Undergraduate Catalog 2009-2010
Division of University Outreach
Associate Provost: Robert J. Hansen
Associate Dean for Academic Outreach: Monique M. LaRocque; Assistant Dean for Administration: Marya Baron; Director, International Programs: Domenica T. Cipollone; Director, English for Speakers of Other Languages: Bart Weyand; Executive Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute: Kali Lightfoot; Executive Director, Center for Continuing Education: Stacy Calderwood; Director of Conferences: Elizabeth A. Morin
The Division of University Outreach is responsible for providing lifelong learning opportunities to the people of southern Maine that support their intellectual, educational, economic, environmental, and cultural interests.
Academic Outreach
Academic outreach programs include credit courses offered in alternative times, formats, and locations. Such offerings extend USM’s services throughout southern Maine and the state, providing opportunities to earn degrees for people who find regular, full-time attendance at a campus difficult, as well as opportunities for USM students to accelerate progress toward their degrees.
Summer Session
Academic programming offered through the USM Summer Session includes traditional on-campus courses presented in accelerated one-, two-, three-, four-, and seven-week formats. Innovative institutes, conferences, and domestic and international short-term travel-based courses provide undergraduate and graduate students with vibrant learning experiences throughout the summer months. Summer Session also sponsors resident and commuter fine arts camps for aspiring musicians, vocalists, theatre dancers, and actors/actresses in grades 5-12. Residence hall accommodations and meals are available. For more information, contact the Summer Session office at (207) 780-5617 or visit the Web site, www.usm.maine.edu/summer.
Weekend College
Weekend College offers the opportunity to expand academic studies from Friday evenings through Saturday afternoons. More than 35 classes are available each semester to help students accelerate their degree progress. For information, visit: www.usm.maine.edu/eap/profed/weekend.html or call (207) 780-5617.
Center for Technology-Enhanced Learning (CTEL)
The Center for Technology-Enhanced Learning (CTEL) continues to expand its online course options, and currently offers more than 250 courses. CTEL supports the efforts of departments, programs, and faculty members who want to develop programs and courses for delivery in online and blended learning formats. CTEL also coordinates the offerings of undergraduate and graduate USM courses delivered statewide via interactive television (ITV) and compressed video (CV). For information, visit: www.usm.maine.edu/ctel or call (207) 780-4077.
Off-Campus Programs
USM offers a variety of courses for college credit at University College sites: Bath-Brunswick and Saco. These centers offer a comprehensive array of services including registration, admission, financial aid, and academic advising. They may be contacted as follows: Bath-Brunswick, 9 Park Street, Bath, ME 04530, (207) 442-7736 or (800) 696-2329; Saco, 110 Main Street, Saco Island, Saco, ME 04072, (207) 282-4111 or (800) 696-3391. For information visit: www.usm.maine.edu/eap/profed/off-campus.html, or call (207) 780-5617.
Winter Session
In the weeks between the fall and spring semesters, Winter Session offers online courses and some short-term travel-based courses. Winter Session courses are attractive to students who want to accelerate their degree progress. For more information, contact Winter Session at (207) 780-5617, or visit the Web site, www.usm.maine.edu/winter.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
The English for Speakers of Other Languages program is designed to meet the academic language needs of students whose first language is not English and who are currently enrolled or planning to enroll in the University. Based on a placement test, students are assigned to one of three levels of ESL reading, writing, and vocabulary classes, and/or to one of two levels of ESL grammar classes. At a more advanced level, the ESOL program also offers a section of College Writing only open to students whose first language is not English and who have met language proficiency or taken prerequisite courses; this course (ESL 100C) satisfies USM’s Core Competence goals for Basic Composition. The noncredit Intensive English Language Program (IELP) allows students age 18 or older to improve their English for university entry or work. The IELP offers 22 hours of instruction per week (reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar as well as courses focusing on oral communication and fluency) for 15 weeks in the fall and spring semesters, and for 4 weeks in the summer. Students whose TOEFL scores are below the required 79iBT or have taken the SATs and are otherwise admissible to USM may apply to USM’s English Language Bridge program (ELB). International students who have not taken the TOEFL but who are otherwise admissible may be admitted to the University with conditions. For more information, call (207) 780-4419, or visit www.usm.maine.edu/esol.
In addition to the above programs, University Outreach offers the following course. Spreadsheet proficiency is a graduation requirement for some academic programs. Proficiency can be demonstrated by earning a C or higher grade in this course, or by successfully passing a spreadsheet proficiency exam.
ABU 190 Spreadsheets and Problem Solving
An examination of problem-solving techniques using modern computer applications software. Primary focus is on the use of electronic spreadsheets as a problem-solving tool, including proper spreadsheet model design and the use of appropriate graphical representation of model results. Other computer problem-solving software is examined. Interpretation and effective communication of results, both written and oral, are practiced. Prerequisite: MAT 101B (C- or higher) or equivalent proficiency and computer literacy. Cr 3.
