Student and Campus Services

Student Affairs Office

The Student Affairs staff serves students in many areas of University life and is available for assistance or referral regarding any question or problem a student may have. These staff members address personally topics including co-curricular activities, orientation, career exploration, residential life, and many personal concerns while referring students to additional University and community resources as appropriate. Located in Cyr Hall, the office coordinates most aspects of student life outside of academics.

Excused and Unexcused Absence Policy and Procedures

The UMFK administrators and faculty agree that attendance to class, laboratory, clinical and field experiences are crucial to student success. We also appreciate that there are university-sanctioned events that warrant excused absence from class, laboratory, clinical and field experiences. The UMFK student body includes many student leaders and student athletes who serve as ambassadors for our campus.

The intent of this policy is to provide students the opportunity to participate in UMFK-sponsored events such as UMFK athletic competitions, board meetings or field trips without penalization. Students who require an excused absence for extenuating circumstances such as legal issues, a death in the family or hospitalization/illness must contact the Student Affairs office to initiate the excused absence. Faculty are informed of extenuating circumstances by staff in the Student Affairs office and determine if the absence is excused or unexcused.

Faculty members specify their unexcused absence policy as part of the syllabus distributed at the beginning of the course. Faculty are encouraged to define an unexcused absence (e.g. partial marks for late arrivals or early departures from class, lab, clinical or field experience).

Students do bear responsibility for and must demonstrate accountability to their academic success and plan of study. Students will adhere to the procedures outlined below when serving as a representative of UMFK at a university-sanctioned event.

Procedures:

1. Students must notify their faculty member(s) of expected or planned absences. While faculty agree to not penalize students for participation in university-sanctioned activities, students and faculty also understand that some critical learning experiences require in-person attendance and cannot be rescheduled.
2. Absences may be harmful to the student’s academic success. Students work with their faculty to develop a mutually agreed upon plan to complete all coursework in a timely fashion. Ideally, all work that will be missed due to an excused absence will be completed and submitted on an agreed upon due date. Students may be instructed to complete an alternative assignment(s).
3. Faculty will be informed in a timely manner as to which students will be granted an excused absence, including event, dates, times and roster of students when these students are attending university sanctioned events. When students are absent due to extenuating circumstances, the faculty determine if the absence is excused or unexcused.

Student Conduct

UMFK shares a Student Code of Conduct with all other campuses and institutions within the University of Maine System. The purpose of this policy is to promote the intellectual, ethical, and physical development of people within the University of Maine System, including at UMFK. The Code articulates the expectation that students conduct themselves with proper regard for their rights and responsibilities, and the rights and responsibilities of others including the University. All members of the University community share accountability for maintaining an environment where actions are guided by mutual respect, integrity, and reason.

The procedures outlined in the Code seek to promote the safety of persons engaging in those pursuits, the free and peaceful expression of ideas, and the integrity of academic processes. Students whose behavior does not conform to these standards may face disciplinary action following due process. Complete student life policies and disciplinary procedures are contained in the current UMFK Student Handbook and the University of Maine System Student Conduct Code. This policy is reviewed annually and adjusted as appropriate.

Sexual Assault Policy

The University of Maine at Fort Kent will not tolerate any form of rape or sexual assault. Any unwanted physical contact, or threat of such contact, constitutes sexual assault. Alcohol, drugs, peer group pressure, consent on a previous occasion, or ignorance of University policy will not serve as justification for such actions.

Trained members of the Student Affairs and Office of Equal Opportunity provide information activities open to all students on the subject of sexual assault and safety in addition to mandatory orientation sessions. These presentations are provided in conjunction with local health care agencies and social service organizations. Additionally, resident assistants undergo a training session on sexual assault during the annual Resident Assistant training program.

In the event of a sexual assault or rape, students should seek the support and assistance of another person immediately. The University provides a number of resource people including the Confidential Resource Advisor and the Student Affairs staff who may assist students initially, all of whom are aware of the need for sensitivity and privacy. Students may also use the Maine Sexual Assault Helpline by calling 1-800-871-7741.

