Dear UMPI community, As we enter the third week of our return to (distance!) classes, and aim to transition as well as we can to our “new normal,” I wanted to provide you with an update on a few items impacting us this week. You may be seeing this in local and state news, but…

Dear UMPI Students, I wanted to update you this morning on the work that the Commencement Committee has been doing since the Chancellor’s announcement that no “live, in-person” commencements will be occurring on May 9.  I asked the committee, which includes Matthew Payan (the President of the Student Government Association) and Evan Zarkadas (your student…

Dear UMPI Students, Faculty, and Staff, It is with great regret that I write to inform you that the University of Maine at Presque Isle and her fellow institutions in the University of Maine System will not be able to proceed with planned in-person commencement exercises on May 9.   My apologies to those who…

Owl’s Roost March 24, 2020 I’ve lived in Maine now for nine months, and never have I lived in another part of the world that is as welcoming to those who are from another part of the country, as I’ve been in Maine, and I hope that it stays that way. —Dr. Nirav Shah, Director…

Please click here for a special video message from Naomi and I. Dear UMPI Students, I write to inform you of some important academic options that are in effect for the remainder of this semester as well as additional communication options so that you can immediately request help in regards to your learning environment, support…

Hello UMPI Students, I hope that Spring Break has given you a chance to recharge and prepare for the rest of the Spring semester, different as it may be for all of us due to COVID-19. I want you to know that your faculty and staff have been working very hard to get ready for…

Colleagues, As we near the end of the week, I wanted to update you on a few important matters regarding academics and instruction for the remainder of this semester. First, please note that Spring Break has been extended through Monday and Tuesday of next week, thus classes formally begin on Wednesday, March 25.  This is…

Dear UMPI Community, Much has changed since I wrote to you a week ago about our COVID-19 response efforts, with classes moving online and students moving out of the dorms by the end of Spring Break. There have been difficult good-byes, many questions (along with a resolve to provide answers as quickly as possible), and…

First, thank you all for your patience and cooperation during this uncertain time related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The current situation is rapidly evolving and guidance changing as we learn more and discover new areas of concern. Rest assured that the Health Service is monitoring the situation closely and following the guidance provided by the…

Colleagues, This is a reminder to us all to protect ourselves, each other, and our communities by practicing the safety measures set forth by the CDC.  These include: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose,…