UMass Boston

The True Beacons program was created to help first-year student-athletes discover what UMass Boston has to offer. This unique program was established to help student-athletes learn about themselves, the college experience and educate them to be True Beacons of UMB. Now in its 6th year, UMass Boston has expanded the program to include all grades and also offer department wide wellness events.
 
The True Beacons “Expansion” program will help guide sophomores, juniors, and seniors as they look to complete their degrees.

• First-years: Discover UMB and yourself.
• Sophomores: Develop skills and career services
• Juniors: Dedicate to achieving their potential
• Seniors: Life after UMB education.

The hope for the first three years of the program is to incorporate the three D’s of Division III (Discover, Develop, Dedicate).  
 
DISCOVER: The freshmen year program was established so all first-year students have assistance discovering themselves at UMB. They will learn who to reach out to for assistance both in athletics and across campus. They will speak with representatives from the Bursar Offices, Student Affairs, Financial Aid, Registrar, Career Services, Health Center and more. They will learn about advising, picking classes, how to balance their workload, etc.
 
DEVELOP: As sophomores the student athletes begin to focus on their careers after UMB. We will help them decide on a major and create profiles for career services. We will have alumni come back to discuss a variety of subjects, including how to interview for a job. We will also assist with resume writing, and other activities for our student athletes to feel comfortable applying for their future career opportunities.
 
DEDICATE: As juniors the student-athletes work on reaching their full potential. They will focus on learning about their personality traits, both their strengths and weaknesses. We will discuss leadership traits, and how they can use their experiences as student-athletes to be better prepared for the future. We will also have career services come to discuss resumes and the career service portal.
 
As a senior class we will focus on their education for life after UMB. We will have the financial literacy program on campus come and speak to the senior class about savings, taxes, and retirement so that they are comfortable with their finances leaving UMB as the embark on their careers the following year.   

In addition to the True Beacon education sessions per grade, we will offer 2 wellness sessions for the department. These sessions will be held annually and include a nutritionist and mental health professionals to provide education and resources for our athletes.