Please fully read the program descriptions below to ensure you select the best program based on your background and interests. If you have any questions about what program is right for you, contact Mike Shannon at mshannon@massteacher.org. You can select one of the tracks below during registration.

Higher Ed Summer Series: Special Topics for Higher Ed Members
Dates & Times: Sun., July 31, 10:30 am-5 pm; Mon., Aug. 2, 9 am-12 pm
Description: With a new Governor and the Fair Share Amendment on the ballot this fall, and an incoming Commissioner of Higher Ed, the landscape of decision-makers is changing. As locals gear up for bargaining and a new legislative session, how will we best navigate this new landscape for a more just, equitable and fully funded public higher education system?
This Summer Series for higher ed members will cover a range of topics to help prepare activists and leaders for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Workshops and facilitated discussions will include topics geared toward professional staff, classified staff, faculty and adjunct faculty members of the Community College, UMass, and State University systems.
Ideal for: Higher education activists and leaders.
For More Information: Heather LaPenn, hlapenn@massteacher.org.

Bargaining Certification Program
Dates & Times: Sun., July 31, 1-5 pm; Mon., Aug. 1 through Weds., Aug. 3, 9 am–5 pm
Description: This track will provide all MTA members (teachers, ESPs, Higher Education) a comprehensive opportunity to develop skills and knowledge to be a successful negotiator, while deepening and broadening the expertise of seasoned negotiators, in an interactive and supportive environment. When completed, these workshops will provide members with most of the hours required to complete the MTA Bargaining Certificate Program. Locals are encouraged to bring negotiations teams to this track. Participants should bring their collective bargaining agreements. All participants will take a session on Bargaining Foundations, Democratized Bargaining, and Current Issues in Bargaining. Wednesday will provide an opportunity to pick from among a variety of specialized topics: Contract Language Lab, School and Municipal Finances, Contract Costing and Economic Indicators, Advanced Bargaining Theory and Strategy, Bargaining for the Common Good, and Municipal Health Insurance. For more information about the MTA Bargaining Certificate Program, see https://massteacher.org/bargainingcertificate.
Ideal for: Any MTA members who want to develop skills and knowledge to be a successful negotiator, or seasoned negotiators looking to deepen and broaden their expertise.
For More Information: Phil Katz, pkatz@massteacher.org.

New Presidents Academy
Dates & Times: Sun., July 31, 1-5 pm; Mon., Aug.1, through Weds., Aug. 3, 9 am-5 pm
Description: The New Presidents Academy is a multi-day track open to all presidents in their first five years of office and their invited guest. This program will cover topics of interest for all new presidents and will also include break-out sessions that are tailored to participants' experience levels, needs and prior experience. Using presentations, case studies, panels and round-table discussions, this track will provide the opportunity to collaborate with your peers to increase the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as a local leader. Topics covered will include contract negotiations and maintenance, best practices for engaging and maintaining membership, communicating effectively, developing awareness of diversity in the membership, recognizing legal issues, honing leadership skills, running meetings, staying organized, managing time, accessing MTA services and more. This series of sessions will allow presidents with varied experience to come together to learn from one another in a relaxed environment.
Ideal for: Local association presidents in their first five years of office.
For More Information: Carolyn Himottu, CHimottu@massteacher.org.

Next Generation Leaders
Dates & Times: Sun., July 31 & Mon., Aug. 1, 9 am–5 pm OR Tues., Aug. 2 & Weds., Aug. 3, 9 am–5 pm
Description: This program will teach members how to work with other members to create bottom-up activism and help make their local associations powerful and effective organizations. It is for members who want to solve workplace problems through active engagement. All members who are interested in engaging more actively in their union are welcome to attend-- whether you've been a member for one year or 20 years. The program is designed to help participants understand the fundamentals of outreach, recruitment, involvement, strategy, decision-making and planning of direct-action strategies for empowerment of MTA locals. Three major themes will resonate throughout the training:

     - Assessment of the balance of power
     - How to bring people together around commonly felt problems
     - Designing and carrying out action plans to solve problems.

Ideal for: Any member who wants to learn how to solve workplace problems through active engagement.
For More Information: Victor Rosado, vrosado@massteacher.org.

Union Skills Academy
Dates & Times: Sun., July 31, 2-5 pm; Mon., Aug. 1 through Weds., Aug. 3, 9 am-5 pm
Description: The Union Skills Academy is designed for leaders and activists who want to deepen their knowledge of fundamental unions skills and to help build more powerful locals by utilizing a rank-and-file strategy that engages members and leads them to action. Through a mix of presentations, discussion and group work, the Academy will provide participants with the skills and tools to assess their own-- as well as their local association’s strengths and weaknesses. Attendees will discover strategies to:

     - Maintain and grow membership
     - Protect members’ rights
     - Advance racial, social and economic justice principles
     - Organize around issues and campaigns
     - And more.

