2018 College Preview by Bangor Daily News

2 COLLEGE FAIR PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 14, 2018

COLLEGE FAIR PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 14, 2018

MEET DORINA,

A STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF EVERYONE COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE

The University of Southern Maine (USM) is a place in which you’ll fit in and feel welcome, no matter your

ADVANTAGE ONE: ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

the “University of Everyone.” We’re the university of

Students receive an outstanding education from a faculty who combine their expertise with a true caring for each and every student. And for most every student, there is at least one professor with whom they really connect, whether it be through a research project or conversations and guidance that continue throughout their college years and even well after graduation.

high achievers, the determined, the talented, the first-

ADVANTAGE TWO: REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE

background, age, or experience. It’s why we’re called

in-the family to attend college, the “New Mainer,” the working adult, and those who have served our nation. We’re also the university of students who are pursuing their dreams and making a difference in the world. That’s certainly the case for Dorina Sirois, who is halfway through her junior year at USM. Dorina was born and raised in Maine. When it was time to choose a college, Dorina knew a few things: she wanted to be able to continue to live at home, play the sports she loves, and major in cybersecurity. “For me, the choice was easy. USM checked all the boxes,” says Dorina. Today, Dorina is a cybersecurity major who plays on USM’s field hockey and lacrosse teams. And she’s also a member of the Air National Guard. She enjoys the USM community and has made lots of friends on campus. “I have friends who transferred here from bigger colleges in other states and they’re much happier with the size of and community feeling at USM,” she says. What are Dorina’s plans for the future? With Air Guard training and a degree in cybersecurity under her belt, she’ll have lots of options. “First, I want to get hands-on experience right here in Portland, but eventually I’d like to work for the federal government in Washington, D.C.,” she says. “My dream job would be working for the CIA.” With her track record, there’s every reason to believe Dorina will achieve that dream. While every USM student has their own unique story, all students benefit from these four advantages offered at the University of Southern Maine:

With its three campuses in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston situated in the economic and cultural heart of northern New England, USM has a great advantage over most schools in being able to provide student with hands-on experience by placing them in hospitals, social service agencies, non-profits, performance venues, sports teams, and businesses of every size. These opportunities give USM students a true leg up in launching their careers. A USM student’s education begins in the classroom, but quickly extends outside its walls. No matter one’s field of study, USM provides internships, clinicals, and authentic hands-on learning in every major. USM’s Career and Employment Hub is a tremendous resource to connect students with workplace opportunities.

ADVANTAGE THREE: AN AFFORDABLE COLLEGE OPTION

Between our public tuition rate and outstanding financial aid packages, students receive a terrific education at a far lower cost than most other schools. In fact, USM is one of the few schools in the nation where student debt has actually gone down. For those interested in graduate or law school, USM’s accelerated pathways save students a year in time and tuition costs. For example, USM’s partnership with our Maine School of Law (Maine’s only law school) enables USM students to earn both their bachelor’s degree and their law degree in just six years.

ADVANTAGE FOUR: EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

And finally, our students fit in and all are welcome, regardless of age, background, or experience. USM is the most diverse campus in Maine and students benefit from learning with each other and from each other. We are, after all, the “University of Everyone.”

4 COLLEGE FAIR PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 14, 2018

KVCC

PROVIDES PATHS TO GREAT CAREERS OR FOUR-YEAR DEGREES COURTESY OF KENNEBEC VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

ennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield, Maine, prepares students to achieve their educational, professional, and personal goals in a supportive environment through shared values of responsibility, integrity, and respect. The college provides affordable opportunities and a great path to a career or a transfer degree at a four-year university. Approximately 2,500 full and part-time students attend KVCC. The college offers evening, weekend, and online courses to help students with busy schedules. The college has over 35 associate degree and certificate offerings available. These range from nursing to allied health programs including respiratory therapy, physical therapist assistant, radiology, occupational therapy assistant, medical assisting, phlebotomy, and health information management, combining the expanding arena of health care with the cutting edge of technology. KVCC also offers New England’s only program in electrical lineworker technology supporting the power and communications industries. It has

