Discover.maine.edu uses a third-party product called Course Merchant to provide a storefront for enrollment in non-credit courses offered by the University of Maine System.
Detailed Information
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Learners both with and without @maine.edu can register for non-credit courses at discover.maine.edu. Once registered, learners can log in to Brightspace at this URL: discover.maine.edu/account?action=login. (Users logging in with maine.edu accounts should use the link specified on the page.)
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If a learner is using a maine.edu email address to register for and access their course(s) via discover.maine.edu, and is having trouble with their maine.edu account, they should contact help@maine.edu.
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If a learner is using a non-maine.edu email address to register for and access their course(s) via discover.maine.edu, and is having trouble with their account, they should contact discover@maine.edu and indicate which course or program they are enrolled in.
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If learners encounter issues with payment or billing, questions about a particular program or course, or if a link on the discover.maine.edu site isn’t working, they should send an email to discover@maine.edu and be sure to include details about the course or program, or the link they're having trouble with.
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Learners can view additional information and FAQs at: https://discover.maine.edu/catalog?pagename=faq
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Discover courses live in a separate "tree" in the Brightspace Org Structure, referred to as the Special Programs Tree. However, learners using their maine.edu credentials to log in will be able to view both their academic and non-credit (Discover) courses via the My Courses Widget in Brightspace. Learners using non-maine.edu credentials to log in will only see their Discover courses.
For awareness: Learners who are not familiar with Brightspace or with taking courses through Discover may not understand that Discover courses are "non-credit" and handled differently than regular academic, for-credit courses. All Discover courses are available to view on the discover.maine.edu site. If it helps, IT support can confirm which type of course the learner is inquiring about.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I register for courses?
You can look at the courses being offered through Discover by clicking “Home” in the top navigation bar, or by clicking the “Maine’s Public Universities” icon in the top left of this site. When you find a course you’re interested in, click the “Enroll” button and finish the checkout process.
(If it’s your first time signing up for a course through Discover, you will need to make an account; if not, log in with your username and password.)
How do I know if my registration was successful?
A confirmation email from “no-reply@maine.edu” will be sent to the email address you used to register for the course. Be sure to check your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox!
How do I access my course(s) after I register?
In the top right-hand corner of this site, click the “Log in” button, or visit discover.maine.edu/account?action=login. Your registration confirmation email will also include a link to access your course.
What is Brightspace?
Brightspace is the “virtual classroom” platform where you’ll access your courses. You can access Brightspace by either clicking the “Login” button on the Discover page, or at discover.maine.edu/account?action=login. Log into Brightspace with the username and password you created when you registered for your Discover course(s). If your username is a “maine.edu” email address, click the link that says, “Already have a maine.edu account?”.
What is the URL to access my courses?
You can log into Brightspace to access your courses by clicking “Login” in the top navigation bar, or by navigating to: discover.maine.edu/account?action=login.
Who do I contact if I have an issue logging in?
Please contact the University of Maine System IT Help Desk: https://itsupport.maine.edu/
I no longer have access to the email address I registered with; how can I access the course?
Please send an email to discover@maine.edu and include the name of the course or program you’re enrolled in.
What payment options are available?
Credit/debit cards and e-checks (ACH) are accepted. If using a voucher code, enter it during checkout.
If selecting 'Pay by Invoice', payment can be made by:
- Credit/debit card or e-check via secure link: UMS Touchnet Store (Include your order number.)
- Paper check made out to the University of Maine System, mailed to:
Mary Michaud
University of Maine
5741 Libby Hall Room 101A
Orono, ME 04469
Include your order number on the check. Access will be granted after payment is received.
I have a voucher or coupon. How can I apply it?
Enter the code in the 'Voucher' field in your shopping cart and click 'checkout'.
Can I use a UMS tuition waiver for Discover courses?
No. UMS tuition waivers are not applicable to non-credit courses.
Who do I contact for payment or billing issues?
Email discover@maine.edu and include the course or program name.
Can I get a refund if I no longer want the course?
Email discover@maine.edu with the course/program name. Refunds vary by course and timing.
What is the University of Maine System’s Privacy Policy?
It’s linked in the site footer and available at: https://www.maine.edu/privacy-policy/
What changes if I am an out-of-state or international learner?
Registration processes and rates are the same. Any residency restrictions will be noted in course descriptions.
Do I have to be a University of Maine System student?
No. Anyone may register for Discover courses.
What do the icons in course descriptions mean?
Badge icon: Indicates eligibility for digital badge, micro-credential, or certificate.
Calendar icon: Indicates course delivery mode (Online, Hybrid, In-Person, etc.).
Are there prerequisites for enrollment?
Any prerequisites will be listed in the course description.
Are Discover courses for credit?
No. These are non-credit courses. For Credit for Prior Learning options, visit: https://www.maine.edu/students/transfer/prior-learning/
Who should I contact if a link on the site isn’t working?
Email discover@maine.edu with the broken link. If it’s in Brightspace, contact your instructor.
When will my course be available?
Course start dates vary and should be listed in the course description. If you’ve registered and the course isn’t visible in Brightspace, check the start date or contact discover@maine.edu for assistance.
I forgot my password. How can I reset it?
If you registered with a maine.edu email address, visit mail.maine.edu and use the password reset options. If you registered with an external email, use the “Forgot Password” link at discover.maine.edu or contact discover@maine.edu.
What are the technical requirements for Discover courses?
We recommend using the latest version of Chrome or Firefox. A stable internet connection is required. Some courses may include video content, so speakers/headphones are also recommended. If you're using Brightspace, review the Brightspace system requirements here: https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/1218-browser-support
Why don’t I see my Discover course in Brightspace?
If you're logged in with a maine.edu account, ensure you're checking the correct term or filter in Brightspace. Non-maine.edu users will only see Discover courses. If you believe you're enrolled and still can't find your course, contact discover@maine.edu.
Will I receive a certificate or transcript?
Courses that offer certificates or digital badges will indicate this in the course description. These may be downloaded and shared once the course is completed. Non-credit courses do not produce official UMS transcripts.
Can I update my email address on my Discover account?
To update the email on your Discover account, please email discover@maine.edu and include your old and new email addresses along with the course(s) you're enrolled in.
Environment
- discover.maine.edu, Brightspace