Pack Chat
Your go-to blog for tips and stories from our USM campuses and Southern Maine.
People
One Patron, Five Decades of USM Performances
September 21, 2026
Daryl Geer bought a ticket to her first USM show in 1976 and has been coming back ever since. Keep reading to find out what five decades in the audience have taught her about the students on stage.
Purpose
5 Career Fields You Can Pursue With a Political Science Degree
September 24, 2026
If you’re curious about how government, communities, and ideas shape the world, political science is a great place to start. Where it leads is up to you. Keep reading for five fields to explore.
Place
The USM Traditions You Won’t Want to Miss This Year
September 21, 2026
Between classes, department emails, Campus Groups notifications, and the flyer pile-up outside the dining hall, it’s easy to let some of the best events on campus slip by unnoticed. Keep reading for the shortlist: the events that return every year, worth putting on your calendar before they get buried again.
Recent stories
The Monthly Roundup
Welcome to the Monthly Roundup, your go-to guide for what’s happening at the University of Southern Maine and across the Greater Portland area each month! From campus performances, concerts, and student events to local festivals, cultural happenings, and activities throughout the region, this series will keep you connected to what’s new, what’s next, and what’s worth checking out across our Portland and Gorham campuses and beyond.
University news
USM Alum’s Composition Featured in Portland Symphony Orchestra’s Season-Opening Concert
September 23, 2026