Ideal for: PreK-12 and Higher Education union leaders and activists with beginner to intermediate skill sets
For More Information: Mike Shannon, mshannon@massteacher.org.

Conference Location
The MTA Summer Conference will be held at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. On-campus lodging is available in the North Apartments, located at 52 - 58 Eastman Lane in Amherst (note this link will take you to North D, but attendees may be housing in North A, B, C and/or D, which are all located adjacent to one another). Parking will be available in the Campus Center Parking Garage located at 1 Campus Center Way in Amherst and in Lot 44 near the on-campus North Apartments. Click here to view a campus map! 

Parking
Complimentary parking is available in the Campus Center Parking Garage and, for those staying on-campus in the North Apartments, in Lot 44.

Campus Center Parking Garage
For GPS purposes, the Campus Center Parking Garage is located at 1 Campus Center Way, Amherst, MA, 01003. Click here to obtain turn-by-turn directions from your location. 

Campus Center Way is off of Commonwealth Avenue. After turning onto Campus Center Way stay to the left to go up the hill. You will see the garage entrance towards the top of the hill on your right. After taking an entry ticket proceed to park. We recommend parking on Level 3 and exiting via the southeast or northeast stairwells, or traveling down to Level 2 where there is a flat walkway into the Campus Center (ideal for guests staying at Hotel UMass). A parking coupon for the Campus Center Parking Garage will be available at registration. As you leave each day, but before you get to your car, stop at one of the garage paystations (located on levels 2, 3 and 4). Insert your gate ticket and, when prompted, scan the parking coupon you received at registration. This will validate your parking at no charge and the paystation will return your gate ticket. Return to your car, drive to the garage exit, and enter your now validated gate ticket into the exit kiosk to raise the gate. Repeat this process as you leave each day. 

Lot 44 near the North Apartments
If you are staying in the on-campus North Apartments (included with registration) complimentary parking will be available in Lot 44, a large surface lot located adjacent to the North Apartments. Click here to obtain directions to Lot 44, or click here to view a campus map (Lot 33 is located in box C1). Be sure to obtain a parking pass for this lot when you check-in to North!

Accessible Parking
Attendees with a valid state-issued reserved accessible license plate or placard may park in any marked Handicap Space or any nonrestricted, nonreserved space or lot, at no charge, as long as your plate or placard is clearly displayed at all times during your stay. To locate reserved accessible parking, visit the UMass Parking Map and search for "Handicapped Spaces" in the box in the upper left side of the page. Accessible spaces are marked with an "H" in a blue circle. In the Campus Center, reserved accessible spaces are located on level 2, nearest to the Campus Center entrance. To receive complimentary parking for the garage, obtain a Campus Center Parking Garage coupon as detailed above.

Driving to Campus   
From the South, via I-91 North
From I-91 North, take Exit 25 in Northampton. From the exit ramp, stay in the right lane to take the first rotary exit, turning onto Route 9. Travel approximately 4.5 miles to Route 116 North. Turn left onto 116 and go one mile to the UMass exit. Stay to the right as you exit to merge onto Massachusetts Avenue. Stay in the left lane and take a left at the second intersection onto Commonwealth Avenue (the first set of lights is only a blinking yellow light, take a left at the next set of lights). Continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. 

To park in the garage: stay in the right lane to take a right at these lights onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and travel up the hill. The garage entrance will be on your right. To park in Lot 44 near the North Apartments: stay in the left lane to continue straight through these lights, staying on Commonwealth Avenue. Commonwealth Avenue will become Governors Drive. At the roundabout take your second exit onto Eastman Lane. Take you first left onto Totman Road. You will see North D and North C on your right. Travel to the stop sign, take a right, and take an immediate left into Lot 44.

From the North, via I-91 South
From I-91 South, take exit 36 in Deerfield. At the end of the ramp, turn left and follow the road to the intersection. Turn right onto Routes 5 & 10 South. Travel one mile, then turn left onto Route 116 South. Follow 8 miles to the UMass exit. Take a left after you exit onto Massachusetts Avenue. Stay in the left lane and take a left at the second intersection onto Commonwealth Avenue (the first set of lights is only a blinking yellow light, take a left at the next set of lights). Stay in the right lane and continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. 