More information regarding UMFK’s Sexual Assault Policy can be found in the Student Affairs Handbook.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment of either employees or students is a violation of federal and state laws. It is the policy of the University of Maine System that no member of the University community may sexually harass another. In accordance with its policy of complying with non-discrimination laws, the University of Maine System regards freedom from sexual harassment as an individual student right that will be safeguarded as a matter of policy. UMFK supports the UMS definition of sexual harassment as including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, including sexual assault and sexual violence.  Sexual harassment, including sexual assault, can involve persons of the same or opposite sex. Consistent with the law, this policy prohibits two types of sexual harassment: tangible employment or educational action (quid pro quo) and the creation of a hostile environment. Any employee or student will be subject to disciplinary action for violation of this policy. Procedures describing the policy and its enforcement is available to each student and staff member in the University of Maine System Procedures for Title IX Sexual Harassment. Incidents of sexual harassment should be reported promptly to a campus EEO officer, or to the Student Affairs Office.

Student Senate

UMFK’s Student Senate is an autonomous student government funded directly by student fees. The Senate nominates students for appointment to various UMFK committees, coordinates cultural and social functions, allocates student activity funds, advises administrative offices of student concerns and opinions through working with the Student Affairs Office.

The Student Senate and the Student Affairs Office support and encourage the development of viable activities and organizations. Active organizations are listed in the UMFK Student Handbook and website. To be a recognized student organization, student groups must register through the Student Affairs Office by completing forms available there and approved by the Senate. Organizations are then eligible to request funding from the Senate.

Students considering participation in extracurricular organizations and/or activities should be aware that a minimum grade point average of 2.0 is required of all active members of all clubs and organizations, as well as all varsity sports team members during each semester. Members of the Student Senate are required to have a minimum of 2.5 cumulative grade point average.

Experiential Learning and Recreation

The Office of Experiential Learning and Recreation is the hub for student-centered activities, entertainment, and enrichment at UMFK. Staff and student members strive to engage students on many levels, and ensure a healthy, inspiring, and thrilling experience while attending the University. Its mission is to create activities that are exciting and cover a broad range of topics including cultural and social diversity, environmental stewardship, community engagement, personal health and development. Drawing upon campus, local and regional resources-both outdoor and indoor-this office promotes student learning about oneself and the world around UMFK through tactile presence and participation. Examples of activities include themed parties, out of town excursions, relaxation events, musical performances, bonfires, cultural food and dance nights, exercise opportunities, and much more.

Other functions of the Experiential Learning and Recreation Office include maintaining an official activities calendar while working in conjunction with the Student Affairs office to plan and implement New Student Orientations. The Manager also works closely with Residential Life staff to implement various residential activities and educational programs. In conjunction with the Student Activities Board, which is organized by students, the office also put on many large events, such as a Super Bowl Party and student-centered Homecoming events.

Athletics, Recreation, and Intramurals

The UMFK Sports Center is the focal point of athletics and recreation on campus. This multi-purpose facility is the setting for intercollegiate athletics, recreation, and intramural activities such as basketball, volleyball, and weightlifting.

Intercollegiate athletics at UMFK includes soccer, volleyball, basketball, and track and field. UMFK competes in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). Most practices and games are scheduled in the late afternoon and evening hours, as well as on the weekends, to allow more students to play and support Bengal athletic activities. For varsity college athletic competitions, all student athletes are required to have proof of medical insurance before they begin practicing.

Intramural competition includes team sports such as basketball, softball, volleyball, indoor soccer, and floor hockey. Fitness and wellness classes offer additional opportunities for students to stay fit and healthy throughout the year.

Residential Life

Residence Life serves as an important component of many UMFK students’ academic and social development. The residence halls provide a setting that helps shape students’ attitudes, readiness to learn, and overall quality of life on campus. Furthermore, at UMFK, Residence Life plays an important part in the growth and development of students transitioning from late adolescence to young adulthood while offering convenience and security for those beyond this age group. Studies at the university and across the country have proven that students who live in a residence hall environment do better in college than their counterparts who choose to live off campus or commute from home.

Currently student may choose between two residence halls. Crocker, a traditional-style residence hall, offers double occupancy rooms with shared bathrooms on each corridor, a T.V. lounge, a game room, fitness room, and two study lounges. The second residence hall is the Lodge, offering suite-style living. The majority of the suites at the Lodge house four people in two separate bedrooms with a few other configurations. Each suite contains a private bathroom facility, a common area, and a partial kitchen with a sink, full refrigerator, and cabinets; there is no range, oven or dishwasher. All bedrooms have a closet/wardrobe, a desk and chair, and a bureau per person. The University provides an Ethernet port if a student decides to bring a T.V. or a computer, while the entire University campus offers wireless access. There is also a public lounge, game room, and several study rooms. Laundry facilities are located in both buildings, and are completely free to and reserved for residents.

