Specter Moose Launch Party Friday, April 24, from 1 to 2 p.m., Katz Library, first floor (Augusta Campus)

Come get a free copy of the largest edition of Specter Moose yet!

A 100-Page Milestone
This edition marks a proud moment in the publication’s history and celebrates the artistic spirit thriving at UMA. Inside, you’ll find a wide range of photography, prose, and poetry from 20 student contributors. To honor Â鶹APP 60th anniversary, this year’s Coast to County feature shines a spotlight on seven inspiring members of our community—artists, storytellers, and educators who each bring a unique perspective to the shared story of UMA.

Inspired by the Error Screen
The design of Issue No. 4’s Coast to County feature draws from the bold retro TV aesthetic of the cover art, with color strips that line up like tabs along the page edges of the printed copies. Each article is highlighted with its own color, reflecting the range of voices in our community, and together these colors echo the way Â鶹APP many perspectives come together as one vibrant, united whole.

The Spirit of the Moose
The name Specter Moose comes from a century-old Maine legend of a massive, glowing moose that stands out against the dark of the Maine woods. The magazine channels that same luminous presence, gathering the strength and imagination of UMA students and giving their ideas and voices a place to take shape and to shine.

Why stop by?
Pick up a free copy of the 60th anniversary edition, enjoy light refreshments, and celebrate the student editors, artists, and writers behind this keepsake issue.

See you at the Katz Library on Friday, April 24, between 1 and 2 p.m. 

Explore more on the

Mark your calendar! The 2026 Plunkett Poetry Festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at the UMA Augusta campus. This year’s festival includes a lineup of engaging workshops, inspiring speakers, and vibrant programming designed to celebrate the art of poetry.

We are honored to welcome Claudia Rankine as our keynote speaker. Rankine is a New York Times bestseller, a MacArthur “Genius” Award Recipient, and an NBCCA winner for criticism. Her work is known for its innovation and candor, pushing the boundaries of form and exploring critical social themes of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Festival Highlights

Poetry Workshops: Participate in interactive sessions led by distinguished poets, Joseph Jackson, Samaa Abdurraqib, and Jeffrey Thomson. These workshops offer a unique opportunity to refine your craft and engage with fellow poetry enthusiasts.

Two Poets, One Poem: Listen to poets Danez Smith and Ian-Khara Ellasante in dialogue on poetry and craft, and join the conversation during the Q and A. Danez Smith has authored four poetry collections and is a recipient of the Lambda Literary Award and the Kate Tufts Discovery Award, as well as a finalist for the National Book Award. Ian-Khara Ellasante is a cultural studies theorist, author of the poetry series Diana, and a faculty member at Bates College.

Open Mic: Enjoy readings from both emerging and established poets, share your own poems, and foster a deeper appreciation for the diverse voices in our poetry community.

Student Poetry Contest: Hear Maine high school and undergraduate contest winners read their work ahead of the keynote address.

For detailed information on the festival schedule, workshop registration, and open-mic sign up, please visit our official festival page:

Plunkett Poetry Festival

We hope you’ll join us for this community gathering as we celebrate poetic expression, the power of words, and the voices that bring them to life!

The President’s Council on Transforming Lives in partnership with Wabanaki REACH will host the showing of the award-winning documentary “Dawnland,” A Documentary About Cultural Survival and Stolen Children – The Story of the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

The documentary film screening will take place as a hybrid event on Tuesday, April 14th 11:00am – 1:00pm. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion. The in-person location on the UMA Augusta campus is TBD. Light refreshments will be served.

“In Maine, a historic investigation—the first government-sanctioned truth and reconciliation commission in the United States—begins a bold journey. For over two years, Native and non-Native commissioners travel across Maine. They gather testimony and bear witness to the devastating impact of the state’s child welfare practices on families in Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribal communities. Collectively, these tribes make up the Wabanaki people.” – Adam Mazo / Ben Pender-Cudlip, filmmakers

Dawnland follows the TRC to contemporary Wabanaki communities to witness intimate, sacred moments of truth-telling and healing. With exclusive access to this groundbreaking process and never-before-seen footage, the film reveals the untold narrative of Indigenous child removal in the United States.

A discussion will follow the film and will include Esther Anne, Passamaquoddy, and Penthea Burns, non-Native. Both are among the founders of the Truth Commission and Wabanaki REACH. “If we can work together in that good way [for the truth commission], in a system of mutual respect, to work for our children, then I think we can work together in anything because nothing is more sacred than our children.” – Esther Anne, founder, Wabanaki REACH

Wabanaki REACH is a non-profit organization that works towards a future when Wabanaki and Maine people join together to acknowledge truth and work collectively toward equity, healing, and positive change through our community education programs. Wabanaki REACH promotes Wabanaki wellbeing and deeply believes in the natural strength and beauty of Wabanaki culture, language and ways of being.

