I’ve never particularly liked phrases like that—“the little {something} that could”—because it sometimes seems a backhanded compliment—i.e., “even though you’re small, you can still manage to do good things,” etc. But this past week saw our university recognized in two very different ways, each underscoring the reality about UMPI that more and more people, region- and-nation-wide, are experiencing: that this is a remarkable institution filled with remarkable individuals.
On Feb. 27, Maine Public Broadcasting ran a five minute segment devoted entirely to the university and the teaching and learning occurring here. Journalist Robbie Feinberg spent a full day at UMPI about six weeks ago, interviewing a wide range of students, faculty, staff–and even administrators (!). As Feinberg discovered, our classrooms were notably different from those of the stereotypical university with its large lecture halls and note-taking off PowerPoint slides. From Dr. John DeFelice’s history classes that include re-enactments of historic events, to Dr. Scott Dobrin’s anatomy and physiology sections that include multiple, simultaneous laboratory activities and assessments, to education courses that train our future teachers to learn and teach entirely within proficiency environments, UMPI demonstrated its renewed dedication to ensuring that all of its learners master all of the knowledge deemed essential to individual courses and programs.
Feinberg made special note of the “NP” grade that we started using two years ago, essentially replacing the “D”—or what was long known in both high school and college as the “gentleperson’s F.” Allison Lopez explained how it worked for her: by giving her the time necessary to really understand the subject before submitting her work in anatomy class, she could not only avoid a D or F by taking extra time to demonstrate her mastery, but just as important, could get full credit for a course and keep making progress toward her degree without falling behind. Removing that “D” grade, and thus ensuring that everyone who passes a course does so with at least basic mastery of its essential content, is but one way in which we are working to ensure that students can graduate on time, with less debt, and with all the knowledge and skills they need to possess in order to be successful in their professions, graduate school or whatever else might follow graduation.
You can read—or listen to—the entire report here: http://mainepublic.org/post/umpi-takes-proficiency-based-approach-improve-graduation-rates#stream/0
While MPBN was preparing this report, the UMPI Ski Team was quite literally making history. Not only did the Owls place third in the Eastern Collegiate Championships down in Rumford—their highest overall showing ever—but they did so by finishing only behind Dartmouth and Williams College, and significantly ahead of teams from Bowdoin, Bates, Colby, UNH and many other far larger programs.
As coach Joey Bard explained: “We had UMPI’s first ever podium. Connor Hrynuk of Boonville, N.Y., finished third. John Paluszek of Farmington, N.H., in 11th and and Presque Isle’s own Jason Bartly nearly cracked the top 30 finishing in 32nd. Those results were good enough for a third place finish overall that is also an UMPI first.” In addition, sophomore Connor Hrynuk qualified for the Junior Nationals the next weekend in Lake Placid.
Phone calls and emails have been coming into my office ever since, praising Connor and John and Jason’s incredible performances as well as Coach Bard’s accomplishments—and all remarking upon UMPI’s achievement. Keep in mind, whereas the other teams fielded six skiers, each of which could help contribute to the overall score, Connor, John, and Jason were each individually responsible for *all* of the scoring.
Again, you can read more and see some cool footage at http://www.wagmtv.com/content/sports/UMPI-ski-team-makes-history-415025573.html
Two very different examples of what, day in and day out, makes this university and its students and faculty and staff so remarkable—for we excel both within and without the classroom, on courses and in laboratories, precisely because we give the time and attention it takes to help *all* of us succeed.
Finally, I’d be remiss not to put this into context with what the Chancellor reported to the legislature this past Thursday at his biennial address. The economic health and future of Maine is intrinsically tied to the health and success of the University of Maine System and its institutions. UMPI was singled out during his comments for our success in setting up collaborative opportunities that benefit both our matriculated students and serve the needs of our area’s employers and industries. In light of the tremendous successes at our institutions and our dedication to avoiding tuition increases for six straight years, Chancellor Page asked for a 12 percent increase in state funding over the next three years. But it was a request that came with a promise: all of that funding would go into making our institutions more successful in meeting the needs of Maine and the students we serve. (For those interested in reading his entire address, which I’d recommend if you can, you will find it at http://www.maine.edu/2017-state-university-system-address/ )
At UMPI, we offer you the same promise—that we are making a great institution ever more responsive and more successful in fulfilling its mission to you, our students. And that starts in my office, in which every decision I make is dedicated to improving your experiences and your ability to complete your degree on time with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful immediately upon graduation, whatever your plans might be. Above all else, let me know how I can continue to make good on that promise—either through an email (raymond.rice@maine.edu), phone call (768-9525) or simply stopping by the office or stopping me any time you see me on campus!