The University has dedicated staff residing in the residence halls. These staff members manage and life within the halls while closely coordinating their operation with Facilities Maintenance while sponsoring many hall and campus enrichment activities. Additionally, the Residence Life staff ensures compliance with University policies such as quiet hours and the UMS Code of Conduct. Please refer to the Residence Life website for details and various forms.

Residential Housing Policy

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is committed to ensuring the academic and personal success of its students. On-campus housing can make a world of difference in what students take away from their college experience while enhancing their likelihood of success. The benefits of living on campus are especially significant for students who are in their first year of college. Research demonstrates that those students who live on campus during their first year:

• have higher grade point averages,
• make a smoother transition from high school to college,
• have higher retention and graduation rates,
• report greater satisfaction with their college experience, and
• make better use of the educational and support services provided by their universities than commuter or off-campus students.

Consistent with this perspective and to ensure the quality of the first-year experience, the University of Maine at Fort Kent requires all first-year students to live in on-campus housing. Students who begin the fall term will need to live in on-campus housing during the fall and spring terms. Students enrolling in the spring term will need to live on campus during that first spring term and during the next term the student is enrolled (summer or fall).

Exemptions from this residency requirement will be considered based upon the criteria listed below. Incoming students must be accepted and confirmed to the University before they may submit an exemption request. All requests must be submitted online to the umfk.reslife@maine.edu email along with supporting documentation (see below). Students under the age of 18 as of the first day of class who wish to request an exemption must submit a letter from a parent or guardian indicating awareness of and consent to this exemption request to live off-campus or commute from home.

Exemption Criteria

1. Mileage - Students who live with a parent or legal guardian within an easy commuting distance (30-mile radius of campus). Proof of a permanent address is required (official mail received at the permanent address). The towns at the limits of this radius are:
   1. Winterville, ME - South Route 11
   2. New Sweden, ME - South Route 161
   3. Grand Isle, ME - East Route 1
   4. Allagash, ME - West Route 161
   5. Rivere Verte, NB - East TransCanada Highway
   6. Quebec Border - North
2. 21 years of age - Students who are at least 21 years of age by the first day of classes may request an exemption. A birth certificate will be required.
3. Married or domestically partnered - Copies of the marriage certificate or certificate of registration of domestic partnership are required.
4. Parent to Legally Dependent Children - Verification of the dependent child’s custody by the student or the child’s birth certificate are required.
5. Veteran - Copies of the service verification are required.
6. Transfer Student - Defined as students who transferred from a different college or university with 24+ credits (not to include credits a student may have completed while in high school). A transcript from the previous institution is required.
7. Other - Exceptional circumstances that may not permit a student to meet the requirement, with supporting documentation attached.

Student Email Use Policy

In order to meet the academic and administrative needs of the University community, the University of Maine at Fort Kent has established email as a primary means of official communication to all of its students, accepted and/or enrolled. Students are required to activate and regularly monitor their official university assigned email account. It is a violation of University policies for any user of official email addresses to impersonate a University office, faculty/staff member, or student.

Student Expectations and Responsibilities

• Students are responsible for activating their assigned University email account. The Account Activation web site https://itsupport.maine.edu has been designed for this purpose.
• Students are expected to check their email on a frequent (daily) basis in order to stay current with University-related communications.
• Students have the responsibility to recognize that certain communications may be time-critical.
• Students should not assume that email is private and confidential. Students should never use email to communicate confidential or sensitive information. To minimize risk, confidential information may be made available through special links that are password protected. The University will never ask for student passwords.
• While the University strongly advises that students not redirect email that is sent to their University email account, students may have their University email redirected from their official @maine.edu address to another email address but at their own risk. Having email redirected does not release a student from the responsibilities associated with the official communication sent to their @maine.edu account. Error due to forwarding or redirecting mail, insufficient mailbox space, or email returned to the University for any reason may result in missing notifications or deadlines that have been distributed via email.
• Students with disabilities should work with the Student Support Services Office so that the University can accommodate both the students’ and the University’s needs in regard to this policy.

