Defying Expectations is the theme of the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s 20th annual University Day, taking place on Wednesday, April 12, and students will be showcasing that theme in presentations on everything from digital storytelling using artificial intelligence to the art and science of early childhood education to the opioid epidemic and drug policy in Maine.
University Day is an event that heightens awareness of the academic research, scholarly work, and community service being done by students in all of the disciplines represented on campus. The annual campus event allows attendees, especially students, to better understand how disciplines interrelate and how the academic work being done applies to the local and global community. It is also an opportunity for students to experience a professional conference format, many for the first time. No regular classes are held during University Day, but in their stead, students are encouraged to attend student-led presentations and talks held during five sessions throughout the day.
University Day officially kicks off on Tuesday, April 11 in the Campus Center, with a poster session from 5-6:45 p.m., followed by a Libra Distinguished Lecturer Series presentation by author and motivational speaker Dr. Laymon Hicks at 7 p.m. The poster session will feature research done by students in a wide range of areas, from environmental science and biology to geographic information systems and social work. Students will be present to discuss their posters and answer questions. Beverages and dessert will be served.
Immediately following the poster session, Dr. Hicks will serve as the next speaker in UMPI’s 2022-2023 Libra Distinguished Lecturer Series, delivering the University Day keynote address. During his talk, Overcome Any Obstacle and Get Back Up, Dr. Hicks will share his personal story—from troubled youth to earning his doctorate—and explain how real motivation comes from within. His talk is free and open to the public.
The next day, dozens of students will present talks, demonstrations, and presentations, covering areas of study as wide ranging as agricultural science, biology, education, English, geographic information systems, professional communication and journalism, and social work. During lunch, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Wieden Gym, UMPI student clubs and organizations will have displays set up in the room to showcase each group and its efforts.
To add to the community spirit of University Day, UMPI is welcoming the public for the Tuesday evening activities and the entire day-long event Wednesday. The University Day committee has invited students from local high schools, and community members are welcome to attend all sessions and the free lunch.
As in past years, University Day offerings will include an online “proceedings” of the event, which features in-depth abstracts for each presentation. The proceedings, scheduled to be published a few days before the event, will be able to be viewed at www.umpi.edu/uday/proceedings.
A schedule of University Day activities can be found at www.umpi.edu/uday. For more information about University Day 2023, please call 207-768-9452 or email umpi@maine.edu.