UMaine Calendar

Hope in a Time of Climate Change
2025-02-11 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Fogler Library, The Salon, ME, United States
Since the end of the most recent ice age, 11,000 years ago, human ingenuity and adaptability have led to enormous changes in the way we live. The rapid global expansion of human population and industrialization in the past six decades has led to alarming changes to Earth’s climate, among other things. Now we find ourselves facing serious challenges to present and future generations — challenges that seem overwhelming at times. Please help us explore several reasons for optimism and hope.

Since the end of the most recent ice age, 11,000 years ago, human ingenuity and adaptability have led to enormous changes in the way we live. The rapid global expansion of human population and industrialization in the past six decades has led to alarming changes to Earth’s climate, among other things. Now we find ourselves facing serious challenges to present and future generations — challenges that seem overwhelming at times. Please help us explore several reasons for optimism and hope.

Discussants:

Sean Birkel, Assistant Professor & Maine State Climatologist, Climate Change Institute & Cooperative Extension

Dan Dixon, Sustainability Director and Research Assistant Professor, UMaine Climate Change Institute

Ivan Fernandez, Professor of Soil Science; Distinguished Maine Professor, Climate Change Institute & School of Forest Resources

George Jacobson, Professor Emeritus of Biology, Ecology, and Climate Change; and Former Director, Climate Change Institute (Facilitator)

Elizabeth Leclerc, Research Graduate Student, UMaine Climate Change Institute

Bonnie Newsom, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Anthropology, University of Maine

Hope in a Time of Climate Change
2025-02-11 18:00 - 19:30 | ME
Since the end of the most recent ice age, 11,000 years ago, human ingenuity and adaptability have led to enormous changes in the way we live. The rapid global expansion of human population and industrialization in the past six decades has led to alarming changes to Earth’s climate, among other things. Now we find ourselves facing serious challenges to present and future generations — challenges that seem overwhelming at times. Join us as we explore several reasons for optimism and hope.
Attend in person or via Zoom.
For additional information, visit the Salon Series website.

ORBITS: An exhibition of Tom Jessen, Isabelle Maschal O’Donnell and Ian Trask
2025-02-12 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-13 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-14 09:00 - 16:00 | Lord Hall Gallery, Lord Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
The University of Maine’s Lord Hall Gallery presents ORBITS, an exhibition featuring the work of three Maine-based artists who are invested in material re-use and sustainability: Tom Jessen, Isabelle Maschal O’Donnell, and Ian Trask from February 3 – March 14, 2025. A reception will be held on February 7, 2025 from 5-7pm. During the reception, six Maine-based poets will read ekphrastic poems which they wrote about the artwork in ORBITS. The reading will take place at 6pm. Participating poets include Matt Bernier, Monique Bouchard, Sylvia Godreaux, Annaliese Jakimides, Carl Little, and Leslie Moore. All events are free and the public is warmly welcomed.
The artists in ORBITS work with the excess waste that circulates around us every day including paper, textiles, and plastics. As these materials pass through their hands, they are transformed into artwork and given new life. The playful colors and forms used by Jessen, O’Donnel, and Trask function as a surprising counterpoint to the urgency of the issues they explore such as sustainability, waste, and consumerism. ORBITS brings awareness to material culture and our relationship to the things around us.
Jessen’s work begins with collection. He gathers cast away food packaging and cuts it into small strips, which are sorted by color. The paper strips are reconfigured into kaleidoscopic surfaces reminiscent of woven fabrics. O’Donnell gathers textile waste and manipulates it into quilt-like surfaces inspired by her surrounding in Maine. Her work stretches our notions of painting and the usefulness of materials. Trask bundles and wraps an assortment of materials bound for the landfill. The orbs he creates are suspended and clustered into new forms that belie their humble origins.
Questions can be directed to: diana.baumbach@maine.edu Additional information about the artists is available on their websites: tomjessen.com, isabelleodonnell.com, .iantrask.com and on Lord Hall Gallery’s Instagram, @umaine_lordhallgallery.

