Graduate Education

The University

Founded in 1865, The University of Maine is the land-grant university of the State of Maine and shares sea-grant college status with the University of New Hampshire. Located on a 1,100-acre campus adjoining the town of Orono, it is nine miles from Bangor, Maine’s third largest city.

The largest in the state-wide university system, the Orono campus is dynamic and cultural. Enjoying a classic New England setting, the campus offers easy access to both Maine’s urban and rural areas. Last year over 500 students from 70 foreign countries and most American states studied here; nearly 20% of the total enrollment regularly is admitted from other states and nations. Culturally, Orono should appeal to every taste. Guest speakers provide insight into current political, social, and scientific thought. Special programs in the arts abound, including theatre productions, musical offerings, and art exhibits. Intercollegiate athletic events occur throughout the academic year.

The full-time faculty numbers over 800. There are over 12,000 students enrolled at The University of Maine. The graduate student population exceeds 2,300.

Graduate study at the University of Maine is focused in academic departments within the following colleges: Business, Public Policy and Health; Education and Human Development; Liberal Arts and Sciences; Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture; and Engineering.

Mission

The Graduate School articulates a vision of excellence for The University of Maine graduate community. The School is charged with serving as an advocate for graduate education within and outside the campus community, ensuring quality and equity across all graduate disciplines, supporting the academic and nonacademic interests of graduate students, promoting the synergy between graduate education and research, teaching and outreach, and ensuring that all graduate students are prepared for future professional pursuits.

Graduate Study and Graduate Life

Graduate work has been available at the University of Maine for many years. The first master’s degree was conferred in 1881; the first doctoral degree in 1960. Since 1923, graduate work has been a separate division of the University. Today the master’s degree is offered in over 75 areas of study and the doctorate in 30 areas.

The Graduate School has primary responsibility for administering the policies and procedures relating to graduate study. Graduate School policy is made by the Graduate Faculty, acting through its representative body, the Graduate Board.

Graduate work in Maine is concentrated at two of the seven units of The University of Maine system: The flagship campus of The University of Maine, in Orono, and the University of Southern Maine. University of Maine graduate courses are offered on other campuses and via distance education on a program-by-program basis, including the Master of Public Administration (at Augusta), the cooperative PhD in biological sciences, the interdisciplinary PhD in functional genomics, and the PhD in biomedical sciences. The College of Education and Human Development has outreach centers throughout the State, offering a Master of Education degree. The Hutchinson Center in Belfast also offers graduate courses leading to the Master of Business Administration, Master of Social Work, and Master of Education (Special Education) degrees as well as various other graduate classes.

Graduate School Office. The Graduate School’s staff (located in 42 Stodder Hall) is available to assist graduate students in both academic and personal matters. The staff can offer advice concerning admission, registration, degree requirements, thesis format, procedures for changing programs, and the availability of fellowships and scholarships. Students are encouraged to contact this office concerning any matters for which additional information is needed.  

Auxiliary Services

Auxiliary Services provides on-campus housing for graduate students (singles and couples) in Stodder Hall, and students with families at University Park.  A graduate student with a spouse or partner may also apply to live in Stodder Hall.  Auxiliary Services  also operates Black Bear Dining, providing dining services for the entire campus community. 

Housing:

Stodder Hall is a coed facility that offers continuous housing throughout the year. The majority of the rooms are single occupancy with a limited number of double occupancy rooms.  Daily use guest rooms are also available for graduate students who commute. Stodder Hall is smoke-free.  

The Graduate School  operates a Graduate Center in Stodder Hall to serve all graduate students at the University of Maine. The Center is an intellectual, cultural and social center that offers computing and other academic resources, photocopy equipment, and social space. The Center shares space on the first floor with the offices of the Graduate School and the Graduate Student Government creating a comprehensive support environment for graduate students.  Both the Graduate School and the Graduate Student Government offer a number of workshops and activities through the Graduate Center.

Eligibility for Housing:

• Graduate students must be matriculated and enrolled in University of Maine course work. Verification of graduate status will be made by the Graduate School.
• Graduate students can opt for a 9 month, 10 month, or 12 month room and board license. If in compliance with all other requirements, graduate students may remain in the residence hall for up to five continuous years.

