The newly-formed University of Maine System (UMS) Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation (THOR) Institute is inviting students to travel around the state of Maine, taking courses at different campuses to not only gain fundamental knowledge for fulfilling careers in the tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation sectors but to experience why millions of visitors make Maine destinations their choice of vacation, year after year.
Students will experience Maine’s hottest industries – employing 1 in 5 in the state – through courses in hospitality management, sustainable tourism, and outdoor recreation offered at each of Maine’s seven public universities: Augusta, Farmington, Fort Kent, Machias, Orono, Presque Isle, and Southern Maine. Together, these multi-campus classes have been dubbed “Vacationland,” serving as distinctive Maine-based travel classes that expose participants to the broad range of career opportunities in Maine – from its world-renowned food and beverage urban tourism center in Portland; to the conservation and recreation of the famous rugged coastline Downeast; to its popular ski resorts in the west; to its remote forest, winter activity, and rich cultural heritage opportunities in communities to the north.
For the first year of Vacationland, generous scholarships are available to encourage and support students in traveling to and experiencing other campuses.
“The THOR Institute has created this unique opportunity to highlight these industries as the heart of Maine’s economy, with incredible potential for high-paying, satisfying careers,” said Dr. Tracy Michaud, Associate Professor and chair of the Tourism and Hospitality Program at the University of Southern Maine, as well as chair of the THOR Institute. “Connecting students to their passions, learning business, management, and leadership skills while being immersed in Maine’s authentic culture and nature is a win for all.”
Students from every campus in the system have the opportunity to leverage Vacationland courses toward a minor, certificates, and even some majors – all are great resume builders. Non-matriculated participants are also welcome.
The University of Maine at Augusta will host the first Vacationland offering in July.
“The state’s capital is the perfect place to examine the rules and regulations businesses must follow with regards to labor and environmental laws, food, and licensing requirements for restaurants, bars, and lodging establishments”, said David Leach, THOR Institute executive committee member and coordinator of both the Business Management and Public Administration programs at UMA. The courses are offered over a two week period; one online week, then an in-person residence week based out of UMA’s new Hallowell residence dorms, with morning trips to the UMA campus for in-person lectures.
“The rest of the day will be devoted to field trips and analysis involved in the delivery and regulation of the tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation industries,” Leach said. “Our goal is to train the next generation of business owners, government officials, and executive management in this industry that is so important to Maine’s economic present and future.”
Register now for the UMA Vacationland courses:
· POS/BUA 246E: Policy & Politics/Finance & Analytics. The in-person week begins with a morning lecture at the UMA campus, followed by field trips to governmental offices, banks, and visits to various Maine businesses. The focus is to consolidate the most important laws and regulations Maine businesses must understand and comply with, the politics at the state and federal level behind the formation of those laws, the analytics of running a successful business, and a review of the various types of commercial loans many of these businesses utilize to grow their operations. The online portion of the class begins the 1st week of July. Monday, July 10, is the first day of the in-person, 5-day class week.
· POS/BUA 247E: Laws & Licensing/Supply Chains & Sustainable Operations. The focus is face-to-face interactions between the governmental regulators and Maine’s tourism and hospitality community in the compliance to and enforcement of laws and regulations. This course will also explore supply chains and sustainability challenges this important industry faces in the present climate of pandemics, supply chain shortages, and historically high inflation. Online week beginning July 17, followed by an in-person residence week running Monday, July 24 to Friday, July 28.
Sign up for either of the summer Vacationland courses, then apply for the scholarship by completing just a few simple questions here. If you would like assistance registering, please contact the University of Maine at Augusta Enrollment Services Center at 207-621-3185.
Subsequent Vacationland courses are in development for fall, winter and spring 2023-2024. The courses will include: Field Course in Parks, Recreation and Tourism at Acadia National Park; Paddling Instruction & Safety; Backcountry Expedition Skills; Winter Outdoor Recreation; Introduction to Craft Beer, Wine and Coffee, and much more.
To learn more about THOR, visit maine.edu/thor. To ask questions about scholarships and Vacationland courses, reach out to Eileen Moran at Eileen.moran@maine.edu.