Information Sessions for Prospective Undergraduate Students
Information sessions for prospective undergraduate students are held throughout the academic year.
We are so pleased you are interested in learning more about the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences community!
The Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences offers on-campus and virtual information sessions for prospective undergraduate students throughout the academic year. In-person sessions are held in the Lederle Graduate Research Center Lowrise, Room A114.
Sign up for our information sessions through UMass Amherst Undergraduate Admissions.
All sessions are Eastern Daylight Time. Our information session schedule follows the University Academic Calendar. There are no information sessions when classes are not in session.
Please send any questions to our e-mail %20cics-ambassadors [at] umass [dot] edu (cics-ambassadors[at]umass[dot]edu). We look forward to hearing from you!
Spring 2025 Schedule
Mondays
9 am Zoom
10 am In Person
11 am In Person
Noon In Person
1 pm In Person
2 pm Zoom
3 pm In Person
4 pm In Person
Tuesdays
9 am Zoom
10 am In Person
11 am In Person
Noon Zoom
1 pm In Person
2 pm In Person
Wednesdays
9 am Zoom
10 am In Person
11 am In Person
Noon Zoom
1 pm In Person
2 pm Zoom
3 pm In Person
4 pm In Person
Thursdays
9 am Zoom
10 am In Person
11 am Zoom
Noon In Person
1 pm In Person
2 pm In Person
Fridays
9 am Zoom
11 am In Person
Noon Zoom
3 pm In Person
4 pm In Person
Meet Our Student Ambassadors
Roshan Pillai
Hometown: Needham, Massachusetts
Major/Minor: Computer Science and Philosophy
Favorite Course(s) at UMass: COMPSCI 210 Data Structures, COMPSCI 250 Introduction to Computation (Discrete Math), COMPSCI 360 Introduction to Computer and Network Security PHIL 160 Introduction to Ethics, PHIL 310 Intermediate Logic
Co-curricular Activities/interests: Intramural Basketball (I'm very bad), Pickleball, Chess, MMA/ Boxing (watching), Board Games, Fishing
Something I love about CICS/UMass Amherst: A bit cliche, but I really love the community and opportunities in CICS. In my experience, students are always willing to help each other, and there is a strong sense of shared experience when taking classes together. Even if you don’t have everything figured out, there are also endless ways to explore your interests through classes, clubs, or research.
Advice for prospective students in your college search : No matter what college you choose (hopefully UMass!), take the time in high school to plan how you want your college experience to look. This could mean finding student organizations that align with your interests, identifying classes that excite you, or having a rough idea of your major. When I was getting ready for college, I had a lot of broad ambitions but struggled to actualize them right away. Looking back, I realized that having a clearer, more specific plan would have helped me get involved and accomplish my goals sooner.
Srikiran Kavuri
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Major/Minor: Double major in Computer Science and Mathematics
Favorite Course(s) at UMass: COMPSCI 383 Artificial Intelligence, MATH 545 Advanced Linear Algebra, COMPSCI 250 Introduction to Computation, MATH 551 Introduction to Scientific Computing
Internships/Research:
Co-curricular Activities/interests:
Something I love about CICS/UMass Amherst: UMass Amherst has been my home for the past three years, and I am truly grateful for the supportive community I’ve discovered here. The campus provides countless opportunities to explore a range of interests, from academics to an array of clubs and activities. I’ve learned so much during my time here, including the decision to pursue a double major in math, which I found deeply intriguing after arriving at UMass. In my free time, I enjoy ice skating, a passion I brought with me from home. The vibrant atmosphere and welcoming spirit of both the campus and the surrounding town create a cozy and enriching experience. I am thankful for the encouragement and resources I've received from CICS and UMass as a whole.
Juhi Manish Jain
Major/Minor: Double major in Computer Science and Psychology, minor in Business
Favorite Course(s) at UMass: My favorite course has been PSYCH 380: Abnormal Psychology. I enjoyed learning about various forms of psychopathology and their treatments through engaging case studies.
