A survey of more than 2000 college-bound seniors released last week by a higher education research and marketing company, SimpsonScarborough, found that one out of 10 students who planned to go to a residential four-year college before the pandemic have changed their plans. Many schools are reporting higher numbers of inquiries about deferrals from students and parents who are unsure if their chosen colleges will resume in-person classes and normal campus operations this fall.

For current high school seniors and their parents, the many uncertainties about the safety of living on a campus in tight quarters and attending classes in close proximity to large numbers of students causes concern.

UMA Rockland, the largest University off-campus center in the state, enrolls over 500 students each term, and is an excellent local option for those who are increasingly asking about viable alternatives for the fall.

According to UMA Rockland's Director, Deborah Meehan, "We can offer confidence and assurance with a high quality, low cost college option that offers the most flexibility and removes a lot of uncertainty. A freshman student may choose to do a gap year locally with us, while deferring on other options, or just make a new plan altogether."

The UMA Rockland Center offers over 40 college degrees and certificates which may be completed locally.  Some of the most popular degrees include nursing, medical laboratory technology, mental health and human services, computer information systems, cybersecurity, business administration, justice studies, education and teacher certification preparation, and liberal arts.

Meehan added, "Typically all college students start out with a package of classes known as general education requirements no matter where they attend. Academic advisors at UMA Rockland can help students choose courses that work for both short term and long term plans that may include resuming college away from the midcoast when circumstances improve."

Courses and degrees at UMA Rockland are accredited through the New England Commission of Higher Education and readily transferable.

Meehan suggests, "Perhaps an option to consider is to postpone your freshman (or sophomore) year away and enroll locally, take 30 credits of general education classes over the next year, and when the whole virus situation has settled, return to your original plan."

Free academic planning is available by appointment. Email umarockland@maine.edu or phone 596-6906 and staff will get right back to you.