Informal virtual town hall to discuss the fall 2020 semester — July 1

July 2, 2020 Forums

In this informal virtual town hall for incoming students and their parents, President Joan Ferrini-Mundy was joined by UMaine and UMM Academic Affairs, Student Life, Admissions and Financial Aid team members.

A recording of this is available.

Some of the responses to the most frequently asked questions are below:

Move in

  • First-year students living on campus will receive a letter in the mail in the coming weeks with a date for move in. We will be staggering move-in dates for residential students from Aug. 24–30. We are working this week to figure out the best and safest way to do this, looking at all factors, and will be sharing specific move days with students and their families soon.

Academic Calendar

  • First day of classes is August 31
  • Fall break, Oct. 12–13, is cancelled. Oct. 12 is a holiday; classes will be held Oct. 13. The updated academic calendar is online
  • Final day of students being able to be on campus this semester is Nov. 25. In the final weeks of the semester, classes and final exams will be delivered remotely
  • Last day of semester is Dec. 18

Winter term clarification

  • Winter Term is part of the regular academic calendar and provides opportunities for students to do coursework over the semester break. Classes historically are online during this term. Registration usually opens in late October. Information on Winter Term is online.
    • Please note: Winter session courses are always online and have absolutely no relationship to spring semester course delivery. No decisions on changes to the spring term have been made at this time.

Testing & safety precautions

  • University of Maine System Reopening Plan
  • UMaine’s Black Bears Care: Black Bear Pact community pledge, and health and safety information
  • On-Campus testing partnership with Jackson Laboratories and ConvenientMD
  • Current UMaine System guidelines state: “campuses will begin the semester with a plan and commitment for broad-based infection testing that complies with and takes safety steps stronger than those currently called for by civil authorities. Every student, faculty, and staff member from states or places beyond Maine will be required to have a negative COVID-19 test in hand when the semester begins.” Free testing will be available for students upon arrival if they are unable to produce a negative COVID-19 test from within the past 72 hours.
  • All students will be expected to be tested, not just those with symptoms.
  • As plans evolve, we will be updating you on testing procedures.
  • On-campus testing will have a 24-48 hour results turnaround.
  • Face coverings will be required at all times on campus, unless in your room.
  • Wellness Kits will be provided, including a string bag, face covering, refillable bottle of hand sanitizer, door opener multi-tool and cell phone card holder
  • Fogler Library will be open for students, with health and safety measures in place to endure safety.

Classes

  • Students will be able to take all of their courses remotely if they choose to do so.
  • On campus, there will be a combination hybrid, in-person and online classes.
  • Student Accessibility Services is working with students to provide accommodations needed in all modalities of learning. Please contact SAS if any type of physical or academic accommodation is needed.
  • Final class schedules should be available by mid-July and mailed to students.
  • Download the Navigate App to help see schedules and advising: umaine.edu/navigate
  • Types of Classes
    • Remote: Classes via Zoom or videoconferencing with more interaction opportunities like group work. Typically, these classes are taught synchronously.
    • Online: Designed to be fully online with limited to no face-to-face interaction. Typically, these classes are taught asynchronously.
    • Hybrid: Classes with components from online, remote and in-person classes.
    • In-Person: These are more traditional classes and will include modifications to ensure safety of students, faculty and staff.
  • Classroom sizes will be reduced for in-person classes and safety accommodations are being made in every classroom to ensure we follow health and safety guidance.
  • Students who are ill or have symptoms will be seen at Cutler Health Center on campus.
  • UMaine has quarantine beds that will be serviced with medical care, dining and more. These are separate from general housing.

Housing

  • Residence hall rooms will be doubles; there will be no triples.
  • If a student contracts COVID-19, there will be opportunities for students to complete the semester.
  • Planned community events will help students meet each other.

Dining

  • Grab and go dining will feature reusable containers.
  • Waste container receptacles will be available to dispose of food and waste. The containers will be fully sterilized. UMaine has always been committed to sustainability across campus and in how we serve students food.
  • Seating will be available where students can eat.
  • Dining halls will be vigilant with cleaning standards.

Athletics

  • Student athletes are adapting very well to new policies and procedures.
  • Still working with conference partners on how the athletic season will proceed.
  • Very Important: Learn the Stein Song: umaine.edu/commencement/remote-stein-song-2020

Misc

  • We are not offering in-person campus tours. If you come and visit, please abide by all state and federal CDC guidelines. Contact Admissions for a campus map and any resources you’ll need: umaineadmisisons@maine.edu
  • The published costs for tuition and fees, as well as room and board, are what will be billed for the fall term.
  • We are committed to having a visual and performing arts schedule for the fall.
  • Clubs and intramural sports will be active, meeting in hybrid forms.
  • Recreation facilities will be open and available for students.
  • Maine Bound OPTIONS rips have been cancelled for this year.
  • Financial Aid Zoom counseling is available. Take advantage of our free one-on-one advising. Sign up online.