UMaine's fall 2008 semester featured a great many highlights, as members
of our community continued to contribute in meaningful ways to our
campus society. It is no exaggeration to say that I observe something
that makes me proud of our students every single day. As parents (my
daughter is a UMaine junior having a wonderful college experience), we
can be pleased that our daughters and sons are part of a thriving
academic community where mutual respect is firmly established as the
central tenet of our cultural identity.
That was never more evident than on Oct. 31, the day we dedicated the
Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King Memorial Plaza, a
spectacular new facility outside Memorial Union. My personal UMaine
history began when I enrolled as a student in 1976 and I have never
witnessed an event that so clearly demonstrated what UMaine is all
about. There was a genuine outpouring of emotion reflecting our
community's unwavering commitment to respect and support one another. At
UMaine, we embrace the differences among us, as we know those
differences make us collectively stronger. This is a fundamental element
of the process of higher education, and we in UMaine's Division of
Student Affairs are committed to fostering the kind of community life
that provides the examples and opportunities that allow our students to
learn the valuable lessons that will serve them throughout their lives,
long after they have left UMaine.
We strive to provide all of the support mechanisms, the physical
facilities and the learning opportunities (many of which come as part of
well-managed social activities) that properly supplement your son's
and/or daughter's classroom experience. We are fully invested in their
success and as part of a truly student-centered university, we are here
to do all we can to assure that every UMaine student maximizes the
opportunity that lies before him or her at this wonderful university.
If you have not already done so, I hope you will visit the Division of
Student Affairs Web site (http://www.umaine.edu/studentaffairs/)
and familiarize yourself with all of the services we offer.
We define our community rather broadly, and it certainly includes
parents. I hope — to the extent that it is possible — that you will
spend time on our campus and participate with your son and/or daughter
in campus life. Whether it's a performing arts event, a Black Bear
sports contest, a meal in one of our dining facilities, or just a quick
visit to say "hello," I am sure there is something you would enjoy and
we welcome your company.
Sincerely,
Robert Q. Dana
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Noel March, director of UMaine Department of Public Safety, on
campus safety and community policing:
What should parents know about UMaine's Department of Public Safety?
Parents should know the genuine and sincere commitment of the 35 men and
women who make up the Department of Public Safety. This commitment is
focused on our objective to be student development specialists and
educators first, and law enforcers second. That means we seek teachable
moments for our students to learn lessons in responsibility, respect and
accountability that can last a lifetime. UMaine Public Safety officers
have a service-oriented approach to policing that is focused on risk
reduction. We look at members of the university community as allies who
can assist us in helping make our community a safe place to live, work
and learn.
What is your approach to campus policing?
Community policing is our philosophy. That means we emphasize building
strong relationships of trust between police and members of the
community. Our officers reach out to students as a resource, a
comfortable presence and a familiar face in the UMaine community.
How safe is the UMaine campus?
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Maine is the third-safest
state for violent crime. Our campus rides on the coattails of that
statistic in that, for a community of 15,000 students, faculty and
staff, we have a remarkably low crime rate. In fact, a college student
is safer the moment he or she sets foot on campus than in the community
at large. We take safety seriously. We challenge students to take
responsibility for their surroundings and their personal safety, and to
look out for one another, be it their roommate, classmate or teammate.
What proactive programming does Public Safety offer the UMaine
community?
Among the most popular safety and crime prevention programs for members
of the university community are the free self-defense workshops for
women, and alcohol education sessions using "beer goggles" to simulate
the effects of drinking and driving. Public Safety also offers
registrations for laptops, keys, bikes and books in the event they are
lost or stolen. On our Web site (www.umaine.edu/publicsafety)
are links to programs like the Safe Campus Project, focused on
relationship violence, and our anonymous Campus Eyes initiative.
What's the most-asked question you get from parents and how do you
respond?
Parents want to know if their two most valuable assets — their children
and their cash — will be safe in the hands of the University of Maine. I
tell them unequivocally yes, with their students' help. Students will
have a safe and successful experience if they take responsibility for
their personal safety and their personal choices. Together, we can
ensure the safest and most successful Black Bear experience possible. I
also encourage parents with questions to e-mail me directly (noel.march@umit.maine.edu).
