Welcome! Below find information for before, during, and after your Advising and Course Selection Meeting. Please take a look at the items under “Before Your Advising and Course Selection Meeting” at minimum to prepare for your appointment with Advising.
Your Advising and Course Selection Meeting (ACS) will be with one of the professional academic advisors at USM. You’ll get the chance to ask questions, talk about your strengths and academic goals, major and general education requirements, as well as sign up for your first semester’s classes. Please review the preparatory list below prior to your scheduled appointment.
- Download and Test Zoom. Zoom is a video-conferencing application that will be used to connect you to your advisor.
- Follow these linked instructions to download and launch the application. You’ll be able to connect to your advisor by clicking the link in the email we send or the Google Calendar appointment that will be on your maine.edu Google calendar.
- Be sure to review our Zoom Etiquette Guidelines for a successful meeting with your ACS Advisor!
- Follow these linked instructions to download and launch the application. You’ll be able to connect to your advisor by clicking the link in the email we send or the Google Calendar appointment that will be on your maine.edu Google calendar.
- Complete the Math Placement (see below for more information and instructions) (if applicable)
- Log into your CLASSIC Student Center on MaineStreet and complete the Financial Terms and Conditions Hold.
- Log into and become familiar with MyUSM Portal. Pro Tip: Bookmark MyUSM on your browser for easy access. Your MyUSM portal is a one-stop shop to find access to your email, Brightspace, MaineStreet, and more!
- Review Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) by taking the New Student CPL Survey. This could include certifications, AP/IB Test Credit, Language Exam Credit, and more!
- If you’re planning to live on campus, be sure to submit your Housing Application. Click the link here to learn more about the housing process and how to apply!
- Fill out your FAFSA! To receive Federal Financial Aid, Federal regulations require that students be admitted to a degree program. Please do not forget to list USM’s Title IV Institution Code (009762) to ensure that USM will electronically receive your FAFSA data.
Please note that some of the documents linked below are PDF documents.
For important dates, such as when classes begin, drop dates, spring break, priority registration, etc. view our Academic Calendar.
USM Advising is committed to diversity-competent advising, anti-racism practices, and policies that foster equity.
Here at USM, you’ll be assigned two academic advisors who work in partnership with you to help you succeed here at USM. Please see the video and materials below for an explanation of our advising model and helpful resources!
A PDF Linked Visual Guide can be found here. (If you have accessibility issues with this PDF, please let your advisor know or contact Advising at usm.advising@maine.edu or call 207 780 4040)
For more helpful resources, check out these pages on the Advising Website:
Click here to review helpful resources on the NEW MaineStreet Student Center.
Some other resources and things to know for the Classic View of MaineStreet include (PDF Links Below):
Please see below for important next steps. We also have a downloadable version that you can use to keep track of your personal progress!
High Priority Items:
- Complete the Math Placement Assessment, if still needed, then email your ACS advisor.
- Submit your required immunization records.
- Submit your AP or IB or other exam scores to the Credit for Prior Learning Office.
- Request final official transcripts from previous colleges (transfer/ dual enrollment) be sent directly to USM at:
USM Transfer Affairs Office
107 Bailey Hall
37 College Avenue
Gorham, ME 04038
or if digital: edocs@maine.edu - Learn about Student Financial Services and contact your Financial Aid Counselor with questions.
- If you’re planning to live on campus, be sure to submit your Housing Application. Click the link here to learn more about the housing process and how to apply!
- Your advisor may have included additional items in their follow up email to you- take a look!
- Review the Office of Orientation’s Checklist for Registered Students (for info on your Student ID Card, Parking, etc.)
Items to Be Completed Around One Month Before the Semester Starts
(or ASAP within a month):
- Look up and order your Textbooks & Course Materials.
- Sign up for Orientation and/or a Campus Visit Day:
Items to be Completed by the Start of the Semester:
- Learn about FERPA and fill out the Consent to Release Information Form if needed (optional).
- Check out Advising’s YouTube Playlist for New Students for helpful videos!
- Download free student apps Near Peer and Navigate.
Starting May 1, 2023, proof of COVID-19 Vaccination is no longer required. Vaccination against COVID-19 is highly encouraged! If you are vaccinated you can choose to Submit Your Proof of Vaccination (COVID-19) here. Please see the MyUSM Healthy Huskies website for the most up-to-date information for students, staff, and faculty.
Additional Resources and Information
See below for some of our most used campus resources.
Financial Services Policies
- Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Financial Deadlines
- Forms and Appeals Information (MyUSM log-in required)
Scholarship Information
- USM Scholarship Opportunities
- Adult Degree Completion Scholarship Information
- External Scholarships and Resources
Get in Touch
The Dean of Students Office is a department within the Division of Student Affairs with primary responsibility for student advocacy and support. The Dean of Students can be reached at 207-780-4035 or usmdeanofstudents@maine.edu.
The Career Hub supports our students through career exploration, self-assessments, resume and cover letter development, job shadows, internship search, interviewing skills, and more!
Make an appointment with a Career Hub Advisor here.
Get involved in events, clubs, and leadership opportunities at USM!
- Join Student Clubs & Organizations
- Receive support on how to get involved with 1:1 Involvement Coaching
- Follow @USMStudentEngagement on Instagram to learn about fun events
- Club Sports and Intramural Sports
- Student Government Association
Student Diversity Centers
USM’s Student Diversity Centers provide supportive and inclusive spaces for the USM campus community. The Centers serve as catalysts in creating community for students, where cultural activities and celebrations occur, and student organizations meet. Through various programming, the Centers explore critical issues on campus about race, class, ethnicity, nationality, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, and most importantly, the success of our students.
