New Graduate Student Checklist
Not sure where to begin? Here’s a quick checklist of the steps to complete right away to get your first year as a grad student at UMaine off to a great start.
1. Get Ready to Enroll
1. Activate your UMS account
Your University of Maine System (UMS) account is how you will access system-wide technology services like the MyCampus Portal, MaineStreet, and your @maine.edu email account. Because of that, it’s one of the first things you should get set up once you’ve made the decision to attend UMaine. Start setting up your UMS account here.
2. Accept the financial terms & conditions
Once you’ve activated your UMS account, you should then complete the Financial Terms and Conditions agreement item in your MaineStreet Student Center to-do list. You will not be able to enroll in classes without completing this step. A list of frequently asked questions and the full text of the agreement are available to view on this University of Maine System page.
The Financial Terms and Conditions may be accepted by going to your Student Center and clicking on the “Financial Terms and Conditions” link in the To Do List.
3. Submit your immunization records
The University of Maine requires the submission of official immunization records before enrollment. Visit this Student Records page for the list of necessary steps to take to submit your records.
If you have any questions regarding immunization requirements, they should be directed to the Office of Student Records at 207.581.1288 or via email: um.immunizations@maine.edu.
4. Review your acceptance letter
Check your acceptance letter to see whether you need to have official versions of your transcript or test scores sent to the Graduate School. Remember, official documents are ones sent directly from your school, clearinghouse, or testing agency to the Graduate School. Failure to provide these official documents promptly will prevent you from being able to register for classes. For expedited processing, direct electronic transcripts to debbi.clements@maine.edu.
Hard copies of transcripts can be sent to:
Attn: Debbi Clements
University of Maine
Graduate School
5775 Stodder Hall
Orono, ME 04469-5775
For test scores, contact ETS to request that your scores be sent to the University of Maine, institution code 3916.
5. Learn about your health insurance options
All non-international graduate students enrolled in 6 credit hours or more are eligible to enroll in the University of Maine System’s voluntary health insurance plan. Plan and enrollment information is available at Gallagher Health. Health insurance is required for all graduate assistants, fellows, and international students. Eligible students with adequate health insurance must complete the online health insurance waiver process to opt out of the plan.
More information about student health insurance is available through the Student Financial Services Student Health Insurance page.
6. Get enrolled in classes
Newly admitted students will register for their first semester of classes through the Graduate School by submitting a registration form. After the first semester, you will be able to register yourself for classes in the MaineStreet Self-Service Center. If the thought of enrolling yourself makes you nervous, don’t worry, we’ve made a whole page dedicated to walking you through the process.
2. Fund Your Graduate Education
1. Enter your anticipated resources
If you will be receiving additional resources to fund your tuition that may not arrive by the billing deadline of August 15 for the fall, or January 15 for the spring, you will need to report this to the Student Financial Services office to avoid being charged a late fee. These resources include employer/third party payments, college savings plans, additional loans, or Veteran’s benefits.
Tuition bills are generated on a schedule. If a bill has not yet been generated for your tuition, visit the Student Financial Services website to see an estimate of the potential charges.
Directions for entering anticipated resources can be found on this Student Financial Services page under “Notifying SFS of Incoming Aid or Payments (Anticipated Resources)”
2. If you have an assistantship, fill out your I-9 form
Once your appointment form is completed and processed by payroll, you will receive an email confirming that your job is activated in MaineStreet and outlining the next required steps. You will then complete the first portion of the online I-9 by navigating to MaineStreet > Employee Self-Service > Personal Details.
When the first portion of your I-9 is completed AND the job is activated in MaineStreet, you will then go in person to the Office of Student Employment in Wingate Hall with your documents so that they can verify and complete the second portion of the I-9.
Learn more about all the steps that must be taken before you can begin your student job on the Student Employment website.
3. If you don’t have funding yet, research your funding options
Visit the Graduate School’s funding options webpage to learn about how to secure assistantships, scholarships, fellowships, and grants.
3. Prepare for your campus experience
1. Register for New Student Orientation
In addition to the information available on this website, we will also be providing an information session in August for new graduate students. Watch this page for information about orientation and other events on campus for new students as it becomes available.
2. Get your Mobile MaineCard
The Mobile MaineCard is the only credential you will need to access facilities, services, and optional spending accounts while on campus. Visit the MaineCard website for the necessary steps.
Online students can send in a photo for their mobile ID, more information available here.
3. Get your housing set up
There are many resources for housing at UMaine. Check out the Grad Life section of the orientation site for more information.
4. Get a parking permit
If you plan to have a car on campus, you’ll have to get a campus parking permit. If you will only be on campus in the evenings or once a week, find out if obtaining a UMaine visitor pass is right for you. You’ll also need to know where to park on campus – here’s a map of campus that includes parking lots.
5. Get connected to the campus Wi-Fi
Access the campus Wi-Fi, set up your laptop to print on campus, and more on the UM IT website. You can also reach out to the IT department directly if you have any IT-specific questions by calling 207-581-2506, or 800-696-4357, or emailing help@maine.edu.
Questions?
Email graduate@maine.edu
