Katie Ebert of the University of Maine at Augusta’s Rockland Center, presented on UMA’s high impact program “The Student Institute” at the Region I National Academic Advising Association conference in Rhode Island on February 22.

With over 100 student affairs professionals in attendance at the presentation, Ebert discussed the development, implementation, and delivery of “The Student Institute”, giving universities across all of New England and part of Canada, a blueprint for creating a similar program at their schools.

The “Student Institute” provides UMA students with the opportunity to: identify personal and professional goals, integrate academic and career plans, develop a peer network, and get matched with a faculty mentor inside their major. The Institute sees faculty and advisors collaborate to deliver this zero-cost program offered to 40 UMA students every fall and spring.

Reflecting on the opportunity to speak at the conference, Ebert said, “As the Student Services Coordinator at UMA Rockland Center, I am proud to represent UMA as an institution and to be able to showcase our commitment to developing and delivering innovative, student-centered programming like ‘The Student Institute’. College students succeed and get the most out of their college experience when they develop strong relationships with faculty. This program is designed to build those supportive relationships that are critical for student success.”

For over 50 years UMA Rockland Center has helped thousands of students in Knox, Lincoln & Waldo counties earn their degrees in pursuit of their personal and professional goals. UMA specializes in providing students a flexible and affordable education. UMA Rockland offers 40+ career-specific certificate programs, 15+ associate’s degrees, 30+ bachelor’s degrees, and 5+ graduate certificates/degrees. Advisors are here to support residents at all stages of life from Early College high school students through senior citizens.  For more information and to schedule an appointment with an advisor, contact UMA Rockland via email at umarockland@maine.edu, phone at 207-596-6906, or online at uma.edu/rockland.