Advising

Supporting Your Success

The Advising Center in the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development provides students with academic guidance and personal support from before they set foot on campus through graduation and beyond. We build authentic relationships, and provide timely information and encouragement to help you navigate not just your courses, but college life, internships, work and whatever else is on your plate.

We are open from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday-Friday in 102 Shibles Hall.

EMail an advisor

Who Uses the Advising Center?

We offer undergraduate academic advising to students majoring in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Child Development and Family Relations (Early Childhood Education and Individual and Family Studies concentrations). Students in these majors are assigned the Advising Center as their primary source for academic advising, and work with our professional advisors and graduate assistants. Students majoring in Kinesiology and Physical Education (Exercise Science, Pre-Master of Science in Athletic Training, Health and Physical Education, and Outdoor Leadership concentrations) are assigned faculty advisors, and we work closely with them to ensure you successfully complete your degree and achieve your personal and career goals.

Alternative Pathways

Maine DOE Certification & Credentialing

Maine DOE Fingerprinting Information

How can we help you?

The Advising Center acts as the one-stop shop for all of your academic and advising needs throughout your undergraduate journey in the College of Education and Human Development. Below is a list of the primary services we provide for students. If you have questions about anything, we would be more than happy to direct you to the right resource! We can help you in the following ways:

Answer questions about degree requirements
Class registration
Add or drop classes
Create four-year academic plans
Decide which courses to take
Add majors and minors
Declare concentrations
Provide extra support for students on academic probation
Instruct EHD 100, our college’s New Student Seminar
Provide advice for study tips and creating realistic goals
Aid students through the teacher candidacy process

Frequently Asked Questions

In order to register for classes, you must meet with your advisor prior to your actual registration date (this is determined by your class standing). At this meeting, your advisor will help you make final course selections, answer any questions you may have and provide you with your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Your organization and preparation for this meeting will be very beneficial to you. In preparation for the meeting with your advisor, check out your Program Sheet and create a Wish List of Shopping Cart on Maine Street with the classes you would like to take.

Useful links for registration:

Video: How to create a Wish List (Classic Maine Street)
Video: How to create a Shopping Cart (New Maine Street)
Maine Street: mainestreet.maine.edu
Office of Student Records: studentrecords.umaine.edu

The Advising Center is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays for walk-in service, and advisors are available via Zoom by email request. If those times do not fit your schedule please call or e-mail the Advising Center: 207.581.2490; advisingcenter@maine.edu.

Your Program Sheet is a Google Doc or Google Sheet that has been shared with you via Google Drive and details what courses you need to take in order to successfully complete your degree. Within your Program Sheet, you have an Academic Plan/Four Year Plan that outlines what classes you should take during what semesters that you can use when creating a Wish List or Shopping Cart.

Your Program Sheet is titled with your first and last name and your abbreviated program of study (e.g., John Smith – EDE). To find it in your Google Drive, simply search for your first and last name and it should pop up. If you are having trouble finding your sheet, please email us at advisingcenter@maine.edu.

Seniors: 84 or more degree credits
Juniors: 54 or more degree credits
Sophomores: 24 or more degree credits
Freshmen: Less than 24 degree credits

The College of Education and Human Development offers an 18-credit minor in education for undergraduate students who wish to explore the field of education. Students must apply for the minor, optimally during the second semester of the second year of study. Applications are available in the Advising Center and are accepted throughout the academic year. Prospective candidates should also meet with the director of undergraduate academic advising and support services to discuss the requirements of the minor. Please read more about the minor in Education. The College of Education and Human Development also offers minors in Human Development Sciences, Exercise Science, and Outdoor Leadership.

Yes, you can be a teacher in another state. However, each state is unique in their requirements to be a teacher. They may insist that you take an additional exam or coursework in order to fulfill their requirements.

Teacher candidacy

The University of Maine College of Education and Human Development, as a professional school with approved programs from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Maine State Department of Education (DOE), requires all students seeking teacher certification to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful beginning teachers. Upon completion of their program, our students will demonstrate a mastery of the 10 Maine Beginning Standards and the UMaine CAEP Proficiencies. Students will do this through the development of a portfolio that demonstrates, over the course of their professional studies, their dedication to teaching, their ability to be reflective practitioners, to collaborate and synthesize theory and practice and to establish teaching and learning environments; all core principles of the college.

It is recommended that all students apply for teacher candidacy in the second semester of their sophomore year or the first semester of their junior year. Transfer students will need to apply as soon as possible. Teacher candidacy status is required to enroll in all upper division education courses and student teaching.

To apply for teacher candidacy students must submit an electronic portfolio (eFolio). For spring semester admission, portfolio applications must be submitted by October 1. For fall semester admissions, portfolios must be submitted by Feb. 1.

Questions regarding portfolios need to be addressed to the advisors in the Advising Center. The Advising Center staff offers workshops related to the teacher candidacy eFolio process. Please contact the Advising Center for the most up-to-date workshop schedule.

Components of the eFolio

Academic Transcript. Your cumulative GPA in general education courses must be 2.75. A grade of B or better is required in EHD 101, EHD 202, EHD 203, and a child or adolescent development course for early elementary, elementary and secondary education students, or KPE 262 for Teaching/Coaching candidates in Kinesiology and Physical Education. You can request a transcript through the Office of Student Records or print one off your MaineStreet account.
Field Experience Report. At the conclusion of spending 5 full days (approximately 30 hours) observing a K-12 classroom (grade level and subject matter must align with student’s program of study) students will write a formal field report around set observation criteria. Specific details regarding the observation can be obtained by attending a workshop or visiting the Advising Center.
Field Experience Mentor Teacher Evaluation.
Fingerprint/CHRC card.
Here is a video that walks you through the basic preparation for completion of Teacher Candidacy.

Student Ambassadors

Student ambassadors are undergraduate students who represent the College of Education and Human Development at various University of Maine events, including open houses and accepted student days. They promote the activities of the college to alumni, donors, faculty and administrators. The ambassador program is an excellent way to grow your professional network and leadership skills. Benefits include:

$100 scholarship
Leadership opportunities
Earn professional development credit
Meals included
Travel opportunities
College of Education and Human Development polo shirt
Network with alumni, donors, legislators and administrators
Enrich relationships with college and university administration, faculty and staff