Pack Chat
Your go-to blog for tips and stories from our USM campuses and Southern Maine.
People
Inside USM’s Kate Cheney Chappell Center for Book Arts: A Q&A With Director Annie Lee-Zimerle
August 3, 2026
Book arts has been part of the University of Southern Maine for over a decade — and now, with a dedicated studio in the Crewe Center for the Arts, it’s more accessible than ever. Keep reading to hear from program director Annie Lee-Zimerle on what book arts actually is, who it’s for, and what makes it unlike any other art form.
Purpose
Your First Days as a Husky: What to Expect at USM Orientation
August 14, 2026
Orientation at the University of Southern Maine unfolds over several weeks, beginning when you submit your deposit and continuing through your first semester. Keep reading for what to expect at every step, from your advising appointment through Move-In and Orientation Weekend.
Place
A USM Student’s Guide to Going Back to School
August 11, 2026
Every August, I find myself trying to squeeze every last drop out of summer — but I’ve learned that a little prep goes a long way once the semester rolls around. Keep reading for the things I always do before classes start, whether it’s my first year or my last.
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! During the summer, we feature community festivals and local events happening across Southern Maine, plus summer stops — spots near campus or along the Busky where you can grab food, meet friends, and explore 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 Academic Year 2025-2026 Dean’s List — 157 part-time students have earned the distinction this academic year
July 20, 2026