UMF welcomes new students and their families to campus

FARMINGTON, ME  (August 30, 2023)—This past weekend’s rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm at University of Maine at Farmington as new and current students came to campus to move into the residence halls and prepare for the school year. Orientation leaders, administrators, faculty, staff and student volunteers all turned out to help incoming students feel welcome and at home. Chompers, the UMF beaver mascot, was a big hit!

UMF President Joseph McDonnell, his wife Carla and official dog greeter Cider

UMF President Joseph McDonnell, his wife Carla and their dog Cider welcomed students and their families at move-in day.


Four members of the Maine National Guard volunteered to join the University community in assisting students and their families with the move. Sargeant 1st Class Austin Plourd from Skowhegan said they were excited to be of service.

Maine National Guard members and UMF residence hall area director
(Second from left) Duncan Farley, UMF residence hall area director, is joined by Maine National Guard members (left to right) Specialist Sunny Marcus, Sargeant First Class Austin Plourd, Specialist DJ Douglass and Staff Sargeant Jared Deroche as they get ready to help new UMF students on move-on day.

“This was a great opportunity to reach out to help. Members of the Maine National Guard value volunteering throughout the community and this was a special day for us as the new UMF students become a part of the college community,” said Plourd.

New students and their families had an opportunity to gather information on all UMF campus resources and the start of classes.
New students and their families had an opportunity to gather information on all UMF campus resources and the start of classes.

Once moved in, students picked up their student ID and gathered information on financial aid, working on campus, applying for a parking pass, campus meal plans and more. They had a chance to relax with lunch in the main dining area in the Student Center and attend information sessions, a welcome ceremony and the President’s reception. Outdoor adventures, events on the Campus Green and a Welcome Bash rounded off the weekend.

UMF mascot Chompers with new ID

“There’s nothing like move-in day on campus,” said Lisa Ellrich, assistant vice president for enrollment and director of Admission. “Students bring their clothes, books, music, ideals and aspirations. In the next four years they will carve out a career and make life-long friends. It’s the first day of a great opportunity for them and an extremely rewarding one for us!”

More on University of Maine at Farmington

A nationally-recognized public liberal arts college known for its commitment to student success, UMF provides a challenging yet supportive environment to prepare students for both careers and further study. Rooted in a tradition of teacher preparation, UMF offers top quality programs in the arts and sciences, teacher preparation, and pre-professional studies. Located in the heart of Maine’s four-season outdoor recreational region, UMF is a welcoming, close-knit academic community that prepares students for enriching professional careers, engaged citizenship and an enduring love of learning.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:
Image: https://www.umf.maine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2023/08/RP234-005A.jpg
Photo Caption: UMF mascot Chompers with new ID
Photo Credit: UMF Image

Image: https://www.umf.maine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2023/08/RP234-005B.jpg
Photo Caption: New student getting plenty of help from Maine National Guard member and Chompers
Photo Credit: UMF Image

Image: https://www.umf.maine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2023/08/RP234-005C-scaled.jpg
Photo Caption: (Second from left) Duncan Farley, UMF residence hall area director, is joined by Maine National Guard members (left to right) Specialist Sunny Marcus, Sargeant First Class Austin Plourd, Specialist DJ Douglass and Staff Sargeant Jared Deroche ready to help new UMF students on move-on day.
Photo Credit: UMF Image

Image: https://www.umf.maine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2023/08/RP234-005D-scaled.jpg
Photo Caption: UMF President Joseph McDonnell, his wife Carla and their dog Cider welcomed students and their families at move-in day.
Photo Credit: UMF Image

Image: https://www.umf.maine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2023/08/RP234-005E-scaled.jpg
Photo Caption:  New students and their families had an opportunity to gather information on all UMF campus resources and the start of classes.
Photo Credit: UMF Image

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