Research Learning Experiences

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RLE registration for Fall 2025 is now closed.
Visit us again in Spring 2026 to see what new Research Learning Experiences  will be offered for first year students.

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For new Black Bears, college starts with an “RLE” — experience that gives you access to some of the best opportunities offered by a UMaine education. Each RLE has two components:

  • First, you’ll have an immersive experience the week before the rest of your classes begin—one that helps you meet new friends and set a foundation for a research mindset.
  • Then, during the fall semester with those same friends, you’ll participate in a small, hands-on course, get to know an instructor well, and ask your own questions around the course theme.

Together, these two experiences will help you connect to campus, open your mind to different ways of learning, and unlock doors to many possible future UMaine opportunities. 

Signing up for an RLE
will get you engaged:

  • At UMaine
  • In your college community
  • With new questions
  • In creativity
  • In building a mindset that will help you solve problems for life
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Hands-on Discovery

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Play
Video Transcript UMaine RLEs featured in chronicle of Higher education
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Bridge week Experiences
Learn More

Supported by a generous grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation as part of UMS TRANSFORMS.