Whether your daughter or son is thinking about becoming a Farmington student or is already enrolled here, we know you want to be involved and that you probably have lots of questions. (We think that's wonderful!)

To help you, we've compiled some Frequently Asked Questions, below. These are real questions we've received from parents, just like you. Additional helpful information may be found on the "Tips"link, above.

Q: How do I contact my son or daughter in an emergency?
A: Call the UMF Campus Switchboard, 207-778-7000.

They will immediately contact the UMF Dept. of Public Safety and its officers will locate and contact your daughter or son as quickly as possible.

Additional Emergency Phone Numbers

• UMF Dept. Public Safety: 207-778-7400
• Farmington Police Dept.: 207-778-6311
• Franklin County Sheriff's Office: 207-778-4857
• Franklin Memorial Hospital (switchboard): 207-778-6031
• Franklin Memorial Hospital (Emergency Room): 207-779-2250

Q: When will my son or daughter find out if she or he has been accepted to UMF?

A: Admission to Farmington is competitive and we receive many applications. After all documents are received, we review each application carefully. This process can sometimes take longer than anyone would like. We try to send out acceptance decisions as soon as possible. If you'd like to inquire about the status of your son's or daughter's application, feel free to contact the UMF Office of Admission, 207-778-7050.

Q: When will my daughter or son find out if he or she has received Financial Aid?

A: Consideration for Financial Aid is made once a student has been accepted to UMF and all financial aid documents have been received and processed. Next, we calculate an award package and send an Award Letter to students that explains what information was used as the basis of the award and the amount of aid for which the student is eligible. If you'd like to inquire about the status of your daughter's or son's financial aid status, feel free to contact the UMF Financial Aid Office, 207-778-7100.

Q: If a student has been awarded work-study, when will he or she actually be assigned a job?

A: Students must first interview and be hired for work-study jobs. Contact the UMF Financial Aid Office, 207-778-7100, or visit the UMF Financial Aid Web site for specific information on work-study jobs and job openings.

Q: Will my daughter or son need a computer?

A: Yes. While owning a computer is not mandated at UMF, they are standard operating equipment here. We strongly encourage him or her to consider purchasing a wireless laptop through our laptop buy-in program. These brand-name laptops come with very attractive prices and on-campus maintenance support. And if they don't have a computer, they'll still have full access to our Computer Center, computer labs, and top-of-the-line networked PCs all over campus, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Q: What is the recommended course load for first-year students (freshmen)?

A: This year we moved to a 4-credit system (similar to what many private colleges have). This means that instead of taking five classes per semester, students are expected to take four classes. It's a curriculum designed to focus more on depth rather breadth -- to raise academic expectations, engage students in deeper learning, and give them more opportunities for undergraduate research. Think 4-4-4: They take four, four-credit courses each semester (or the equivalent) and graduate in four years.

Q: Where and when can my daughter or son purchase textbooks and supplies?

A: Students can buy new and used textbooks and supplies right at the University Store, located on the bottom floor of UMF's Olsen Student Center. The University Store will have all textbooks the week before classes begin each semester. (Many students buy their textbooks in August, before they move in.)

Q: Can students -- even freshmen -- bring their car to school?

A: Yes. Students may bring their car to campus. (Believe it or not, many colleges ban freshmen from bringing cars or they charge students a fee for the privilege of bringing a car to school.) Here, your daughter or son will just need to get a FREE parking decal from the UMF Public Safety Dept. within the first week and they're good to go. They'll just need proof of insurance, a valid driver’s license and the vehicle registration.

Q: Is tutoring available?

A: Yes. And it's FREE. The UMF Learning Assistance Center provides free tutoring for virtually every course. Our peer tutors are recommended by faculty and meet with students individually or in small groups to provide extra help in coursework. Applying for a tutor simply involves visiting the Learning Assistance Center, located on the top floor of Merrill Hall. We also offer the drop-in Math Clinic and Writing Center where students work with trained peer tutors and staff instructors. (Note: These tutoring services are very popular on campus! Your son or daughter shouldn't feel embarrassed about seeking tutoring.)

Q: When do students get their grades?

A: Students may view their grades online shortly after instructors turn in final grades at the end of each semester. (We provide each student with instructions on how to do this.)

Q: Why can't I receive my son's or daughter's grades?

A: This is a very common question we get from parents. Students, once they turn 18, are considered adults and strict federal privacy laws prohibit UMF from divulging their specific academic information: grades, grade point averages, classroom attendance, etc., to anyone -- even parents. We are permitted, however, to announce the University's Dean's List to the media. We do this after letters have been sent to students' homes notifying them that they have made the List.

Q: What is UMF's class attendance policy?

A: It varies. Each instructor establishes attendance policies for his or her own classes. They give each student a written copy of the policy at the first class meeting.

Q: Where should my son or daughter go for academic advice or questions?

A: Each student is assigned a Faculty Advisor, usually a professor from the students' major. Faculty Advisors hold regular office hours (posted on their office door and announced to each student) when they're available to meet with their advisees and other students. Student should see his or her academic advisor with any academic questions.

Q: Where is the Student Health Center and when is it open?

A: The UMF Student Health Center is located on the first floor of Scott Hall on Main Street, 207-778-7200. It is open 8am - 5pm, Monday through Thursday; 8am-4:30pm, Friday. If there is an emergency when the Student Health Center is not open, students and parents should contact the UMF Dept. of Public Safety, 207-778-7400.

Q: What are UMF's immunization and insurance requirements?

A: All incoming students must submit to the UMF Student Health Center a signed statement from a health official who administered vaccines for: Tetanus/Diphtheria in the past 10 years, Measles/Mumps/Rubella after their first birthday or a secondary school health record showing the above or copies of laboratory evidence of immunity. If students do not have access to these records, they must be re-immunized before attending UMF activities or classes. For more information, contact the UMF Student Health Center, 207-778-7200.