HR - FAQ for New Employees

Office of Human Resources

I am lost! Where is? How do I get to? There is are over two hundred buildings on campus and eighteen miles of road. It is easy to get lost or not be available to find a particular place on campus. There are call boxes around campus for you to use. At orientation you will receive a map of campus.

Campus Map

Alphabetical List of all buildings

What is the campus parking policy? Is parking free? Except for a limited number of short term visitor parking slots, parking on the University of Maine campus is by permit only. Parking is not free. Permits cover the calendar year and can be purchased in the Student Service Center at the Memorial Union. Visit the Parking website for more details.
What is PeopleSoft? What is MaineStreet? PeopleSoft, MaineStreet, Campus Solutions are all the same thing. The official name is MaineStreet. It is the road to on-line access in the University of Maine System. Through the MaineStreet portal, faculty, staff, students, and prospective students will find the University System's enterprise-wide administrative computing system. This new computing system incorporates software developed by a Oracle® (formerly PeopleSoft®). This software is a web-based program that integrates Human Resources, Financial Management, and Campus Solutions (Student Administration) services into one central administrative computing system. You will use your UNET account to sign in. You can activate the account by visiting the IT help center in Shibles Hall.
What do I use MaineStreet? How do I access it? Every employee can access information regarding their salary, leave balances, paycheck, and demographic data through PeopleSoft. You can make address, phone number, and direct deposit changes online. For more information on MaineStreet, visit http://www.maine.edu/system/mainestreet/.
To access MainStreet go to http://mainestreet.maine.edu.
When will I receive my first paycheck? How often do I get paid? It will all depend on what classification you are. Talk to your supervisor or contact payroll.
What is a MaineCard? How do I get one? The MaineCard is the University of Maine ID. Eligible and valid cardholders are full or part time students, faculty and staff. While you are associated with the University, the MaineCard is the only card you will need on campus. It has many functions and can be used at various areas across campus. It will give you access to the dining commons, serves as a Library card and a UMaine debit card. You can get your MaineCard at the Student Service Center located in room 143 of the Memorial Union. They can also be reached at (207) 581-CARD or online.
How do I report time off? You must report all time off via MaineStreet or with your supervisor.
How much sick time and vacation time am I allowed? Sick and vacation time will vary on what unit you are in or how long you have worked for UMS. You can view your vacation and sick balances via MaineStreet. What you have earned and balances will also appear on your check.
What is my work schedule? Usual work hours are from 8am - 4:30pm. Please review your job description and appointment letter or check with your supervisor.
What is my email address? How do I access my email? As a University of Maine employee you will have two email addresses. Your maine.edu address is called your UNET/UMS account. You can access your UMS mail by going to mail.maine.edu. Your UMIT account is accessed by using FirstClass. For more information on email addresses visit: http://www.umaine.edu/hr/newemployees/emailaddr.htm
When and what is New Employee Orientation? The date for your new employee orientation will be stated in your appointment letter. Visit the new employee orientation web page for times and complete agenda.
What is my health and dental insurance benefit? Visit the benefits new employees web page for complete details.
Is there childcare available at the University? Yes, there are childcare services available. More information can be found on the Children’s Center website.
How do I register for classes? Do the classes have to be work related? Contact the Continuing Education office at 581-3143 or visit their website. Classes do not have to be work related. Any classes you take during your regular work schedule, you will need to make your time up.
What kind of activities and events can I expect on campus? There are many daily, weekly, and yearly activities and events at the University. Events range from movie nights, to karaoke, to First Year Family Day, to Winter Carnival, to the always popular Maine Day. A full list can be found on the Campus Activities and Events website.