Gustavo Burkett, assistant director of campus activities for
student organizations and Greek life, on the wealth of things to do at
UMaine — both on and off campus:
What is there to do on campus?
We offer events six nights a week ranging from a board-games night to
the Maine Attraction, which brings main-stage performers such as
comedians and magicians to campus. On top of the weekly programming, we
have special programs. Twice a semester we have a "Late Night," usually
in the Memorial Union, when we turn the building into a big carnival. We
also have a few themed weeks each year starting with "Maine Mania"
during the first week of school to kick off the year. We also have
Winter Carnival and Spring Fling. Student Entertainment plans large
concerts that are a big hit.
How about off campus?
One of the programs that we have in Campus Activities and Events is
called Black Bear Travel. We organize trips for very low cost so
students can go to places that they would not normally go. Some of our
destinations have included Salem, Mass., during Halloween, Six Flags New
England, Boston and a Freeport shopping trip before the holidays.
How diverse is the range of student organizations at UMaine?
We have over 200 student organizations on campus, and they include honor
societies, academic groups, service groups, religious groups, intramural
sports, fraternities and sororities and interest groups. You name it, we
probably have it, and if we don't have it, it is very easy to start a
new group!
Does UMaine have student organizations focused on diversity?
Yes. A few examples include SHAC (Student Heritage Alliance Center),
African Student Association, Asian Student Association, International
Student Association, Native American Club, Latino Student Organization,
among many others. Most of them work very closely with the Office of
Multicultural Programs. We also have Wilde-Stein, which works with
issues regarding sexual orientation and diversity.
Tell us about the different cultural offerings in the area.
We have lecture series in the Memorial Union, art exhibits and
performances. Some of our student clubs, such as Maine Masque, produce
performances every year. Art students show their work in the Memorial
Union and Department of Art Gallery, and the University of Maine Museum
of Art in downtown Bangor shows work by prominent contemporary and
historical artists. The area is home to a symphony orchestra, a
professional theater company and several community theater groups. The
Maine Center for the Arts, which will reopen in 2009 on campus, presents
world-renowned performing artists, while the Hudson Museum specializes
in Native American and Pre-Columbian artifacts.
What's the most-asked question you get from parents and how do you
respond?
The most common question I get is: "OK, so how much is all this going to
cost?" and my answer is, "It is free with your MaineCard." I usually get
blank looks from parents like they can't believe what they are hearing,
but it is true. Most events are free of charge or very inexpensive at
best. Students also get two free tickets to Maine Center for the Arts
performances per semester.
What's most important for parents to know about student activities at
UMaine?
There is always a way for students to get involved, and it's very
important that parents encourage and support this. Statistics show that
students who get involved are more likely to stay and finish college
than those who do not get involved. My advice is to make sure you let
your student know that you support their decision to join a group, and
that you appreciate what they have chosen to get involved with. The
leadership opportunities in and out of the classroom will enrich their
experience and will make them more "well-rounded."
Tara Loomis, director of Residence Life, on the UMaine campus
community:
How would you describe the University of Maine residential community?
A very caring, fun, energetic place where learning occurs. We do try to
focus on developing community connections, especially with new students.
Most first-year students have never shared a bedroom before, but even if
they've shared a bedroom, they haven't had to share a bathroom with 20
other people. You need to know how to get along in a community, how to
respect each other's differences; that's what we try to accomplish.
Tell us about the First Year Residential Experience (FYRE).
We're entering our second year of the program. The buildings in which it
is housed have historically been about 85 percent first-year students.
Going into last year, the university started to be intentional about
placing first-year students in that environment and staffing it
appropriately. For every two residence halls, we have a full-time
professional staffer, two graduate students and 16 resident assistants.
So we now have increased staffing, increased programs and an increased
intentionality behind those programs. Among the programs we offer is
tutoring. We want to ensure we provide the information, resources and
connections our students need to make a successful transition to campus
living.
How does Residence Life connect with other departments on campus, and
why is that important?
