Future Students

Thank you for checking out the Disability Services Center.  We are so pleased you are considering making the University of Southern Maine, your University. The University of Southern Maine offers a strong and vibrant learning and living community providing students the opportunity to explore and a place to thrive.  The Disability Services Center (DSC) is here to make certain that you have equal opportunity to access all that our University has to offer.

The DSC serves approximately 700-800 students and provides a variety of services.  We offer a place for all students to use between their classes to study, do their homework, eat their lunch, or quiz one another with our in-house trivial pursuit collection.  We strive to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for students.

Applying to the University of Southern Maine

Students who wish to apply should visit the Admissions website to learn more about the wide array of academic programs the University of Southern Maine offers.  

Note on Admissions: Please do not submit disability documentation with your University application. Accommodation requests are handled independently after admission decisions are made.

When to Request Accommodations?

Incoming students should wait to request accommodations until they:

-Are fully matriculated as a USM student.

-Have completed Course Selection (ACS) with Advising.

-Have applied for housing (if you plan to live on campus).

Accommodations on Prior Learning Assessment Exams

The University Credit for Prior Learning (CPL Office) is committed to helping students with documented disabilities gain equitable access to prior learning assessment exams.

Students seeking accommodations on CPL exams should first contact Rusty Dolleman, Director of Prior Learning Assessment, at 207-780-5909 or rustydolleman@maine.edu.  Students will be asked to provide documentation of any disability for assessment by USM Disability Services Center staff and, in many cases, the relevant testing company before any accommodations can be granted.  

Accommodations requests should be submitted as early as possible. As testing companies vary in their approach to granting accommodations, the USM CPL Office cannot guarantee that any particular accommodations request will be approved. 

Still have questions?

If you are a future student looking for more details on our process, please fill out our Future Student Request for Information form. A staff member will be in touch to help you!