that a bill has been generated and is ready for their review. Bills for the Fall semester are typically available in late July, while bills for the Spring semester are available in early January.
To prevent a financial hold, all payments, payment plans, loans, and/or financial aid arrangements should be finalized by the add/drop deadline.
If your student is looking for a job on campus they can search listings in Job Hawk. Job Hawk is a job database that includes both work-study and non-work study positions. Your student can log-in to Job Hawk using their UMass Lowell email and password.
How to contact us:
Email: TheSolutionCenter@uml.edu
Phone: 978-934-2000
Website: uml.edu/thesolutioncenter
Getting Involved
Finding a new group of friends and getting involved on campus is a very important part of helping your River Hawk feel at home at UMass Lowell! It may seem daunting at first, but there are numerous clubs, activities, and resources that will help your student find their place on campus.
Clubs and Organizations
Open to all students and are a fantastic way to meet people, have fun, and develop leadership skills. Your students can view all of the clubs and organizations by logging on to the ENGAGE website: umasslowellclubs. campuslabs.com/engage
The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA)
The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) at UMass Lowell is committed to building an inclusive and socially just campus community. Guided by a student-centered approach, OMA supports all students—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds— through transformative programs, initiatives, and personalized support.
Campus Recreation
Offers a variety of programs and facilities that are available to your student. This includes exercise facilities, fitness classes, intramural and club sports, outdoor adventure trips, and more!
If your student isn’t sure where to start, encourage them to attend the Student Involvement Fair, which happens during the first week they are on campus. Clubs and organizations will host tables, and your student can get more information about all of the opportunities available to them.
North Campus
BUILDINGS
Alumni Hall 33
Ball Hall 41
Costello Athletic Center 46
Cumnock Hall 39
Cushing Field Complex 47
Dandeneau Hall 36
Falmouth Annex / North Power Plant 43
Falmouth Hall 37
Lydon Library 32
Olney Science Center 45
Olsen Hall 42
Perry Hall 40
Pinanski Hall 44
Pulichino Tong Business Ctr 31
Saab Emerging Technologies & Innovation Center 30
Shah Hall 38
Southwick Hall 35
South Campus
BUILDINGS
1499 Middlesex St. 20
820 Broadway 15
Allen House 3
Coburn Hall 8
Comley-Lane Theatre 6
Desmarais House / 150 Wilder 16
Donna M. Manning Health & Social Sciences Building 14
Dugan Hall 5
EEAS Weather Station 18
Mahoney Hall 6
McGauvran Student Center 11
Moloney Performing Arts Ctr 13
O’Leary Library 12
Richard L. Schueller Observatory 4
South Maintenance Facility –1485 Middlesex St. 19 South Power Plant 7
COLLEGES & SCHOOLS
Francis College of Engineering
– Southwick Hall 35
Kennedy College of Sciences –Olney Science Center 45
Manning School of Business –
Pulichino Tong Business Ctr 31
Richard A. Miner School of Computer & Information Sciences – Dandeneau Hall 36
PARKING
Cumnock Hall Lot P17
North Garage P21
Olsen Lot P18
Pinanski / Costello Lot P19
Riverside Lots (A and B) P20
Standish Lot P22
OFFICES & SERVICES
Athletics Department 46 Dining
Cumnock Marketplace 39
Einstein Bros. Bagels 45
Starbucks 32
Rist DifferenceMaker Inst 32
WUML Radio 33
Hall 1
COLLEGES & SCHOOLS
College of Fine Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences – Coburn Hall 8
Honors College – Allen House 3 School of Criminology & Justice – Donna M. Manning Health & Social Sciences Bldg 14 School of Education
Coburn Hall 8
Solomont School of Nursing
Donna M. Manning Health & Social Sciences Building 14 Zuckerberg College of Health
– Dugan Hall 5 PARKING
Broadway Lot P1
Coburn Hall Lot P6
Mahoney Lower Lot P4
Mahoney Upper Lot P5
Moloney Lot P10
Riverview Suites Garage P12
Riverview Suites Lot P2
Solomont Way Lot P7
South Garage P3
Wilder Lot P8
Wilder Visitor Lot P9
& SERVICES
East Campus
BUILDINGS
110 Canal 73
175 Cabot St. 59
45 Lawrence Drive 77
5 Lawrence Drive 76
817 Merrimack St. 53
Ames Building 67
Campus Recreation Center 64
Charles J. Hoff Alumni
Scholarship Center 69
East Maintenance Facility 51
Graduate & Professional Studies Center 52
LeLacheur Park 65
Mogan Cultural Center 71
Recreation Complex 75
Rist Urban Agriculture Farm 78
Tsongas Center 70
University Crossing 50
Wannalancit Business Ctr 68
RESIDENCE HALLS
Bourgeois Hall 62
Donahue Hall 60
Fox Hall 63
Leitch Hall 61
River Hawk Village 74
University Suites 66
PARKING
817 Merrimack Lot P24
Ames Lot P30
Ayotte Garage (city lot) P34
East Garage P27
Fletcher Lot P36
Fox Lot P25
Hall St. Garage P28
HCID Garage (city lot) P39
Lawrence Drive Lot P38
Merrimack Lot P23
Pawtucket Visitor Lot P37
Perkins Lot P29
Recreation Center Lot P26
Salem Lot (by reservation) P35
Tsongas Center Lots P33
Wannalancit / East Courtyard Lot P31
Wannalancit / Tremont Lot P32
OFFICES & SERVICES
Admissions, Graduate 52 Admissions, Undergrad 50 Advancement (Hoff Center) 69 Alumni (Hoff Center) 69 Bike Shop & Outdoor
For most up-to-date travel directions, parking lot designations, and office locations, please visit uml.edu/maps . Visitors may park in lots marked “Visitor” or “Open to All.” Reservations or hang tags are required. Contact UCAPS at 978-934-2800 or UCAP S@uml.edu
Health Services
Health Services is part of the Wellness Center on the 3rd floor of University Crossing. It is open Monday–Friday and is an appointment-based service that provides diagnosis and treatment of episodic illnesses.