expanded offerings in plumbing, heating and cooling, energy services, and welding. The electrical technology, applied electronics, and business programs are very popular, as well. The campus has several classroom buildings, a learning commons, a multipurpose center, a café, computer labs, and some beautiful walking trails. In 2012, KVCC received a gift of 600 acres (formerly the Good Will-Hinckley School for Boys and Girls). Renamed the Harold Alfond Campus, this new campus provides new space and opportunities for KVCC. This campus is home to the Alfond Recreation Center, which has a beautiful hardwood gym floor, inside baseball practice netting, a fitness center, and a racquetball court. The Moody Chapel is also located on the Alfond Campus, and it is a popular wedding location. The Alfond Campus, located on Route 201 approximately six miles north of Fairfield, offers students several academic program options in a beautiful country setting, including agriculture, carpentry, culinary arts, mental health, psychology, early childhood, and liberal studies. The Nutter Fieldhouse has been renovated to include a new classroom facility, an indoor pole-climbing area for our lineworker program, and a state of the art carpentry lab.

COLLEGE FAIR PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 14, 2018

UMAINE MACHIAS IS LEADER IN COMMUNITYENGAGED EDUCATION COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT MACHIAS

niversity of Maine at Machias has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching for being an exemplar in the area of community-engaged learning. UMM is one of just 311 out of more than 3,000 colleges and universities nationwide that now hold the Community Engagement Classification, which recognizes the university for its extraordinary service-learning and community service activities. These hands-on learning experiences, along with UMM’s unique coastal location, set it apart from other colleges. Courses in all degree programs include community-based learning, which means UMM students enrich their education by working alongside community members and organizations. From the first semester, UMM students spend hundreds of hours receiving college credit while working in their fields, so that they become well-prepared and highly soughtafter graduates. Whether they’re pulling on rubber boots to study marine biology, growing organic produce for a food pantry, or hanging and marketing their own shows in the art gallery, UMM students are gaining marketable job skills while making a difference in the world. Examples of UMM’s service learning are evident throughout the community. Among the highlights: Annually, psychology students work with the municipality of Machias to reduce barriers to recycling. In the spring, accounting students team up with the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program to provide tax preparation help to low- to moderate-income individuals. Students in the GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Lab create new tax maps for area municipalities. In the Organic Food Production course, students harvest vegetables for the area food pantry. Those studying cross-cultural civic engagement collaborate with peers in four other countries and cap their experience with a trip to the Netherlands to meet their international counterparts. These opportunities arise out of a strong, reciprocal relationship between campus and community. Because community partners open their doors and serve as mentors, UMM students graduate with real-life experiences that provide a sense of purpose and shape future careers. Real-world experience provides a layer of meaning and relevance that cannot be achieved in the classroom alone. Likewise, area nonprofits, businesses, organizations, and all levels of government benefit from the talents of engaged students.

6 COLLEGE FAIR PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 14, 2018

HOW TO MAKE APPLYING TO COLLEGE

LESS STRESSFUL Applying to colleges is exciting for many high school students. But that excitement is sometimes tempered by

anxiety. The college application process can affect students’ lives for years to come, so it’s understandable why some teenagers might feel stressed as they apply to college. The National Center for Educational Statistics says 69 percent of high school graduates in the United States enroll in college the fall after graduating from high school. Many students begin applying to college before entering their senior year of high school. Students can employ various strategies to make applying to college less stressful.

CREATE AN INVENTORY OF STUDENT EXPERIENCES AND AWARDS When completing their college applications, students submit a variety of materials. In addition to students’ track records in the classroom, schools will be

interested in kids’ extracurricular activities, hobbies, volunteer work, and even things they do during their free time. Parents and students can work together to develop a master list that includes information about what students have accomplished during high school. These may include involvement in certain clubs, participation in sports teams, advanced ranking in scouting programs, or even a list of books read. Having this document handy will make it that much simpler to fill out college applications.