On campus housing for graduate students, staff, and faculty with families (spouse or partner, and/or children) may apply to live at University Park Family Housing.  For more information and an application please call (207) 581-4444 or e-mail: gnelson@umit.maine.edu or visit our web site at:  www.umaine.edu/housing/family.htm.

Black Bear Dining Services

Meal Plan Information:   Black Bear Dining is pleased to offer our student customers various options to purchase meals that are designed to provide value, flexibility, and convenient spending; along with a variety of professional restaurant facilities, right here on campus! Our friendly staff is dedicated in providing a wide selection of healthy and fresh dining options whether it is a familiar home favorite to gourmet and international cuisine.

A meal plan is required for all on-campus residents (with the exception of the apartment-style housing at DTAV and Patch). Graduate residents have the option of choosing any of the meal plans offered, the Hungry Bear (600 meals/academic year); the Black Bear (480), Gold Bear (360), Silver Bear (260), or the Graduate School Plan ($500.00 dining funds/semester). Black Bear Dining also offers Commuter Meal Plans for those off-campus students who wish to dine on campus. Please see our website for further information at www.umaine.edu/dining.

Contact Information:  

Black Bear Dining and Housing Services, 5734 Hilltop Commons, Suite 101, Orono, ME 04469-5734. E-mail housing@umerl.maine.edu .or dining@umerl.maine.edu    Website: http://www.umaine.edu/auxservices

Services for Commuter and Non-Traditional Students.  Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Programs (CNTSP) respond to the needs of University’s off-campus students and non-traditional students. (generally 24 or older, assuming responsibilities in addition to studies, such as parent, spouse or partner, family caretaker, or employee, back in school after several years of employment, homemaking, or other activity and /or are veterans of the armed services.)

CNTSP provides students with information about programs and services, as well as personal and academic support and referrals. Knowledge staff are available in the Commuter Lounge 8AM to 9PM Mon-Fri . Services provided include off-campus housing information, microwave refrigerator and lockers rentals. Programming includes weekly sessions with campus resources, Lunch ‘n learn series, peer mentors and family friendly events . For additional information, contact the office on the second floor of the Memorial Union by phone at (207) 581-1734 or look at our web page at  http://www.umaine.edu/cntsp/

Annual Basic Safety Training and Annual Department Safety Training is required for all regular and student employees. Classes are offered throughout the semester and training is available on the Internet at www2.umaine.edu/SEM /. Refresher training must be completed on an annual basis. Additional annual training is conducted within each department or laboratory. Specific information may be obtained from the laboratory manager or departmental safety coordinator. Other Safety Training may also be required based on the functions of the work assigned.  If you have any safety or environmental concerns that you cannot resolve at the department level please contact our office at 581-4055.

Safety and Environmental Management Department. The Department of Safety and Environmental Management (SEM) supports the University’s mission by providing training, guidance and consultation services to all members of the University Community on matters related to safety and environmental health. SEM policies are drafted to foster a safe and healthful campus environment and to comply with various regulatory requirements.

Cutler Health Center

To meet the needs of the students at the University of Maine, Cutler Health Center offers comprehensive healthcare to the University student community.  Clinical services at Cutler Health Center are provided by Norumbega Medical Specialists, Ltd, a subsidiary of Eastern Maine Medical Center.  Services offered include but are not limited to:  general medical care including the treatment of acute medical problems or injuries, chronic illness, immunizations, women’s health issues, contraception, sexual health, fitness, nutrition, smoking cessation, skin cancer screening and many other health promotion programs including consultations performed by local specialists.  Cutler Health Center also provides students with an ambulance service, and on-site  lab and x-ray.

The clinical staff includes physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, consultants, radiographor, and medical assistants.

Specialists expand services and convenience by offering regularly scheduled clinics for massage therapy, optometry, orthopedic, and podiatry consultation. These clinics are provided at times convenient to the student’s schedule and often providing a cost saving for the student. Health center staff provide assistance with access to care not available at the health center by scheduling appointments, coordinating services, and assisting with insurance company authorization for services.

All registered UMaine students are welcome to use the health center for medical care.

Radiology services accept orders from private physicians. Orders must provide the diagnosis and specify the phone number and office address of the doctor ordering the tests.

