As we prepare to open the ExplorEC Portal on Friday for summer applications, this announcement includes information regarding important changes and gentle reminders including;
ExplorEC Application Processing Reminders
Late, Missing, or Incomplete Applications
Summer Eligibility Information
Let’s Get Ready – College Access & Success Supports
Support for ExplorEC
ExplorEC application processing gentle reminders
We encourage students to apply early, as applications are processed in the order they are completed (student agreement, parent agreement, school counselor approval). To ensure the best chance of finding room in courses, we recommend assigning a school designee to review applications over the summer as many school counselors are not available. ExplorEC Access requests can be made here.
Please review the application status definitions in ExplorEC. ExplorEC is an application portal and is different from MaineStreet which houses transcript records. Student enrollment is not confirmed unless their status is “Registered”. Our EC Administrators review every application before processing it to ensure students are ready and have met course prerequisites. To avoid delays, please be sure to provide necessary prerequisite information when approving applications. You know your students best, please do not hesitate to mark an application as “Not Approved” if they are not ready. For reference, I’ve pasted these below but they are visible at all times in ExplorEC.
Late, missing, or incomplete applications
We have had several late applicants. For online or on-campus courses, the application period closes one week before the course start date. This is to ensure student success and allow time for students to activate their accounts and purchase textbooks. For concurrent enrollment courses (at the student’s high school), students must submit complete applications before the deadline set by the University. Please remind students that if they do not have completed applications in ExplorEC by the deadline, they will not be registered for University credit. UMS policy is aligned with accreditation standards and retroactive credit will not be awarded.
Aspirations summer eligibility changes
Starting with Summer 2023, graduating seniors will no longer be eligible to participate in the Aspirations program for the summer session, regardless of course start date.
For students who qualify for Aspirations funding, all summer term 2023 credits will count towards the 2023-2024 school year, regardless of course start date. Students may enroll in summer classes if:
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- They are entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school.
- Students entering their first year of high school are not eligible for summer Aspirations funding.
- Eligible students are granted up to 12 credits tuition-free per academic year. This credit-limit applies to courses taken through the University of Maine System and the Maine Community College System, in partnership with the Maine Department of Education.
Let’s Get Ready!
The UMS Early College program and Let’s Get Ready are committed to promoting college access and success. Starting with summer of 2023 registrations, all students entering their senior year of high school will be automatically enrolled in Let’s Get Ready’s proven college support program. Students will receive text-based peer mentoring focusing on college access, readiness, transition, and success. These services are provided for free, begin in high school, and carry throughout their college experience (regardless of which post-secondary institution they attend). Students may opt-out after receiving their first text. Please contact Katie Flood (former Maine school counselor) at kfloodgerow@letsgetready.org if you have any questions about the program.
Support for ExplorEC
Almost a year ago, UMS welcomed Jamie Whittemore as the AP4ME and Early College Coordinator. Many of you have likely already worked with her in her new role, and utilized her expertise at troubleshooting ExplorEC. Please refer students to explorecaccounts@maine.edu for any issues.
We appreciate your partnership and support of our program. Our program has grown significantly in the past few years and we are committed to balancing growth while ensuring student success.
Please do not hesitate to contact us directly if you have any additional questions.
Amy Hubbard, PhD – Executive Director of Early College
amy.l.hubbard@maine.edu
Jamie Whittemore – AP4ME & Early College Coordinator
jamie.whittemore@maine.edu