The first week of your program is dedicated to a mandatory orientation. During the orientation, we will cover everything from student support model, academic requirements to technology and campus resources. The hours of orientation may vary depending on the day and where you are located in the world. You will receive an orientation schedule and Zoom login as it gets closer to the start of the program.

Students enrolled in Tracks 1—3 must activate their UMB email address, you are encouraged to activate your email address as soon you receive your welcome letter.

In order to ensure you have access to UMass Boston systems, you will need to set up your email address. This gives you access to WISER, which is the platform UMB uses to house your courses, grades, placement tests, and more. Please use this guide, which has step-by-step instructions to set up your email and login to WISER.

Certain program tracks require placement testing. Please find your program and track below to determine which tests you must take. The deadline to take this test is  January 13, 2022. Please take your tests as soon as possible in order to secure your course registration.

*Math classes are not offered in ACL Academy.

**In-region customized programs can ignore this step

English Placement Test

Instructions on completing your English placement test can be found here. If you don’t complete the placement test by January 13, 2022, your program will be moved to Track 2.

Math ALEKS Placement Test

Use this link to complete your ALEKS math placement exam, please use your 8 digit Shorelight ID found on your acceptance letter. Instructions on how to complete the exam are here.
If you need further assistance, please watch this video which will tell you everything you need to know about ALEKS! If you don’t complete the placement test by January 13, 2022, you will be placed in Math 115 College Algebra.

No course placement changes will be allowed after January 13, 2022.

Please refer to your statement of fees to make the tuition payment. Instructions for payment, as well as a flywire link to submit the payment, will be included on that statement of fees.

Sponsored students or in-region customized program students can ignore this step.

As part of the Live to Device experience, we recommend all students purchase a second monitor. The experience is designed to be optimized with the use of the second monitor. You can find recommended specifications to purchase the monitor here.

Download no later than one week prior to orientation

Google Chrome is required for the use of UCommons. You will use UCommons, and therefore Google Chrome, for all of your Live lectures. You can download Google Chrome from the link here if you are in China, and the link here if you are anywhere outside of China.

Complete your UCommons profile prior to orientation.

UCommons is the platform you will use for all Live lectures, assignments and course resources. Instructions on how to complete your UCommons profile will be sent to your PERSONAL email about one week before your orientation.

Confirm your personal email address. Please ensure that the personal email address on file is the email address you would like to use for all technology account set-ups and where you wish to receive future communications. If you are unsure what personal email address is on file, please reach out to your Enrollment Services Advisor to confirm which address should be used.

Download Zoom no later than two weeks prior to orientation

In order to attend your orientation, you will need Zoom. Additionally, Zoom is the audio and video technology used as part of the AC Live experience. All students regardless of location will need to download the zoom app at zoom.us. You can access it here. You must use the US app downloaded here. With this Zoom app from the US you will be able to access all the Live lectures.

Register no later than one week prior to orientation

Hoylu Whiteboard is a web-based application used for interactive white board. An invitation to create a Hoylu account will be sent to your PERSONAL email 2-3 days before your orientation. Please accept the invitation, create your account, and complete the registration within seven days after the invitation is sent to you. Please check with your Enrollment Advisor if you are uncertain about the personal email address to which this invitation will be sent.

Complete no later than one week prior to orientation. For a full list of requirements, recommended hardware, and helpful videos, click here.

To ensure the best experience for you and your fellow students, there are certain technology requirements you must follow. Please ensure that you have:

1. Either a Mac or Windows machine to participate in Live lectures. Please note that our technology is not compatible with phones or tablets.
2. A camera on your laptop—it is a requirement to be on video to get credit for class.
3. The Google Chrome browser
4. Headphones with a microphone
5. Strong bandwidth (ie internet speed). You can test your bandwidth here. Please ensure that your internet bandwidth is a minimum of:
   1. Receiving 1080p HD video requires 20.0 Mbps download speed.
   2. Sending 1080p HD video requires 10.0 Mbps upload speed.
   3. Note: Using a hotspot from your phone or tablet will not suffice.
6. A second monitor: A second monitor is recommended for all Live to Device students. Please refer to checklist item number 5 for more details.

Once you receive your course schedule, you will also get your textbook list. Please note the all textbooks will be available as e-books, and it is the responsibility of the student to purchase the textbooks. Depending on track, the cost for e-books generally ranges from about $200 to 400 total.

Students enrolled in Tracks 2, 3, and 4 will pay for their English language textbooks along with their tuition. The cost of English textbooks is $225. All other course textbooks are purchased after receiving your schedule.