INVESTIGATE THE COMMON APPLICATION The Common Application began as a niche program for select private liberal arts colleges, but now has grown into an organization that services more than 750 schools. The organization enables students to create an account and complete one basic form that will be accepted by all institutions who are members. The CA helps students streamline the college application process and reduce redundancy. An alert system also helps applicants manage application deadlines.

AVOID APPLYING EVERYWHERE Some students think that applying to dozens of schools will improve their chances of being admitted. However, applicants may be wasting their time applying to schools they have no intention of attending, and that only adds to the stress of meeting deadlines. Narrow down the possibilities to a handful of favorite schools and go from there.

USE THE RESOURCES AT YOUR DISPOSAL Students who have access to guidance counselors, mentors, college centers, or even teachers who are willing to help with the application process should use these resources wisely. In addition, iPhone and Android apps can help streamline the college application process.

CONSIDER SCHOLARSHIPS CONCURRENTLY Some schools automatically consider applicants for scholarships, grants and work-study programs. But that’s not so with every school, so students may have to apply on their own or rely on third parties for scholarships. Fastweb is a leading online resource to find scholarships to pay for school. Advance preparation can make the college application process a lot less stressful for students and their parents.

COLLEGE FAIR PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 14, 2018

EMMC PREPARES STUDENTS

FOR GREAT CAREERS AT AFFORDABLE COST COURTESY OF EASTERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

ith more than 30 programs of study and options for online and classroom learning, Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) can help put you on a path to better paying, in-demand jobs in as little as one or two years. With focuses in culinary arts, hospitality & tourism management, medical radiography, nursing, early childhood education, digital graphic design, and more, EMCC has a wide variety of program options that award associate’s degrees, certificates, and diplomas. EMCC prepares technicians and skilled workers for careers in mechanical, engineering, and construction industries; allied health professionals; and business occupations. Programs of study at EMCC are developed in cooperation with experts currently working in representative areas of technology and business. Ninety-two percent of employed graduates from the Maine Community College System work in Maine, and programs at EMCC are run by knowledgeable faculty and staff with both experience and accolades in their fields. EMCC works closely with Maine companies, organizations, and employers to offer students a seamless transition from the classroom to the workforce. EMCC remains committed to providing students with an affordable and accessible education, and are here to help at every step of the way. Eighty-six percent of full-time, first-time degree-seeking students at EMCC receive some sort of financial aid. And at $94 per credit hour for in-state students, EMCC is

the most affordable college experience around. If you’ve set your sights on a program or degree elsewhere, EMCC can still help you get there—usually with more affordable results. Students can easily transfer to a four-year degree program through EMCC’s many articulation agreements with other Maine colleges and universities. In addition to its roster of programs, EMCC also offers short-term and specialized training and retraining courses for business, industry, and community. From certified nursing assistant and phlebotomy courses to commercial driver’s license and community paramedic courses, there is no limit to the ways in which EMCC can prepare you for the next stage in your educational and professional journey. EMCC’s 72-acre campus is located in the heart of Bangor, close to Interstate 95, shopping, and dining. Served by public transportation, it is ideal for both commuter students and those living on campus. In addition to classrooms, workshops, and labs, campus facilities include two residence halls, dining commons, library, technology center, and gymnasium. For the highest quality post-secondary technical, career, and transfer education, look no further than Eastern Maine Community College, a dynamic community and economic development resource. Visit today and see why others say: Great College, Smart Choice!

