Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have questions about which course(s) to take?  Get answers from our Advising Office at 207-780-4040 or usm.advising@maine.edu

You’re registered! Now what? If you’re a new student, you must activate your University of Southern Maine e-mail account, where you’ll receive a notice of registration containing next steps. Current students will also receive the emailed notice of registration.

How will I know if I’m registered for the course I want to take? If you register in person or by phone, you’ll get immediate verbal confirmation. If you register online with MaineStreet, you’ll be able to see the course on your course schedule.

What is the difference between ‘Degree Seeking’ and ‘Non-degree Seeking’ ?

Degree seeking students are those students who matriculate into a program here at our University. To apply for a program at the University of Southern Maine, please contact the Office of Admissions.

Registering for classes as a non-degree seeking student means you have access to the University and its resources, with the exception of financial aid. Non-degree students are not eligible to receive aid and are expected to cover the cost(s) out of pocket.

How do I register for a course? 

1. By phone: call the Office of Registration and Scheduling Services at 207-780-5230. 
2. Online: via MaineStreet Student Self-Service for current students.
3. In person: visit Registration Services at 140 Luther Bonney (Portland Campus) or 107 Bailey Hall (Gorham Campus) or visit one of our Advising Centers in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston-Auburn College.
4. If you’ve never taken a course at the University of Southern Maine before, give us a call at 207-780-5230. We’ll create a record for you in our system so you can register for courses during the open registration period.

When can I register for a course? Open registration for all students begins just after the priority registration period for current (matriculated) students. Find upcoming registration information here.

I have just been accepted to the University, how can I register for a course? Newly admitted undergraduate degree-seeking students, including first-years, transfers, and readmitted students register for their first semester of University courses during required Advising & Course Selection (ACS) appointments. To learn more about the steps required to schedule your ACP appointment, please visit Next Steps for Admitted Students. 

Can I still register after courses begin?  Students can self-add courses that are 12 or more weeks in length through the end of the first week of the semester (if there is space available and the student has satisfied all necessary requirements for the class). In situations where the student is unable to self-register, an instructor’s signature or departmental permission is required. For classes that are less than 12 weeks in length, the self-add period is 7% of the class length (1 day for each 2 weeks of the class length).