Orientation is your opportunity to learn more about USM. During your in-person Orientation session you can expect to:

  • Explore our campuses and USM Resources.
  • Connect to community, classmates, and new friends.
  • Prepare for success in and outside the classroom.
  • Learn about yourself and others.

Please Note: Enrolling in courses occurs during your one-on-one Advising & Course Selection (ACS) appointment, which is completed separately from the Orientation events listed below.

For information about how to schedule your ACS, please review Next Steps for Admitted Students page or contact us with questions.

Orientation Programs | Fall

The Orientation and First Year Experience team is excited to welcome you to our community, Huskies! We offer a wide range of programs the week leading up to classes starting to support your success.

Click below to check out the programs applicable to you based on your “Student Type”- Residential (Student living on a USM campus), Commuter (Student commuting to USM), or Online (Student taking all Online courses, not attending classes in person)!

Have questions? Contact us via email usm.orientation@maine.edu or call 207-780-4604*

Follow our Instagram @usmorientation for updates and reminders!

Online Students have 1 REQUIRED and 1 OPT-IN Orientation Event

ZOOM ORIENTATION (Required)

Zoom Orientation is a required session for ALL incoming Huskies. You will select ONE session to attend the week prior to the semester beginning. During the session, you will hear from key campus resources, meet your peers and student leaders, and have the opportunity to ask questions of offices and support services that are most relevant to you!

All Zoom Orientation Sessions have passed- A recording & supplementary resources will be shared in the Husky Pack Preview!

Our office will send an email with instructions when it is available.

CAMPUS COMMUNITY EXPLORATION (Opt-In)

Campus Community Exploration events take place on both our Portland & Gorham campuses and highlight opportunities for students to explore the southern Maine communities that surround and support our community! Explore our campuses, attend fun events, meet more of your peers, and get settled before classes start.

Commuter Students have 1 REQUIRED and 2 OPT-IN Orientation events

ZOOM ORIENTATION (Required)

Zoom Orientation is a required session for ALL incoming Huskies. You will select ONE session to attend the week prior to the semester beginning. During the session, you will hear from key campus resources, meet your peers and student leaders, and have the opportunity to ask questions of offices and support services that are most relevant to you!

All Zoom Orientation Sessions have passed- A recording & supplementary resources will be shared in the Husky Pack Preview soon!

Our office will send an email with instructions when it is available.

COMMUTER ORIENTATION (Opt-In)

Commuter Orientation is a great opportunity for you to check out our campuses, hear from student leaders, and meet new Huskies who are also commuting to USM!

The day will include opportunities to take a tour, find your classrooms, get your student ID, make sure your parking permit is ready to go, check out the Resource Fair and meet numerous student support services and resources, and get any last minute questions answered before classes start!

Commuter Orientation has occurred- many thanks to all who attended!

CAMPUS COMMUNITY EXPLORATION (Opt-In)

Campus Community Exploration events take place on both our Portland & Gorham campuses and highlight opportunities for students to explore the southern Maine communities that surround and support our community! Explore our campuses, attend fun events, meet more of your peers, and get settled before classes start!

Orientation programming for new residential students will take place the week before move-in and will also be folded into the housing move-in process the weekend before classes begin.

Residential Students have 2 REQUIRED and 1 OPT-IN Orientation events

ZOOM ORIENTATION (Required)

Zoom Orientation is a required session for ALL incoming Huskies. You will select ONE session to attend the week prior to the semester beginning. During the session, you will hear from key campus resources, meet your peers and student leaders, and have the opportunity to ask questions of offices and support services that are most relevant to you!

All Zoom Orientation Sessions have passed- A recording & supplementary resources will be shared in the Husky Pack Preview soon!

Our office will send an email with instructions when it is available.

MOVE-IN DAY Fall 2026 | TBA

(your specific move-in time will be assigned by Residence Life)

Classes begin on Monday, August 31st, 2026

CAMPUS COMMUNITY EXPLORATION (Opt-In)

Campus Community Exploration events take place on both our Portland & Gorham campuses and highlight opportunities for students to explore the southern Maine communities that surround and support our community! Explore our campuses, attend fun events, meet more of your peers, and get settled before classes start!

Accommodations

The university is committed to providing students with documented disabilities equal access to all university programs and services. If you require accommodations to participate in Orientation activities please contact us at usm.orientation@maine.edu to make arrangements.

Transportation & Parking

If you’re planning to park your car on campus while attending Orientation events, please be sure to review our Parking Services website for payment rates & policies. Check out the campus maps to see where you should park.

Other Information

Do you have a question about information not listed here? Refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact us for more information at (207) 780-4604 or usm.orientation@maine.edu.