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Congrats to Lauren
Four weeks into summer break, we hope you are finding time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the season. Whether you're spending time with family and friends, working, traveling, or simply taking a well-deserved break, summer provides a valuable opportunity to rest and prepare for the opportunities ahead.
As we look toward the Fall 2026 semester, Disability Services is excited to continue supporting you on your academic journey. In this newsletter, you'll find important reminders, upcoming events, resources, and tips to help you start the semester strong. We look forward to welcoming you back to campus and wish you a safe, enjoyable, and restorative remainder of your summer.
Before diving into this edition, we'd like to recognize Lauren Collier, Associate Director of Operations in the Office of Disability Services. In May, Lauren received the REDI Award from the Office of Student Affairs and Campus Life. This peer-nominated award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to bridge differences, foster a sense of belonging, and respond to the needs of our community. The REDI Awards are presented annually, and we are proud to celebrate Lauren's well-deserved recognition. Congratulations, Lauren!
AIM Transition
As a reminder, Disability Services is transitioning to a new accommodation management system AIM (Accessible Information Management). AIM will replace our current system, Clockwork, and will serve as the primary platform for students, faculty, and staff to manage disability accommodations at UMass Amherst. For more information about this transition, please visit our AIM Transition webpage.
Important AIM Transition Updates
Exam Proctoring Center (EPC)
Students with summer exam accommodations should email dsexams@umass.edu to arrange proctoring. During the summer, the EPC administers exams Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Access Coordinator Meetings
Students already active with Disability Services in Clockwork will not be able to schedule appointments in ClockWork beyond July 31. If you would like to meet with your access coordinator in August or September, please contact them directly via email to schedule an appointment.
Please continue to monitor the AIM Transition webpage and your UMass email for the latest updates and information regarding the transition.
First Year Housing Placements
Housing Options for First Year Students
Living at UMass Amherst, you will find it easy to get involved with campus activities, get to know faculty, and find leadership opportunities. You will live in a community environment in which collaboration leads to academic success. You will have access to resources, informed professionals, and supportive student staff who can answer questions, help you navigate campus, and much more.
Incoming first-year students will get an email from Residential Life about their housing assignment on Monday, August 3.
If you’re thinking about requesting disability-related housing accommodations, we strongly recommend submitting your documentation and meeting with an Access Coordinator by July 2. This helps make sure your request can be reviewed in time before housing assignments are finalized.
You can still submit a request after July 2, but keep in mind that housing options may be more limited once assignments have been made. While we’ll always do our best to support your approved accommodations, we may not be able to offer a space that fully matches your needs right away.
First Steps for All New Students
Follow the instructions to submit your UCard photo.
Complete the Preference Application in Housing Portal as part of this process you will:
Sign the Occupancy License
Submit the Roommate Matching Profile
Submit area, room type, and special housing preferences between June 1 at 10am and June 30 at 11:59pm.
New Student Assignments are released on Monday, August 3.
Even if you are planning on requesting a housing accommodation from Disability Services or have a request that is currently under review, all incoming first year students must complete these steps before June 30th.
If you are not planning to live on campus, please view the Housing Requirement and Exemption information for first-year students.
Navigating Housing and Dining Commons with Food Allergies
We recognize that living on campus in shared housing and navigating the dining commons can feel challenging for students with food allergies and dietary restrictions. If you’re an incoming first-year student preparing for this transition, we have good news!
UMass is not only ranked #1 in the country for Best Campus Dining, but we also offer exceptional support through our campus dietitians for students with specialized dietary needs.
Take a moment to explore this success story from a current UMass student managing a rare dietary disorder while living on campus. Here’s a brief excerpt:
While touring college campuses, the family connected with disability services to ensure Emma would be well supported. What they discovered was that UMass already has a strong, well-established process for accommodating students with allergies and metabolic disorders.
“It has allowed her to have a more normal college experience—going to the dining commons with her friends and living in a typical dorm setting,” said Kathy Friedl. “That felt especially important for her socially during her first year.”
Scholarship for Neuropsychological Testing
The Parking Services Scholarship for Accessibility is dedicated to help students who need updated psychoeducational testing, students who self-identify as being neurodivergent but are seeking formal diagnostic testing, or students who suspect they may have an undiagnosed disability. We know testing can be expensive, so we want to make it as accessible as possible. Financials should not be in the way of your diagnosis!
There is no application deadline.
Learn more about eligibility and how to apply through Disability Services.
Empowering Independence: Supporting Neurodivergent Job Seekers
Join Integrate for an informative webinar designed for parents and caregivers of neurodivergent young adults ages 20–30 who are navigating the job search process. Led by Marcia Scheiner, President and Founder of Integrate Autism Employment Advisors, this session will provide valuable insights into today’s employment landscape, how hiring really works, and strategies for supporting your job seeker while fostering independence.
Participants will learn about common challenges neurodivergent candidates face, practical ways to build confidence, and resources to help young adults stand out in their job search. The webinar will take place on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 7:00–8:00 p.m. EDT. Registration is $49 per person, and attendees will also have the opportunity to win a free 30-minute candidate coaching session.
Register for Empowering Independence!
AHEAD Annual Conference
The AHEAD Annual Conference will be held July 20-24, 2026 in Providence, RI. The conference is an in-person professional development and networking event. Four Disability Services staff members will be presenting during the conference.
PC06: “I’m in Charge… Now What?” Tools and Frameworks for New Disability Services Leaders – Monday, July 20
Lauren Collier M.A., University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Rachel Adams M.Ed, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Hira Byrne Paulin PhD, CRC, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Alex Deschamps M.Ed, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
10.04: Relational Resilience: Sustaining Disability Community as Disabled Working Professionals – Friday, July 24, 2:00 – 3:30pm
Samm Nelson BA English, MA, Mount Holyoke College
Corwyn Ross, Mount Holyoke College
Rachel Adams M. ED., University of Massachusetts Amherst
Griffin Leistinger MA, Hampshire College; University of Massachusetts, Amherst
10.07: From Chaos to Clarity: A Project Management Framework for Transforming Office Operations - Friday, July 24, 2:00 – 3:30pm
Lauren Collier M.A., University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hira Byrne Paulin, PhD, CRC, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Join Disability Services at UFEST
Join us, Sunday, September 6th, 3:00 – 5:00pm for UFest, one of UMass Amherst’s signature kickoff events, featuring live music, food, activities, and opportunities to connect with student organizations and various offices across the campus. It brings the campus community together to celebrate the start of the academic year in a fun, high-energy atmosphere.
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