By Erin Diacik

Welcome back to campus for the 2022 Spring Semester! After a long, and hopefully relaxing, winter break, classes for the spring resume on Tuesday, January 25th. As we approach another on campus semester, keep reading for some helpful reminders and tricks to start this spring off strong. 

• The Faculty Senate Rules Committee has approved extending the official add/drop deadline to be a two-week time period instead of one week.This puts the last day to add or drop classes with no record as Monday, February 7th. If you are a full-time student, you must be enrolled in at least 12 credits, so double check your schedule to ensure your status as either a full or part time student. 
• Take note of the Spring 2022 Academic Calendar. This calendar provides dates for any holidays, including spring recess and important registrar deadlines. Make sure to keep track of these important dates to look back on later. 
• As per UMass policy, all eligible students and faculty are required to have their Covid-19 vaccine booster prior to the start of the semester. As always, remember to mask up wherever they are required, and take advantage of UMass’s unobserved testing. 
• If you have any questions or concerns, schedule an appointment with a professional advisor via Navigate, or drop in to the Peer Advising office, located in N323. No appointments are necessary to speak with the Peer Advisors. They are a great resource for quick or last minute registration questions! Their current drop-in hours are listed on the Department of Communication web page. 

As we begin another semester during a time of uncertainty, make sure to take care of yourself during the cold winter months. While you keep up with your academics, don’t lose track of your mental health. Whether that be starting a daily journal, speaking with a professional, or moving your body, take some time each week to do something for yourself. The Department of Communication wishes you a healthy and successful spring semester!