UMaine’s new academic year started on August 31 with approximately 11,200 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled. They arrived with new protocols and practices in place to protect the health of the UMaine community as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Over 14,000 wellness-maintenance kits have been distributed to students and employees. Signs across campus remind everyone that face coverings are mandatory. Seating in classrooms and community spaces has been reconfigured or reduced in order to promote social distancing. New technology has been added to enhance remote and hybrid teaching and learning. Multiple phases of wellness testing is occurring to monitor conditions on campus.
Buffet-style food services have been replaced with individually boxed grab-and-go meals. Hand-sanitizing stations and wipe dispensers are everywhere. On-campus housing has strict protocols in place to minimize opportunities for contamination.
In addition, the UMaine Foundation created the “Black Bears Care Fund” to help the university, students, and other members of the UMaine community offset expenses related to the pandemic. Click here to learn more about the fund.