About Us

Mission

The Division of Lifelong Learning (DLL) supports UM’s strategic vision and values through our broad spectrum of educational programs and services designed to meet the needs of all learners. DLL brings the University of Maine to all students, regardless of where they are physically or in their educational journey, by supporting them throughout the calendar year and across their lifetimes.

The University of Maine Division of Lifelong Learning logo

Our mission is three-fold:

  1. Recruitment of all learners by removing barriers to access and promoting resources to increase individual student success.
  2. Retention of existing students through flexible course and degree options, and holistic student support throughout their educational journey.
  3. Advocacy for the current and future needs of learners within the State of Maine and beyond through collaborative development of academic programs and student services to support all learners.

DLL meets the needs of individual learners and the State of Maine through programs such as Early College, adult degree completion, UMaineOnline, Summer University and Winter Session, Professional Development Programming, and Travel Study.

History

A sign on the lawn of Chadbourne Hall (a large, brick building) states, "Register now for C.E.D. Continuing Education Division University College". Other text mentions that Chadbourne Hall houses other departments.
A sign outside of Chadbourne Hall suggests: “Discover dear old Maine! in the Evening! Register now for C.E.D.” (photo courtesy of Michael York, 23 August 1988)

The university records extended learning opportunities (not to be confused with Cooperative Extension) starting as far back as 1902, including programs outside of the conventional academic year, and programs taken on a non-degree basis. The General Extension Division was established in 1945 under the School of Education, and was changed to the Continuing Education Division in 1963. The Division of Lifelong Learning, as it is now known, formally became its own unit in 1996, and finalized its merger with programs previously offered under the UMaine Huchinson Center in 2023.

Learn more about the history of continuing education at UMaine

Reports

Final Report on Prior Learning Assessment | Sept 2021