Location
The program will be held at the UMass Amherst campus. Classes will be held in Thompson Hall, with additional events in the Campus Center. Thompson Hall, located at 200 Hicks Way, is a ten story brick building located at the southwest exit of the 4th floor of the Campus Center Parking Garage, just a short walk from the Campus Center. For GPS purposes the Campus Center, including Hotel UMass and the attached Campus Center Parking Garage, are located at 91 Campus Center Way, Amherst MA 01003. Click here to take a look at a campus map.

By Car
From the South, via I-91 North
Take Exit 25 in Northampton. From the exit ramp, stay to the right to merge 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. Take a left at the second set of lights onto Commonwealth Avenue. Continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. Turn right onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left to go up the hill - you will see the garage entrance up the hill on your right. 

From the North, via I-91 South
Take Exit 36 in Deerfield. At the end of the ramp turn left onto Routes U.S. 5/10/116. Follow until the lights and then turn right to stay on 5/10/116. Go one mile and turn left onto Route 116 South. Follow Route 116 South for eight miles to the UMass exit. Turn left at the stop sign. Take a left at the second set of lights onto Commonwealth Avenue. Continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. Turn right onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left to go up the hill - you will see the garage entrance up the hill on your right.

From the North, via I-93 South
Follow I-93 to I-495 South. Follow to Route 2 West. Continue on Route 2 to U.S. 202 South. Follow for about 15 miles to the blinking light at the Pelham exit marked “Route 9 and 116 Amherst.” Turn right and follow for seven miles to Amherst center. Turn right onto North Pleasant Street. Stay on North Pleasant Street (you will need to turn left twice to remain on North Pleasant Street, - follow signs to the UMass Campus). As you enter campus you will come to a set of lights. Stay to the left to turn onto Massachusetts Avenue. Follow Massachusetts Avenue through campus until you come to a set of lights. At the lights take a right onto Commonwealth Avenue. Continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. Turn right onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and go up the hill - you will see the garage entrance up the hill on your right. 

From the East or West, via I-90 
Travelers have a choice of four routes:

- Off Exit 63 (Palmer/Ware): Follow Route 32 South to Palmer; take Route 20 West to Route 181 North into Belchertown, and then Route 9 West to Amherst. Follow signs to UMass.
- Off Exit 54 (Ludlow): Follow Route 21 North to U.S. 202 North to Route 9 West to Amherst center. Follow signs to UMass.
- Off Exit 49 (Chicopee): Follow Route 33 North to Route 116 North to Amherst center. Turn left at the light onto Route 9 West. Follow signs to UMass.
- Off Exit 45 (West Springfield): I-91 North to Exit 19 to Route 9 East to Amherst. Follow signs to UMass.

By Air
The closest airport to campus is Bradley International Airport, located in Windsor Locks Connecticut (just outside of Hartford). This airport is approximately 45 minutes from the UMass campus. Logan International Airport located in Boston, MA, may have more flight options depending on where you are traveling from, but this airport is approximately 90 miles from the UMass campus so does require additional travel time. 

Both airports feature car rental agencies and a variety of shuttle services, such as Valley Transporter, Seemo Shuttle, Exclusive Car Service Inc., Bluebird Transportation, and Michael's Limousine and Transportation Service. Shuttle services should be booked prior to your arrival at either airport.

By Bus
The Amherst Area is serviced by Peter Pan Bus Lines, Greyhound, and the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA). Peter Pan Buses travel directly to Amherst, with stops directly on campus and in Amherst Center. When possible, select your destination as "Amherst UMass MA" instead of "Amherst Center MA": the Amherst Center stop is about a 1.5 mile walk to campus (also accessible via PVTA bus), but the "Amherst UMass MA" stop will drop you at Haigis Mall, located right on-campus. Greyhound travels to Union Station in Springfield, MA, which is about 26 miles from campus. If you travel via Greyhound bus you should also plan to take a taxi, Uber/Lyft, or PVTA bus from Springfield to campus. PVTA offers local bus services around the Amherst area so can be a great option when traveling around the area, including to local restaurants, amenities, and off-campus lodging options.

Once on Campus
Hotel UMass and Campus Center Parking Garage
For GPS purposes the garage is located at 91 Campus Center Way, Amherst MA 01003. Click here to obtain directions from your location. Upon arriving you campus follow the signs to the Campus Center Parking Garage. If you are staying at Hotel UMass and/or arriving for the first day of programming held in the Campus Center, park on the 2nd level, enter the building, and take the elevators (the hotel lobby is located on level 3; meetings and dinner are located on level 10). If you are commuting each day, park on the 4th floor of the Campus Center Parking Garage and utilize the southwest exit for the quickest access to Thompson Hall.

