UMA Saco Center moves downtown
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UMA Saco Center Administrative Specialist Brenda Plummer, Student Services Coordinator Elizabeth Daly and Director Dan Philbrick stand in the hallway at the center's new Main Street location. PHOTO BY LIZ GOTTHELF
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The Saco Center of the University of Maine at Augusta is now part of the downtown mix.
UMA Saco Center moved from the Saco Valley Shopping Center to its new location at Suite 104 at 209 Main St. on Dec. 23.
“UMA has been part of the greater Biddeford/Saco community for over 40 years, and we are excited to now be part of Saco’s vibrant downtown,” said UMA Saco Center Director Dan Philbrick.
UMA Saco Center is one of seven centers in Maine where people can take UMA courses and receive academic support.
The new Saco Center is smaller than the former location, but will still be able to accommodate all the services, said Philbrick. There are three classrooms, one of which can be used as a meeting room, all classrooms have ZOOM capabilities. Most students log in to classes remotely, but they can attend onsite if they wish. Students can also come to the center if they need to take a proctored exam.
There is a computer room for students to use if they don’t have access to a home computer or WIFI, or if they need to print documents. The Center hosts student events including a recent dumpling making class in celebration of the Chinese New Year.
The Old Orchard Beach/Saco Adult Education program teaches an onsite math class at the center, which is available for free to UMA Saco students who need to brush up on their math skills before taking college-level math classes.
“It’s a great partnership,” said Philbrick.
There is also a floating office space that is used by various groups including New Ventures Maine, Senior College and Maine Educational Opportunity Center and by visiting UMA staff.
Student Services Coordinator Elizabeth Daly is on staff to give academic advising. She and Philbrick said the center has seen an increase in foot traffic since moving downtown.
“The students love it,” said Daly. “It’s so bright and welcoming.”
She said she has enjoyed meeting local business owners on Main Street, and the center will take part in an upcoming downtown cookie walk with Saco Main Street. The UMA Saco Center maintains a presence in the community, and participates in events throughout the year like the Festival of Trees, National Night Out, and the Pumpkin Harvest festival.
Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.