Academ-e FAQs for Academ-e website

How do I sign up for an Academ-e class?  Your guidance counselor discusses your interest and level of success with you.  A nomination form is completed and forwarded to our office. 

What is the Math Placement Exam and why do I have to take it?  If you choose any of the math courses, you are required to take the UMaine Math Placement Exam.  This exam indicates your readiness for the course you chose.  If the results reveal that another course would be more appropriate for you, we will contact you.

Where do I take the Math Placement Exam? The Math Placement Exam is on WebCT at https://webct.umaine.edu/  You need your UNET ID and password to log in to take the test.  Call CED Tech Help at 1-877-947 HELP (4357) for login and password information or help finding the exam.

I have taken Calculus I in high school and want to take the Academ-e’s Calculus II in the spring.  Do I need to do anything else?  The Calculus courses offered by UMaine differ from what you take in high school.  Therefore, it is important that you take the UMaine Math Placement Exam to check your readiness for the course.

How much will a class cost? The University of Maine will continue to discount tuition by 50 percent for three-credit hours and will absorb all University-wide fees.  However the University can no longer cover the cost of the fourth credit for four-credit courses.  We expect the Maine Legislature’s Aspirations Program through the Maine Department of Education to cover the remaining  50 percent tuition of three-credit courses for students enrolled in the Academ-e.  The resulting value to the student for a three-credit course is approximately $800.

How will I be billed?  Bills are mailed to the address noted on the nomination and consent form.  If tuition waivers are available, they will be applied to your account

What if the class I selected is full?  You are notified if the class is full and we will register you for your second or third choice, whichever is available.  So, it is important to choose at least 2 courses in the event that your primary interest is unavailable.

How do I get a WebCT account?  Your WebCT account information will be sent to you via First Class E-mail or delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.

Do I need special software programs to take a class? No special hardware is required for each course.  However, you will need a WebCT account.

What is a FirstClass Account?  FirstClass is The University of Maine’s email communication system that provides students access to important resources such as directories, conferencing, and campus news and updates.

How do I get a FirstClass account?  Please call 1-877-947-HELP (4357), and look at our WebCT FAQ here: http://learnonline.umaine.edu/html/firstClass_faq.html

How can I find out my grade in a class?  Through a system called Peoplesoft, you can access your grades, term schedule, academic history, registration for courses, holds on you account, course pre-requisites, student bill, course search and other vital information. 

What if I want to drop a class?  What do I need to do?  Please call our Office of Continuing Education at 581-3143 or email Cindy Thomas at cindy.thomas@umit.maine.edu no later than Monday, September 15, 2008 for the fall semester or Monday, January 26, 2009 in the spring semester in order to receive a full refund.  It is also important to contact your guidance counselor and your instructor.  In order to receive a full refund, you must drop within the first 2 weeks of the semester start.  No refund is available after that time.
How will I know if I am formally in the class I chose?  An email registration confirmation will be sent to you and your guidance counselor.

Can I take more than one class a semester? *Please discuss your decision with your guidance counselor.  Any UMaine course is challenging and takes a real commitment of your time.  If you have extra-curricular activities, please take them into your consideration when making your decision.  A good formula to follow is that a UMaine course will involve studying at least 6 hours per week for a 3-credit course.

Who do I contact if I have technical problems? Contact CED Tech Help toll free at 1-877-947-HELP (4357), or email cedtechhelp@umit.maine.edu.  Also, go here for quick help:  http://learnonline.umaine.edu/html/help.html

When does the first class meet?  The first class meets on campus during Orientation Day.  The dates will be posted at a later date.  Attendance is mandatory.

How do I receive a copy of my transcript?  For an official copy of your transcript, call the Office of Student Records at 581-1302.

Is the grade I receive permanently on my record?  Yes, it is.

What if I decide to take a course other than the one I signed up for?   Just let your guidance counselor know and ask him/her to contact us.               

How will I communicate with my professor and other students?  You will communicate mainly through First Class, which you can download here:  www.umit.maine.edu.  For other FirstClass questions, view our FirstClass FAQ here:  http://learnonline.umaine.edu/html/firstClass_faq.html.

Are all the courses strictly online?  Only AST 110, offered in the Spring will meet 3-4 times during the semester in the evening at a location near you.  The locations will be made available at a later time.  The remainder of the classes are all online.

Whom do I contact if I have questions?  If you have questions regarding your course, the best person to contact is your professor.  Other valuable contacts are your guidance counselor, Cindy Thomas at 581-3072, email cindy.thomas@umit.maine.edu or the Graduate Assistant who will be in touch with you frequently.

If I drop a class, will I get my money back?  The last date to drop and receive a full refund is Monday, September 17, 2007.  After that date, you are responsible for the remaining balance.  You may still remain in the class academically, but there is no refund.

Where can I find more information about Study Skills and Learning Strategies?  The Tutor Program offers tips each week on various learning topics located on FirstClass.  To find out more, go to “Campus Connections>Groups & Organizations>UM Student Organizations.”  The Tutor Coordinator, posts excellent suggestions on making your UMaine learning experience a success.