Division of Lifelong Learning

The Division of Lifelong Learning’s primary mission is to create greater access to the wide range of educational opportunities offered by the University of Maine. It provides lifelong learning opportunities that reflect the University’s outreach mission and land-grant heritage by offering more flexible learning options for external constituents, such as online courses and programs, off-campus or live evening instruction; and web and video conferencing based instruction. The Division provides a broad range of programs and services to meet the needs of degree seeking professionals, adult learners, students in Maine high schools qualified to take college classes, and current undergraduate and graduate matriculated students. Established in 1996, the Division is comprised of Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL), UMaineOnline, Summer University and Winter Session, Conferences and Institutes, the Frederick Hutchinson Center (Belfast, ME), Bureau of Labor Education, College Success Programs, and the Diversity Leadership Institute. For further information: umaine.edu/dll or call 207.581.3113.

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 lifelong education is a necessary and vital component of a democratic society. The Bureau conducts educational programs and research on issues of interest to workers, labor unions and policy makers, topics have included: labor and employment law, labor history, labor relations, political economy, collective bargaining, arbitration and administrative hearing advocacy, mock arbitration, Robert’s Rules of Order, union officer training and leadership development. Through teaching, research and public service, the Bureau helps Maine workers and others assess their situation in relation to the global, economic, political and legal environment. The BLE offers an undergraduate Minor in Labor Studies as well as a Labor Studies Track that is part of the Bachelor of University Studies degree. Labor studies courses include LST 101 - Introduction to Labor Studies, LST 201 - Work and Labor in a Global Environment, and LST 298 - Topics in Labor Studies. For further information: umaine.edu/ble or call 207.581.4124.

Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning

The University of Maine provides support for faculty members and graduate students who wish to learn about, experiment with, adopt, and assess new approaches to teaching and learning. UMaine’s Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) includes learning design studios staffed with instructional designers and outfitted with video and audio production facilities. It also has resources for developing animations, graphics, and for experimenting with new technologies. CITL develops, delivers, and collaborates with other campus groups to provide workshops, programs and training for faculty and graduate students. The focus of these offerings are in areas relating to research and innovation in teaching and learning, including the use of new technologies in support of teaching. In collaboration with the UMaine Library, CITL supports faculty and academic departments wishing to replace expensive textbooks with free or open source alternatives. CITL manages the University’s Hacker Space where students and faculty can begin to explore new technologies in areas ranging from the Internet of Things, robotics, and 3D printing, among others. For further information: umaine.edu/citl or call 207.581.3333.

College Success Programs

College Success Programs (CSP) provides support to a wide array of students to assure their successful completion of a bachelor’s degree. CSP is comprised of TRIO Student Support Services, Tutor Program, and CLEP Testing Services. TRIO Student Support Services assists students at UMaine who are from low-income families, first generation college students (whose parents have not earned a bachelor’s degree), and/or students with disabilities, to earn a bachelor’s degree. The Tutor Program provides small group tutoring for UMaine students who need academic assistance in 100 and 200 level, non-web based courses. The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a division of the College Board, the people that bring us SAT and ACT testing. The University of Maine is an official CLEP testing center. For further information: umaine.edu/csp or call 207.581.2320.

Conference and Institutes

Conferences and Institutes 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 planning and coordinating a rich and diverse selection of international, national and regional programs, including academic conferences, professional development training, community events, corporate meetings and retreats, seminars and symposia annually. Conferences and Institutes is responsible for the administration of CEUs for all externally initiated non-credit programs. For further information: umaine.edu/conferences or call 207.581.4093.

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: umaine.edu/umdli or call 207.581.3113.

Early College Programs

The University of Maine is synonymous with innovative approaches to education. UMaine is proud to be the first Maine System college to recognize the crucial importance of Early College Programs for the state’s high school students aspiring to attend college. Early College means earning college credits while still enrolled in high school at NO tuition cost to the student. It is possible for an Early College student to matriculate into college with over 20 earned credits, which also lessens the amount of time the student will be in college. Nationally, the demand for Early College programs is rapidly increasing, proving that UMaine has again been the trend setter with the creation of the Academ-e program, Aspirations program, and the Bridge Year program. For more information: umaine.edu/earlycollege or call 207.581.3169.

