CSA Hyflex Model

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one student stands while another sits in front of a computer
UMFK Computer Systems Administration students program a computer in the on-campus lab.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is making it even easier for students to access quality education with a flexible hyflex course delivery model in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Administration program. This approach puts students in control, allowing them to choose how they attend classes based on their learning preferences and schedules.

“Our goal is to deliver dynamic, student-centered instruction that adapts to each learner’s unique journey—both in the classroom and in life,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “At UMFK, we are committed to providing students with flexible, personalized education that meets them where they are and helps them thrive.”

The model allows students to choose between in-person attendance or synchronous online participation via Zoom, ensuring that education is accessible to all, regardless of location or circumstance. This structure enables courses to adapt each semester, resulting in three possible instructional modalities:

  • Exclusive Face-to-Face Enrollment: If all enrolled students opt for face-to-face attendance, the course proceeds as a traditional in-person class.
  • Mixed Enrollment: For courses with both face-to-face and online students, simultaneous instruction occurs. Face-to-face students attend in the classroom, while online students join via Zoom, participating at the same time as their peers, in real-time discussions.
  • Exclusive Online Enrollment: When all students choose online participation, the course is conducted asynchronously. This allows students to attend the class when it is convenient for them. In this instance, the scheduled Zoom meeting time serves as an optional session for students to engage directly with their professor to have questions answered or engage in further discussion.

This adaptable approach not only maximizes enrollment potential but also meets students where they are. By offering multiple avenues for course participation, UMFK ensures that all students have the opportunity to engage in a manner that best suits their individual needs.

“Our Computer Systems Administration program is ideally suited for this type of instruction modality because it mirrors the real-world working environment of computer systems administrators,” said UMFK Assistant Professor of Computer Science Kelly White. “With this model, we can provide our students with the best of both worlds, traditional in-class learning experience for the courses they want and remote, online learning experiences for maximized scheduling flexibility.”

The successful implementation of the hyflex model reflects UMFK’s commitment to innovative education and student-centered learning. As the university continues to embrace flexible learning solutions, it remains dedicated to providing accessible education that meets the evolving needs of its student body.

For more information about UMFK’s computer system administration degree program, please visit the Computer Systems Administration program webpage.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is a rural, public university committed to providing students with exceptional educational experiences. UMFK offers a variety of programs that prepare students for successful careers and lifelong learning, emphasizing personalized attention and community engagement.

Hannaford Tuition Discount

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  • Hannaford associates are eligible for 10 percent discount on all University of Maine System courses
  • New partnership expands Hannaford’s Groceries to Grads tuition benefits program
Two male UMFK students sit at a desk together working collaboratively on a laptop
A new partnership between Hannaford Supermarkets and the University of Maine System will offer significant savings to employees of the grocery retailer who wish to pursue postsecondary education through Maine’s public universities, including the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK).

SCARBOROUGH, Maine – Hannaford Supermarkets and the University of Maine System (UMS) recently announced a new partnership that will offer significant savings to associates of the grocery retailer who wish to pursue postsecondary education and training through Maine’s public universities, including the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK).

Beginning this summer, qualifying full- and part-time Hannaford associates will receive a 10 percent discount on all undergraduate and graduate courses offered within UMS, including UMFK’s Business Management, Nursing, Behavioral Science, Computer Systems Administration, and Natural Sciences programs.

“Postsecondary education is the most proven pathway to upward mobility, enabling learners of all ages and stages to improve their knowledge, skills, and earning abilities. With expanded online offerings and other flexible degree and certificate pathways that work for busy adults, relevant higher education and opportunity are more accessible than ever through Maine’s public universities,” said Chancellor Dannel Malloy. “I commend Hannaford Supermarkets for their ongoing investment in their associates and look forward to strengthening our System’s partnership with this iconic Maine-based company for the benefit of their employees and our economy and communities.”

The partnership, which is the first-of-its-kind for UMS, expands Hannaford’s Groceries to Grads education reimbursement program, which offers associates up to $5,250 in tuition funds annually at any accredited college or university, with additional discounts available at partner universities within Hannaford’s network.

