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
In-person, Blended, or Online? An Advisor’s Guide to Course Options at USM
August 5, 2026
In person. Blended. Online. The course search makes the options look simple, but choosing the right format is a big decision. Academic advisor Cody Rohde took classes in all three formats as a USM student and now helps students make that same decision every semester. In this Q&A, he explains what each format really looks like, what students should think about before registering, and why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Hear what he tells students before they build a schedule.
Place
10 Dorm Essentials to Pack for Your First Year at USM
August 4, 2026
The countdown to move-in day is on, and if you’re anything like me, getting ready for your first year of college might make you want to pack everything you own — just in case you need it — but space in a dorm is limited, so it’s worth focusing on the essentials instead. Keep reading to find the items that made my room comfortable, organized and ready for college life.
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