Student Handbook A - University of Maine at Augusta

UMA requires all candidates for graduation to earn a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher. To help monitor your progress toward this goal, we have established a Probation and Suspension Scale. This scale shows minimum grade point averages required per level of course work completed. Students who do not attain the required level will receive a letter placing them on academic probation and they ultimately may be academically suspended. If you have any questions regarding your academic status, consult your academic advisor or college office.

ACADEMIC PROBATION

(Please see Probation and Suspension Scale)
The student whose grade point average indicates that s/he will have difficulty graduating with a 2.0 GPA is placed on academic probation. S/he is still entitled to all rights and benefits of other degree candidates. However, students on probation are required to meet with their advisor before they can register for the next semester. Academic probation may have an impact on financial aid awards.
Contact Registrar's Office in Augusta.

ACADEMIC SUSPENSION

(Please see Probation and Suspension Scale)
If, after at least one semester on probation, a student fails to raise his or her GPA to an acceptable level, the registrar, upon the recommendation of the appropriate college dean, will take suspension action against the student. The student will not be permitted to register at the University for one semester (summer term may not be used as the suspension semester), but may submit an appeal to the Provost's Office if he or she feels the Academic Standing Committee should consider other information. The student may resume studies for the next term after consultation with an academic advisor. Students in limited capacity programs will be converted to Liberal Studies and will be required to meet program entrance requirements and to submit a Change of Program form to be considered for re-entry to the program. Students who are suspended for a second time will lose their degree status, but may apply for readmission after a semester of suspension.
Contact Registrar's Office in Augusta.
PROBATION AND SUSPENSION SCALE

Credit Hours	GPA	Status*
0-6	0.0-1.49	Probation, conditions for continued enrollment defined
7-23	1.50-1.70	Probation
	0.0-1.49	Suspension
24-53	1.70-1.90	Probation
	0.0-1.69	Suspension
54-83	1.80-1.99	Probation
	0.0-1.79	Suspension
84 plus	1.80-1.99	Probation
	0.0-1.79	Suspension

*The college dean has the authority to place a student with a GPA in the suspension range on probation when the student has earned a GPA of 2.0 for his or her most recent semester. For more on how to compute your GPA, see the GPA section.
FORGIVENESS POLICY
To be considered for forgiveness, students must apply in writing to their college dean. (Please note that this policy is only for students with broken enrollment and is NOT intended to address the issue of students with continuous enrollment.)

There must be EITHER at least a one year separation from UMA since the semester(s) to be forgiven and the student must have an overall GPA of less than 2.0 OR the student must have been academically suspended.
Student must be enrolled in a UMA degree program or have applied for readmission to a UMA degree program. A student applying for forgiveness and readmission concurrently will be awarded forgiveness at the conclusion of the add/drop period.
The student may request up to a maximum of 15 credit hours to be forgiven, subject to the approval of the appropriate Academic Dean. "Appropriate Academic Dean" being the dean to whom responsibility for the student will fall.
All credits forgiven must have been taken within a two-year time period.
A student may be granted forgiveness only once during his or her academic career.
For the first two semesters of enrollment after forgiveness is granted, an advisor's signature is required for registration.
The student is encouraged to meet with the learning support specialist or a student services coordinator.

ACADEMIC ADVISOR

All students who are in degree programs are assigned an academic advisor to assist them with their degree program planning. In most cases, the advisor will be a faculty member; in some cases, professional staff may act in this capacity. Students who have not yet matriculated into one of UMA's degree programs, are matriculated elsewhere, or who are taking courses on a "non-degree" basis, can access advising assistance through the Academic and Career Advising Centers located at the Augusta and Bangor campuses. It is imperative that students maintain contact with their academic advisor to receive assistance in appropriate selection of course work, explanation of current University policy, and for clarification of other issues which may affect students' academic decisions. Be sure to read the "Advising Tips" section of the student handbook to help you make the most of the advising process. Contact: Academic and Career Advising Center, college office in Augusta, Bangor, or Center Student Services Coordinator.

ACADEMIC HONORS

(Also see Honors Program)
To be eligible for the Dean’s List, a student must be matriculated in a UMA degree program. Qualification for the Dean’s List is posted on the student’s academic record. Upon application to the appropriate Dean, a student will be placed on the Dean’s List retroactively if the criteria for the Dean’s List is met after the list has been prepared. A Dean’s List shall be prepared at the end of each semester comprising the names of students completing 12 or more credit hours of 100-level or higher UMA courses (exclusive of pass/fail courses) whose semester GPA in these courses is 3.25 or higher with no grade below a “C-“ in any of these courses. UMA recognizes part-time students annually by naming them to a part-time Dean’s List. In order to qualify, students must: a) complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of 100-level or higher UMA coursework (exclusive of pass/fail courses) during two consecutive semesters in an academic year (fall and spring); b) take no more than 11 credit hours of 100-level UMA coursework I either semester; and, c) achieve a combined GPA of 3.25 or higher over the two consecutive semesters with no grades lower than a “C-.” The Dean’s List for part-time students is announced after the spring semester each year. For Dean’s List purposes, the grade point average includes only grades from 100-level or higher UMA courses.
Degrees with Latin Honors are conferred at commencement for the following attainments of rank :

summa cum laude: 3.75 or higher GPA;
magna cum laude: 3.50 to 3.74 GPA;
cum laude: 3.25 to 3.49 GPA.

