REC/BUS 386: Special Topics in Business – Winter at UMPI (University of Maine at Presque Isle)
January 6 – 10, 2025
Go on a winter adventure in Northern Maine! Experience ice fishing in a wildlife winter
sanctuary, explore miles of Nordic ski trails and learn how to Alpine ski at our local ski
mountain just 6 miles from campus, learn how to survive and THRIVE in the winter
wonderland from subject matter experts, learn what it’s like to run snowmobile rental
operation, and more – all while earning three credits towards your degree! No prerequisites
required.
Through this course, students will develop a deeper understanding of this unique region in Maine, particularly in regards to its: business environment, seasonal recreation opportunities (especially during
winter), hospitality & lodging infrastructure, and supply of other tourist attractions. The course will be facilitated through in-person experiential learning in Presque Isle and the surrounding area.
During the in-person portion, students will be visiting local businesses and actually participating in winter recreation activities including: ice fishing, skiing, wildlife encounters, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, snowmobile riding and snow shoeing.*
*All activities are weather dependent, itinerary subject to change. Students of all activity and comfort levels regarding winter recreation are invited to participate. Beginners are welcome!
Dates
January 6-10, 2025 (in-person, experiential learning in Presque Isle)
Enrollment Inquiry
To express your interest in enrollment and inquire about next steps, please fill out this form at your earliest convenience.
There are limited spaces available and students will be enrolled on rolling basis, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
Lodging and Transportation
During the in-person portion of the course, students will be housed in rooms at Emerson
Hall at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. During the program, transportation will be
provided for students to travel between campus and the various activities and site visits.
Note: Students will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements to get to and
from Presque Isle.
Faculty
Chuck Ainsworth, Adjunct Professor of Business, Outdoor Recreation, and Criminal Justice,
University of Maine at Presque Isle – chuck.ainsworth@maine.edu
Cost
We are excited to be offering this course at minimal cost to students! All enrolled students
will receive scholarship funding from the Governor’s Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan which
will cover the cost of the activities, accommodations, and three credits of tuition and fees at
the instate rate. (For students paying out-of-state or international tuition rates hoping to take
this course, there is the possibility to provide additional tuition assistance, please
email kelli.park@maine.edu for more information.)
Students should be prepared to cover the cost of their meals during the course, personal
expenses, and also costs related to arranging their own transportation to and from Presque
Isle.
There are limited spaces available and students will be enrolled on rolling basis, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
Additional Questions?
If you have questions about this opportunity, you can reach out to the faculty leader, Chuck
Ainsworth at chuck.ainsworth@maine.edu or the Outreach Coordinator of the THOR Institute,
Kelli Park at kelli.park@maine.edu
FAQs
Since students are responsible for their own food, what do they have access to in terms of
dining facilities, kitchen space?
Students will have access to a grocery store, an in dorm kitchen, and a few local food
establishments. More information forthcoming.
What is the best way to get to Presque Isle?
By car, Presque Isle is approximately a five hour drive from Portland, four and a half from
Augusta, and two and a half from Bangor. If students are attending the course from similar
areas, we can try to help coordinate carpooling. Cyr Bus Lines has daily buses to Presque
Isle as well.
If you are interested in taking the course but are having trouble figuring out a way to get to
and from Presque Isle, please let us know! We can help problem solve to try to make sure
this isn’t a barrier.
Where in Maine is Presque Isle?
The University of Maine at Presque Isle is in northern Maine, very near to the Canadian
border. Presque Isle, Maine is the largest community in the largest county in Maine!
To learn more about this area, you can visit Aroostook County – Maine Tourism Association
To learn more about the University of Maine at Presque Isle, you can visit The University of
Maine at Presque Isle – UMPI
What will students need to bring in regards to winter gear?
Students will want to bring the following items: warm winter jacket, snow/ski pants (or at
least heavy-duty pants and long underwear), warm mittens/gloves, winter hat,
neckwarmer/scarf, sweater/fleece layers. If you have your own skis or snowshoes, you are
encouraged to bring your own equipment but rental equipment is available.
For more information, visit https://www.maine.edu/thor/vacationland-courses/
Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in Northern Maine like never before!