8 COLLEGE FAIR PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 14, 2018

TECH-DRIVEN

CURRICULUM ATTRACTS STUDENTS TO NMCC COURTESY OF NORTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Instructor Wayne Kilcollins speaks to local reporters in the Wind Power Technology lab on the NMCC campus.

orthern Maine Community College is attracting students from throughout the state, the region, and beyond as the college expands its technological horizons. “We’re seeing an influx of students who want to get ahead of the curve,” said Director of Admissions Wendy Bradstreet regarding the school’s latest advancement, a full simulation center for their Allied Health programs. “We have students traveling from different regions because we offer a blend of technology, quality education, and community you can’t find anywhere else in the country, and because we’re a community college, other schools can’t compete with our affordable tuition rates,” she said. Liam Parsons, 20, came north from Moorestown, New Jersey after discovering a passion for wind energy. “Most of the programs are out west,” Parsons explained, “but then I found NMCC. I did some research on the instructor, Wayne Kilcollins, and realized he literally wrote the book on wind-powered technology.” When asked why he thought students were migrating from afar for his program, Kilcollins cited the cutting-edge technology in an up-and-coming field. “Alternative energy is still on the startup side, and we’ve brought a real working turbine into our lab. Coupled with state-of-the-art mechanical,

electrical, and networking equipment, people are really beginning to notice.” “The more I looked into it, the more I liked it,” Parsons explained. Last October, Parsons and his father drove up to Presque Isle and had the opportunity to meet his future instructor, Mr. Kilcollins, in person. “We were very impressed.” Other students are having similar experiences. Autym Malone, 19, traveled northeast from Arizona to arrive in time for summer classes. In her search for a nursing program that offered student housing, Malone found NMCC and was very impressed by what she read online, including news about the new simulation lab. “Arizona was getting very crowded,” Malone explained. Citing the high crime rate in her hometown just outside of Phoenix, Malone says, “Northern Maine is more peaceful, more quiet. I love it here. I am able to stop and smell the roses.” According to Malone, the biggest difference is the people. “The school is small enough to give students the attention they need to succeed.” Wind Powered Technology and Nursing are not the only unique programs offered at NMCC. Students also trek long distances for the diesel hydraulics, auto collision, mechanized logging operations, and water treatment programs. “Our technology is unique and current, and students from all over are really recognizing that,” President Timothy Crowley said.

COLLEGE FAIR PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 14, 2018

CMCC PREPARES YOU

FOR REWARDING WORK, RIGHT HERE IN MAINE COURTESY OF CENTRAL MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

ocated on the shores of beautiful Lake Auburn, Central Maine Community College (CMCC) boasts a vibrant campus community that is committed to preparing students for challenging careers or transfer to four-year colleges. We offer more than 41 associate degree, certificate, and advanced certificate programs leading to technical, business, government, and health careers. With hands-on programs utilizing cutting-edge technology, strong academic resources, on-campus housing, athletics, and student organizations, CMCC offers a complete college experience. In addition to associate degrees and certificates in popular career and technical fields such as computer technology, criminal justice, medical assisting, automotive, electromechanical, and precision machining technology, the college offers associate in arts degrees in general studies or liberal studies, programs designed for transfer to a four-year college or university. We even have a transfer advisor to show you the way. Interested in technology? You should know that CMCC placed third nationally among community colleges in a survey conducted last year by the Center for Digital Education. This survey analyzes how community colleges use a range of technologies to enhance services to students, faculty, staff and the community at large. The top colleges, including CMCC, reflect a comprehensive implementation of technology supporting the educational institution’s operations. The College strives to offer programs in “high-need, high pay” fields where students can look forward to landing well-paying jobs right after they graduate. To that end, CMCC will launch new programs next year in Plumbing and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). Interested in sports? The CMCC Mustangs participate nationally in the USCAA (United States Collegiate Athletic Association) and locally in the Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC). The College offers basketball, soccer, and cross country for men and women; baseball and ice hockey for men; and softball and volleyball for women. The women’s basketball team has captured back-to-back YSCC championships and won the 2017 USCAA Women’s Division II national championship. While the hockey team plays just down the road at the Norway Savings Bank Arena, Maine’s only dual-surface ice facility, the baseball, softball and soccer teams will soon have new fields right on campus as the College will soon begin construction of a new, artificial turf and fully-lit athletic complex. At CMCC, we believe learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom. The College offers many ways for students to become more involved in our campus community. Join one of our many student organizations, socialize in one of our student lounges, or work out in the fitness center – the choices are many! The College offers three living options for full-time students: Rancourt Hall, a four-floor residence hall overlooking Lake Auburn; Fortin Hall, which includes a large game room and lounge; and a two-building apartment complex. In addition to the benefits of being close to classes and campus activities, students feel at home on our safe, well-lit campus. At CMCC, you’ll receive a quality education at affordable prices, one that prepares you for interesting and rewarding work, right here in Maine. Want to learn more? Visit cmcc.edu or contact us anytime at 755-5273 or enroll@cmcc.edu. And make plans to join us for our fall open house Saturday, October 13, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Come to CMCC – your future starts here!