To park in the garage: take a right at these lights onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and travel up the hill. The garage entrance will be on your right. To park in Lot 44 near the North Apartments: continue straight through these lights, staying on Commonwealth Avenue. Commonwealth Avenue will become Governors Drive. At the roundabout take your second exit onto Eastman Lane. Take you first left onto Totman Road. You will see North D and North C on your right. Travel to the stop sign, take a right, and take an immediate left into Lot 44.

From the East, via Route 2
Travel via Route 2 West to Exit 71 (Belchertown/Amherst). From Route 2 take Route 202 South for about 15 miles to a blinking yellow light at Amherst Road. You will see signs "to Rt 9 and Rt 116". Turn right and follow Amherst Road (which will become Pelham Road after about 4 miles) for 7 miles to Amherst center. This road will become Main Street. Follow Main Street and signs to UMass to travel through Amherst center, taking a right on North Pleasant Street. At the roundabout take the third exit. 

To park in the garage: after exiting the roundabout follow North Pleasant Street to the lights, staying in the left lane to take a left onto Massachusetts Ave. Follow Massachusetts Avenue and take a right at the intersection onto Commonwealth Avenue. At the next set of lights turn right onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and travel up the hill. The garage entrance will be on your right. To park in Lot 44 near the North Apartments: after exiting the roundabout follow North Pleasant Street to the lights, turning right to stay on North Pleasant Street. Follow this road through campus until you come to another roundabout. At the roundabout take your second exit onto Eastman Lane. Take you first left onto Totman Road. You will see North D and North C on your right. Travel to the stop sign, take a right, and take an immediate left into Lot 44.

From the West, via Route 2
From Route 2 East, follow to Greenfield/I-91 exit. From I-91 South, take exit 36 in Deerfield. At the end of the ramp, turn left and follow the road to the intersection. Turn right onto Routes 5 & 10 South. Travel one mile, then turn left onto Route 116 South. Follow 8 miles to the UMass exit. Take a left after you exit onto Massachusetts Avenue. Stay in the left lane and take a left at the second intersection onto Commonwealth Avenue (the first set of lights is only a blinking yellow light, take a left at the next set of lights). Stay in the right lane and continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. 

To park in the garage: take a right at these lights onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and travel up the hill. The garage entrance will be on your right. To park in Lot 44 near the North Apartments: continue straight through these lights, staying on Commonwealth Avenue. Commonwealth Avenue will become Governors Drive. At the roundabout take your second exit onto Eastman Lane. Take you first left onto Totman Road. You will see North D and North C on your right. Travel to the stop sign, take a right, and take an immediate left into Lot 44.

From I-90 (Mass Pike)
If you are a first-time visitor and traveling from the east or west on I-90 (Mass Pike), we recommend avoiding Exit 63 off of the Mass Pike, and instead following the directions to Exit 45 listed below. 

From I-90 (Mass Pike) take Exit 45 (West Springfield). Follow I-91 North to Exit 25. From the exit ramp, turn right onto Route 9. Travel approximately 4.5 miles to Route 116 North. Turn left onto 116 and go one mile to the UMass exit. Stay to the right as you exit to merge onto Massachusetts Avenue. Stay in the left lane and take a left at the second intersection onto Commonwealth Avenue (the first set of lights is only a blinking yellow light, take a left at the next set of lights). Continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. 

To park in the garage: stay in the right lane to take a right at these lights onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and travel up the hill. The garage entrance will be on your right. To park in Lot 44 near the North Apartments: stay in the left lane to continue straight through these lights, staying on Commonwealth Avenue. Commonwealth Avenue will become Governors Drive. At the roundabout take your second exit onto Eastman Lane. Take you first left onto Totman Road. You will see North D and North C on your right. Travel to the stop sign, take a right, and take an immediate left into Lot 44.

Traveling by Bus
Amherst and the surrounding area are serviced by Peter Pan Bus Lines, Greyhound and the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA). The most convenient service is offered by Peter Pan, so when possible those traveling by bus should book a Peter Pan bus ticket using "Amherst UMass, MA" as the destination (note the "Amherst Center, MA" stop is in downtown Amherst and will require additional travel to arrive on campus). Greyhound offers bus service to nearby Northampton, MA, located about a 20 minute drive from campus. From Northampton attendees should plan to travel to campus via a taxi service, Uber/Lyft, or PVTA bus.

Traveling by Train
Amtrak provides passenger rail service to nearby Northampton, MA, located a 20 minute drive from the UMass campus, and Springfield, MA, located a 30 minute drive from the UMass campus. For schedule information and to purchase tickets, visit Amtrak's website and select "Northampton, MA (NHT)" or "Springfield, MA (SPG)" as your arrival destination.

