New Student Orientation and Welcome Information
Discover Downeast Weekend Summer 2025
Discover Downeast Weekend is an optional orientation experience for students who are new to UMM for the Fall 2025 semester. This weekend is open to all new and transfer students.
Students who have signed up for the weekend, please make sure to check your maine.edu email for the schedule and more information about the weekend.
Discover Downeast Weekend Schedule
Friday, June 27th
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Check-in at Dorward Residence Hall. Please note that someone will be at Dorward Hall starting at 8:00am, so if you arrive before 10am, that is okay!
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Campus Offices will be open, finalize Fall 2025 academic schedule, get University ID, and other Fall 2025 prep activities.
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch in Kilburn Commons and Welcome
1:15 pm: Trip to Roque Bluffs State Park. (Possible Jasper Beach pending time and interest)
2:30 pm: Scavenger Hunt and activities in Clipper Lounge (including a Kahoot with prizes!)
5:00 pm-6:00 pm: Dinner in Kilburn Commons
7:00 pm: Evening Activity (TBA)
Saturday, June 28th
7:30 am – 8:30 am: Continental Breakfast in Dorward Hall Lobby
9:00 am: Trip to the Downeast Institute or a Trip to Eastport, Maine
1:00 pm: Lunch (location TBA)
2:30 pm: Reynolds Center Party. Some possible activities could include inflatable soccer, cornhole, friendship bracelets, crafts, snow cones, and Machias Build-a-Bear.
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Dinner in Kilburn Commons Dining Hall
7:00 pm: Evening Activity (TBA)
Sunday, June 29th
9:00 am: Brunch and Bingo (with prizes!) in Kilburn Commons Dining Hall
11:00 am: Discover Downeast Weekend Ends. Check-out of Dorward Residence Hall.
What to Bring:
– Fan (We have a limited number available for use if you cannot or do not bring one)
– Toiletries
– Clothing for the weekend
– Bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows)
– Towel(s)
– Shower shoes
– Bug spray and sunscreen
– A hat and/or sunglasses
-Umbrella or raincoat
– Bathing suit (for the beach or the campus pool if you’d like)
-Spending Money or debt/credit card
Fall 2025
New Student Orientation is held the weekend before classes start and offers events and activities for all new and transfer students.
Fall 2025 Orientation Student Schedule
Fall 2025 Orientation Family Schedule
Helpful Tips for Fall 2025 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.
*Please note that this schedule is subject to change as needed.
Spring 2026
Orientation for students who are new to UMM for the Spring 2026 semester will be held during the first week of spring 2026 classes. This orientation session is open to all new and transfer students.
Spring 2026 Orientation Student Schedule
Session dates will be determined as we get closer to the Spring 2026 semester.