Academic Policies

Course Numbering

Grading System

Grades are assigned as letters with the following descriptors:

Grade Point Averages

The cumulative average shall be computed at the end of each semester. The following represents the grading scale:

To compute the grade point average for a semester, multiply the grade points earned in each course by the number of credit hours, which results in quality points. Divide the number of quality points by the number of credit hours carried. The grade point average is carried to two decimal places.

Incomplete Grades

An “Incomplete” is a temporary grade indicating that specific arrangements have been made with the instructor to complete work by a later date, not to exceed 150 days after the end of the term. If a student has completed almost all of the work for a course, an Incomplete grade may be appropriate. An Incomplete may be extended once by the instructor for a period not to exceed 150 days. Any additional extension of an incomplete grade by the instructor requires the Dean’s approval.

Awarding of the incomplete grade is at the discretion of the instructor. If the incomplete grade is determined to be appropriate, the instructor will complete the Incomplete Grade Contract in MaineStreet, which specifies the following:

• The work to be completed by the student.
• The date by which the student will complete the work, not to exceed 150 days after the end of the term.
• The grade the student will receive if the work is not completed. If no grade is specified, the Incomplete is converted to an “F” after 150 days or as specified by the contract.

Individual faculty and academic programs may have additional policies regarding the awarding of the grade of incomplete.

Incomplete grades can negatively impact your financial aid eligibility. When you receive an Incomplete, it counts as a class you attempted but didn’t complete. This lowers your completion rate, which is a key part of the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. If your completion rate drops too low-or you fail to meet other SAP standards-you may risk losing your financial aid.

Pass/Fail Grading

The purpose of a system of pass/fail grading is to encourage students to enroll in courses outside their area of concentration with a minimum of threat to their grade point averages. This permits students to develop broader, more varied intellectual interests.

• All students are eligible to enroll.
• A student may not take more than one course per semester on a pass/fail basis.
• A course taken on a pass/fail basis may not be used to fulfill core, major, or minor requirements unless the course is only offered on a pass/fail basis or is credit awarded based on assessment of prior learning.
• “Pass” grades will not be used in computing grade point averages but will be counted toward degree credit. The P grade is assigned if a student earns a grade of A through C- in a course.
• “Low pass” grades will not be used in computing grade point averages but will be counted toward degree credit. The LP grade is assigned if a student earns a D+, D, or D- in a course.
• A failing grade, although recorded as an “F,” will not be computed in the student’s cumulative grade point average.
• Students must request pass/fail status at the time of registration. The deadline for changing to pass/fail status is the end of the add-drop period.

Audit

A student who wishes to attend a course as an auditor notifies the Registrar’s Office at the time of registration. Grades are not assigned when courses are audited. An audited course cannot be changed to credit status by taking examinations. Tuition for audited courses is the same as for those taken for regular credit. Any change in audit status must be accomplished during the add-drop period.

Course Repeat Policy

When a student repeats a course, the last attempt is considered the official grade and is used in the computation of the student’s GPA. Earlier grades remain on the record, but are removed from the GPA. (The transcript is appropriately noted). Previously earned credit will be removed if the course repeated is failed.

Grade Reports

Grades generally are available within two weeks after the end of the semester. Students can access their grades through their self-service center in MaineStreet, the UMS online student information system. Considerable care is taken to ensure that course registrations and grades entered on a student’s permanent record are accurate. Any student who suspects that an error has been made should take up the matter with the Registrar within six months of the completion of a course. Any student may appeal a grade by contacting the instructor. If this does not produce satisfactory results, consult the student handbook for detailed grievance procedures.

Academic Action

Academic Probation: The student whose grade point average indicates that he or she will have difficulty graduating with a 2.00 GPA is notified of this possibility. The student is still entitled to all rights and benefits of other degree candidates. Students on academic probation are required to meet with an academic advisor prior to course registration. No other sanctions are placed upon him or her. Academic probation may affect financial aid awards.

Suspension: Regardless of the GPA, no student is academically suspended without first having been placed on academic probation for one semester. If, after at least one semester on probation, a student fails to raise his or her GPA to an acceptable level, the Registrar, upon the recommendation of the appropriate College Dean, will take suspension action against the student. The student will not be permitted to register at the University for one semester (summer term may not be used as the suspension semester), but may submit an appeal to the Provost if he or she feels the committee should consider other information. The student may resume studies for the next term after consultation with an academic advisor. Students in limited capacity programs will be converted to the appropriate associate of applied science pre-track program and will be required to meet program entrance requirements to be considered for re-entry into the program. Students who are suspended for a second time will lose their degree status, but may apply for readmission after a semester of suspension.

President’s List and Dean’s List

The President’s List and the Dean’s List are two ways the university recognizes academic excellence. Qualifying for these achievements is posted on the student’s academic record.

To be eligible a student must be matriculated in a UMA degree program. Students enrolled at multiple campuses need to be registered in at least three credit hours at UMA unless they are enrolled in a collaborative program.

The President’s and Dean’s List are generated 35 calendar days after the last day of the fall and spring semesters. A student with any Incomplete or Missing Grades for the semester when the records are reviewed is not eligible. Upon application to the appropriate academic dean, a student will be placed on the List retroactively if the criteria for the achievement are met after the list has been prepared.