“We are thrilled to partner with the University of Maine System on such a meaningful benefit for our associates,” said Julie Libby, Vice President of Human Resources for Hannaford and a graduate of the University of Southern Maine. “We have a steadfast commitment to supporting the career growth and development of our associates, and this partnership only bolsters the opportunities available to them. We thank the University of Maine System for their collaboration and encourage our associates to take advantage of this outstanding benefit.”

Maine’s public universities are the most affordable in New England, enabling the Hannaford tuition benefit to go even further toward employees’ door-opening degree or certificate programs. When adjusted for inflation, the cost of tuition and fees within UMS has actually decreased over the past five years.

Introduced in August 2022, the first full year of Hannaford’s Groceries to Grads initiative supported the career growth and development of associates across 78 stores attending more than 50 colleges and universities. Top programs of study for Hannaford associates utilizing the benefit include business/management; finance/accounting; pharmacy/biology; and computer science/information technology/cyber security.

The tuition discount is the most recent development in a long history of partnership between Hannaford and UMS. Since 2020, Hannaford has provided more than $160,000 in funding to initiatives and programs across Maine’s public universities that support student mental health and wellness.

The Groceries to Grads program is one element of the comprehensive benefits offerings available to Hannaford associates, including paid time off, medical coverage, mental and physical wellness programs, associate discounts, paid parental leave, and retirement plans with company match.

For more information about the Groceries to Grads program, as well as career opportunities at Hannaford Supermarkets, visit Hannaford.com/Careers.

About Hannaford Supermarkets

Hannaford Supermarkets operates 189 stores in the Northeast, most with full-service pharmacies. Stores are located in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. All are committed to offering great fresh food, convenient experiences, and everyday low prices. Hannaford is also an active and committed community partner—focusing on fighting hunger, supporting youth development, and helping people live healthier lives. Hannaford is an industry leader in sustainability with a strong commitment to reducing waste and protecting the environment. Hannaford diverts or donates all food at risk of going to waste—sending no food to landfills. In 2023, Hannaford donated 26 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations. Hannaford employs nearly 30,000 associates and is based in Scarborough, Maine. Additional information can be found at Hannaford.com.

About the University of Maine System

The University of Maine System (UMS) is the state’s largest driver of educational attainment and economic development. Established in 1968, UMS unites the state’s distinctive public universities, including the University of Maine and its regional campus, the University of Maine at Machias, the University of Maine at Augusta, the University of Maine at Farmington, the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, the University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine School of Law, as well as the University of Maine Graduate and Professional Center. Over the past two decades, the System has awarded 106,362 degrees and spurred and strengthened thousands of small Maine businesses through its world-class research and development activities. Working-age alumni of its flagship, UMaine, earn more than double the state’s average median income. For more information, visit maine.edu.

Faculty Present at Conference

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On May 10th, four faculty members from The University of Maine at Fort Kent presented at the Faculty Institute Conference in Augusta. The Faculty Institute is exclusive to members of the University of Maine System and offers attendees professional development opportunities for distance educators.

photo of Lisa Lavoie
Lisa Lavoie

Lisa Lavoie presented Multi-Campus, Interdisciplinary Faculty Interest Groups As A Vehicle For Improving University-Level Online Teaching And Learning. Lisa is an Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science at UMFK and also teaches at the University of Maine at Presque Isle and the University of Southern Maine. She earned her Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) – Maine Studies from the University of Maine and her Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (CLRC) from the University of Southern Maine. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor as well as a certified rehabilitation counselor. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of the Cumberlands.

photo of Dr. Kennedy “Ned” Rubert-Nason
Dr. Kennedy “Ned” Rubert-Nason

Dr. Kennedy “Ned” Rubert-Nason is the Assistant Professor of Chemistry at UMFK. He presented Reflecting on Plants, Soils & People: A Transdisciplinary Intercampus Undergraduate Research Experience with Two-Eyed Learning. He is a chemical ecologist with a Ph.D. in Molecular and Environmental Toxicology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2008) and a B.S. in Environmental Chemistry from the University of Virginia (2002). He co-founded the Inclusion section of the Ecological Society of America, served as a Howard Hughes Teaching Fellow, is a consistently published author, and loves doing all things outdoors. He uses a critical pedagogical approach to empower future healthcare workers, Earth stewards, leaders, and makers through collaborative, hands-on learning experiences.