Walk-in service is not available, so your student should be sure to call to make an appointment before visiting the Wellness Center (978-934-6800).
There are often same-day or next-day appointments available.
While there is no charge or copay for a visit to Health Services, students must provide their health insurance information when making an appointment in case they need lab work or a vaccination.
All newly enrolled students MUST complete all required health forms (including Health History and TB Risk Assessment) and immunizations (found on the Wellness Center website) and upload them to the Health Services Patient Portal. All health records are required by August 1 for fall enrollment and January 1 for spring enrollment to avoid a registration hold.
If your student needs medical care during the evening or on the weekend, there are several urgent care facilities that they may go to (just be sure to remind them to bring their health insurance information). For life threatening medical emergencies, students can call 978-934-4911 (on campus) or 9-1-1 (off campus). UMass Lowell EMS is available 24/7 on campus.
Mental Health and Wellness
Beginning college is a time of significant transition for your student, which can be both positive and challenging. For some students, the stress of college may impact their mental health, making it difficult to manage their relationships and responsibilities. Many mental health resources are available to your student to provide help and support.
Faculty Mental Health Advocates
We have 10 faculty members on campus that are working to share information and resources and support students.
These advocates:
• Act as liaisons in their college to share information to connect students to resources that support their mental health.
• Educate colleagues on the warning signs of mental health issues, how to have conversations with students and what resources are available to support them.
• Lead events & create partnerships to help facilitate conversations among faculty, staff and students and raise awareness
• Promote new and existing resources
• Are the “go to” in their colleges and expand our reach
Campus Advocates for Prevention Education (CAPE)
This is a group of students who provide their peers with education and awareness around mental health and the prevention of sexual violence and substance misuse. Through outreach and advocacy, CAPE works to support a safe and healthy UMass Lowell community.
Counseling Services is part of the Wellness Center on the 3rd floor of University Crossing. They are open Monday–Friday and offer individual, couple, and group therapy. Students can schedule an initial appointment by calling the Wellness Center at 978 -934-6800
If a student is in crisis, they can call 855-890-2879 to speak to an on-call clinician.
If you have a concern about your student, you can submit a STARS Referral form online (for non-crisis situations) at uml.edu/student-services/stars . Your concern will be reviewed by UML staff and a staff member will reach out to your student.
Career Development
The Career & Co-op Center supports students in developing career skills that they will use time and again over the course of their lifetime. From exploring majors to transitioning to a meaningful career, the Career & Co-op Center helps UMass Lowell undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni develop job search skills and make informed career choices while connecting them with employers.
This multifaceted office offers many services:
• Provides career development programming (including career fairs and other recruiting events), credit bearing career courses focused on career exploration and job & internship searches (UMLO.1500, .1600, .2000), plus individual career advising.
• Oversees the Professional Co-op Program for full-time undergraduate students in the Francis College of Engineering, Kennedy College of Sciences, Manning School of Business, Department of Economics, and Pharmaceutical Sciences major, and Applied Biomedical Sciences major – Clinical Science option.
• Coordinates the River Hawk Experience Distinction (RHED) program that offers students the opportunity to earn recognition by bringing together academics and experiential learning outside the classroom.
• Manages student employment including work-study (either on-campus or with designated local non-profits) and department funded positions.
Living on Campus
Living on campus at UMass Lowell provides your student with a safe, supportive environment that encourages academic success and personal growth. With easy access to classes, campus resources, and extracurricular activities, students become more engaged and connected to the university community. It’s a valuable foundation for independence, responsibility, and lasting friendships.
Living Learning Communities
At UMass Lowell, Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) give your student the opportunity to live alongside peers with shared academic or personal interests, creating a supportive and focused environment. Each LLC is paired with a dedicated faculty or staff member who offers mentorship beyond the classroom, leads career-focused programs and day trips, and helps ease the transition to college life.
