As the U.S. is coming out of the global pandemic, the FAA has expanded its outreach to all nine of the FAA Regions for in-person events. Their goal is to highlight the societal, economic, and educational benefits of drones for specialized users and the general public, through a series of events focusing on different audiences.

UMA is part of the FAA’s UAS-Collegiate Training Initiative and was selected as the host of the New England regional event: Droning On: New England Edition. The educational series will take place September 29-October 1, 2022 at the UMA Brunswick Aviation campus (2 Pegasus Street, Brunswick, Maine). There is no cost to attend and the events consist of three days of activities, beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at approximately 4 p.m.

Teachers, first responders, state agencies, and the general public are encouraged to attend. The presentations are also open to high school students and others with an interest in remote pilot aviation. Others who are encouraged to attend include K-12 STEM teachers, employers with drone needs and independent contractors who want to learn to fly drones. Real Estate brokers, construction companies, and inspectors are also encouraged to attend these informational events.

Each day’s sessions are targeted toward specific individuals as follows:

1. Thursday, September 29: For Students and Educators (Targeting colleges/universities, technical and high schools) with presentations including:

• Universities and colleges with RPA programs
• Companies/organizations that are looking for drone professionals
• Tools for educators and information for students

2. Friday, September 30: For Careers (Targeting law enforcement, all first responders, and government agencies) with presentation about:

• Public Safety Training
• Small Business best practices and resources
• Local Government best practices and resources

3. Saturday, October 1: For Community, Friends and Family (Targeting anyone interested in drone acquisition costs, licensing, and operations) to explore:

• Drone Demos
• Drone Simulators
• Advanced Air Mobility

Space is limited so participants are encouraged to

UMA is the only university in Maine with a RPA pilot training program and has already trained over 300 students in its basic Commercial Drone course. The program is adaptable to several different academic endeavors. Students may work towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science with remotely piloted aircraft major; earn a 31-credit hour certificate in Remotely Piloted Aircraft; or take the basic Commercial Drone course to prepare for the FAA Part 107 Commercial Remote Pilot certificate. The 31-credit hour UAS certificate is approved for Financial Aid through UMA.

UMA offers two pathways to degree completion: a traditional 4-Year BSN option and an online RN to BSN completion option for those who already have an RN license. Applications for Fall 2021 admission are still being accepted. Additionally, the RN to BSN program has been recognized as .

±«˛Ń´ˇâ€™s Nursing Program integrates a liberal arts general education core within the holistic nursing curriculum, thereby providing the skills that transform and prepare students for expanded nursing practices, including positions in leadership and management. This approach is in keeping with the University’s mission to transform student lives through high-quality education in professional and liberal arts programs.

RN to BSN students can earn maximum credit at UMA for prior learning through transfer credit, testing, portfolio review, and external training certification; many students in this program earn their BSN in about two years. This online program gives current nurses the flexibility to fit courses into their schedule, allowing them to meet family and work obligations. Upon completing the degree, these nursing graduates have the appropriate knowledge and skills to advance in their current clinical or community practice setting, pursue new career opportunities in the field, or to pursue an advanced degree.

The 4-Year BSN Program is available at the Augusta Campus, as well as ±«˛Ń´ˇâ€™s Brunswick,
Ellsworth, Rumford, and Rockland Centers. Additionally, beginning in Fall 2021 the Nursing Program will offer a residential opportunity in . Students will be enrolled in ±«˛Ń´ˇâ€™s program while taking courses from both UMF and UMA, and enjoying a residential campus experience at UMF. This program will prepare students to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and enter the field as registered nurses.

The UMA Nursing Program is accredited by the (ACEN). It is also endorsed by the . Students graduating from an AHNCC endorsed program are eligible and prepared to sit for the Holistic Nurse Board Certification exam.

Apply Today! ]]> /news/faa-collegiate-training-program-to-include-umas-unmanned-aircraft-systems-program/ Wed, 26 Aug 2020 18:41:54 +0000 /?p=8496 … Read More]]> The Â鶹APP (UMA) was one of 26 schools across the country selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a participant in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Program (UAS-CTI).

The recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones. In order to qualify for the initiative, schools must offer a bachelor’s or an associate degree in UAS or a degree with a minor, concentration, or certificate in UAS. Schools must provide curriculum covering various aspects of UAS training, including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, applications, privacy concerns, safety, and federal policies concerning UAS.

“This is an excellent recognition of the valuable employment opportunities provided by our Unmanned Pilot Training Program,” stated UMA President Rebecca Wyke.

“We are very excited by the FAA’s selection of our drone program and the opportunities it will open up for our students,” said Dan Leclair, UMA Director of UAS Education and Research. “The fall semester is just about to begin and this is a perfect time for anyone considering Unmanned Pilot Training to join us,” continued Leclair.

Classes beginning on August 31 for Fall 2020 include seven-week courses in Commercial FAA Pilot Certification or Fixed Wing Design & Build, and a full semester Photogrammetry course.

