University of Maine at Farmington 2014-2015 Catalog
 
The University
Academic Organization, Faculty Listing
Academic Programs
Courses
Admission, Costs, Farmington in Four, Financial Aid
Academic Policies
Personnel
Notices
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Admission, Costs, Farmington in Four, Financial Aid
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Admission Policies

Secondary School Background

Statement on College Readiness by the Chief Academic Officers of the University of Maine System:

While the seven campuses of the University of Maine System have different criteria for admission and placement, they all share a common understanding of what comprises an optimal, college-ready high school transcript. Students who succeed in college and graduate on time usually have the following high school preparation in the core academic areas:

Four years of English courses that incorporate a variety of texts (fiction, non-fiction, essays, memoirs, journalism) and that emphasize expository and analytic writing skills.

Four years of mathematics courses that include at least algebra I and II, geometry, and a 12th grade college-preparatory math course that provides a solid foundation in quantitative and algebraic reasoning. For those students planning to major in mathematics, science, or a technical or professional field that requires advanced math skills, a pre-calculus or calculus course is strongly recommended.

At least three years of laboratory science - offered as either separate courses or as integrated core classes that include the study of biology, chemistry, and physics. Science courses should emphasize the writing of technical reports and the quantitative representations and analyses of data.

At least three years of history and social science in courses that emphasize reading of primary and secondary texts, writing of analytic and expository essays, and use of quantitative data and research findings.

At least two years of study in a language other than English.

Admission Criteria for the University of Maine Farmington (UMF)

The degree of academic challenge in your high school program of study and rank-in-class (a numerical comparison with other seniors) are significant in the admission decision. Preference is given to students who graduate in the upper half of their senior classes with a well-planned program of sequential college preparatory courses. Note: Applicants over 25 years old are evaluated on their present motivation and readiness for college in addition to their secondary school record and/or GED results.

Following is a list of college preparatory level course units that are required or recommended for all applicants:

Subject Required Recommended
English 4 units elective courses of interest
Foreign Language 0* units 3 to 4 units in the same foreign language
Mathematics 3 units: equivalent to algebra I and II, geometry 4-5 units: pre-calculus, statistics, trigonometry, calculus, depending on major area of interest in college
Laboratory Science 2 units (beyond earth science) 3-4 units, depending on area of interest
Social Science 2 3-4 units, depending on area of interest
    Other electives to complete requirements for high school diploma Honors level and Advanced Placement courses, as well as courses that relate to intended major area of interest in college

*Some UMF academic majors require foreign language proficiency which can be met by one year of foreign language study at UMF or by two years of the same foreign language in high school.

High School Transcripts

The University of Maine requires first year students to have earned a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent in order to be admitted to one of its programs of study.

Recommendations

Another important measurement of maturity and motivation is the official high school evaluation/recommendation written by your school counselor, teacher, or principal. This recommendation is submitted as part of the secondary school transcript and is required for admission. Applicants may submit additional recommendations from other individuals who could provide the admission staff with more insight into the merits of an application.

Standardized Tests

UMF does not require the SAT or other standardized tests for admission, and students who do not submit standardized test scores will not be at a disadvantage in the admissions process. However, when students do submit standardized test scores, we will review them and take them into account as we make decisions on admissions.

Visits to the University

We recommend a visit to the University; it is the best way for students and their parents to judge any college. To schedule a visit, call the Office of Admission, 207-778-7050, e-mail us at umfadmit@maine.edu, or visit www.umf.maine.edu in advance to determine availability. Individual appointments are available Monday through Friday throughout the year, including summer. Open Houses are held in the fall and spring. Call or visit www.umf.maine.edu for dates and times, and to register for your visit.

Part-time Study

UMF admits a limited number of students who choose to enroll for fewer than twelve credits per semester. The application procedure for part-time degree status is the same as for full-time status. Once accepted, part-time degree students work with faculty advisors to plan course selections.

New England Regional Student Program

Students from other New England states can apply for admission to a variety of programs of study at UMF as New England Regional Students, through a cooperative effort directed by the New England Board of Higher Education. Eligible majors may differ by New England state. Applicants to these programs qualify for significantly reduced tuition. Further information on the New England Regional Student Program is available from high school guidance offices, the UMF Office of Admission, or by writing to NEBHE, New England Board of Higher Education, 45 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111.

Canadian Students

In recognition of the close ties between the State of Maine and Canada, the University of Maine System has approved a special tuition rate for Canadian citizens who are residing in Canada and applying for admission as international students. This tuition rate is equal to the New England Regional tuition rate.

International Students

UMF welcomes students from around the world, enrolling students from countries in Western and Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa. Students who wish to attend UMF must have completed their secondary education, must demonstrate proficiency in English if English is not their first language, and must meet the requirements for an F-1 student visa, including the ability to document adequate financial resources to support their study in the USA. International applicants must submit all required application materials to the Office of Admission by May 1 for the fall semester.

Information about the admission process, as well as applications and International Student Data Forms, may be obtained from the UMF Web site: www.umf.maine.edu

Applicants must submit official high school and college records accompanied by certified English translations, and TOEFL or IELTS scores if English is not their first language. To meet UMF’s requirement of proficiency in English, the minimum required scores are 79 on the TOEFL and 6.0 on the IELTS.  TOEFL or IELTS scores may be waived for applicants who have completed a minimum of two (2) years of course instruction taught in English. Also, documentation that adequate finances are available to meet educational costs are required. Full documentation of the availability of funds to cover total first year costs is required in order for UMF to issue the I-20 form, which is required to apply for an F-1 student visa. A limited number of partial tuition waivers may be available.

Students who have previously taken postsecondary coursework at an institution outside of the United States or Canada are required to submit their transcripts to a professional credentialing agency for evaluation at the time of application.  For further information, contact the Office of Admission.

A special orientation and other support programs assist our international students' adjustment to the University and the region. UMF is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students.

Application Procedure for All Students

Applications for admission are available on our Web site www.umf.maine.edu and can be completed and submitted online or downloaded and completed manually. Paper applications can also be requested from the Office of Admission, University of Maine at Farmington, 246 Main Street, Farmington, Maine 04938; they will be mailed within one week of the request. Applications are also available in high school guidance offices throughout Maine and New England. Students may also apply using the Common Application. The completed application for admission together with a non-refundable $40 application fee should be forwarded to the Office of Admission. The check or money order should be made payable to the University of Maine at Farmington.

All applicants (first-year and transfer) are responsible for delivering the Request for Academic Records to their high school guidance office to be completed and returned to the Shared Processing Center or The Office of Admission. Applicants are responsible for making sure that all necessary documents are submitted in a timely manner.