A new student club at the Â鶹APP is creating space for connection, support, and belonging. Seen and Herd, founded by student Fray Bennett, alum John Ellis, and faculty advisor Amy Peterson Cyr, grew from a simple idea that kept coming up in conversation: students need a place where they can show up as themselves and be met with understanding.

We asked Amy Peterson Cyr a few questions about what we can expect from the club.

What is the official name of the club? Seen and Herd

How would you describe the club in one sentence? Seen and Herd is a safe space for all LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies to gather, connect, share space, plan events, and support one another.

Why does creating this space matter right now on campus?  This is a challenging time in the world and many LGBTQIA+ folks may be feeling unsafe. By coming together, we can support one another and build a safe space.

Can you share a moment, idea, or conversation that sparked the club’s creation? Our founders are current student Fray Bennett and recently graduated student John Ellis. They, along with faculty advisor Amy Peterson Cyr, began chatting about the need for this club a year ago. After meeting many times, they crafted the constitution and bylaws and the club was officially born!

What kinds of activities, events, or gatherings do you envision? Initially we look forward to meeting people and building a supportive community, both in-person and online. We hope, in the future, to provide some educational programs and events at UMA, participate in Pride in June, and pursue the desires of the members!

What leadership opportunities are available, and why do they matter? All leadership roles: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary are available for interested students. Having an elected role in a campus club provides an excellent opportunity for personal growth, development of leadership skills, as well as some sparkle on your resume! Leaders need not be on-campus; students at a distance are also encouraged to pursue leadership roles.

How does this club reflect Â鶹APP values of belonging, access, and community? Because our meetings will be held on Zoom as well as on campus, access is available to folks at a distance.  Our constitution promotes “an environment of equality, understanding, and harmony for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.”

What would you say to a student who is interested but unsure about joining? Come to our first meeting and see what you think! There is absolutely no pressure or obligation; we are just looking forward to meeting folks and building community.

What does success look like for this club in its first year? Having a healthy membership that supports the leadership roles is a primary goal as we begin to build this club. We look forward to meeting new people and creating a community that is inclusive, supportive, and excited about what our role can look like at UMA. 

Interested students are invited to our first meeting on Tues. April 7, at 3 p.m., in Randall Hall room 218 and on Zoom. For more information and to receive the Zoom link, please contact faculty club advisor Amy Cyr at amy.peterson@maine.edu or student Fray Bennett at timothy.bennett@maine.edu.

The club will hold both in-person and virtual events and provide a safe space for folks to gather and connect. Opportunities exist to hold a leadership role, as officers need to be selected. All LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies are warmly welcomed. We hope to see you soon!

Mark your calendar for April 7 at 3 p.m.

Join the UMA Admissions team and UMA Mental Health & Human Services Faculty on Zoom for a series of information sessions about UMA certificate programs in substance use disorders, mental health and employment support.

These informal Zoom sessions are designed for working professionals and adult learners who want to build new skills or advance in their current roles. Meet faculty, learn about program pathways and have your questions answered.

No registration is required. Participants may drop in to any session.

Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Disorders Information Sessions

Thursday, April 2
4 p.m.
6 p.m.

Learn about Â鶹APP six-course graduate certificate designed to expand knowledge and skills for professionals working with individuals impacted by substance use. Faculty will discuss program structure, career pathways and how the certificate supports professionals serving Maine communities.

Certificate in Employment Specialist Information Sessions

Wednesday, April 15
4 p.m.
6 p.m.

Discover how this certificate prepares professionals to support individuals in achieving meaningful employment. The program aligns with national certification standards through ACRE.

MHRT/C Information Sessions

Wednesday, April 22
4 p.m.
6 p.m.

Learn about the Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community certificate and how it prepares professionals to support individuals living with mental health conditions in community settings.

All sessions will be held on Zoom. Find links on the .

For more information, contact umaadm@maine.edu.

At UMA, learning does not stop at the classroom door. It travels into schools, community events, and neighborhoods across Maine.

Â鶹APP Dental Club is a student-led example of what that looks like in action.

Throughout the year, club members volunteer at local outreach events, connect with families about oral health, and represent Â鶹APP dental programs in the community. Whether they are sharing preventive care tips with children, supporting local organizations, or collaborating with dental professionals, students are building skills that matter while making a difference that is felt.

For many members, the club is where confidence grows. It is where classroom concepts become real conversations. It is where future dental professionals begin to see themselves as leaders and educators, not just students.

Their work reflects what defines UMA: education that meets students where they are and prepares them to serve where they are needed most. Through hands-on service, Dental Club members strengthen their clinical knowledge, communication skills, and commitment to community health, all while reinforcing the importance of accessible, preventive care across Maine.

This kind of engagement embodies Â鶹APP mission to transform lives through high-quality education, student support, and civic engagement. It also reflects Â鶹APP belief that progress happens when we work together, building partnerships that make education more connected, relevant, and valuable.

In every photo, there is more than a moment. There is preparation for a career, connection to a community, and the steady growth of students who are already making an impact.