ServSafe® Certification
2025-02-12 09:00 - 17:00 | 75 Clearwater Drive Falmouth, Maine United States, 75 Clearwater Drive, Falmouth, ME, 04105, United States
University of Maine Cooperative Extension can help you achieve your ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification. This nationally-recognized certification is for anyone working in the food industry, including non-profit organizations. UMaine Extension offers an 8-hour ServSafe® training using the latest ServSafe® Manager Book, 7th Edition Revised, and exam proctoring.
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 (Inclement Weather Date: February 13)
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: UMaine Extension Cumberland County, 75 Clearwater Dr., Falmouth, ME
Cost: $150 for course and exam, registration deadline January 29, 2025

UMaine AI Webinar: "Emergent Themes of State AI Guidance for Educators"
2025-02-12 12:00 - 13:00 | https://calendar.umtraining.lv-o-wpc-dev.its.maine.edu/event/umaine-ai-webinar-emergent-themes-of-state-ai-guidance-for-educators/
Moderator: Sarah K. Howorth, Ph. D., BCBA-D, Associate Professor of Special Education, Special Education Program Coordinator, Director: PEERS® Lab @ UMaine
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into education, states are beginning to develop guidance to support educators in leveraging these technologies responsibly and effectively. This presentation explores the emerging themes in state-level AI guidance for educators, highlighting priorities such as equity, ethical use, professional development, data privacy, and fostering student-centered learning. This session will provide educators with actionable insights into how AI can enhance teaching and learning while addressing the unique needs of all students, including those with disabilities.
Speakers include:
James D. Basham, Professor, Department of Special Education, University of Kansas
Matthew T. Marino, Professor, University of Central Florida
Yerin Seung, Doctoral Student, Department of Special Education, University of Kansas
Registration is required. To register please navigate to https://ai.umtraining.lv-o-wpc-dev.its.maine.edu/

Finding Reliable Data (Love Data Week 2025)
2025-02-12 16:00 - 17:00 | Fogler Library Classroom 1, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
There’s more data available online now than ever, and more misinformation too. Finding reliable data is very important. This session, part of “Love Data Week,” will show you how to find reliable data. Whether for academic research or making informed decisions for your personal life, this workshop will help you look for data with confidence.
For more information and to register, go to https://libguides.library.umtraining.lv-o-wpc-dev.its.maine.edu/workshops

From Radical Hospitality to Radical Accountability: Higher Education's Role in Newcomer Integration
2025-02-12 17:30 - 19:00 | ME
Join this conversation with Professor Diya Abdo, Lincoln Financial Professor of English at Guilford College, director of Every Campus A Refuge and author of “American Refuge: True Stories of the Refugee Experience” and Orlina Boteva, director of UMaine’s Office of International Programs, to learn about the ways in which universities in Maine (and across the nation) are currently supporting refugees and im/migrants and why this is an important commitment from a
community engagement perspective, a student-centered perspective, and an institutional accountability/responsibility perspective.
Attend in person or via Zoom.
For additional information, visit the Salon Series website.

Chemistry of Life: The Invisible Inside
2025-02-14 19:00 - 20:00 | ME
Sometimes it’s the smallest things that matter the most. Join us on a journey into a seemingly invisible world – the world of molecules and nanoparticles. What does the cell structure of a leaf look like? What might the neural network in our brain be like and how do cells communicate with each other?
Modern scientific visualizations provide an insight into how biochemical processes take place in our bodies, how they connect us with all other living things on Earth, and what their cosmic origin is. Embark on an extraordinary journey into our “inner universe”. For ages 13 and up.
Watch the trailer here!

Tickets for planetarium programs are $7 for Adults, $6 for UMaine Students/Veterans/Senior Citizens, and $5 for children under 12. Click here to view our calendar.
Tickets may be purchased online, by phone at 207.581.1341, or at our ticket box office prior to the show.

Cosmic Love: A Stellar Valentine's Day Musical Experience
2025-02-14 20:30 - 21:30 | Versant Power Astronomy Center, 167 Rangeley Rd., Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Celebrate romance with us in the planetarium on Valentine’s Day with a variety of “Stellar” love songs set to stunning visuals in the planetarium dome! Cosmic Love features artists Prince, Rihanna, Madonna, Fleetwood Mac, Taylor Swift and many others. A great way to celebrate an evening out with your special someone!
Tickets are $9 for general admission.
Music programs may contain explicit lyrics, and are intended for adult audiences. All music programs may contain bright flashing lights and fast-moving images, which have been known to trigger seizures with those with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
Tickets may be purchased online, by phone at 207.581.1341, or at our ticket box office prior to the show.