A complete application consists of the application form, a required essay, an official high school transcript(s), an official recommendation, official transcripts from any and all completed college level course work, and a $40 application fee. Home-schooled applicants may be asked to submit their GED or HISET examination results. Occasionally, an interview may be requested if additional information is needed. International applicants must include the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS scores if English is not their first language or if they have not graduated from an educational institution in the U.S., as well as financial records to document their ability to fund their education in the U.S.

Applicants requiring special assistance in the application process may contact the Office of Admission for reasonable accommodation.

Fees

Accepted students are welcome to confirm their place in the incoming class any time before or on May 1 (for the fall semester) or January 1 (for the spring semester). An enrollment deposit of $250 received by the Office of Admission will reserve the student's place in the incoming class. The enrollment deposit will be credited toward semester charges at the time of registration. The enrollment deposit for the fall semester is refundable by request in writing until May 1, and for the spring semester until January 1.

Students wishing to live in university residence halls should also submit the completed residence life application and license to reserve a space in university housing.

The international student enrollment deposit varies from year to year, as it reflects the cost of health insurance in addition to the enrollment deposit.

Conditions

Admission is not final until the student has satisfactorily completed all high school and admission requirements. The University reserves the right to cancel the acceptance of any applicant when deemed necessary because of changes in academic achievement or emotional readiness for college. In accordance with Maine State law, any UMF student born after 1956 must provide certification of immunization for measles, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus in the form of a copy of a school health record or physician's record documenting immunity. No student will be able to register without filing the necessary proof of certification. Exceptions to this policy are made on the basis of a physician's written statement that immunization is medically inadvisable. Other exceptions may be made on the basis of sincere religious, moral, or philosophical beliefs, or for other personal reasons. The staff at the UMF Student Health Center can answer any questions about the immunization requirement.

Early Action

UMF offers an Early Action program for the fall semester whereby selected applicants (with high school class rankings in the top 30%) are informed of acceptance before the end of December. In order to apply, UMF's plan does not require enrollment, nor does it exclude from consideration, applicants who have submitted applications to other institutions. Applications received from students ranking in the top 30% of their high school class which are complete by November 15 will be considered for Early Action.

Transfer

Each academic year UMF enrolls transfer candidates who have successfully completed academic work at colleges and universities throughout the United States and abroad.

Transfer students who do not have an Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university must submit a high school transcript and meet the rest of the requirements for the program for which they submitted an application.

Instructional programs at institutions of higher education differ widely. This means that major and elective courses taken at other institutions have to be matched against requirements at UMF to make sure the same objectives are reached. Students will be expected to meet the established requirements of the academic program into which they transfer, and appropriate application of credits is the responsibility of that academic division. Transfers are required to complete at least 32 credits at UMF. Students with no more than 32 credits may apply as an undecided/undeclared major.

Transfer credit is awarded only for courses taken at two-year and four-year regionally accredited institutions. Only courses in which the student has earned a grade of C-minus or higher will be transferred. Grades in courses accepted by UMF for transfer credit are recorded on the student's transcript, but they are not computed into the student's UMF grade point average. In some cases, divisions may determine that a previously taken course is obsolete and needs to be repeated in order to update course material. Courses that are more than seven years old are not automatically applied to program requirements for a major; rather, a course-by-course analysis will be made by the division to determine whether the course content is still appropriate to meet program requirements. Appeals regarding decisions about the transferability of credits are made to division chairpersons.

Transfer agreements with the Maine Community College System identify courses for each institution that are equivalent to the major and general education degree requirements at UMF. These agreements provide for a smooth transition from the transfer school to UMF.

The transfer articulation agreements are as follows:

Articulation With Articulation Program
   
Central Maine Community College Early Childhood Education
  Advantage U - Liberal Studies
   
Eastern Maine Community College Advantage U - Liberal Studies
   
Kennebec Valley Community College Early Childhood Special Education*
  Early Childhood Education
  Advantage U - Liberal Studies
   
Northern Maine Community College Advantage U - Liberal Studies
   
Southern Maine Community College Early Childhood Education
  Advantage U - Liberal Studies
   
Washington County Community College Advantage U - Liberal Studies
   
York County Community College Early Childhood Education
  Advantage U - Liberal Studies
   

 

UMF participates in a guaranteed admission agreement, entitled Advantage U, between the Maine Community College System and the University of Maine System. If you are interested in transferring to UMF from the Maine Community College System, meet with the transfer advisor at your community college to establish your University connection and to make sure you are meeting the UMF requirements. With careful course selection, Maine Community College System students who earn an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies can complete a B.A. in selected programs at UMF with two years of additional course work.


Transfer Admission Criteria

Academic majors are housed in various divisions.  Admission criteria differ among divisions and/or majors. All applicants pay the same application fee of $40. Transcripts for college courses in progress must be sent to UMF when the semester is complete.

Division Majors Application deadlines   Minimum Cumulative GPA   Required Application Materials
The Arts All None (programs close as they fill) 2.0 Completed application, official GED or high school transcript, a recommendation, all college official transcripts, essay, $40 application fee
Humanities

English; Philosophy/Religion

None (programs close as they fill) 2.0 Completed application, official GED or high school transcript, a recommendation, all college official transcripts, essay, $40 application fee
  Creative Writing None (programs close as they fill) 2.0 Completed application, official GED or high school transcript, a recommendation, all college official transcripts, essay, $40 application fee, PLUS a 12-15 page portfolio of writing samples
Early Childhood & Elementary Education Early Childhood: Early Education & Care (non-certification) Option Recommended by March 1 for Fall Enrollment; October 1 for Spring Enrollment 2.5 Completed application, official GED or high school transcript, all college official transcripts, a recommendation, $40 application fee, PLUS essay reflecting interest in working with children ages Birth - 5; C or higher in English Composition (or its equivalent)
  Early Childhood Birth - 5 Education (certification) Option Recommended by March 1 for Fall Enrollment; October 1 for Spring Enrollment 2.5 Completed application, official GED or high school transcript, all college official transcripts, a recommendation, $40 application fee, PLUS Passing the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Test scores, essay reflecting interest in working with children ages Birth - 5 in a school setting; C or higher in English Composition (or its equivalent)
  Early Childhood: K - 3 Education (certification) option Recommended by March 1 for Fall Enrollment; October 1 for Spring Enrollment 2.5

Completed application, official GED or high school transcript, all college official transcripts, a recommendation, $40 application fee, PLUS Passing the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Test scores, essay reflecting interest in working with children in grades K-3; C or higher in English Composition (or its equivalent)

  Elementary Education Recommended by March 1 for Fall Enrollment; October 1 for Spring Enrollment 2.5

Completed application, official GED or high school transcript, a recommendation, all college official transcripts, $40 application fee, PLUS Passing the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Test scores, an essay reflecting interest in teaching in grades K-8; C or higher in English Composition (or its equivalent)

