UMass Dartmouth Parents and Families

06/20/2026

Celebrating our students who achieved the Dean’s List and Chancellor’s List. Take a look!

Dean's & Chancellor's Lists Spring 2026 Dean's List Following the completion of each semester, undergraduate students who have achieved a grade point average of at least 3.200 and completed at least 12 graded course credits (excluding administrative credits), and who have no “I” or “IP” grad...

06/19/2026

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth and reflect on how far we have come as a nation in our ongoing pursuit of freedom, opportunity, and justice for all. Juneteenth reminds us of the resilience, strength, and contributions of generations who continued to hope and persevere even when progress was delayed.

While we celebrate the advancements that have been made, we also recognize that there is still important work ahead. Progress requires continued dialogue, understanding, and a commitment to creating communities where everyone has the opportunity to flourish and belong.

As we honor this historic day, let’s celebrate our shared humanity, appreciate the sacrifices of those who came before us, and look forward with hope to the progress still to come.

Wishing everyone a meaningful and joyful Juneteenth. Enjoy the day, reflect on its significance, and celebrate with family, friends, and community.

06/10/2026

Where Creativity Meets Community: Celebrating Student-Designed Murals at People Incorporated

Today I had the pleasure of joining the celebration recognizing the amazing mural project created by Class of 2027 students Madyson Trombly, Manuel Lewis, and Aleana Brayton under the guidance of Jess Worby, Assistant Teaching Professor of Media Arts/Illustration in the UMass Dartmouth, College of Visual & Performing Arts.

When the People Incorporated Early Education Center in Fall River opened in 2025, no one could have imagined that our talented students would spend the following year transforming the space with a series of vibrant, imaginative murals. The artwork now brings the hallways to life, reflecting themes of learning, creativity, outdoor exploration, and playful discovery.

Children, families, teachers, staff, our student artists and their families, faculty members, Dean Denise Baxter, and Associate Dean Ann Kim were all inspired as we toured each beautifully designed space.

This remarkable collaboration highlights the power of partnerships between higher education and the community. Together, we created a meaningful for children and families that will inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning for years to come.

People Incorporated’s Early Education Center exemplifies a strength-based, family-centered approach that encourages social interaction, exploration, and independence. As the daughter of a former early childhood educator, I was especially impressed by the thoughtful design of the center and its outdoor garden learning environments, which promote a lifelong appreciation for nature.

I am so excited for the children and families of Fall River who will benefit from these beautiful spaces.

Special thanks to Daley, Director of Public Relations, and Stirk, President and CEO of , for their leadership and commitment to creating extraordinary opportunities for young learners and our community.

EarlyChildhoodEducation CorsairProud

06/07/2026

We’re Ready to welcome the Class of 2030 & Transfer students and families at Summer Orientation!

Orientation Leader Training always has a huge impact on our student leaders! These students are mentors, ambassadors, and the first friendly faces that help new students and families feel at home. Their energy, compassion, and commitment create a welcoming environment where students begin to build connections, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

They Lead with enthusiasm and authenticity, create community and belonging, model leadership, inclusion, and school pride, and build lasting connections.

The best part of Orientation Leader Training is watching these remarkable students grow as leaders while preparing to welcome the the Class of 2030 and transfers. These students truly are the heart of our campus community.

Thank you, Orientation Leaders, for your commitment to leading, welcoming, and inspiring. You make a difference, and because of you, new students arrive knowing they belong. 💙🧡

06/06/2026

Welcome Class of 2030 & Transfers! We’re excited to meet you!

Orientation Dates
June 8 Transfer Student Orientation
June 11 Session I New Student Orientation
June 15 Session 2 New Student Orientation
June 17-18 Session 3 New Student Orientation
June 23-24 Session IV New Student Orientation
June 26 Session V New Student Orientation

During Corsair Orientation you will…
→ Connect w/your Orientation Leader and a group of fellow students
→ Meet with an Academic Advisor and review your courses in the computer lab (bring your login credentials to complete this important step)
→ Obtain your UMass Pass (student ID)
→ Learn the ins and outs of your finances on campus including financial aid, work study, and how to pay your bill
→ Learn about involvement opportunities
→ Explore Residential Living -Overnight Orientation
→ Take an optional campus tour
→ Have fun, meet new people and discover all resousources and all things UMASSD

05/30/2026

Still reflecting on and celebrating our talented graduates!

One of the highlights of Commencement was the beautiful performance of the National Anthem by College of Visual and Performing Arts students, Isabella Calzini-Castro (vocals), Devon Fuentes (piano and arranger), Katie McGann (upright bass), and Syaer Webb (guitar). Their artistry, professionalism, and passion set the perfect tone for this special celebration.

We are incredibly proud of these musicians and all of our music and theatre graduates whose creativity, dedication, and talent have enriched our campus community. We look forward to seeing the impact they will make as artists, performers, educators, and leaders.

Congratulations, graduates! 🎓🎶✨

05/25/2026

Our fourth and final ceremony celebrated our UMass Law graduates, our future lawyers, judges, policymakers, and advocates emerging from a mission-driven law school rooted in public interest, access, and social justice. As the only public law school in Massachusetts, UMass Law is ranked #1 in the state for graduates entering government and public interest careers.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! Go forward and use your voices and legal education to strengthen communities and advance justice for all.

05/25/2026

05/24/2026

Our third Commencement ceremony was truly our most spirited celebration, honoring undergraduate and graduate students from the College of Visual & Performing Arts, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, and our largest college, the UMass Dartmouth College of Arts and Sciences.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was hearing from student speaker Angel Pelissari, a first-generation student graduating from the College of Visual & Performing Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography. In addition to excelling academically, Angel studied abroad in Italy and made a lasting impact on campus through leadership and service as an Orientation Leader, Social Media Chair for the Lusophone Student Union, Social Media Manager for the International Programs Office, and a volunteer supporting Mental Health Day and College Positive Tours for local 7th-grade students through the Leduc Center for Civic Engagement.

Today’s graduates represent stories of resilience, determination, and hope. Many balanced leadership roles, family responsibilities, personal hardships, and unexpected life challenges, yet they finished strong. We know their stories, and we are incredibly proud of their perseverance and accomplishments.

Our graduates now join a powerful network of more than 60,000 alumni making an impact across the nation and around the world. Congratulations, Corsairs!

05/23/2026

Celebrating our doctoral students at our second commencement. Eman Khwaja, a PhD candidate in Integrative Biology and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow was our student speaker. Her research focuses on the behavior and ecology of humpback whales, examining how feeding and aerial behaviors vary across demographic groups to better understand the drivers shaping whale behavior and ecology. Wow!!!

We reflect on the incredible journeys behind every degree earned. No one truly sees all of the academic, personal, cultural, and financial struggles students experience along the way. The late-night research sessions at home, on campus, in corporate and university labs, or out on Buzzards Bay and/or the Atlantic Ocean all represent perseverance, sacrifice, and passion.

Our students are conducting phenomenal research and making meaningful contributions to the world around them. I am deeply appreciative of them, and moments like this remind me why this work matters so much. Super proud of Priya Sridharan, Ph.D, who graduated and is starting an awesome career!

My colleagues and I have received so many deeply personal and humbling messages of appreciation that remind us all that supporting students is more than a profession, it is a purpose. Congratulations to all of our graduate students. We are so proud of you and excited for all that comes next.