Your First Year, Your Future
The Maine Business School First-Year Experience empowers students to make the most of their first year at the University of Maine by embracing community and the commitment to experiential learning. Through strategic programming, students will deepen their sense of belonging, enhance their academic success, and create connections to the University community beyond the classroom.
By partnering with faculty, staff, administrators, and student leaders, the MBS First-Year Experience creates the space for students to shape how they will engage, learn, and thrive at the University of Maine.
Our three pillars: Business Bridge Week, Living Learning Community, and MGT 101 are complemented by other student-centered resources. Explore to learn more!
Three Pillars
Bridge Week
Business Bridge Week marks the official start of the fall semester and is mandatory for all business students. All first-year MBS students move into their residence hall a week early, get acclimated to campus, and get to know their fellow business classmates before their fall classes begin.
On the Wednesday of Business Bridge Week, students, faculty, and staff will go on a day trip in the Maine outdoors. Utilizing a basecamp model, students can choose activities that best suit their interests and abilities, such as hiking, whitewater rafting, lawn games, fishing, kayaking, and more.
Business Living Learning Community
The Business Living Learning Community (BLLC) is where most first-year business students call home. Through academic, social, and community-building activities, students will build connections with UMaine, MBS, and, most importantly, one another.
FAQ
Intro to Business
MGT 101: Intro to Business is the Maine Business School’s Research Learning Experience for all first-year students. This hands-on course allows students to gain hands-on experience solving real-world business problems in their first semester.
On Mondays and Wednesdays, students will participate in a large lecture in the Donald P. Corbett Business Building. On Fridays, students are divided into small cohorrts led by an MBS Peer Learning Assistant, allowing them to create strong connections with other business students and the MBS community.
Student, Parent, and Family
New Student Welcome
Welcome to the Maine Business School! We are so excited to tell you more about our MBS Community.
Upon your acceptance to the Maine Business School, we highly recommend registering for one of our Enhanced Business Days. These events will give you a sense of what it’s like to be a Business Black Bear. Held on select Fridays, students and their adult supporters will spend four hours with us on campus, meeting current students, your new academic advisor, and participating in a mock class with our Executive Dean. You’ll also enjoy lunch in the Memorial Union with some of our faculty and staff!
We look forward to getting to know you as you become part of our community.
Student Checklist
Family & Parent Resources
Family & Friends Weekend
Hotel Ursa
MBS News
MBS Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn
On-Campus Mail Procedures
Traveling to and From Campus: Concord Coach Lines, Amtrak Downeaster, Bangor International Airport
Understanding FERPA
UMaine Police Department
Sign up for UMaine Alert Messages