Dining
A variety of dining options are available to your student throughout campus. There are two all-you-care-to-eat dining halls and a variety of a la carte locations. University Dining also provides food stations and options dedicated to meeting dietary concerns and allergies. A dietitian is available to meet with your student about any dietary needs or concerns and how those dietary needs can be met on campus.
Residential Life
The Office of Residence Life manages all aspects of UMass Lowell’s on-campus living. Each residential area is overseen by a full time, professional staff member. Every floor is staffed with student resident advisors, who build community on each floor and are available to assist your student with any concerns or issues. Your student can access all of their housing information in the Online Housing Portal. This includes information about room selection and roommates. Your student will also get information sent to them via email, so be sure to encourage your student to check their UMass Lowell email accounts.
How to contact
us:
Phone: 978-934-5160
Email: Reslife@uml.edu
Website: uml.edu/reslife
Tips from Current Students
We asked Kiara and Kerly, two of our current students, to share their experiences and offer some advice to incoming students and families!
What is your favorite thing about being a UMass Lowell student?
Kiara: My favorite part about being a student here would be the many places where I can relax and have a good break from my schoolwork. My top recommendations would be the Recreation Center, McGauvran Center, and the second floor of University Crossing.
Kerly: My favorite thing about being a student here at UMass Lowell is the different people you can meet. Over the last 2 years I feel like I have expanded my inner circle, and it has allowed me to grow as a person.
What advice would you give to a future new student getting ready to start at UMass Lowell?
Kiara: My advice would be to not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. I spent my entire first year strictly going to and from classes, avoiding going to other resources on campus because I was afraid. Now I enjoy taking detours and interacting with people!
Kerly: Some advice I may have for future students is to maintain a balance between school and also a social life. During my first year I mainly spent it focused on school, getting a steady GPA, and figuring out everything Lowell had to offer. Now that I am in my second year I have started to enjoy clubs, and making new friends, but for me it has been hard to balance both worlds.
How do you think parents or family members could be most helpful in supporting their student as they start at UMass Lowell?
Kiara: There are many ways to support your student, one way is through encouragement. Personally, my mother checks in on me often and even when I’m struggling with my classes, she reassures me.
Kerly: I feel like parents could best support their kids by giving them emotional support. This could be in the form of checking in with them once in a while, by texting or calling. Having days where parents come down to the University and spend some time 1-on-1 with their kids. I say this because for some, college can be lonely, and at times can be a lot for a student’s mental health, so having a strong support system that is not too overbearing truly helps with the feeling of loneliness.
Conversation Starters
Here are some helpful questions to start a conversation with your student about their UMass Lowell experience.
Communication
• How often do you want to talk? Who should contact whom?
• What kind of things do you want to talk about?
• What ways work best for us to communicate while you’re at school? Text? Email? Phone? Social media?
Academics
• Tell me about your advisor.
• Have you received an email from your advisor lately?
• What about your classes are you most looking forward to? What are you most nervous about?
• How are you thinking high school is different than college?
• What resources are available to you?
• What are you most excited about for college?
Financial
• Will you grant us access to your account through USHARE?
• What expectations do we have as a family when it comes to communicating about financial decisions?
• Will you have a credit card? What are the expectations?
• Will you work? If so, how many hours per week? How will you balance your job with your school work?
Getting Involved
• What are your interests?
• What kind of clubs or activities do you think you’d like to get involved in?
• Who might be able to help you get involved?
Health & Wellness
• Do you know how to contact Health Services on campus? How do you feel about making your own appointments?
• If you need to access care off campus, how will you get to the Urgent Care?
• How will you be sure to get enough sleep?
• What pharmacy will you want to use if you need to get a prescription filled? How will you get there?
• How do you feel about seeking mental health support should you find yourself wanting to talk to someone or needing help?
Important Dates
Fall 2025
August 29
Residence halls open for fall 2025
September 1 Labor Day (university closed)
September 2 Convocation
September 3 Fall classes begin Drop-add period begins
September 9
October 13
October 14
October 27
Last day for undergraduate students to add a course without a permission number
Indigenous Peoples’ Day (university closed)
Enrollment for Winter 2026 courses begin
Enrollment for Spring 2026 courses begin
November 11 Veteran’s Day (university closed)
November 13
November 26–29
Last day for students to withdraw from courses with grade of “W” for regular session
Thanksgiving Recess
December 20 Fall semester examinations end
December 21
Residence halls close at noon Winter Recess begins
Spring 2026
January 18
January 19
January 20
January 26
February 16
March 8
April 6
April 7
April 20
April 30
May 9
May 10
Residence halls open at noon
Martin Luther King Day (university closed)
Spring classes begin
Drop-add period begins
Last day for undergraduate students to add a course without a permission number
Presidents Day (university closed)
Spring Recess begins
Enrollment for Fall 2026 courses begin
Last day for students to withdraw from courses with grad of “W” for regular session
Patriot’s Day (university closed)
Last day of Spring semester classes
Spring semester examinations end at 6 p.m.
Residence halls close at noon