Appointments. We offer appointment-based care Monday - Friday, with varying hours from 7:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m. Services are also available on Saturday’s at EMMC Orono Family Medicine located on Kelly Road in Orono.  To utilize these services simply call our answering service on Saturday’s at 207-581-4000.  Students should arrive at the Health Center at least 10 to 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment to allow adequate time for their check-in paperwork to be completed. If you are feeling under the weather, request an appointment by calling 207-581-4000 or through online health service.  Students are required to register for each appointment and can do so by calling 207-581-4310 or visiting Cutler with up-to-date mailing address, insurance information and emergency contact info.

Online Appointment Request. Although you can always call to make an appointment, the most effective way to request an appointment is through our online service, myCutler Provider Online. Our professional staff continually monitors this service to effectively meet your healthcare requests. Appointment requests are processed prior to office opening in the morning. You may complete a web visit any time of the day or night and we will provide you with recommendations or an appointment on the same day or a day in the near future depending on your web visit. Visit our website or contact our office for additional information or to enroll.

Same Day Appointments. The Health Center, like many other non-emergency medical facilities, holds an open number of limited, same day appointments for urgent cases.  To check the availability of these same day openings please call or stop by the health center.  Same day appointments are provided based on medical necessity and a first-come basis. For prompt service, students are encouraged to request a same day appointment through our online service myCutler Provider Online.

Appointment Cancellation Policy: (Notify Us in Advance). Students who make an appointment and cannot keep the allotted appointment time have the responsibility to call the Cutler Health Center appointment line at 207-581-4000 or send a  secure  message via myCutler Provider Online to our office to cancel or reschedule their appointment in advance, 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time.

Emergency Services/Transportation. In an EMERGENCY please dial 911 from any phone. Cutler Health Center operates a state licensed volunteer ambulance service U.V.A.C. (University Volunteer Ambulance Corps). If there is a need to get to a hospital but it is not an emergency, Cutler Health Center provides “free” taxi transport to and from the hospital or other medical facilities 7 days a week/24 hours a day (see After Hours Services).

Specialty Clinics. The specialty clinic provides campus access to a wide array of professional healthcare services. This includes an optometrist for eye care, glasses and contact lens needs. Both orthopedic and podiatry consultations are offered by local physicians for easy student access and convenience. Massage therapy is available two times a week for students to ease the muscle tension associated with a busy academic schedule. Asthma testing and support, allergy shots, nutritional/weight management counseling, cardiovascular risk assessment, travel counseling, health assessments, and wart treatments are also available.

CPR/First Aid Programs. Training and safety is a student run program that provides CPR and First Aid training for the campus community. To learn more about these services call 581-4198.

Women’s Health Services. Women’s Health Services include annual exams, emergency contraception counseling, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and infections, pregnancy testing, pregnancy options counseling and referral, breast exams and self-breast exam education, birth control provisions, as well as assessment and treatment of urinary tract infections. For consultation, follow-up, and referral for a variety of women’s concerns including PMS, menopause, colposcopy, biopsy for abnormal pap evaluation and services for women who have experienced sexual trauma, call 207-581-4000.

Web Site. Point your browser to: http://www.emmc.org/cutler.aspx. Cutler Health Center updates information on this site as needed, in order to provide the most accurate information to the student public. A wide range of information can be found at this site: student insurance, clinic hours, services available and health alerts.

After Hours Service. A health care provider is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Coverage varies for each break so please check the website for details. The medical answering service is available to coordinate taxi transportation to and from the hospital or other medical facilities 7 days a week/24 hours a day. Calling 207-581-4000 when the health center is closed activates the service. There is no charge for the taxi service. The costs of all hospital, emergency room, medication, radiology, laboratory, non-health-center physician, and/or other services are the responsibility of the student. 

Counseling Center. The University of Maine Counseling Center promotes community-wide Health and Wellness through Prevention and Educational Programs and confidential Counseling and Psychological Services. Staff of the Counseling Center are also available to provide:  Consultation; Training; Career and Academic Counseling; Urgent Care response; and Psychiatric Services. The Counseling Center Staff works together with students, faculty, staff and administrators to create a community environment that fosters academic success, embraces all cultures, promotes social justice, and facilitates personal growth and development. Counseling Services are free to all students taking 6 credits or more. Please call 581-1392 for more information or visit our website at http://www.umaine.edu/counseling.

