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University Times WELCOME August 26, 2010
Residence HallsFor Commuters and for Residents
The “typical” dorm room. Welcome to UMPI. My name is Jim Stepp and I am the assistant dean of students/director of residence life. The title of this article may seem confusing to you, but it is accurate. The resi-
dence halls are for commuters as well as residential students. The residence halls offer opportunities for programming and learning for residential and commuting students. The residence
halls also may be used for emergency housing for those students who commute. In a separate article in this edition of the University Times, Jannie Durr describes some of the activities available in the residence halls to aid new students in their adjustment to college life. This series of activities are part of the Preparation for University Life and Learning (PULL) program. Although these programs take place in the residence halls, they are open to all students. The programs are designed to help you meet
Student Support Services Welcomes You
Concerned about your grades? Organizationally challenged? Having difficulties due to a documented disability? Have questions about with whom to speak about a problem? Our friendly crew would like to meet you, so please come visit us at Student Support Services in South Hall for assistance. Seek help the minute you experience a problem! Our tutor coordinator will speak with you about your academic struggles and arrange for a FREE tutor for your academic classes or to help you structure your class work and supplies. Please call 768-9614. Mary Kate Barbosa, the director of student support services, encourages students with documented disabilities to seek appropriate accommodations on campus. Each stu-
dent requesting services must provide appropriate documentation. Contact her at 7689613 or mary.barbosa@umpi.edu to arrange an appointment, obtain the appropriate forms and request accommodations. In addition to these important areas, we are also happy to provide personal,
new people, learn important skills needed for college, and are just plain fun. Watch future editions of the University Times to find out more about these programs. Another area where the residence halls may be useful to the commuting student population is for emergency housing. As you might have guessed, it does occasionally snow in Northern Maine. If school is canceled and you feel it is unsafe to drive home, please feel free to contact me. If you do not have a friend in the local area to stay with, I should be able to find a place for you to stay. Remember, your safety is very important to the university. In my role as the director of residence life, my staff and I work with the residential students to help you succeed in college. There are two full-time professional area coordinators
who live and work on campus. Jannie Durr lives in Emerson Hall and April Platt lives in Park Hall. Jannie works closely with the resident assistants. April Platt’s main focus is campus activities, but she’s also involved in the residence halls. If you have any concerns about living in the residence halls, please feel free to stop by the Emerson Hall Annex and speak with me. I may also be seen eating most of my meals in the cafeteria, feel free to sit down with me, have a meal, and chat. As the assistant dean of students, I work with many other people on campus to help students stay in school. If you feel you’re having problems with your grades or with any other situation, I may be able to help. If I can’t help, I’ll be able to assist you in getting to the right person for who can.
The Residence Advisory Council
The Residence Advisory Council began at the request of the assistant dean of students/director of residence life in fall 2009. The RAC was developed to provide residential students with a stronger voice in their living experiences on campus. The RAC became an outlet for opinions and programming opportunities. RAC members consist of students who live in the residence halls and possess a passionate and empowered spirit. financial and career counNot only do the RAC memseling help and referrals for bers provide opinions, but students needing these serv- they take action! Their goals ices. We work directly with for the pending 2010-2011 Counseling Services, academic year will be to write Financial Aid, and Career their constitution and become Services to most effectively fully recognized by the student serve you. senate. Following this official recognition, the RAC expects to be actively involved in
improving residential living on campus. The RAC executive board consists of four upper-class students: Lizzie Bousquet, Amanda Harrop, Buddy Robinson and Carolyn Tuck. RAC members have volunteered to assist first-year students move into the residence halls during WOW week. They are excited to meet the new class. Members from the RAC will be at the Club and Community Fair in September if you want to learn more or join this council. If you have questions or suggestions about the RAC, please contact any of the above executive board members, the RAC Facebook page or their adviser, Jannie Durr, via e-mail: jannie.durr@umpi.edu.