Multi-Year Experience

The Multi-Year experience is tailored to support sophomore, junior, and senior students living within the residence halls.

Multi-Year Staff

Residence Directors

Responsible for assisting and developing the collaboration between Residence Education and Academic Affairs as it pertains to the continuing support of community members living on-campus. The main responsibilities include supervision of student staff and developing and facilitating Residential Life's Curriculum, IMPACT.

Resident Assistants

RAs are selected and trained to serve as a mentor, campus resource person, mediator, and policy enforcer. RAs plan social and educational activities and help to foster a community environment.

defined residential communities (drcs)

DRCs are hallways in residence halls where students live with friends and hall mates who share similar interests, backgrounds, and identities. The DRCs were originally created by UMass Amherst students and today serve as living and learning communities that support personal growth and academic success.

These communities are not restricted by major, and are open to all sophomore, junior and senior students interested in the particular focus area. DRCs are an ideal choice for students who are looking for a dynamic, hands-on way to learn about the variety of cultures and lifestyles represented at UMass Amherst.

RD Role & DRCs

RDs work closely with DRCs to build community via retreats and programmatic efforts
RDs supervise DRC RAs

Asian/asian american student community

Located in Northeast Area

The Asian/Asian American Community emphasizes the value of understanding the links between Asian and Asian American issues in an era of global migration, media, and capital. Students in the community gather frequently to discuss issues of identity, leadership, belonging, and values. Professional staff and faculty in the Asian/Asian American Community are highly visible and work closely with students to coordinate events and create strong friendships. The Asian/Asian American Community also plans regular off-campus field trips focused on culture and community-building.

harambee: african/african american student community

Located in Southwest Area

Harambee, Swahili for “the pulling together point” or “the point at which all things come together”, is an inclusive and supportive community that honors African/African American/Black identities and provides intentional space for African/African American/Black cultures. In Harambee, students will have opportunities to share and learn from one another’s cultural experiences and backgrounds, as well as connect over current events related to Black identity. Students will participate in programming that explores multiple facets of African/African American/Black life and have the option of taking courses linked to the community’s mission and values.

Spectrum: LGBTQIA+ Student Community

Located in Central Area

Spectrum is a comfortable and inclusive community that supports the rights and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and asexual people and their allies. Spectrum is also a space for people who are just beginning to explore their sexual and gender identities. Through programming and other initiatives, this community fosters connections between individuals with shared experiences and interests. Spectrum encourages students to learn about and actively seek ways to eradicate genderism and heterosexism. Resources available to the community include collaborations with the Stonewall Center and the Pride Alliance.

The Spectrum hallway has a gender-inclusive bathroom. All spaces in the Spectrum community are gender-inclusive rooms (eligible students of any gender can select the space).

El barrio: latinx student community

Located in Southwest Area

The newest of the DRCs, El Barrio is a Latinx based community that was created to raise awareness about Latinx culture and help empower students within the Latinx diaspora. Students in El Barrio will build connections between each other by engaging in dialogue surrounding their intersecting identities and interests; as well as collaborating with other communities who face similar social, economic, and political issues. Residents will participate in programming initiatives that explore the multiple facets of Latinx daily life. Resources available to the community include collaborations with the surrounding cultural centers and organizations; including, but not limited to, the Latin American Cultural Center and the Latinos Unidos organization.

Disability DRC

Located in Central Area

The Disability Defined Residential Community is a community housed in Brett Hall intentionally centered on the experiences, needs, and community among Disabled students. All students who identify as Disabled across experiences and their allies are encouraged to apply; no registration or disclosure is required.

In the Disability Defined Residential Community, students will gain a better understanding of campus resources, experience a range of social and educational events, and take part in building an inclusive community.

Participants can expect to be involved in the decision-making process regarding events to fit the needs, social interests, and educational interests of the community as well as collaborate with other Defined Residential Communities and campus resources.

The Disability Defined Residential Community aims to be a central location for all members of the UMass Disability community and be an integral part of supporting the institutional growth of the Disability community on campus.

A/AA DRC Friendsgiving

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