Secondary Education & Community Health Secondary Education Recommended by March 1 for Fall Enrollment; October 1 for Spring Enrollment 2.5 Completed application, official GED or high school transcript, all college official transcripts, a recommendation, $40 application fee, PLUS passing the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Test scores, an essay reflecting interest in teaching in grades 7-12; C or higher in English Composition (or its equivalent)
  Community Health Education None (programs close as they fill) 2.5 Completed application, official GED or high school transcript, all college official transcripts, a recommendation, essay, $40 application fee
Mathematics & Computer Science All None (programs close as they fill) 2.0 Completed application, official GED or high school transcript, a recommendation, all college official transcripts, essay, $40 application fee
Natural Sciences All None (programs close as they fill) 2.0 Completed application, official GED or high school transcript, all college official transcripts, a recommendation, essay, $40 application fee
Psychology & Human Development All None (programs close as they fill) 2.0 Completed application, official GED or high school transcript, all college official transcripts, a recommendation, essay, $40 application fee
Rehabilitation Services & Special Education Rehabilitation Services None (programs close as they fill) 2.0 Completed application, official GED or high school transcript, all college official transcripts, a recommendation, essay, $40 application fee
  Special Education None (programs close as they fill) 2.5 Completed application, official GED or high school transcript, all college official transcripts, a recommendation, essay, $40 application fee
  Early Childhood Special Education None (programs close as they fill) 2.5 Completed application, official GED or high school transcript, all college official transcripts, a recommendation, essay, $40 application fee
Social Science, Business, Global Studies All None (programs close as they fill) 2.0 Completed application, official GED or high school transcript, a recommendation, all college official transcripts, essay, $40 application fee

*PRAXIS I PPST passing scores will be accepted for students who will graduate by May of 2018.


Advising and course registration conferences with faculty members are normally scheduled by the academic departments after transfer students are admitted and pay a confirmation deposit. Transfers are invited to register for classes during the same registration period as current students.

UMF considers all students equally for financial assistance, and transfer applicants should meet financial aid deadlines. Transfers are encouraged to participate in the annual welcoming events for new students.

For further information about transfers, contact the UMF Office of Admission.

Veterans

UMF welcomes applications from veterans of the armed forces. Arrangements for benefits under the various GI Bills must be made through the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-442-4551 or www.gibill.va.gov. Some information also is available from the VA Certifying Official in the Merrill Center. Credit for military schooling will be evaluated in accordance with the American Council on Education recommendations on a case-by-case basis.

Advanced Placement

UMF participates in the Advanced Placement Program of The College Board. To be considered for college credit, entering students must have completed a college-level Advanced Placement test. Scores of three or higher earn students credit depending on the subject matter area.
 
AP EXAM  SCORES UMF COURSE CREDIT AWARDED
Art - Drawing
3, 4, 5
ART 115A - Drawing I
4
Art - 2D Design
3, 4, 5 ART 199AT 4
ART - Art History 3, 4, 5 ARH 199AT 4
Biology
3, 4, 5
BIO 110 N- Introductory Biology
4
Calculus AB 3, 4, 5 MAT 141M- Calculus I 4
Calculus BC 3, 4, 5 MAT 141M - Calculus I & MAT 142 - Calculus  II 8
Chemistry 3, 4, 5 CHY 199 - Elective 4
Comparative Govt & Politics 3, 4, 5 POS 121S 4
Computer Science
3, 4, 5
COS 140 - Introduction to Computer Science
4
Econ- Macroeconomics 3, 4, 5 ECO 110S - Principles of Economics* 4
Econ - Microeconomics 3, 4, 5 ECO 110S - Principles of Economics* 4
English Lang/Comp 3, 4, 5 ENG 100  - English Composition* 4
English Lit/Comp 3, 4, 5 ENG 100  - English Composition* 4
Environmental Science 3, 4, 5 ENV 110N - Intro to Environmental Science 4
European History 3, 4, 5 HTY 199S - History Elective 4
French Language 3, 4, 5 FRE 101H - Elementary French I 4
German Language 3, 4, 5 GEL 199H - Humanities Elective 4
US Govt & Politics 3, 4, 5 POS 101S - American Government 4
Human Geography 3, 4, 5 GEO 199S - Geography Elective 4
Latin 3, 4, 5 GEL 199   - General Elective 4
Music Listening & Literature 3, 4, 5 MUS 199AT 4
Music Theory 3, 4, 5 MUS 199AT 4
Music Theory Aural Subscores 3, 4, 5 MUS 199AT 4
Music Theory Nonaural Subscores 3, 4, 5 MUS 199AT 4
Physics 3, 4, 5 PHY 199   - Physics Elective 4
Psychology 3, 4, 5 PSY 101S - General Psychology 4
Spanish 3, 4. 5 SPA 101H - Elementary Spanish I 4
Statistics 3, 4, 5 MAT 120M - Introductory Statistics 4
Studio Art 3, 4, 5 ART 199AT 4
US History 3, 4, 5 HTY 103S - US History I 4
World History
3, 4, 5
HTY 199S - History Elective
4

*credit cannot be given for both exams; student will receive credit for one or the other

CLEP Test Policy

TEST
Minimum
Score
Course
Title
Credits
American Government
63
Intro to American Government
4
Biology*
57
Introductory Biology
4
Calculus
64
Calculus I
4
Chemistry*
65
Elementary Chemistry
4
Financial Accounting**
65
Principles of Accounting
4
French I
64
Elem French I, II
8
History of the US I
56
US History I
4
History of the US II
57
US History II
4
Human Growth and Development
63
Child and Adolescent Development
4
Humanities
56
General Elective
4
Introduction to Educational Psychology
62
Psychology Elective
4
Introductory Psychology
59
General Psychology
4
Introductory Sociology
59
Introduction to Sociology
4
Precalculus
61
Precalculus
4
Principles of Management
60
Principles of Management
4
Principles of Marketing
65
Principles of Marketing
4
Principles of Macroeconomics***
62
Principles of Economics
4
Principles of Microeconomics***
64
Principles of Economics
4
Spanish I
56
Elem Spanish I, II
8
Western Civilization I
57
Global History I
4
Western Civilization II
56
Global History II
4
*UMF will accept credit for one natural science course, not two.
 
**Credit will be awarded provided that the student also passes an in-house test.
 
***Student must qualify on both tests to earn credit for ECO 110S.
 
Note:  The required scores are set to be equivalent to what the College Board reports is the equivalent of a B for a
three-credit course.  The minimum scores listed here are subject to change based on updates from the College Board.
UMF Policy:  To be accepted as equivalents for specific UMF courses, CLEP tests must have been taken prior to
matriculation i.e., the start of a student's first semester.  Credit for CLEP will also be granted in situations where students
in good academic standing have had to interrupt their studies for more than two consecutive semesters and have taken
one or more CLEP exams prior to re-matriculation.  Students are limited to earning a total of 16 credits (the equivalent of
one semester of full-time study) via CLEP testing.