President’s List

A President’s List will comprise the names of students who are completing 12 or more credit hours of 100-level or higher UMA and/or University of Maine System courses (exclusive of pass/fail courses) and have a GPA of 3.80 or higher in those courses.

Dean’s List 

A Dean’s List will comprise the names of students who are completing 12 or more credit hours of 100-level or higher UMA and/or University of Maine System courses (exclusive of pass/fail courses) and have a GPA of 3.25 - 3.79, with no grades lower than a “C-” in those courses.

President’s List and Dean’s List for Part-Time Students

UMA recognizes the academic achievements of part-time students each spring by naming them to either the President’s List for part-time students or the Dean’s List for part-time students. Qualifying for these achievements is posted on the student’s academic record.  To be eligible for this academic recognition, students must:

• complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of 100-level or higher of UMA and/or University of Maine System coursework (exclusive of pass/fail courses) during two consecutive semesters in an academic year (fall and spring);
• take no more than 11 credit hours of 100-level UMA or University of Maine System coursework in either semester.

The President’s List for part-time students recognizes the achievements of students with a combined GPA of 3.80 or higher over the two consecutive semesters in those courses.

The Dean’s List for part-time students recognizes students with a combined GPA of 3.25 -3.79 over the two consecutive semesters, with no grades lower than a “C-“ in those courses.

Examinations

During each semester, two to four preliminary examinations may be administered in courses at the discretion of the faculty member. At the end of the semester, a final examination may be held in each course. Final examinations are normally scheduled for the last class meeting of each course.

Academic Minors

An academic minor is an area of focus that allows exploration of a field of study outside the major. A minor can also supplement career and/or graduate studies preparation. It is recommended that students consult their Student Services Coordinator/Professional Academic Advisor (SSC) before declaring a minor. 

• Minors are only available in baccalaureate programs.  
• A minor can be declared when applying to UMA and after admission by submitting a Change of Program form, but the minor must be declared before applying to graduate.
• Minors are required for any student in the Bachelor of Art in Liberal Studies and Bachelor of Applied Science degrees, and any minor declared for these majors requires a final cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher before graduation.  
• A student may declare a minor as long as no more than 6 credits of the minor are also requirements of the major. For example, one may earn a B.S. in Business Administration - Management [six credit hours of accounting required] and a minor in Accounting.
• To meet academic residency requirements, a minimum of 25% of minor credits must be earned at UMA.
• Completed minors are noted on official UMA transcripts.
• Check sheets for all minors are available online.

The Educated Person

The mission of the University of Maine at Augusta is to graduate educated persons. Educated persons have a broad base of skills and knowledge that make UMA graduates adaptable and innovative leaders in their communities. They can communicate clearly, both in speaking and in writing, are able to use math to solve real world and academic problems and demonstrate an understanding of the natural and social sciences, as well as the methodologies for investigating them. They can exchange, retrieve, and communicate information using current and emerging technologies, as well as reflect upon the role of those technologies in society. Through this pursuit of knowledge, educated persons have experienced diverse social, artistic, and intellectual cultures, and have explored their expressive voices as creative human beings. Educated persons are flexible, reflective, ethical, and self-aware thinkers who distinguish facts from opinion, and understand and seek out multiple perspectives. Finally, educated persons embrace lifelong learning as integral to their own personal wellbeing as well as for the benefit of their communities.

General Education Waiver Policy

Students who have completed a prior Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution are exempt from completing the UMA General Education requirements. Students must still meet the major requirements, other program requirements, residency and overall credit hour requirements in UMA programs. 

Core and General Education Requirements

It is the intention of the University of Maine at Augusta that every degree graduate will be prepared to function in our society as an effective and informed citizen. To this end, the faculty has designed a set of minimum expectations that students are expected to satisfy. These aspirations are defined by core skills, competencies, and abilities as well as knowledge based learning experiences that are the grounds for the General Education Requirements.

General Education Requirements

Baccalaureate Level

Written and Oral Communications (3 Credit Hours):

ENG 101 - College Writing  

Written Communications (3 Credit Hours):

Any writing-intensive course or ENG 389 - Topics in Literature, Writing, and Rhetoric  

Oral Communications (3 Credit Hours):

Any COM 1XX

Quantitative Literacy (3 Credit Hours):

Any MAT 1XX

Computer Literacy (3 Credit Hours):

CIS 101 - Introduction to Computer Science  

CIS 103 - Introduction to Computer Literacy  

Social Science (3 Credit Hours):

ANT 1XX                  

ECO 1XX     

ECO 201 - Macroeconomics  

ECO 202 - Microeconomics                             

GEO 101 - Introduction to Geography     

JUS 1XX

POS 1XX    

PSY XXX

SOC 1XX    

SSC 1XX

Natural Sciences (4 Credit Hours):

Any 1XX  4-credit lab science course

Humanities (3 Credit Hours):

AME XXX

ARH 105 - History of Art and Architecture I  

ARH 106 - History of Art and Architecture II  

ART 330 - Wham! Bang! Pow! Graphic Storytelling in Form and Practice  

ASL 101 - Introduction to American Sign Language I  

ASL 102 - Introduction to American Sign Language II  

AVI 120 - History of Aviation  

DRA XXX

FRE XXX

HGH XXX

HTY XXX

HUM XXX

MUH XXX

MUS 323 - Composition I  

SPA XXX

WGS XXX

PHI XXX (not PHI 335)

