Image by Katharine Webster First to Launch welcomes all incoming first year River Hawk Scholars Academy (RHSA) students to UMass Lowell (UML). Onboarding is an important process and RHSA focuses on timely information, purposeful connections, and clear next steps as you prepare for your first semester as a River Hawk.
What to Expect
A mix of in-person and virtual touch points that you:
- Build confidence about the transition to college
- Learn what RHSA offers and how to access support early
- Connect with peers and campus resources related to your interests, needs, and major
- Strengthen study habits, time management, and success routines before classes begin
- Learn how to find campus employment
- Get ready for your first week, including support in finding classes, planning your commute, and building a manageable schedule
- Stay connected with your RHSA cohort so you do not miss tips, early notifications, key deadlines, and important reminders
How it Works
River Hawk Scholars Academy’s Fall 2026 Cohort Enrollment will be closing soon! If you’ve already signed up through your Admissions’ Portal, please make sure you complete the follow-up participation agreement form sent to your email. If you have not signed up yet but are interested, please visit LEAP Pathways and register.
One of the easiest ways to get to know RHSA better is plan a stop during your scheduled orientation visit to campus or attend a virtual session.
We welcome you to listen to what some of our students say about their experiences in RHSA.
- RHSA Student Experiences
- Spring Active Immersion in Leadership (SAIL) Leadership Program
Sign Up for Summer Connections and Events
RHSA offers many opportunities to connect early and prepare you before and during your transition to campus:
- See our Summer Connections and Events
- Reach out and talk with a staff or Peer Leader this summer on any questions you have or if you want to discuss your transition to RHSA or UML.
Get Ready for RHSA Welcome Day
All incoming RHSA students will receive an invitation to attend the RHSA Welcome Day in late August, prior to Convocation. RHSA Students are eligible for early move-in and should select times that DO NOT conflict with Welcome Day. This is a key moment to meet faculty advocates, your staff and peer mentor, learn what support is available, and start the semester with a strong plan. RHSA students are required to attend the Welcome Day onboarding session.
Please mark your calendars:
- Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Further instructions and communication will be shared through summer.
Questions:
If you have any questions or want to learn more, contact RHSA by email: rhsa@uml.edu.