10 COLLEGE FAIR PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 14, 2018

HOW COLLEGE KIDS CAN

SAVE WHEN DINING OUT

ining halls may be the eatery of choice for college students, but that does not mean students don’t enjoy dining out. Tight budgets may make it difficult for some to dine out very often, but there are various ways for students to make dining out more affordable.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR STUDENT STATUS Many restaurants in the vicinity of college campuses offer student discounts to patrons who present their college identification cards to their servers or cashiers. Students who patronize such restaurants can save substantial amounts of money.

LOOK FOR DISCOUNT NIGHTS Just like many college-area restaurants offer discounts to customers who present their student ID cards, others may host discount nights when certain items on their menus are offered at substantially discounted prices. Such discounts are traditionally offered on nights that would otherwise be slow nights for restaurants. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be slow nights for many establishments, and students might be able to find great meal deals on these nights.

ABSTAIN FROM ALCOHOL College students who are of legal drinking age can save money on date nights by abstaining from alcohol. A bottle of wine tends to be considerably more expensive in a restaurant than it would be if customers were to purchase the same bottle at a nearby liquor store. College students who still want to enjoy a drink during their next dinner out can save money by visiting BYOB restaurants.

EMBRACE FOOD SHARING Some restaurants offer food sharing or “family style” options to parties that exceed certain sizes. This can be a great way for college students to dine out and save money, as the cost per person might be less when sharing plates than it would be when each person is paying for his or her own entree.

Tight budgets may prevent college students from dining out too often, but various saving strategies can make dining out more affordable for college students.

COLLEGE FAIR PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 14, 2018

THOMAS COLLEGE GUARANTEES JOBS, GREAT EDUCATION COURTESY OF THOMAS COLLEGE

atrick Magurn grew up in a small town in Maine. He lived in the same house until he graduated, surrounded by woods and very few neighbors. He spent his childhood fishing, hunting, four wheeling, snowmobiling, and playing sports with his friends and family. When looking for a college, Patrick was drawn to Thomas College because it guaranteed a job after graduation. “Thomas offered the Guaranteed Job Program, which made me feel it was a secure investment,” he said. “The Guaranteed Job Program, the first of its kind in the nation, is a package of offerings that links a student’s education to the career and community in which they work and live,” said Director of Career Services Corey Pelletier. “A relevant degree in a career field is important, but coupling that with demonstrated knowledge and skills developed through internships, service and leadership is what helps launch a career.” “Thanks to Thomas’ internship program, I was connected to Hammond Lumber at the right time one summer,” said Patrick. After that summer, he returned to Thomas to complete his MBA degree through the College’s 10-month Accelerated Graduate Degree Program. Hammond offered him a full-time

