As more national news reports the presence of clusters of COVID-19 cases at some residential out-of-state colleges, students are having to reconsider fall plans.

This weekend UNC at Chapel Hill reported a cluster of COVID-19 cases linked to a fraternity and one linked to a residence hall. This type of news story may be triggering reconsideration and causing some local students to change plans.

This fall at some residential colleges students' arrival on campus means a 14-day mandatory quarantine. Two weeks is a long time to endure isolation, particularly for young students who may be leaving home for the first time. Quarantine regulations can be very strict with tight restrictions on social interactions and other forms of gathering on campus, limiting the types of experience these student can expect.

As UMA gets ready to open the fall term at the Rockland Center on August 31, local college students can choose from a mix of course modalities including in-person learning as well as fully online and other options in between. Safety guidelines adopted by the University of Mine System are in place at URock and students can be assured they are followed closely.

According to UMA Rockland's Director, Deborah Meehan, "We feel we have taken every precaution and created a learning environment that is safe and welcoming. And, there is no quarantine period."

For some college students who are experiencing hesitancy about going away to a residential environment, UMA Rockland can be a great short or long term option. As a fully accredited institution, there are hundreds of course options that can be transferred to meet core and general education requirements at other colleges.

"This may be a time to consider a gap year, stay local and still not lose time earning your degree," added Meehan. "The quality of our instruction is excellent so students are not settling for less than a great experience."

There is still time to enroll at UMA Rockland for this fall and to receive financial aid.  UMA Rockland is open Monday - Thursday from 8:30am - 4:30 PM and via email and chat on Fridays at umarockland@maine.edu or by phone at 596-6906.