As the Â鶹APP celebrates 60 years of expanding opportunity across Maine, we continue sharing the stories of the people who bring that mission to life.

Rocko Graziano first connected with the Â鶹APP as a member of the UMA Board of Visitors. When the opportunity arose to help develop the university’s Data Science program, he stepped in and later joined the faculty as a lecturer in Data Science and Computer Information Systems. Today, he works closely with students who are building new futures through technology, helping them discover their enthusiasm for computing and the confidence to pursue new opportunities in the field.

We asked Rocko to share more about his UMA story and the moments that make teaching especially rewarding.

What department are you in and what is your role?

I am a Lecturer in the Data Science and Computer Information Systems programs.

What first drew you to teach at UMA, and why have you chosen to make this your professional home?

I was a member of the UMA Board of Visitors in the late 2010s. Provost Szakas invited me to help create the Data Science degree program, and once it was approved he encouraged me to join the Faculty.

I joined UMA for two reasons. The first was location – I have lived in Central Maine my entire adult life. Equally important was UMAs mission: I find working with non-traditional, back-to-school lifelong learners very rewarding.

What inspires you most in the classroom or in your interactions with students? (Is there a specific “lightbulb moment” you’ve witnessed recently?)

So many UMA students balance school with work and family responsibilities. The commitment to making a better life for themselves and their families is inspirational.

What is the most rewarding part of witnessing a student’s evolution while they are in your program?

In my five years I have had a few students change their majors to CIS as a result of taking one of my classes. Igniting their enthusiasm for computing, showing them that they have the ability to do the work, preparing the next generation of computing professionals for Maine is why I am here.

UMA is known for flexibility. How have you seen our different learning modalities (online, hybrid, in-person) create opportunities for students who might not otherwise be able to pursue a degree?

I have a special appreciation for the students in the Prison Education Program. Each semester a handful of them join one of my classes, and their dedication to obtaining an education despite the tremendous challenges they face is one of the more inspirational parts of working at UMA.

What is one piece of advice you consistently give to students entering your field to help them succeed?

Stay a lifelong learner. There will always be new technology which promises to solve all the problems of the business world. Rely on the critical thinking and problem solving skills you develop at UMA to adapt to whatever the marketplace brings.

As UMA celebrates 60 years of expanding opportunity, stories like Rocko Graziano’s reflect the dedication and determination that continue to shape the university’s future.

The webinar is open to UMA students and community members via Zoom from the comfort of your own home or at some UMA Centers. Free to all!

Totally Trades! was offered virtually statewide this spring for middle and high school girls interested in learning more about non-traditional trade and technical careers for women. The Computer Technology session was one of eight workshops featuring different industry sectors, including Building and Design, Renewable Energy, Automotive, Public Safety, Fire and Rescue, Communications and Connectivity as well as a Learn and Earn session focused on work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities. For more information, please go to .

Dr. Tagle

Betina Tagle, UMA Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity & Computer Information Systems joined Jennifer Rooks on Maine Calling to discuss Digital Decluttering: How and Why to Reduce and Organize Your Digital Clutter.

Early College program taught at high school gives students a head start in college career

AUGUSTA–This June four Cony High School students will graduate with more than their high school diploma. Through theĚýEarly College program with the Â鶹APP (UMA) four seniors (and one junior) at Cony also received a post-secondary education credential–a Certificate in Computer Information Systems-Cyber Fundamentals Level I. These students were recognized at a special ceremony at the end of May.

Successfully completing the program were Cote Rich, Luc Sirois, Jacob Mills, and Olivia Rheaume, all graduating seniors from Augusta. The Cony junior receiving a Certificate is Gerald Moody, who is eligible to pursue a CIS-Cyber Fundamentals Level II Certificate beginning this fall.

This innovative and collaborative program through UMA and Cony High School allowed Henry Felch, UMA Associate Professor of Cybersecurity and Computer Information Systems and Betina Tagle, UMA Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems to teach two college-level courses each semester in nine-week sessions onsite at Cony High School.

“We were excited to bring these courses into the Early College program,” stated UMA Professor Henry Felch. “Cony High School has been a wonderful partner and the students were eager to learn.” Felch continued, “Several have indicated their interest in pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity or CIS.”

To earn the Certificate in CIS-Cyber Fundamentals Level I students completed the following course work: Introduction to Computer Science, Programming Fundamentals, Networking Concepts, and Introduction to Information Security. To be eligible for the UMA Certificate, completed 50% of the required courses through UMA and maintained a Minimum 2.00 G.P.A. in the Certificate course work.

“Opportunities through Early College are an excellent way for high school students to begin earning college credit and reduce the time and cost of a college education,” said Rachael Magill, UMA Director of Early College. “UMA Early College students are not just college ready, they are college proven.”

Â鶹APP Early College program allows Maine high school juniors and seniors to take college courses while in high school and earn college credit. The credit earned often can be applied toward a two-year associate or four-year baccalaureate degree. An example of courses includes College Writing, Elementary Statistics, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Literature, and US History I.

Depending on the program, high school students can participate in Early College classes in a variety of ways. Some courses are taught through distance learning options, while others are taught in person in the student’s high school or on a UMA Campus or Center.

program incorporates a multidisciplinary perspective through a combination of courses that offer a holistic approach to cybersecurity education by providing the opportunity to take courses not only in computer science and technology but also in the humanities, social sciences, and ethics.

UMA transforms the lives of students of every age and background across the State of Maine and beyond through access to high-quality distance and on-site education, excellence in student support, civic engagement, and professional and liberal arts programs.

Each session will allow attendees to learn more about how UMA serves students statewide, specifics about the academic programs from faculty and students, and the free application process. Other topics covered will include financial aid and tuition costs including available scholarships for new and transfer students.

Anyone interested in starting or completing a college degree is welcome to attend one or more session. These information sessions are especially geared to adults with college credits but no degree, which currently includes approximately 189,000 Mainers (20% of the 25+ population).

“We welcome anyone who wants to explore what makes UMA an attractive option for starting or finishing their college degree,” said Brandy Finck, Associate Vice President for Admission and Student Financial Services. “About half of our new students in fall 2018 were traditional-aged recent high school graduates, but Â鶹APP average student age is in the mid-30’s. We know how to serve all students, no matter what their age might be, and no matter where they live in Maine.”

UMA is located on two campuses and delivers courses and services at eight outreach Centers located throughout Maine. UMA serves approximately 5,500 students annually, of which two-thirds (63%) are part-time, and 60% are 25 and older. Almost half (43%) are completing the majority of their coursework online, and 21% are taking courses at one of the UMA Centers.

Visit our page for more details, including directions to each location and a sign-up form.

UMA Information Session Schedule

The discussion will be moderated by Jason Judd, Program Director for Project Login, a statewide non-profit that connects Mainers with careers for the future in Computing and Information Technology.

“Maine companies are eagerly seeking computer-smart college grads to solve problems, analyze software, and develop new technologies. With the high wages being offered to people with these skills, it is an excellent time to be starting in this field,” said Judd.

By emphasizing the voices of employers, CIS students and faculty, participants will gain an up-to-date perspective on the IT field and how it’s changing. Discussion will focus on the skills needed for success, and the pathways for getting there.

This forum is sponsored by UMA Rockland, New Ventures Maine and Project Login.

If you would like more information about this free forum, please contact UMA Rockland at 596-6906. Registration for this event is encouraged but not required at .

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