USM Undergraduate Catalog 2007-2008

University Life and Student Services

[Athletics | Brooks Student Center
Campus Diversity and Equity
Career Services and Professional Life Development
Center for Sexualities and Gender Diversity
Child and Family Centers | Community Service
Community Standards | Commuter Services
Dean of Student Life | Dining Services
Early Student Success | Gorham Recreational Sports Program
Honor Societies and University Scholarships and Awards
Interfaith Programs and Services
Multicultural Student Affairs | Off-Campus Housing
Parking and Transportation | Police Department | Policies
Portland Campus Recreation
Residential Life and Residential Education
Student Government and Organizations
Student Involvement and Activities Center
Sullivan Recreation and Fitness Complex
University Health Centers and University Counseling Centers
Women's Resource Center | Woodbury Campus Center]

The following programs and services are dedicated to supporting student learning and success. These programs and services support students in the out-of-classroom aspects of the educational experience. Activities, ranging from intercollegiate sports to résumé preparation, join the academic process in expanding the university experience for all students. More detailed information about student programs and services appears in the USM student handbook, the Navigator, available in the Portland and Gorham Dean of Student Life offices. Questions regarding all areas in this section may be addressed to Craig Hutchinson, vice president for Student and University Life, 780-4035, or craigh@usm.maine.edu.

Athletics

Athletics is an exciting part of student life at the University of Southern Maine. Whether one is a participant or a spectator, USM teams provide plenty of thrills and action for everyone involved. Few institutions can match the success of the Huskies’ nationally recognized non-scholarship athletic program.

Nine different teams and countless individual performers have participated in national championship competitions, highlighted by the Huskies baseball team that captured the NCAA Division III National Championship in both 1991 and 1997. The women’s basketball team has played in the four-team national championship tournament five times, four times since 1998, and at 27 years, holds the Division III NCAA record for the longest streak of consecutive 20-win seasons. Annually, several USM teams achieve a national ranking and qualify for postseason play sponsored by the NCAA or ECAC.

Student-athletes experience personal growth by being part of a team and by participating in competition. Through involvement in intercollegiate athletics and interaction with a nationally recognized coaching staff, student-athletes are challenged physically, mentally, and emotionally. The athletic arena is a classroom transformed to teach character, commitment, leadership, self-discipline, self-respect, the importance of a work ethic, sportsmanship, respect for teammates, opponents, and individual difference, and the importance of sacrifice, teamwork, and cooperation. Student-athletes are held to high standards, are held accountable for their actions, and are both encouraged and expected to succeed in both academics and athletics.

USM student-athletes are supported in their efforts to excel with a strong system of academic support services which include mandatory study hours for freshmen, progress checks with University faculty members, and the availability of academic advising and tutoring within the Gorham Learning Center located in the Costello Sports Complex. The Athletic Department also sponsors and teaches a life skills program and provides opportunities for further learning through presentations, discussions, and nationally recognized speakers.

USM sponsors 23 intercollegiate sports: 11 for women, 10 for men, and 2 coed offerings. The fall sports lineup includes men’s cross country, women’s cross country, field hockey, golf, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, women’s tennis, and women’s volleyball. During the winter season USM offers 8 sports: men’s basketball, women’s basketball, cheering, men’s ice hockey, women’s ice hockey, men’s indoor track, women’s indoor track, and wrestling. In the spring, student-athletes can choose to participate in baseball, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, softball, men’s tennis, men’s outdoor track, and women’s outdoor track. In addition to the 23 varsity programs, the Recreational Sports Department also sponsors club sports teams in men’s volleyball, sailing, and dance.

The Huskies compete in the Little East Conference, an eight-member conference comprised of public institutions in New England, and recognized as one of the most competitive Division III conferences in the nation. In addition to USM, membership includes: Eastern Connecticut State University, Keene State College, Plymouth State University, University of Massachusetts Boston, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Rhode Island College, and Western Connecticut State University. USM is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). For more information on USM athletics including ticket information and schedule requests, please call 780-5430.

^top

Career Services and Professional Life Development

The Career Services and Professional Life Development Centers provide comprehensive career assistance for all matriculated students. Students are encouraged to visit the Centers early in their academic career to begin preparing for the future. They provide assistance with career decision making, interest testing, a part-time job service, a computerized career exploration service, and workshops to help students design résumés and learn how to interview with employers. They maintain a Career Technology Center to assist students with on-line job searches and research. They are a participating institution in the Maine Recruiting Consortium—a job database program for graduating seniors that draws employers from across the Northeast.