 

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The University of Maine at Farmington will award credit for the higher level IB examinations for which you earn scores of 5 or higher on of a scale of 1 to 7. Credit will be awarded for those Farmington courses deemed to be equivalent by the appropriate UMF departments, with a minimum of three credits and a maximum of eight credits per examination.

Readmission/Re-entry

Former students who wish to return to UMF may obtain applications for re-entry from the Merrill Center for Student Services. Students who left the University in good standing are eligible to apply for re-entry to any regular academic semester, but re-entry is not automatic.  See Re-entry to the University under Academic Policies for further information.
 
Students who have been suspended will not ordinarily be considered for readmission until a full academic year has passed. Students seeking readmission should write to the Associate Provost, explaining why they believe they are ready to resume studies. Evidence of achievement while away from UMF (such as letters of recommendation from employers and academic transcripts) should be included with the letter.

Students who have been suspended twice ordinarily will not be considered for readmission for five years.

A student who has been suspended for disciplinary reasons must obtain clearance from the Vice President for Student and Community Services before the application is acted upon by the Provost.

Costs

Annual Costs:

 

Tuition (based on a typical full-time course load of 16 credits each semester)

Maine resident $8,352 per year
Non-resident $17,440 per year
New England Regional Student* $12,544 per year
*eligible students in approved programs    
Board and room (double occupancy with meal plan) $ 8,970 per year

 

Unified fee

1-6 credits $168 per year
6.5-11.5 credits $333  per year
12 credits or more $655 per year

 

Student activity fee

1-5.5 credits $80 per year
6-11.5 credits $120     per year
12 credits or more $160 per year

 

Health and Wellness Fee $50.00         per year 

 

Health insurance $942.00 per year

 

Books (estimate) $750      per year

 

Tuition is charged by the credit as follows: $261 for Maine residents, $545 for non-residents, and $392 for New England Regional and Canadian students.

In addition to these charges and those mentioned under the section on Admissions, there is a one-time orientation fee of $230 for entering first-year students and transfers. Some courses require fees for materials and supplies or transportation.

The unified fee is used to acquire up-to-date technology equipment and services for students, and it supports Mantor Library, intercollegiate athletics, and student organizations.

The student activity fee is disbursed to the Student Senate for Senate-sponsored events and for distribution to student clubs and organizations.

Methods of Payment

All tuition, room and board charges, and other fees are due and payable in full approximately two weeks prior to the start of each semester. A late fee may be assessed if full payment is not received by the due date. You may pay your bill by cash (when paying in person in the Merrill Center); by check payable to UMF; e-check or credit card if payments are made on-line through the Student Center on MaineStreet (mainestreet.maine.edu) (VISA, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express are accepted.)

The UMF Five-Payment Plan enables you to pay all or part of your semester charges in five installments. The monthly payments and enrollment fee ($30) are paid directly to UMF. Enrollment and the first payment are required in August for the fall semester. Plan information will accompany your semester bill.

UMF offers two other payment plans. A four-payment plan is available for an enrollment fee of $30. Payments are made in August, September, October and November. A three-payment plan is also available for an enrollment fee of $30. Payments are made in August, September and October. Similar plans are also available for the spring semester.

Financial Policies

The financial requirements of the University, changing costs, state and legislative action, and other matters may require adjustment of charges and expenses. The University reserves the right, up to the date of final registration for a given academic term, to make such adjustments as may be deemed necessary by the Board of Trustees. The applicant acknowledges this reservation by submitting an application for admission or registration.

Any student who fails to pay tuition and fees when due by the above described methods, or who fails to receive prior consent from the Student Accounts Office to delay payment, is subject to administrative dismissal for the current semester and suspension from UMF for the following semester. Transcripts and future registrations are prohibited until the student's account is current. Unpaid accounts are forwarded to outside agencies for collections. Collections costs may be added to the balance due.

Audited courses are charged at the same rate as those taken for credit. Students enrolled in non-credit Liberal Studies Bridge or Learning Assistance courses are charged tuition at the same rate as other undergraduate courses.

Students living in university residence halls must participate in a board plan. Students residing off-campus may, at their option, participate in a board plan.

Residency Status

A student is classified as a Maine resident or non-resident for tuition purposes at the time of admission to the University. Students enrolled as non-residents who have reason to believe their residence status has subsequently changed may contact the Executive Director of Finance and Administration to apply for in-state residency status for tuition purposes.

Tuition, Fee, and Room Charge Adjustments

Student charges will be adjusted for voluntary withdrawals from the University and for drops or withdrawals from individual classes in accordance with the schedule and provisions set forth below.

Definition of terms:

  • “Standard” full semester classes are classes which are scheduled to start during the first week of a semester and meet through the end of that semester.
  • “Non-standard” classes are classes whose starting and ending dates do not coincide with the starting and ending dates of the Fall or Spring semester. These classes fall into two groups; those with a duration of less than 12 weeks and those with a duration of 12 weeks or longer.
  • The “Drop” period is the time frame a student may drop classes from their schedule without financial penalties.
  • Dropping classes is a reduction in a student’s class load during the Drop period while remaining enrolled in other classes at any of the University of Maine campuses.
  • Withdrawing from classes is a reduction in a student’s class load after the Drop period while remaining enrolled in other classes at any of the University of Maine campuses.
  • A “Withdrawal from the University”, either temporary or permanent, involves the student withdrawing from all classes at all University of Maine System campuses for which he/she is registered as well as notifying appropriate administrative officials of his/her decision to leave.
  • Students who cease attendance, in any or all of their classes, without providing official notification are not entitled to an adjustment to charges. If a student ceases attendance for emergency reasons, the University will accept a written appeal.

 

ADJUSTMENT SCHEDULE TUITION & FEES

 

For Withdrawals from the University:

“Standard” Full Semester classes and “Non-standard” classes of 12 weeks or more:

Withdrawal Date

Percent of Adjustment

Prior to the end of the second week

100%

Prior to the end of the fourth week

75%

Prior to the end of sixth week

50%

Prior to the end of the eighth week

25%

After the eighth week

0%

 

“Non-Standard” short classes – classes of less than 12 weeks in length:

Withdrawal Date

Percent of Adjustment

Withdrawal on or before the number of days equal to the number of weeks a class is scheduled. For example, for a six week course, an adjustment will be calculated through the sixth day

100%

After the number of days equal to the number of weeks a class is scheduled.

0%

 

For Dropped Classes:

“Standard” Full Semester Classes:

Drop/Withdrawal Date

Percent of Refund

Prior to the end of the second week

100%

After the second week

0%

 

“Non-standard” Classes:

Drop/Withdrawal Date

Percent of Refund

Dropping or withdrawing on or before the number of days equal to the number of weeks a class is scheduled. For example, for a six week course, an adjustment will be granted through the sixth day.

