New Student Orientation and Fall Welcome Information

Fall 2024

New Student Orientation is held the weekend before classes start and offers events and activities for all new and transfer students.

Fall Orientation Schedule

August 30th, 31st, and September 1st, 2024

Friday, August 30, 2024: Move In Day/First Day of Orientation

*Please note that campus offices are open today, Friday, August 30th

8:00am-Noon:         Check-In at Reynolds Center. Students who will be living on campus will then go to Dorward Hall to move into their residence hall room.

11:00am-Noon:      Campus/Classroom Tours Meet at Entrance to Dorward Hall

Noon-1:00pm:         New Students and Families have Lunch in Kilburn Commons

1:00pm-1:15pm:      Dean’s Welcome (for students and families) in the Performing Arts Center (PAC)

1:30pm-2:00pm:      Billing, Financial Aid, & Student Records session in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) for Families and Students

2:00pm-3:00pm:      Families Meet with Key Staff in the PAC

2:00pm-3:00pm:      Students meet with Orientation Group 

3:15pm-4:15pm:      Transitioning to College- Family Session in the PAC

3:15pm-4:15pm:      Transitioning to College- Student Session in Science 102

4:15pm-5:00pm:      Campus/Classrooms Tours Meet at Science 102

4:15pm-4:45pm:      Commuter/Distance Student Session in Science 102

4:30pm-6:00pm:      Dinner for Students and Families in Kilburn Commons

6:00pm:                   Family Farewell

7:00pm:                   Floor Meetings in Dorward Hall for Residential Students

7:45pm-8:15pm:      Lighted Labyrinth Walk at Labyrinth Behind Torrey Hall

8:00pm:                   Evening Activities

Saturday, August 31, 2024: 2nd Day of Orientation

8:00am-9:00am:         Breakfast in Kilburn Commons

9:00am-11:30am:       Student Groups rotate to various sessions in a variety of places around campus (Zoom Option Available For Distance Students)

Noon-1:00pm:            Lunch in Kilburn Commons

1:00pm-1:30pm:         Class Photo on Library Steps

1:30pm-3:00pm:         Student Groups rotate to various sessions a variety of places around campus (Zoom option available for Distance Students)

3:00pm:                      Activity in the Reynolds Center Conference Room

4:30pm-6:00pm:         Dinner in Kilburn Commons

7:00pm:                      Evening Performance/Performer in the Performing Arts Center (PAC)

Sunday, September 1, 2024: 3rd Day of Orientation and Returning Students Move Back to Campus

10:00am-1:00pm:       Brunch in Kilburn Commons

Trip Sign-Up Sheets will be at the Check-In Table on Friday, Aug. 30th

8:30am-12:30pm:       Trip to West Quoddy State Park in Lubec

10:30am-12:30pm:    Trip to Roque Bluffs Beach

10:30am-12:30pm:    Trip to Jasper Beach

1:00pm-4:30pm:         Walmart Shuttle

2:00pm-4:00pm:        Afternoon Activities

2:30pm:                      Classroom/Campus Tours Meet at Dorward Entrance

4:00pm-6:00pm:         Dinner in Kilburn Commons

6:00pm-10:00pm:     Evening Activity

Monday, September 2, 2024

10:00am-1:00pm:       Brunch in Kilburn Commons

1:00pm-5:00pm:         Afternoon Activities

4:00pm-6:00pm:         Dinner in Kilburn Commons

7:00pm:                       Evening Activity

Tuesday, September 3, 2024: First Day of Classes

*Please note that this schedule is subject to change as needed.

Helpful Tips for Orientation

Arrive Early: Make sure to arrive slightly early for check in and orientation sessions so you do not miss important information covered or get behind in the program.

Ask Questions: Ask any and all questions that you may have. If you need more time with a presenter, feel free to approach the speaker after the session has concluded.

Dress Comfortably: It is recommended that you wear casual clothes for move in and moving around campus throughout the weekend. Wear comfortable shoes or sandals so the walking does not hurt your feet.

Eat Regular Meals: Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner to stay energized for unpacking, meeting new people, and attending programs.

Have Fun: Whether you are a new student, a family member, or a guest of a new student, enjoy the start of this adventure at the University of Maine at Machias!

Inclement Weather: If inclement weather is expected, please check the UMaine Machias homepage for campus closure notification.

Introduce Yourself: Introduce yourself to everyone you meet, sit next to in a program, or visit with while in between sessions.

Run Errands: Please know that we have built time into the schedule for local shopping, getting situated, and taking care of other side items.

Stay Hydrated: Think about bringing a water bottle that you can refill between sessions or while walking around campus to stay hydrated.

If you have any questions about Orientation or need special accommodations, please do not hesitate to contact the Student Life Office at (207) 255-1320.