±«˛Ń´ˇâ€™s Unmanned Pilot Training Program is adaptable to meet individual needs. Participants can work towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science with unmanned aircraft as a major course of study; earn a 31 credit hour certificate in UAS operations; or take a basic Commercial Drone course to prepare for the FAA Part 107 Commercial Remote Pilot certificate.

Additional information on ±«˛Ń´ˇâ€™s Aviation Program.

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.

About : This program allows educational institutions to collaborate with the FAA to help students pursue their aviation career goals. The UAS-CTI program recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones.

Have you been recently accepted to UMA for the Spring 2020 semester? You will need to in advance for our New & Transfer Student Orientation at the UMA Brunswick Center on Thursday, January 9, 5-7 pm.

Orientation is a great opportunity for students to meet with new and current students, UMA Brunswick staff and instructors, and hear valuable tips and information about getting started as a UMA student.

By participating in orientation, you can:

• learn about student support services and resources
• become familiar with policies and procedures
• acquire knowledge and entry-level proficiency in select academic and personal success skills
• learn about what to expect at UMA and what UMA expects of you
• know whom to contact to ask questions and express concerns

Orientation is for ALL students new to UMA, whether they are: returning adults, transfer students, or recent high school graduates; attending on campus or attending at centers, sites, or via technology; and, in degree programs or just taking a class.

Light refreshments will be served and school supplies will be provided compliments of the UMA Brunswick Center Student Association. Don’t miss out!

(NVME), a statewide community outreach program of the Â鶹APP, is pleased to announce that the receipt of a $20,000 grant from the Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee.

The one-year grant will support the Building Employment, Assets, and Microbusinesses for Boothbay Families in Need program.  In partnership with the Boothbay Region Community Navigator Program, New Ventures Maine will provide training and coaching services to individuals on the Boothbay peninsula in the areas of education and career planning, money management and asset building, and small business development as pathways to building economic security for individuals and families in the Boothbay Region.

“Our partnership with New Ventures Maine is valuable because it enables us to eliminate barriers and include more people in a range of programs and services.  It can be hard for people who live on the Peninsula to access services that are located far from home.  With NVME holding classes here in Boothbay Harbor, our clients have a fantastic opportunity to learn and develop critical new skills” said Boothbay Region Community Resource Council President & Executive Director, Katie White.

A recent program graduate stated:

“New Ventures helped me tweak my resume and cover letter, prepare for interviews, identify new job hunting resources, go over my household budget, connect to funding for more education…and gave me a vote of confidence that I would find that job. I plan to use the budgeting skills New Ventures taught me to start a savings account and pay down my student loan.”

An upcoming workshop series is scheduled to begin May 23rd in the Community Room at the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library:

Exploring Careers – Thursday, May 23, from 10am–12:30pm

Identify your career interest code and learn how to search for occupations, discover wage information, and find needed education and training.  Make a plan for your next steps.

Putting Your Personality to Work – Thursday, June 6, from 10am–12:30pm

Discover your unique personality style and consider how to find the work environment that fits your natural strengths and style.  Learn how to find new employment or advance in your current job.

Finding Your Best Job – Wednesday, June 19, from 4:30pm–6:30pm

Learn how to search for a job, write a winning resume, and prepare for an interview.

To register or for more information, please contact Melinda Wildes at 593-7942 or signup at the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library.

creates an empowering environment for Maine people to define and achieve their career, business, and financial goals.

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.

The mission of the Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation is to support charitable organizations that provide relief to people in need of basic provisions (including food, housing, shelter); promote the humane care of animals; provide health care services for the underserved; or conduct public radio or television. The Foundation has a priority for organizations located in or serving the areas of Boothbay Harbor, Southport, and Brunswick.

As part of a panel discussion on Finding Post-Secondary Success as an Adult Learner, Molly Orcutt, a recent UMA graduate, joined Anja Hanson, Academic Advisor at Portland Adult Education and Zainab Miguel, a student at SMCC to discuss the experiences, challenges, and opportunities faced by nontraditional students. Molly shared her story of finding support at ±«˛Ń´ˇâ€™s Ellsworth Center and the UMA Bangor Campus. She acknowledged the challenges of “juggling work, part-time school and family” and stated that the support of advisors and faculty made the difference. Currently, Molly is a case manager in Bangor for adults with mental illness and is considering a Master’s Degree in the near future.

Also taking part in the Symposium were Shelley Taylor, Student Services Coordinator, UMA Brunswick Center and Laurie Grant, Student Services Coordinator, UMA Saco Center, who presented a breakout session on “It takes a Village: Best Practices for Improving Persistence and Degree Completion for Adult Learners”. Laurie and Shelley gave an informative session on the external (such as, housing and food insecurity), internal (such as, resilience and preparedness) and institutional (such as, financial aid and navigating college processes) challenges faced by adult learners. In a lively discussion with those in attendance, Laurie and Shelley shared best practices and strategies for supporting students through these various challenges.

Revised 12/19/18