Thomas College alum Patrick Magurn

position, holding it open while he finished his last semester at Thomas. “I had job security before graduating, which alleviated a lot of stress and helped me focus on school.” Today, Patrick works in marketing management for Hammond Lumber Company. He works on radio, television, newspaper, social media, and digital advertising, product promotions, event planning/promoting, video content management for instore TV displays, and SEO integration and tracking. Says Patrick, “I never would have gotten this awesome job without Thomas College’s help.” Celebrating its 125th anniversary, Thomas College offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in programs ranging from business, entrepreneurship, and technology, to education, criminal justice, and psychology. Its Guaranteed Job Program, the first of its kind in the nation, is built on students’ academic, career, and leadership preparation. Thomas is also home to the Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation and the Center for Innovation in Education. “Money Magazine” recently ranked Thomas 23rd in the country for adding the most value to their degrees, and data reported by the New York Times ranks Thomas in the top 15 percent of all college and universities in the U.S. for upward mobility of its graduates. For more information, visit thomas.edu.

12 COLLEGE FAIR PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 14, 2018

WHAT IS A

GAP YEAR?

2018

ccording to the Gap Year Association, a gap year is a year in which students, typically after graduating from high school, do not go directly to college. While no rules govern gap years, students who take them typically spend their year emphasizing experiential education. Some students challenge their comfort zones and make sacrifices during their gap years that they would not necessarily make if they went directly from high school to college. Many students take gap years because they are unsure of what they want to study in college, and such students typically use the gap year to explore potential majors and career paths that might be available to them once they earn degrees in those fields.

2019

Other students may take gap years to volunteer, feeling that a year of service is both a great way to give back and to better understand the world beyond the one in which they grew up. Burnout from the competitive pressures of high school is another reason many students take gap years. The Gap Year Association urges students considering gap years to do their research regarding the opportunities available to them during the year so their year is truly transformative and not merely a year to pass time without the pressures of school.

QUESTIONS TO ASK

BEFORE TAKING A GAP YEAR

igh school seniors are on the cusp of significant change as they begin their final year of secondary school. As students try to decide what to do after high school, many will be preoccupied with applying to college and exploring their interests in the hopes of finding the right subject to study upon enrolling in college or university. Students consider those weighty decisions while simultaneously preparing to leave home for the first time and focusing on their schoolwork. While the vast majority of high school seniors will enroll in a college or university in the fall after they earn their high school diplomas, a small but growing number of teenagers are taking gap years. A gap year is a year away from the classroom between high school and college that students use to gain more life experience as they try to decide what they want to do with the rest of their lives. The Gap Year Association notes that gap year planning should be conducted with purpose and intent. While the gap year need not be as structured as a typical school year, a year entirely free of structure might not provide the insight students are hoping for. In fact, the Gap Year Association recommends students answer the following questions before taking a gap year so they can be sure they’re making the best decision possible.

HOW CAN I MAKE COLLEGE POSSIBLE AFTER MY GAP YEAR? The Gap Year Association recommends students confirm whether they need to defer, take a leave of absence or arrange for a Consortium Agreement in order to enroll in college after their gap years. Make a note of all deadlines, including when tuition deposits are due, before taking a gap year so your enrollment is not jeopardized.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE FOR MY GAP YEAR? Fitting a gap year into existing academic structures should allow students ample time to get what they want out of their gap years and still afford them the chances to earn money via summer jobs. So students who plan to travel or volunteer overseas should aim to do so during the months they would normally be in school.

SHOULD I GO WITH A GROUP OR GO IT ALONE? Students should assess how they have fared in collaborative situations in the

past as they try to decide if a group setting or something more independent is best for them. Students may fare better in teams or working alone, and that can be used to inform their decisions. However, students who want to challenge themselves to grow may benefit by making a decision that takes them out of their comfort zones.

HOW MUCH STRUCTURE DO I NEED? Some students may take gap years to get a break from the structure of student life. But students should be honest with themselves when assessing just how little structure they can handle. A year completely free from structure can be disorganized and therefore not as enlightening as students hope. In addition, students must consider safety concerns when deciding how much structure they want. Going it alone with very little structure may put students in compromising, unsafe situations, a potentially dangerous course for students who have spent their lives within the often protective confines of school and family.