For First Year Residential Experience, we collaborate with the Office of
First and Second Year Programs. We also work very closely with the
College of Engineering, the Foster Center for Student Innovation,
Natural Sciences and Forestry. We do a lot of programming with Campus
Recreation and the Campus Activities Board for activities and events. We
recently started a new tradition, Hardwood Hoopla, which is similar to
Midnight Madness on other campuses — it's the first night the basketball
teams can practice according to NCAA regulations. We're doing that again
on Oct. 17. These connections are important because essentially, once
students arrive on campus, we're the touch point.
What resources are available to students living on campus?
Resident assistants are their first and foremost resource. These are
upperclass students, and there are 97 of them on campus. There are so
many resources on campus, whether we're talking about academics, honors
college, multicultural student services. We also have all the resources
you traditionally associate with a campus — health and counseling
services, tutoring. We do everything we can to bring these programs into
the residence halls. Through FYRE, most of the programs are life-skills
programs. We have study tables Sunday through Thursday — we hire
students trained in specific subject areas and we bring them to the
students.
What living/learning communities does UMaine offer through on-campus
housing?
Some of these are housed within a building along with other students —
they may take up a floor or a wing — while others are an entire
building. Living-learning options include Outdoor Adventure Communities,
Engineering, Honors, Quieter Living Experience, Innovations, The Well
for healthy and substance-free living, and Support for Science Students.
What's the most-asked question you get from parents and how do you
respond?
People always want to know, how safe are your halls, and how are your
residence halls secured? We always say our halls are as safe as our
students are responsible. Our buildings are secured 24-7, unless someone
holds the door open for someone. You need card access to get into the
majority of our rooms, and the doors automatically lock when the door
shuts. Crime does happen, but we have enough measures in place that if
we all take responsibility for safety and security, we can minimize it.
What's most important for parents to know about residential living at
UMaine?
We have rules and policies to help govern behavior, but most
importantly, we care about our students. When they live here, we want to
see them come in, be successful, do well and learn, in and out of the
classroom and graduate.
Alan Stormann, Assistant Director for Parking and
Transportation, on parking-related issues:
What should parents know about UMaine's Parking and Transportation
Service?
Parents should know that our office is open and available to students
from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. Anytime a student has a question
about parking, he or she should call on the Parking Office for answers.
All too often, students ask their friends about parking and subsequently
get a citation for a violation because they didn't get the right answer.
Do UMaine students living on campus need a car?
It's a personal choice, but we do discourage bringing vehicles to
campus. The University of Maine provides free transit service with the
BAT (Bangor Area Transportation) Bus. With a MaineCard, students can
ride the bus free of charge to Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Old Town, the
Airport, Bangor Mall and Hampden by just showing their Maine Card. In
addition, Concord Trailways has regular campus stops during the school
year. Once on campus, you can walk from one end to the other end in less
than 20 minutes. With a vehicle on campus, a student needs to maintain
it regularly. Snow has to be shoveled off and the vehicle moved in
accordance with UMaine rules for snow removal operations. To facilitate
snow removal, student parking on campus is restricted to certain areas
from Nov. 1– May 1. Anyone parking on campus is advised to be familiar
with parking rules to avoid citations and towing.
Are there enough parking spaces on the UMaine campus?
Yes, there is adequate parking, but there isn't a lot of convenient
parking for everyone. Adequate parking is available for all residential
and commuter students. UMaine Parking Services provides a program called
581-INFO (581-4636). At 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., the
commuter lots are inventoried and the availability of vacant spaces is
recorded on this phone line. Students can call the 581-INFO line on
their way to class and find out where there is available commuter
parking. This will reduce greatly the need to hunt for parking. UMaine
has approximately 6,900 campus parking spaces that are regulated by
signage for use by faculty and staff, commuter students and visitors,
and residential students. All lots have accessible special needs
parking.
What is the most asked question by parents and how do you respond?
Probably the most asked question: Why did my son or daughter get a
ticket? Students are asked to contact our office if they need an
explanation for the citation and for clarification of the campus parking
rules, hoping to avoid more violations.