100%

After the number of days equal to the number of weeks a class is scheduled.

0%

 

Determination of Attendance

For “standard” full semester classes, the attendance period begins on the opening day of scheduled university classes, includes weekends and holidays, and ends on the date the student notifies the Merrill Center in writing, that he/she is withdrawing.

For “Non-standard” classes, the attendance period begins on the start date of the class as specified on the schedule of classes, includes weekends and holidays, and ends on the date the student notifies the Merrill Center in writing, that/she is withdrawing.

 

ADJUSTMENT SCHEDULE ROOM & BOARD

Room Schedule

Withdrawal Date

Percent of Refund

Prior to the end of the second week

100%

Prior to the end of the fourth week

75%

Prior to the end of the sixth week

50%

Prior to the end of the eighth week

25%

After the eighth week

0%

 

Board Schedule

Withdrawal Date

Percent of Refund

Students who withdraw from the university prior to the end of the semester will be refunded for the unused portion of their meal plan on a prorated basis.

Prorated

Farmington in Four

Farmington in Four Guidelines

UMF's Farmington in Four guarantee is an innovative commitment to ensure that students can complete their Bachelor's degree in four years. It is understood that some students may decide this time frame is not for them, which is fine. But UMF also recognizes that many students and families appreciate the assurance that college can be a four-year proposition.

First-year students are provided information about Farmington in Four through UMF's orientation and academic advising programs.  They can sign up for the program any time before May 1 of their first year by indicating their interest to their academic advisor.*

If students commit to Farmington in Four and fulfill their obligations, UMF will guarantee that they will have access to all required courses in their academic program or remaining coursework in their fifth year will be free of charge.

Whether students plan to graduate in four years, a shorter time frame, five years, or even six years, their academic advisor at UMF will work with them to develop a personal map to graduation. They and their advisor can make changes in their map as they progress with their studies. The map is simply a tool: UMF's goal is for all students to make informed choices that allow them to reach their own goals.

Students in Farmington in Four must declare their academic major by May 1 of their first year.* By that time, they will already have had two semesters of courses and hopefully will be ready to focus their studies. If they change their major after this point in time, their new advisor will undertake a transcript analysis to let them know if UMF can extend the Farmington in Four guarantee. Students who decide to declare an Individualized major may do so as late as May 1 of their second year in college and still participate in the Farmington in Four program.

Students in Farmington in Four must meet certain expectations. For example, they must maintain satisfactory grades, meet regularly with their academic advisor, and register for courses that their advisor helps them select. Full information about the expectations for students will be available through their academic advisors.

*The only exception to this rule is the major in Science Education. Because of extensive requirements for teaching certification, including many lab courses, students who wish to pursue a program in Science Education (in order to teach at the Middle or Secondary levels) and wish to graduate in four years MUST declare their interest in this major during the admissions process or before the beginning of their first semester.

For more information, go to http://www.farmington.edu/farmin4-intro.php.

Financial Aid

Responsibility for meeting college costs lies with the student and the student's family, who are expected to contribute toward costs to the extent they are able. Financial aid may assist students in meeting the costs of attending college when these costs could not otherwise be met.

Eligibility for most financial aid at UMF is based on financial need. Information on non-need based programs, such as the Educators for Maine Program administered by the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME), is available from the Financial Aid Office. A list of UMF scholarships based on factors other than need may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office website. Some additional scholarship resource information is available for students to use in the office. Suggestions are also available about free scholarship searches on the Internet.

Need is determined by the Financial Aid Office by calculating the difference between educational costs for attending UMF and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated by the federal government using information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Renewal FAFSA.

Because not all students are financially dependent upon parents, UMF does not consider the parents' financial situation if it is not required to be reported on the FAFSA or is deemed inappropriate by the Financial Aid Office.

The Financial Aid Office uses all available funds to help needy students who have been accepted into, or are working toward their first undergraduate degree. Priority is given to students with the most demonstrated need of those who apply on time.

Eligibility

To be eligible to receive need-based financial aid, a student must have completed a FAFSA and have financial need; have a high school diploma or a GED certificate; be admitted as a degree candidate at UMF; be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen; not be in default on a federal student loan or owe an overpayment of a federal student grant; have a valid Social Security number; register with the Selective Service if required; be making satisfactory academic progress; and be in good academic standing or on academic probation.

A student who is academically suspended and fails to be reinstated is no longer eligible for financial aid, including federal educational loans.

Transporting Aid To Study off Campus

Students who are matriculated at UMF and who will be studying away from the UMF campus (as transient or exchange students, for example) are not automatically eligible to receive aid from UMF. Such students must have prior approval from the Financial Aid Office in order to transport financial aid.

When and How To Apply

Students who wish to apply for need-based financial aid (or a PLUS or unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loan) at UMF are required to complete the FAFSA or the Renewal FAFSA. Applications for financial aid are processed continually; however, priority consideration for funds is given to students whose FAFSA arrives at the federal processor by March 1 preceding the award year. (A March 1 postmark does not meet the requirement.)

Eligibility for Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Work-study, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Direct Student Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), and need-based University scholarships and employment programs is determined using information provided on the FAFSA. The financial aid award notice tells FAFSA applicants how to apply for a Federal Direct Student Loan. Information is also supplied about Federal PLUS loans for parents of dependent students.

The student and the parent of a dependent student may be requested to provide their prior year's federal income tax information via IRS Data Retrieval to the Financial Aid Office. Students will be notified in the Student Center in MaineStreet if federal tax return information or other documents are required and how to obtain the information. Currently enrolled students should check their maine.edu e-mail accounts for such notices, as not all notices are sent via U.S. mail.

All application materials submitted to the Financial Aid Office are handled confidentially.

Withdrawing and Financial Aid

A student who is receiving financial aid and who withdraws from UMF before the end of a semester may be required to return all or part of the financial aid funds received for that semester. Details are included below.

Consumer Information for UMF Students regarding Withdrawal and Return to Title IV Funds (R2T4)

Federal student aid law specifies how your school must determine the amount of Title IV program assistance that you earn if you withdraw from school. The Federal Title IV student financial aid programs covered by the law at UMF include Federal Pell Grants, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants, Direct Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs), and Federal Perkins Loans.

 

Though your aid is posted to your account at the start of each term at UMF that comprises a payment period (i.e. Fall, Spring, Summer), you earn the funds that have been allocated to you for each term as you complete each term. If you withdraw completely from the University during a term, the amount of Title IV program assistance that you have earned up to that point is determined by a specific formula. If you received or if UMF and/or your parent received on your behalf less assistance than the amount that you earned, you may be able to receive those additional funds. If you received more assistance than you earned, UMF and/or you must return the excess Title IV funds to the Federal government.

