The Federal Reserve Bank of New York recently found that the students in the Economics Department at UMass Lowell are more racially and ethnically diverse than in 99 percent of economics programs across the country. Students liken the department to a family.

A teacher changed Assoc. Prof. Keith Mitchell’s life, setting him on the path to become a professor of American and African American literature. Now Mitchell’s passion for the classroom has been recognized with the 2020 Manning Prize for Excellence in Teaching.

The university’s in-person study abroad programs are on hold, but International Experiences & Study Abroad is offering virtual global internships and online courses with an international focus. An Honors College professor even moved his summer study abroad program in San Sebastian, Spain, to Zoom, bringing experts on Basque history and culture into students’ homes.

With help from undergraduates, the Center for Public Opinion expanded its polling in 2020, measuring approval ratings for political leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic and taking the temperature of Democratic primary voters in key early voting states.

With labs closed and all academic programs now online due to COVID-19, seniors are adapting their capstone projects. Some capstones have even taken on new relevance because they address aspects of the pandemic.

As high school seniors weigh college decisions without the chance to visit campuses, UMass Lowell’s Admissions team is offering one-on-one admissions counseling, individual virtual tours of campus by student tour guides, and social media forums where prospective students can ask questions.

The River Hawk Rising program provides structured support and a personal connection to students of color, transfer students and first-generation students during their time at the university, setting them up for success in college and beyond.

As Massachusetts officials advised everyone to stay at home to prevent further spread of the novel coronavirus, students are adapting to studying online – and adopting coping strategies to help manage the upheaval.

Three of the Whitcomb quadruplets chose UMass Lowell, each for their own reasons. But they’re happy to be here together.