University of Southern Maine

I am writing with good news. Last Friday, November 13, I shared with with our deans a projected shortfall of $4.8 million in USM’s FY 2011 budget, and an overall multi-year projected shortfall of $13.9 million. On Monday, November 16, USM received important news. The Board of Trustees has decided to release FY 2011 stimulus funds to [...]

I am pleased to announce that John Wright , Dean of the School of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (ASET), is chair of a committee that will oversee the implementation of the USM Strategic Plan, “Preparing USM for the Future, 2009-2014.”  Together with the Strategic Plan Implementation Committee, John will guide the implementation process.  The [...]

I want to take this opportunity to make special mention of this month’s production in our Department of Theatre.  “Tea and Sympathy,” the 1953 play by Robert Anderson, is considered one of the first American plays to directly address homophobia and the prejudices that arise from it.  Of course, it is especially relevant to contemporary [...]

Two fraternity brothers stationed at the corner of College Avenue and School Street stood smoking cigarettes while students in white t-shirts hustled past towards Sigma Nu for the highlighter party Saturday night. Having two brothers on the corner during events is only part of the new behavioral guidelines for off campus student organizations at the University of Southern Maine, which came into effect that Friday. Four more brothers, along with chapter president and spokesperson for the fraternities Brian Boyt, stood at the end of the Sigma Nu driveway, controlling the crowds coming in. However, these precautions, now part of the behavioral guidelines, are nothing new for Sigma. "The majority of the stuff in the document, we've already been doing," said Boyt.

The State of Maine can't seem to figure out how much money it doesn't have. Last month, Governor John Baldacci announced the state was facing a $200 million deficit due to lower than expected tax revenues. But the most recent estimates point to a $300 to $400 million shortfall in the current two year budget. The total amount of tax revenue generated in October was nearly $27 million below expectations, leading lawmakers and analysts to believe the recession has hit Mainers harder than expected.

On November 19, the American Journal ran a photo and story about a mural unveiled behind the Gorham Goodwill store on Main St. that was the result of collaboration among USM students working through USM’s Office of Community Service and Civic Engagement, Gorham Police Department, and students in the Sebago Educational Alliance. The mural’s purpose [...]

Read a November 19 Seacoastonline.com story about high school soccer teammates reunited at USM.

On November 18, the Portland Press Herald covered the first game of the women’s basketball season.

A festive holiday meal, a community fair and a Celebration of Light are features of the USM Holiday Extravaganza. This winter celebration is open to the public.

Brute/adidas NCAA Division III individual rankings have placed Fryeburg native number one in the U.S.

David Flanagan, former president and chief executive officer of CMP Group, Inc., the parent company of Central Maine Power Company and other businesses, has been elected to be the Chairman of the Board of Visitors of Muskie School of Public Service.

Classic jazz combined with Maine humor are featured in returning WMPG radio show on Tuesday afternoons.

The Student Government Association at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College recently participated in the 2009 “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program sponsored by the American Red Cross. The program provides holiday greeting cards to military service members, veterans, and their families in the United States and around the world. Pictured [...]

The Office of Undergraduate Admission is  hosting several on line chats with Admission staff and current students where you can ask more questions about academics, campus life, admission requirements, and much more. It is a great opportunity to get to know more about USM and our community. The  chats are scheduled for: *Monday, November 30th  7:30-9:30pm *Wednesday, December [...]

FORUM BY AND FOR STUDENTS: December 3rd at 4:20pm Woodbury Campus Center Amphitheater “The NEW University: Critical Choices” As a student, do you feel left out of the process of informing the USM Strategic Plan? This forum is an opportunity to voice your concerns. Organized by WE VOTE (a coalition of student groups and the USM student body government), this forum [...]

Dr. Joyce Gibson, Dean of the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College, has been appointed to serve on the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “I am pleased to be a new member of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce, an organization for which I have tremendous respect”, says Dean [...]

Congratulations to Philosophy major Amanda Lynn Fickett who was accepted to Emerge Maine, the premier political leadership training program for Democratic women in Maine. Program Components Participants meet one weekend a month for six months and participate in the following trainings: Campaign Strategy Fundraising Public Speaking Field Networking Labor & Endorsements Media Skills & Messaging Ethics in Politics Participants will have the opportunity to meet women [...]