Job seekers, connect directly with employers as UMA hosts its fourth annual Job & Resource Fair on Tuesday, March 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Randall Student Center Fireside Lounge. Held in partnership with , the free public event will connect hundreds of job seekers with more than 60 major employers across Maine’s most critical industries.

Meet employers from multiple industries who are recruiting for current and future openings. Participating organizations represent a wide spectrum of the economy, including healthcare leaders like MaineGeneral and Northern Light Health, financial institutions such as Camden National and Kennebec Savings Bank, and various state and federal agencies including the Maine DHHS and the Social Security Administration.

The event is designed to support first-time job seekers, career changers and individuals seeking new or better opportunities. List of employers attending.

“Our goal is to turn interest into opportunity by putting people at every stage of their careers in direct conversation with hiring employers,” said UMA Student Services Coordinator Haley Brown. “This fair is a resource for our entire community; whether you are entering the workforce for the first time or looking for a change, you will leave here with the leads and connections needed to take your next step.”

Job Fair Tips:

• Have a clear sense of the position you’re seeking and what you bring to the role. Prepare a 30- to 60-second elevator pitch to make the most of your time with employers.
• Bring several copies of your rĂ©sumĂ© – more than you think you’ll need.
• Research the companies you’re interested in before the fair, so you can incorporate what you’ve learned into conversations with recruiters.
• Be open to talking with employers you may not have considered before. Many organizations have departments such as IT, finance and accounting that support their operations.

Hosted in collaboration with , the Job & Resource Fair is presented through a partnership of the UMA Career Connections program and . Together, these partners support Maine’s workforce by providing job seekers with direct access to employers, career guidance and hiring opportunities in high-demand fields.

The fair is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit the job fair webpage or contact Haley Brown at 207-621-3130 | hbrown120@maine.edu.

Kit Thomason Crossman, Executive Director of the Maine Human Rights Commission, will speak on March 26 at 5:30 p.m. as part of the ’s Distinguished Lecture Series.

This hybrid presentation will take place in person at the Michael Klahr Center (46 University Drive, Augusta) and on Zoom. The event is free and open to UMA alumni, faculty and staff, students, and the general public. ; please indicate whether you will attend in person or virtually.

As Executive Director of the Maine Human Rights Commission ()—the state agency responsible for enforcing Maine’s anti-discrimination laws and promoting equal opportunity—Crossman will discuss how the Commission investigates complaints, promotes compliance, and provides resources to help prevent bias and foster inclusion.

Participants will gain practical insight into current civil rights trends in Maine and learn how schools, organizations, and individuals can support the Commission’s mission of fairness and equity. The presentation will conclude with a question-and-answer session.

The one-day clinic is part of a national initiative led by the American Dental Association and responds to a documented access gap in children’s oral health care. In Maine, many families face barriers to routine dental visits, particularly those covered by public insurance.

During the clinic, students in Â鶹APP Dental Hygiene program will provide cleanings, exams, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, and oral health education under the supervision of licensed professionals. The event combines hands-on clinical training with direct community impact, helping prepare students to meet ongoing oral health and workforce needs across Maine.

The clinic will be open from 8 to 5 p.m. at the UMA Dental Hygiene Clinic, located at 201 Texas Ave. on the Bangor campus.

Appointments are required.

For more information or to schedule, contact Valerie Clotts, administrative specialist, at 207-262-7872 or umadental@maine.edu

Join us for a Decade-by-Decade Musical Time Machine

Thursday, February 26 | 6:00 PM
Farber Forum, Jewett Hall- Farber Forum | Free and open to all

What happens when you mix six decades of UMA history, a room full of powerhouse faculty musicians, vintage archive photos, jazzy energy, contemporary classical flair, and post-concert snacks?

You get a celebration that refuses to sit quietly in the background.

This special 60th Anniversary concert takes you on a musical journey from the 1960s to today, pairing live performances with a multimedia look at the moments that shaped the University along the way. Expect an energetic, feel-good program that blends story, sound, visuals, and a little bit of sonic adventure.

What you’ll experience:

• Live performances by UMA faculty and guest artists
  
• Music spanning the 60s through today
  
• Jazz, contemporary classical, and genre-blurring surprises
  
• Archival photos from Â鶹APP past, projected decade by decade
  
• A world premiere arrangement of “UMA Sunshine”, originally written for the University by former faculty member Willie Maiden
  
• Refreshments afterward in the Danforth Gallery
  

Performers include:
Lindsey Wiehl, Christine Letcher, Anita Jerosch (with guest Sebastian Jerosch), Duane Edwards, Jeffrey Rojo, Marcia Gallagher, and more.

Admission is free. Donations for student scholarships will be gratefully accepted.

Whether you’re a music lover, a history buff, an alum feeling nostalgic, or someone who simply enjoys being in a room where something new is happening for the first time, this is your night.

Come for the music. Stay for the snacks. Leave humming a tune from your favorite decade.