FARMINGTON — The University of Maine Farmington [UMF] welcomed new and current students back came to the campus on Friday, August 25, as they began to trickle their way in over the weekend and prepare for the school year.

Orientation leaders, administrators, faculty, staff, and student volunteers all turned out to help incoming students feel welcome and at home. Chompers, UMF’s mascot also made an appearance and helped new students with their luggage.

Incoming students were made aware ahead of time that Mallett and Purington halls, two of Farmington’s historical residence halls, are currently closed down for maintenance and to add new features such as wheelchair accessibility.

Director of Facilities Management Keenan Farwell stated that the updates would bring the two buildings into compliance with the federal American with Disabilities Act [ADA] and better meet residential student needs.

Farwell also added that multiuser bathrooms would be converted into single user bathrooms.

“Our students really are asking for single user bathrooms,” Farwell told the Livermore Falls Advertiser mid-August. “We’ve heard them and we’re moving forward with a full renovation of the space to create single user restrooms.”

After this renovation, five of the seven residential halls will have single user restrooms with Lockwood and Dakin halls still having multiuser restrooms. Those will be the next two that will have their restrooms upgraded to single user, Farwell stated.

Four members of the Maine National Guard volunteered to join the University community in assisting students and their families with the move. Sergeant First Class Austin Plourd from Skowhegan said they were excited to be of service.

“This was a great opportunity to reach out to help,” he said. “Members of the Maine National Guard value volunteering throughout the community and this was a special day for us as the new UMF students become a part of the college community.”

Once moved in, students picked up their student ID and gathered information on financial aid, working on campus, applying for a parking pass, campus meal plans and more. They had a chance to relax with lunch in the main dining area in the Student Center and attend information sessions, a welcome ceremony and the President’s reception. Outdoor adventures, events on the Campus Green and a Welcome Bash rounded off the weekend.

“There’s nothing like move-in day on campus,” said Lisa Ellrich, assistant vice president for enrollment and director of admissions. “Students bring their clothes, books, music, ideals and aspirations. In the next four years they will carve out a career and make life-long friends.”

“It’s the first day of a great opportunity for them and an extremely rewarding one for us,” she added.

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