The Maine Legislature in 1997 authorized each of the seven institutions within the University of Maine System to form its own advisory board to advocate for the institution, advise the president on community and campus needs, and review new programs and other proposals before they are submitted to the University of Maine System Board of Trustees.

USM's Board of Visitors consists of members drawn from the business, legal, and educational communities of southern Maine. Membership to the BOV is for a three-year term, with a maximum of three terms. Many of the members are USM alumni.

Learn more about the USM BOV's report, “A Southern Maine Imperative II,” which provides the basis for University strategic planning.