We offer year-round courses to accommodate busy schedules and keep you on track for degree completion. Below, you’ll find information on how to register, when to register, and important policies. Still deciding which courses to take? Search courses.

How to register

We offer three ways to register. Choose the option that is most convenient for you.

If you have taken courses at the University of Southern Maine before you can also register on MaineStreet 24 hours a day. If you haven’t logged in for 90+ days, you’ll need to reset your password.

Call us Monday — Friday, 8:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.

Phone: (207) 780-5230

TTY: (207) 780-5646

Email us any time.

Visit us on campus at one of our three locations, Monday — Friday, 8:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. Please check for holiday closures.

  • Gorham campus: Bailey Hall, room 107
  • Portland campus: Luther Bonney Hall, room 140
  • Lewiston-Auburn campus: Student Success Center, room 119

See campus maps.

When to register

The registration process varies depending on your student type.

Non-degree students are not enrolled in a degree or certificate program. You may be new to the University or returning to take more courses.

You don’t need to enroll in a degree or certificate program to take courses. Many programs allow up to two courses before enrollment. Non-degree students are not eligible to receive financial aid and are expected to cover cost(s) out-of-pocket.

You’ll register during Open Registration.

Open Registration

  • Winter 2023-2024: October 16, 2023 through the first day of class.
  • Spring 2024: November 27, 2023 through the add/drop deadline.
  • Summer 2024: March 4, 2024 through the first day of class.
  • Fall 2024: April 22, 2024 through the first day of class.
Many classes fill quickly. We recommend registering as soon as possible.

Newly admitted students have recently enrolled in a degree or certificate program. You may be a first-year, transfer, or readmitted student.

Newly admitted undergraduate students

Welcome to the Husky Pack! You will register for courses during your Advising & Course Selection (ACS) appointment.

ACS appointments start during the following months:

  • Fall term: May
  • Spring term: December
  • Summer term: March

Newly admitted graduate students

Congratulations on beginning your graduate studies! You’ll register for courses with your academic department and/or faculty advisor. Visit the Graduate Student Online Orientation for more details.

Continuing students at the University of Southern Maine students are enrolled in a degree or certificate program and have either completed at least one semester or are currently in the process of completing their first semester.

Planning your courses
We recommend meeting with your Advisor to review course selection for timely degree completion. Together, you’ll use the Wish List option in MaineStreet to plan the courses you’ll take during the upcoming semester. Other helpful tools available in MaineStreet include the planner and degree progress report (DPR).

Registering for courses
You’ll receive notifications in MaineStreet and your University email when Priority Registration opens for each session. You can then visit MaineStreet to register for courses 24 hours a day.

Priority Registration

  • Winter 2023-2024: October 16, 2023 through the first day of class.
  • Spring 2024: November 6 – 17, 2023
  • Summer 2024: March 1 – 3, 2024
  • Fall 2024: April 1 – 12, 2024

    Specific registration dates vary based on credits earned. Registration remains open through the add/drop deadline. Find your registration date.
Many classes fill quickly. We recommend registering as soon as possible.

UMaine System students are enrolled in a degree or certificate program at one of our sister schools.

You’ll register during Priority Registration.

Priority Registration

  • Fall 2023: April 3 — April 17 , 2023
  • Winter 2023-2024: October 16, 2023
  • Spring 2024: November 6 – 17, 2023
  • Summer 2024: March 1 & 2, 2024

    Specific registration dates vary based on credits earned. Registration remains open through the add/drop deadline. Find your registration date.
Many classes fill quickly. We recommend registering as soon as possible.

We offer courses year-round

Search courses and review important dates.

Registration Policies

Students withdrawing after the add/drop period through 60% of the course will receive a W grade. Students The Add/Drop period typically refers to the first two weeks of the Fall and Spring semesters, during which time students can change their class schedules in MaineStreet. The add/drop period for Summer and Winter Sessions–or any class less than a full semester in length–is defined differently.

Students withdrawing after the add/drop period through 60% of the course will receive a W grade. Students withdrawing after 60% of the course will receive an automatic grade of ‘F’. Failure to submit a notice of withdrawal may result in a failing grade. Discussion with a faculty member is NOT proper notification of change.

Students who register for a course and neither complete the course objectives nor officially withdraw will be graded ‘F’ or an ‘L’ in that course and must assume all financial obligations associated with the course.

Students who expect to complete their program of study must complete the application for completion in MaineStreet Student Self-Service or the Application for Completion form (login required). The paper form is also available at all Advising Centers and the Registration & Scheduling Services office.

Students who register to audit a course receive no academic credit for the course but will have an audit grade (AU) recorded on their transcripts. Audit courses must be declared by the end of the add/drop period. Questions about this policy should be directed to the Office of Registration and Scheduling Services.

Students can take up to 18 credits in the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms, and a maximum of 4.5 credits during Winter Session. More credits may be allowed with special permission.

During the Fall & Spring semesters, students may add a course during the first week on a space-available basis. After the first week, permission from the instructor is required to add. During Winter & Summer, students may add a course after the first day with permission from the instructor.

Students can obtain faculty permission via email or via an Add form (login required).

Any changes to pass/fail, audit, or repeat status must be completed by the end of the add/drop period. Please note: courses taken to satisfy Core curriculum, academic honors, major and/or minor requirements may not be taken on a pass/fail or audit basis.


Registration Policies

Course Proficiency Requirements — Newly admitted degree students including freshmen, transfer, and readmitted students, who have not otherwise met proficiency requirements, must complete a placement examination in mathematics before registering for courses. The result of the examination will be used to determine appropriate course placement. For degree-seeking students, costs associated with this exam are covered in the student’s enrollment fee; non-degree students are encouraged to take the placement exam for a fee of $20. For information, contact the Office of Academic Assessment at 207-780-4383 or by email at kbeahm@maine.edu. Their main office is located at 628 Law Building on the Portland campus, and their testing facility is located at 240 Luther Bonney Hall on the Portland campus.

Registration Changes Any changes to pass/fail, audit, or repeat status must be completed by the end of the add/drop period. Please note: courses taken to satisfy Core curriculum, academic honors, major and/or minor requirements may not be taken on a pass/fail or audit basis. Repeat forms are required for students repeating a class with a different course prefix and number.

Credit Limit Students may take a maximum of 18 credits each term (Fall, Spring, and Summer).  Additional credits require advisor’s and dean’s permission.

Please note: Students may take up to 4.5 credits during the Winter Session.

Late Registration — During the Fall & Spring semesters, students may add a course during the first week on a space-available basis. After the first week, students must have permission from the instructor to add.  During Winter & Summer, students may add a course after the first day with permission from the instructor.

After the add/drop period, students must complete and submit an Add Form with the signature of the faculty of record. Students can also obtain faculty permission via email. Please note, payment for added courses is due within 10 calendar days of registration.

Academic Withdrawal Policy Students withdrawing after the add/drop period through 60% of the course will receive a W grade. Students withdrawing after 60% of the course will receive an automatic grade of F. Failure to submit a notice of withdrawal may result in a failing grade and financial liability. Discussion with a faculty member is NOT proper notification of change.

Audits Students may register for courses on an audit basis. With an audit registration, the student may participate in class work, but is not required to take examinations. An audit registrant should know, however, that state departments of education do not accept for certification or other purposes any course taken on an audit basis. An audit registrant is required to pay full tuition for the course. Registration status may not be changed beyond the add/drop period.

Apply to Graduate — Students who expect to complete baccalaureate or graduate degree requirements must complete the application in Maine Street Student Self-Service or by completing an Application for Degree. This form is also available at all Advising Centers and the Registration & Scheduling Services office.


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