ENG XXX (not ENG 100 , ENG 101  ,ENG 210W ,  ENG 317W , ENG 320W )

Fine Arts (3 Credit Hours):

ARC 100 - Architectural Design Studio for the Non-Majors             

ARH XXX                                

ART XXX  

CIS 352 - Data Visualization  or  DSC 352 - Data Visualization  

DRA XXX

ENG 351W - Creative Writing   

ENG 451                                                       

MUH 1XX

MUS 1XX

MUS 323 - Composition I  

Information Literacy (3 Credit Hours):

BIO 324 - Cell Biology  

CIS 150 - Introduction to Data Science  

EDU 366W - Children’s and Young Adult Literature  or  ENG 366W - Children’s and Young Adult Literature  

ENG 317W - Professional Writing  

ENG 350W - Women Writers  or  WGS 350W - Women Writers  

ENG 360W - Selected Work of Shakespeare  

ENG 475W - Postcolonial Fictions  

ENG 454

ILS 101 - Information Science and Libraries  

ILS 102 - The Art & Science of Information Literacy  

INT 208 - Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies  or  HON 208 - Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies  

INT 430 - Embodied Social Justice: Theory & Methods  

NUR 352 - Nursing Research  

SSC 220 - Introduction to Research Literacy  

VTE 100 - Introduction to Veterinary Technology  

Critical Thinking (3 Credit Hours):

AME 201W - Introduction to American Culture and Power  

AME 345 - Abolition Feminism: Gender Violence and the Carceral State  or  AME 345 - Abolition Feminism: Gender Violence and the Carceral State  or  INT 345 - Abolition Feminism: Gender Violence and the Carceral State  or  WGS 345 - Abolition Feminism: Gender Violence and the Carceral State  

AME 305 - Intersections of Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality  or  SSC 305 - Intersections of Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality  or  WGS 305 - Intersections of Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality  

COM 101 - Public Speaking  

COM 104 - Communications in Groups and Organizations  

DRA 265 - The American Movie  or  AME 265 - The American Movie  

DRA 365

EDU 250 - The Teaching Profession  

ENG 321W - Writing for Change  

ENG 325W - American Stories - Reading and Writing Memoir  

ENG 350W - Women Writers  

ENG 375 - Contemporary Latin American Literature  

ENG 360W - Selected Work of Shakespeare  

ENG 370W - Medieval and Renaissance Literature  

ENG 454

ENG 475W - Postcolonial Fictions  

HUS 270 - Practicum  

INT 430 INT 430 - Embodied Social Justice: Theory & Methods  

ISS 460 - Law and Critical Thinking in Cybersecurity  

MLS 300 - Hematology  

MUS 435W - Senior Seminar: Contemporary Music in its Cultural Context  

NUR 412 - Caring for Adults II  

NUR 499W - Senior Seminar  

PHI 135 - Critical Thinking  

PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology  

PSY 355 - Social Psychology  or  SOC 355 - Social Psychology  

PSY 336 - Disaster, Climate, and Society  or  SSC 336 - Disaster, Climate, and Society  

PSY 377 - Community Psychology  

PSY 402 - Neuropsychology  

SOC 201 - Social Problems  

SSC 220 - Introduction to Research Literacy  

VTE 224 - Surgical and Anesthesiology I  

WGS 349 - Female Body in Western Culture  or  INT 349 - Female Body in Western Culture  

Cultural Perspectives (3 Credit Hours):

AME XXX

ARH 105 - History of Art and Architecture I  

ARH 375 - Art After 1945  

ART 330 - Wham! Bang! Pow! Graphic Storytelling in Form and Practice  

ASL 1XX

ASL 2XX

BUA 420 - International Business  

CIS 353 - Principles of Human Computer Interaction and User Design (HCI and UX)  

COL 123 - Learning & the College Community  

DRA 265 - The American Movie  or  AME 265 - The American Movie  

EDU 200W - Diversity, Poverty, and Cultural Competence  

EDU 335 - Serving Multilingual Learners  

ENG 102W - Introduction to Literature  

ENG 2xx or higher (not ENG 360W )

FRE 203 - Intermediate French I  

FRE 204 - Intermediate French II  

GEO 101 - Introduction to Geography  

HGH 345 - Abolition Feminism: Gender Violence and the Carceral State  

HUS 134 - Cultural Competence in the Helping Professions  

INT 430 - Embodied Social Justice: Theory & Methods  

ISS 375 - Cybersecurity, Equity, and Social Justice  

MUH 110 - Popular Music  

POS 361 - Human Resources Management  or  BUA 361 - Human Resource Management  

POS 365 - Organizational Behavior  or  BUA 365 - Organizational Behavior  

PSY 336 - Disaster, Climate, and Society  or  SSC 336 - Disaster, Climate, and Society  

PSY 355 - Social Psychology  or  SOC 355 - Social Psychology  

PSY 377 - Community Psychology  

PSY 385 - Stereotyping and Prejudice  

SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology  

SOC 201 - Social Problems  

SOC 315 - Sociology of Deviance  

SOC 370 - Sociology of Culture  

SPA 1XX

SPA 2XX

WGS XXX

Ethical Reasoning (3 Credit Hours):

BIO 351 - Biomedical Ethics  or  PHI 351 - Biomedical Ethics  or  NUR 351 - Biomedical Ethics  

BUA 252 - Business Ethics  

CIS 460 - Computing, Ethics and Culture  or INT 460

EDU 100 - Introduction to Teacher Education  

ENG 350W - Women Writers  or  WGS 350W - Women Writers  

ENG 475W - Postcolonial Fictions  

HUS 316 - Applied Professional Ethics for Human Services  

PHI 250 - Ethics  

PSY 308 - Human Development  

VTE 100 - Introduction to Veterinary Technology  

Baccalaureate Notes:

-The baccalaureate degree requires 40 credits of General Education credits.