If you take a train to Northampton, MA, you will then need to take either a bus or taxi to the UMass campus. Both PVTA and Peter Pan buses service the area, but the bus stops are not located at the train platform and will require about a 7 minute walk. If you prefer, you may use one of the many local taxi services or Uber/Lyft. We encourage you to carefully plan your trip - including bus or taxi services - prior to your arrival as the Northampton train platform is not a train station and phone access, area maps, bus schedules, and bus tickets will not be available once you arrive. If you decide to take a train out of Northampton, remember to purchase your return ticket online prior to arriving at the platform. The train platform is located at 170 Pleasant Street in Northampton, MA.

If you take a train to Springfield, MA, we recommend booking a shuttle service, such as Valley Transporter, to get you from Springfield to Amherst. Bus services, including Peter Pan, are also available, but will require about a 15 minute walk from the train station to the bus stop. The train will arrive at the Springfield station building, located at 66 Lyman Street in Springfield, MA. This station building does have a waiting room, ticket office, quik-trak kiosk, and payphone, but we do still encourage you to plan your trip, including services from the train station to campus, prior to your arrival.

Getting Around Campus & the Area
There are multiple transportation options to get you from campus to amenities and attractions in the surrounding area. Amherst center, with local shops, restaurants, and small convenience stores, is a 15 - 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive from campus. If you find you need to visit a grocery store, large retail store, or pharmacy during your stay, numerous options are located on University Drive and Russell Street (also known as Route 9) in neighboring Hadley, about a 5 - 10 minute trip from campus by car or bus. Retailers include CVS, Big Y, Stop and Shop, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Target, Walmart, JC Penney, Marshalls, and more.

Local buses, operated by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), run regularly between Amherst center and the University, with additional services traveling throughout the Pioneer Valley, including Northampton, Springfield, and Greenfield. If you'd rather take a car, UMass has partnered with Zipcar and Enterprise to bring on-demand car sharing services right to campus. The area is also serviced by a variety of cab companies, including Uber, Lyft, Taxi Express, Tik Tak Taxi (413-256-4500) and Celebrity Cab (413-253-7330). There are also a number of bicycle rentals around campus, including Laughing Dog Bicycles, Hampshire Bicycle Exchange, and ValleyBike Share.

On-campus residence hall lodging is provided for this event in the North Apartments. Staying on campus is the most convenient way to be close to conference activities: North is located within a short walk (5 - 15 minutes) from multiple academic buildings and dining options being used for the MTA Summer Conference. Details on Summer Conference Housing at the University of Massachusetts can be found below. For questions related to North, please contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu. 

North Apartments
The air-conditioned North Apartments, located in the North Residential Area of UMass Amherst, are made up of four five-story buildings (North A, B, C, and D). Each apartment has four single-occupancy bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a shared living room/kitchen. Each lockable bedroom is furnished with a twin bed, desk, chair, and wardrobe. Guests will be provided with a linen pack containing two flat sheets, a pillow and case, two towels, and a thin blanket. The kitchen has a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, and stove-top oven. If you are interested in preparing some of your meals in the suite you should bring your own supplies as silverware, cookware, and plates are not provided. The shared living room/kitchen area also has a sofa, two chairs, end table, coffee table, and two kitchen island chairs, but there are no televisions in any of the apartments (but note televisions may be located in a nearby lounge in the building). Toiletries are not included so guests should bring their own shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, and toothpaste. Previous guests have also found it helpful to bring hangers, hair dryers, irons/ironing boards and, because some find the air-conditioning to be cold, a sweatshirt and/or extra blanket.

There are 4 North Apartment buildings: North A, North B, North C and North D. All four buildings are located less than a minutes walk apart on Eastman Lane in Amherst, forming a quad. Specific building assignments and detailed arrival instructions will be sent to registered guests in late July.

How to Reserve North
During registration you will select your registration type and track. You will also see a question asking if you would like to stay on-campus in a dorm (the North Apartments): when prompted select "Stay on campus in a dorm". On the following page you will see the available nights for you to book based on your selected registration type and track. Check the box beside each night you wish to reserve in North. You can also indicate any suitemate requests, accessibility/mobility needs, and/or special housing requests during registration (see below). You will be assigned to stay in a North Apartment with other MTA Summer Conference attendees based on your provided preferences/needs, gender, and registration type/track. Detailed arrival instructions, including your assigned North Apartment building (A, B, C, or D) will be sent in late July.  