The Frederick Hutchinson Center

The Hutchinson Center, located in Belfast, one hour south of the University of Maine’s campus, provides educational opportunities including access to courses that meet UMaine’s general education requirements, bachelor’s and graduate degrees, professional development certificate programs and workshops, a vibrant conference and institute portfolio, and cultural community programs.

Academic courses and degree programs are delivered live, online, or via video conference technology. A state-of-the art telecommunications and climate controlled facility, with high tech biology and chemistry labs, art studio, 125-seat auditorium, and comprehensive conference center, the Hutchinson Center serves as an educational and cultural hub for the midcoast community and is home to one of the largest Senior College programs in the state.

Along with being an outreach Center of the University of Maine, the Hutchinson Center provides conference, institute, workshop, and event planning services, professional development programming, full academic advising and student support services, and community educational outreach programming to local K-12 schools throughout Waldo and Knox counties.

The mission of the Hutchinson Center is to broaden access to the University of Maine’s academic degree programs and services, lifelong learning opportunities, and professional and career development experiences using innovative approaches that increase synergy among University of Maine System entities, University of Maine departments and divisions, and that engage a wider Maine community.

For further information: umaine.edu/hutchinsoncenter, 80 Belmont Avenue, Belfast ME 04914, 207.338.8000/800.753.9044.

Summer University

Summer University is an integral part of the University of Maine. Thousands of students take courses each summer. Courses are taught by the same faculty who teach during the academic year. Summer University is designed to meet the needs of regularly enrolled college students, educators throughout the state, and individuals who are looking for personal and professional growth opportunities in a variety of disciplines. Students at UMaine and other collegiate institutions can take advantage of Summer University to make up coursework, or to get ahead in their degree. Those not engaged in formal study but who wish to attend for general purposes, are also welcome to attend (some courses may have prerequisites). Credits earned in the summer may be counted towards a UMaine degree or towards requirements at other colleges and universities. Summer University extends from May to August with many scheduling options. Hundreds of courses are offered on-campus, online, and via video conferencing. For further information: umaine.edu/summeruniversity or call 207.581.3143.

Travel Study

The Division of Lifelong Learning collaborates with faculty members to offer travel study opportunities that enhance classroom learning and provide direct contact with diverse cultures in a variety of international settings. Credit is variable depending upon the length of the course and its academic requirements. Programs have included courses in Ireland, England, Italy, Honduras, Nicaragua, Quebec, Jamaica, Tanzania, France, Cuba, Mexico, Sweden, Russia, The Netherlands, and Croatia. For further information: dll.umaine.edu/travelstudy or call 207.581.3143.

UMaineOnline

UMaineOnline is the premier source for online education in Maine. UMaineOnline provides student and faculty services for all online programs and certificates offered through the University of Maine. Students can access world-class professors in a flexible online environment. More than 500 courses are available completely online each year. Online programs are delivered by leading faculty.

UMaineOnline Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Bachelor of University Studies (BUS)
Minor in Child Development and Family Relations
Minor in Labor Studies
Minor in Maine Studies
Minor in Political Science

For further information: umaine.edu/online or call 207.581.5858.

Winter Session

Winter Session is an integral part of the University of Maine, and of the University’s Think 30 program. Courses are taught by the same faculty who teach during the academic year. Students can take advantage of Winter Session to make up coursework, or to get ahead in their degree. Those not engaged in formal study but who wish to attend for general purposes are also welcome to attend (some courses may have prerequisites). Credits earned in the winter may be counted towards a UMaine degree or towards requirements at other colleges and universities. All courses are offered in a condensed and intensive fully online 3-week format. Students taking a Winter Session course should be prepared to dedicate 30-40 hours per week on their course. For further information: umaine.edu/wintersession or call 207.581.3143.