-No double dipping. A course can be used to satisfy only one Gen Ed. requirement at a time.

-Programs may limit options-see the major checksheet for specific Gen Ed requirements.

-Updated May 8, 2026

Associate Level

Written and Oral Communications (3 Credit Hours):

ENG 101 - College Writing  

Oral Communications (3 Credit Hours):

Any COM 1XX

Quantitative Literacy (3 Credit Hours):

Any MAT 1XX

Social Science (3 Credit Hours):

ANT 1XX                  

ECO 1XX     

ECO 201 - Macroeconomics  

ECO 202 - Microeconomics    

JUS 1XX

POS 1XX    

PSY XXX

SOC 1XX    

SSC 1XX

Natural Sciences (4 Credit Hours):

Any 1XX  4-credit lab science course

Humanities or Fine Arts (3 Credit Hours):

AME XXX

ARC 100 - Architectural Design Studio for the Non-Majors  

ARH XXX                                

ART XXX   

ASL 101 - Introduction to American Sign Language I  

ASL 102 - Introduction to American Sign Language II  

DRA XXX

ENG XXX (not ENG 100 , ENG 101  ,ENG 210W ,  ENG 317W , ENG 320W )

FRE XXX

HGH XXX

HTY XXX

HUM XXX

MUH XXX

MUS XXX 

SPA XXX

WGS XXX

PHI XXX (not PHI 335)

Computer or Information Literacy (3 Credit Hours):

BIO 324 - Cell Biology  

CIS 101 - Introduction to Computer Science  

CIS 103 - Introduction to Computer Literacy  

CIS 150 - Introduction to Data Science  

EDU 366W - Children’s and Young Adult Literature  or  ENG 366W - Children’s and Young Adult Literature  

ENG 317W - Professional Writing  

ENG 350W - Women Writers  or  WGS 350W - Women Writers  

ENG 360W - Selected Work of Shakespeare  

ENG 475W - Postcolonial Fictions  

ENG 454

ILS 101 - Information Science and Libraries  

ILS 102 - The Art & Science of Information Literacy  

INT 208 - Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies  or  HON 208 - Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies  

INT 430 - Embodied Social Justice: Theory & Methods  

NUR 225 - Introduction to Health Informatics  

NUR 352 - Nursing Research  

SSC 220 - Introduction to Research Literacy  

VTE 100 - Introduction to Veterinary Technology  

Associate’s degrees require at least 20 credits of General Education credits.

-A course can be used to satisfy only one Gen Ed. requirement at a time.

-Programs may limit options. See the major checksheet for specific Gen Ed requirements.

-Updated March 17, 2026

Learning Outcomes for Core Skills, Competencies, and Abilities

Written Communications:

The UMA graduate will demonstrate the skills to write clearly and effectively. The UMA graduate will be able to:

• Write and speak effectively in a variety of rhetorical modes (e.g., essays, research reports, speeches, and literature reviews) and communication modalities.
• Evaluate the needs, background, and values of an audience and adapt the writing or speaking accordingly.
• Organize and present complex material at appropriate levels of abstraction and technical detail for the audience.
• Find, evaluate, integrate, and cite sources, using an appropriate citation style.
• Revise and edit texts to achieve coherence and clarity.
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively with tone, gesture, affect, volume, and presence suitable to the situation.
• Identify important components of messages with others in a productive manner as well as practice effective and appropriate listening skills.

Quantitativeand Computer Literacy:

The UMA graduate will possess competence in applying basic math skills to interpret and analyze real-world quantitative information within a discipline or across disciplines. The UMA graduate will effectively use computing resources to solve problems, think algorithmically, transform data into information through analysis, and be aware of the role of computing in society, including the risks and ethical considerations associated with the use of technology.

Quantitative Reasoning Indicators

The UMA graduate will be able to:

• Evaluate and solve practical quantitative problems, using a variety of strategies and perspectives to translate them into precise mathematical statements.
• Use appropriate technology to enhance mathematical thinking and understanding and to solve mathematical problems while judging the reasonableness of the results.
• Use statistical and numerical data and sound reasoning skills to discuss effectively and write convincing mathematical arguments using the language and vocabulary of mathematics.
• Effectively perform arithmetic, algebraic, geometric, and statistical operations
• Build models connecting abstract variables with concrete applications.
• Recognize and use mathematical connections across other disciplines.

Computer Literacy Indicators

• Utilize common productivity suites for everyday tasks such as word processing, basic spreadsheet operations, shared workspaces, and presentation graphics.
• Utilize technology to communicate effectively (e-mail, social media, discussion boards, etc) while recognizing the risks and limitations associated with online communication.
• Conceptualize problem solving as a transformational process (i.e., break down complex problems, describe and develop algorithms to solve problems).
• Demonstrate an understanding of concepts necessary to protect the storage and transmission of Personally Identifiable Information (PII), such as encryption, secure communication, password management, and awareness of common cyber threats.
• Exhibit an understanding of the dynamic nature of technology and its rapid evolution. Evaluate the ethical considerations and the technological and human impacts of data collection and processing, and the use of advanced computing technologies such as Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning.
• Collect, analyze, visualize, and interpret data in the pursuit of knowledge and information.
• Effectively navigate online databases, search engines, and other information repositories to locate and evaluate information, critically assessing the credibility and reliability of online sources.

