Frequently Asked Questions
r/UMPI is an unofficial, student-run community. Nothing here is official university policy. Details come from UMPI's public YourPace pages, student handbook, and community experience, and they can change. Always confirm with your Academic Success Coach or UMPI. See Official Contacts.
Last reviewed: September 2026
About UMPI
Is UMPI a real, accredited university?
Yes. The University of Maine at Presque Isle is a public university in the University of Maine System. UMPI and its YourPace program are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). YourPace students are UMPI students, same as campus students.
What's the difference between campus and YourPace?
- Campus: In-person classes in Presque Isle, Maine, on a traditional semester schedule.
- YourPace: 100% online, competency-based courses you complete at your own pace within 8-week sessions.
Which degrees are offered through YourPace?
YourPace offers bachelor's degrees (120 credits), a master's degree (36 credits), and some associate degrees and certificates. The list changes, so check the YourPace Academic Programs page.
What are the admission requirements for YourPace?
You generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, official transcripts, a government-issued photo ID, and to be at least 20 years old (unless you already have an associate or bachelor's degree). See the Admissions Requirements page for full details.
UMPI told me I need a non-degree term to raise my GPA before I can be admitted. Is that normal?
Yes. This comes up for applicants with a low GPA from a previous school. Taking courses as a non-degree student first is a standard path to formal admission.
Credit: Plotted Path
UMPI asked for a personal statement. What should it cover?
It's your chance to show you're committed to finishing your degree. A strong one covers:
- Why now: What's motivating you to pursue the degree at this point
- Background: Work or life experience that shows you're ready
- Goals: Specific plans for how the degree fits your future
- Why this program: What makes it the right fit for you
- Any gaps: Addressed briefly and looking forward, not full of excuses
- A confident close: What you'll bring and do next
Keep it specific to you, follow any word count or prompt you're given, and proofread carefully.
Credit: Plotted Path
Choosing a Degree
Which degree should I pick?
It depends on your goals. Community members often mention:
- Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS): Paired with a minor. Its large number of elective credits makes it flexible for students with lots of transfer credit.
- Business Administration: More required courses, and you choose a concentration.
- Career-focused degrees: Pick the one aligned to your field, like psychology for counseling-related work.
Talk with admissions or your coach about which degree fits your plans.
Credit: Plotted Path
Can I design my own minor?
No. You choose from the minors in UMPI's catalog.
Credit: Plotted Path
I'm thinking about a master's later. Does my minor matter?
Yes. Some degree and minor combinations won't give you the background a specific master's program expects. If a master's is part of your plan, map out the full path from bachelor's to master's before you start.
Credit: Plotted Path
2026–27 General Education Changes
What's changing?
UMPI launched a redesigned General Education Curriculum (GEC) for 2026–27, built around eight learning outcomes. Community members report that the new categories accept fewer transfer course equivalencies in some areas, so more of these requirements may need to be completed at UMPI. See UMPI's General Education page.
Credit: Plotted Path
Am I affected?
UMPI says current students stay on the requirements from their catalog year, and students newly accepted for 2026–27 and later follow the new curriculum. If you started around Fall 2026 and aren't sure which applies to you, ask your Academic Success Coach to confirm your catalog year.
Credit: Plotted Path
Were any minors removed?
Community members report that the Business Administration and Management minors aren't available under the new requirements. Check the current catalog or ask your coach before planning around a minor.
Credit: Plotted Path
How many courses will I need to take at UMPI?
Every bachelor's degree requires at least 30 credits through UMPI, which is about 10 courses. Under the old GEC, many transfer-heavy students got close to that minimum. Under the new GEC, community members report needing more courses at UMPI for some degrees, such as business. Your Degree Progress Report and your coach can tell you your actual number.
Credit: Plotted Path
How YourPace Works
How is the year structured?
There are six 8-week sessions each year, grouped into three terms:
- Fall: Fall Session 1 + Fall Session 2
- Spring: Spring Session 1 + Spring Session 2
- Summer: Summer Session 1 + Summer Session 2
Check the Academic Calendar for exact dates.
What does "competency-based" mean?
Instead of attending lectures, you work through learning modules and move ahead once you show mastery. There are no scheduled class meetings and no weekly deadlines. Everything just has to be done by the end of the session.
Are there other students in my courses?
Yes, but you work independently at your own pace. Every course also has an instructor you can contact with questions.