WHERE DO I WANT TO BE, AND WHAT DO I WANT TO DO? A lack of purpose or direction during a gap year will not provide students with much insight into themselves and the world. Students should determine where they want to be and what they want to do (i.e., volunteer, teach, etc.) before deciding to take a gap year.

WHAT IS MY BUDGET? Gap years can be enlightening, but they also can be expensive. Students should figure out how they’re going to finance their gap years in advance. Students who will need to work during their gap years should make sure work does not take up so much time that the goal of their gap year, namely learning about oneself, is compromised. Gap years can help students learn about themselves. But like many of the other decisions facing teenagers as they prepare to graduate high school, the decision to take a gap year requires careful consideration of a host of factors.

COLLEGE FAIR PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 14, 2018

FOUR WAYS UMA MAKES COLLEGE AFFORDABLE UMA MAKES COLLEGE AFFORDABLE

For more information, visit uma.edu or one of the university’s ten locations, or call 207-621-3465.

COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT AUGUSTA

aying for college can be one of the hardest parts of your education, but it doesn’t have to be. The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) offers four ways to make the cost of your college education more affordable.

1. Low tuition cost: UMA has one of the least expensive in-state tuitions for undergraduate courses in Maine. With UMA’s Pine Tree State Pledge, you may not have tuition costs at all! To qualify for zero tuition, students must be Maine residents, Pell grant eligible, and be a new student (either first-time or transfer). Both full-time and part-time students can qualify. As noted by UMA President Rebecca Wyke, “The Pine Tree State Pledge has tremendous potential for Maine people and is consistent with UMA’s mission to transform the lives of students of every age,”

2. Scholarships: Scholarships are financial awards which do not have to be repaid. With more than 80 different scholarships, UMA awards over a million dollars in scholarships each year! There are scholarships for new and returning students, younger students and adults completing their degree. For example, adults returning to school after a 3-year absence could qualify for up to $16,000 with the Adult Degree Completion Scholarship.

3. Location, location, location: UMA has more than 40 locations to complete college courses. Two campuses (Augusta and Bangor), eight Centers (from Saco to Houlton), and 32 course sites (including four islands off the coast) means your UMA course is close to your home or workplace. Plus, UMA offers 13 degree programs that are 100% online.

4. Career-focused education: Increase your earning potential. UMA offers 31 bachelor’s degree programs and more than 40 certificates that are geared toward expanding your job opportunities. UMA grads are working in high-demand and lucrative fields like mental health & human services, business management, computer information systems and cybersecurity, dental hygiene, and veterinary technology. UMA makes earning your degree affordable and the education you receive will propel you to the next level of your career. Liam Sigaud ’14, a policy writer now residing in Washington, D.C., sums it up well: “The education I received at UMA, and the professional connections and friendships I forged during my time there, were integral to my later success. Graduating debt-free with a marketable degree allowed me to enter the workforce and thrive. If UMA hadn’t been there, at the right place and at the right time, I would have missed so many opportunities that have enriched my life.”

14 COLLEGE FAIR PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 14, 2018

STUDENT CYBER

SECURITY PRECAUTIONS Thanks to advancements in technology, students and educators are increasingly turning to birth, tablets and computers when working on daily assignments and classroom activities. Students rely on the internet for research and keeping in touch with teachers and other students, and work is even assigned and completed via digital platforms. Despite the upside of technology, cyber crime is a potential pitfall of all that time spent online. The internet provides instant access, and that can put students at risk. According to Verizon’s 2016 Data Breach Investigations Report, the education sector ranked sixth in the United States for the total number of reported “security incidents.” Schools are data-rich, meaning they give hackers access to information like identification numbers, birthdates, email addresses, financial data, medical records, and more. Students must understand cyber security risks when working and sharing data online. The following are some tips students can follow.

Cyber security is something students should prioritize this school year. The right security measures can protect students, their classmates and their schools.