Diversity Center Locations
- 301 McGoldrick Center, Portland Campus
- Brooks Student Center, Gorham Campus
DEI Resources
- Join an Intercultural Student Affairs Affinity Group
- Follow @USMIntercultural on Instagram to learn about multicultural events
- LGBTQIA+ Resources
- Native American Waiver and Education Program
- Anti-racism Resources
- The Religious and Spiritual Life Council is an interfaith body made up of ordained Chaplains and lay-people Advisors who volunteer their time to the USM campus community. For more information, contact the Dean of Students at (207) 780-4035.
Welcome to USM!
The Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) office helps students earn credit for learning gained outside of the classroom. Whether it be a second (or first) language, skills you acquired on the job or through military service, or ways you’ve grown from engaging with your community, demonstrating this prior learning could save you time and money as you earn your degree.
The following are some ways students can earn CPL credit at USM:
- Achieve the required scores on Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams in high school.
- Earn Seals of Biliteracy in high school.
- Show proficiency in a language other than English by taking one or more language exams at USM
- Take an exam (CLEP, DSST, or challenge exam) or complete an academic portfolio (MyUSM) to fulfill a specific requirement in place of taking the course.
- Submit current, non-provisional licenses or certifications from state, national, or industry providers for credential review.
Learn more: usm.maine.edu/priorlearning
The Learning Commons provides free subject-based tutoring, writing assitance, peer academic coaching, technology assistance, and adult-learner coaching. Appointments are available in Gorham, Portland, and online via Zoom. You can learn more about these academic supports and make an appointment with the Learning Commons here.
Review AGILE Resources to help with time mangement, study skills, test taking, and other academic success strategies.
The Counseling Center offers comprehensive psychological services to the students of the University of Southern Maine. Make an appointment with Counseling Services here.
You can also make an appointment to visit the USM Health Clinic for medical services.
Guidelines on how to submit your required Immunization Records.
The Recovery Oriented Campus Center (ROCC) at the University of Southern Maine is a collegiate recovery center (CRC), fostering a supportive community for students in recovery from substance use and other mental health conditions.
Student Health Insurance Information.
SilverCloud is a free, online mental health tool for USM students.
The Disability Services Center (DSC) provides a wide range of services to students with attentional, learning, physical, psychological, sensory, or other health-related disabilities. Learn more about the DSC and how to set up accommodations here.
Click here to make an initial appointment with the Disability Services Center.
TRIO College Programs at the University of Southern Maine (USM) empower first-generation college students, income-eligible students, and students with disabilities to explore and achieve their academic, career, financial, and personal goals. We offer 2 programs, TRIO Scholars and TRIO STEM Scholars, and serve 260 eligible students on all three campuses (Portland, Gorham, Lewiston/Auburn).
USM offers amazing opportunties to study abroad in locations all over the world! Learn about the different types of Study Abroad programs available and make an appointment with the Study Abroad Coordinator here.
Welcome to Your First Year!
As a first year student, we recommend you keep the following top resources in mind:
- Your Academic Advisors (Faculty and Professional). Your academic advisor is your guide to your first year at USM. They can help you start an academic plan, create goals and action steps, as well as connect you with resources on campus!
- Financial Services. You know it, we know it: College costs money. Understanding the financial obligations of college and the requirements to maintain your financial aid and scholarships (if applicable) is extremely important. Be sure to connect with a financial services representative or your financial aid counselor to go through these requirements.
- Your Faculty (Teachers). Your faculty are the experts in their field of study. They are a wonderful resource whether you know what you want to do or whether you’re still exploring to find out.
- Student Life or Organization of Choice. Student Organizations on campus are a great way to get involved in campus life and to explore the community at large. Husky Fest happens in the Fall semester and is a great way to get connected and learn about what we offer at USM. Keep an eye on your maine.edu email for updates on the schedule for Husky Fest in the fall!
- The Career and Employment Hub. You may be thinking to yourself: Wait? I’m not even close to graduating, why should I go to the Career Hub? I’m not even sure my next steps! This is in fact a great reason to meet with the Career and Employment Hub. They can help you with in depth career exploration, job shadowing opportunities, and even on campus employment!
Some more resources for first-time college students:
- College Terms to Know
- Work Study Information (Financial Aid recipients only)
- Student Engagement and Leadership Office (Get Involved!)
Welcome to USM! Below, find some helpful transfer student information:
- Transfer Articulation Agreements
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Transfer Affairs Address (to send official transcripts from your final semester at your previous college)
At the University of Southern Maine, we believe that anyone — regardless of circumstances — who has the drive to succeed and the willingness to work hard deserves a chance at higher education. The Promise Scholarship helps Maine’s young people take that next step to college. The Promise Scholarship is currently accepting applications through March 15th.
The Honors Program at the University of Southern Maine is a learning community designed for high-achieving students. In Honors, students are encouraged to tap into their intellectual curiosity and creativity while exploring rich topics from multiple perspectives.
The Admissions Pathway Program (APP) is an academic support program offered through the University of Southern Maine’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Department. This program is designed to support non-native English speakers’ and multilingual students’ transition to the rigor of academic reading and writing in college-level courses.
- Applying for Housing Information
- Frequently Asked Questions (Housing, Meal Plans, Move In, What to Bring, etc.)
- Residence Hall Descriptions
- Room and Board Information
- METRO Husky Line Information
The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA institution and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 Boudreau Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).