Internships/Research: I am currently a Machine Learning Intern at Brightside Health, where I focus on developing a Depression and Anxiety Prescriptions Knowledge-Base. Additionally, I work as a Biopsychiatry and ML Intern at McLean Hospital, contributing to various projects in the developmental biopsychiatry lab.
Co-curricular activities/interests: In my free time, I enjoy reading fictional romance novels, cooking, and strength training.
Something I love about CICS/UMass Amherst: I appreciate the vibrant and inclusive community at CICS and UMass, which makes me feel at home and supported in all my endeavors.
Advice for prospective students in your college search: When searching for the right college, prioritize finding a place where you can grow both academically and personally. Look beyond rankings to consider campus culture, hands-on learning opportunities, and support systems that align with your goals and values.
Upashana Suresh Kumar
Hometown: Piscataway, NJ
Major/Minor: Informatics (Data Science) major, Resource Ecnomics minor
Favorite Course(s) at UMass: INOF 490PI Personal Health Informatics, CICS 210 Data Structures, CICS 160 Object Oriented Programming, and MATH 235 Introduction to Linear Algebra
Co-curricular activities/interests: FIERCE Mentor, Public Relations in Amherst Agni, rock climbing, volleyball, baking. I love being outdoors!
Something I love about CICS/UMass Amherst: I love that CICS and UMass offer so many resources to expand your network and explore your career interests. Every day, you have the opportunity to meet new people and learn something new about your peers and even yourself. It is a supportive, dynamic, and inclusive community where you will always find the guidance you need.
Advice for prospective students in your college search: When searching for the right college, look for a place that encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and grow. For me, UMass has provided that opportunity, allowing me to challenge myself, make meaningful connections, and develop both personally and academically. While it is important to consider colleges with strong programs and classes that align with your career interests, you should also explore the organizations and clubs they offer to see if they match your passions. The best way to do this is by reaching out to current students and exploring the college’s website.
Haley Ogier
Hometown: Wakefield, MA
Major/Minor: Double major in Computer Science and Mathematics
Favorite Course(s) at UMass: CICS 210 Data Structures, CICS 110 Introduction to Programming, CICS 160 Object-Oriented Programming
Internships/Research: Software Engineering Intern at Fidelity Investments
Co-curricular activities/interests: Women in Informatics and Computer Science (WICS), volleyball, going to the gym, and playing tennis
Something I love about CICS/UMass Amherst: Something I greatly enjoy about UMass in general is that there is something for everyone. There are so many different types of clubs and organizations that you're bound to find something you enjoy. What I really love about CICS is the amazing and supportive professors along with the endless resources. Whether you need advice about your career, your class schedule, help with homework, or help finding new opportunities, there are so many people here to help and guide you!
Advice for prospective students in your college search: My piece of advice for prospective students is to do research and talk to current students. Look into the curriculum of your major and see if the classes interest you. Along with that, I would consider the size and environment of colleges you are considering. Find somewhere that you can see yourself being happy and comfortable.
Sandra Vishnu
Hometown: Shrewsbury, MA
Major/Minor: Informatics major, Computer Science minor
Favorite Courses(s) at UMass: INFO 248 Intro to Data Science, INFO 348 Data Analytics with Python, PUB-HLTH 460 Telling Stories with Data
Internships/Research: I previously worked as a Data Science intern in a lab at UMass Medical School.
Co-curricular Activities/Interests: Event Coordinator for SASE (Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers), Carnatic Singer in ICAS (Indian Classical Arts Society), Reading, Painting
Something I love about CICS/UMass Amherst: I love the large amount of support you can receive from CICS when you need it! There are several valuable resources available from the advisors to the Peer Advisors to CICS Careers, as well as countless opportunities to gain experience through research and find internships/jobs to advance your career. Additionally, I love that there are so many student organizations on campus that can appeal to people with all sorts of different interests and help build community.
Advice for prospective students in their College Search: My advice as you decide what college you want to go to would be to focus equally on both the academic programs and the environment/campus culture of the colleges you are deciding between. Try to find somewhere where you will feel comfortable to learn and grow as both a student and a human!