The Equity and Inclusion office provides enriching and educational opportunities for students to engage in be supported in the academic journey, enhance their understanding and global awareness and contribute to the creation of an inclusive and multicultural campus community.

We are home to:

UMass Lowell (UML) is committed to closing the educational equity gap and lowering barriers to higher education. We work in collaboration with community-based organizations (CBOs) to advance accessible education for all students in areas of college preparedness, affordability, student success, and empowering students to achieve their goals and aspirations.

The College Access and Success initiative consists of three major components:

College Access: Pre-College Connections

  • Connect with UML: student-led tours to visit classrooms, residence and dining halls, faculty / staff presentations, student panels, and an introduction to an array of resources are available.  Interested high schools and youth programs can start their virtual exploration and register for an on-campus Admissions tour.
  • Chat with a UML student or peer mentor on what to expect, how to navigate campus in your first week, or ways to get involved.
  • Connect with key campus partners along each step to help you start the college preparation process and to answer any questions.

College Success: Transition

  • Engage with our office through UML Welcome Days, our summer activities lineup and optional meet and greets
  • Attend one or more E&I onboarding experiences prior to start of new term:
    • Asian American Center for Excellence and Engagement (AACEE) Welcome Day
    • Rising 360 Welcome (fall and winter)
    • River Hawk Scholars Academy (RHSA) Welcome Day
  • Complete Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) authorization allowing UMass Lowell to share information about academic progress with CAP/CBO counselor

College Success: Student Cohorts and Pathways

  • Academic skills and college preparation is provided through group study, tutoring, and supplemental instruction
  • Students build their campus networks to participate in campus engagement, service, and leadership activities
  • Dedicated success coaches and advisors are provided to help troubleshoot or answer questions. Common support topics: college transition, goal mapping, and academic, personal, and professional development
  • Aid in annual renewal of financial aid applications (FAFSA) and financial literacy support for families and students
  • Aid in obtaining student employment, internships, career connected work experiences, summer opportunities, and support in developing a professional resumé before graduation
  • Create long-lasting connections with your scholars and program cohort

College Access organizations represent a diverse group of enrollment programs that in partnership with UML prepare students to succeed in college and continue to provide support to their program alumni while enrolled at UML. If your organization is interested in becoming a UML College Access Program partner, please call 978-934-3931 or email admissions@uml.edu to learn more.

  • Rising 360 Summer Activities and Onboarding provides new students with ongoing student and family connections culminating in a two-day experience focused on a seamless transition to college. Students gain important tools and resources for success for both in and out of classroom and are connected to their peer community before they start classes. Participants connect with faculty, staff, and current UMass Lowell (UML) students throughout the experience.
  • First To Launch offers incoming first-year students an engaging summer connections experience designed to ease the transition to college. Through academic preparation, community building, and access to campus resources, students gain the tools and confidence to begin their UML journey ready to succeed.
  • UML Launch! Summer Programs highlight a campus array of summer programs that prepare students for college, build community and get a jumpstart on classes.

  • River Hawk Scholars Academy (RHSA) enhances the first-generation experience through integrated academic and co-curricular opportunities, purposeful engagement, and holistic support. Through faculty and peer mentoring, the program fosters student achievement, persistence, and success throughout the UMass Lowell (UML) journey.
  • Asian American Center for Excellence and Engagement (AACEE) enriches the student experience through academic support, leadership development, and community engagement. The program provides opportunities for all students to learn, connect, and collaborate while deepening their engagement with campus life and academic success.
  • Rising 360 helps students design a personalized pathway to success by offering the tools, connections, and campus opportunities to reach their goals and feel confident throughout their UML journey. Participants can engage in various cohorts that bring peers together through shared experiences and interests, such as (College Access, Global Experiences, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Excellence, and Transfers)
  • Medical Profession Admission Gap Initiative and Collaboration (MAGIC) enhances the success rate of students who aspire to become healthcare professionals and scientific researchers. This program supports students in achieving their goals through elevating academic performance and guiding early career development.