USM Diversity Plan: 2003

GOAL I: Climate

USM continuously strives to make the climate a welcoming climate inclusive in its understanding and integration across multiple dimensions of diversity, including but not limited to, diversity based on race and ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, gender expression and identity, religion and class.

The Office of Student Financial Aid will provide training and information programs on campus and off campus in an effort to encourage under-represented students to access more fully the various aid programs available to them. These programs include but are not limited to high school workshops such as those at the Portland and Deering High Schools, development and participation in statewide efforts with organizations such as the Finance Authority of Maine and presentations to our own Upward Bound Program participants.

The Office of Student Financial Aid will strive to make the Office welcoming by creating and projecting a climate of acceptance, inclusiveness and support to those seeking our assistance. Efforts will be made to hire students and staff which represent a range of diversity.

All staff will be encouraged to participate in training and staff development opportunities offered on campus and through external professional development opportunities.

GOAL II: Academic Experience

The USM academic experience, which includes both curricular and co-curricular activities, increasingly reflects the multiplicity and diversity of communities and cultures locally, nationally and globally.

The Director of Student Financial Aid will serve as an active member of the University of Maine System's North American Indian Programs Committee. The Director of Financial Aid will collaborate with the North American Indian Program Coordinator on campus to ensure that the program is administered and managed within the guidelines, policies and procedures established by the University of Maine System Office of the Chief Financial Officer.

GOAL III: Student Recruitment and Retention

USM strives to increase the diversity of its student body through active outreach and recruitment. USM increasingly works to develop structures and mechanisms that support the retention of all students, particularly students of color and other underrepresented populations.

The Office of Student Financial Aid will work collaboratively with the Director of Admissions, the Director of the Upward Bound Program, the Director of Academic Support for students with disabilities, the Director of International Exchange and other individuals whose recruitment and retention efforts strive to increase diversity by delivering informational sessions directed at under-represented students. Financial Aid will work closely with the Director of Admissions and the Director of International Exchange in the awarding of merit scholarships to minority and international students.

Financial aid will participate in workshops and offer financial aid information sessions for area organizations, especially those serving underrepresented student populations.