In addition to our Benefits Social from 4-6PM in the Old Chapel, we will be offering a suite of free events throughout the day!
There will be a bagel breakfast, yoga, archery, and more! See descriptions below.
In some cases, space is limited. We'll confirm your spot for each event in a follow-up email.
All events are FREE for eligible grad employees and postdocs.
Sign up for events HERE!
9AM-11AM
Coffee and Bagel Breakfast Social
2nd floor of the UMass Chapel
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Meet your fellow grad student employees and postdocs over a coffee and bagels from Tandem Bagels.
10AM-11AM
Yoga in the Chapel w/Cadence Yoga
Old Chapel 1st Floor​
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Unwind with an all-levels yoga class in the beautiful, stained-glass filled second floor of the Old Chapel.
11AM-12:30PM
Tree ID Walk w/Adventure East
Meet on campus; precise location TBD​
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Join Adventure East for a guided Tree Identification Walk through the heart of the Frank A. Waugh Arboretum at UMass Amherst, where nature and wellness meet. Centered around the scenic Campus Pond, this immersive experience invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the natural world. Led by a professional naturalist, this walk highlights some of the arboretum’s most unique and storied species—like the majestic Japanese Elm, the stately Pin Oak planted by the Class of 1908, and the rare Fernleaf Beech. These trees are more than just beautiful—they’re living history, part of a canopy that has shaded generations of students and scholars.
12PM-1:30PM
Mindful Archery w/Adventure East
UMass Pond Green
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We invite you to explore the ancient practice of archery in a beginner-friendly course led by skilled archers. Our workshops is designed to help you relax your mind, body, and spirit. Used by many as a form of meditation and inward exploration, archery can help increase your focus, self-awareness, self-esteem, emotional awareness, and emotional control. Learn to let go of attachment with the release of every arrow. This hour program will begin with the fundamentals of archery practice, including becoming familiar with the equipment and practicing appropriate postures to help improve your aim. Discover how you might draw up your strength, courage and warrior spirit!​​
2PM-3PM
Tea Blending in the Permaculture Garden
UMass Permaculture Garden
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Revel in the lush beauty of UMass's Franklin Permaculture Garden, filled with sustainable foods that fill our dining halls throughout the year. Try your hand at designing and blending your very own medicinal tea, made in part from herbs grown right there! All materials will be provided. Stop by, learn about permaculture and herbs, and enjoy this sensory-rich hands-on experience!
4PM-6PM
Benefits Social
Old Chapel 2nd Floor​
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Get to know your fellow grad employees and postdocs, enjoy free food, and get help understanding and enrolling in benefits. We will be drawing for the grand prize of a new bicycle from Northampton Bicycle!
Slots throughout the day!
Chair Massage w/The Healing ZONE
Old Chapel 1st Floor​
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Experience award-winning therapeutic massage for every body courtesy of The Healing ZONE.