FARMINGTON -- University of Maine at Farmington will launch its 2008-09 academic year by bringing students, faculty and staff together for a "Month of Service," UMF's seventh annual celebration of community service.

Developed to help campus members get to know each other and the community by engaging in volunteer activities for the public good, this year's program will take place at local schools, churches, public service providers and non-profit agencies from 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 13, 20 and 27.

Building on the success of the University's Day of Service from previous years, this year's event has grown from a single Saturday to three Saturdays in September.

"The UMF experience takes our students outside the classroom and beyond themselves," said Theodora J. Kalikow, president of UMF. "By devoting time to help others, our students gain confidence, enrich their own lives and become contributing members of the community."

More than 150 students are expected to be shuttled to and from the project work sites during the September program, providing more than 450 hours of volunteer service.

This year's expansion of the community service program provides the opportunity for a greater number of campus participants to have meaningful volunteer experiences at an increasingly diverse selection of service locations in the local area. Additionally, the increase in volunteer hours provides a more flexible time table to accommodate student and campus member's class and work schedules and possible inclement weather conditions.

UMF's annual community service event is coordinated by the University's Center for Student Involvement and Student Life Department.

For more details, call Rebecca Perkins, at 778-7372, or rebecca.perkins@maine.edu.