The Cooperative Education Program helps place students in short-term positions with career-related businesses. In most cases, students who are eligible to apply for Cooperative Education placements receive academic credit for the learning experience involved, as well as a salary from the employer. The office also maintains a list of available unpaid internship opportunities.

The Centers are located on the Gorham campus at 128 School Street and on the Portland campus in Payson Smith Hall. For more information please call 780-4220. Career services are also available at Lewiston-Auburn College (758-6500).

^top

USM Police Department

The USM Police Department is responsible for keeping the peace, preventing crime, and delivering a variety of services including security and crowd control, crime investigation, 24-hour police coverage, management of parking and transportation, escort services and educational programs. The offices are located on the Gorham campus in Upton Hall, in Portland Hall, and at the Sullivan Gym on the Portland campus (780-5211 or emergency numbers 911 or 780-5000).

Crime Prevention and Safety
The University of Southern Maine is committed to safety and crime prevention on campus. Information on campus crime statistics, crime policies and procedures, and crime prevention programs is provided each year to the campus community in compliance with the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990.

For emergencies, reporting of crimes, lost and found, or to report suspicious persons or maintenance/safety problems, call the USM Police Department at 780-5211, or emergency 911.

For safety concerns in the residence halls, students should contact a residence hall staff member at 780-5240 (Gorham) or 228-8701 (Portland Hall).

For sexual assault or physical or domestic violence, call the USM Police Department (24 hours a day) at 911. Students can call their resident assistant or resident director, 780-5240 (Gorham) or 228-8701 (Portland Hall), the USM Counseling Center, 780-4050, or Sexual Assault Response Services, 774-3613.

^top

Parking and Transportation

Shuttle Bus Service
The University provides a shuttle bus that runs between the Portland and Gorham campuses Monday through Saturday during the fall and spring semesters. There is also service provided for the residents of the Portland Hall dormitory to the Portland campus Monday through Friday. Schedules are provided upon request from the Parking and Transportation Office at the USM Police Department, Upton Hall, Gorham campus (780-5212). Schedules can also be found on our Web site atwww.usm.maine.edu/police/bus.htm.

Parking
Any student parking on campus is required to display a USM parking decal. Decals are available at the University Parking and Transportation Office at the USM Police Department, Upton Hall, Gorham campus and at the Parking and Transportation Office located inside the parking garage near the Police Department on Bedford Street on the Portland campus. Copies of the University motor vehicle rules are available at both locations and on our Web site at www.usm.maine.edu/police/parking.

^top

University Health Centers and University Counseling Centers

USM students or University of Maine law students may use the services of USM’s convenient, affordable, and accessible on-campus health care and counseling centers in Portland and Gorham. All information gathered in both University Health Centers and University Counseling Centers is held in confidence. No information is released to University officials, faculty members, parents, friends, or outside agencies except upon written request of the student.

Student Health Fee
Each semester students who take six or more credits are automatically assessed a health fee. This fee entitles students to unlimited free office visits in University Health Centers (UHC) and 12 free counseling sessions in University Counseling Centers. Students taking three to five credits may opt to pay the health fee in the first four weeks of the fall or spring semester. The health fee does not cover lab tests, wellness exams, and a few selected procedures. An optional summer health fee or fee-for-service arrangement is also available. The health fee is not health insurance. To purchase health insurance, contact UHC for information about the USM Student Health and Accident Insurance for basic coverage, and the Blue Cross Health Insurance for catastrophic coverage.

University Health Centers
UHC is staffed by skilled professional nurses, certified nurse practitioners, and physicans who understand college health issues, student budgets, and student diversity. Services available include: required immunizations, diagnosis and treatment of health problems; physical exams, athletic exams, work physicals, gynecological exams; lab services and tests; flu shots; consultations and referrals; travel information; self-care cold clinic and safer sex supplies; workstudy or volunteer opportunities; health screenings; communicable disease surveillance; and more.