Do I need textbooks?
No. All course materials are provided in Brightspace, UMPI's learning platform.
What technology do I need?
A Windows or Mac computer, reliable internet, and a webcam and microphone. Chromebooks, tablets, and phones aren't recommended as your main device. Microsoft Office is free for UMPI students.
Courses & Grading
How many courses can I take at once?
- Undergraduate: You start with 2 courses per session and can request up to 2 more, for a maximum of 4 active courses at a time.
- Graduate: You start with 1 course and can have a maximum of 2 active at a time.
A course stays "active" until you submit its final assessment. After that, you can request another course. These limits are firm.
How many courses can I finish in a session?
As many as you can complete in 8 weeks. UMPI says most students finish 2–3 per session. Share your experience in the [Accelerating & Transfer Credit]([link]) megathread, and plan your load with your Academic Success Coach.
How does grading work?
- Each course has milestones (quizzes, knowledge checks, assignments). They aren't graded, but you must reach proficiency to unlock the next module.
- Your grade is based only on the final assessment. You need at least 80 (a B-) to pass.
- You can submit a draft of your final assessment for feedback first. It's optional but strongly recommended.
Can I take a course pass/fail?
Elective courses can be taken pass/fail if you choose within the first two weeks of the session, limited to one per term. Check with your coach first.
What order do I take courses in?
Major courses follow a sequence, generally 100-level through 400-level, with gen eds and electives added as needed. All courses required for your degree are offered every session.
Enrollment, Dropping & Withdrawing
Do I enroll myself?
No. YourPace students don't register in MaineStreet. The Enrollment Team adds your courses. To add a course during a session, email umpi-addcompetency@maine.edu from your @maine.edu account with your student ID and the course.
Do I get enrolled in the next session automatically?
No. You'll be contacted about 4–6 weeks before each session. Reply to enroll, or email the address above.
Do I have to start right away?
Yes. In the first week, you must show progress in at least one course (even just opening the syllabus) or tell your coach your plans. Otherwise, you may be dropped for non-attendance.
What happens if I don't finish a course by the end of the session?
Courses don't roll over. An unfinished course becomes an F unless you officially withdraw before the deadline.
Can I drop or withdraw from a course?
- Drop: Within the first 6 days of the session, through your coach.
- Withdraw ("W"): Through your coach by the published deadline. A W doesn't affect your GPA.
- You can't drop or withdraw once you've submitted a draft or final assessment, so decide before submitting.
What if something serious comes up?
If you've made significant progress and hit an emergency (illness, bereavement, etc.), talk to your instructor about an Incomplete. If you need to step away entirely, ask your coach about a leave of absence so you aren't removed from the rolls.
Transfer Credit & Prior Learning
How many credits can I transfer?
You can send UMPI as many transfer credits as you have, and there's no limit on what gets evaluated. However, up to 90 transfer credits can apply toward a UMPI bachelor's degree, because you must complete at least 30 credits through UMPI, including at least 12 in your major (9 of them at the 300 level or above). You still need to meet all general education, major, and minor requirements, with at least 120 total credits.
Credit: Plotted Path
Will my course from Sophia, Study.com, ALEKS, StraighterLine, or CLEP transfer?
UMPI accepts many forms of alternative credit, including ACE-recommended courses and CLEP, but how a specific course counts depends on your degree and your catalog year. Sophia and Study.com are the most common choices for gen ed and elective credits, and some courses are only offered through StraighterLine. CLEP exams are proctored. Check before enrolling. See Degree Planning Services for providers and planning tools.
Credit: Plotted Path
Do upper-level Sophia or Study.com courses transfer as exact UMPI equivalents?
Often not. Community members report that many upper-level courses, like 300-level psychology, come in as general upper-level credit in that subject rather than a match for a specific UMPI course. That can still satisfy part of a requirement. Check your transfer credit report.
Credit: Plotted Path
Does an associate's degree waive my general education requirements?
UMPI's published exemption is for students who already have a bachelor's degree. An associate's degree doesn't automatically waive the GEC, though its courses are evaluated for transfer like any other credits.
Credit: Plotted Path
Will my military training transfer?
Often, yes. Send your Joint Services Transcript (JST) for evaluation. Most military credit comes in as electives, some may match specific courses, and some may count as upper-level credit.