Illegal File Downloading and Bandwidth Use

• All students who use the UMFK computer network must be aware that downloading music, movies, images, and other digital, copyright-protected files without paying for them is illegal. Doing so constitutes the theft of copyright protected material and is punishable by serious fines. Watchdog companies and agencies that monitor computer networks and IP addresses inform us when someone on our network is downloading copyright protected songs, movies, and other material. These activities are illegal and are in violation of the UMS Student Conduct Code. Recently, several University of Maine System students, including some from UMFK, were charged with illegal downloading by the Recording Industry Association of America. Those alleged infractions have resulted in lawsuits that include thousands of dollars in fines. This is a serious matter and the excuse that “everybody does it” is not a legitimate one. As proprietors of the computer network, UMFK is required to respond to these infractions. Please understand we are doing this not only for our protection, but yours as well. The following are the sanctions for illegal downloading on the UMFK computer network.
  • 1st Offense - Your access to our network will be suspended until you are able to talk to the Dean of Students who will give you an official warning. After this warning, your access will be suspended for one full calendar week: commencing on the day of your consultation with the Dean of Students or their designee.
  • 2nd Offense - You will be charged for violating the UMS Student Conduct Code and the sanction will include a 90-day suspension of your network access. Please note this suspension will not prevent you from completing academic work on our campus computers in our labs, but it will prevent access from your personal computer in the residence halls or at home.
  • 3rd Offense - You will be charged for violating the UMS Student Conduct Code and you will be permanently suspended from our network.
• Remember, downloading a song or movie illegally is stealing; just like shoplifting in a department store is stealing. If you are downloading material illegally, stop immediately. It is important to remove any programs that allow for such activity from your computer. Do not allow others to use your computer for such activity. You are the person responsible for your computer and your log-in information. If someone else perpetrates illegal activity on your computer or with your log-in, you will be held responsible.

University Expectations and Responsibilities

• The University has an Account Activation web site specially designed for the student to activate their email account.
• The University’s Academic and Administrative offices will not use email to communicate confidential or sensitive information. To minimize risk, confidential information may be made available through special links that are password protected or sent via USPS. Only “Official” University business that does not contain personal or sensitive information will be communicated via email.
• The University reserves the right to use email as the only form of communicating “Official” University business to students. The originating Academic or Administrative department will select the form of communication best suited to a particular announcement and targeted group(s). The originating Academic or Administrative department is responsible for the content of “Official” communication to students.
• The originating Academic or Administrative department is responsible for getting time-sensitive materials to students via their University email address using the University approved software application.
• The University will work with the Student Support Services Office located in the Student Success Center to ensure that the University accommodates both the students’ and the University’s needs in regards to this policy.

Health Services

UMFK provides physical health and wellness services through a partnership with Fish River Rural Health. More information about the services offered will be made available soon.

Library

The Blake Library, easily identified by its bell tower, provides thousands of resources in online and traditional formats as well as services for students and faculty in their academic life at the University of Maine at Fort Kent.

Faculty, students, and staff can find over five million titles across the state of Maine through the online LibrarySearch and MaineCat catalog systems. The campus community has access to over 65,000 electronic journals and over 200,000 eBooks, as well as to subject-specific and general databases providing indexed and full-text materials from any computer with internet access, on and off campus. Through the University of Maine System Libraries (UMSL) consortium agreement, Blake Library patrons can view and, in many cases, download to external devices eBooks that support the various programs taught at UMFK. Furthermore, library staff provide DVDs, audiobooks, laptops, headphones, and other devices and tools that offer support for the university’s programs, as well as downtime fun for the campus community.

Within the library, there are open and quiet areas and dedicated rooms that offer space for group and individual work. Additionally, the library provides scanning, research, and printer stations along with desktop computers that include the computer programs needed for class assignments and research.

Finally, library staff are dedicated to helping students, faculty, and staff with Interlibrary loans, reserves, and reference services, as well as providing help on computer issues and portfolios. These services share a common theme of helping people find the information and tools they require for assignments and research, and even for non-academic-related needs. Library hours and staff contacts may be viewed on the Blake Library web page.

Acadian Archives/Archives Acadiennes

New England’s premier center for the study of Acadian life, the Acadian Archives, is located in Powell Hall next to Blake Library. The Archives serve as a repository for the cultural heritage of the St. John Valley and as a cultural hub. Collections include a variety of manuscript materials-correspondence, diaries, government reports, maps, newspapers, and photographs-that document more than two centuries of French heritage in our borderland region. Additionally, the Archives are home to the most comprehensive genealogical collection in the St. John Valley, a wealth of audiovisual materials, physical artifacts, and circulating books covering the Valley and the wider Acadian world.

Visitors can expect to see rare historical items on display and receive assistance with a variety of research questions-in English and in French. Friendly staff are available to assist UMFK students with any research project pertaining to the region. Online databases, a scanner, and a microfilm reader are also available to students, university staff, and the general public.

As a cultural center, the Archives regularly host free events that are open to all: book talks and readings, exhibits, educational presentations, musical events, genealogical workshops, and much more. In recent years, Archives staff have played a key role in organizing UMFK’s sucrerie. They also represent the university at the Ploye Festival, the Madawaska Acadian Festival, and other public events held in the Valley and beyond.

The Archives are open year-round, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Statutory holidays and special events may affect these hours, however. To learn more about this incomparable center or about the Valley’s history and culture, please drop by or visit the Archives’ website: https://www.umfk.edu/offices/archives/. Inquiries are also welcome by phone (207-834-7535) or via e-mail (acadian@maine.edu).

Career Services

The University of Maine at Fort Kent recognizes career development as a process that begins in a student’s first year and continues through to graduation. Students are introduced to career planning during Orientation and may use the Career Services Office and resources immediately. The Career Services Coordinator leads an overview of the process and promotes the basic components of a resume. This introduction allows students to create a basic resume that can be utilized and updated throughout their undergraduate career for internships, externships, preceptorships, career fairs, and job/career opportunities.  The Career Service Office wants students to see the value in using their 4 years at UMFK to define their career skills and be intentional in the way they invest their time developing useful skills as they discern their career path.  

The Career Services Coordinator and student workers promote the use of their resources by students as soon as possible. These include occupational interest inventories (O*Net), a career information library and resource center, and other helpful information and materials. Resume, cover letter, and interviewing workshops are available throughout the school year to help students become familiar with different formats and styles employers expect to receive from college graduates.

Also, staff members encourage students to seek personal career and/or graduate school counseling to identify procedures and processes with regards to applications, personal statements, resumes, cover letters, curricula vitae, etc. before submitting application materials for a job or graduate program.  The Career Service Office coordinates with employers to visit campus, attend networking events and host on campus interviews.  

UMFK’s LinkedIn page keeps students up to date on current job openings and volunteer opportunities, along with career preparation tips, upcoming activities and events. In addition, the Career Services Office hosts an annual Career Week when employers and professionals come to campus and engage with the students. There are various events such as the Annual Resume Writing Contest, Mock Interviews and a Networking event.

In partnership with the University of Maine System, UMFK students have access to the CareerLink database, and they are automatically enrolled in this free service. The Career Services office sends out details on how to set up an account via email to all students, underlining the importance of checking it daily. CareerLink for a University of Maine at Fort Kent student is primarily used for searching for internships, summer jobs, and full-time careers following graduation.  There are so many opportunities to explore!

Student Employment Program - Work Study

A student’s learning experiences extend beyond the classroom. The Student Employment Program at UMFK offers students the opportunity to develop beneficial work experience while attending classes. Students can contribute to their education fund while learning skills that will benefit them both the classroom and in the working world.

Each year at UMFK approximately 200 students are employed through the Student Employment Program. On-campus departments/offices hire students to work throughout the academic year and summer. Supervisors and students are aware of their responsibilities and encourage students to be active in making the employment experience a positive one.

In the spring semester, UMFK recognizes a Student Employee of the Year.  Supervisors, faculty and/or staff nominate individuals for this award, based on the following criteria:

• Be currently enrolled at UMFK through the Spring semester
• Be a degree seeking part-time/full-time student
• Be a FWS, UWS or Department Funded student employee
• Complete all required Student Employment compliance trainings
• Maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 2.5

The Career Services Coordinator undertakes the following: helps students find open work-study positions; advises students on other student employment options available on campus; assist students on how to present in a professional manner when searching for a job and/or when employed; provide skills and tips on how students can build their transferable skills; and act as a liaison between student and supervisors, particularly on campus. For more information on the types of work study see “Work Program Information” in the Financial Aid section of this catalog.

Student Success Center

The Success Center is an open learning environment that engages students for success, while maintaining a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where students can collaborate with peers, tutors, faculty, and staff. We provide the necessary resources that empower students to become independent and resourceful learners as they pursue their academic, career and personal goals, while encouraging students to become lifelong learners and active members of their communities.

