Liberal Studies Bridge Program
University of Maine at Farmington applicants who didn’t take a full complement of college-prep courses in high school, whose transcripts indicate weaknesses in certain skills, or who have been out of school for a number of years may benefit from our Liberal Studies Bridge Program.
The Liberal Studies Bridge Program is not "instead of" but rather, taken "along with" your other academic work at UMF. The Bridge Program is specially designed for students who (for whatever reason) lack a full college preparatory program or who have been out of school for some time, but whom the Admission Committee feels could be successful in college — with the help of certain student support services, such as Bridge.
Playing Up Your Strengths / Improving Your Weaknesses
By taking a holistic approach in evaluating strengths and weaknesses, the Bridge Program focuses on the
individual needs of students. Our goal is to help you develop the skills necessary to help
you become a successful member of the campus community.
Resources available to Bridge students include developmental courses, peer mentoring, academic advising, personal counseling, tutoring and more.
" The Bridge Program's faculty, courses, approach, and intentions are the stepping stones from a high school student's insecurities to a college graduate's lifelong confidence and success. Without the Bridge Program and its rewards, I wouldn't be as confident as I am today."
-- Daja Brown
2011 Psychology graduate
From Hartford, Maine
What Classes Might You Take?
Students in the Liberal Studies Bridge Program, like all UMF students, will take courses focusing on their General Education Requirements and perhaps explore courses in their intended major. In addition, you will also get to choose other interesting classes, such as:
- Music in Film
- Digital Citizenship
- Bite Me: Analyzing Buffy the Vampire Slayer
- Thinking Green
- Image Power
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Liberal Studies Bridge a major?
A: No. The Liberal Studies Bridge Program is not a degree program (or major). It's a pathway to a degree program of your choosing. Our objectives are the same as yours -- acceptance into a UMF degree program (major).
Q: How long will I stay in the Bridge Program?
A: It generally takes two semesters to complete the developmental coursework and prepare
for acceptance into a UMF degree program.
Q: Will the Bridge Program affect my financial aid? Will I be considered a different kind of student?
A: No. In terms of financial aid and campus life, students in the Bridge Program are
considered full-time matriculated students and carry academic loads that combine developmental courses
with required UMF General Education and core courses -- just like every UMF student.
Q: What's the purpose of the tests I take on the day I interview?
A: They're for evaluation purposes. The results of the tests indicate where you are,
academically, and will help us place you in the appropriate classes.
Q: Can I still graduate in four years if I start out in the Bridge Program?
A: Yes. It's possible to graduate in four years, depending on the number of courses you take
each semester. Many of our students (Bridge and non-Bridge) take Winter Session, May Term or Summer Term courses
to help keep them on the four-year time schedule. The goals and scheduling are up to you. We're here to provide
you with the resources and support to help you achieve your goals.
Who You'll Work With in the Liberal Studies Bridge Program
Claire Nelson, Director, Liberal Studies Bridge Program
M.S., University of Southern Maine
Claire is also the coordinator of Academic Services for Students with Disabilities.
Michele Pavitt, Instructor of Reading and Writing
M.A., University of Michigan
Larry Ronco, Instructor of Mathematics
M.Ed., University of New Hampshire
Marilyn Wegner, Academic Coordinator / Counselor
M.S.Ed., Capella University
B.A., University of Maine at Farmington
Acceptance into the Liberal Studies Bridge Program is contingent upon an interview and testing with our staff. As a student in the Bridge Program, you’ll combine UMF for-credit courses with developmental courses before transferring into a major.
To be eligible for the Liberal Studies Bridge Program, students must meet certain federal guidelines. Please contact us for details.
Contact us for Details
For additional information about the Liberal Studies Bridge Program at the University of Maine at Farmington,
just contact the Office of Admission:
-
Office of Admission
University of Maine at Farmington
246 Main Street
Farmington, Maine 04938-1994
tel 207-778-7050
fax 207-778-8182
TDD/TTY 207-778-7275
umfadmit@maine.edu