photo of Dr. Kelly White
Dr. Kelly White

Dr. Kelly White is the Assistant Professor of Computer Science at UMFK. He presented What ChatGPT and AI Mean to Higher Education. He earned his Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of New England, his educational specialist degree in Educational Technology from Nova Southeastern University, and his Master of Education in Educational Technology from the University of Phoenix. He has been a community college distance education administrator since 2001, first at the Community College of Vermont and then at McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas. During that time, Kelly also taught 3-8 credits per semester in the computer science department. For the last three years, he has taught computer science, physical science, and physics for MSAD 1 in Presque Isle. In addition, he has presented at conferences at the local, state, national and international levels on topics about distance education best practices and human-computer interaction.

photo of Dr. Michael Curran
Dr. Michael Curran

Dr. Michael Curran is an Assistant Professor of Business at the UMFK and holds a doctorate in Information Systems. He presented four topics: Thor (Tourism, Hospitality, And Outdoor Recreation) – A Study In Inter-University Collaboration, What ChatGPT and AI Mean to Higher Education, University of Maine System Student Research Network (UMS-SRN), and Lessons From Prometheus And Frankenstein: AI And ChatGPT’s Impact On Education and Beyond. Dr. Curran has been a college professor for over 30 years and has taught in multiple disciplines, ranging from the Humanities to Information Technology. He has done research into the use of Artificial Intelligence and published on the use of AI in grading assignments. Additionally, he is currently working on research assessing the relationship between English language proficiency and the likelihood of using AI to generate written work by students. Dr. Curran earned his bachelor’s degree in History from Slippery Rock University, his MBA in Business from Chatham University, and his doctorate in Information Systems and Communication from Robert Morris University.

Although it has evolved and changed through time, The Faculty Institute has existed for thirty years to help serve the UMS faculty.

UMFK Hires New Assistant Professor of Computer Science

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Assistant Professor of Computer Science Dr. Kelly White at UMFKThe University of Maine at Fort Kent is pleased to welcome Dr. Kelly White as an assistant professor of computer science.

“Dr. White brings a wonderful combination of technical and educational backgrounds that will allow our students to have greater exposure to the requirements of the industry,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen.

Dr. White earned his associate’s degree in visual arts from the Community College of Vermont and his bachelor’s in fine art from Arizona State University. He then received his master’s degree in educational technology from the University of Phoenix, and his first doctoral work was in computing technology in education from Nova Southeastern University. Finally, he earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of New England.

Prior to teaching at UMFK, Dr. White taught for MSAD #1. For over ten years he was the Director of Teaching and Learning at McLennan Community College in Texas. He also served as the Coordinator of Academic Services for the Community College of Vermont for six years.

“Dr. White utilizes current real-world examples of cybersecurity threats, such as the log4j vulnerability, to educate his students with the most relevant information,” said UMFK student Nickolas Tozier. “He is excellent at developing his student’s critical thinking and communication skills so that we may accurately and competently explain risks and remediation efforts to our future employers. Dr. White will be a valuable asset not only to UMFK, but especially for his students for many years to come.”

Dr. White has extensive experience in curricular design and creation. He has already contributed to the revamp of UMFK’s former Computer Applications program and helped adjust it to become more industry friendly as the Computer Systems Administration program.

At UMFK’s recent Scholar Symposium, Dr. White presented on application development and the intersectionality of university need and student interest in technology. He discussed how he will be helping students learn how to develop smartphone apps and the entire research process that is required to build a successful one.

“Dr. White’s classes have brought high-end concepts such as augmented reality to northern Maine,” said UMFK student Kobe Chasse. “Having a professor that pushes the boundaries of computer science is extremely beneficial in an area with a burgeoning computer field. I hope to work with him in my future endeavors.”

For more information go to www.umfk.edu or call (207) 834-7500.