Hours of operation are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The Portland center, located beside the Woodbury Campus Center, is open year round; the Gorham center, located on the first floor of Upton Hall, is open when residence halls are open. For additional information, call the Portland center at 780-4211, the Gorham center at 780-5411, or TTY 780-5646. The immunization hotline is 780-4504.

University Counseling Centers
The staff of licensed clinicians and graduate interns at University Counseling Centers offer short-term counseling to undergraduate and graduate students. These services include crisis/emergency assistance; personal counseling (individuals, couples, multicultural, and groups); and referral services. Consultation services and workshops are also available to student groups, the faculty, and other staff members.

The Centers are located in Payson Smith Hall on the Portland campus and Upton Hall on the Gorham campus. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 780-4050. For information about counseling services at Lewiston-Auburn College, please call 753-6500.

^top

Dean of Student Life

The office of the Dean of Student Life provides a welcoming environment, support, and advocacy for all students, and essential services and a co-curriculum for outside-the-classroom learning and development. Residential Life, the Brooks Student Center, the Woodbury Campus Center, Sullivan Recreation and Fitness Complex, and advising for student organizations are responsibilities of the dean of Student Life. Offices are located in the Brooks Student Center, Gorham, 780-5470, and Woodbury Campus Center, Portland, 228-8200.

^top

Office of Early Student Success

The Office of Early Student Success (ESS) supports students during their transition into the college experience. This time is filled with both opportunities and challenges, often lasting for three to four semesters.

ESS can support students in several ways, including the following: serving as an entryway into USM’s student services; providing one-on-one “coaching” sessions to help students establish goals and a path for success; serving as a resource for the parents and family members of USM students; connecting students with opportunities for involvement; offering Web-based resources such as informational Web sites and podcasts; and providing an “alcohol checkup” to help students explore if their alcohol use is interfering with life goals. For more information, please visit the ESS Web site at www.usm.maine.edu/ess.

^top

Commuter Services

Support services for commuter students including off-campus housing options, parking and transportation information, and more are available through the office of the dean of Student Life, in the Woodbury Campus Center, Portland, 228-8200, and the Brooks Student Center, Gorham, 780-5470, and on the Web at www.usm.maine.edu/commuter.

^top

Woodbury Campus Center

The Woodbury Campus Center serves as the “living room” of the campus, with campus dining, bookstore, ATM, study areas and meeting rooms, photocopier, email lounge, TV, local phone, postal service vending, and the office of the Dean of Student Life, which manages the building. Also located in the Woodbury Campus Center are the Area Gallery, the Women’s Resource Center, the Center for Sexualities and Gender Diversity, and Multicultural Student Center. Contact the Office of the Dean of Student Life at 228-8200.

^top

The Sullivan Recreation and Fitness Complex

The Sullivan Recreation and Fitness Complex is a multi-purpose facility designed with fitness and recreation interests in mind. The main gym has three courts lined for basketball, indoor tennis, badminton, and volleyball. It also offers indoor jogging. There are squash, wallyball, and racquetball courts, and two multi-purpose rooms for aerobics, dance, yoga, martial arts, and more. The Fitness Center offers Selectorized Power circuit stations, free weight equipment, treadmills, exercise bikes, steppers, climbers, elliptical fitness cross trainers, rowers, and stability balls. Equipment for squash, racquetball, and wallyball is available for signout. A range of programs designed for busy commuters is available: aerobics, yoga, martial arts, racquetball, introductory dance classes, personal fitness consultations, and relaxation workshops. Outdoor recreation clinics and trips include camping, canoeing, cross country skiing, and more. For more information, call (207) 780-4939 or stop by the office in 104 Sullivan Complex.

^top

Residential Life and Residential Education

Residential life supports the University’s educational mission by making sure that students can be successful in their pursuit of an academic degree. We provide clean, safe, and attractive living and learning environments for our students.

Residence Halls
The University provides housing for approximately 2,000 students in seven residential facilities on the Gorham campus and in Portland Hall, our residence hall located in downtown Portland. Accommodations are coeducational and offer safe, comfortable, and convenient access to classes and campus events. Students living on campus may choose to apply to live in one of our special interest housing areas or learning communities. The majority of our graduate students who choose to live on-campus live in Portland Hall or in our new hall on the Gorham campus.

