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 or weekend 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, early college students, and current undergraduate and graduate matriculated students. Established in 1996, the Division is comprised of the Bachelor of University Studies, UMaineOnline, Summer University and Winter Session, the Frederick Hutchinson Center (Belfast, ME), Bureau of Labor Education, Early College Programs, Travel Study, and the Diversity Leadership Institute. For further information: umaine.edu/dll or call 207.581.3113.

Bachelor of University Studies

The Bachelor of University Studies (B.U.S.) is UMaine’s degree completion program. The program offers flexible options for 21st century adults to use college credits they have already completed to earn a bachelor’s degree. The program is available part time, full time, on campus, fully online, or a combination to accommodate the needs of the adult learner. The degree requirements also are flexible, providing an excellent opportunity to develop a program of study that includes each student’s interests, makes maximum use of existing transfer credits, and is relevant to the student’s goals and career interests. For further information: umaine.edu/universitystudies or call 207.581.3143.

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.

Diversity Leadership Institute (UMDLI)

Established in 2004, as a program of the Division of Lifelong Learning, UMaine’s Diversity Leadership Institute (UMDLI) offers opportunities for faculty and staff throughout the University of Maine System to participate in diversity training that provides personal growth and prepares them to act as social change agents for the campus and their communities. The Institute is a year-long training program enabling participants to:

examine the concepts of discrimination, racism, privilege, prejudice, and stereotyping;
assess their perceptions about themselves and others with regard to differences;
explore the importance of diversity and inclusivity on campus and how they enhance the environment;
assist in developing and enhancing student, faculty, and staff awareness of racial, ethnic and cultural issues in higher education;
be a part of a growing alumni/alumnae group (alums) that is a catalyst for influencing campus decision-making and goal setting.

For further more information: umaine.edu/umdli or call 207.581.3113.

Early College Programs

The University of Maine is synonymous with innovative education. UMaine is proud to be the first University of Maine System campus to recognize the importance of Early College Programs through its signature online Academ-e program. Qualified Maine high school students may earn up to 12 credits a year tuition free while in high school and may enroll in course work during fall, spring and summer terms.

A reduced Early College rate is available to all high school students (nonresident, international and private school) that do not qualify for the Maine tuition waiver. Early College offers the opportunity for high school students to take courses in person, online and in a blended format. High school students have access to over 15 Early College Career Pathways. For further information: umaine.edu/earlycollege or call 207.581.8004.

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, academic advising and student support services, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Early College, non-credit/professional development certificate programs and workshops, a vibrant conference and institute portfolio, outreach to Waldo and Knox County public schools, and cultural community programs. In addition, the center serves as an access center for University of Maine at Machias online associate’s degrees and certificate programs.

Academic courses 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, an 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.

In meeting its mission as an outreach center of the University of Maine, the Hutchinson Center provides complete conference, institute and event planning services at a local, statewide, and national level. Professional development (non-credit) certificate programs and community educational and cultural events are also offered, enhancing the learning experiences of Maine citizens.

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 the 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.

Summer University

Summer University is an integral part of the University of Maine and of the University’s Think 30 initiative. A large number of students take courses each summer on campus and online. 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, high school students through Early College 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. Early College students and those not engaged in formal study but who wish to attend for general purposes, are also welcome (some courses may have prerequisites). 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.

Summer University also includes UMaine Summer Programs, which offers a variety of experiences for incoming students focused on providing the support and skills needed to succeed academically at the University of Maine. With programs such as the Summer Start and STEM Summer Bridge, and Early College residential programs, UMaine Summer Programs will help students get a head start on their UMaine career. Whether they are looking to earn college credits early, learn more about the University, meet other new students, or get a quick refresher before the fall semester begins, UMaine Summer Programs has an option to fit students’ interests and schedule.

Staff are available to answer any questions, help students enroll, and to provide support to University faculty and staff who are interested in developing new programs. 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.

Undergraduate programs offered online:

Bachelor of Arts in Economics

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Bachelor of Science in Surveying Engineering Technology
Bachelor of University Studies (BUS)

Certificate in Electrical Engineering Technology

Certificate in Surveying Engineering Technology

Minor in Child Development and Family Relations

Minor in Labor Studies

Minor in Legal 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, stay on track or to get ahead in their degree. Those not engaged in formal study at UMaine, but who wish to attend as a non-degree student are welcome to attend (some courses may have prerequisites). 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.