PROTECT PASSWORDS

WATCH OUT FOR PHISHING SCAMS.

Students are urged to keep their passwords to themselves. This prevents others from using accounts maliciously or even in seemingly harmless ways that can put you in trouble, such as searching for inappropriate content in school. Choose complicated passwords that can’t be easily guessed, and opt for two-step authentication whenever offered.

Phishing usually occurs through fraudulent email messages that mimic the look of reputable solicitations. Scammers rely on these tactics to tempt people to click on links or download attachments that can put malware on a device and steal personal data. Exercise caution with all links and downloads.

USE SECURED WIFI NETWORKS

SCHEDULE ROUTINE BACKUPS.

Free or open WiFi connections are not encrypted, meaning they can be accessed by anyone. Many cyber criminals gain access to information through these channels. Schools should have encrypted systems in place.

Data can be lost if a device crashes, so routinely back up personal devices and home computers. Backups can be stored on external hard drives or with cloud services.

LIMIT WHAT YOU SHARE ON THE INTERNET.

EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN FILESHARING.

Students are urged to be aware of what they share online. According to DataManagement, a computing service, information posted to social media is permanent, and deleted items aren’t necessarily gone. Exercise caution on social media. Don’t post unless it is something you would be comfortable sharing in public.

UC Santa Cruz’s information technology services says viruses and malware can be transmitted by filesharing software, and files offered by others may not be what they say they are. Only used school-approved filesharing options.

COLLEGE FAIR PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 14, 2018

BE AWARE OF ALL OF THE

COSTS FOR COLLEGE

ollege is often met with excitement and interest by students pursuing their passions and what they hope will be fulfilling, lucrative careers. And the rising costs of college, coupled with the growing number of students taking on substantial debt to finance their educations, make it necessary that prospective students consider their earning potential when deciding on a major. According to the College Board, the average cost of college tuition and fees for the 2017-2018 school year was $34,740 at private colleges, $9,970 for state residents at public colleges, and $25,620 for out-of-state residents attending public universities. Canadian citizens studying in Canada can expect to pay $6,571 per year, according to Statistics Canada. The cost of tuition and room and board may catch parents’ eyes, but there are some lesser known expenses associated with college that can make attending school even more expensive. According to Cappex.com, a website offering ideas on how to pay for college, the extra costs of college can cost between $250 and $500 per month. The following are some lesser known expenses that college students and their families may need to budget for this school year.

TRANSPORTATION: Commuter students will need to drive to and from campus, which involves budgeting for gas, repairs and auto insurance. Students who live on campus may be subjected to a high fee for a resident student parking pass. Colleges in the United States earn an average of $4 million to $5 million in parking revenues each year, according to the most recent rate study from the National Parking Association. A typical four-year college or university in the United States charges about $635 per space for the school year. Other students use public transportation or ridesharing services to get

around. Those fees can quickly add up, too. Students attending school far away from home also need to budget for plane tickets home during the holidays and other breaks.

FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES: Many students join Greek organizations to fully immerse themselves in the college experience and make new friends. Many of these groups charge fees to prospective pledges and then semester dues once students are accepted. Parties, trips, living expenses, and other expenses may come up as well. ADDED FEES: Many colleges and universities charge technology fees, sports center fees and activity fees. Exploring these fees in advance of the school year can help families create accurate budgets.

DINING OUT: Families spend hundreds of dollars on campus meal plans per semester, but students also like to visit local eateries during the school year. Snacks, lunches and dinners purchased from such establishments can cost hundreds of dollars per year. Farmers Financial Solutions, a division of Farmers Insurance, says off-campus dining expenses cost an average of $770 a year.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES: A new laptop or tablet, textbooks and other supplies a professor requires can cost thousands of dollars. The College Board estimates students spend $1,300 on books and supplies in a typical school year. The cost to attend college extends beyond tuition and room and board. Many additional expenses can stretch families’ budgets.

16 COLLEGE FAIR PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 14, 2018