Welcome to the SBS RISE Community!

SBS RISE stands for Remedying Inequity through Student Engagement.  The program serves SBS undergraduate students who identify as first-generation, Black, Indigenous, or other Persons of Color (BIPOC), and/or come from low income backgrounds.  SBS RISE is designed to create community, and provide specialized academic programs and opportunities for underrepresented students within SBS.  SBS RISE is also a part of SBS Pathways, which creates and provides students with useful resources throughout their undergraduate years in SBS.  You do not need to submit an application to participate in any SBS RISE events or take advantage of opportunities.  You are already a member of this community by majoring in an SBS major and identifying in one of the three ways mentioned above.

How do I get involved with SBS RISE?

There are many ways to connect with SBS RISE, and you decide how involved you want to be.  You do not need to submit an application to participate in any SBS RISE events or take advantage of opportunities.  You are already a member of this community by majoring in an SBS major and identifying in one of the three ways mentioned above. 

Follow us on Instagram (@sbsrise_umass) for professional development information, and updates on events and opportunities, professional development information, and other resources.   Come to social events to connect with other students.  Attend AFP workshops to learn about scholarships; ways to maximize your education through research, leadership, study abroad, civic engagement, and internships; and how to prepare for graduate school or next steps in your career.  Check your email every Wednesday for the SBS RISE e-newsletter.  There, you’ll find events and other opportunities every week.

What kinds of SBS RISE initiatives are there?

CJLS/SBS RISE Summer Research Assistantships: Each summer, you can apply to work with a faculty member as a paid summer research assistant.  During the experience, you can learn various research methods and techniques, network with other students and faculty, and gain skills that will benefit you for graduate school and/or future employment.  Applications will open in February 2024.

Student Aid Society’s Laptop Initiative: Laptop are a necessity for college students, making it easier to take classes and complete assignment.  Through our Student Aid Society, we give away laptops to students in need.  Each year, students can apply for a laptop that would be yours throughout your time at UMass and beyond.  

Diversity Fellows: Each academic year, eight to ten students are selected to serve as Diversity Fellows, creating projects and events that are meant to build community and provide resources to the SBS RISE community at large, while also learning professional development and gaining leadership experience.  Diversity Fellows receive a stipend, and enroll in a 1-credit course with the program director, and attend in various events and meetings.  See yourself as a Diversity Fellow peer intern.  Watch out for the call for application in the SBS RISE e-newsletter and website in March 2024.

Mentoring Program: Learning UMass Amherst can be challenging.  However, you don’t have to do that alone!  SBS RISE is seeking mentors and mentees for the academic year.  New students are paired with advanced students to share information and experience on how to navigate the university.  For new students, this is a great way to make a new friend who was in your shoes not too long ago.  For advanced students, mentoring provides you with leadership skills that will benefit your resume.