Dear USM Community,

This fall we will work on a new strategic plan for our University. This plan will draw on the strength and successes of our past plans, and it will align our work with the University of Maine System Strategic Plan 2023 – 2028. We invite you to participate in this process as we develop a shared vision through the engagement of faculty, staff, students, alumni, community partners, and friends.

This is an important time for us to work on strategic planning. Our new plan will provide clear direction and focus as we determine priorities, align resources, and identify initiatives to reach our short- and long-term goals.

Our new strategic plan will also guide us as we seek to efficiently and effectively allocate our resources. Through our planning, we can ensure that our University supports key programs and initiatives. Our plan will serve as a guide as we anticipate and adapt to changes in higher education in ways that will advance our University in the years ahead. The plan will also provide a framework that will allow us to track and celebrate our progress on this dedicated USM Strategic Planning 2024-25 site. Content will be added as the conversation develops.

During the Fall 2024 term, we will ask stakeholder groups from our University community to participate in the process by gathering to discuss our strategic planning priorities. These groups will include the following: Faculty Senate; Professional Staff Senate; Classified Staff Senate; Deans Council; University Council; Graduate Council; Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity Council and Resource Groups; Student Government Association; USM Foundation Board and Alumni Council; and the USM Board of Visitors. Our offices will be in contact with the leaders of these groups in the days ahead to coordinate dates and times when these conversations may take place. In addition, we will hold a Strategic Planning Open Session on each of our campuses that any member of the University community can attend to share ideas.

  • Open Session #1 – Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Room 108, Lewiston-Auburn campus
  • Open Session #2 – Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., 201 Bailey Hall, Gorham campus
  • Open Session #3 – Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Salons B and C, McGoldrick Center, Portland campus

We expect that our new strategic plan will further enhance our reputation by demonstrating a commitment to growth, quality, and innovation as we look to a future that will bring long-term sustainability and success to our University. The plan will allow us to navigate our complex environment, leverage our opportunities, and ultimately achieve our mission and vision.

Thank you in advance for your willingness to engage with us in this important process.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jacqueline Edmondson, President

Dr. Adam Tuchinsky, Provost