Semester Start

Q: Is move in day, still August 28th 2020?
A: UMaine will be announcing soon how we are going to open in the fall as well details on move-in. Please visit: umaine.edu/return/

Q: Are out of state students moving in at the same time?
A: UMaine will be announcing soon on how we are going to open in the fall as well details on move-in. Please visit: umaine.edu/return/

Q: Can you buy books online?
A: Yes, you can. Here is a link to the University Bookstore: umaine.edu/bookstore

Q: If I have textbooks for some of my courses is there still a way to use the 1st year textbook reservation at the Bookstore?
A: We recommend you contact the bookstore directly for your specific situation: um.bookstore@maine.edu

Q: When will our student ID’s be administered?
A: Students are able to submit their photos for their student ID online. At this point, the plan is for students to pick their ID up at their residence hall during move in. Commuter students will pick theirs up during move in weekend. Any questions, email MaineCard, um.mainecard@maine.edu

Q: UMAINE photo ID asks for a government isseud ID. My daughter doesn’t have a license or passport. What should we do?
A: Please email um.mainecard@maine.edu and they will  help you.

Q: Do you need to buy a parking pass if you bring a car?
A: Yes, you’ll need to order your parking pass online in order to park on campus! Here is the link: umaine.edu/parking/obtain-a-permit/

Q: How do we sign up for a parking pass? When can we buy it?
A:  You can purchase your card now! Order your parking pass online at umaine.edu/parking/obtain-a-permit/

Q: Does a commuter needs to have car? Where do commuters park?
A: We have permit specific black lots for commuters. Here is a link for more information on parking and getting your permit: umaine.edu/parking/

Q: For the parking passes, what should we do for the address if we are living on campus?
A: In purchasing the parking pass, you should indicate your home address at this point.

Q: My navigate To-Dos tell me to sign the rec center waiver. Where can I find this waiver?
A: The waiver will be able to be signed in-person when you arrive on campus.

Q: Are the OPTIONS trips still happening?
A: Due to COVID-19 we have canceled all summer programming including all of our OPTIONS Adventures and expeditions. The health and well being of our students, members, and staff is of the utmost importance to us. In the event that you have registered for a trip you will receive a full refund in the next few weeks. Any further updates will be posted here.

Q: How many parts of the math placement test need to be completed to get classes?
A: You’ll be able to get classes as long as you’ve completed the placement test to the best of your ability! It will either end the test after the 1st or 2nd section or put you through all 3 sections depending on your answers.

COVID-19

Q: Will the campus open in the fall and what is the plan for students coming on campus due to the virus?
A: UMaine classes start Aug. 31. A University of Maine System news release announcing the return to campus is online. For full details visit umaine.edu/return/

Q: Are you offering COVID-19 testing on campus? If so, what is the plan for COVID-19 testing on campus and contact tracing in the event of an outbreak?
A: The University of Maine System has entered into partnerships with the nonprofit biomedical research institution The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) and ConvenientMD (CMD) to provide comprehensive COVID-19 testing services. Under the agreements, CMD will provide “wrap around” services, establishing sites at each UMS university to gather samples and administer and report results. The samples will be tested by JAX for the presence of the virus. The partnership will focus on RT-PCR testing, which is considered one of the most reliable COVID-19 tests, with high accuracy and low false positives. A news release is online.

Q: I’ve heard of other colleges considering all singles for on campus students this year to address COVID spread… Is UMaine still doing roommates at this moment?
A: At this time roommates are still being matched. They’re not taking new roommate requests. Any questions, contact um.housing@maine.edu.

Q: is there any chance that the campus gym will open back up?
A: At this point, we are planning to have major services such as the campus recreation center open for the fall

Q: Will the shuttle buses be running?
A: At this point, we are planning to have major services available for students such as the local bus system

Q: Will the kids come back to campus after Thanksgiving?
A: The university will end in-person instruction and ask students to depart residence halls before the start of the Thanksgiving holiday, with plans to complete the final two weeks of instruction and exams remotely to help limit travel-related spread of infection.

Q: Will study groups be limited?
A: UMaine will be announcing soon on how we are going to open in the fall as well as details about study groups. Keep an eye on umaine.edu/return/ for the latest information.

Q: Are they doing roommates in the fall?
A: Yes, there will be doubles, but no triples.