2025 UMaine Wild Blueberry Spring Conference
2025-02-15 09:00 - 15:30 | Moore Community Center, 125 State Street, Ellsworth, ME, United States
Join us for the 7th Annual Wild Blueberry Spring Conference! This year’s topics will cover fresh pack and harvesting innovations, the latest pest management tools, nutrient management knowledge to date, burning farmer panels, and more! Three pesticide credits are available for full-day attendance. There will be coffee and breakfast items in the morning, followed by soups and sandwiches for lunch made by Angie’s Comfort Kitchen. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

If you choose to attend virtually, the Zoom link will be emailed the day before the event.
Three Pesticide Credits are available for in-person full-day attendance.
Pay what you can: $10, $20, $50, $100.
Suggested donation of $20. All proceeds go directly towards the Extension Wild Blueberry Programming

Register here!

Dover Quartet
2025-02-15 15:00 - 17:00 | Collins Center for the Arts, 2 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Named one of the greatest string quartets of the last 100 years byBBC Music Magazine, the two-time GRAMMY-nominated Dover Quartet is one of the world’s most in-demand chamber ensembles. The group’s awards include a stunning sweep of all prizes at the 2013 Banff International String Quartet Competition, grand and first prizes at the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, and prizes at the Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition. Its honors include the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, Chamber Music America’s Cleveland Quartet Award, and Lincoln Center’s Hunt Family Award.
DOVER QUARTET
Joel Link, violin
Bryan Lee, violin
Julianne Lee, viola
Camden Shaw, cello
PROGRAM:
Strum – Jessie Montgomery (b. 1981)
Quartet No. 1, “Kreutzer Sonata” – Leos Janácek (1854 – 1928)
Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, “American” – Antonín Dvorák (1841 – 1904)
Intermission
Quartet No. 1 in D major, Op. 11 – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 – 1893)

Ladysmith Black Mambazo
2025-02-16 15:00 - 17:00 | Collins Center for the Arts, 2 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world (as designated by Nelson Mandela), Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s recording with Paul Simon, on his Graceland album, made them international super stars. Now they are Five Time Grammy Award Winners (most by any World Music artist) with dozens of appearances on television, radio, and in films — Ladysmith finally returns to the Collins Center.

No classes Presidents Day
2025-02-17 | ME
Click here to view the full 2024–25 Academic Year Calendar.

DEADLINE: Center for Undergraduate Research Summer 2025 Fellowship Opportunity
2025-02-18 08:00 - 17:00 | ME
The Center for Undergraduate Research will open its Summer 2025 submission form.
The form will remain open until Monday, Feb. 18, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
For additional information, click here.

Picture this — AI Image Generators
2025-02-18 16:00 - 17:00 | Fogler Library Classroom 2
Learn about AI Image generators: how to find them, use them, and cite them.
To register and get Zoom link, please go to our Workshops Guide.

SAT Boot Camp
2025-02-18 17:00 - 18:30 | ME
Online SAT Prep Matters and SAT Boot Camp are new courses designed by Dr Mary Smyth, a long-time SAT coach in the Midcoast. College-bound high school juniors who plan to take the SAT test will benefit from learning about the new format and updated content of the new SAT.
“I am actually a fan of the new SAT,” says Dr. Smyth. She explained the test is shorter (2 hours 15 minutes total) and questions are individualized to each student. The digital approach allows the test to “react” to the student’s prior answers and change the difficulty level. The reading passages are shorter and there is a combined section with both reading and grammar questions included. The test also has a visible built-in timer and a calculator and graphing program available for all the math questions.
The new test will require a whole new approach to studying and practicing. While there are free resources available on Khan Academy, most students will need guidance in understanding how to approach the test. For instance, students can attempt a math problem by using any of several techniques: graph the problem, write out the algebra steps, or try the answers to see which one fits. Knowing how to navigate between those options will give students more strategies and can increase their scores.
“With this new SAT format, I am amazed how much teaching I can do to help students solidify knowledge they have been exposed to in high school, “ says Smyth. “Students have to be able to use what they have learned to solve problems. That is the name of the game in the SAT.”
Dr. Mary Smyth’s SAT Boot Camp has been used successfully to prepare students to take the SAT for many years. Students attend class every day during a school vacation week and practice taking short sections of the test. Students are relaxed and well-rested, so they are able to absorb the lessons and practice at their best.

