Carolyn Anderson

The organization, after 60 years, presents its vision to adapt to rapid changes in technology and address workforce shortages. This vision is centered on providing flexible, affordable, and job-focused education, while engaging with emerging technologies innovatively and responsibly. The plan aims to deliver statewide and student-centered support to ensure preparedness for future educational demands.

The meeting began with the recognition of the Winthrop Police Department by the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) for receiving the 100% Community Policing Education Award. This award signifies that every sworn officer in the department has completed the requisite community policing certificate, demonstrating a shared approach, training, and commitment to partnering with residents. The UMA representative emphasized the importance of this certification in preparing public safety personnel to serve their communities effectively.

This document is a self-study for the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA), detailing its mission, operations, and strategic direction. It outlines UMA's attributes as a responsive, nimble, adaptable, collaborative, and accessible institution, primarily serving non-traditional students and leading in distance education within the University of Maine System. The report covers the progress of its 2011-2016 Strategic Plan, which focuses on enhancing baccalaureate education, fostering a student-centered philosophy, expanding online programs, promoting a culture of assessment, engaging external partners, diversifying revenue, and ensuring sound financial and infrastructural support. It also addresses organizational governance, academic program development, faculty qualifications and development, and comprehensive student services, with a forward-looking perspective on the 2016-2020 strategic plan and continuous institutional effectiveness.

The 2021-2025 Strategic Plan for the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) focuses on student-centered education in a diverse and digital future. It reaffirms UMA's mission and vision, updating values, key strategies, and actions to advance these goals. The plan emphasizes commitment to quality education, both onsite and online, and expands on diversity, equity, and inclusion to ensure an inclusive environment. Key strategies include strengthening student success, advancing academics, enhancing marketing and recruitment, cultivating reputation and resources, and fostering inclusion.

The strategic planning document focuses on academics, enrollment, and budget considerations for UMA. It highlights academic achievements, outlines next steps such as promoting new programs and building transfer pathways, and emphasizes the need to incorporate new trends and technologies. The plan also addresses enrollment and budget challenges, including a shortfall in credit hours, and looks forward to FY26 with a review of the enrollment forecast model.