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Primary official full description for the University of Southern Maine
The University of Southern Maine (USM) is a vibrant public comprehensive university serving southern Maine and beyond, with campuses in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston, as well as a robust portfolio of online courses and programs. As part of the University of Maine System, USM offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to meet the evolving educational, workforce, and civic needs of Maine.
With more than 62,000 alumni contributing across Maine and the region, USM plays a vital role in the state’s economic, cultural, and public life. The University emphasizes hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students learn from accomplished faculty, including Fulbright Scholars, published authors and researchers, experienced nursing and health care professionals, business and industry leaders, and advisors to state and local governments.
Guided by its promise to be student focused every day, USM expands access to high-quality education that increases economic opportunity, strengthens communities, and advances a diverse and dynamic society. Through this work, the University integrates academic excellence with real-world impact across southern Maine and beyond.
Primary official short description
The University of Southern Maine is a public comprehensive university that offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, serving the educational, economic, and cultural needs of southern Maine and the surrounding region.
Secondary short description (Student Focused)
The University of Southern Maine is a public comprehensive university that offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, serving the educational, economic, and cultural needs of southern Maine and the surrounding region – equipping students with the skills and knowledge essential for the workforce of tomorrow.
Short description (Outcomes Focused)
The University of Southern Maine is a public comprehensive university focused on delivering career-ready education, applied learning, and measurable impact for Maine’s workforce and communities.
Official university taglines
Taglines are short, memorable phrases that communicate key messages about the institution. They are used in marketing, communications, and promotional materials to reinforce the identity and messaging of University of Southern Maine. We have two current taglines at the University of Southern Maine:
- Primary Tagline: You can get there from here
- Secondary Tagline: Southern Maine is your campus
Motto
The motto of University of Southern Maine, Gaudium Visque Discendi (The joy and power of learning), expresses the university’s commitment to curiosity, knowledge, and lifelong learning. It is most often used in formal and representative contexts, such as official publications, ceremonial events, and institutional materials that reflect the university’s mission and values.
Our motto can be written into a sentence as above, or used stand alone as such:
Gaudium Visque Discendi
The joy and power of learning
Promise
The promise of University of Southern Maine, “Student focused every day,” expresses the university’s commitment to prioritizing student needs, success, and support in all aspects of its work. It is used in messaging and communications that highlight the university’s dedication to creating a supportive and student-centered educational experience.
Our promise can be used stand alone as such:
Student focused every day
Our embedded in a sentence as below:
Student focused every day, USM combines practical learning, expert faculty, and community connections to prepare graduates for success.
USM’s service values
Service values are guiding principles that shape how the university community engages with and supports students, colleagues, and the public. They are used to promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, and inclusive service at University of Southern Maine.
Our service values can be used stand alone as such:
Respect and care, integrity, equity and responsiveness
Strategic vision
The strategic vision is a concise statement that reflects the university’s long-term priorities and direction. It is used in planning, communications, and institutional messaging to guide the future focus of University of Southern Maine.
Our strategic vision can be used stand alone as such:
People. Purpose. Place.