Career Center. The Career Center assists graduate students in planning for professional careers. Services available include individual career counseling, career information for exploring options, assistance in identifying potential employers, resume/vita critiques, job search strategy sessions, mock interviews using videotape equipment, job listings, employer information, and information packets on preparing for an academic job search. Students may access job listings via the Career Center website which gives students immediate access to career services and job listings nationwide. The Health and Legal Professions Program is also part of the Career Center, and students considering law school or professional school in the health professions are encouraged to make an appointment with our Health and Legal Professions Career Specialist. There is no charge to students for these services. The Career Center is located on the third floor of the Memorial Union and is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For further information, call 581-1359 or access our website: www.umaine.edu/career

Peace Corps Recruiting Office. The University hosts a Peace Corps recruiter on a monthly basis who conducts interviews, provides informational sessions, and is available for class presentations. The recruiter may be contacted by calling the Career Center in the Memorial Union at 581-1359. The Peace Corps offers graduating students the opportunity to make a difference in another part of the world while gaining valuable personal and professional experience. Volunteers are needed for a wide variety of fields, including ESL, education, forestry, environmental education, parks & wildlife, and small business development.

Office of International Programs. The Office of International Programs (OIP) has primary responsibility for coordinating and promoting UMaine international initiatives, exchanges, activities and programs. The OIP fosters and supports international education on campus and strives to advance international understanding and global awareness.

The Office of International Programs is responsible for admission of undergraduate international students; establishing and coordinating successful university linkages, exchanges and study abroad programs for students and faculty; immigration processing and advising; the University’s exchange visitor program; student orientation and support services. With academic departments, the OIP promotes internationalization of the curriculum. The OIP sponsors activities, seminars and programs to promote international awareness on campus and in the community. Fulbright grant materials for faculty and graduate students are available from the OIP. Services to foreign nationals include immigration, cultural and academic advising, various social activities and a weekly coffee hour. There is an active International Student Association, and an annual campus-wide “Culturefest”. The office also provides support to faculty and researchers.

The University of Maine’s Study Abroad Program is located in the Office of International Programs and there are opportunities for graduate students to participate in an international experience. For more information call 581-1509, or visit OIP in 100 Winslow Hall. Call 581-2905 for additional information. e-mail: umintprg@maine.edu or visit www.umaine.edu/international.

The Office of Disability Support Services coordinates a wide range of services for students with all types of disabilities. Students with disabilities have two options when making requests for academic accommodation. Requests are made to either the Director of Disability Services at College Success Programs or to the faculty member teaching the student’s class. A specific procedure is in place for both options, and must be reviewed and followed every semester. Complete procedures for obtaining accommodations as well as guidelines for documentation of disability can be found in the Student Handbook or by contacting Disability Services, East Annex, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469. Phone (207) 581-2319 or 581-2325 (TTY.) www.umaine.edu/disability

Graduate Student Government. The Graduate Student Government (GSG) represents all graduate students in addressing issues that specifically concern graduate education and graduate student life. The GSG is governed by a board of representatives, which is comprised of one graduate student from each department for every 50 graduate students in the department. This board meets every other week to vote on matters of policy, procedure and budget and these meetings are open to all graduate students. The primary functions of the GSG are to influence University policy decisions, serve on University committees, and sponsor special services to graduate students. These services include providing grants for research and travel, supporting graduate clubs and organizations, co-hosting the annual Graduate Recognition Ceremony, and sponsoring educational and social events. The GSG is funded primarily by activity fees paid by graduate students. For more information about the GSG, graduate students are encouraged to visit the GSG office in the Memorial Union, or call 581-4548.

