Student Support Services
Promoting student success, development, and satisfaction is a priority for the University of Maine at Augusta. To this end, UMA delivers a comprehensive array of support services and opportunities for enrichment. While some services are centralized on the main campus in Augusta, most information and services noted below are accessible to students through contacts at their local campus or center or via UMA's Web page. Questions or comments pertaining to the quality of the student experience may be directed to the executive vice president/provost, the dean of students, or the local student services representatives.
DIVISION OF STUDENT SERVICES
Office of the Dean of Students
Located on the Augusta campus, this office manages the functions listed immediately below and the dean also oversees academic and career advising, counseling, the Cornerstone Program, learning support services, the Maine Centers for Women, Work, and Community, and student life.
Housing Information: UMA is a commuter institution and on-campus housing is not currently available at either campus. Students commute from home or rent rooms or apartments near their campus. The Office of the Dean of Students can provide a limited list of on-line housing resources for the Augusta area, as well as links to general information about the Augusta region. Both Bangor and Augusta campuses distribute a housing guide that explains the rights and responsibilities of students as tenants.
Mediation: Differences in interpretation, values, and points of view are commonplace on a college campus. While these differences enrich the college experience, occasionally disagreements may call for mediation. In these instances this office can offer advice and assistance.
New Student Orientation: Orientation eases the transition into the college student role, creates a foundation for academic success, and helps to integrate new students into the UMA community. Faculty, staff, and experienced students collaborate to acquaint entering students with UMA's resources and expectations. All students new to UMA are expected to attend a new student orientation program prior to their first semester with the University.
Student Handbook: This handbook details UMA services, resources, and important policies. It can be accessed online at: www.uma.edu/studenthandbook.html. A print version is available upon request.
Student Health and Accident Insurance: UMA provides access to an affordable, year round insurance plan for all students registered for at least six UMA credits. Eligible dependents may qualify for coverage, and a reasonably priced major medical program is also an option. Applications and brochures are available at all locations.
Student Conduct: The dean oversees compliance with the University policies and procedures designed to encourage respectful behavior and create an environment supportive of the educational mission of the University. The full text of the University of Maine System Student Conduct Code is included in the Student Handbook.
Student ID Card Program: The Office of the Dean of Students manages the UMA card which serves as the official University of Maine at Augusta identification card, provides access to library services, and supports pay-for-print services in campus computer labs and libraries.
Academic and Career Advising Services
The goal of the academic and career advising staff is to prepare students to be active participants in determining their academic plans and implementing their career decisions. Located on the Augusta and Bangor campuses and at several center locations, advising staff provide students with information on academic programs and policies, offer assistance with course selection, scheduling, and career decision making, and work with students on academic probation. Additionally, advising staff may serve as liaisons between students and faculty academic advisors.
Academic Advisor: All matriculated students are assigned an official academic advisor (usually a faculty member). Students are expected to consult with their academic advisor on all academic matters including course selection, scheduling, registration, add/drop transactions, policy information, referral, transfer, graduation requirements, and career planning. Students should schedule periodic meetings during the semester with their advisor.
Career Counseling/Development: Services are available at both campuses and most centers. These services include assistance in establishing career goals and plans, interpretation of career assessment instruments, and coaching in job-search skills.
Career Resource Centers: Located at both campuses and most centers, these specialized multimedia libraries provide students and the public with information regarding a broad range of career and educational options. Through a reference and loan library, users may learn about labor market trends, occupational information, job-search strategies and educational opportunities. Choices, an easy-to-use, computerized career decision-making system, allows users to assess personal characteristics and preferences and match them with compatible career options. Staff is available to assist with research and the use of the print and electronic resources.
International Student Advising: The coordinator for academic and career advising serves as the international student advisor and provides information and assistance to all students who are not United States citizens. The international student advisor assists international students in interpreting the policies and regulations of the University; in interpreting local, state, and national laws; in adjusting to the cultural environment; and in completing their educational goals here in the United States. The advisor acts as the liaison between UMA international students and the Immigration and Naturalization Service and refers international students to other available resources.
All foreign nationals must report to the international student advisor as soon as possible after arrival in this country. Additionally, all must register with the advisor at the beginning of each academic year.
Study Abroad: The Harz University of Applied Studies and Research (Die Hochschule Harz-Wernigerode) and the University of Maine at Augusta have created study abroad options for UMA students. Contact the international student advisor for more information.
Testing and Assessment Services: Placement tests in reading, writing, and mathematics are administered to incoming students at the campuses in Augusta and Bangor and at all centers. In addition, portfolio review and credit-by-examination programs are available for students who have acquired college-level learning outside of the college classroom. Refer to the catalog section on Credit for Prior Learning for details related to CLEP, DANTES, and challenge exams.
Cornerstone Program
The Cornerstone Program is a federally-funded student support services program with the mission to facilitate success in college through amplified services for eligible selected students.
To be eligible for the Cornerstone Program, students must be enrolled in a UMA degree program, have academic need, and meet one of the following additional criteria:
- be of the first generation in their family to attend college or
- have a limited income or
- have a disability
While student services are available to all UMA students, an enrolled Cornerstone student may receive amplified student services, fee waivers or reductions, and more proactive support from the Cornerstone staff. In this way the Cornerstone Program provides added assistance to participants in achieving their educational goals. For more information, contact the Cornerstone Program in Augusta at 207-621-3157 or toll-free at 1-877-UMA-1234, ext. 3157 or in Bangor at 207-262-7820.
Counseling Services
Counseling services are available at both campus locations and many centers. These services include confidential, short-term personal counseling, crisis intervention, and referral services for concerns that may interfere with collegiate success. Personal development counseling and workshops are also available.
