Winter Session FAQ
Who can register for Winter Session classes?
How will I know if I am enrolled in the class I want to take?
Can I still register after classes begin?
How can I tell if the class I want to take is still available?
How do I find out if a course has prerequisites?
What does it cost?
How do I pay?
Can I apply for financial aid?
What is the refund policy?
What are the technology requirments for online courses?
How do I get my Winter session grades?
How do I get a transcript?
Are my courses transferable to another college or university?
Will the Library and Computer Lab be open?
Who can register for Winter Session classes?
USM has open enrollment for Winter Session. This means it is not necessary to be accepted to USM to take a Winter Session class. USM students, students from other colleges and universities, interested adults, senior citizens, and high school students (with documented academic ability for university level courses) are all welcome.
How will I know if I am enrolled in the class I want to take?
You can check all your registration information through your MaineStreet Student Center.
Can I still register after classes begin?
As a general rule for courses that meet less than 7 weeks, students should contact the instructor for registration permission.
How can I tell if the class I want to take is still available?
To see if a class is still open, locate your class on the MaineStreet class search or call the Winter Session Office at (207)780-5617 or TTY# (207)780-5646.
How do I find out if a course has prerequisites?
Generally, course prerequisites follow the on-line course descriptions. Course descriptions are linked to the course title on the MaineStreet class search. If you have questions about a course prerequisite, contact the academic department offering the course before registering. A complete listing of university departments may be found here. Sometimes an equivalent prerequisite may be accepted or you may be able to register with the instructor's permission. USM's faculty e-mail and phone directory may be found here.
What does it cost?
Tuition and fees for both undergraduate and graduate courses are charged by credit hour.
For more information, please contact the Winter Session office at (207)780-5617 or TTY# (207)780-5646.
-top-
How do I pay?
In Person with Cash/Check
Payment may be made at the Student Billing Offices located in Portland (Payson Smith Hall) and Gorham (Corthell Hall) or the Student Success Center located on the Lewiston Auburn Campus. Checks should be made payable to the University of Southern Maine with the student's complete name and student MaineStreet ID or Social Security number clearly indicated on the check.
On MaineStreet with a MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or E-check
Please be aware that there is a 2.75% (non-refundable) convenience fee through the credit card company.
Payment may be made on MaineStreet by signing into your MaineStreet Student Center. If you have problems or questions accessing your student center, please contact the USM Help Desk at (207)780-4029.
USM no longer accepts VISA.
Can I apply for financial aid?
Eligible continuing students may receive financial aid for Winter Session classes. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information at 780-5250 or visit their web page.
What are the technology reguirements for online courses?
To access your online course, you will need a relatively new computer with an up to date web browser. Depending on individual course delivery methods, high speed internet access may be a requirement for your course in order to access many of the larger media files that are prevalent in today's online education community. You may also need free media plug-ins such as Quicktime or Flash, or a software MP3 player. Your instructor may also require specific software to use for completing assignments, or require that assignments be submitted in certain file formats. Read your instructor's requirements carefully. There are rarely requirements that you purchase specific software on your own.
What is the refund policy?
100% -Ends on or before December 21, 2009
50% -Ends December 27, 2009
25% -Ends January 3, 2010
How do I get my Winter Session grades?
Grades are usually processed by the registrar's office within 7 days of the end of the course. You can access your grades on the web using MaineStreet. For MaineStreet access, please contact the USM Help Desk at (207)780-4029.
How do I get a transcript?
To get an official transcript of your grades, you must complete a Transcript Request form or submit a signed request in writing to: Registrar Office, 37 College Ave., Gorham, ME 04038. All university charges must be paid before a transcript is released.
Are my courses transferable to another college or university?
USM is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. To know if your university will accept transfer of a USM course, please check with your home institution regarding their acceptance procedure. This is usually available from your registrar's office or your academic advisor at your home institution.
Will the USM Library and Computer Lab be open?
The Libraries on the Portland and Gorham Campus will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Please check the USM Libraries page for holiday exceptions.
The Portland & Gorham computer labs will be open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday. USM computer labs will be closed Saturdays and Sundays. For more information please go to the computer lab page.
The Lewiston Auburn Information Commons (library and computer lab) will be open 8a.m.-4:30p.m. Monday through Friday.