Q: How does the state’s 14 day quarantine affect move in day for out of state students?
A: UMaine will be announcing soon on how we are going to open in the fall as well details on move-in. For full details visit umaine.edu/return/

Q: If we are going to be sharing rooms, how will roommates know that the other is COVID free?
A: The University of Maine System has entered into partnerships with the nonprofit biomedical research institution The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) and ConvenientMD (CMD) to provide comprehensive COVID-19 testing services. Under the agreements, CMD will provide “wrap around” services, establishing sites at each UMS university to gather samples and administer and report results. The samples will be tested by JAX for the presence of the virus. The partnership will focus on RT-PCR testing, which is considered one of the most reliable COVID-19 tests, with high accuracy and low false positives. A news release is online.

Q: Is there any word on marching band going forward?
A: Currently there was no plan of changing the traditional band camp format Reach out to band director cgwhite@maine.edu for more information.

Q: Will there be intramural sports on campus?
A: We are planning for major aspects of university life to be open and available. UMaine will be announcing soon on how we are going to open in the fall as well details student engagement and involvement. 

Q: Where can we see these updates for dorms, classes and what not? Are they being sent out on the Facebook page?
A: A good resource right now is on our website: umaine.edu/return/

Q: Will the workout gym be accessible?
A: The recreation center isn’t open yet, but there are plans to open it at some point soon! Keep an eye on our website for up to date information.

Health

Q: Is there a form that my primary care doctor needs to complete before I come to campus?
A: We just need to have them send us copies of your Immunization records. For more information: studentrecords.umaine.edu/home/records/immunizations-information/

Q: Is there an on campus pharmacy?
A:There is no on-campus pharmacy, but Cutler will work with local pharmacies to fill your order.

Q: Does the health center take outside personal insurance?
A: Yes, Cutler can accept outside insurance plans.

Q: Do you need your own health insurance to use the health services?
A: You can either elect to use the student health insurance plan that we offer or show proof of your own health insurance and use that for health services you may need.

Q: Is there a disclaimer form for health insurance that I need to sign?
A: Yes, you can sign it here: umaine.edu/bursar/insurance/ 

Q: What medical records do you require for first year students?
A: We require a copy of immunization records. You can find details on what we need and where to send them here: studentrecords.umaine.edu/home/records/immunizations-information/

Dining

Q: Are those living on campus able to do the ala carte dining? Last year it seemed the only options for 1st/2nd years had to do the unlimited plans
A: Residential students must have a meal plan. Two of the unlimited meal plans include dining funds which can be used at any UMaine Dining campus location. Black bear bucks can also be accepted at dining locations. 

Q: Is a dining plan available for commuting students?
A: There are many commuter dining plans available! umaine.edu/dining/mealplans

Q: Do we need to have a dining plan if we will be living from home?
A: No, as a commuter student we don’t require that you sign up for a meal plan!

Q: Will pricing be changed if meals are now take out only?
A: Meal plan rates are being finalized right now.

Housing

Q: If I already applied for housing, how do I add my roommate?
A: You will want to reach out to Housing Services at um.housing@maine.edu

Q: If we picked a random roommate as a first year, will we be matched with someone in the same age group as us or could they potentially be older?
A: First-year students are normally assigned with another first-year student.

Q: Is there a way I can change my roommate preference to a specific person?
A: Yes, you will want to contact housing at um.housing@maine.edu. You will also want the other person to contact them as well.

Q: I am being denied access into my college roomie. How would I go about fixing that?
A: May 30 was the deadline to accept a roommate match with My College Roomie. Any questions about this, I’d suggest emailing um.housing@maine.edu

Q: Can you bring your own fridge?
A: You can bring one minifridge per room, but no microwaves. We recommend renting the MicroChill (1 per room). If a MicroChill has been reserved, no additional fridges are allowed in the room.

Q: Are both me and my roommate allowed to have our own mini fridges or is only one mini fridge allowed per room?
A: The policy is just one per room, so you’d want to communicate with your roommate about that!

Q: If you bring your own fridge can you still buy a microwave from the school or do you have to get the combo?
A: The only microwaves allowed in the room are the ones in the MicroChill. For a full list of what you can and can’t bring, see: umaine.edu/housing/what-to-bring-what-not-to-bring/

Q: When do you apply to get a micro chill?
A: MicroChills can be reserved once you have your room assignment: umaine.edu/housing/microchill/

Q: What if I already have a microchill, brand new at home, can’t I just bring that?
A: Sure. But it’s one per room, so communicate that to your roommate.

