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    Download a copy of the DRAFT Orientation Schedule here.

Fall 2021 Week of Welcome

The University of Maine’s Division of Student Life has activities planned for ALL new students starting Friday, August 27 and throughout the weekend.  Check out the schedule for activities and events at https://umaine.edu/studentlife/week-of-welcome/

Tuesday, August 24

OIP is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm for students who are vaccinated or have fully completed the 7 day quarantine.

OIP Virtual Office Hour is from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm    Join Zoom Office Hour Here

2:30 pm – 5:00 pm   Drop-in Fitness Classes – New Balance Rec Center

Students who are fully vaccinated or have completed quarantine are invited to join a variety of fitness classes taking place at the New Balance Recreation Center.

4:00 pm   Versant Power Astronomy Center Research Learning Experience – Registration Required

Discover a variety of scientific and artistic visualization at the Versant Power Astronomy Center in this introduction to the planetarium. Participants will see a variety of ways the planetarium can be used to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, culture and more. Along the way students will learn about unique opportunities available to undergraduates at the Center. Come explore the universe at the planetarium.

Registration required. REGISTER HERE

6:30 pm  New International Student Dessert Social –  57 Stodder Hall

Join OIP staff and both new and returning students for some sweet treats, coffee, and tea.  This is the kick-off for the official International Student Orientation program and a great way to meet one another in an informal setting before the Orientation program begins.

7:00 – 10:00 pm   Obstacle Course on the Mall

Join other newly arrived students for an obstacle course on the mall.

Wednesday, August 25

OIP is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm for students who are vaccinated or have fully completed the 7 day quarantine.

OIP Virtual Office Hour is from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm     Join Zoom Office Hour Here   

10:00 am – 12:00 pm  Immigration Overview and Check-in – Virtual 

MANDATORY SESSION Join Zoom meeting here 

Overview of F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations and how you can maintain your legal status in the US.  You will also receive instructions on how to do the check-in document upload via our e-OIP immigration portal. 

2:00 pm & 3:00 pm   Shopping Trip – Meet at Estabrooke HallRegistration Required

Students who are fully vaccinated or have completed quarantine will be transported to a local department/grocery store where they can buy sheets, blankets, school supplies, food items, and other necessities for their first weeks of the semester.  We will have two different departure times.

Registration required.  REGISTER HERE 

2:30 pm – 5:00 pm  Drop in Fitness Classes – New Balance Rec Center

Students who are fully vaccinated or have completed quarantine are invited to join a variety of fitness classes taking place at the New Balance Recreation Center.

4:00 pm & 7:00 pm   Versant Power Astronomy Center Research Learning Experience – Registration Required

Discover a variety of scientific and artistic visualization at the Versant Power Astronomy Center in this introduction to the planetarium. Participants will see a variety of ways the planetarium can be used to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, culture and more. Along the way students will learn about unique opportunities available to undergraduates at the Center. Come explore the universe at the planetarium.

Registration Required. REGISTER HERE

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm   Laser Tag – New Balance Rec Center

Join other newly arrived students for laser tag at the New Balance Recreation Center.

Thursday, August 26

OIP is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm for students who are vaccinated or have fully completed the 7 day quarantine.

OIP Virtual Office Hour is from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm     Join Zoom Office Hour Here   

9:30 am   OIP Official Welcome –  McIntire Room, Buchanan Alumni House

This is your official welcome from the staff of the Office of International Programs and the Associate Provost of Student Success and Strategic Initiatives.  We are excited to see you!

10:00 am – 11:30 am   Campus Safety – McIntire Room, Buchanan Alumni House

Congratulations!  You picked one of the safest schools in the US.  However, college life anywhere presents circumstances that might put you and your friends at risk.  Learn how to be safe and stay safe on campus and in the surrounding communities.

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm   Classroom Culture and Academic Advising –  McIntire Room, Buchanan Alumni House

For undergraduate and exchange students. Learn what to expect in an American classroom and how to be successful in the U.S. higher educational system.

2:30 pm – 5:00 pm   Drop-in Fitness Classes – New Balance Rec Center

Students who are fully vaccinated or have completed quarantine are invited to join a variety of fitness classes taking place at the New Balance Recreation Center.

4:00 pm   Versant Power Astronomy Center Research Learning Experience – Registration Required

Discover a variety of scientific and artistic visualization at the Versant Power Astronomy Center in this introduction to the planetarium. Participants will see a variety of ways the planetarium can be used to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, culture and more. Along the way students will learn about unique opportunities available to undergraduates at the Center. Come explore the universe at the planetarium.

Registration required. REGISTER HERE

4:15 pm – 8:00 pm  Explore Orono and Canoeing – Meet at Memorial Union Bus Circle – Registration Required

We will take the public bus to downtown Orono (5 minute ride) for a quick tour of the shops and restaurants.  Then we will walk to Brown’s Beach on the banks of the Stillwater River to join the Orono Paddling Club for a war canoe race on the Stillwater.  Please wear clothes that can get wet and bring a dry set of clothes to change into.  Plan to eat dinner downtown or order takeout, as dining halls may be closed by the time we return.  This trip involves significant walking.  If you need accommodations please make sure to let us know when you register.

Registration is required for this event.  REGISTER HERE

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm  Novelty Night on the Mall

Join other newly arrived students on the Mall for a Novelty Night, including a mini-fish tank and a mechanical bull.

Friday, August 27

OIP is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm for students who are vaccinated or have fully completed the 7 day quarantine.

OIP Virtual Office Hour is from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm     Join Zoom Office Hour Here   

10:00 am – 11:30 am  Academic Services Activity and Wrap Up – 57 Stodder Hall

US universities offer a variety of academic support services that will help you to be successful in your academic pursuits.  This fun, interactive activity will help you learn more about the academic support services offered at UMaine.

4:00 pm – 5:30 pm  President’s Dinner on the Mall

Join us for President Ferrini-Mundy’s Annual Dinner on the Mall. The event is followed by the Traditions Ceremony. Free for students with your MaineCard. Lawn games will be provided by Campus Recreation.