These criteria state that the average grade is based on the student's work at the University of Maine at Augusta and must include 50% of the total degree hours required in the student's program of study, whichever is greater.
Contact: Registrar’s Office in Augusta, Admissions and Student Enrollment Services in Bangor, or center student services coordinator.

ADDING/DROPPING A COURSE

Students are not allowed to add a course after the regular add period as listed in the course schedule for that semester.
Students should consult with the instructor for the course or their academic advisor before making the decision to drop a course. Students who wish to drop a course can do so through MaineStreet, unless the course they plan to drop is the only course they are enrolled in for the semester. Students who want to withdraw from all courses for the semester should contact the Enrollment Services Center, their University College Center, or the Registrar’s Office. During the first nine weeks of a semester, a student who drops a course will be assigned a grade of “W” (withdrew). During the last six weeks of the semester, faculty will assign either a “W” or “WF” (withdrew failing) grade, depending on the student’s performance in the course. “W” grades are not computed into the grade point average.
WARNING: Failure to withdraw officially from courses when a student stops attending class may result in failing grades of "F" or "L".
Contact: academic advisor, Registrar’s Office, Enrollment Services Center, or center student services coordinator.

ADMISSION TO A DEGREE PROGRAM

Those interested in admission to an Augusta/statewide degree program should contact the Office of Admissions in Augusta. Anyone interested in admission to one of the programs at UMA Bangor should contact the Office of Admissions and Student Enrollment Services in Bangor. Online applications are available.

ACADEMIC AND CAREER ADVISING CENTERS

Academic and Career Advising Centers help students locate helpful resources and services, obtain information, plan their academic programs, and establish career goals. Faculty, professional staff, and peer advisors collaborate to: explain how placement test results relate to course selection; explain course requirements in degree programs; assist students with appropriate course sequencing; help students arrange class schedules consistent with their goals and priorities; discuss transfer opportunities; explain University policies and procedures; and clarify issues which may affect students' academic and career decisions. Contact: Academic and Career Advising Center in Augusta or in Bangor, or center student services coordinator.

ADVISING "TIPS"

What are some advising benefits?

To help you plan an educational program that is consistent with your interests and abilities
To provide you with accurate information about educational options, requirements, policies and procedures
To help you understand the nature and purpose of higher education
To help you integrate the many resources of UMA to meet your unique educational needs and aspirations

What are your responsibilities in the advising process?

Learn how to access your academic information in MaineStreet
Learn the name, office hours, phone number, e-mail and campus address of your advisor early in the semester
Schedule an advising appointment to register for your courses
Know and be able to clearly state your interests, personal values, and goals
Know your degree program and graduation requirements
Meet with your advisor if you experience academic difficulty
Talk to your advisor before changing majors, transferring to another college, or withdrawing from college

What are your advisor's responsibilities?

To become familiar with your personal, educational, and career goals
To review your student file to gain some knowledge of your academic ability and background
To ask you about your academic progress
To be available to you during posted office hours
To know your program requirements
To know about general education requirements and academic policies and procedures
To be aware of and refer you to campus programs and services (counseling, career planning, study skills workshops, etc.) when appropriate

AIDS AWARENESS PROGRAM

Consistent with the University of Maine System General Statement on AIDS, UMA has instituted an AIDS Awareness Program to provide students, staff, and the community with the most current and accurate information and referrals regarding Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Contact: Counseling Services, center student services coordinator.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAM

The UMA Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program has been designed to increase awareness and to educate students, faculty, and staff regarding facts on alcohol and drug use and abuse. This program offers to the UMA community an extensive referral service. The prevention program features an integrated approach, which emphasizes education, intervention, and prevention. The education component is extensive with a specific certificate program in substance abuse studies. The educational opportunities for drug and alcohol awareness and abuse prevention are enhanced by the following:

Educational workshops providing detailed information about substance abuse and misuse through lectures, films, and workshops on campus and in the wider University community
Distribution of information packets
Community agencies, which are used for networking and referrals
COL 100
Support group meetings near campus
Meeting lists and handouts to provide specific information on where to get help
Books and tapes available in the library regarding substance abuse, eating disorders, and family issues
Guest speakers present in classrooms and UMA forums
Counselors are available to provide assessment, short-term counseling and referral to community agencies

Students are obligated to read the state and federal mandated information in the policies and procedures section of this handbook (see University Policy on Alcohol & Illegal Drugs). Contact: Counseling Services, center student services coordinator.

ATHLETICS

As members of the United States College Athletic Association, our men and women play a challenging New England basketball schedule. Most of the home basketball games are played at the Augusta Civic Center, one of the finest courts in the state of Maine. The men’s and women's soccer teams play a strong, regional schedule. UMA has recently implemented women’s and men’s cross-country as well. Both teams train and host meets on the Augusta campus trails. UMA has two co-ed teams: golf and bowling. These quality athletic programs are offered to encourage personal, social, physical, and educational development. Contact: director of student life in Augusta. Also visit the athletics web page.

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