USM | ASET | Student Services

Academic Advising

Recognizing that advising is an essential part of a student’s collegiate experience, Student Services provides academic advising to students who are exploring majors or currently matriculated in a degree program within ASET. Information on all programs is offered to assist students in developing educational plans that will help them achieve their academic and career goals. Individual advising sessions may be made by appointment, or walk-in hours are available during peak times in the semester.

Career Counseling

Choosing a major and a career are two crucial decisions faced by all students. For those students who have need for assistance with life and career goals, Student Services can provide support with educational and vocational information, interest and values clarification, goal setting, and decision making. Various workshops and computerized career guidance and information systems are made available specifically to meet the needs of ASET students.

Mentoring

The first year of college holds many challenges for new students. Connection to a friendly, knowledgeable, supportive individual may ease some of the transitional issues faced by first-year students. Mentoring is a powerful and popular way for students to learn a variety of personal and professional skills. Student Services can partner a student with a peer, faculty, or staff member to provide academic or personal support from their first year of college through graduation.

Referrals/Assistance

Where can a student go for advice when they are caught in the red tape, university policies don’t make sense, or they’d just like to get the answers they need? Student Services can assist students with advice on academic and administrative policies and procedures, support or direct referral to the appropriate office when experiencing a crisis, information on University and community resources, and assistance with problem solving within the University system.

Tutoring/Tutorials

Individual tutoring sessions and study groups are encouraged and promoted within ASET due to the rigorous nature of the degree programs. Experienced student tutors are available through Student Services on an appointment basis, and space is available for assisted study groups. Students that have related course and work experience, yet have significant areas in which they are not computer proficient, can complete selected tutorial sessions in those areas to meet course proficiency requirements.

Computer Proficiency Examinations

Certain courses offered in the School of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology require computer proficiency. Students may be required by the instructor to demonstrate computer proficiency as a condition of enrollment in a course. Departmental computer proficiency examinations are administered through Student Services.

Career and Academic Skills Workshops

In cooperation with several departments within the University, Student Services makes available career and academic skills workshops specifically to meet the needs of ASET students. Workshops on time management, study skills, note taking, and exam taking are offered through the Department of Learning Assistance. The Department of Career Services and Cooperative Education also provides workshops on resume writing, interviewing skills, and co-op orientation.

Internships and Cooperative Education

The School of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology encourages students to participate in cooperative education and internship experiences. Both options provide students valuable experiences that exceed those provided in a traditional classroom setting. Internships are sponsored by individual departments and require an academic advisor, variable credits are awarded. Co-op assignments are productive work experiences and are paid positions. They are typically full time for a semester or six months.

Scholarships

Recognizing that college is expensive, companies and individuals have generously provided funds to support student awards and scholarships. The School of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology actively solicit scholarship opportunities that are specifically related to the degree programs within the school. Currently, there is over $10,000 worth of annual scholarships readily available to students who meet the eligibility requirements. One of ASET’s long-term goals is to substantially increase the funds available for awarding scholarships to current and prospective students.

Contact:

Bonnie Stearns, Director
ASET: Student Services
University of Southern Maine
37 College Avenue
Gorham, ME 04038
Phone (207) 780-5050
Fax (207) 780-5129

bstearns@usm.maine.edu