Portland Hall is open year round. It is a 15-minute walk to the Portland campus and is conveniently located near Portland’s Old Port and Arts District. The hall houses approximately 315 students from the University of Southern Maine, Maine College of Art, and Southern Maine Community College. In addition, we house University of Maine School of Law students, as well as a significant population of international students. Portland Hall fosters a proper balance between the academic and social needs of each individual school. Students have the opportunity to live in traditional single and double residence hall rooms and single, double, triple, and quadruple apartment-style suites with small kitchens. Each room or suite has its own private bathroom, wall-to-wall carpeting, local telephone services and basic cable access.

For more information, contact the Department at (207) 780-5240, or write Residential Life, 100 Upton Hall, Gorham, ME 04038. E-mail the Department at reslife@usm.maine.edu or visit www.usm.maine.edu/reslife.

^top

Brooks Student Center

The Brooks Student Center (BSC) serves as the “hub” for student life on the Gorham campus. Whether you want to relax and study, grab a snack, or attend an event, BSC has something for you. BSC amenities include 24/7 access ATM and cash-to-card machines, campus bookstore, postal services, student mailboxes, computer stations, lounge space, bulletin boards, the Husky Hut, and three campus dining locations: the Real Food on Campus Cafeteria, the Snack Shack, and the Brooks Convenience Store. BSC is also home to the Office of Early Student Success, and the Residential Student Involvement and Activities office. For more information, contact (207) 780-5470.

^top

Dining Services

Dining facilities are located at a variety of places on both the Portland and Gorham campuses. On the Gorham campus, Dining Services are provided in the dining hall and snack bar in the Brooks Student Center as well as the Bailey Hall Kiosk and the Brooks Student Center Convenience Store. The Portland campus features the Food Court in the Woodbury Campus Center, University of Maine School of Law Café, and the Pura Vida Café in the lobby of Luther Bonney Hall. The Lewiston Auburn campus features Café-LA. Portland Hall is served by its own dining hall and C3 Convenience Store.

^top

Honor Societies and University Scholarships and Awards

The University is affiliated with several national honor societies. A partial list follows. For more information contact the academic area indicated. For general assistance call the Division of Student and University Life at 780-4035.

Beta of Maine Chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta (sociology)
Phi Kappa Phi (a national interdisciplinary honor society)
Gamma Theta Upsilon (geography)
Kappa Zeta-at Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau (nursing)
Psi Chi (psychology)
Phi Sigma Iota (foreign language)
Eta Mu Chapter of Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society
Phi Sigma Alpha (political science)
Phi Alpha Theta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Phi (history)
Phi Delta Kappa (education)
Chi Tau (biological sciences)
Beta Gamma Sigma (business/accounting)

General Scholarships and Awards
Each spring, the University awards a substantial number of grants and scholarships to students continuing their studies at USM. Some are specific to a particular area of study, and others are based on students’ general achievements both inside and outside of the classroom. Application materials are available each year on December 1, and the deadline to apply is on or about the last Friday of February. Awards are presented in April for use during the following academic year. For more information, visit www.usm.maine.edu/fin.

^top

Portland Campus Recreation and Fitness

Portland Campus Recreation offers a wide range of programs specifically focused toward busy commuters that includes aerobics, yoga, martial arts, introductory dance classes, racquetball clinics, personal fitness consultations, and relaxation workshops. Outdoor recreation clinics and trips include camping, canoeing, cross-country skiing, and sea kayaking. For more information, call 780-4630, or stop by the office in 104 Sullivan Gym.

^top

Gorham Recreational Sports Program

The Gorham Recreational Sports Program offers many recreational activities regardless of skill level or previous experience. Team sports include flag football, volleyball, basketball, ultimate frisbee, six on six soccer, softball, volleyball, floor hockey, and arena football. Individual activities include tennis, table tennis, darts, badminton, three-point shoot-out, free-throw competition, and nine-ball. Completion of the new ice arena has made ice hockey, broom ball, and free skating available. The new state-of-the-art fitness facility includes universal machines, free weights, and cardiovascular machines. Aerobics are offered as well. White water rafting, deep sea fishing, and whale watching activities as well as trips to see the Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics are frequently organized. For more information call 780-5649 or stop by the office located in 102 Hill Gym.

^top

Off-Campus Housing

Listings of available rooms, roommates, and apartments to assist students who wish to live off-campus are maintained on the Web site at www.usm.maine.edu/commuter.