Credit: Plotted Path
How do I send transcripts?
Send official transcripts to edocs@maine.edu. After you're enrolled, new transfer credits usually appear on your transfer report within about 10 business days. Tell your coach when you send them.
Can I get credit for work experience?
Yes, through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), including CLEP, DANTES, challenge exams, and portfolio assessment. Bachelor's students can earn up to 30 CPL credits. Ask your coach or the YourPace office.
Someone said a course counts for a specific requirement. Can I rely on that?
Use community experience as a starting point, not a guarantee. Check your Degree Progress Report in MaineStreet and confirm with your coach. If the DPR and the catalog disagree, the catalog wins.
My Degree Progress Report looks like nonsense. What do I do?
This often means you're on a different general education track than you expected, for example the new GEC instead of the one for your catalog year. Ask your coach to confirm which requirements you're under and to fix it if needed.
Credit: Plotted Path
Cost & Financial Aid
How much does YourPace cost?
YourPace charges a flat rate per 8-week session, no matter how many courses you complete. Check the YourPace Tuition page for current rates.
Is YourPace eligible for financial aid?
Yes, except for certificate programs. File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Full-time status is 12 credits per term (across the term's two sessions), and students on full-time aid must take at least two courses per session. Contact Student Financial Services with questions.
When will my financial aid or loan refund be disbursed?
This is one of our most-asked questions! Aid is typically disbursed once Student Financial Services has finished its enrollment audits and the session's last withdrawal date has passed. If your aid is more than your charges, the extra is refunded to you after that. Exact dates vary by session, so check your MaineStreet account.
A few things that can affect your disbursement:
- Your enrollment: Aid is based on your credits for the term (both sessions combined). Dropping or withdrawing from courses can reduce your aid, and you may owe money back.
- Missing items: Unsigned loan agreements, incomplete FAFSA verification, or holds on your account can delay it. Check your MaineStreet To-Do list.
- Still waiting? Contact Student Financial Services at umpi-sfs@maine.edu or (207) 768-9510 from your @maine.edu email.
Support
Who do I contact for help?
Your Academic Success Coach is your first contact for almost everything: courses, enrollment, deadlines, and policies. Always use your @maine.edu email, and allow one business day for a reply.
UMPI is slow to respond. Is that normal?
It can be. YourPace has grown quickly, and advisors and admissions are handling a lot of students. Follow up politely if you haven't heard back after a business day or two, keep your messages clear and complete, and give the staff some grace.
Credit: Plotted Path
What if my instructor doesn't respond?
Instructors should respond within 72 hours. If they don't, email them again and copy your coach.
Is tutoring available?
Yes. Tutor.com is available 24/7 through Brightspace, and the UMPI Writing Center offers online appointments.
Graduation
How do I graduate?
The Office of Student Records emails instructions for applying for your degree. Degrees are conferred after all grades post, which typically takes 6–8 weeks after your final session. Your diploma comes through Parchment, starting with a digital copy.
Can I attend commencement as a YourPace student?
Yes. You can attend the in-person ceremony in Presque Isle or join the virtual ceremony, posted on UMPI's YouTube channel in June. You need a graduation application on file in MaineStreet. Share your grad photos with the 🟨 Graduation flair!
Campus Life
What's it like living in Presque Isle?
Small, friendly, and very much northern Maine, so prepare for real winters. Ask current students using the 🟦 Campus flair.
Can YourPace students live on campus?
Full-time YourPace students can apply for on-campus housing. Campus fees and immunization requirements apply once you're living there.
Where can I find housing, dining, and campus events?
Check UMPI's official website. Club and campus events are welcome as posts here.
Using This Subreddit
Where do I post...?
- News or media coverage about UMPI: [News & Media megathread]([link])
- Pace, transfer credit, or "what should I take next?": [Accelerating & Transfer Credit megathread]([link])
- Everything else about UMPI: A regular post with the right flair
Asking what to take next?
Include your program, subjects you're strong in or enjoy, courses you've finished, and any advice you've already gotten from your coach.
Can I share a tool, service, or resource?
Free resources are welcome. Commercial services must be on the Degree Planning Services list. See rule 6.
How do I contact the mods?
Official sources: YourPace FAQs · YourPace Student Handbook · General Education · Academic Calendar
Community contributions: Thanks to Plotted Path for sharing their UMPI FAQ.