Nancy Hall, director of the Center for Undergraduate Research
and associate professor of communication sciences and disorders, on the
new CUGR initiative:
What is the mission of the new Center for Undergraduate Research?
CUGR's primary mission is to facilitate and enhance research and
research opportunities for undergraduates. Specifically, that translates
into developing a database of research and creative projects at UMaine
that are open to undergraduates, matching faculty and students by
projects and interests, and getting the word out to students and
academic advisers that the center is a resource for them.
Why is undergraduate research and scholarship increasingly a priority
at universities nationwide?
Institutions and employers recognize that the kinds of skills developed
through research and endeavors of scholarship help make an individual
more competitive. There's a clear push in the U.S. that if we want to
compete globally, we need to start with our undergraduates. Large
funding agencies and government agencies emphasize that students with
early research experience develop better critical thinking and
problem-solving skills and stronger content knowledge.
What can undergraduates get out of research and creative activity?
Through research opportunities, undergraduates can hone their abilities
to communicate and put ideas together, to organize and write, to
investigate and ask questions. They learn to problem-solve, using a
variety of methods to find answers. For many students, research provides
an opportunity for a mentor-mentee relationship different from a
teacher-student relationship. In that context, the learning is
invaluable. It's something I wish for all students.
What's in it for faculty researchers?
Undergraduates often have a broader perspective, enthusiasm and energy
that are ripe for explorations and learning. For me as a faculty member,
the most incredible process to see is the evolution of learning by a
student involved in research or creative experience. We're looking at
tomorrow's scholars. The more we invest today, the better off we'll be.
How will CUGR help grow undergraduate research at UMaine?
In the University of Maine Strategic Plan, advancing undergraduate
research with CUGR's leadership is one of 12 objectives for the
institution. We will build on UMaine's strengths as the state's leading
research university, taking advantage of the hundreds of faculty and
graduate students involved in research and creative projects who can
teach and mentor undergraduate researchers. CUGR also will look at
curriculum work, exploring how to include research-based activities in
coursework, and campuswide events highlighting undergraduate research
and scholarship. Already, there's a lot of undergraduate research going
on across campus. CUGR will raise the visibility of undergraduate
research and creative activity.
How can undergraduate students get involved in research?
Research is part of the learning process, no matter what the discipline.
It's not a scary, unreachable, ivory tower process. Students just have
to be willing to ask. Talk to academic department chairs or contact CUGR
director Nancy Hall and graduate assistant Anya Rose.
Audra Grady, assistant director of Student Engagement and The
Bodwell Center for Service and Volunteerism, on the volunteer
opportunities at UMaine:
How does volunteer work add to a student's college experience?
Those who are involved in long-term projects are more likely to commit
to their academic work and retention rates increase. Those who are
involved in service learning through a course have found the experience
to be extremely beneficial. Service that is combined with travel out of
state or abroad includes other dimensions of learning that are strategic
in today's global society. Responsibility, culture, language, outdoor
education and awareness of social issues give students knowledge they
can apply in any situation.
Does community service involve a huge time commitment?
Depending on what type of service you are involved in it can be
relatively short. If students participate in a soup kitchen meal
preparation, they may need a few hours. If they move into a group, it
could be a semester or yearlong project. If they choose to join other
programs such as AmeriCorps through our SERVE program and gain an
Education Award, they would need to commit 300-900 hours of service. Or,
after they graduate, they could become a PeaceCorps volunteer for up to
five years of service, with student loan forgiveness.
Tell us about the volunteer opportunities that UMaine coordinates for
students.
The Bodwell Center organizes projects that are of interest to the UMaine
community. We also have several ongoing programs, such as Black Bear
Mentors, that place volunteers in local schools. Several student
organizations and Greek organizations promote philanthropic behavior and
service as part of their objectives. Students can also take a
service-learning course or incorporate a service-learning project into
an existing course.
What is Alternative Break?
Through Alternative Spring Break, student leaders dedicate their time
for a full school year to fundraising, team-building, and
awareness-raising before they travel domestically or internationally to
volunteer for roughly 40 hours of service. Students involved in ASB
excel in academics, are highly involved with other groups and
organizations, and a majority of them return as members or officers year
after year.