^top

Child and Family Centers

The Child and Family Centers serve children of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Programs are provided for children from infancy to pre-school, in two facilities on the Portland and Gorham campuses, and include: full day child care (7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.), evening care on a limited basis in Portland, flex care (child care services on a half-day basis), infant, toddler, and preschool care. Student scholarships, provided by the Student Senate and the University, are available for eligible students. Lengthy waiting lists are common. USM Child and Family Summer Camp, located on the Gorham campus, offers school-age children weekly field trips and other recreational opportunities. Transportation from the Portland campus is available. For more information, call (207) 780-4125 (Portland) or 780-4300 (Gorham).

^top

Student Government and Organizations

The Student Government Association, comprised of a Student Body president and a 21-member Student Senate, elected by undergraduates, is the principal governing body for students. A student activity fee, collected from each undergraduate student, is used by the Senate to pay for undergraduate activities. More than 50 recognized student organizations welcome involvement.

Students interested in journalism, literature or broadcasting may join the staff of the University Free Press, a weekly student newspaper; Words and Images, a literary magazine; or WMPG-FM, the USM community radio station. Students interested in TV production can become involved in USM’s own cable TV station, G-TV, located on the Gorham campus.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of cultural activities, speakers, and special events available free or at minimal cost. Regular performances are given by student groups such as the Student Performing Artists, the University Chorale, and the Chamber Orchestra. In Portland, the Southworth Planetarium and the Area Gallery in the Campus Center, and in Gorham, the Art Gallery, offer programs year round. In addition, many student organizations bring noted artists, performers, and speakers to USM.

Greek letter organizations offer students the opportunity to participate in an alternative community emphasizing leadership, community service, academic achievement, and self-governance. Seven social fraternities and sororities are afffiliated with USM. For more information about student organizations and getting involved at USM, call the Student Involvement and Activities Center, 780-4090.

^top

Student Involvement and Activities Center

The Student Involvement and Activities Center provides support services for USM students and student organizations. From USM Welcome and Homecoming, to a variety of student clubs and other community-based events, the office helps students get involved in the USM community. Leadership development opportunities are also facilitated through the Center. Offices are in the Woodbury Campus Center, Portland (780-4090), or Brooks Student Center, Gorham (780-5470).

^top

Office of Community Standards

While at the University, students are expected to conduct their affairs with proper regard for the rights of others and of the University. All members of the University community share a responsibility to maintain an environment where actions are guided by respect, integrity, and reason. When standards of conduct are violated, the University relies upon the Student Conduct Code. It is the responsibility of the Office of Community Standards to protect the campus community from disruption and harm by offering a program of educational discipline and by enforcing the Student Conduct Code. If students violate a state or federal law or a University regulation, they may be subject to state, federal, or University disciplinary action. In the enforcement of the Student Conduct Code the University functions in an administrative manner. For a complete copy of the Student Conduct Code, check the Office of Community Standards Web page: www.usm.maine.edu/ocs, or call 780-5242.

^top

The Women’s Resource Center

The Women’s Resource Center provides advocacy, leadership, and educational programming for women attending USM. The center offers a safe, comfortable, and relaxing space for women to meet each other, engage in discussion, and explore the numerous resources, programs, activities, and groups available. The Resource Center provides outreach to the diversity of women at USM in the form of programming, consultation, trainings, and leadership development. The Center also is the home of an extensive lending library of books and articles about a variety of issues as well as women’s history, feminist philosophy, fiction by women, and much more. The Women’s Resource Center works collaboratively with student groups, University departments, and the wider Maine community to address the wide range of issues important to women, focusing on the personal, academic, career, economic, and leadership development for women. For more information call 780-4996.

^top

Center for Sexualities and Gender Diversity

The University of Southern Maine’s Center for Sexualities and Gender Diversity seeks to ensure a University environment that is positive, safe, and supportive for members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and allied (GLBTQA) community. Through a series of educational opportunities, support services, and advocacy work, the program works collaboratively with students and student groups, University organizations and departments, and the greater community. The program also oversees the USM Safe Zone Project, a program that conveys an inclusive message to the University community. Safe Zone Project volunteers attend a short orientation program and then display a sticker with a rainbow-striped triangle and the words “safe zone USM.” This shows that they are committed to being identified as safe and supportive contacts for GLBTQA students, faculty, and staff members. For more information on these programs, please call 228-8235 or visit the Web site at www.usm.maine.edu/glbtqa.