Designing for Non-Designers Workshop
2025-02-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Coe Room, Memorial Union, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Learn the basics of good design, what’s required for UMaine’s brand and how to prepare a job for print/digital production. Come with questions for the Printing team. Perfect for students, staff and anyone tasked with creating designs.
Pre-register online by Feb. 18 at umtraining.lv-o-wpc-dev.its.maine.edu/printing/learn
Additional monthly workshops include:
– Planning for events: March 19 at the Keyo Building and will include an online option
– Relaxing with paper: April 23, Memorial Union Atrium in front of University Bookstore
– Preparing for year end: May 14, Memorial Union (location to be determined)
All workshops will help support participants with ideas, tips and opportunities to grow, learn and ask questions!

Classes dropped on or before this date will not appear on transcript
2025-02-21 | ME

Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey Training - February 2025
2025-02-21 12:00 - 13:00
Thinking about becoming a 4-H volunteer? We are looking for people to help youth find their spark and thrive! We offer lots of ways to be involved depending on your time and interests. Join us for two one-hour virtual sessions to help you with your decision. By the end of the two-part series, you will have completed four short e-Learning modules to introduce you to the 4-H program, participate in an experiential learning activity, learn about the key aspects of positive youth development, and be introduced to ages and stages of youth. This core training will wrap up with an outline of next steps and an introduction to your county staff contact so you can begin the application process if you choose. No pressure to commit, no cost, and no reason to not attend! Please note, these sessions are for individuals who are not currently enrolled 4-H volunteers.
Upcoming Session
Fridays, February 21 & 28, 2025, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Questions
Contact Jen Lobley, jennifer.lobley@maine.edu; 207.255.3345.
Registration
Registration is required, but there is no cost.
Register for February 21 & 28, 2025
For a reasonable accommodation, please contact Jen Lobley at jennifer.lobley@maine.edu; 207.255.3345.

4-H is a community for all kids with programs that suit a variety of backgrounds, interests, budgets and schedules. In 4-H programs, youth complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Clubs can take a variety of forms, ranging from at home, in school, after school, in person and online. As a system, Cooperative Extension believes that diverse perspectives, values and beliefs help generate better ideas to solve the complex problems of a changing—and increasingly diverse—world.

Race and Labor In The Aftermath of the 2024 Election
2025-02-23 12:30 - 14:00 | The Wilson Center, 67 College Avenue, Orono, ME, 04473, United States
A talk by labor scholar and activist Bill Fletcher, Jr. with time for questions.
Refreshments provided
Supported by the Cultural Affairs/Distinguished Lecture Series Award and the Wilson Center
RSVP is not required but helpful. RSVP here: http://bit.ly/4gFZYI6
Join in person or by Zoom at: https://maine.zoom.us/j/89153418740

The Wall - Pink Floyd
2025-02-23 17:15 - 18:15 | Versant Power Astronomy Center, 167 Rangeley Rd., Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Pink Floyd’s progressive 8th album is put to stunning visuals that will send you to the moon. The album remained on Billboard charts for an amazing 741 weeks, longer than any other record in history. Experience “The Wall” like never before. The character Pink is the world-weary focus of this concept album as he slowly isolates himself from society, represented by the metaphorical “Wall” of the album title. Rock out with this all time classic album!
Tickets are $9 for general admission.
Music programs may contain explicit lyrics, and are intended for adult audiences. All music programs may contain bright flashing lights and fast-moving images, which have been known to trigger seizures with those with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
Tickets may be purchased online, by phone at 207.581.1341, or at our ticket box office prior to the show.

Talk - Casting a Wide Net: Diversity of Perspectives Improves Management of Gulf of Maine Ecosystems
2025-02-24 15:00 - 16:00 | Norman Smith Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
The talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall, UMaine, Orono.

Virtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information

Speaker: Jocelyn Runnebaum, Marine Program Manager, The Nature Conservancy in Maine
Environmental governance scholarship emphasizes the need for public participation in natural resource policymaking, and it is often assumed that creating space for a public process is enough to facilitate meaningful participation for complex issues. What role can conservation NGO’s play in supporting meaningful participation as part of a participating public invested in improving environmental outcomes? This talk will examine the work of the Nature conservancy in Maine in support of implementing climate informed fisheries management and the responsible siting of offshore wind. TNC Maine strives to develop and sustain meaningful relationships across industries and political contexts to ‘cast a wide net,’ and encourage more diverse voices meaningfully participate in public policy.
Jocelyn is the Marine Program Manager at The Nature Conservancy in Maine, focused on the sustainability of Gulf of Maine ecosystems, connecting science to management, and supporting key-parties to be active and valued partners in the policy and management of marine resources. Jocelyn is the Chair of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee to NOAA Fisheries, Department of Marine Resources Advisory Council Member, Maine Offshore Wind Research Consortium member, and New England Fisheries Management Council’s Climate and Ecosystem Steering Committee member. Jocelyn has a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from the University of Maine in Orono.

IMRC Center Tour
2025-02-25 09:00 - 10:00 | Innovative Media Research and Commercialization Center (IMRC), Stewart Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Join IMRC Center staff for a general tour of the facility’s event space, classrooms, common areas, audiovisual studios, and maker labs. The tour is anticipated to last approximately 45 minutes. Offered on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
Guests of any background, including UMaine students, faculty, and staff, community group representatives, business representatives, and members of the public may join a tour. Groups larger than 20, or individuals and small groups for whom the scheduled times are not convenient, please contact the IMRC Center to schedule an individualized visit. Register for a tour.

Prompts and Circumstance: Intro to AI Prompt Engineering
2025-02-25 16:00 - 17:00 | Fogler Library Classroom 1, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
We’ll help you optimize your generative AI searches by teaching you how to phrase your prompts to get the results you’re looking for.
To register, please go to our Workshops Guide.

Overdose Prevention Training
2025-02-27 14:30 - 16:00 | Bangor Room, Memorial Union, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
In collaboration with Needlepoint Sanctuary, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is offering overdose prevention training for all UMaine faculty and staff (including student employees) on February 27th from 2:30-4 pm in the Bangor Room.
Learning how to reverse an overdose saves lives. Having proper knowledge and training on overdose prevention is especially important on a college campus.
Note: next month, the ODI be offering an additional training session that will be open to all UMaine students.

Wyoming
2025-02-27 19:30 - 21:30 | ME
Join the School of Performing Arts Division of Theatre and Dance as they present their first theatrical production of the spring semester. The play runs February 27 through March 2 in Huack Auditorium.
“Wyoming,” by Brian Watkins, is, essentially, a mystery that lives in the complicated terrain of familial relationships. A family is gathering for Thanksgiving and a surprise guest has been invited – the older brother who has been in jail for years having been charged with the killing of their father. This prodigal son has not uttered a single word since the death, leaving motive unclear and truth unseen. As we move through time, we see glimpses of the history that has remained hidden, and slowly a picture starts to emerge – for the audience and the family alike.
“Wyoming” is helmed by guest director Jonathan Berry, artistic director of Bangor’s Penobscot Theatre Company.
Showtimes are:
February 27-28 & March 1 – 7:30 PM
March 1-2 – 1:00 PM
Tickets are $12; admission is free with a student MaineCard. Tickets can be purchased here.

Food for Thought: A Panel Discussion of Current Trends in Eating Culture
2025-02-28 16:30 - 17:30 | The Wilson Center, 67 College Avenue, Orono, ME, 04473, United States
Our panelists will speak from an array of expertise (medical providers, dietician/nutritionist, therapists, etc.,) and personal backgrounds, covering topics about: The Purpose of Food; Body Image; Weight and the Medical Field. Food and refreshments are provided!

Chemistry of Life: The Invisible Inside
2025-02-28 19:00 - 20:00 | Versant Power Astronomy Center, 167 Rangeley Rd., Orono, ME, 04469, United States