Social Science:

The UMA graduate will be able to apply theoretical perspectives from the social sciences, employ social science methods, and interpret social science findings to enrich their understanding of social and cultural determinants, processes, and outcomes.

The UMA graduate will be able to:

• Articulate fundamental theories of at least one social science discipline.
• Use social science research methods to generate new knowledge and/or understand the world around them.
• Recognize, explain, and systematically measure at least one of the core elements of the field(s) of social science:
  • social structures
  • cultural systems and practices
  • interpersonal and group dynamics
  • psychological processes
  • effects and processes of distribution
• Apply social science theories, methods, and findings to other disciplines, to professional work, to life challenges, and to community problems.

Natural Sciences:

The UMA graduate will understand how the principles, theories, and methods of science relate to our expanding understanding of the natural world. Students will be able to critically evaluate science-based information.

The UMA graduate will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of basic knowledge and general concepts in the natural sciences.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the contribution, potential impact, and domain of science in society and the natural world.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and how it is used to advance evidence-based knowledge.
• Demonstrate competence in applying the methods of scientific inquiry through laboratory practices.
• Demonstrate an ability to apply scientific knowledge and to critically assess real-world issues and make informed decisions.

Humanities and Fine Arts:

The Humanities and the Fine Arts are the scholarly fields through which we understand creative human endeavors. The academic field of the Humanities teaches textual and contextual methodologies for researching, analyzing, discussing, and writing factual understandings and informed analyses of history, art history, philosophy, religion, modern and ancient languages and literatures, media, and cultural studies. The academic field of the Fine Arts encompasses the expressive arts of music, dance, visual art, design, film, poetry, and other creative practices still emerging. Together, the Humanities and Fine Arts encompass elemental creative and analytical approaches to the fundamental human questions that inform all academic disciplines and are therefore a foundational cornerstone of a complete education.

Required Indicators in all Humanities and Fine Arts

• Demonstrate an understanding of key terms and theoretical concepts in at least one of the subdisciplines in the field of Humanities, including but not limited to literature and language, history, art history, cultural studies, religion, and philosophy.
• Evaluate, analyze, and compare significant texts and artworks, using historical and social contexts and a variety of critical and interdisciplinary perspectives.

Specific Indicators in Humanities

• Recognize the different cultural, social, political, etc. contexts in which meaning is made and through which it is disseminated.
• Challenge standard assumptions by asking constructive, critical, and creative questions that demonstrate the cultural production and evaluation of knowledge.
• Practice the intellectual agility required to navigate a variety of perspectives and participate effectively in democracy.

Specific Indicators in Fine Arts

• Create/perform, edit, and complete a work of art with level-appropriate skill and intention.
• Effectively identify and evaluate discipline-specific elements within a work of art (i.e., color and composition in visual art).
• Create, identify, and/or describe important works of art within a given genre in their cultural contexts.
• Analyze intersections of form and concept in a work of art.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of relevant artistic precedents in analyzing one’s own work or the work of other artists.

Information Literacy:

Information literacy is the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information to create new knowledge and to participate ethically in communities of learning. The UMA graduate will be able to demonstrate sufficient competencies in information literacy, as defined by the University of Maine System Libraries and the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) framework.

These competencies include recognition, understanding, and demonstration that authority is constructed and contextual, information creation as a process, information has value, research as inquiry, scholarship is a conversation, and searching is strategic.

The UMA graduate will be able to:

• Define different types of authority (subject expertise, societal position, special experience) and demonstrate understanding that each discipline has acknowledged authorities that are widely considered “standard.”
• Assess the fit between an information product’s creation process and a particular information need and articulate the capabilities and constraints of information developed through various creation processes.
• Demonstrate understanding that information has value by giving credit to the original ideas of others through proper attribution and citation, articulating the purpose and distinguishing characteristics of copyright, fair use, open access, and the public domain, and recognizing issues of access or lack of access to information sources.
• Formulate questions for research based on information gaps or on re-examination of existing, possibly conflicting, information; synthesize ideas gathered from multiple sources; and draw reasonable conclusions based on the analysis and interpretation of information.
• Critically evaluate contributions made by others in participatory information environments through authority and expertise, bias and objectivity, consistency and relevance, and collaborative reflection.
• Identify interested parties, such as scholars, organizations, governments, and industries, who might produce information about a topic and then determine how to access that information, and match information needs and search strategies to appropriate search tools.

Critical Thinking:

The UMA graduate will be able to demonstrate critical thinking through course-related academic writing, discussions, collaborative activities, and presentations.

The UMA graduate will be able to

• Distinguish between objective and subjective reasoning and how this influences personal perspectives.
• Clearly identify and articulate the elements of one’s own perspective and their implications.
• Explore and evaluate the quality of evidence in support of one’s own and others’ perspectives.
• Develop new arguments by synthesizing evidence and identifying new patterns across a variety of sources and perspectives.
• Recognize and address the existence of biases, fallacies, and inaccuracies.