Suitemate Requests
Individuals or groups who wish to share the same North Apartment should enter the name(s) of their preferred suitemates during registration. There is a clearly labeled box on the registration form for this purpose. UMass Conference Services makes every attempt to accommodate all suitemate requests that are received, with priority given to early registrants. If no specific requests are received, we will assign you to an apartment with other MTA Summer Conference attendees based on your provided gender and registration type/track. Housing assignments will be sent in late July.

Accessibility and Mobility Needs
The North Apartment buildings are fully accessible and all buildings have elevators to each floor. There are two auto door opener entrances to each building (access card required, see below) that are accessible to all floors, and accessible toilets are located in a common area in each building. There will be a box on the registration form where you can provide any housing specific accessibility or mobility needs. Please be as detailed as possible so we can take your needs into account as we complete housing assignments. Special medical requirements and/or accessible access will be honored on an as-received basis. Due to space limitations we cannot guarantee the accommodation of all special requests but will make all attempts to do so and will contact you in the event any needs or requests cannot be accommodated. For specific accessibility information as it relates to dorms, apartments, or classrooms please contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu, or click here to view and interactive accessibility map of campus.

Room Keys and Access Cards
At check-in each North guest will be provided with an access card and a room key. This access card will grant you access to enter your assigned residence hall and your assigned apartment. Your room key will grant you access to your own individual bedroom. Access cards and keys must be returned in their original condition at check-out to the Summer Conference Housing desk clerk located in the lobby of your assigned building: please do not leave campus without returning your access card and room key. 

UMass Dining
"America's Most Awarded Dining Program," UMass Dining, invites you to join our table! Our summer guests can find UMass Dining at every corner of campus. With dining commons, retail cafes, food trucks, and more, we welcome you to enjoy all that the UMass Dining experience has to offer. Note: registration includes 3 meals per day of attendance. We anticipate meals will be redeemable in the Worcester Dining Commons with some catered meals/social events in addition depending on selected registration type/track.

Worcester Dining Commons
Served all-you-care-to-eat style, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available from 7AM - 8PM each day in our award winning Dining Commons. At each meal you will find a variety of cuisines, often including sushi, pho noodles, create-your-own stir-fry, pizza, dim sum brunch, pasta and salad bars, deli sandwiches, American fare, Halal dining, vegan and vegetarian options, a range of desserts, ice cream, and more. Daily menus will be available as your stay approaches on the UMass Dining website.

Campus Center Eateries
The Blue Wall, located in the Campus Center, is one of the most popular and convenient dining options on campus. The Blue Wall has 10 different stations served a-la-carte. Offerings include pizza, salads, wraps, deli sandwiches, sushi, burgers, burritos, gelato, and more, ensuring that the Blue Wall has something to satisfy every craving. Harvest Market, located on the main concourse of the Campus Center, is a full service market serving healthy, sustainable, and delicious fare for our on the go customers. The hot bar often features Indian, Ethiopian, traditional American, and many other world cuisines, and the salad bar is always stocked with in-season ingredients and freshly prepared composed salads. Additional highlights include a Chobani yogurt bar, all natural and organic snacks, local cheeses and deli meats, grab-and-go salads and sandwiches, and a made-to-order juice and smoothie bar. Need a quick pick-me-up or caffeine fix? People's Organic Coffee, located on the main concourse of the Campus Center across from Harvest Market, serves People's Organic Fair Trade coffees, as well as a variety of specialty coffee beverages, organic teas, locally baked pastries, fresh cookies, salads and paninis.

The Commonwealth Restaurant
We proudly welcome you to joins us at The Commonwealth. Located on the top floor of the newly constructed Worcester Commons, our elegantly modern restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere featuring beautiful views of campus. Come be waited on by delightful and diligent staff while enjoying our delicious, fresh, local, and sustainable menu.

Food Trucks
Our food trucks, Baby Berk and Baby Berk 2, are great options for a quick and convenient meal. Serving freshly prepared food truck fare, including burgers, wasabi steak tacos, grilled cheeses, tater tots and sweet potato fries, you are sure to leave satisfied. Checkout @UMassBabyBerk and @UMassBabyBerk2 on Twitter to find daily schedules and location updates, and look for the trucks around campus during your stay!

On-Campus Attractions
You don't need to travel far to find something to do - there are numerous attractions located right here on campus! 

The UMass Fine Arts Center seeks to engage audiences in the arts, embrace diversity, and uphold the highest standards for arts education. Comprehensive in scope, the Center offers the region's only mix of classical music, dance, theater, jazz, Broadway, special events, and gallery exhibitions. The Fine Arts Center is also home to the University Museum of Contemporary Arts.

