Force of Publication/Statement of Student Responsibility
This and other official University publications constitute the student’s guide to the programs and regulations of UMFK. Enrollment implies the student understands and accepts the obligation to comply with University regulations and procedures and endeavors to meet the academic standards at Fort Kent.
The statements set forth in this catalog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as the basis of a contract between a student and UMFK. The University Catalog is published annually; however, degree requirements follow a student’s declared catalog.
While the provisions of this catalog will ordinarily be applied as stated, UMFK reserves the right to change any provision listed in this catalog, including but not limited to, academic requirements for graduation and schedules for course offerings; without actual notice to individual students. Every effort is made to keep students advised of any such changes. Information on changes is available in the Student Success and Registrar’s Offices.
It is especially important for students to understand it is their responsibility to keep themselves apprised of current graduation requirements for their particular degree, major, minor degree or certificate program(s). Degree Progress Reports (DPR) are available electronically through MaineStreet to help students stay current with degree/major/minor/certificate requirements.
This catalog is prepared to enable prospective and enrolled students, and others, to learn about UMFK. It is intended to explain policies, requirements, regulations and procedures in a manner that helps student progress through the University. Faculty, advisers, and staff at UMFK provide assistance, but ultimately the responsibility for compliance rests with the student.
Vision Statement
UMFK will transform students into professionals who have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to meet the evolving demands of a modern workforce.
Mission Statement
Located on the northernmost border of Maine, the University of Maine at Fort Kent is a career‐focused campus offering relevant, experiential, academic programs and services with personalized attention. UMFK’s diverse student population enjoys the opportunity to live and learn in a beautiful, natural setting and a caring, friendly atmosphere where they thrive as engaged members of the community.
Purpose
Building upon its historical roots and distinguishing characteristics, the University of Maine at Fort Kent:
- Was founded as the Madawaska Training School in 1878 to prepare bilingual teachers to serve the French-speaking people of Northern Aroostook County
- Is a small public institution offering quality baccalaureate and associate degree programs with a legacy of quality teaching
- Is where education meets the great outdoor environment - situated in historic Fort Kent and nestled in the Saint John River Valley, at the northern extent of the Appalachian Mountains and forests of New England, providing abundant resources for learning and research opportunities, and the joys of outdoor sports activities
- Serves the educational needs of the Saint John Valley, Aroostook County, State of Maine and responds to global trends
- Prepares well-educated, independent thinkers to live in a diverse and global society
- Talented and dedicated faculty and staff promote discovery and exploration of knowledge, life-long learning, and global citizenship through effective teaching, service, and scholarship
- Offers a curriculum that emphasizes unique challenges of rural communities in America
- Fosters an appreciation and stewardship of Northern Maine’s pristine natural environment through the Environmental Studies, Forestry, and Biology degree programs
- Preserves, cultivates, and celebrates the Franco-American/Acadian culture in the St. John Valley and houses one of two Acadian Archives/Archives acadiennes in the nation
- Is the only institution in the United States located at the center of French culture of northern Maine, northern New Brunswick, and Québec, offering opportunities for students of all ethnic and racial heritages to study and live in a bilingual community
- Is a strong social, cultural, and economic driving force in the region and promotes rural sustainable development
Location
Fort Kent, one of Maine’s northernmost towns, is the beginning of two highways: U.S. Route 1 and Route 11. The famous U.S. Route 1, a scenic route, starts in Fort Kent and passes through the easternmost towns of Maine bordering Canada and ends up in Key West, Florida. The town also serves as a gateway to the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. From the Allagash Waterway through a forested wilderness, an adventurous canoe trip will take one down to the St. John River. Excellent alpine and cross-country skiing are additional attractions of the community. Of special note is the five-minute walk from the UMFK campus to the beautiful Fish River which flows into the St. John River that serves as the international boundary between Maine and New Brunswick, Canada.
About the Campus
The University of Maine at Fort Kent is a fifty-three acre, sixteen building campus located in the heart of Fort Kent. The University is situated on a bend of the Fish River, just before it joins the St. John River. This unique setting provides a friendly, relaxed environment in which each individual is challenged by an exciting and worthwhile educational experience.
Campus buildings include Cyr Hall, which houses administrative and business offices, classrooms, a computer lab and science labs, as well as Fox Auditorium. Three resident halls, Crocker Hall, Powell Hall, and “The Lodge” have the capacity to house 300 students. Blake Library contains the university collection, computing facilities, quiet and group study spaces, and an exhibit area. Dining facilities are located in Nowland Hall. Neighboring the Ray Fournier Biological Park is the University’s Sports Center, which is equipped with racquetball courts, a weight room, a cardio room, as well as space for a variety of specialized activities. The Old Model School houses a computing lab and classrooms. Nadeau Hall houses the Nursing program, faculty offices, and a conference center. The Acadian Archives building includes a collection of materials relating to the French-Acadian heritage of the area. The Physical Plant building houses the equipment used to keep the campus attractive and well groomed. The Armory houses the Forestry Program - classrooms and a computer lab as well as the biomass heating system. The heating system provides heat and hot water to nine buildings on the main campus.
Accreditation
As part of the University of Maine System’s Unified Accreditation, UMFK is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, a non-governmental, nationally recognized organization whose affiliated institutions include elementary school systems through collegiate institutions offering post-graduate instruction.
Accreditation of an institution by the New England Commission indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of instructional quality periodically applied through a peer group review process. An accredited school or college is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future.
While institutional accreditation does not guarantee individual competence of students, it does provide reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunity available.
The Nursing program is approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing, 161 Capitol St., Augusta, Maine, 04333-0158. The Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
The Forestry program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.
Inquiries regarding the status of any of the institution’s accreditation should be directed to the Academic Affairs office. (See accreditation/approval necessary for transfer institution credits in the Transfer Credit policy).
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