^top

Community Service and Civic Engagement

The Office of Community Service and Civic Engagement is a clearinghouse and a resource for students, faculty, and the community to promote civic engagement, including community service, service-learning, and certain internship opportunities. Students will find support for community service, including current opportunities based on community needs, project development help, connections for service to academic credit, and work-study jobs and leadership opportunities including an AmeriCorps Service Leaders Program. Faculty can receive support in developing service-learning options, ranging from single assignment projects to semester-long projects. Community organizations and agencies work through the office to access volunteers, interns, and service leadership from the USM student community. The office is located in the historic Alumni House at 23 Brighton Avenue on the Portland campus; phone 228-8091 or email community@usm.maine.edu.

^top

Interfaith Chaplaincy

The Chaplaincy offers programs and services to support religious and spiritual life in all its expressions. “The Spirit of USM” program series explores a different aspect of spiritual life each year. Associate chaplains sponsored by their respective faith communities offer services to students and student groups in religious or spiritual traditions, and work together to offer programs encouraging spiritual life and interfaith dialogue. A space is provided for reflection, meditation, or prayer for individuals and groups. This space and the office of the interfaith chaplaincy are located in the historic Alumni House at 23 Brighton Avenue on the Portland campus; phone 228-8093 or e-mail interfaith@usm.maine.edu.

^top

Office of Campus Diversity and Equity

The Office of Campus Diversity and Equity works with all units of the University to foster a welcoming and inclusive working, learning, and living environment. The Office collaborates with student and employee groups to develop programs, assists in the recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty, staff, student body, and individual workshops, and sponsors diversity awareness opportunities. The Office oversees University compliance with affirmative action, sexual harrassment, disability, and other civil rights statutes and policies. Call 780-5094. The Mediation program and the Ombuds program are also housed within the Office of Campus Diversity and Equity. For information call 780-4073.

^top

Multicultural Student Affairs

This office is dedicated to increasing the awareness and appreciation of the many diverse cultures and ethnicities at USM through programming, dialogue, and cultural events. It supports African/African American, Latino/a, Asian/Asian American, and North American Indigenous students to achieve their career and perceived goals. Multicultural Student Affairs is home of the Multicultural Center, the North American Indian Tuition Waiver and Scholarship Program, and the Culture Beat newsletter.

The Multicultural Center is dedicated to providing a supportive and diverse environment for the USM community. The Center helps create community for racially and/or ethnically underrepresented students, where cultural activities and celebrations occur and affiliated student organizations meet. Through its programming, the Center explores critical issues about race, class, ethnicity, nationality, and culture.

The Center is open to the entire USM community. However, the Center has a unique role with regard to the support of students from marginalized communities and cultures. The office is located in the Woodbury Campus Center on the Portland campus. For more information call 780-4006.

^top

Policies

In addition to the Student Conduct Code, USM has a number of important University policies which govern campus life. These policies and many others can be found in The Navigator, the student handbook, which is available to all new students. In order to review these policies in their entirety, please consult the student handbook or the appropriate department listed.

HIV/AIDS Policy
The USM HIV/AIDS policy has been established to protect the rights of individuals infected with HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) and the health and safety of all others at the institution. USM will not discriminate in any manner against any person who is infected with HIV, including admissions, facilities access, hiring, housing, promotion, tenure, or termination. USM will not require HIV testing for either its students or employees and information about suspected or known HIV infection will be kept confidential. For more information or advice regarding this policy, call 780-4211.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy
The University of Southern Maine views alcohol and substance abuse as a serious problem both nationally and on-campus and wishes to do everything possible to address it. In compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act passed by Congress, the University publishes annually a booklet which informs all students and employees of the University’s substance abuse policy, sanctions for violation of the policy, state and federal alcohol and drug laws, offenses and sanctions. Below is a summary of USM’s alcohol and substance abuse policy.

The possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs, as defined by federal, state, and local statutes, is prohibited at any time on University property. Students who possess, use, or distribute illegal drugs are liable for public law enforcement sanctions and University disciplinary action. Use of alcoholic beverages on University property shall be in compliance with state laws and campus regulations and procedures. Violation of such laws, regulations, and procedures may result in disciplinary action and, where applicable, criminal proceedings.