Peer Mentors: Peer mentors are trained undergraduates who are available to help entering students succeed at UMA through student-to-student guidance activities. New students may request a mentor through the Counseling Services and Cornerstone offices in Augusta and Bangor.
Learning Support Services
Success in college is closely tied to having and using effective learning and study skills. Learning support services include various University resources designed to help students explore and strengthen their learning skills in order to optimize the academic experience.
Learning Skills Development: Workshops and individual consultation on time management, memory techniques, test taking, and other learning skills are offered at both campuses and University College locations. Students can access computerized resources such as LASSI (Learning and Study Skills Assessment) to explore their learning process. Students should contact their advisor, counselor, or student services staff to learn more about available resources and strategies.
Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD): UMA complies with all laws and University policies which define the rights of individuals with disabilities and makes reasonable efforts to accommodate specific, appropriately documented academic needs. Students with disabilities may initiate requests for accommodation through the local SSD or student services representative at their campus or center. To ensure the timely availability of accommodations, students must request services well in advance of the start of each semester.
Tutoring: UMA provides academic assistance to help students increase their understanding of course material and improve their learning and study skills. Tutoring is available for most developmental and introductory courses and some upper-level courses. It is provided in individual or small group settings by qualified peer or community tutors. For busy students who cannot attend tutoring on campus, Augusta-based tutors can be accessed by phone; Augusta writing tutors can be accessed through E-mail. Questions about tutoring should be directed to the Students Helping Students Programs in Augusta or Bangor, or to student services staff at the University College centers.
Math & Writing Labs: Students at the Augusta and Bangor campuses have access to individual assistance in the development of their college-level writing and mathematics skills through dedicated labs staffed by experienced faculty and staff.
Maine Centers for Women, Work, and Community (MCWWC)
Individuals returning to school or the work force after an absence of many years or those considering a career change, may receive assistance at both UMA campuses and in sixteen other communities throughout the state. Services include training programs and one-on-one assistance in personal assessment, in-depth career counseling, job-seeking skills, local job market information, financial management, and peer support groups relating to women's personal and professional development. An award-winning entrepreneurship program provides training to individuals who want to start their own businesses; graduates are eligible to apply for three academic credits through the College of Math and Professional Studies. New Business Resource Centers are available at the Bangor and Augusta campuses. Small start-up entrepreneurs may prepare business plans, business brochures, and Web sites with assistance from MCWWC enterprise coordinators. Information about community agencies, services and employers is available, as is leadership and advocacy development. For information, contact the MCWWC representative at your location, the statewide office at 1-800-442-2092 or their Web site at www.womenworkandcommunity.org.
Student Life
Student Activities: Provides an opportunity for interested students and campus organizations to participate in a variety of activities such as: cultural tours, museum visits, mountain hikes, camping or ski outings. Picnics, concerts, and seasonal special events offer additional social and entertainment options.
Athletics: As members of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, UMA's men and women play a challenging New England basketball schedule. Most home games are played at the Augusta Civic Center, one of the finest courts in Maine. The women's soccer team also plays a strong regional schedule. Regionally, our intercollegiate teams compete in the Yankee Small College Conference. UMA's athletic programs offer student athletes an opportunity to meet other students, maintain fitness, and visit other campuses.
College Center: On the Bangor campus, a gathering spot for students, faculty, and staff is the College Center. Centrally located, this facility houses the Gran Ballroom (which serves as the campus auditorium) and the Computer Center which has a state-of-the-art classroom and lab. It is the campus stop for the BAT public transportation system. Community Engagement: This office encourages and supports active campus engagement with our off-campus communities. Community Engagement fosters volunteerism and service-learning partnerships that build upon the strengths of our communities and institutions to address significant social and environmental problems. We collaborate to ensure that all involved develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to solve such problems.
Community Outdoor Leisure Center: In Augusta, this complex provides numerous seasonal activities and features a fitness trail designed for running and cross-country skiing. There are also softball, tennis, and outdoor basketball facilities. The Center is available to students, as well as the general public. Contact the Office of Administrative Services to reserve these facilities or for more information.
Fitness Centers: On the Augusta and Bangor campuses, students are welcome to work out at our newly renovated and well-equipped fitness facilities. Both locations sponsor health and wellness programming. The Augusta center provides facilities for racquetball and walleyball, while the Bangor facility provides access to a gymnasium.
Student Technology Center: The Augusta Student Technology Center is an impressive, recent addition to the campus. Situated adjacent to the library and main classroom buildings, it provides students, faculty, and staff with a meeting and gathering place. It houses the campus food service, the Bookstore, several lounges and conference rooms, and offices for the Honors Program, Student Government, student clubs and organizations, Student Life, and the Advising Center. Many special activities take place at the Student Center such as musical performances, holiday festivities, lectures, discussions, and displays. The Student Technology Center also houses an information desk, computer labs, staff and faculty offices and several classrooms.
Student Government: Students registered for UMA courses at either of the two campuses or at University College locations are represented by a "local" Student Government Association (SGA). Representatives from each SGA meet collectively as a General Assembly (GA) to represent the interests of the UMA student body as a whole. Students are encouraged to work through their student government to shape co-curricular and service opportunities, as well as University policies and priorities. As the custodians of student activity fees, the Student Governments provide financial support to various activities, organizations, and events. Any registered student may become involved with their SGA through election to office, attendance at open meetings, or volunteer service.
Student Organizations: Student Government formally recognizes and may provide financial support to a variety of student organizations such as the Nursing Club, Student Honors Program Association, the Veterinary Technician Club, the Student Newspaper, and the Golf Club. Students who wish to form a new organization or revitalize an old one should consult their local student government advisor regarding the appropriate process.