New Students & Orientation
NEW NON TRADITIONAL STUDENTS
Congratulations on your decision to enroll at the University of Maine. As a non-traditional student, you will be part of a special group of students who have chosen to pursue a UMaine degree while already managing many other life roles. Non-traditional students are those who have chosen to come to college several years past their graduation from high school, undergraduates who are 24 years or older, are parents themselves and/or are veterans. As the Staff Associate for Commuter and Non Traditional Student Programs (CNTSP), it is my role to assist you in becoming a successful, engaged UMaine student.
If you are a Veteran (or a veteran’s dependent) you may also want to visit http://www.umaine.edu/veterans/ for the VETS checklist for UMaine student-veterans.
COMMUTING FIRST YEAR STUDENTS
As you know you are one of the small number of 18-21 year old students who will be a commuter for their first year at UMaine. While the University of Maine does have a First Year Residency Requirement occasional exceptions are made. If you are a recent high school graduate who will be commuting to UMaine, Commuter and Non traditional Student Programs (CNTSP) wants to welcome you to UMaine and assist you in having a successful university experience.
Commuter and Non Traditional Student Programs (CNTSP) wants to assist you as a new student at UMaine. I encourage you to sign up for an M Project guide.
Congratulations again on your decision to enroll at UMaine. Be sure to drop by the Commuter Lounge at 228 Memorial Union any time. I look forward to meeting you.
Cordially,
Barbara Smith
Staff Associate for Student Affairs
Commuter and Non Traditional Student Programs (CNTSP)
Veterans Education and Transition Services (VETS)
NEW COMMUTER & NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS
ORIENTATION CHECKLIST
WHILE YOU ARE ON CAMPUS
□ MaineCard Get your MaineCard photo taken.
After June 27: same day service at Student Services, Memorial Union.You must be registered for classes to pick up a Maine Card. and you’ll need a photo ID.
Maine Card is used for: Library card, To print or make copies at the library and computer clusters BAT bus pass, Student Rec. Center pass Deposit Black Bear Bucks to use at the Marketplace, Book store and more
□ Register for classes
□ Sign up for an M-Project Guide, a returning commuter or non traditional student who’ll help you through your first year. Your M–Project guide can tell you how to put money on your MaineCard, where the local grocery store is and much more.
□ Consider participating in the volunteer service projects with other new students on Saturday, August 26 of Welcome Weekend. Meet other new commuter/ and “nontrads”, make new friends and learn more about the campus and local area. Contact Barbara Smith at barbara.smith@umit.umaine.edu if you are interested
□ Text Books Use Text Book reservation services or stop by the Bookstore the week before classes to avoid the Book store rush Visit the UMaine Bookstore on line to find out what books you’ll need for your classes.
□ UMaine Parking Permit Commuter Parking passes are $50.00 /year and can be purchased on line. Be aware that commuters have designated parking areas and will be ticketed for parking in other than Commuter parking spaces. Call 207 581 INFO (updated several times /day) for parking space information.
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□ Immunizations: Its best to send immunization records in before you attend Summer Orientation. But if not they can be dropped off at the Immunization Table, Drop box or Student Records at the Day One Information Fair of Summer Orientation
INFORMATION CONNECTIONS
□ Activate your Maine.edu Email Account : It is essential that you begin using this email account immediately. You can either check it regularly by going to http://mail.maine.edu. It is recommended that you forward it to your FirstClass account
To read email using the UMS Webmail client:
Go to http://mail.maine.edu Click on the Login to UMS Webmail link
Login using your MaineStreet ID and password
Go to http://mail.maine.edu
Click on the link Change the destination of email sent to your @Maine.edu address
Select the button next to Forward to the following address (es): enter the e-mail address to which you want mail forwarded from @maine.edu, and then click the Change Forwarding button.
□ Activate your MaineStreet account
Go to http://www.umaine.edu
Use the MaineStreet quicklink to access the MaineStreet portal
Enter your MaineStreet ID and password.
If you have any difficulty activating, logging into, or using your account, please visit our support site at http://www.maine.edu/account_info. If you need further assistance, you may call the UMaine IT Help Desk at (207) 581‑2506.
Be sure to update your personal information on Main Street: for example: your local address and phone number
□ Activate your FirstClass Account This is the UMaine intra-university email and conferencing system, most departments and many faculties will communicate with you on FirstClass. To activate go to http:wwwumaine.edu/firstclass or the Help desk @207 581 2506. Subscribe to the Commuter Services and the Nontraditional Student conference for regular info. Check out the Announcements & Alerts FirstClass conference regularly. Forward your UMS account”maine.edu” to your FirstClass account
□ Sign up for the UMaine Emergency Warning System.Be sure to sign up for these cell phone and /or email alerts You can also opt into the notices about class closing for snow days http://www.umaine.edu/umainetxt/ You can also call 207 581 SNOW for cancellation info.
IF YOU’RE NEW TO THE AREA
□ Introduce yourself to your neighbors
□ If you are renting check with an insurance agent about renters insurance
□ Check with the town hall about local recycling and trash pick up. Ask about town parking regulations Ask about what about other services available to you as a town residents
□ Visit the town library
□ Confirm your mailing address with your landlord and/ or get a post office box. Check with local Post Office about mail delivery and what to do for mail delivery if you are away over breaks
□ Register to vote in your new town
□ Subscribe to a local newspaper or town newsletter
CLASSES START
□ Read the Maine Campus, UMaine campus newspaper is free and published every Monday and Thursdays
□ Know your academic advisor: set up a meeting and introduce your self before the Thanksgiving break
□ Spend time on campus beyond your scheduled class time, visit the library, attend a movie, have coffee at Starbucks in the Union , etc.
□ Visit the Commuter lounge, 228 Memorial Union Meet other commuters Have a free cup of coffee, Rent a locker,Read the Bangor Daily newspaper,