About UMA Senior College
Augusta Senior College is sponsored by the University of Maine at Augusta, and is a member of the Maine Senior College Network.
General Information for Potential Students and Instructors
UMA Senior College activities are focused on people 50 years old and up.
There are two semesters – Spring (begins mid-March) and Fall (begins mid-September) – about 25 to 30 classes per semester.
Classes are typically 1.5 – 2 hours long and run 4 to 10 weeks.
We produce about 25 classes and 8 lectures each semester. Lectures are one or two-part presentations on a wide variety of subjects. This is often how volunteer instructors get started.
During the winter months of January, February and March, Zoom Winter Lectures are held Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. These lectures are free and open to everyone but registration is required.
Classroom facilities include white boards, overhead projectors, computers, etc. You can usually set up a video or PowerPoint presentation on your laptop or thumb drive, and project it. Some classrooms are Zoom friendly. Technical assistance is available from UMA Senior College volunteers and the UMA IT department.
We all know that age is no barrier to learning. If you consider yourself a lifelong learner in search of a place and community where you can engage in personal development, find intellectual stimulation, discover a new hobby, and make friends with similar interests, then the Senior College at the University of Maine at Augusta (UMASC) is the place for you!
Our mission is to provide lifelong learning opportunities for people over 50. High quality courses, taught by experts in their field, are offered five days a week at a variety of times on the UMA campus. Non-credit academic classes include languages, history, current affairs, computer skills, geology, writing, art and architecture, creative expression, and many others.
There are activities you can join such as book groups, watching and discussing classic films, bridge, photography, and crafts. Many classes explore subjects through outings and field trips.
Perhaps one of the best parts about UMASC is interaction with others with similar interests. “You enjoy being with others who love rocks or wildflowers when you take a geology or botany class and are surrounded by other people who love rocks, wildflowers, and related field trips. It’s pure enjoyment with friendly people who share your interests,” exclaimed a recent Senior College student.
These connections are not only a remedy for loneliness, but often grow into new friendships. “I first moved to Maine in 2000 and I didn’t know anyone. I found it hard to meet people my age, but I took a few classes at UMASC and it’s been a godsend! I met lots of people, made friends, and we’re still playing bridge together after all these years!” said a student who now also teaches at the college.
Many of the UMASC instructors are retired teachers and professors. Some are business professionals, crafts persons, and knowledgeable enthusiasts. All are volunteers. “I’ve taken sixteen classes at the Senior College, and one thing that continues to impress me is the quality of the courses and the instructors,” stated a Senior College student.
Students can take unlimited classes for free with an affordable membership fee of $25. UMASC also offers an assisted $10 membership which you may choose for yourself using the “honor system.” This annual membership fee not only entitles members to take unlimited classes with us but also grants access to classes from any of the 17 colleges in the Maine Senior College Network.
We are always looking to expand course offerings, welcoming instructors both to teach classes and present lectures. To make that possible plenty of support is offered by the college including planning and preparation, training and practice sessions, and the UMA IT department is always ready to help should technical issues arise during class.
So, if you are looking to keep your mind active, feed existing or discover new interests, share your specialty, or have a fun way to meet new people and make friends, keep UMASC in mind! No grades, no tests, no stress. Just learning for the fun of it!