Cultrual Perspectives:

The UMA graduate will be able to analyze, contextualize, critique, and explain their own identity and relationship to power as well as understand, articulate, and critically analyze diverse social, cultural, and political frames of reference.

The UMA graduate will be able to:

• Articulate how structural, cultural, and historical forces shape or have shaped human diversity based on factors such as race, ethnicity, language, religion, class, ability, nationality, sexuality, or gender.
• Recognize and reflect upon one’s cultural lens, implicit biases, and privilege, considering intersections of oppression and privilege and how they shape opportunities and experiences for individuals and groups.
• Investigate and critique traditional hierarchies or social categories and the role that complex networks of social structures and systems play in the creation and perpetuation of the dynamics of power, privilege, oppression, and opportunity.
• Evaluate information and assertions for relevance, bias, stereotyping, manipulation, and completeness.
• Interact with and reflect upon ideas, theories, texts, and/or artworks from historically marginalized and oppressed groups of scholars, authors, critics, theorists, performers, activists, etc.
• Apply the principles of rights, access, equity, and inclusion to past, current, or future social justice movements.

Ethical Reasoning:

The UMA graduate will be able to assess their own ethical values and the social context of problems. Students will recognize ethical issues in a variety of settings, think about how different ethical perspectives might be applied to ethical dilemmas, and consider the ramifications of alternative actions.

• Discuss, apply, and critique multiple ethical frameworks associated with professions and/or academic disciplines.
• Identify ethical dilemmas posed by complex personal or professional situations and apply ethical principles to those dilemmas.
• Articulate potential conflicts between ethical principles and competing professional demands or social values.
• Distinguish between the application of personal values and broader ethical perspectives.

Writing Intensive Course Requirement

All UMA degree programs require students to complete one writing intensive course. This requirement reflects our belief that the ability to write clearly and effectively is a powerful tool for learning, thinking, and reflecting. We recognize that the development of writing skills requires guidance, feedback, and practice. The intent of the writing intensive course is to build upon the skills developed in ENG101, College Writing. Courses currently approved as meeting the writing intensive course requirement are identified in this catalog with a “W” following the course number.

Graduation

Completion of Program of Study:

Students must satisfy the graduation requirements as stated in the catalog in effect for the first semester of their attendance as a matriculated student. Students whose matriculation has expired forfeit the right to pursue a degree according to the provisions of the original catalog. Instead, they are bound by the catalog in effect for the first semester as a readmitted student. At the student’s choice, a later catalog may be selected for graduation requirements, but an earlier catalog may not. In some cases, academic units have specific time limits for completion of graduation requirements. If so, such limits will be noted in the program section of this catalog. A GPA of 2.0 or higher in the major is required for graduation. For students earning the Bachelor of Art in Liberal Studies degree or Bachelor of Applied Science degree, a GPA of 2.0 or higher in the minor is required for graduation. Individual programs may set a higher GPA requirement for graduation.

Graduation Verification

Students who believe they are ready to graduate need to complete the candidacy for graduation form on the UMA website, even if they do not plan to attend the commencement ceremony. Applications should be submitted by December 1 for December completion and April 1 for May and August completion. Applications are processed in Enrollment and Information Services. Once the application is received, an audit is done. Students missing requirements are notified by email with the missing requirement(s) listed.

Commencement Ceremony:

Commencement exercises are held once a year at the end of the spring semester. Students finishing their requirements in December, May, or August will be invited to attend the May ceremony. Applications should be submitted by December 1 for December completion and April 1 for May and August completions. The application for graduation is on our website at www.uma.edu.

Latin Honors:

In recognition of academic excellence, UMA awards degrees with Latin honors based on the student’s cumulative UMA GPA:

Degree Residency Requirements:

To be eligible to receive an associate degree, the student must have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, fulfilled all program requirements, and have completed 15 credit hours in UMA courses, to include 9 credit hours in the major.

Baccalaureate degree candidates must have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, fulfilled all program requirements, and have completed 30 credit hours in UMA courses, to include 9 upper-level credits in the major, or 9 upper-level credits for students in the Bachelor of Applied Science. The cumulative grade point average computation includes all coursework taken at UMA. Any exception to this rule will be reviewed by the college faculty and approved by the academic college dean.

Nursing students must spend at least one year in the UMA Nursing Program to meet Maine State Board of Nursing regulations. Appeal of this policy should be addressed, in writing, to the appropriate academic college dean. Exceptions are not normally granted except for extenuating circumstances.

Testing and Assessment (Credit for Learning Assessment)

Academic advising staff coordinates and administers credit for learning assessment (CPL). Tools and strategies include placement tests in reading, writing, and mathematics for incoming students, credit-by-examination programs including CLEP, DANTES, challenge exams, advanced placement, and credit via portfolio assessment. CPL credit does not universally apply toward academic residency. Visit https://www.uma.edu/academics/cpl/ for details.

