University of Maine at Machias
An affordable Environmental Liberal Arts college, offering an undergraduate education uniquely grounded in the natural, social, cultural, and economic environments of coastal Maine.
A member of the esteemed University of Maine System, the University of Maine at Machias is New England’s only public Environmental Liberal Arts (ELA) college. Situated along Maine’s stunning Bold Coast, UMM’s distinct ELA core curriculum interprets the traditional liberal arts in terms of environmental and sustainability issues through traditional academics and through direct experience -- hands-on learning.
Programs of study at UMM focus on personal attention and academic success. Students benefit from close collaboration with faculty in small classes and have many opportunities to participate in undergraduate research and internships.
Engaged Students
UMM offers a wide variety of activities to engage students in the campus, as well as in relationships with peers. While the environment is a major focus of the University, the student experience is the top priority. Below are just a few of the awesome opportunities to develop and grow as a student on the UMM campus.
The Student Center: Entertainment programming is provided throughout the semester. In addition to comedians, hypnotists, live music, and game shows, students can take to the stage with their own talents during the popular Open Mic and Coffee House series.
The Science Club: Providing ample opportunities for students to broaden their scientific knowledge by organizing field trips, seminars, attending scientific conferences, and participating in research projects. The Science Club is also one of the campus organizations that plans Earth Fest events on campus in celebration of Earth Day.
100% Society: Advocating awareness and acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and other groups’ issues. The 100% is similar to groups found in high schools, such as the Gay Straight Alliances (GSA’s), where everyone is accepted regardless of sexual orientation. The group also organizes the annual Rainbow Ball, an open and affirming chem-free prom for youth from throughout the state of Maine.
The Binnacle: For over 50 years this literary and arts magazine has been publishing the works of students as well as writers and artists from around the world. The entire production of the journal is completed on campus by UMM students, staff, and friends.
Other clubs and organizations found on campus include: Araby, Belly Dance Club, Campus Crusade for Christ, Fencing Club, Frisbee Club, Greek Organizations, International Club, MRPASS, Newman Club, Outing Club, Student Education Association (S.E.A.), Student Senate, Thespis Players, Ukulele Club, WUMM Radio, and more!
Great Teaching
UMM offers a personalized, hands-on education like no other. In focusing on the Environmental Liberal Arts, students explore central questions in the relationships between people and nature. They learn how the environment has a hand in multiple disciplines, and can guide understanding of the complex situations we face in the 21st Century. The combination of critical thinking and communication skills provided by the ELA core curriculum is an excellent complement to the hands-on learning and close mentoring provided in each of the University’s major fields of study. Together, they prepare students for lifelong success and the ability to make a difference in the world.
Starting in the very first semester a student enters UMM, he or she takes part in “The Maine Coastal Odyssey,” a series of four core seminars. These seminars help students delve into interdisciplinary studies that establish a sense of place and purpose during their time at UMM. The four core seminars are:
Recreation and Wellness: This course introduces new students to the unique recreational opportunities of coastal Maine. The seminar aims to further develop students’ appreciation for the connection between personal wellness and outdoor exploration. Students gain outdoor skills while reading, discussing and reflecting on the role of outdoor recreation experiences on personal health, while simultaneously fostering environmental stewardship.
Natural Environments: In this course, students participate in field-based scientific inquiry related to a variety of local environments. Students gain familiarity with the ecosystems of coastal Maine while focusing on the applications of one or more of the following natural science disciplines: zoology, botany, chemistry, ecology, oceanography, or geology.
Community and Place: Students in this course engage in community-centered activities designed to enhance understanding of social structures. They learn about the social, cultural, and economic environments of coastal Maine and surrounding areas. Students gain an appreciation for the ways disciplines such as anthropology, economics, ethnography, social psychology, or sociology can inform our understanding of the human experience.
Humans and Nature: This course uses writings from diverse times, cultures, and academic disciplines to examine understandings of the relationship between humans and nature. By reading, discussing, analyzing, and critiquing the readings, students develop critical reading and writing skills while exploring how assumptions, questions, and methods shape disciplinary approaches and cultural understanding.
Vibrant Community
Think Green. Act Green.
As if it wasn’t obvious, UMM’s main focus and energy circle around environmental and community sustainability efforts. By weaving sustainability into every aspect of the UMM experience, inside and outside the classroom, thinking for the environment becomes a way of life. UMM strives to engage the campus and local community in environmental initiatives and provide education on how small changes can make a big difference.
The campus supports many committees and events throughout the year backing their commitment to environmental efforts, as well as the community. These initiatives include campus and community clean-ups, sustainable food options in the dining hall, a four-season greenhouse that provides fresh produce for the community, and guest speakers on topics of food security and environmental sustainability.
In addition to supporting UMM’s focus on the Environmental Liberal Arts, the school’s location provides the perfect opportunity to live and learn along the spectacular Bold Coast of Maine. For students who love the great outdoors, Machias offers endless outdoor recreational opportunities, including kayaking, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more.
Successful Outcomes
A UMM education prepares students for lifelong success and the ability to make a difference in the world. Upon graduation, students have the critical thinking and learning skills to continue on a lifetime of learning. Whether students are going directly into a masters or graduate program, or off into the work place, UMM graduates are prepared to take on the world!
UMM alumni stand a head above the rest in their individual career fields thanks to a solid foundation in academics and environmental awareness. The University’s Environmental Liberal Arts core curriculum equips students to think sustainably in all aspects of their lives.
A list of where recent graduates have taken their UMM skills is available on the school’s Web site, http://www.machias.edu/umm-graduates-now.
University of Maine at Machias is a small, 4-year, public Environmental Liberal Arts college, founded in 1909.
Web Site
http://www.machias.edu
Location
Machias, Maine
Student Profile
Approximately 1,000 total students
29% male, 71% female
68% in state, and 32% out of state students
Faculty Profile
61 full-time and part-time staff. 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Average class size of 17 students.
Resident Life
67% of first-year students live in college housing.
43% of all undergraduate students live on campus.
Athletics
USCAA, as a member of the Yankee Small College Conference.
10 varsity sports (5 men’s: basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, swimming; 5 women’s: basketball, cross-country, soccer, swimming, volleyball).
Team Name: The Clippers
Colors: Green and White
Academic Programs
Biology; Business and Entrepreneurial Studies; College Studies; Education; English, Creative Writing, and Book Arts; Environmental Recreation and Tourism Management; Environmental Studies; Interdisciplinary Fine Arts; Liberal Studies; Marine Biology; and Psychology and Community Studies.
http://www.machias.edu/areas_of_study
2012 – 2013:
Comprehensive in-state tuition: $15,380 (Tuition: $6,660; Room & Board: $7,900; Fees: $820).
Comprehensive out-of-state tuition: $27,200 (Tuition: $18,480; Room & Board: $7,900; Fees: $820).
Endowment:
$1.6 million
More Distinctions:
- UMM was awarded the 2010 Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
- UMM has the only nationally accredited recreation degree program in the state of Maine.
Admissions and Financial Aid:
For admissions information, please visit http://www.machias.edu/admissions.
UMM is committed to providing opportunity for qualified students through a variety of scholarships and financial aid packages. 95% of UMM students receive some form of financial aid. For further financial aid information, go to http://www.machias.edu/payingForCollege.
University of Maine at Machias
116 O’Brien Avenue
Machias, Maine 04654
By Phone: 1-888-468-6866
By Email:
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