International Outreach
The Office of International Programs offers international and domestic exchange services and short-term travel-based courses to provide USM students and members of the southern Maine community the opportunity to broaden their world view and gain greater understanding of other cultures. For information, contact the Office of International Programs at (207) 780-4959. Additional information about international study opportunities can also be found at www.usm.maine.edu/international.
International Student and Scholar Support
The Office of International Programs works closely with international students throughout their academic program at USM, including pre-arrival. The staff provides information and support in international student orientation, immigration policies and procedures, and on-going adjustment to the campus and community. Through the Multicultural Student Center, students can stay in contact with other international students on campus and meet students interested in other cultures. Please call (207) 780-4959 to reach the staff of the Office of International Programs. More information can also be found on the Web at www.usm.maine.edu/international, www.usm.maine.edu/eeo/culture.
International Study Opportunities
The University offers a variety of opportunities for students to spend a semester or full year at another university while enrolled in a degree program at USM. International study maintains links to and information on programs offered throughout the world. Each year students participate in exchange programs in many parts of the world, including England, Ireland, France, Russia, the Netherlands, Australia, and Japan. Scholarships for study and travel abroad are available. Planning should begin at least one year before the intended departure.
Short-Term Travel-Based Programs
USM’s short-term travel program offers students an excellent opportunity to earn up to six credit hours in a one- to five-week international or domestic travel-based course. Recent courses have included travel to Belgium, Belize, Canada, China, the Dominican Republic, Greece, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, and the United States. Travel courses are led by USM faculty members, and combine academic and experiential learning into an unforgettable educational experience in another culture. Whether the course is held in the United States or abroad, students acquire a broader perspective of the world around them.
National Student Exchange
National Student Exchange offers students the opportunity to live and learn in another part of the United States. Students are able to spend up to one year at one of 190 schools while paying in-state tuition rates. Schools involved in the program are located in 48 states, three U.S. territories, and six Canadian provinces. Many USM students take part in the exchange each year, while students from other universities exchange to USM.
Community Outreach
USM’s community outreach programs and services extend important noncredit learning opportunities that enhance the professional expertise and quality of life of the people in the region and state.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
OLLI at USM is committed to providing, for its members, a variety of intellectually challenging courses and activities in a creative and inclusive learning community. OLLI offers an extensive array of courses in the liberal arts and sciences. The courses are peer taught, there are no entrance requirements, grades, or tests, and no college background is needed. Courses run for eight weeks in the fall and spring, and six weeks in winter and summer. OLLI also features social activities, lectures, and educational travel. Membership and course fees are affordable and scholarships are available.
OLLI at USM houses the National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, a communication hub disseminating best practices, planning conferences, and providing general support for a network of more than 120 OLLIs in 49 states. The OLLIs are designated and funded by The Bernard Osher Foundation of San Francisco. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute also sponsors research on topics in education for older adults, houses the office of the Maine Senior College Network, and sponsors SAGE (Senior Adult Growth Exchange). As the center for the Maine Senior College Network, OLLI provides communication, resources, and annual conferences for the 18 Senior Colleges located throughout Maine. OLLI further promotes the University of Maine System’s policy for extending tuition waivers for academic credit classes to people aged 65 and over. For information, call 780-4406, or visit the Web sites, www.usm.maine.edu/olli, www.osher.net, or www.maineseniorcollege.org.
Center for Continuing Education
The Center for Continuing Education (CCE) provides lifelong learning opportunities for professionals and the general public. CCE offers a wide range of certificates for professionals in business, nursing, and the health and human services professions. In addition to certificates, CCE offers short-term, targeted, and skill-based courses. CCE also offers customized training solutions to meet the specific business needs of local companies. This training can be delivered at CCE’s location—the Joel and Linda Abromson Community Education Center in Portland—or on site. For complete information visit www.usm.maine.edu/cce or call (207) 780-5900 or (800) 787-0468.
Department of Conferences
The Department of Conferences provides planning and coordination to those who wish to use the University’s conference facilities and services. The Department specializes in conference registration services; its conference planning and management services are extended to professional and trade associations, government agencies, private business, and community groups and organizations. Programs can be conducted on the USM campuses or off-campus wherever an appropriate meeting site can be arranged. Facilities available at USM include overnight rooms, classrooms, computer labs, state-of-the-art lecture halls, and function rooms. The Joel and Linda Abromson Community Education Center, with the 500-seat Hannaford Lecture Hall, is particularly suited for a variety of community events. The Center is located at 88 Bedford Street in Portland, adjacent to the USM Parking Garage. For information call (207) 780-5960 or visit the Web site, www.usm.maine.edu/conferences.
CEUs
The Center for Continuing Education coordinates and manages the CEU system for the University of Southern Maine. The Continuing Education Unit is a nationally accepted measurement of participation in noncredit continuing education. Each year, thousands of people use CEUs for retaining professional certifications, licenses, and association memberships. The Center maintains cumulative transcripts for everyone who takes CEU-bearing programs through one or more of the noncredit program departments at USM. For information about CEUs at USM call (207) 780-5900.