Campus Recreation is a central student service in the Division of Student Affairs, and offers a wide variety of recreational programming.  Open Recreation is available in the state-of-the-art new Recreation and Fitness Center, as well as the Maine Bound Adventure Center, Wallace Pool, and Mahaney Dome. Amenities at these facilities include over 140 pieces of weight/cardio equipment, basketball/volleyball courts, racquetball/squash courts, a multi-activity court, multi-purpose group exercise rooms, a competitive lap pool, a leisure pool with spa, sauna, and vortex, indoor turf field, indoor track and an indoor rock climbing center.  Outdoor ice skating is also available, in season. Campus Recreation offers a wide range of group fitness classes, including Yoga, Pilates, indoor cylcing, water fitness, and Cardio Sculpt, just to name a few. Numerous intramural sports are available for men, women and coed.  Sport clubs, include Ultimate, rugby, lacrosse, hackey sack, baseball, golf, and fencing.  Campus Recreation maintains more than 20 miles of trails in the Universitys DeMeritt Forest for hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and skiing. Outdoor gear such as tents, skis, backpacks, climbing shoes, canoes, kayaks, and stoves are available for rental in the Recreation and Fitness Center. Sports equipment such as racquets, weight belts, and various balls are available for checkout in the Recreation and Fitness Center.  Lockers are available for rental or for complimentary day use. Maine Bound, part of Campus Recreation, offers a wealth of outdoor recreation and education opportunities. Trips, clinics and courses (credit and noncredit) are available in kayaking, canoeing, climbing, backpacking, hiking, camping, snowshoeing, skiing and more. The Maine Bound Adventure Center, located near the Collins Center for the Arts, houses an indoor rock climbing tower and bouldering wall, where students and Campus Recreation members climb for FREE. Available to students through their recreation fee, and to faculty/staff and community members under the membership plans, Campus Recreation offers a wonderful variety of recreation and fitness choices. For more information, visit the Campus Recreation website http://www.umaine.edu/campusrecreation.

Memorial Union. Along with the educational activities the Union sponsors, the Union also offers a variety of programs and services intended to make the University experience more convenient and enjoyable. The Union has several facilities graduate students will find useful, including: the Bookstore, Information Center, dining service, lounges, a computer cluster, post office/check cashing services, ATM, quick copy printing, and, the Dean of Students Office. Also, the Memorial Union sponsors a successful activities program for the enjoyment of all students. These programs, include: major concerts, contemporary and classic films, comedy events, coffee houses, plus a variety of other novelty programs. These activities will be promoted in the Maine Campus (campus newspaper)  the UMaine Master Calendar-  www.umaine.edu/campusevents, WMEB (campus radio station, and a variety of other campus media.

Bookstore. The University Bookstore, located in the Memorial Union, is an auxiliary service department of The University of Maine. Accordingly, its purpose is to serve the academic community by making available textbooks and supplies for course work. In addition, the store maintains a wide selection of general reading books, academic supplies, clothing, gifts, greeting cards,  and other merchandise and services which contribute to the overall educational experience offered at The University of Maine. Services include gift cards, special order books, college rings, graduation apparel and announcements, textbook reservations, and phone cards. For more information visit our website at www.bookstore.umaine.edu or call 581-1700, FAX 581-1132 or e-mail, umbook@maine.edu.

Refund Policy. The textbook refund policy varies, depending on the term in which they were purchased. Merchandise except items sold as nonrefundable may be returned for a full refund within 7 days of purchase with a receipt. All merchandise must be in resalable or new condition, unmarked and clean. The Bookstore reserves the right to make judgement as to “new” condition.

General: Gift cards, special-order books, college rings and graduation apparel. Textbook Buy Back. Used books in demand at The University of Maine can be sold back at the end of each semester for 50% of the new retail price. Books no longer in use at The University of Maine or those for which the Bookstore is at an overstock condition can be sold back at a current national wholesale price. The Bookstore also conducts daily buyback.

Post Office. Stamps, Money Orders, Express and Priority Mail, Parcel Post. Check cashing service: Personal checks up to $100 may be cashed with a MaineCard ID for a $1.00 fee. Also with a MaineCard ID, University checks, payroll checks, government checks up to $1,000 may be cashed for a $1.00 fee.

Quick Copy (QC2). Services include color and black and white copying, spiral binding, and transparencies. Call 581-3727 for hours and information.

The Division of Student Affairs. The Division of Student Affairs provides a network of student-oriented programs and services, which address a variety of student needs. Our services are unique; they are dynamic collaborations of multiple efforts, from leadership programs and ethnic cultural celebrations to volunteer activities, health education opportunities, and outdoor adventure programs. We are here for personal advice, for small and large problems, and for educational life concerns.

