For Parents and Guardians

Welcome to the UMass Dartmouth family!

I'm Cynthia Cummings, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. I'd like to invite you to partner with the University's faculty, administration, and staff in creating a vibrant campus community where your student will thrive academically, socially, culturally, physically, and spiritually.

Like you, we are dedicated to your student's development as a whole person--a person who can think critically, act decisively, care compassionately, and live ethically.

As partners, it's important that we have regular and ongoing communication. We want to hear from you about what's working for your student and what's not working. We know that your student will experience stress and frustration along with joy, excitement, and pride in his or her accomplishments. We also know that you will experience the highs and lows of your student's life in a way that only a parent can.

There are many people on campus who can help you and your student as you face the challenges of young adulthood together. As adults, it's important that students find the answers to questions and the solutions to problems on their own. However, the staff of the Division of Student Affairs is here to work with you any time you believe that your student needs your assistance or even if you just need a helpful ear.

Communication goes both ways. Therefore, you should expect to hear from us throughout the year. I will keep you informed about campus news and events, outstanding programs and opportunities for students, and ways that you can get involved in the life of the campus. To ensure that you receive ongoing communications from me, please sign up for parent and guardian email.

We look forward to developing a productive partnership with you. By working together, we will increase the likelihood that your student will succeed at the University and in life.

You may contact me at 508-910-6402 or via email