Dear 91±¬ÁÏ and 91±¬ÁÏ at Machias communities,
Next week, . The team is participating in a comprehensive evaluation of the 91±¬ÁÏ System (UMS) as an institution with .
The 91±¬ÁÏ System (UMS), including the 91±¬ÁÏ and the 91±¬ÁÏ at Machias, was accredited by this regional body in 2020. This has allowed the academic programs at all seven universities and law school to be evaluated by the same set of standards.
The NECHE review team will be in Orono from .
We will use what we learn through this evaluation process to adapt and improve how we grow, both as 91±¬ÁÏ and 91±¬ÁÏ Machias, and across UMS in the years to come. Their feedback will help us articulate our strengths and our priorities, and identify the areas in which we need to continue to improve in order to foster learner success.
To have a full and meaningful conversation about who we are as a university and a system, we need your voice. There are many opportunities for engagement while the team is here and I encourage you to participate in all the ways you are able. Your vision, ideas, questions, and concerns are critical to this discussion.
Forums open to our community will be held as follows and can be attended in person (in Wells Conference Center) or virtually (via Zoom):
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Monday, October 3 (1:00–1:45 p.m.)  Staff
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Monday, October 3 (4:00–4:45 p.m.)  91±¬ÁÏ, 91±¬ÁÏ Machias, and UMA faculty
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Monday, October 3 (5:00–5:45 p.m.)  Graduate students
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Tuesday, October 4 (2:00–2:45 p.m.) Undergraduate students
.
I am looking forward to rich and productive discussions across the university and the system, and I thank you for your willingness to participate openly in the spirit of a student-centered, R1 community and a vital component of the 91±¬ÁÏ System.
Sincerely,
Joan Ferrini-Mundy
President