What's the most-asked question you get from parents and how do you
respond?
A majority of parents I speak with are concerned for their student's
safety when traveling. University policies are in place to keep students
out of harm's way, trained for emergency situations, and prepared to
work with advisers traveling with them. Advisers are directed by
university regulations whether they are on campus or in another country
and have researched potential threats in the area they are working in.
Traveling and volunteering almost always present some sort of risk, but
we strive to be overprepared for any situation. Some of the best
learning takes place when you encounter challenges, and students'
satisfaction is higher when they conquer those challenges. It is our
priority to provide a safe, fun environment no matter where we are.
What's the best way for a UMaine student interested in community
service to get involved?
Check out our Web site for ideas,
www.umaine.edu/bodwellcenter; stop by our office at 314 Memorial
Union or give us a call at 581-3091. We can help you find something to
suit your interest and ability.
Keep up with daily UMaine news by subscribing to the UMaine Today
Online listserv.
To sign up, visit UMaine Today Online's Subscribe page.
Free subscriptions also are available to UMaine Today, a magazine
published five times a year highlighting research and creative
achievement at the university. To be added to the mailing list, contact
managing editor Margaret Nagle (nagle@maine.edu).
In Case of Emergency
In case of inclement weather or emergency, the University of Maine
has a Web site and text messaging system for alerts. Members of the
university community, including parents and students, can sign up online
for umaine.txt, the emergency warning system (www.umaine.edu/umainetxt).
More information about UMaine emergency preparation is on the Web (www.umaine.edu/emergencypreparedness).
Don't Forget To Write
For questions or comments on parents/family matters, or if you're
having difficulty in reaching the right staff member or campus office,
feel free to email
maineparents@umit.maine.edu. We'll try to respond within a day
of receiving your note.
Family and Friends Weekend
Experience your child's home away from home during Family and Friends
Weekend, which will take place Feb. 13-15. The schedule is packed with
cultural activities and cultural events, including men's and women's ice
hockey games, a musical performance, the international dance festival, a
craft fair and student-athlete academic achievement awards. A full
schedule can be seen at
www.umaine.edu/familyandfriends. Some events will require an
advance ticket purchase and are so noted on the schedule. While the
weekend features a variety of planned activities, there is also time to
get to know what makes UMaine special for your son or daughter. We
encourage you to talk with your student about their UMaine friends and
their favorite places. This would be a good time to visit with your
student's roommates and their family. If your son or daughter works on
campus, Friday afternoon may be a good time to see where they work.
While the dining commons and eateries on campus are open, this might
also be a chance to take your student out for lunch or dinner at local
restaurant. For more information contact Barbara Smith, Staff Associate
for Student Affairs at
barbara.smith@umit.maine.edu or 207 581 1734.
Civic Passage
The Bodwell Center for Service and Volunteerism has introduced Civic
Passage, which offers students multiple local service opportunities each
week. The Bodwell Center is strengthening and creating new relationships
with surrounding community organizations to promote active citizenship
among UMaine students. The goal of the program is to increase the
civic-mindedness of its participants by incorporating education and
reflection into service projects. Civic Passage is built on the
foundation of the "Active Citizenship Continuum" of Break Away, a
national nonprofit organization.
Community partners, such as the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, will
provide meaningful volunteer projects for students on a weekly, biweekly
or monthly basis. Students will not only provide assistance to the
community in which they live, but they will also increase their
knowledge and understanding of the root causes of social issues. Civic
Passage will help students gain skills to solve these problems and
develop leadership qualities.
Dear
Parents and Family Members,
Noel March, director of UMaine Department of Public Safety, on
campus safety and community policing:
Gustavo Burkett, assistant director of campus activities for
student organizations and Greek life, on the wealth of things to do at
UMaine — both on and off campus:
Tara Loomis, director of Residence Life, on the UMaine campus
community:
Nancy Hall, director of the Center for Undergraduate Research
and associate professor of communication sciences and disorders, on the
new CUGR initiative:
Audra Grady, assistant director of Student Engagement and The
Bodwell Center for Service and Volunteerism, on the volunteer
opportunities at UMaine: