Division of Lifelong Learning

The Division of Lifelong Learning provides lifelong learning opportunities that reflect the University’s outreach mission and land-grant heritage by offering instructional delivery systems tailored for external constituents, such as off-campus or after hours live instruction; web-based courses; interactive television and video conferencing; computer conferencing and other forms of electronic instruction. The Division provides a broad range of programs and services to meet the needs of degree seeking professionals, and adult learners as well as students through the University of Maine System and selected students in Maine high schools qualified to take college classes. It serves matriculated degree candidates, students with time conflicts between classes and other responsibilities, multi-campus students, and adults considering a return to pursue a college degree, and it provides an important link between the University of Maine and Maine’s citizens and workers. Established in 1996, the Division is composed of Bureau of Labor Education, Conference Services, Continuing and Online Education, the Diversity Leadership Institute, the Hutchinson Center, Maine Studies, Peace and Reconciliation Studies, Summer University and Winter Sessions, and the Women’s Resource Center. For further information: dll.umaine.edu/ or call (207) 581-3113.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS:

Bachelor of University Studies
Minor in Labor Studies
Minor in Maine Studies
Minor in Peace and Reconciliation Studies
Certificate in Classical Studies
Certificate in Environmental Horticulture Studies
Certificate in Equine Studies
Certificate in Maine Studies
Certificate in Peace and Reconciliation Studies
Certificate in Studies in Accounting

Bureau of Labor Education

The Bureau of Labor Education (BLE), established in 1966 by the 102nd Maine Legislature and the Trustees of the University of Maine, is guided by the principle that education is a necessary and vital component of a democratic society, as well as a lifelong process. The BLE conducts educational programs, presentations, and research on labor and labor-related issues of interest to workers, students, educators, leaders and staff of union organizations, and public policy makers, and through the publication of briefing papers, the Bureau analyzes important public policy issues. Through teaching, research and public service, the Bureau helps Maine workers and others assess their own situation in relation to the global, economic, political and social environment. The BLE offers labor studies courses entitled: LST 101 - Introduction to Labor Studies and LST 201 - Work and Labor in a Global Environment. For further information: dll.umaine.edu/ble or call (207) 581-4124.

Conference Services
Conference Services furthers the academic mission of the University of Maine by bringing together participant groups and qualified resource people to share information and ideas, identify best practices, develop new skills and insights, and to find solutions to current problems. It accomplishes this by professionally coordinating a rich and diverse selection of conferences, meetings, seminars and symposia annually, thereby showcasing the University’s facilities and resources through its research, and educational endeavors. Conference Services is responsible for the administration of CEUs for all externally initiated non-credit programs. For further information: www.umaine.edu/conferences or call (207) 581-4092.

University of Maine Hutchinson Center

The Hutchinson Center, located in Belfast, one hour south of the University of Maine’s Orono campus, provides educational opportunities including access to courses that meet UMaine general education requirements, bachelor’s degrees and graduate degrees. Credit and non-credit courses are delivered live, online or via videoconference technology. A state-of-the art telecommunications facility, with high tech biology and chemistry labs, art studio, and air-conditioned classrooms, the Hutchinson Center also hosts many community conferences and meetings.

For further information: The Hutchinson Center, 80 Belmont Avenue, Belfast ME 04914, (207) 338-8000/1-800-753-9044, Fax: (207)338-8031 or on the web at www.hutchinsoncenter.umaine.edu.

Women’s Resource Center
The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) promotes and maintains a close relationship between the women on the University of Maine campus and women in the larger Maine community. Located at 102 Fernald Hall, the WRC works with women of all ages WRC offers mentoring opportunities with women activists; organizes initiatives to support economic equity for women including support for women in underrepresented career fields; gender equity programs for college students, staff, pre-college girls and educators; and organizes education and action to support reproductive rights. Leadership, skill development and research opportunities are available to University of Maine undergraduate and graduate students through the WRC. The Center serves as a resource for individuals and organizations, offering information and referrals for women’s programs and services, on and off campus in order to create a broader understanding of the diverse experiences of all women. The Center provides an accessible meeting space for small groups, collaboration with the Student Women’s Association, and information about events of interest to women. For more information: www.wrc.umaine.edu/ or call (207) 581-1508.

University of Maine Diversity Leadership Institute (UMDLI)
Established in 2004, as a program of the Division of Lifelong Learning, the UMDLI offers opportunities for members to participate in diversity leadership education that provides personal growth and prepares them to act as social change agents for the campus and their communities. The program examines the concepts of discrimination, racism, privilege, prejudice, and stereotyping; allows participants to assess their perceptions about themselves and others with regard to differences; and explores the importance of diversity on campus; looks at how diversity enhances the environment; provides participants with skills to assist in developing and enhancing student, faculty, and staff awareness of racial, ethnic and cultural issues in higher education; and provides the structure to build and nurture ongoing relationships, dialogues, and support systems through an active, growing alumni/alumnae group (alums) that is a catalyst for influencing campus decision-making and goal setting. For more information: contact devon@maine.edu or visit umaine.edu/umdli/