Located on the second floor of Powell Hall, the Student Success Center provides:

• A centralized location for students to receive academic support services and
• A quiet place to study in small group settings

Tutoring Services

Tutoring Services are available to all students for UMFK courses via peer tutors, individually and in small groups. Tutoring is designed to help students who need reassurance, may be struggling with content, are falling behind in class, or need additional help. Schedule a tutoring appointment - https://mycampus.maine.edu/group/umfk/tutoring.

Writing Center

Peer writing tutoring is available free of charge to all students at UMFK. Importantly, this is not a drop off editing service. Rather, it is a collaborative effort between the student and tutor to improve written work. The best method for paper reviews is to use the online submission at (https://mycampus.maine.edu/group/umfk/writing-assistance-form) or by calling the Student Success Center at 207- 834-7530. Drop-in hours vary and are posted each semester.

Academic and Personal Counseling Services

Counseling Services are available to all UMFK students who may be experiencing challenges managing stress, conflict, relationships, or academic problems. Students are encouraged to take advantage of private, personal, and confidential counseling. There are different options available to students who wish to access services.

Both non-clinical & clinical personal counseling is offered in the Student Support Services office located in the Student Success Center. Students also have access to clinical counseling in the Student Health Clinic at UMFK, located in Nadeau Hall. If students choose, they may also access clinical counseling from a number of different community providers located in Fort Kent.

TRIO Student Support Services Program

Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded program which is available to UMFK students who meet guidelines determined by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Student Support Services office is committed to assisting students to achieve the best possible academic and personal experience at UMFK. Our mission is to support low income, first-generation, and/or disabled students, under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act, who have potential to meet the challenges of higher education by strengthening and developing their academic and self-management skills. Our focus is to ensure that our participants in the program have a realistic chance to persist in school and graduate from the University of Maine at Fort Kent. To accomplish these objectives, we provide services to enhance students’ academic success, personal skills, and social skills. Providing services in these areas corresponds to the University’s mission to prepare students for lifelong learning and success as professionals and engaged citizens of a democracy.

A student may apply anytime during the year to be part of the program, and participants are selected once a year, usually during the fall semester. Students in the TRIO program have access to all the above services; however, they have additional services to support student success. These additional services include academic advising, financial literacy, financial aid assistance, grant aid, career counseling, graduate school counseling, laptop loan program, book lending program, student leadership development, and cultural events.

Students who meet eligibility guidelines may apply to be part of TRIO’s Student Support Services program which is supported by a Title IV, US Department of Education grant. To be eligible for assistance, a student must be a citizen or national of the US, a permanent resident of the US, or provide evidence that he/she is in the US with the intention of becoming a citizen. A student must demonstrate a need for academic support, and provide evidence that he/she is low-income, a first-generation college student, and/or is disabled under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Disability Services

The University of Maine at Fort Kent does not discriminate on the basis of disabilities in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities. Students with a documented disability, who need academic accommodations, are encouraged to meet with the Accessibility Coordinator located in the Learning Center in 2^nd Floor of Powell Hall. To ensure the timely availability of accommodation, students should request services well in advance of the start of the semester.

It is the policy of the University of Maine at Fort Kent to provide reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with disabilities. Federal law, the Rehabilitation Act of 1993, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Maine Human Rights Act established the rights of individuals with disabilities. These laws provide that the recipients of federal funds, employers, and places of public access, shall make reasonable accommodation to the known physical and mental limitations of an otherwise qualified person with a disability.

Procedures for Requesting Accommodations

Student accommodations will vary according to the student’s needs and the specific requirements of each course or activity; therefore, accommodation requests must be made by the student prior to beginning of each new semester. Students are encouraged to request accommodations as soon as they know their class schedule for the upcoming semester. On occasion, some accommodations may take several weeks to implement.

