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.

Check out the information for Fall 2025 Orientation below!

Orientation Programs 2025

The Orientation and First Year Experience Team is excited to welcome you to our community Huskies! We offer a wide variety of programs in the weeks leading up to classes starting to aid in 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)!

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

Follow our Instagram @usmorientation for updates and reminders!

Zoom Orientation is a 3 hour required session for ALL incoming Huskies. You will select ONE session to attend from our 3 options. During the session you will hear from key campus resources, meet your peers and student leaders, and have the opportunity to ask questions!

Zoom Orientation Sessions:

Saturday, August 23rd- 9AM-12PM EST

Monday, August 25th- 6PM- 9PM EST

Wednesday, August 27th- 2PM- 5PM EST

Note: Zoom links for each Orientation session will be sent out the day prior to the event!

*All event dates are subject to change

Campus Visit Day is a great opportunity for you to check out our campuses! You can take a tour, find your classrooms, get your student ID, make sure your parking permit is set up, check out the Resource Fair, and get any last minute questions answered before classes start! This is an optional program, you can choose to attend whichever Campus Visit Day would be most beneficial for your success.

Portland Campus Visit Day: Monday, August 25th Time: TBA

Gorham Campus Visit Day: Tuesday, August 26th Time: TBA

Note: Instructions about parking and information about day of schedules will be sent to you the day before the event!

*All event dates are subject to change

Orientation programming for incoming residential students will be folded into the housing move-in process and the first weekend prior to the start of classes.

Move-in – Friday, August 29, 2025 (your specific move-in time will be assigned by Residence Life)

RESIDENTIAL MOVE IN (7am-3pm)

(Report directly to your hall at your assigned time)

Opens at 4:00pm NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION CHECK IN (Required)

Students only, please

4:30pm – 7:00pm ALL NEW STUDENT WELCOME & DINNER (Required)

7:00pm FLOOR MEETINGS (required all new residential students)

8:00pm – 10pm Evening Event (Optional) Details to come!

RESIDENTIAL ORIENTATION – Saturday, August 30, 2025 (Required)

9:00am – 10:00am Morning Activity Block Various Locations

10:00am Meet with your Orientation Group Various Locations

10:30am-12:00pm ORIENTATION SESSIONS (required)

12:00 – 2:00pm Lunch

2:00pm Meet with your Orientation Group Various Locations

2:30pm – 4:00pm ORIENTATION SESSIONS (required)

4:00 – 7:30pm Dinner & Evening Activities

8:00pm Evening Event- Details coming soon!

*All events are subject to change

Details and sign ups coming soon!

Campus Community Exploration events will take place on Sunday, August 31st and Monday, September 1st. Explore our campuses, attend fun events, meet more peers, and get settled before classes start on Tuesday, September 2nd!

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.