Thompson Hall
Our classes will be held in Thompson Hall, a ten story brick building located at the southwest exit of the 4th floor of the parking garage and a short walk from the Campus Center.

Campus Maps
If you have not been on campus before, we recommend having a campus map readily accessible until you are acclimated. Click here to download a campus map, click here to view a campus accessibility map, and click here to view campus via Google maps.

Location
The program will be held at the UMass Amherst campus. Classes will be held in Thompson Hall, with additional events in the Campus Center. Thompson Hall, located at 200 Hicks Way, is a ten story brick building located at the southwest exit of the 4th floor of the Campus Center Parking Garage, just a short walk from the Campus Center. For GPS purposes the Campus Center, including Hotel UMass and the attached Campus Center Parking Garage, are located at 91 Campus Center Way, Amherst MA 01003. Click here to take a look at a campus map.

Parking
Complimentary parking is available for all attendees in the Campus Center Parking Garage. Please plan to park in the Campus Center Parking Garage as parking elsewhere on campus without a valid permit, pass, placard, or license plate may result in ticketing and/or towing.

Hotel UMass Guests
Guests staying at Hotel UMass can park in the Campus Center Parking Garage, located at 91 Campus Center Way, Amherst MA 01003. Campus Center Way is off of Commonwealth Avenue, across from the Mullins Center (our large sports/entertainment arena). Upon turning onto Campus Center Way stay to the left to proceed up the hill. The garage entrance will be up the hill on your right. Take a gate ticket to raise the entry gates and proceed down to park on Level 2. Park, take your gate ticket with you, and utilize the flat walkway to enter the Campus Center. Follow the signs directing you through to concourse and take the elevators to the 3rd floor hotel lobby. Check-in is available anytime after 3 p.m. on your date of arrival. 

You will receive a complimentary parking coupon valid for the duration of your stay with your session materials; do not ask for a parking pass at the hotel front desk as doing so will result in a parking charge being added to your bill. Each time you need to exit the garage stop by one of the pay stations, located on each level of the garage. Insert your gate ticket and, when prompted, scan your parking coupon. This will validate your parking at no charge. Proceed to your car and exit the garage within 15 minutes. At the garage exit, insert your validated gate ticket to raise the exit gates. Repeat this process each day.

Commuting Attendees
Commuting attendees can park in the Campus Center Parking Garage, located at 91 Campus Center Way, Amherst MA 01003. Campus Center Way is off of Commonwealth Avenue, across from the Mullins Center (our large sports/entertainment arena). Upon turning onto Campus Center Way stay to the left to proceed up the hill. The garage entrance will be up the hill on your right. For programming in Thompson Hall, park on Level 4, take your gate ticket, and utilize the southeast exit for the quickest access to Thompson. For programming in the Campus Center, park on Level 2, take your gate ticket, and utilize the flat walkway into the Campus Center.

You will receive a complimentary parking coupon valid for the duration of your stay with your session materials. Each time you need to exit the garage stop by one of the pay stations, located on each level of the garage. Insert your gate ticket and, when prompted, scan your parking coupon. This will validate your parking at no charge. Proceed to your car and exit the garage within 15 minutes. At the garage exit, insert your validated gate ticket to raise the exit gates. Repeat this process each day.

Accessible Parking
Attendees with a valid state-issued reserved accessible license plate or placard may park in any marked accessible 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 "Accessible Spaces" in the key on the upper left of your screen. For an interactive campus accessibility map, click here. Attendees may also follow the instructions in the "Commuting Attendees" section above for complimentary parking in the Campus Center Parking Garage.

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 and Hampshire Bicycle Exchange.

On-campus and area lodging
Below are a few options for hotel accommodations for your 10-day stay. Please make your reservations early! We strongly encourage you to stay on-campus at Hotel UMass when possible. Hotel UMass is the only unionized hotel in the area, and it is very convenient to our classes and meals (and includes a continental breakfast).

   Hotel UMass ($139.00/room/night + fees)
   Group Code 800790, deadline to reserve December 8, 2023, or until space fills
   1 Campus Center Way, Amherst 01003.   
   Phone: 877-822-2110.
   Website: Hotel UMass.
   Distance: on campus.
   
   Hillel House (around $35/night/room + parking)
   388 North Pleasant Street, Amherst 01003.
   Contact  Alyssa Kristek for availability, rates, and room details: 413-549-1710 ext. 205.
   http://www.umasshillel.org/living-at-hillel.html.
   Distance: about a mile from campus.