University Counseling Services and University Health Centers provide access to substance abuse services for students at USM. Through the assessment process, the student and counselor work together to determine the most appropriate level of care. Available services include individual substance abuse counseling, group therapy, and educational groups. The counselor and student may also decide together that referral to a support group or a more intensive level of treatment in the community would be the best option. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call University Counseling at 780-4050 or University Health at 780-4211.

Hazing
Injurious hazing is prohibited by Maine state law and University of Maine System policy. No person or organization shall create a situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student. Any civil or criminal action shall be in addition to any disciplinary action taken.

Sexual Harassment Policy
Sexual harassment of either employees or students is a violation of federal and state laws. It is the policy of the University of Southern Maine that no member of the University community may sexually harass another. In accordance with its policy of complying with non-discrimination laws, the University of Maine System will regard freedom from sexual harassment as an individual employee and student right which will be safeguarded as a matter of policy. Any employee or student will be subject to disciplinary action for violation of this policy. Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when: 1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or education; or 2) submission to or rejection of such contact by an individual is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting the individual; or 3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s academic or work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment, educational, or living environment.

Consenting relationships may constitute sexual harassment under this policy. When a professional power differential exists between members of the University of Southern Maine and a romantic or sexual relationship develops, there is a potential for abuse of that power, even in relationships of apparent mutual consent. A faculty or staff member should not engage in such relationships. Further, the University prohibits the abuse of power in romantic or sexual relationships.

To assure that power is not abused and to maintain an environment free of sexual harassment, a faculty or staff member must eliminate any current or potential conflict of interest by removing himself or herself from decisions affecting the other person in the relationship. Decisions affecting the other person include grading, evaluating, supervising, or otherwise influencing that person’s education, employment, housing, or participation in athletics or any other University activity. It is the policy of the System to ensure fair and impartial investigations that will protect the rights of persons filing sexual harassment complaints, the persons complained against, and the System as a whole.

For a complete copy of the policy, additional information, or to express concern about sexual harassment, call the Office of Campus Diversity and Equity at 780-5094 (TTY 780-5646), or the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Region 1, John W. McCormack Post Office and Courthouse Building, Boston, MA 02109, 617-223-9692.

Sexual Assault Policy
The University of Southern Maine expressly prohibits and will not tolerate any sexual assault or sexual misconduct as defined by USM policy. These behaviors all constitute violations of the Student Conduct Code and will be met with appropriate sanctions, up to and including dismissal. Many are also violations of Maine law and may be prosecuted criminally.

For a complete copy of the University of Southern Maine Sexual Assault Policy, call 780-5139.

When sexual assault has occurred, it is important to tell someone who can be trusted. Campus resources include USM Police, Student and University Life staff and other University faculty and staff, academic advisers, Resident Assistants (RAs), Resident Directors (RDs), Greek Advisers, and athletic coaches. Off-campus community resources include local hospital emergency rooms, rape crisis centers, and local police departments.

Available Resources
University Health Center
Services: Medical assessment and follow-up, testing for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. In Portland (modular unit next to Sullivan Gym): 780-4211 or in Gorham (Upton Hall): 780-5411.

University Counseling Centers
Services: Counseling for student-victims and students related to victims. In Portland (106 Payson Smith), or in Gorham (Upton Hall): 780-4050.

USM Police Department
Services: The USM Police, the 24-hour police department. In Portland: 780-5211, and at Lewiston-Auburn 780-5211. In Gorham (Basement, Upton Hall): 780-5211, Emergency: 911.

Office of Community Standards
Services: Consultation and filing complaints of violations of the student conduct code. In Gorham (125 Upton Hall): 780-5242.

24-hour Community Crisis Centers: May include medical accompaniment to hospital emergency rooms for rape kit/forensic exams, anonymous hot-line counseling and referral services, legal advice and courtroom accompaniment if charges are pressed.

• Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (Cumberland and York Counties) 774-3613/1-800-313-9900
• Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine 1-800-822-5999
• Lewiston-Auburn Sexual Assault Crisis Center 795-2211
• Augusta Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Center 626-0660/1-800-421-4325
• Statewide Sexual Assault Hotline 871-7741
  (will route calls to nearest center)

^top