The Mullins Center, our state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility, hosts diverse events from hockey and basketball to concerts and popular touring performance groups. 

The Augusta Savage Gallery, located in New Africa House, is a multicultural and multiarts facility that seeks to promote artistic works from a broad spectrum of cultures

The Durfee Conservatory and Garden, established in 1867, is a historic plant conservatory that offers a sanctuary of calm and serenity among the hustle and bustle of campus.

The Rausch Mineral Gallery, located in the Department of Geosciences in the Morrill Science Center, includes more than 250 large mineral specimens from around the world from the mineral collection of the late Dr. Marvin Rausch.

Fitness Centers
Day passes to the UMass Recreation Center are available for our conference guests to pick-up at registration and residence hall check-in (the daily fee for this summer is still being determined, but is typically between $3.00 - $7.00/day). The Recreation Center includes fitness and weight equipment, a 3-court gymnasium, activity rooms, and a jogging/walking track. On-campus there are also 10 tennis courts located behind the Mullins Center, handball/squash courts located in Boyden, and pools in Boyden and Curry Hicks. Note summer hours and availability might be limited: visit the Campus Recreation website during your stay for the most up-to-date hours. 

Libraries
The W.E.B. Du Bois Library and Science and Engineering Library offer technology and space to work for our campus guests, including printing/copying services, collections, and book stacks. The W. E. B. Du Bois Library is 28 stories and over 286 feet tall, making it the third-tallest library in the world. It primarily holds resources in humanities and social and behavioral sciences. In addition to book stacks, the W.E.B. Du Bois Library has a Learning Commons offering PCs/MACs and a variety of workspaces, quiet study areas, the W. E. B. Du Bois Center, and Special Collections & University Archives. The Science and Engineering Library (SEL) is the primary location for resources in the natural and physical sciences, mathematics, and engineering. In addition to book stacks and periodicals, SEL provides study rooms with computers and whiteboards, 65 individual computer stations, wireless access, quiet study spaces, and photocopying/printing services.

Campus Health and Safety
University Health Services
University Health Services (UHS), conveniently located on-campus at 150 Infirmary Way (near the Franklin Dining Commons), helps you stay healthy and cares for you if you're not. UHS provides comprehensive health and wellness services, including general medical care, walk-in care, and by-appointment services. Note UHS is not a hospital and does not have an emergency department. Appointments: 413-577-5101. Triage Nurse (available during health center hours): 413-577-5229. After-hours medical and mental health advice: 413-577-5000. 

UHS Walk-in Care Hours
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.  
Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

UHS Pharmacy Hours
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

For on-campus emergencies please contact the UMass Police at 413-545-2121 or call 911. For medical assistance and/or pharmacy needs outside of the hours above, off-campus services are available at Cooley Dickinson Hospital (9.7 miles from campus), AEIOU Urgent Care (1.9 miles from campus), MedExpress Urgent Care (2.4 miles from campus) and CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles from campus).

Emergency Alerts
During your stay, we recommend signing up for our temporary text alert system. Text UMassAlertsGuest to 78015 to receive alerts during your stay. Your subscription will automatically expire after one week, or you can test Stop to 78015 to cancel upon your departure. Click here or email oem@ehs.umass.edu for additional information.

Emergency Services 
The UMass Police Department (UMPD) is located at 585 East Pleasant Street in Amherst, MA 01003. For emergencies, use your cellphone to call 413-545-3111 for the quickest response. If you call 911 with your cellphone note that you will be connected to the MA State Police, who can then transfer you to UMPD (say you are calling from UMass Amherst). For non-emergencies call 413-545-2121. During your visit you will also notice over 115 "Help" phones located all across campus. These boxes are easily identified by their yellow boxes topped with blue lights. When the red emergency button is pushed, the caller will be put in immediate contact with UMPD. In addition to providing voice contact with a police dispatcher, "Help" phone use also enables a dispatcher to pinpoint the caller's exact location. If you are deaf or hard-of-hearing and have access to TTY equipment, you can contact UMPD at 413-577-0384, or utilize the telecommunications relay service offered by Mass Relay.

Area Lodging
Note: housing in the dormitories at UMass Amherst and meals are provided for this event. If you require alternative housing please contact events@massteacher.org. 