The amount of assistance that you have earned is determined on a pro rata basis. For example, if you complete 30% of your payment period on enrollment, you earn 30% of the assistance you were originally schedule to receive. Once you have completed more than 60% of the payment period of enrollment, you earn all the assistance that you were scheduled to receive for that period.

If you did not receive all of the funds that you earned, you may be due a post-withdrawal disbursement. If your post-withdrawal disbursement includes loans funds, UMF must get your permission before UMF can disburse them. You may choose to decline some or all of the loan funds so that you do not incur additional debt. UMF may automatically use all or a portion of your post-withdrawal disbursement of grant funds for tuition, fees, and room and board charges (as contracted with the UMF). UMF needs your permission to use the post-
withdrawal grant disbursement for all other school charges (e.g., health fees, health insurance, or other charges). If you do not give your permission, you will be offered the funds. However, it may be in your best interest to allow UMF to keep funds to reduce your debt at the school.

There are some Title IV funds that you may have expected to receive that cannot be disbursed to you once you withdraw because of other eligibility requirements. For example, if you were offered a Federal Direct Student Loan and you had not accepted the offer until after you withdrew from UMF, then those funds cannot be disbursed to you.

If you receive - or UMF and/or your parent receives on your behalf - excess Title IV programs funds that must be returned, then UMF must return a portion of the excess equal to the lesser of:

1. Your institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage of your funds, or
2. the entire amount of excess funds.

 

UMF must return this amount even if it did not keep this amount of your Title IV program funds.

If UMF is not required to return all of the excess funds, you must return the remaining amount.

 

Any loans funds that you must return, you (or your parent for Direct PLUS Loan funds) repay in accordance with the terms of the promissory note. That is, you make scheduled payments to the holder of the loan over a period of time.

Any amount of unearned grant funds that you must return is called an overpayment. The maximum amount of a grant overpayment that you must repay is half of the grant funds you received or were scheduled to receive. You do not have to repay a grant overpayment if the original amount of the overpayment is $50 or less. You must make arrangements with UMF or the Department of Education to return the unearned grant funds.

The requirements for Title IV program funds when you withdraw are separate from any refund policy that UMF may have. Therefore, you may still owe funds to UMF to cover unpaid institutional charges. UMF may also charge you for any Title IV program funds that it was required to return. You can find further information about cost adjustments in the Costs section of this catalog.

If you have any questions about your Title IV program funds, you can call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FEDAID (1-800-433-3243). TTY users may call 1-800-730-8913. Information is also available on student aid on the web at www.studentaid.ed.gov.

 

Withdrawal and Return to Title IV Funds (R2T4) Policy

How a Withdrawal Affects Financial Aid

Federal Title IV student financial aid programs are awarded under the assumption that a student will remain enrolled for the entire period (term) for which the funds were awarded.

When a student withdraws from all courses, regardless of the reason, s/he may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Title IV funds originally awarded. The return of funds to the federal government is based on the premise that a student earns financial aid in proportion to the length of time during which s/he remains enrolled. A pro-rated schedule determines the amount of federal student aid funds s/he will have earned at the time of full withdrawal. For example, a student who withdraws in the second week of the semester has earned less of his/her financial aid than a student who withdraws in the fifth week. Once the 60% point in the semester is reached, a student is considered to have earned all of the financial aid originally awarded and will not be required to return any funds.

Federal regulations require a recalculation of financial aid eligibility if a student:

• Completely withdraws from the University;

• Stops attending before the term’s end;

• Does not complete all modules (mini-sessions) in which the student is enrolled as of the start date of the mini session.

UMF students who receive federal financial aid and who do not remain in attendance through the end of the term could be responsible for repaying a portion of the financial aid originally received.

Students who do not attend at all are not eligible for federal financial aid and must repay all aid originally received.

NOTE: UMF’s institutional tuition refund policy is separate from federal regulations to return unearned aid. Receiving a tuition/fee refund from UMF will have no impact on the amount of Title IV aid that the student may be required to return to the federal aid programs.

How Earned Financial Aid is Calculated

Financial aid recipients “earn” the aid they originally received by remaining enrolled. The amount of federal assistance earned is based on a pro-rated system. Students who withdraw or do not complete all courses in which they were enrolled may be required to return some of the aid originally awarded.

UMF is required to determine the percentage of TIV aid “earned” by the student and return the “unearned” portion to the appropriate federal aid programs. UMF is required to perform this calculation within 30 days of the date that UMF determines that a student has completely withdrawn. UMF must return the funds within 45 days of the calculation. The R2T4 calculation is completed by the Financial Aid Office.

The following explains the formula used to determine the percentage of unearned aid to be returned to the federal government:

• The percent earned is equal to the number of calendar days completed up to the withdrawal date divided by the total number of calendar days in the payment period.

• The payment period for most students is a full, 15-week fall and 15-week spring term or the full, 10-week summer term. However, for students enrolled in modules (mini-sessions), the payment period only includes those days for the module in which the student is enrolled.

• The percent unearned is equal to 100 percent less the percent earned.

• Breaks of 5 days or longer are not included in the count of total days in the payment period.

Institutional scholarship funds are not subject to the R2T4 policy. Return of State of Maine Grant funds are governed by the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME).

For Students Enrolled in Modules:

A student is considered withdrawn if the student does not complete all of the days in the payment period that the student was scheduled to complete. UMF tracks enrollment in each module that does not span the entire 10-week summer term or 15-week fall or spring terms and combines them to form a term. If a student withdraws from a course in a later module while still attending a current module, the student is not considered as withdrawn based on not attending the later module. However, a recalculation of aid based on the change in enrollment status may be required.

If a student provides written notice to the Financial Aid Office at the time of withdrawal from a current module that s/he plans to attend a later module in the same payment period, s/he is not considered a withdrawal. If the student does not provide that written confirmation, the R2T4 recalculation of aid will be done. However, if the student does return in a later module in the same payment period, regardless of whether prior written confirmation was received, the R2T4 process will be reversed and the student will be awarded the funds that s/he is eligible to receive at the time of return.

R2T4 Process:

• A copy of the withdrawal form, complete with appropriate signatures and indicating the last date of attendance, is received in the Financial Aid Office from the UMF Merrill Center for Student Services. The latest date of attendance in the course(s) in which the student was enrolled will be used as the withdrawal date.

• The Financial Aid Office determines the amount of TIV aid originally awarded and whether it is “disbursed” or “could have been disbursed.”

• The Merrill Center for Student Services, in conjunction with the Director of Administrative Systems (a.k.a., to some as the “Bursar”) provides the student’s original tuition and fee and other charges. (This does not include bookstore charges.)

• An R2T4 worksheet on the “FAA Access to CPS” site is completed using the above data. The calendar for the payment period will have previously been entered and saved.

