Office of the President

USM President Selma Botman

As the new president of the University of Southern Maine, I take pleasure in welcoming you to the University. As you explore USM, you will discover an institution characterized by energy, enthusiasm, and innovation, an institution at the heart of its community and dedicated to transforming lives.

USM's distinguished researchers and talented teachers are deeply committed to providing students with exceptional educational experiences. Engaged faculty are at the center of this exciting University, and I invite you to spend some time exploring the courses and degree programs they offer as well as the research they conduct.

USM is also a place where student life is vibrant. You can join an academic, political, or social club; participate in varied athletic opportunities; or sample the rich cultural and artistic campus offerings. You will love Portland, one of America's most livable and sophisticated small cities. It is filled with countless internships and volunteer possibilities through which you can deepen your USM experience and gain desirable skills and experiences even before you graduate.

Let us know how we can help you learn more about the University or navigate campus life. Let us guide you through the admissions process and provide answers to financial aid questions, connect you to a faculty member whose interests mesh with yours, direct you to an academic advisor who can assist you in course selection, or put you in touch with a career counselor who can provide a roadmap for possible employment options. Are you interested in student leadership opportunities? Would you like to study abroad? USM is filled with opportunities ready to be tapped and people poised to help you
realize your dreams.

Visit USM and judge for yourself why this University is one of southern Maine's most valuable resources.

Sincerely,

Selma Botman
President


Latest News

Budget Update

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 [...]

Nov 17, 2009

Moving Toward Strategic Plan Implementation

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 [...]

Nov 4, 2009

Tea and Sympathy

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 [...]

Nov 4, 2009

Principles for Institutional Academic Transformation

As USM considers how best to position itself for a sustainable future, we must keep in mind that our mission as a public comprehensive university lies in our distinctive approach to serving the needs of our community through the liberal arts and sciences and through professional education. As an engine of the local and regional [...]

Oct 21, 2009