Dear UMASC Community Member:

As you may have heard, the University of Maine at Augusta, as part of the University of Maine System statewide, decided to close its classroom instruction effective after spring break, March 23, 2020. Residential students are being asked to move out of their residences. The University will not close down, but many office activities will be done remotely.

In his letter of March 11, Chancellor Malloy explains the university system’s decisions in terms of community responsibility. Following this example, the Senior College Board voted on March 12 to cancel the spring 2020 semester and all group activities, effective immediately. Those of us enrolled in spring classes numbered 18 students in their 90s, 57 in their 80s, 134 in their 70s, and 66 in their 60s. We are the most likely to suffer serious harm from exposure to coronavirus. Our community cannot responsibly argue that we need not participate in the social distancing that others, at great sacrifice, agree to—essentially on our behalf.

Some of the canceled classes may lend themselves to long-distance learning. For those instructors who are interested, we will attempt to provide the help which will allow them to adapt their coursework to an online environment that provides a positive experience for those students who are interested. This process may take a week or two. Updates will be available on the website and emailed to UMASC members.

Concerning refunds: If you paid online when you enrolled, you will receive a refund to your credit card. If you paid by check or credit card in the mail or at the office, no refund is necessary because we have not yet processed those payments. All checks and credit card information will be shredded. All memberships purchased during spring registration and all spring classes will generate refunds, including those classes which may be reborn as online courses. Prepayments for canceled concerts will also automatically be refunded.

We all look forward to a healthier world and hope that much of the work that has been done by teachers and staff to prepare for this semester bears fruit in subsequent classes and semesters. 

Thank you for your support.
The UMASC Board