UMF welcomes members of incoming Class of 2030 on move-in day

FARMINGTON, ME  (September 1, 2026)—The University of Maine at Farmington incoming class of 2030 is more than 390 strong, with first-year and transfer students representing all 16 Maine counties and 148 high schools throughout 15 states, including all the New England states.

Students came with families, friends and cars packed with clothes, books and everyday essentials to scope out their new homes and register as an official UMF-er. Farmington provided students with a warm welcome and a one-stop shop where they could learn  about all things Farmington, including campus services, advising, athletics, student life, financial aid, student employment on campus and more.

“Move-in day always brings an air of excitement to UMF for in-coming students and renewed energy on campus,” said Joseph McDonnell, UMF president. “These students will become participants in a living/learning community, engaged in our experiential style of learning that gives students a hands-on education beyond the classroom.”

Orientation activities ran from Aug. 28 – 30, helping students make early connections and a smooth transition to campus life. Students enjoyed journal making, music, movies, fitness and outdoor recreation activities, made their mark on the campus green planting pollinator-friendly perennials and took the opportunity to relax with a swim in the Sandy River.

These first-time UMF students will be pursuing their academic interests in more than 40 majors with Early Childhood Education and Psychology leading the way. More than 80 students are enrolled in Early Childhood Education including on-campus, ECE Special Education, the off campus cohort at SCC and the ECE Apprenticeship Program.

A premier residential teacher preparation college in New England, UMF boasts more than 30% of the incoming first-year class is entering an education-related major including Elementary, Middle & Secondary Education.

Vera Fenning, a first-year student from West Farmington, is majoring in Elementary Education and looking forward to learning about campus and meeting new people. Her father, Blair, a 2014 UMF graduate and staff member, and her mother, Sara, encouraged her to find her path at Farmington.

Also popular are Business Administration, Outdoor Recreation Business Administration, Biology, Art & Design and Creative Writing.

In this incoming class, 77 are recruited athletes with close to 40% associated with more than one sport. Freddy Bond, first-year student from Berwick, was looking forward to living on campus and being a part of UMF’s tight community. A track and field athlete, he is planning on majoring in history. His mother, Rachel, expressed how proud she is of him.

“Choosing UMF means becoming part of a tight-knit Beaver family that’s behind you every step of the way,” said Lisa Ellrich, assistant vice president for enrollment and director of Admission. “We are thrilled to welcome our newest Beavers to campus and can’t wait to see the energy, talent, and perspective they bring to our community. Welcome home!”

More on University of Maine at Farmington

A nationally recognized public liberal arts college known for its commitment to the creative arts, teacher preparation, the health arts and sciences, the environment, business and public service, UMF provides a challenging yet supportive environment to prepare students for both careers and further study. Located in the heart of Maine’s four-season outdoor recreational region, UMF is a welcoming, close-knit academic community that prepares students for enriching professional careers, engaged citizenship and an enduring love of learning.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:
Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/09/RP267-001A.webp
Photo Caption: The UMF incoming class of 2030 is more than 390 strong, with first-year and transfer students representing all 16 Maine counties.
Photo Credit: UMF Image

Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/09/RP267-001B.webp
Photo Caption: UMF President Joseph McDonnell was on hand on move-in day in the one-stop shop in the campus student center to greet incoming students.
Photo Credit: UMF Image

Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/09/RP267-001C.webp
Photo Caption: Vera Fenning(center), a first-year student from West Farmington, is enjoying move-in day with her father, Blair (left), a 2014 UMF graduate and staff member, and her mother, Sara (right).
Photo Credit: UMF Image

Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/09/RP267-001D.webp
Photo Caption: Students came with families, friends and cars packed with clothes, books and everyday essentials to scope out their new homes and register as an official UMF-er.
Photo Credit: UMF Image