Q: When we rent the microchill we have to put in our room number in stuff. How do we do that because we don’t have that info?
A: Auxiliary Services will match your name and assigned room assignment. 

Q: Are we assigned a housing hall our first year?
A: When you apply for housing, you can request specific living and learning communities and we will try to accommodate your request.

Q: What is the protocol for entering dorms and is there a different protocol for evening/night hours?
A: Students use their ID in getting in their residence hall entrance. Each room in the residence hall has a key-code lock.

Q:  Do I need to submit a housing assignment if I’ll be living off-campus (at home)?
A: You do not need to submit a housing application if you plan on living at home. However, please do note that we have a first year residency policy.

Q: Are there kitchens in the residence halls?
A: There are no kitchens available in residence halls, with the exception of DTAV suite style housing reserved for upperclass students.

Q: I noticed there are different ways the bed and desk can be rearranged. Can the bed be requested to be at specific height or is the bed easy to position?
A: Yes. See: umaine.edu/housing/lofting-options/

Q: What does the first-year residency policy mean? I have to live at home and I can’t live on campus for my first year.
A: You’ll want to get in contact with housing about this! email housing@maine.edu about your situation

Q: Can I bring my Keurig, blender, microwave, or other electronic devices?
A: There is a great resource on what to bring and what not to bring! See it here: umaine.edu/housing/what-to-bring-what-not-to-bring/

Q: I’m fairly certain I already applied for housing but on my to do list it asks me to apply for on campus housing. should I apply again?
A: I would recommend confirming with Housing that your application made it through! You can email them at um.housing@maine.edu.

Financial

Q: What are the payment options and plans that can ease my payment?
A: Payment plans can be made through the bursar’s office: umaine.edu/bursar/payment-options/

Q: Do you have to enroll in a payment plan each semester or just once for the whole year?
A: Payment plans are based on a per term basis. For more information: umaine.edu/bursar/payment-options/ 

Academics

Q: Can you tutor if you’ve taken a class in high school?
A: You can learn more about how to become a tutor here: umaine.edu/tutorprogram/howtobecome/

Q: How do I change the courses I have already been signed up for?
A: You will want to reach out to your academic department. You can find all academic department contacts here: go.umaine.edu/orientation/academic-angle/

Q: When are we going to be receiving our advisors?
A: It varies by academic department when advisors are assigned. If you have any specific questions you are welcome to reach out to your academic department. You can find all of the department contacts here: go.umaine.edu/orientation/academic-angle/

Q: How will my Associates degree transfer? Will it be accepted?
A: We will certainly evaluate all of your credits to see which ones will transfer over. If you haven’t already previewed your transfer credit report I encourage you to do so. If you need any help please sign up for a meeting with one of our transfer advisors here: go.umaine.edu/transfer-appointment/

Q: When do we sign up for classes?
A: If you’re a first year student, that will be done for you by your academic department!

Q: How do students who applied as undecided pick their major/schedule?
A: All academic departments are signing up first years for classes. We have individuals who also assigned undeclared students as well.

Q: How can we contact of our advisers for schedule issues if they are not on campus because we are having difficulties doing so
A: Here is a link to contact for all the academic departments: go.umaine.edu/orientation/academic-angle/. If no one is getting back to you please reach out to the admissions office at umaineadmissions@maine.edu and we can work with you to help connect you.

Q: What is the teacher to student ratio at UMaine?
A: The student-teacher ratio is 16:1

Other

Q: How do you apply for work study jobs?
A: Here is a link to search for campus jobs: umaine.edu/studemp/students/

Q: What is the size of the police force and what is the size of the campus community?
A: 18 sworn police officers, approximately 3,200 students usually live on campus

Q: EMS services?
A: EMS services are provided by UVAC (The University Student Ambulance Service) on campus.

Q: How do I locate my son’s student ID?
A: Your son’s student ID was sent to him with his account activation information. If he cannot locate that he can go to maine.edu/information-technology/support/ and speak with someone via our Live Chat. They will be able to assist him there.

Q: Are skateboards/longboards allowed?
A: Skateboards and longboards are allowed on campus. There are, however, some areas where it is not allowed because it is a high traffic area as entrances or exits.

Q: Does the University of Maine have male soccer team?
A: We do not have a varsity male soccer team, but we do have a male club soccer team and intramural male soccer league.

Q: How do you sign up for emergency texts?
A: Right here: umaine.edu/emergency/umaine-txt-registration/