The academic terrain of the University of Southern Maine (USM) manifests a vibrant history, tracing its roots back to two distinct educational entities: the Gorham School of Education and the University of Maine in Portland. It was the merging of these two institutions in 1970 that birthed the present-day USM, earning it recognition as a notable public university. USM students are affectionately referred to as 'Husky' - an emblem that symbolizes their resilience, industriousness, and hardiness, a nickname that’s reportedly come from a devoted fan, who attended sports games with his Husky. Today, this moniker lives on as a revered legacy, underscoring the university's history since its official naming in 1978. Fully equipped with undergraduate and advanced studies, including doctoral tracks in school psychology and public policy, USM's academic setting is rich and diverse. There's a robust student base of roughly 6700 undergraduate and 1500 graduate scholars who benefit from a favorable student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1.
Viewed from the perspective of students, USM poses a set of distinct advantages. The relatively low student-to-teacher ratio, for instance, contributes to a more personal, intimate and engaging learning experience, enabling more frequent and direct interaction between students and their professors. This, in turn, cultivates an environment that's optimal for academic growth and progression. On top of that, the variety of programs on offer at both the undergraduate and graduate level caters to a broad range of interests and career aspirations. Whether it's public policy, school psychology, or other areas of speciality, students can pursue their academic ambitions while being part of a community that symbolizes hardiness, resolve and dedication - the qualities embodied by the university's celebrated mascot, the Husky. This experiential realm offers a fertile ground for Indian students seeking a comprehensive and engaging higher education model abroad.
Situated in the heart of a culturally diverse region in Southern Philippines, the University of Southern Maine is renowned for championing socio-economic progression, endorsing peaceful co-existence amongst varied groups, and uplifting the standard of living through comprehensive instruction, innovative research, and committed community service. The University is strategically located in a region rich in art, history, and natural beauty, making it a magnet for students across the globe, including India.
Emerging as a vehicle of change in the Southern Philippines, the University offers a broad spectrum of degree programs in various fields. The accomplished faculty is devoted to fostering growth and development among the students, sharpening their skills and broadening their perspectives. It is their passion for sharing knowledge that forms the heart of University's commitment to students, making it an attractive choice for those in India wanting to imbibe a global yet diverse educational experience.
At Southern Maine, students are at the heart of everything. The institution prides itself on a vibrant and multicultural student community, creating an open and welcoming environment. The University equally embraces its international students, recognising their immense contribution to enriching the academic community. Indian students in particular are greatly valued, their unique perspectives contributing greatly to the rich cultural fabric of the University.
The University of Southern Maine also offers an array of financial aid opportunities for international students, ensuring that financial constraints do not deter ambitious students from achieving their academic goals. These scholarships are specially designed to provide necessary financial support, making it feasible for talented Indian students to gain a world-class education. Hence, the University of Southern Maine emerges as a brilliant opportunity for Indian families seeking a globally recognised, culturally abundant and financially accessible education for their children.
Imagine a small academy, Gorham Academy, thriving on the dream of fostering higher education. Way back in 1878, this dream began taking shape with a humble establishment called Gorham Normal School. The story gets more interesting as our school started metamorphosing - first into Gorham State Teachers College, then Gorham State College and then something more profound was waiting in the wings.
In 1970, an exciting fusion happened - the merging of the Gorham institution with the University of Maine at Portland, which was formerly called Portland Junior College. This unified entity adopted a new name - University of Maine at Portland-Gorham (UMPG). However, a more defining moment occurred in 1978 when the name finally evolved as the University of Southern Maine. A decade later, in 1988, the Lewiston-Auburn campus made its mark as an integral part of this respected institution.
Fast forward to 2014, the university hit a turbulent patch. It found itself navigating through harsh economic conditions, which resulted in the unfortunate announcement of department closures and faculty layoffs, including those with long-term service and hard-earned tenure. Nevertheless, let's remember the resilience of the human spirit and the drive to make a difference.
