Are you 24 or older and thinking about finishing your bachelor’s degree? Just been admitted and staring down a to-do list? Already a Husky and wondering what support you might be missing?
The third annual Adult Student Open House is here to help. Hosted by USM’s Adult Student Success Program and the Office of Admissions on Aug. 13, the event brings nearly 30 campus offices and partners together to answer questions, solve problems, and help you cross things off your list.
It’s free — no registration required, and kids and families are welcome. Drop in for 20 minutes or stay for all three hours. Take a look at what’s ahead.
No matter your college journey, there’s something for everyone
The Open House is designed for undergraduate students ages 24 and older who are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree. That covers a lot of ground — from exploring your options to preparing for your next semester — and it’s the only USM event that offers all the resources you need together in one place. Wherever you are in your journey, the afternoon is built with you in mind
1.
If you’re thinking about college
Maybe you’ve never taken a college class. Maybe you earned college credits years ago at USM or another institution and are ready to finish what you started. Or perhaps you’re transferring from another college to continue your education. Either way, this is a no-pressure opportunity to explore your options. Talk with Admissions about how to apply, learn how Credit for Prior Learning can turn your work and life experience into progress toward a degree, and meet the people who will be in your corner from day one.
2.
If you’re newly admitted and starting this fall
Consider this your shortcut. Nearly every office you’d otherwise email, call, or track down during your first weeks will be in the same room, and many of them can complete tasks with you on the spot. Bring your questions and your to-do list. More on that below.
3.
If you’re a current student
You know your way around campus, but chances are there’s a resource here you haven’t tapped yet. Scholarship partners, career services, Graduate Admissions, and clubs and activities built for students who live off campus and juggle full lives. Plus, the raffle alone is worth the trip
You have questions, we have answers
Resource tables span every corner of the university, so you can head straight to what matters most to you.
1.
Getting started and staying on track
Admissions, Advising, Orientation, Credit for Prior Learning, and Registration & Scheduling Services can walk you through every step from application to fall schedule. Residential Life, Parking Services, and the University Store round out the practical side of campus life.
2.
Paying for school
Student Financial Services will be on hand alongside outside partners who can answer questions about FAFSA, help students find scholarships, and resolve past-due balances. If cost is the question mark hanging over your decision, this is the place to talk it through with a real person.
3.
Support for every part of life
Academic support from University Libraries, the Learning Commons and Writing Center, Multilingual Student Support Services, and the Disability Services Center. Wellness resources include Health & Counseling Services and Campus Food Pantries. Community-specific support through the Military-Affiliated Student Hub, Veterans Upward Bound, and TRIO. Student Engagement & Belonging will be there too, with ways to connect beyond the classroom.
4.
Looking ahead
Whether you’re exploring career options, considering grad school, or looking to build new skills, you’ll find resources to plan your next step. The Career and Employment Hub, Graduate Admissions, and professional development programs can help. Faculty from Health Sciences, Leadership and Organizational Studies, and Social and Behavioral Sciences will be present to discuss USM’s Integrative Professional Studies tracks — designed for students who have finished several years of college and earned at least 75 undergraduate credits.
Scratch off that to-do list
New this year, the Open House is built around action, not just information. Adult students think about their time differently, so the event is designed to make every minute count. These are the tasks that tend to linger for weeks. Here, they take minutes:
- Pick up your USM Campus Card. After you RSVP, watch your maine.edu inbox for an email with the subject line “Submit Your Campus Card Photo Online.” Submit your photo by 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 7, and your card will be printed and waiting for you at the event.
- Clear your immunization hold. Bring your immunization records and submit them right at the table, or schedule an immunization appointment on the spot.
- Schedule your Advising and Course Selection meeting to register for fall classes, or make changes to your existing fall schedule.
- Order your textbooks with help from the University Store.
- Purchase your campus parking pass.
- Apply for on-campus housing for the fall.
- Activate your tutoring and Writing Center account.
- Apply for TRIO programs.
- Military-affiliated students: Confirm you’ve applied for your benefits and requested certification.
More than a resource fair
Sure, you’re there to get things done, but don’t be surprised if the best part is the company. Fellow adult learners know exactly what it takes to make school fit into an already full schedule.
1.
Prizes and refreshments
Every attendee can enter a raffle for USM swag and other giveaways. Plus, USM students are eligible to win one of six $125 textbook credit gift cards donated by the University Store. Refreshments will be out all afternoon.
2.
Bring the whole crew
Kids and families are welcome. No childcare gymnastics required for this one.
3.
Find your people
More than a quarter of USM undergraduates are adult learners, and many are looking for the same thing you are: community. The Open House is one of the easiest ways to meet fellow adult students, connect with the Adult Student Success team, and find out what belonging at USM looks like on your schedule.
Before you go
When: Thursday, Aug. 13, 3 to 6 p.m. Drop-ins welcome the whole time. Where: McGoldrick Salons A, B, and C, Portland campus Parking: Free in the 88 Bedford Street Garage. RSVP in advance and the parking code will be sent to you before the event. RSVP: Registration is encouraged but not required. Register here to get the parking code and USM Campus Card pre-order email.