The Amherst area is home to many hotels, motels, inns, and bed & breakfasts. A variety of large chain hotels are located a 5 - 10 minute drive from the UMass Campus in neighboring Hadley, including the Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, Econo Lodge, Howard Johnson, and Courtyard by Marriott. Looking for something a little different? Amherst, Northampton, and the surrounding area are home to many lovely inns and bed & breakfasts, including the Black Walnut Inn and the Inn on Boltwood, among others, all located within a 10-20 minute drive of campus. To help plan your visit, keep in mind that the University of Massachusetts campus is a 10-15 minute walk or 5-7 minute drive from the center of Amherst, and a 20-minute drive from the center of Northampton. For additional area lodging options, click here. 

Local Transportation
There are multiple transportation options to get you from campus to amenities and attractions in the surrounding area. Amherst center, with local shops, restaurants, and small convenience stores, is a 15-20 minute walk or 5 minute drive from campus. If you find you need to visit a grocery store, large retail store, or pharmacy during your stay, numerous options are located on University Drive and Russell Street (also known as Route 9) in neighboring Hadley, about a 5-10 minute trip from campus by car or bus. Retailers include CVS, Big Y, Stop and Shop, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Target, Walmart, JC Penney, Marshalls, and more.

Local buses, operated by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, run regularly between Amherst center and the University, with additional services traveling throughout the Pioneer Valley, including Northampton, Springfield, and Greenfield. If you'd rather take a car, UMass has partnered with Zipcar and Enterprise Rent-A-Car to bring on-demand car sharing services right to campus. The area is also serviced by a variety of cab companies, including Uber, Lyft, Celebrity Cab Company and Taxi Express. A variety of bike rental options are also available, weather permitting, including Laughing Dog Bicycles, Hampshire Bicycle Exchange, and ValleyBike Share.

Dining
Looking to head off-campus for a meal? There are so many wonderful and convenient options! Downtown Amherst, located about a 5 minute drive/20 minute walk from campus, has many unique restaurants, with fare ranging from Thai, Chinese, Italian, American, Indian and more. Some longstanding downtown favorites include Antonio's pizza by the slice, Bueno Y Sano, and Johnny's Tavern. About 5 minutes in the other direction, heading down University Drive, you will find some more popular local spots including The Hangar Pub and Grill and Ginger Garden. Travel just a bit further (7 - 10 minutes from campus) and you will reach the Route 9/Russell Street area of Hadley, which is replete with familiar chains and fast-food spots including Friendly's, Panara, Chili's, Wendy's, Chipotle, Texas Roadhouse and more. Have a little more time on your hands? Visit downtown Northampton, about a 25 minute drive from campus, to explore the many restaurants and shops that make up this artistic, academic and countercultural hub. Click the links below for some more information on off-campus dining options, and be sure to take a look at the bus services offered by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority to help you get where you need to go! 

For more information visit:
Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce: http://www.amherstarea.com/list/category/restaurants-281
Visit Hampshire County: https://visithampshirecounty.com/eat/restaurants/

Shopping
If you find you need to visit a grocery store, large retail store, or pharmacy during your stay, numerous options are located 5 - 10 minutes from campus in downtown Amherst, as well as on University Drive in Amherst and Russell Street (also known as Route 9) in neighboring Hadley. These locations are also serviced by PVTA buses.

Downtown Amherst

Amherst Shopping Center - retail/grocery stores and dining, including Big Y, Dunkin Donuts, CVS and Goodwill. Located at 181 University Drive in Amherst, MA.

Hampshire Mall - retail/grocery stores, dining, and entertainment, including Target, Trader Joe's, J. C. Penney, Cinemark, Pinz Bowling, Interskate 91, LaserBlast, and Planet Fitness Gym. Located at 367 Russell Street in Hadley, MA.

Campus Farms Mall - retail/grocery stores and dining, including TJ Maxx, Super Stop & Shop, Dollar Tree, Liquors 44, and Johnny's Roadside Diner. Located at 440-454 Russell Street in Hadley, MA.

Mountain Farms Mall - retail/grocery stores and dining, including Wal-Mart, Barnes & Noble, Bed Bath & Beyond, Old Navy, Panera Bread and Whole Foots Market. Located at 335 Russell Street in Hadley, MA

Attractions
Amherst is known for its rural charm and big city appeal. With many restaurants, bars and local shops, visitors get lost exploring our downtown. Located just a few minutes drive from the campus, it is a convenient and popular destination. 

The city of Northampton is a blend of historic, contemporary, intellectual, artsy, athletic and entrepreneurial. With cafes, bars, restaurants, clubs, shops, museums, rivers, parks and spas, Northampton is a place to be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of budget.