   Black Walnut Inn 
   1184 North Pleasant Street, Amherst 01002.     
   Phone: 413-549-5649.
   http://www.blackwalnutinn.com/.
   Distance: about 2 miles from campus.

   Comfort Inn 
   237 Russell Street, Hadley 01035.     
   Phone: 413-584-9816.
   https://www.choicehotels.com/massachusetts/hadley/comfort-inn-hotels/ma090.
   Distance: about 4.5 miles from campus.

   Courtyard by Marriott 
   423 Russell Road, Hadley 01035.   
   Phone: 413-256-5454.
   http://www.hampshirehospitality.com/.
   Distance: about 2 miles from campus.       
        
   Hampton Inn Hadley
   24 Bay Road, Hadley 01035.
   Phone: 413-586-4851.
   http://www.pvhg.com/properties/.
   Distance: about 6.5 miles from campus.        

   Holiday Inn Express
   400 Russell Street, Hadley 01035.
   Phone: 413-582-0002.
   http://www.hampshirehospitality.com/.
   Distance: about 3.5 miles from campus.

   Homewood Suites by Hilton Hadley Amherst
   340 Russell Street, Hadley 01035.
   Phone: 413-387-0583.
   https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/bdlhahw-homewood-suites-hadley-amherst/.
   Distance: about 3.4 miles from campus.
   
   Howard Johnson
   401 Russell Street, Hadley 01035.
   Phone: 413-586-0114.
   http://www.hampshirehospitality.com/.
   Distance: about 2.5 miles from campus.
   
   Inn on Boltwood
   30 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst 01002.
   Phone: 413-256-8200.
   http://www.lordjefferyinn.com/.
   Distance: about 2 miles from campus.

Before the Session
☐   Pre-register and select courses online by clicking Register Now above.
☐   Make a $515.00 pre-registration payment by clicking Register Now above. You will not receive your course reading materials until you have paid the pre-registration fee.
☐   Reserve lodging. Most students stay at Hotel UMass. To reserve a room at Hotel UMass click here and reference group code 800790 to receive the discounted ULA rate of $139.00/room/night (plus applicable taxes and fees). Complete your reservation by December 8. 
☐   Make driving plans or reservations to fly to Bradley Airport (BDL). You should arrive on campus as early as possible on January 7 and depart campus after noon on January 17 (but please keep in mind check-in and check-out times at your hotel - Hotel UMass check-in is available after 3 p.m., with check-out by 11 a.m.).
☐   Call Valley Transporter at 1-800-872-8752 or Seemo Shuttle at 1-800-908-2829 if you need transportation to and from campus from Bradley Airport. Make sure you leave enough time to arrive on campus on Sunday, January 7 (before 3 p.m. for incoming students and before 6 p.m. for returning students) and depart campus (after 12 p.m.) on Wednesday, January 17.
☐   Once you receive the course syllabi and online materials, review everything to make sure that you have all the correct materials. Review the syllabus for each course and make a plan to do all of the reading before January 7.  
☐   Buy the books that are required for each course. The syllabi will make it clear which books you must buy. The other readings will be available online.
☐   Read your course materials
☐   When you receive instructions for course registration in SPIRE, register for the courses you are taking. Please note that courses taken at the upcoming January ULA session are considered "Spring 2024" semester courses in SPIRE. 

At the Session
☐   Check in at the Hotel UMass or other housing. New students must attend the orientation session on Sunday, January 7 at 4:30 p.m.
☐   All students must attend the mandatory welcome meeting at 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 7, followed by a cash-bar reception.
☐   Work with ULA staff to fix any problems with course registration and tuition payment.
☐   Go to Whitmore Building to get UMass ID card if you don’t have one.
☐   Attend the Final Paper meeting if you have completed more than 18 credits.

After the Session
☐   Don’t put away your books! Start working on your papers immediately, and make sure you have a plan to complete them. Some people take time on the weekends, some work a bit every night at home, some work in hotels while traveling on business. Write, write, write.
☐   Stay in touch with your classmates to keep your focus on your school work.
☐   Stay in touch with staff and faculty members with any questions about assignments.
☐   Email papers to faculty before the due date.

Questions? Contact us!

For questions regarding the curriculum, schedule or program in general, please contact ULA:
Nellie Taylor, nellietaylor@umass.edu. 
Clare Hammonds, chammonds@soc.umass.edu or 201-759-7742.

For questions regarding payment, on-campus lodging, or using the online pre-registration page, please contact UMass Conference Services:
registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.