• The Financial Aid Office will post the recalculated amount of aid for which the student is eligible (as per the results of the R2T4 worksheet) to his/her Financial Aid package.

• A copy of the worksheet is maintained in the Financial Aid Office and electronically scanned and made part of the student’s record after the end of the semester.

UMF will return funds to the federal programs on the student’s behalf and will bill the student.

• In the instance in which a student owes a federal grant repayment in addition to what UMF has returned to the federal programs, the student will be notified in writing and the amount will be reported by the Financial Aid Office as an overpayment.

• The student is responsible for all UMF charges and federal overpayments resulting from an R2T4 calculation.

Withdrawal from a Study Away Program

The UMF Office of Student Exchange provides the withdrawn student’s last date of attendance to the Financial Aid Office for a student who had been participating in UMF outgoing student exchange programs before withdrawing completely in a specified payment period. Similarly, individual offices named in any contractual or consortium agreements for the host institutions are to provide the student’s last date of attendance to the Financial Aid Office for other UMF students who had been studying away prior to withdrawing completely in a specified payment period. Each official also, in turn, supplies the attempted and earned number of course credits completed as of the last date of attendance in a notification to the Records and Enrollment personnel in the UMF Merrill Center for Student Services. These data elements are used by the Financial Aid Office in completing the R2T4 worksheet on the “FAA Access to CPS” site.

The procedure continues as outlined above.


Post-Withdrawal Disbursement of Loan Proceeds

When the R2T4 calculation results in the student’s eligibility to receive either Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loan proceeds, s/he will be contacted via e-mail and US Mail by the Financial Aid Office. Written authorization from the student will be requested and is required before loan proceeds can be processed and awarded to the student.

Determination of Withdrawal Date

The withdrawal date used in the R2T4 calculation is the actual last date of attendance as provided by the UMF Merrill Center on the withdrawal form.

Withdrawing Prior to the 60% Point of a Payment Period

Unless and until a student completes 60% of the term in which financial aid was awarded, the student will be required to return all or part of the financial aid originally awarded for the term.

When a Student Fails to Begin Attendance

If financial aid is processed for a student who never begins attendance in any course for which s/he registered in a term, all aid will be canceled.

The Financial Aid Office uses information from the Registrar. One report is the equivalent of a “no show” form or report after the financial aid census date of the payment period to identify students who never attended after the enrollment period commenced. Another report is an enrollment confirmation roster generated by a database query that lists the students and the packaged credit hours (i.e., units) as well as the registered credit hours (i.e., units) at the time of the Financial Aid census at the end of the student schedule change period (a.k.a. “the add/drop” or “schedule change period”). This facilitates an “enrollment confirmation/credit check process” to manage aid based on changes in enrollment status. Financial aid originally awarded is canceled for students who failed to begin attendance in all classes in which they were originally enrolled and is adjusted for those who fail to begin attendance in a portion of the classes in which they were originally enrolled.

When a Student Fails All Classes

If a financial aid recipient who has not officially withdrawn fails to receive a passing grade in at least one class during the term, the Financial Aid Office will determine whether the student actually established eligibility for the aid originally awarded. Instructors will be contacted and asked to provide information on the student’s attendance. If the student did not begin attendance, or stopped attending during the payment period, the financial aid originally awarded will be canceled or adjusted.

Order of Return to Federal Aid Programs

In accordance with federal regulations, unearned aid will be returned to the federal programs in the following order:

 

  • Federal Direct Loans: Unsubsidized, then Subsidized
  • Federal Perkins Loans
  • Federal Direct Parent Loans
  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

 

Information Regarding Loan Repayment

The R2T4 calculation may result in the responsibility of a student and parent to return additional loan amounts directly to the US Department of Education.

The loan grace period begins on the withdrawal date from the school, or when a student ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis. If the student does not re-enroll as a half-time student within 6 months of withdrawal or less than half-time enrollment, the Federal Direct loans enter repayment. The student should contact the loan servicer or the US Department of Education to make repayment arrangements. The promissory note signed by the borrower outlines repayment obligations. The student should contact the servicer or the US Department of Education with any questions.

Consequences of Non-Repayment

Students who owe the US Department of Education for an overpayment of Title IV funds are not eligible for any additional federal financial aid until the overpayment is paid in full or payment arrangements are made with the US Department of Education.

Students who owe UMF because of an R2T4 calculation will be placed on a financial hold and are assigned a negative service indicator. These students will not be allowed to register for subsequent semesters or receive academic transcripts until the balance is paid.

How a Withdrawal Affects Future Financial Aid Eligibility

Refer to the Financial Aid Office Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy to determine how a withdrawal impacts aid eligibility.

NOTE: This policy is subject to revision without notice based on changes to federal laws and regulations or UMF policies. If changes are made, the student is held to the most current policy. This statement is intended to provide an overview of policies and procedures related to a complicated and very encompassing regulation. Additional information, including examples of R2T4 calculations, are available from the Financial Aid Office.

Satisfactory Academic Progress and Financial Aid Eligibility

Returning students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to receive federal, state and institutional aid. This includes maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average and earning credits at a designated rate during each year of enrollment which is referred to as pace. The details of this policy are included below.

In compliance with Federal Student Aid Regulations, the University of Maine at Farmington Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for financial aid eligibility incorporates the University’s scholastic standards with the federal requirements for a specific time frame for degree completion. Students must meet these minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements in order to be eligible for student aid funds. Each of the three following standards must be met:

Qualitative Measurement:

Matriculating students are required to maintain a grade point average based on the number of credits that are earned. The University uses the following scales:

 Four Year Program           Credits Earned GPA

 0-16                                 1.499
 16.01-24                           1.599
 24.01-32                           1.699
 32.01-44                           1.799
 44.01-56                           1.899
 56.01-999                         1.999

 


 

Quantitative Measurement:

Matriculating students are required to successfully complete a specific percentage of credits that are attempted. The University uses the following scales:

 Credits Attempted             Percentage Passed

 0-32                                   49.99%
 32.01-44                             54.99%
 44.01-56                             57.99%
 56.01-68                             60.99%
 68.01-80                             62.99%
 80.01-92                             63.99%
 92.01-104                            64.99%
 104.01-116                          65.99%
 116.01-999                          66.99%

 


 Maximum Time Frame:

Federal regulations require that the University set a maximum time frame for successful completion of degree programs. For a four year degree the University has set the maximum number of attempted credits as 192. If a student attempts more credits than the maximum number identified for his/her degree, he/she is not eligible to receive financial aid.

Attempted Hours

For the purpose of this policy attempted hours include: Audited classes; classes withdrawn from; deferred grades; incomplete grades; missing grades; developmental courses; repeated courses.

Passed Hours

For the purpose of this policy passed hours include: Passed credits hours that can be used for the purpose of completing degree requirements.