Advanced Placement Program (AP)
The Advanced Placement Program (AP) sponsored by the College Board offers secondary school students the opportunity to participate in challenging college-level coursework while still in high school. UMA recognizes specific AP grades, enabling students to receive college credit for their achievement. https://www.uma.edu/academics/cpl/examination/

Challenge Exams
Challenge examination is available to students enrolled in UMA degree programs. Challenge Exams are designed and prepared by UMA faculty. Credits earned through challenge examination may be used to meet UMA academic residency requirements. NOTE: Challenge exam credits will not transfer to academic institutions outside of the University of Maine System (UMS): https://www.uma.edu/academics/cpl/examination/

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
UMA participates in CLEP. Students in UMA degree programs may earn a maximum of 45 college credits through CLEP. CLEP credits cannot be used to meet UMA academic residency requirements.
UMA is an official CLEP Test Center (TC). UMA students, as well as community members, may opt to take any exam offered by the College Board and have exam results sent to any CLEP participating institution. https://www.uma.edu/academics/cpl/examination/

Dantes (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
UMA accepts DSST credit, but is not currently administering DANTES examinations. https://www.uma.edu/academics/cpl/examination/

Foreign Language Achievement Testing Services (FLATS)
UMA currently accepts passing scores from Brigham Young University FLATS exams.  Passing grades on 101 and 102 levels earns LAN 1xx (4 credits) and passing grades on the 101, 102 and 201 exams are awarded LAN 2xx (8 credits).

National League for Nursing (NLN) Exam
UMA accepts the following National League for Nursing (NLN) Exams for students matriculated in the RN-BSN completion program: Normal Nutrition (meets UMA’s RN-BSN BIO 104 requirement) & Physical Assessment (meets UMA’s RN-BSN NUR 301 requirement. https://www.uma.edu/academics/cpl/examination/

Portfolio Assessment
UMA recognizes some students have previously acquired information and skills that may be equivalent to college-level courses. Portfolio assessment is a standardized process through which students can demonstrate knowledge and experience in a particular field to earn credit for specific UMA courses. Portfolio assessment involves compiling pertinent information into a portfolio and submitting it for faculty review. This process, including portfolio preparation and faculty review, usually requires several months. https://www.uma.edu/academics/cpl/portfolio/

External Training Review
UMA has an established process to award college credit for completed external training programs. Once an external training program has been reviewed and approved by UMA, approval of college credit(s) awarded for the external training program is typically available for five years from the date of the training program’s approval. External training programs are typically reviewed and approved by UMA every 5 years on an ongoing basis. https://www.uma.edu/academics/cpl/externaltraining/

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Residency Policy

Credits earned through an external exam or external credential review cannot be used toward meeting academic residency requirements. Thus, the following CPL credits cannot be used toward meeting UMA residency requirements:

• Advanced Placement (AP) credits
• CLEP (College Level Examination Program) Exam credits
• DSST (DANTES) Exam credits
• NLN (National League of Nursing) Exam credits
• External Training/Credential Review credits
• Military Training credits

The following CPL avenues may be used to help meet academic residency requirements when the avenue meets the criteria explained below:

• Challenge Exam credits:

  • Students completing the exam(s) must be matriculated at UMA

  • Exams must be designed and evaluated by UMA faculty

• Students completing the exam(s) must be matriculated at UMA
• Exams must be designed and evaluated by UMA faculty
• Academic Portfolio credits:

  • Students must be matriculated at UMA

  • Portfolio(s) must be evaluated by UMA faculty

• Students must be matriculated at UMA
• Portfolio(s) must be evaluated by UMA faculty

CPL opportunities will not impact a student’s GPA in any way, regardless of the score a student earns on the exam. Credits earned through CPL at another University of Maine System institution will not count toward UMA academic residency requirements. Exceptions to the CPL academic residency policy must be approved by the Dean’s Office of the academic college in which the student’s major resides.

Double Major:

Double majors are possible within a single baccalaureate degree. Both majors may be within the same college, or they may be in different colleges. Students may complete two different majors simultaneously with no prescribed increase in total credits beyond those required to satisfy both majors.

Students intending to complete the requirements of more than one major are required to declare their intent in writing to the dean of their college (or to the deans of both colleges, if the majors are in different colleges) prior to completion of 84 credit hours. At this time the student must declare a primary major. Students are encouraged to declare their intent to double-major at their earliest opportunity in order to minimize the number of credits required for graduation.

The baccalaureate degree granted will be that associated with the primary major, and the student is required to satisfy all of the requirements imposed by that college. To complete the second major, the student need only complete the specific requirements established for that major (including residency requirements). At no time can the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies degree, the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies degree, or the Bachelor of Applied Science degree be a component of a double major. All requirements for both the primary and secondary major must be completed at the time the degree is awarded. The primary and secondary majors will be noted both on the diploma and on the transcript, worded according to the following example: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a second major in English, or Bachelor of Art in English, with a second major in Business Administration (depending upon which is designated the primary major).

Earning a Second Associate or Baccalaureate Degree:

To be eligible to receive a second associate degree, a student must complete an additional fifteen credit hours of coursework and complete all program and residency requirements. To receive a second baccalaureate degree the requirements are the same as listed above, except the student must complete thirty credit hours. Students admitted to a baccalaureate degree may receive any associate degree once all degree requirements have been met.

Substitution or Waiver of Degree Requirements:

In consultation with their Student Services Coordinator (SSC) or Faculty Advisor, students have the right to request that transfer courses, UMA courses, CLEP credit, AP credit, or prior learning be reviewed to substitute a major, general education, or minor course requirement that they might not automatically fill. In cases where the SSC or faculty advisor believes the request holds merit, the SSC or faculty advisor will submit a substitution/waiver form to the appropriate program coordinator and college dean for approval. 

