Information For:
Congratulations on your Acceptance to UMA!
As a new UMA student, we're sure you have a lot of questions on getting started. Our Admissions staff (link to new admissionsstaff.html page) is committed to helping you on your road to a successful college career.
A Quick Checklist for Becoming a Student:
- Complete Placement Testing (if required)
- Fill out FAFSA Financial Aid Application
- Submit Immunization Records (if required)
- Make Course Selections & Register for Classes
- Consider Credit for Prior Learning or Challenge Tests
- Make Payment Arrangements
- Purchase Books and Course Materials
- Attend New Student Orientation
Registering for Classes
- Before you register for classes, you first need to talk with someone from our Admissions staff to see if you need to take Placement Tests in reading, writing, and math. These tests, which are given in a non-pressure situation, are only meant to help our students avoid enrolling in a course that is either too hard or too easy.
- Once placement tests are taken or waived, you will be ready to enroll in courses. For your first semester, our Admissions staff will help you select courses that are a good fit with your interests, skills, knowledge and experience. For subsequent semesters, you may self-register using our MaineStreet portal or work with staff in our Advising Center.
- During your first semester, you will be assigned a faculty advisor who will help you select your courses during the remainder of your time at UMA.
Immunization
Maine State Law requires all full-time students and/or degree candidates born after 1956 to submit immunization records. The immunization requirements can be found at the Registrar’s web page. Please send your immunization records to the UMS Shared Processing Center, PO Box 412, Bangor, ME 04402-0412.
Credits for Prior Learning
You may be eligible to receive UMA credits for courses taken elsewhere or through special exams you can take before you start here.
- Transfer Credits - UMA offers transfer credit for course work completed at a regionally accredited institution with grades of "C-" or higher. UMA’s Transfer Officer will review your transcripts to determine what transfer credit will be awarded.
- You may also earn credit for previous learning/experience by taking CLEP/DANTES or Challenge Exams, or through a Portfolio Assessment. You can visit our Testing and Assessment page or call 621-3144 to find out more about your options.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
If you have not yet done so during the UMA admissions process, you should contact UMA's Financial Aid Office to explore your financial aid options. Types of aid you may be eligible for include scholarships and grants, loans, and work study. UMA awards aid packages to both full-time and part-time students.
Do not delay in contacting the Financial Aid Office. You will need to complete the FAFSA form and the processing time could take three to four weeks.
Paying for Your First Semester Courses
UMA accepts payment by cash, check or credit card. Call the Student Accounts Office 621-3185 to find out about our different payment plans. Before classes begin, you must either have paid in full (via awarded financial aid and/or cash payments) or signed up for an approved payment plan with Student Accounts. For a listing or current tuition and fees and payment options, visit our Money Matters page.
Purchasing Your Books
You can purchase books and course materials at the UMA bookstore or online at www.umabookstore.com. A temporary bookstore is offered at the University College of Bangor at the start of each semester. Books ordered from the website are shipped directly to you for a minimal fee.
New Student Orientation
Student Orientations are held prior to the start of each semester. These one-day sessions are a great way to get connected with the faculty, staff and services available, and to meet other incoming students. Read all about it here.