The Emily Dickinson Homestead, located right in downtown Amherst, was mentioned frequently in her intensely idiosyncratic and strikingly modern poetry. Devoted Dickinson readers visit the Homestead and The Evergreens, the Italianate home built next door by Emily's brother Austin Dickinson, to walk today where Emily walked and to see what Emily saw.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, located in Amherst, looks to inspire a love of art and reading through picture books, just a short 15 minute drive from campus. Founded by Eric Carle and his wife Barbara, the Museum is for visitors of all ages: children and families, teachers and librarians, scholars, and everyone interested in the art of the picture book.

The Yiddish Book Center is a nonprofit organization working to tell the whole Jewish story by rescuing, translating, and disseminating Yiddish books and presenting innovative educational programs that broaden understanding of modern Jewish identity. The Yiddish Book Center is located on the Hampshire College campus, about a 15 minute drive from UMass.

The Amherst College Beneski Museum of Natural History, located about 5 minutes from the UMass campus, is one of New England’s largest natural history museums, boasting three floors of exhibits with more than 1,700 specimens on display, and tens of thousands of specimens available for use by scholars and researchers from across campus and around the world. 

Yankee Candle, located about 15 minutes away in South Deerfield, offers an enchanting mix of shopping and entertainment. You'll find 400,000 candles in over 200 different famous Yankee scents, but there are more than just candles at this flagship Village Store. It's a unique, entertaining world of New England charm, fairy tale fantasies, and hands-on, interactive candlemaking that's fun for every age.

Historic Deerfield is an authentic 18th-century New England village. Tour beautifully restored museum houses with period architecture and furnishings, see yankee ingenuity at work in demonstrations of colonial-era trades, and explore the world-famous collection of early American crafts, ceramics, furniture, textiles and metalwork. 

The Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens is a 14,400 square foot facility that includes a 4,000 sq. ft. glass conservatory filled with butterflies, moths and tropical vegetation, about a 20 minute drive from campus in neighboring South Deerfield.

Home to more than three hundred inductees and more than 40,000 square feet of basketball history, the Basketball Hall of Fame stirs the spirits of basketball fans everywhere. Hundreds of interactive exhibits share the spotlight with skills challenges, live clinics, shooting contests and enough basketball history to impress the world’s most avid sports fans. 

The Springfield Museums grant visitors access to the Springfield Science Museum, George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, Michele and Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Springfield History and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden and Museum, all under a single admission. The museums are located in the heart of downtown Springfield, about a 40 minute drive from UMass.

Six Flags New England is home to many rides and attractions, from pulse-pounding roller coasters to gentler options for the youngest of thrill seekers. With some of the fastest, tallest, wildest, most gut-wrenching rides in the country (including a few record breakers), as well as family rides, kid rides, entertaining shows and the Hurricane Harbor Water Park, Six Flags New England has fun for everyone.

Medical Services
If you find you need medical services, including emergency care or pharmacy services, below are some options close to campus. For on-campus emergencies please contact the UMass Police at 413-545-2121, utilize an on-campus "Help" phone, or call 911 and ask to be transferred to UMass Amherst PD.

Cooley Dickinson Hospital - offers 24-hour full hospital/health care services including emergency and critical care, imaging/radiology, lab services.
30 Locust Street, Northampton MA (9.7 miles from campus).
Main Number: 413-582-2000. Crisis Hotline: 413-586-5555.

CVS Pharmacy - offers pharmacy, drive-thru pharmacy, MinuteClinic, immunizations.
165 University Drive, Amherst MA (1.9 miles from campus).
Main Number: 413-256-0421.

AEIOU Urgent Care - offers urgent care services for non-life threatening minor illness or injuries. Open Monday - Friday 8AM to 7PM; Saturday & Sunday 11AM to 5PM.
170 University Drive, Suite 102, Amherst MA (1.9 miles from campus).
Main Number: 413-461-3530.

MedExpress Urgent Care - offers urgent care services for illness and injuries. Open everyday from 8AM to 8PM.
424 Russell Street, Hadley MA (2.4 miles from campus).
Main Number: 413-253-0483.

[On-Campus] University Health Services - offers advance appointments, same-day appointments, walk-in care. 
150 Infirmary Way (near Franklin Dining Commons).
Appointments: 413-577-5101. Triage Nurse (available during health center hours): 413-577-5229. After-hours medical & mental health advice: 413-577-5000. 

Interested in learning about more things to do in the Pioneer Valley? Click here!

For General MTA Summer Conference and/or Track Specific Questions:
Contact MTA at events@massteacher.org or the specific contact for the track you are interested in attending (see the "Track Descriptions" tab for more information). 

For Registration, North Apartment, and/or Campus Related Questions:
Contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu.