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USM Graduate Catalog 2007-2008
University Life & Student Services
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[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 Chaplaincy | Multicultural Student Affairs | Off-Campus Housing
Parking and Transportation | Policies | Police Department
Portland Campus Recreation and Fitness | Residential Life
Student Involvement and Activities Center
Sullivan Recreation and Fitness Complex
University Health Services and University Counseling Services
Women's Resource Center | Woodbury Campus Center]
The following programs and services are dedicated to supporting student learning and success in the out-of-classroom aspects of the educational experience. Activities, ranging from dining 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 online at www.usm.maine.edu/navigator. Questions regarding all areas in this section may be addressed to Craig Hutchinson, vice president for Student and University Life, (207) 780-4035, or craigh@usm.maine.edu.
The Brooks Student Center serves as the “living room” of the Gorham campus, with campus dining, snack bar, bookstore, ATM, cash-to-card machine, Residential Student Involvement and Activities Center, e-mail lounge, lounge and meeting spaces, student mailboxes, and the Office of Early Student Success, which manages the building. Contact the Office of Early Student Success at (207) 780-5470.
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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 staff and student body, and provides diversity awareness education opportunities. The office also oversees University compliance with affirmative action, sexual harassment, disability, and other civil rights statutes and policies. For more information, call (207) 780-5094. The mediation program and the ombuds program are also housed within the Office of Campus Diversity and Equity. For more information, call (207) 780-4073.
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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. The centers provide assistance with career decision making, interest testing, a part-time job service, a computerized career exploration service, and individual appointments to help students design résumés and learn how to interview with employers. They also bring employers to USM for interviews, informal meetings, and job fairs. They participate in the Maine College Career Consortium–a 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 7 College Avenue, and on the Portland campus in Payson Smith Hall, and on the Lewiston-Auburn campus. Please call (207) 780-4220 for more information, or visit www.usm.maine.edu/careers.
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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 community. Through a series of educational opportunities, support services, and advocacy work, the program works collaboratively with the Queer Insurgency student organization, 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 rainbow stripes 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. For more information on these programs, call (207) 228-8235 or visit www.usm.maine.edu/glbtqa.
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The Child and Family Centers complement the mission of Student and University Life by serving children of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Programs are provided for children from infancy to preschool, in two facilities on both 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), and 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 (207) 780-4300 (Gorham).
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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 our office to access volunteers, interns, and service leadership from the USM student community. The office of Community Service and Civic Engagement is located at 23 Brighton Avenue on the Portland campus; phone 228-8091 or e-mail community@usm.maine.edu.
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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, visit the Office of Community Standards Web page at www.usm.maine.edu/ocs or call (207) 780-5242.
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Support services for commuter students including off-campus housing options, parking and transportation information and more are available through the office of the Assistant Dean of Student Involvement and Activities in the Woodbury Campus Center, Portland, (207) 228-8200, and on the Web at www.usm.maine.edu/commuter.
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The dean of Student Life serves as the first point of contact for all student complaints. He supports and advocates for all students. The dean also has oversight for the co-curricular programs within the University and a variety of student services within the Division of Student and University Life. His office is located in 100 Payson Smith Hall, Portland, (207) 228-8258.
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Dining facilities are located at a variety of locations on both Portland and Gorham campuses. The main dining facility on the Gorham campus, as well as a cash-basis snack bar, are located in the Brooks Student Center. A snack bar is also located in the lobby of Bailey Hall. In Portland, facilities are located in the Campus Center, the Law Building, and the lobby of Luther Bonney Hall.
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The Office of Early Student Success (ESS) was created to support students during their transition into the college experience. This transitional time is one filled with both opportunities and challenges, often lasting for three to four semesters. Some of the common challenges facing a student early in their college career include:
- Not being aware of which office to go to with a particular issue
- Finding a place to “fit in” and connect with other students
- Adjusting to a new schedule, set of demands, and way of life
- Managing the financial pressures associated with being a college student
- Understanding the connection between the college experience and life goals
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.
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Many recreational activities, regardless of skill level or previous experience, are offered. Team sports include flag football, volleyball, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, 6-on-6 soccer, softball, floor hockey, arena football, and bowling. Individual activities such as tennis, table tennis, darts, badminton, 3-point shoot-out, free-throw competition, and nine-ball pool tournament are offered. Come work out in our fitness facility where numerous pieces of equipment are available including Universal machines, free weights and cardiovascular machines. Group exercise classes, personal fitness consultations, and a variety of other workshops are offered as well. Ice hockey, broomball, and free skating are available at the USM ice arena. 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 (207) 780-5649 or stop by the office located in 102 Hill Gym.
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USM students or University of Maine law students may use the many 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 Services and University Counseling Services 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 UHS and 12 free counseling sessions in University Counseling Services. 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. If you would like to purchase health insurance, contact UHS for information about the USM Student Health and Accident Insurance for basic coverage and the Aetna Health Insurance for catastrophic coverage.
University Health Services
UHS is staffed by skilled professional nurses, certified nurse practitioners, and physicians 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; and much more. Workstudy positions may be available.
Hours of operation are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The Portland center, located next to 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 (207) 780-4211, the Gorham center at (207) 780-5411, or TTY (207) 780-5646. The immunization hotline is (207) 780-4504.
University Counseling Services
The staff of licensed clinicians and graduate interns at University Counseling Services offers 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 services are located in 105 Payson Smith Hall on the Portland campus and 110 Upton Hall on the Gorham campus. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For more information, call (207) 780-4050.
For information about counseling at Lewiston-Auburn College, call (207) 753-6500.
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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 (207) 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, 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 the last Friday of February. Awards are presented to recipients in April for use during the following academic year. For more information, view scholarship resources at the USM Office of Student Financial Aid Web page at www.usm.maine.edu/fin.
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The interfaith chaplaincy offers programs and services at USM 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 specific religious or spiritual traditions, and work together to offer programs encouraging spiritual life and interfaith dialogue. A space is provided for quiet reflection, meditation or prayer for individuals and groups. This space and the office of the interfaith chaplaincy are located at 23 Brighton Avenue on the Portland campus. Phone 228-8093 or e-mail interfaith@usm.maine.edu.
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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 and the North American Indian Tuition Waiver/Scholarship Program.
The Multicultural Center is dedicated to providing a supportive and diverse environment for the USM community. The Center helps create community for students of color, 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 Multicultural Student Affairs Office is located in the administrative office at the Woodbury Campus Center. Call (207) 780-4006.
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Listings of available rooms, roommates, and apartments to assist students who wish to live off-campus are maintained at www.usm.maine.edu/commuter.
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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. Schedules are provided upon request from the Parking and Transportation Office at the USM Police Department, Upton Hall, Gorham, (207) 780-5212. Schedules can also be found on our Web site at www.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, and at the Parking and Transportation Office located inside the parking garage in Portland. Copies of the University motor vehicle rules are available at both locations as well as online at www.usm.maine.edu/police/parking.htm.
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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 in Upton Hall, Gorham, and in the Sullivan Complex, Portland. Call (207) 780-5211 or emergency number 911.
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 (207) 780-5211, or in case of emergency, 911.
For safety concerns in the residence halls, you can also contact your Resident Assistant or Area Director or Resident Student Services at (207) 780-5240 (Gorham).
For sexual assault or physical or domestic violence, call the USM Police Department (24 hours a day) at 911. You can call your Resident Assistant or Resident Director, (207) 780-5240 (if you live in the Gorham residence halls), the USM Counseling Center, (207) 780-4050, or Sexual Assault Response Services at (207) 774-3613.
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Residential Life and Resident Education is part of the USM Division of Student and University Life. In support of the University of Southern Maine’s educational mission, and so that students may be successful in their pursuit of an academic degree, we provide clean, safe, and attractive living and learning environments for our students. Visit the office online at www.usm.maine.edu/reslife.
Residence Halls
The University provides housing for approximately 2,000 students in seven residential facilities on the Gorham campus. Accommodations are coeducational and offer safe, comfortable, and convenient access to classes and campus events. Students may choose to apply to live in one of our special interest housing areas or living-learning communities.
For more information regarding housing applications, room selection, and dining services, call the Department of Resident Life and Resident Education at (207) 780-5240 or write Resident Life, 100 Upton Hall, Gorham, ME 04038. E-mail the Department at reslife@usm.maine.edu or visit www.usm.maine.edu/reslife.
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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 office. Please call or stop by the office in the Woodbury Campus Center, Portland (780-4090), or Brooks Student Center, Gorham (780-5789).
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The Sullivan Recreation and Fitness Complex is a multipurpose 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 multipurpose rooms for aerobics, dance, yoga, martial arts, and more. The Fitness Center offers Selectionized power circuit stations, free weight equipment, treadmills, exercise bikes, steppers, climbers, elliptical fitness cross trainers, rowers, and stability balls. Equipment for wallyball is available for signout. Courts can be reserved by calling (207) 780-4169.
A range of programs designed for busy commuters are available: aerobics, yoga, martial arts, racquetball clinics, introductory dance classes, personal fitness consultations, and relaxation workshops. Outdoor recreation clinics and trips include camping, canoeing, cross country skiing, and sea kayaking. For more information, call (207) 780-4939, or stop by the office at 104 Sullivan Complex.
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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 of women. For more information call (207) 780-4996.
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The Woodbury Campus Center serves as the “living room” of the Portland campus, with campus dining, bookstore, ATM, e-mail lounge, study areas and meeting room, photocopier, local phone, and the administrative office, 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, student government offices, Student Legal Services, Student Involvement and Activities Center, and the Multicultural Student Center. Contact the administrative office at (207) 228-8200.
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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 via The USM Navigator, the student handbook, which is available online at www.usm.maine.edu/navigator. 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 (207) 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; and state and federal alcohol and drug laws, offenses, and sanctions. The booklet “Information about Alcohol and Drugs for Students and Employees” may be found on the Community Standards Web site at www.usm.maine.edu/ocs. 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 Health and Counseling Services provides 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, please call University Counseling Services at (207) 780-4050.
Hazing
Injurious hazing of any student 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 person 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 (207) 780-5094, TTY (207) 780-5646, or to the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Region I, 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 the Office of Community Standards, (207) 780-5242 or view the policy online at www.usm.maine.edu/ocs/assaultpolicy.html.
When sexual assault has occurred, it is important to tell someone you trust. 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 your local hospital emergency rooms, rape crisis centers, and local police departments.
Available Resources
University Health Services
Services: Medical assessment and follow-up, testing for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. In Portland (in the modular unit next to the Portland Gym): (207) 780-4211 or in Gorham (Upton Hall): (207) 780-5411.
University Counseling Services Counseling for student-victims and students related to victims. In Portland (106 Payson Smith): (207) 780-4050, or in Gorham (Upton Hall): (207) 780-4050.
USM Police
Services: USM Police, the University’s 24-hour police department, in Portland (Sullivan complex): (207) 780-5211, at Lewiston-Auburn College: (207) 780-5211, or in Gorham (Basement, Upton Hall): (207) 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): (207) 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) (207) 774-3613/1-800-313-9900
- Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine 1-800-822-5999
- Lewiston-Auburn Sexual Assault Crisis Center (207) 795-2211
- Augusta Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Center (207) 626-0660/1-800-421-4325
- Statewide Sexual Assault Hotline (207) 871-7741 (will route calls to nearest center)
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