Collins Center for the Arts.  The Richard R. and Anne A. Collins Center for the Arts includes the Hutchins Concert Hall and Hudson Museum. Nationally and internationally acclaimed musical and theatrical productions, special programs and guest speakers appear throughout the year in this state-of-the-art facility. Past performances have included Yo Yo Ma, Isaac Stern, Rudolph Nureyev and company, the New York City Traveling Opera group, chamber music, symphonies, ballets, jazz, folk and country music performers.  For more information or to schedule an appointment with a graduate student advocate, please call 581-1406 or visit us on the website at www.umaine.edu/studentaffairs.

The Hudson Museum,  Collins Center for the Arts. The Hudson Museum, is the gateway for The University of Maine’s students, faculty and staff for exploring and understanding the cultural diversity of our global family. The Museum’s collections features an extraordinary collection of Pre-Columbian artifacts ranging from Olmec to Aztec - The William P. Palmer III Collection, Native American holdings from Maine, the Southwest, Northwest Coast, Arctic, and Plains, as well as collections from Africa, Oceania and Asia.

The Museum hosts temporary and permanent exhibit, offers guided tours and gallery programs, lectures, workshops and an annual Maine Indian Basketmakers Sale and Demonstration. It also offers staff assistance for directed research projects and internships. For further information, please call 581-1901 or visit us on the web at www.umaine.edu/hudsonmuseum.  

Maynard F. Jordan Planetarium and Observatory. The Maynard F. Jordan Planetarium and Observatory are operated by the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to provide the University and the public with educational multi-media programs and observational activities in astronomy and related subjects.

The Jordan Planetarium, located on the second floor of Wingate Hall, is a domed theater where visitors enjoy a simulation of the night sky and dynamic visual imagery detailing the nature of the universe. Since 1954 the planetarium has offered sky programs for visitors of all ages. Today, it operates throughout the school year with a series public showings on weekends (free to UMaine students), college astronomy classes and special, private group events. The current program schedule is available at the planetarium office; (207) 581-1341, or by internet at http://galaxymaine.com, or e-mail info@galaxymaine.com.

The Jordan Observatory next to the Memorial Union houses an eight-inch Alvan Clark refractor telescope and several smaller instruments that can focus on many of the wonders in the Maine sky. Astronomy students use the facility for studies on weeknights, but the it is opened to the public and operated by volunteers on weekends in the fall and spring semesters. Current observing hours and conditions are available by calling (207) 581-1348 or surf to http://galaxymaine.com.

Women in the Curriculum and Women’s Studies Program. The WIC/WST Program began in 1981 as a project designed to improve the quality of education for all students through the inclusion of the experience and ideas of women in courses throughout the University. In addition to continuing this effort, the program now has a new name and is responsible for Women’s Studies courses and degrees as well. It also works to foster an academic climate which is equally hospitable to female and male students. Women’s Studies courses, both departmental and interdisciplinary, can enhance any graduate program by increasing students’ understanding of the roles, contributions, and experiences of women. A formal interdisciplinary graduate concentration in Women’s Studies is available for both masters and doctoral candidates. Courses at the 400, 500, and 600 level with the WST designator and appropriate courses from other departments can be taken by graduate students. The WIC/WST director can advise graduate students about appropriate courses for their degree programs and suggest Women’s Studies faculty members for their committees. The WIC/WST Program maintains a lending library 101 Fernald Hall. Books, journals, audio and videotapes, and individual papers and articles in vertical files are available for use by the University community and the wider community as well. Graduate students are also encouraged to attend and participate in a number of other WIC/WST Program activities. They can present their work at the weekly brown bag lunch series or the annual Women’s History Celebration. They can serve on committees for the History Celebration, the Maryann Hartman Awards to Maine women of achievement, or other programs of speakers and performers. They can participate as scholars in research groups. All courses and programs are open to both men and women. For more information about WIC/WST activities and to receive mailings, please stop by the office in 101 Fernald Hall or call 581-1228. The director, Ann Schonberger, can be contacted by e-mail on FirstClass or at Ann.Schonberger@umit.maine.edu. Visit our Web page at www.umaine.edu/wic.