UMM announces plan to provide private dorm rooms to all students

While an official decision on reopening University of Maine System campuses this fall is pending, the University of Maine at Machias is developing possible safe return protocols. For students, those protocols pending approval could include private dorm rooms for all residential students.

Students will not pay additional fees for the private accommodations.

The policy is aimed at prioritizing student safety and limiting the spread of coronavirus, following guidance outlined in “The Framework for Reopening Maine’s Colleges and Universities in Fall 2020,” a planning document released by Maine’s higher education leaders.

The framework commits its participants to six guiding principles for reopening, and acknowledges that individual institutions will tailor policies to meet their specific needs.

Though not all institutions are able to offer private dorms, UMM Dean of Student Life Marnie Kaler says the policy makes sense for the Machias campus.

“Because we’re a small campus, we’re uniquely positioned to offer this additional benefit to support our students and encourage social distancing,” says Kaler.

“While the overwhelming majority of our students are eager to return to campus, we recognize that they and their families have questions about our plans for safeguarding student health. We’re excited to announce this change as just one of the many enhanced safety measures we’re planning for the fall.”

All campus facilities will undergo extensive cleaning and disinfection in preparation for a possible fall reopening, and will continue to be maintained in accordance with state and federal guidelines throughout the academic year.

For more information about housing placements, contact Ryan Michaud at 207.255.1245 or visit the Living on Campus webpage. To learn more about UMM’s plans for safely resuming on-campus operations, visit umaine.edu/return.