Located on the Augusta campus, the Office of the Dean of Students offers the services listed below. The dean of students also oversees the Division of Student Development, which encompasses Academic and Career Advising, Learning Support Services, Student Life, Counseling, the Cornerstone Program, and the Maine Centers for Women, Work, and Community. Students can contact the Office of the Dean of Students by phone (207-621-3176/1-877-UMA-1234, ext. 3176), by E-mail, or by visiting Robinson Hall.
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: At the start of each academic year, a revised student handbook is published on the Web for all students. A print version may be requested by contacting the Office of the Dean of Students. The student handbook contains key information not only on services for students, but on policies and procedures that exist within The University of Maine System. It is essential that students familiarize themselves with this resource and abide by these policies and standards.
Student Conduct: The dean oversees compliance with University policies and procedures designed to encourage respectful behavior and create an environment supportive of the educational mission of the University. The University of Maine System (UMS) Student Conduct Code is published in the UMA Student Handbook. In addition, UMA publishes its own Student Conduct Procedures that explain how the UMS Student Conduct Code is implemented locally. Beyond that, there is a UMA Student Academic Integrity (AI) Code that details the procedures which apply in cases of suspected academic dishonesty. Associated with this AI Code is an AI Violation Form (PDF document) used by faculty to formally document such incidents. Any questions regarding any of these policies or procedures should be directed to the Coordinator of Community Standards and Mediation who acts as UMA’s student conduct officer.
Resolving Student Complaints: Despite intent, disagreements arise from time to time in the college environment. If a student has a complaint against an instructor or a professional employee's administrative action, he or she is encouraged to speak directly with that employee or their supervisor to pursue an informal resolution to the problem. Typically, this is the most efficient and effective way to resolve a complaint. Formal grievance procedures are reserved for unresolved complaints and are designed to give UMA students maximum opportunity to address their concern when conditions warrant. Students considering a formal grievance should review a copy of the appropriate grievance procedure (academic or professional/administrative) and must consult with the dean who serves as the student grievance officer.
Housing Information: UMA is a commuter institution and on-campus housing is not currently available at either of UMA's two campuses or at any of the regional University College Centers. Students commute from home or rent rooms or apartments near their campus. The Office of the Dean of Students can provide information to students regarding rental resources in the Augusta area and also the Bangor area. Both Bangor and Augusta campuses distribute a housing guide that explains the rights and responsibilities of students as tenants. Students may also find MaineHousingSearch.org helpful. It is a free, statewide, online rental listing service.
Mediation: This office provides students with advice and assistance in conflict resolution.
Moosebytes: UMA's electronic news bulletin for students.
Student Injury and Sickness 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.
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. UMA student photo identification cards (not mandatory) are available through the ID Card Services Office (located at the Information Desk in the Richard J. Randall Student Center) in Augusta and Advising Services (located in Lewiston Hall) in Bangor.
Child Care: Students needing child care services can access statewide resources through DHHS' Child and Family Services Office. The "Information for Parents" webpage ( http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/ec/occhs/infoparents.htm ) not only provides valuable information on steps to choosing child care, paying for child care, and parent rights and responsibilities, but also on options/resources for finding child care centers and programs.
Behavioral Intervention Team: The mission of the UMA Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) is to coordinate and implement policy development, education, and timely intervention in regard to students exhibiting signs of serious distress, or engaging in harmful or disruptive behavior. BIT is not a crisis or emergency response team, but provides a system for proactive intervention to student behaviors of concern in order to reduce disruption and facilitate a safe, respectful and productive learning and working environment.