1. Students and prospective students with physical, mental, or learning disabilities should contact the Accessibility Coordinator located in the Learning Center to discuss their academic needs, and the accommodation process.
2. Each student must provide current documentation of their disability and accommodation needs from a qualified medical or licensed professional evaluator if the disability is not readily apparent. This documentation should describe the nature, longevity, and severity of symptoms, as well as the impact which the disability has on the learning process. Documentation should include a diagnosis, current functional limitations, a description of current and/or previous accommodations and recommendations for current accommodations, adaptive devices and/or technology. All documentation is considered confidential.
3. If the request for accommodations is for a specific course or activity that is not offered through the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the request and documentation will be sent to the office which handles services for students with disabilities on that particular campus. Students are encouraged to contact that office directly, as well.
4. Students may complete the Student Accommodation Request form or work with the Accessibility Coordinator to complete the form. Simply completing and submitting the form does not mean that the requested accommodations have been approved.
5. On the basis of the documentation, appropriate accommodations are determined by the campus-based Accessibility Coordinator, in consultation with the student’s health care provider and faculty, if needed.
6. When accommodations are deemed appropriate for a specific course or activity, an Accommodation Authorization form will be completed by the Accessibility Coordinator. A copy of the form is sent to the student, the student’s professor(s), and other University personnel who need to be involved in implementation.
7. Some types of accommodations, such as modifications for taking exams, require ongoing discussion between student and professor to arrange specific details. Once approved by the Accessibility Coordinator, plan ahead, and be sure everyone involved knows the plan.
8. If a student does not agree with the accommodations deemed appropriate by the Accessibility Coordinator, the student may appeal to the Equal Opportunity Office. Any problems with a student’s accommodations that occur during the semester should be discussed with the Accessibility Coordinator.

Student Success - Advising

All students in UMFK programs are assigned to advisors. UMFK has a shared faculty/professional advising model where students are assigned a faculty mentor and a professional advisor.

The purpose of the faculty mentor is to assist students in making decisions related to their college career. Effective advising requires that students and advisors recognize a joint responsibility in this process. It is the responsibility of the student to meet with their faculty mentor about academic issues or progress towards degree completion. In addition, it is the responsibility of the advisor to aid the student in issues such as course selection, academic problems, career plans, and employment expectations. Both students and advisors must be familiar with and clearly understand the requirements set forth in the specific catalog that is in effect when a student enters UMFK.

The purpose of the professional advisor is to onboard the student to the UMFK campus and provide continued support for the student through graduation.  Professional advisors are students “go to” person when questions or issues arise.  The professional advisor is responsible for ensuring that the student is familiar with the catalog including their program requirements and the academic policies; navigation of MaineStreet; providing financial literacy resources; and guiding students to the appropriate services/offices to revolve both academic and non-academic issues.

Students should be in contact with their advisors on a regular basis and should make it a point to see their faculty mentor and professional advisor at least once a semester. These contacts are critical to ensure that all program requirements are being satisfied in a timely manner and that issues that may impact academic success are resolved early. 

During the two-week early advising and registration period in the spring and fall semesters, students must meet with their faculty mentors to discuss course options for the following semester and to register for their classes during that meeting. The students should fill out their MaineStreet ‘Wish List’ prior to the meetings. The ‘Wish List’ is simply a list of courses that students would like to take during any given semester. Typically, students start to create their ‘Wish List’ a week prior to the Early Registration Period.  Professional advisors may assist students in the creation of the student’s “Wish List.”

Faculty Mentors assist students in the following areas:

1. Determination of educational goals and course selection to achieve those goals,
2. Periodic review of students’ academic progress,
3. Exploration of post-baccalaureate opportunities and requirements early in a student’s undergraduate career.

Professional Advisors assist students in the following areas:

1. Identification of factors that may have bearing on academic progress,
2. Navigating and understanding campus services and policies,
3. Developing success plans and providing day to day support.

Faculty Mentors and Professional Advisors have several responsibilities. These include, among others:

1. Establish an advising relationship with students,
2. Inform students of ways an advisor can be helpful and show interest in all aspects of their academic careers,
3. Help students make choices, fully explain consequences of alternative decisions, and give students the freedom of choice,
4. Devote time to the discussion of educational and vocational goals on the basis of individual aspirations and qualifications,
5. Assist students in course selection, process registration forms and inform them of important procedures and dates for registration, add/drop and withdrawal, and
6. Availability-students have the right to expect advisors to post their office hours, be available during those hours, and arrange meeting times that might better suit a student’s schedule.

Students have responsibilities. These include:

1. Keep the advisor informed of academic progress and consult with them early and often if difficulties or problems arise,
2. Always attend scheduled appointments with advisors. If a conflict arises, contact the faculty/staff member prior to the meeting time,
3. Consult with an advisor before making ANY course or program changes, such as add/drop, major change, or withdrawals, since this could affect financial aid,
4. Check email for messages from advisors, and
5. Always see an advisor before registering for classes.