Campus Events and Media Releases

UMF Launches "Farmington in Four"-Innovative Four-Year Graduation Guarantee

FARMINGTON, ME (January 13, 2010)--University of Maine at Farmington
President Theodora J. Kalikow announces the launch of "Farmington in
Four"--UMF's innovative, new four-year graduation guarantee. Developed for
students for whom graduation in four years is a priority, this initiative
is being offered to all incoming first-year students and is in keeping with
Farmington's long-standing commitment to student success.

Farmington in Four will be offered to any full-time, first-year student who
begins his or her studies in the 2010 fall semester. Transfer student
eligibility will be based on a transcript analysis performed by the
student's academic advisor. The guarantee applies to all academic majors
and pledges the completion of a Farmington degree in four years, or the
remaining required coursework will be provided at no additional cost.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer our incoming students a new resource
to help them stay on track academically and chart a clear course to their
post-graduate and professional future," said Kalikow.

Students who choose to sign on to the guarantee will, with the help of
their faculty advisors, create a four-year roadmap to graduation. This
process will include declaring a major at the appropriate time and meeting
with their individual academic advisor on a regular basis to discuss
academic progress.

Participants will follow a list of practical guidelines while completing 32
credit hours per year, which can also include coursework during winter, May
and summer terms. Acceptable academic progress for students who have
committed to the agreement will include continuous enrollment for all four
years, maintaining the minimum GPA required by their major and satisfactory
grades in all courses that meet degree requirements.

Although, UMF already has among the highest graduation rates in the
University of Maine System, it also recognizes that improved rates will
benefit students and their families. However, a four-year timetable to
graduation is not for everyone. Some students may have interests or
personal responsibilities that require the flexibility of part-time study.
In a few instances, talented and motivated students may be interested in
accelerating their studies and graduating in three years. Whether the
graduation timetable is four years, three or five, the personal roadmaps to
graduation that Farmington advisors develop with every student will assure
that they all have an appropriate plan for success.

For additional information on Farmington in Four, please contact the
Farmington Office of Admission at 207-778-7050, or visit the Farmington in
Four website at: http://www.farmington.edu/farmin4-pledge.php.

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Media contacts: Allen Berger, UMF provost and vice president for academic
affairs, at 207-778-7279, or aberger@maine.edu; or Elaine Vincent, interim
UMF vice president of enrollment management and marketing, at 207-778-7058,
or elaine.vincent@maine.edu.