President, Robert A. Kennedy
 

I am pleased to have the opportunity to share some thoughts with you in this introduction to the UMaine Student Handbook.  Through the course of my career, I have been fortunate to work at some of the finest universities in the U.S.  In terms of ability, work ethic and aspirations, UMaine students are among the very best I have encountered.

As the state's largest institution of higher learning, UMaine offers many of the advantages of larger public universities. At the same time, it is small enough that people in our community really get to know each other.  I believe that this provides for an ideal learning and living experience.  From time to time, you may hear somebody refer to UMaine as being the state's flaghship university.  That is a designation, from the University of Maine System, that means this university has specific statewide responsibility to provide high quality undergraduate and graduate education, research and community outreach.  By fulfilling these responsibilities, we are able to enhance the experience offered to UMaine students.  Research is a good example.  Many UMaine students, in various academic disciplines, have the opportunity to work on research projects. In doing so, those students are exposed the the leading edge of understanding in their chosen field.

Of course, a college experience is much more than what happens in the classroom or laboratory.  I hope you will take advantage of the many activities, programs and services that can help to make your time at UMaine as fulfilling as possible.  Whether you join a student organization, make a connection to a community group of some kind, or attend a game or performance, you will find that exploring the available opportunities will make your time at UMaine more enjoyable and more educational.

 Please know that I am pleased that you are a part of the UMaine community.  We strive to make this a positive, affirming place, one where all of us who study and work feel that we are connected and valued.  If we're successful in creating that type of atmosphere, we will have taken great strides toward providing the experience that the members of our community truly deserve.

Sincerely,

 

Robert A. Kennedy,  President