ROCKLAND — Staff at UMA Rockland are busy getting ready for the safe return to URock starting on August 3, according to URock, in a news release. The reopening plan includes a blend of online and in-person learning options for the fall semester.

In person learning courses will include entry level courses plus those that require hands-on instruction, like the sciences.

Students and faculty will notice changes in the setup of the classrooms, study spaces, student lounges and computer labs so that everyone stays safe while teaching and learning at the Center. Classrooms and study areas have been reorganized to meet safe social distancing requirements.

Although some courses will be delivered via remote learning modalities, some will still meet face-to-face at URock.

Important new policies will be in place, including a requirement to wear face coverings. Students will still be encouraged to continue to use virtual support services (phone, email, Zoom) whenever possible. And, the number of students allowed at the Center at any one time is significantly reduced. Students and guests will be encouraged to call ahead to schedule appointments during August.

“We are following the best advice and implementing recommended health and safety measures so we may return to the campus while protecting the health and safety of students, faculty and employees,” said UMA Rockland Director Deborah Meehan, in a news release. “We are working with students to create balanced schedules so, if they choose, they may attend some part of their schedule in an in-person format, plus some online or via ZOOM. We are fortunate to have a broad and robust array of offerings and modalities to support a lot of combinations based on students’ needs.”

“We know that delivering a high-quality education is desperately needed in this economy to open up new employment opportunities” Meehan added.

The fall term opens August 31.

For more information on University programming through UMA Rockland please contact them at 596-6906, email at umarockland@maine.edu or visit uma.edu/rockland.