Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions for New & Returning Staff

IS THERE ANY HOUSING AVAILABLE TO RENT?

Housing is not provided unless specified. Maine Media will have limited housing available to rent for seasonal staff only. Availability is on a first come first serve basis. A private room with a shared bath in the Marshall house, directly across the street from campus, is available at a weekly rate of $100. Fee is deducted from weekly paycheck.

Maine Media may have a room available for a week (with a fee) in case you may need one while looking for accommodations. For assistance you may contact Beth Storey at [email protected].

WHEN WILL I BE PAID?

All summer staff that are paid a weekly wage will receive their check Thursday of each week. Staff may pick up their paychecks in the mailboxes in the Haas building mailroom. You will receive your first check Thursday following your first week of employment. (For further information about paycheck see section 170.060 – PAYCHECKS of the employee handbook.) Direct deposit is available after the first week.

SHOULD I BRING A VEHICLE?

Rockport and the surrounding areas do not have any public transportation. Teaching assistants will need a car for field trips and are strongly encouraged to bring it. There is parking on campus. There are some parking restrictions on campus. This will be reviewed upon your arrival.

WHAT IF I FLY?

Flying
Delta, Jet Blue, American, Southwest, United, Cape Air, Elite, Frontier, and Sun Country all service Portland Jetport (PWM) with several flights daily.

Local Airport Option
Cape Air offers frequent commuter flights each day between the Boston’s Logan Airport and nearby Knox County Airport (RKD), which is just 20 minutes from the Workshops. Taxis are available to drive you to Rockport. Fares around $35.

Van Service, Taxis & Uber
Maine Media has partnered with two local transportation services: 
Sterling Elite who provides scheduled van services (starting at $138 per person from the Portland Jetport (PWM) as well as private car service (starting at $276 one way per car). Visit their website for details on either service www.sterlingelite.net  ph: 207.785.3100  Reservations should be made as soon as possible to assure availability. Identify yourself as a Maine Media student. We recommend booking your return at the same time.  
Schooner Bay Taxi provides ground transportation services from/to Portland (PWM) and Rockport. Arrangements must be made directly with Schooner Bay Taxi, not Maine Media. Call 207.594.5000 or email [email protected].  www.schoonerbaytaxi.me   Reservations should be made at least 48-72 hours in advance. Identify yourself as a Maine Media student. One way fares vary but average $185 each way, depending on the number of passengers at any given time.  Rates are subject to change. We recommend booking your return at the same time. 

Taxis and Uber are also available at Portland (PWM). Fares can be around $200 one way. 

WILL I GET ANY TIME OFF?

Staff will receive a period of time off per week. You will need to consult with your supervisor for your work schedule. Academy Advisors will not have time off during the weekend while the Academy Program is in session.

CAN I LEAVE DURING THE SUMMER TO ATTEND A WEDDING OR OTHER IMPORTANT EVENT?

We will make every effort to accommodate such a request if it is brought to our attention prior to your arrival. The season is short and intense. Do not plan to take any time off beyond your regularly scheduled days.

CAN I BRING MY CELL PHONE?

We encourage staff to bring their cell phones with them. Classrooms do not have phones so; this is the most convenient way of communicating with other staff. This will also be the line of communication should an emergency arise. Maine Media does not reimburse for cell phone usage, overages or damage.

WILL I HAVE PHONE AND EMAIL ACCESS?

There are phones available for your use on your time off in the program office. Maine Media phone number can be given to your friends and family if they need to get a message to you. We have free wireless access available on campus if you wish to use your smartphone or laptop. (See policy 240.060 – TEXTING, SOCIAL MEDIA AND SOCIAL NETWORKING POLICY in the employee handbook.)

CAN I SMOKE ON CAMPUS?

Maine Media Workshops + College is proud to be a SMOKE FREE CAMPUS. The use of smoking products of any sort shall be prohibited on and in all Maine Media-owned, leased and operated campus grounds both indoors and outdoors. (See policy 230.020 – SMOKE FREE CAMPUS in the employee handbook for further information.)

WHAT DOES MY MEAL PLAN INCLUDE?

Maine Media supplies the full meal plan to specific staff members only. Other staff members are offered one meal per day appropriate to their work schedule. Refer to the Job Description, Job Offer Acceptance Letter or Employee Information form for which one you were offered. Our meal plan begins with Monday breakfast and includes a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the week, culminating in a Friday night lobster dinner (other options are always available). There are no meals served after Friday dinner until Monday breakfast. Restaurants and a supermarket are within easy walking distance of the campus.

DO I NEED TO BRING LINENS AND TOWELS?

Maine Media accommodations include bed linens, blanket, pillow, bath towel, face cloths and bath mats. Accommodations are cleaned weekly by our housekeeping staff. Bed linens and towels are changed, bathrooms are cleaned, trash is removed from garbage containers, and bedroom and common areas are dusted and vacuumed. The housekeeping department will not pick up or move any personal items. If you bring your own linens, bedding or towels you will be responsible for their laundering. Be sure to keep them separate from Maine Media’s supply. Housekeeping will not be responsible for misplaced linens, bedding or towels.

WILL THERE BE STORAGE FOR MY EXTRA BELONGINGS?

Due to lack of facilities, we cannot guarantee storage space. If you drive, you can use your vehicle for personal storage.

WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I BRING?

Everything at Maine Media is informal. In May, June and September, the days are apt to be cool, the evenings chilly and some days wet. Bring warm clothes, foul weather gear (a raincoat), good shoes for walking, a hat and sunglasses. In July and August, the weather is warm and often hot, so bring shorts and bathing suit for that nice dip in the local lake!

A professional and helpful attitude and appearance contributes to the positive impression we make on our students. This includes proper personal hygiene, clean clothing without holes, tears or patches, no cutoff jeans or clothing displaying profane or intimidating language. Staff is required to wear foot wear at all times while on campus. For staff working on film sets, in the sound stage or photo labs, housekeeping, maintenance department or in the kitchen, closed toed shoes are mandatory. (For further information see policy 130.030 – EMPLOYEE CODE OF CONDUCT in the employee handbook.)

ARE LAUNDRY FACILITIES AVAILABLE?

There are washers and dryers in the campus residence that are available for you to use. These are coin operated machines and a detergent vending machine available. (Laundry facility will not be available for use during the Young Artists Academy program. There is a local laundry mat on Route 1 just before downtown Camden, in the Reny’s shopping plaza.)

IS THERE SECURITY FOR MY BELONGINGS?

While we strive to be an open and trusting group, we need to be aware that cameras, computers and other attractive gadgets can be a temptation for some. Keep your valuables out of sight and avoid keeping large amounts of cash in your room. Passports, tickets and small valuables may be kept in the business office. You are welcome to bring your bicycle and other sports equipment. Unfortunately, Maine Media has no way of providing storage, security or insurance for these items. Bring them at your own risk. Maine Media is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen possessions.

WHERE IS MAINE MEDIA WORKSHOPS+COLLEGE LOCATED?

Rockport is halfway down the Maine Coast – just off Route One. It is 90 miles north of Portland, between Camden and Rockland. You can drive, fly, and even sail into Rockport harbor! By car, Rockport is less than a two-hour drive from Portland, less than four hours from Boston, eight hours from New York and Montreal, and five hours from Quebec.

If you are coming from the South, take Interstate 95 north into Maine. Take the South Portland Exit (I-295) and follow I-295 through Portland. Continue on I-295 to the Brunswick Route 1 Exit (Exit 28). Follow Route One through Brunswick, Bath, Woolwich, Wiscasset, Damariscotta and Waldoboro to Warren – about 45 miles, where you’ll find Route 90 at a blinking yellow light. Take a left onto Route 90 and follow it 12 miles to the third set of stop lights. The Market Basket will be on your right. Turn LEFT onto Route 1 and then after 1/4 mile take a RIGHT onto Camden Street. Go through a STOP sign and Maine Media will be on your left before the hill.

WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO STAFF ON TIME OFF?

The area has many things to offer including state parks, swimming in lakes and ocean, canoeing, mountain biking, festivals and local demonstrations, shopping, movie theaters, and more! For a full listing about the area and activities visit www.mainedreamvacation.com

CAN I BRING MY PET WITH ME TO CAMPUS?

Maine Media does not deter employees from bringing their pets to campus to visit, provided that the pet is not to be a nuisance, does not pose any health or safety issues, does not risk harming sensitive equipment, and that individuals working in the vicinity of the pet are comfortable with it. No pets are allowed at any time in housing, classrooms or in and around the dining areas. (Refer to policy 230.040 – PET POLICY in the employee handbook for further information.)

CAN I HAVE A VISITOR(S)?

In order to keep our focus on students, guests of a staff member are encouraged to visit only on weekends or during time-off. Exceptions to this must be cleared beforehand with your supervisor.

WHAT EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO COMPLETE IF I AM A RETURNING STAFF MEMBER?

Staff members returning from a prior season will need to complete all employment documents. You do not need to supply identification again unless expired within the past year.
If there any questions please contact the HR|Business Manager, Jane Richardson at [email protected].