Issue 22 | News & Views for Commuters and Non-Trads | September 2009
 
 
A HEARTY MAINE HELLO TO ALL NEW COMMUTER AND NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS
Please join us for a Welcome and Open House for New commuters and Non-Traditional Students on Friday, August 28, 2009, 9:30-11:30AM, Commuter Lounge. Limited tickets available for lunch at Wells with Dining Services Staff. Meet new friends, pick up your CNTSP Welcome Bag and Commuter Club T-Shirt, and learn more about what CNTSP is all about.
Tips for New Commuters
Renters Insurance: This summer several UMaine commuter students lost most of their personal belongings to a fire at their rental property. Unfortunately most did not have Renters Insurance and therefore had little funds to replace their items. Renters insurance is an important consideration to cover the cost of your personal property in the event of a disaster like flood, fire, or theft. Check with your insurance agent to make sure you are covered for personal property and liability. Your New Home Town: Contact the local town hall about garbage disposal and recycling. Be aware of any town noise and parking ordinances. If you have a cat or dog, check into those ordinances as well. Consider renting a post office box. Check out town services like the local library. Consider subscribing to a local newspaper. Your Neighborhood: Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Encourage your neighbors to let you know directly if they have any questions or concerns. Pay attention to local community norms. Your Room/House Mates: Take the time to talk about how you will share expenses, cooking, cleaning, etc.? be sure to discuss alcohol and drug use. Know your legal responsibilities now that you have your own place. Talk about visitors, how many and how often? Your Lease: Make sure you have a copy of your lease and read it. UMaine Student Government Student Legal Service is available to review your lease and consult on landlord/tenant concerns. UMaine Info: Update your local address on MainStreet. Register for the UMaine Emergency Alerts and weather cancellations notice at http://www.umaine.edu/umainetxt. Call 581-INFO for regular updates on parking spaces. Consider renting a locker in the Commuter lounge. The cost is $10 plus a $5 refundable key deposit per semester. Still Looking for Off-Campus Housing? Visit the CNTSP Web site at http://www.umaine.edu/cntsp/housing.html for local off-campus housing information or pick up an Off-Campus Housing Brochure in the Commuter Lounge.
M-Project Guides
for New Commuter and Non-Traditional Students
The M-Project is an exciting and interactive program that matches new students with experienced students to guide them through their first year on campus. The project goal is to ease the transition for new students by providing a reliable and friendly source of answers and first-hand information about the social and academic aspects of university life.
You don't have to learn the hard way. Get an M-Project Guide and get the inside information on shortcuts around campus, when and where to find parking, and so much more. Our current M-Project Guides include a 3rd year journalism major who commutes to school, several students with children, and a music major.
CNTSP
Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Programs
This office, located in the Commuter Lounge, provides programs, services, advocacy and support for these two (often overlapping) student populations. Commuter students are obviously the many students who do not live in University-owned property. At UMaine, this includes about 60% of the undergraduates. Non-traditional Students are those who have chosen to start or return to college several years after their high school experience. “Nontrads” are undergraduates who are 24 years or older, married, parents and/or veterans.
WELCOME BACK
COMMUTER AND NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS
Come visit the Commuter Lounge, 228 Memorial Union
Free coffee and tea all day long
Family Room
4rd Floor
Hannibal Hamlin Hall
Open 9AM to 5PM
Monday Through Friday
A quiet, family friendly, private space.
Comfortable couches
A small 'fridge
Wireless access for your laptop
First Friday Bagels
FREE bagels, coffee and juice
8AM-'till they're gone
Commuter Lounge
September 4, 2009
donated by
Come join us on the first Friday of every month.
What's On Wednesday?
Come learn more about what UMaine has for you. Join us in the Commuter Lounge every Wednesday at 3PM (new time) for light refreshments and a casual conversation with staff from the many UMaine programs and services.
Wednesday, Sept. 2
An informal session with First & Second Year Programs staff. This office has many resources to assist students through the transitions of these first two years.
Wednesday, Sept. 9
Parking and Transportation
Alan Stormann will visit the Commuter Lounge and provide resources and information to help you avoid parking tickets.
Would you like to work for CNTSP? Are you funded for work-study? Contact Barbara Smith on FirstClass