The same approval process is followed for the waiver of degree requirements, however waivers are far less common and are generally only approved for extenuating circumstances.  

Substitutions and waivers are granted for the student’s current degree program. If the student changes their program or pursues an additional degree, the substitution/waiver process would need to begin anew.

Registration

Degree students should meet with an advisor prior to registration for courses. Any student who wishes to register for more than 18 credits in a semester must have the written approval of an advisor or the college dean.

Add/Drop (Adjustments in Course Schedule)

A student is allowed to add courses during the regular add period, which generally is the first week of the semester. A student who wishes to drop some but not all of their classes may do so in MaineStreet. Students who wish to withdraw from all courses call the Enrollment and Information Services staff at 1-877-UMA-1234, the Registrar’s Office, the academic advising office, or their nearest UMA Center.

IMPORTANT: Refer to the online Student Handbook (deadlines section) on the UMA website for specific deadlines for adding, dropping, or withdrawing from courses. Courses offered in the course search are subject to cancellation due to low enrollment.

Student Status

Full Time: Any student registered for 12 credit hours or more is considered full time.
Part Time: Any student registered for 11 credit hours or fewer is considered part time.

The majority of students attend UMA on a part-time basis and have the choice of attending during the day, evening, online, or a combination of each. Hesitancy to withdraw from the job market, family responsibilities, competing priorities, and financial demands are among many reasons given for part-time attendance. We encourage students to proceed through their studies at a rate that recognizes both their educational objectives and the complexity of their lives. Students may change their status from one semester to another, but the financial aid implications of such a change should be carefully considered.

Students do not have to be enrolled in a degree program to take UMA courses. We welcome non-degree students whose purpose in attending is often for professional development, career change, or personal enrichment. UMA encourages part-time students to consult Enrollment and Information Services or the Academic Advising office to receive assistance in program planning and course selection to provide an appropriate sequence of courses to meet their needs. Enrollment Services Center staff are also available to assist students in exploring course and program offerings..

Residence Reclassification Policy

A student is classified as a resident or a nonresident for tuition purposes at the time of admission to the University. Prospective students should contact the Office of Student Accounts if they have questions concerning their residency status. Students enrolled as nonresident, who have reason to believe their residence status has changed, may contact the Office of Student Accounts for details on the rules governing residency classification.

Attendance

Satisfactory attendance is determined in each course by the instructor, who will inform students during the first meeting of each class of the attendance requirements. Every student is expected to accept the responsibility for satisfactory attendance in each course for which he or she is registered.

Acceptable Conduct in Class Settings

As members of an academic community, we are committed to learning and practicing in ways that support a caring and socially just community. The following are examples of how we create and sustain a productive academic environment:

1. Facilitate an open, respectful, and caring environment.
2. Accept responsibility and accountability for one’s own behavior when interacting with others.
3. Explore controversial issues through open dialogue and respectful deliberation.
4. Respect freedom of expression while recognizing that such tolerance does not require agreement with expressed ideas.
5. Engage institutional resources and persons to resolve conflict when necessary.

The purpose of this policy is to foster a safe and supportive learning and work environment. Therefore, we will not tolerate harassing or discriminatory behavior in any form, and such behavior may constitute a violation of the UMS Conduct Code.

The University of Maine at Augusta has a commitment to free speech, academic freedom and civility. In a classroom or online learning environment, these freedoms are exercised through the norms established by the faculty and the institution. Faculty do play a distinct role for in person and virtual class settings rooted in their professional training and in the standards established by academic programs and departments, professional organizations, and accreditors. Students and faculty have an active role in fostering a healthy academic environment that supports learning and civil discourse. (UMS Section 212 Free Speech, Academic Freedom, and Civility) 

Student disruptions to the academic environment may be addressed by the faculty with formative feedback. Failure to adjust behaviors after faculty feedback may result in disciplinary measures via the UMS Student Code of Conduct. Faculty and students can reach out for help and support
from the Dean of Students, academic program coordinators, the dean of the College or other support services as needed.

Withdrawal

Students considering withdrawing for serious personal or academic difficulties are strongly encouraged to meet with a faculty advisor, a college dean, their UMA Center Director, or the Academic Advising staff. Students who withdraw from all courses for any reason must do so by contacting the Registrar’s Office, the nearest UMA Center, or by calling the Enrollment and Information Services staff at 1-877-UMA-1234. Failure to officially withdraw exempts students from refund policies and may result in failing grades in all courses. Refer to the current course guide for specific withdrawal information.

Refund Calculation: The attendance period for the student begins on the opening day of scheduled campus classes and ends on the date the student notifies the Registrar or Enrollment and Information Services staff that he or she is dropping or withdrawing. This attendance period includes weekends, holidays, and snow days.

Transcript of Academic Record

Students’ official academic records are maintained in the Registrar’s Office. Transcripts of these records are not furnished to individuals, other institutions, or prospective employers without the written consent of the student concerned. Transcript Request Forms are available in the Registrar’s Office in Augusta, at the Bangor campus, and at UMA Centers. A transcript request form may also be downloaded from the UMA website (http://www.uma.edu/compliance/transcripts/). Students also can submit a request for an official transcript through MaineStreet. Students can print unofficial transcripts from their student center in MaineStreet.

Electronic copies of a transcript are only available for purchase via a third party vendor accessible via http://www.uma.edu/compliance/transcripts/.