Transfer Students

If a student earned credits at a previous institution(s) that will be accepted toward his/her degree, those accepted hours will be included as attempted hours for the purposes of satisfactory progress evaluation. For example if a student attempted 15 hours at the University of Maine at Farmington and transferred in 30 credits to his/her academic record, all tests to evaluate satisfactory academic progress (Quantitative, Qualitative and Maximum Time Frame) would be based on 45 attempted hours.

Financial Aid Probation and Suspension

Satisfactory Academic Progress is measured at the end of each academic year, after the spring grades have been posted. However, if a student takes a leave of absence for any term of enrollment or earns a GPA of less than 1.0 on a scale of 4.0, re-evaluation will be required before the following term’s disbursement will be authorized. Upon review, if it is determined that the student is not making satisfactory progress, he/she will be notified in writing that his/her eligibility for financial aid has been suspended.

Appeal of Financial Aid Suspension

A student placed on Financial Aid Suspension who has experienced undue hardship, (i.e.- death of a relative of the student; personal injury or prolonged illness of the student; or special circumstances as determined by the institution.), may submit a written appeal, by August 1 for fall aid and December 1 for spring aid, to the Director of Financial Aid. The appeal must explain the circumstance that prevented the standards from being met. Providing third party documentation, if available, supporting the circumstance is suggested.
In the case of undue hardship, the student may be placed on Financial Aid Probation for one period, and will be able to receive financial aid during that time. If at the end of the probationary period the minimum standards are not met, or the student has failed to meet the requirements of the academic plan developed as part of the probation period, the student’s financial aid eligibility will be suspended. All appeals will be reviewed by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. The student will receive written notification of the committee’s decision within 30 days of receipt of the appeal.

Condition of Financial Aid Reinstatement

Students must complete the required number of credits and achieve the corresponding cumulative GPA as outlined during the probationary period in order to have their financial aid eligibility reinstated.

 

Grants and Scholarships

Eligibility for need-based Federal Pell Grants is determined by the federal government. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are need-based federal grants administered by the Financial Aid Office. University scholarships are awarded by the Financial Aid Office and based upon financial need. State Student Incentive Grants (SSIG) are need-based grants authorized by state agencies, which may set different deadlines. Application for these grants is made when the student completes the FAFSA. For example, the Maine State Grant program requires that the FAFSA be received at the Federal application processing center by May 1 in advance of the academic year. (Note: the Maine State Grant deadline falls after UMF's priority consideration deadline for student financial aid that requires that the FAFSA arrive at the Federal application processing center by March 1 in advance of the academic year.)

Loans

Federal Perkins Loan funds are allocated to UMF by the U.S. Department of Education. UMF authorizes these low-interest loans on the basis of need. Federal Direct Student Loans are low-interest loans made to students attending at least half time. Applications are available through the UMF Financial Aid Office or by accepting the loans in MaineStreet. Students do not have to make payments on the loan during deferment periods. Students who do not qualify for the federal interest subsidy are responsible for the interest which accrues on the loan during deferment periods. Because eligibility for the interest subsidy is based on financial need, all Federal Direct Student Loan applicants must first have their eligibility for need-based financial aid determined and, hence, must first file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The Educators for Maine Program is a renewable loan program administered by the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) for Maine residents. The loans may be forgiven in exchange for teaching service in a Maine public school. Recipients who do not teach in Maine after college must repay the loan at a fixed interest rate determined at the time of loan approval. Applications, as well as renewal requests, are due at FAME May 1 prior to the academic year. Information about eligibility, application, and renewal criteria is available from the Financial Aid Office.

Federal PLUS Loans are loans parents can obtain to help pay the cost of education for their dependent undergraduate children. In addition, graduate students may obtain PLUS Loans to help pay for their own education.

University of Maine at Farmington Emergency Loans are available during the regular academic year. These loans are small, short-term, and interest free. Funded by contributions from former UMF students, these loans are for bona fide emergencies which cannot be anticipated and are not for paying University charges.

Native American Aid Programs

Native American Tuition Waivers covering tuition and mandatory fees are available for members of the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Houlton Band of Maliseet and Aroostook Band of Micmac tribes, as well as other federally, state or provincially recognized Native American Tribes who have resided in Maine for at least one year prior to application for purposes other than education. More detailed guidelines for these waivers are available at the Financial Aid Office.

Native American Room and Board Grants are a need based award for qualified Native American students living in a residence hall of the campus where they are matriculating.  Students will be subsidized at the double occupancy rate for the student’s residence. Charges for single, double single, or computer or telephone devices, for which there is a separate charge, will be the responsibility of the student tenant. Board charges will be subsidized at the rate associated with the standard meal plan, not to exceed the cost of the maximum meal plan. Room and board charges will be covered only during the traditional academic year (fall and spring terms) and are not covered for breaks between semesters.  Exceptions may be granted in cases where a student’s major requires enrollment in an academic session outside the traditional academic year.

The total amount a student receives from the Native American Room and Board Grant and from all other sources of financial support for the same purpose, whether from the institution or from outside agencies, may not exceed the student’s calculated financial need. The receipt of other aid may, in some cases, reduce or eliminate the receipt of the room and board grant. Applicants must submit the FAFSA annually. More detailed guidelines for the Room and Board Grant are available at the Financial Aid Office.

On-campus Employment

Federal Work-Study (FWS) funds are allotted to UMF by the U.S. Department of Education to fund jobs and are awarded by UMF on the basis of need. Student earnings are expected to help defray education-related expenses. Work-study jobs are on campus.

University Work-Study funds are awarded on a limited basis regardless of financial need. They fund campus employment needs which could not otherwise be met.

Numerous work opportunities are also available through a work initiative program regardless of financial need. This work is integrated with academic studies and student life. It is designed to help students develop skills and knowledge in preparation for their careers.

Benefit Programs

Veterans' benefits are available at UMF based on the approval of the University's programs by the Maine State Approving Agency for Veterans Education for the education and training of veterans, service persons, and dependents of disabled and deceased veterans. Students should contact the nearest VA regional office for information concerning eligibility, counseling, and benefits. Once admitted, new students should advise the Merrill Center that they wish to be certified for VA benefits. They must be enrolled in at least twelve credits each semester for full-time benefits. It is the responsibility of the student and the University to notify the VA of any change in status which affects the student's benefit amount.

Vocational rehabilitation benefits are also available. UMF is approved for student benefits through the Maine Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Commission and the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Applicants for vocational rehabilitation educational benefits must also apply for financial aid.

Merit-based Scholarships

Merit-based Scholarships

The University of Maine at Farmington rewards first-year students who have performed well in their high school academic courses and transfers who have earned a high GPA at another college or university. Prospective students should check the UMF admission web site www.farmington.edu/merit.scholarships to learn about specific scholarships being awarded for Fall 2014.

 

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