Despite the imminent challenges, four significant departments were marked for closure - the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department, the GeoSciences Department, the Arts and Humanities program at Lewiston-Auburn College, and the graduate program American and New England Studies. However, the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department managed to pull back from the brink. Meanwhile, the faculty members of various other departments faced uncertainty with 12 of them receiving layoff notices.
USM students, undeterred, led protest rallies, forcing their voices to be heard. Success graced their noble endeavor when the layoffs were cancelled by President Theodora Kalikow. However, later that year, a leadership change saw Chancellor Page ask Kalikow for her resignation.
Not all was calm yet. Turbulence returned in October 2014 when Interim President David T. Flanagan and Provost Joseph McDonnell announced again the closure of three programs and layoff of faculty members. In a last-ditch effort to combat the financial crisis, the university had to let go of 25 faculty members, while 36 opted for retirement. Some disagreed with the decision, claiming the cuts would hit not only the university but also Maine's economy.
There were disputes, reactions, and repercussions. There were those who felt the layoffs were arbitrary and an attempt to silence faculty critical of the administration. The faculty union's Collective Bargaining Agreement and the Faculty Senate governance document was believed to be violated. All these layoffs were challenged by grievances filed by the union against the University of Maine System, leading to a university censure by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) in 2015.
Now, moving towards the more personal side of the story, we can't forget the leaders who navigated through the journey of the institution's development. From William J. MacLeod, serving as president between 1970 and 1971, to Louis J.P. Calisti and Walter P. Fridinger leading up to 1973, N. Edd Miller, Kenneth W. Allen, and Robert L. Woodbury until 1986, followed by Patricia R. Plante till 1991, and Richard Pattenaude till 2007.
Interim presidents served their terms too, with Joe Wood heading the university in 2007 - 2008 and Theodora J. Kalikow in 2012 - 2014. David Flanagan stepped in as interim president in 2014 -2015. Glenn Cummings, the former speaker of the Maine House, took the university's helm from 2015 until 2022. The current leader, Jacqueline Edmondson, is serving as the 14th president since July 2022.
As you now delve into the life-transforming journey that the University of Southern Maine promises, remember, it has a rich heritage, a journey shaped by challenges, resilience, and uncanny courage. Embrace the spirit of this university, and let your story be the next remarkable chapter in its illustrious history.
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Ans: your safety matters! the usm campus is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment. the campus has its security department working 24/7 and provides an after-dark escort service for students- ensuring their safety at all hours.
Ans: the university of southern maine proudly boasts an acceptance rate of approximately 85%. it’s indicative of the university's commitment to providing as many students as possible, the chance to earn a quality education.
Ans: usm's office of international programs provides a helping hand to all international students. from orientation programs to cultural events, advising and workshops, they ensure that each student's transition to american life is smooth and enjoyable.
Ans: the university of southern maine offers a variety of housing options, from traditional dorm rooms to apartment-style living. there's also a global residential community, where international and domestic students live together promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Ans: yes, they can. the university of southern maine provides opportunities for international students to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week. it’s an excellent way to earn some extra cash and gain work experience!
Ans: to ensure all its students can fully participate in class, the university of southern maine sets an english proficiency requirement. this can be met through standardized tests like the toefl, or ielts; the minimum scores being 79 and 6.5, respectively.
Ans: absolutely! the university of southern maine offers both merit-based and need-based scholarships to international students. these scholarships can significantly reduce the burden of tuition fees, making studying in the us more affordable.
Ans: the university of southern maine widely recognized for its business, health, and humanities programs. however, with over 50 different majors on offer, usm has a diverse academic portfolio to cater to varied interests.
Ans: application to usm is an easy process comprised of submitting an online application, academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and proof of english language proficiency. students from india may also need to supply a financial guarantee, showing they have the means to support their studies.
Ans: known as a thriving learning community, the university of southern maine (usm) offers a vibrant campus life, a wide array of academic programs and a supportive environment that welcomes students from around the globe. the university's commitment to a global perspective in education sets it apart, making it a top choice for international students.
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Hi. I want to connect with Indian students in Penryn campus. Please help me to connect. I will travel to penryn in September to start my undergrad course.